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Dear Friend,

This is my final email to you as Acting Executive Director of the Green Party of Canada. I want to share a few reflections — where we were when I stepped in, what we have accomplished together, and why I am confident about where we are headed.

I first agreed to take on this role in the fall of 2024. At that time, the party was struggling with governance issues that were impacting day to day operations. I stepped forward to help steady the organization, support our staff, and ensure the party could keep functioning effectively.

What began as a short term assignment stretched into one of the busiest and most demanding periods of my life. I carried the responsibilities of Acting ED while also serving as a City of Nanaimo councillor and, later, campaigning through the 2025 election. It was a heavy load, but I stayed on because I believed, and still believe, that the Green Party has an essential role to play in Canadian politics.

After the election, I continued as Acting ED to support the difficult work of auditing all our expenses, cutting the budget, and laying off staff. As part of that effort I cut my own salary, billing no more than half the original amount budgeted for the Executive Director. Other staff stepped up too. Three directors reduced their hours and salary by 20 percent over the summer, and junior staff took on extra responsibilities to make up for the loss of laid off colleagues. We now have a small but mighty team at the GPC, and I am deeply proud of the way they have stepped up.

Together with your support, those efforts are making a difference. At the end of the election we owed $750,000 to the bank plus another $250,000 in outstanding expenses. We have reduced that $1 million debt to $610,000 thanks to your generosity, and we are on track to be debt free with the bank by April 2026. That is real progress.

I am pleased to tell you that Robin Marty will serve as Interim ED for the next six months, or until a permanent ED is hired. Robin brings ten years of experience at every level of the party, from local campaigns to National Campaign Director, and I have great confidence in his leadership. He will be supported by three exceptional directors, each with a decade or more of Green experience: Finance Director Katarina Dunham, Communications Director Laurie MacMillan, and Political Hub Director Marlene Wells. Along with our talented staff — Bridget, Randi, Mercedes, and Blake — this party is in capable hands.

I also want to acknowledge our governance teams. The current Federal Council is professional and respectful, with debates that are spirited but always within the Green Rules. The Fund Board has embraced its proper role of financial and legal oversight. This is a huge step forward.

That is why the upcoming Federal Council elections are so important. These decisions will shape whether we keep building on the progress we have made, or risk sliding backwards into old divisions. Please pay close attention, participate, and support people who will keep our party strong and focused on electing Green MPs.

It remains an honour and privilege to work alongside Elizabeth May. She inspired me to join the Green Party, mentored me when I was an MP, and continues to be a powerhouse for this movement.

On a personal level, serving as Acting ED has meant long hours and little time for family. I look forward to refocusing on my duties as a City councillor and Regional District director, and to returning to grassroots organizing in Nanaimo–Ladysmith. Local campaigns are where we build capacity, and I will remain an active member, ready to support a new leader in 2026.

Finally, I want to thank you. Your support has allowed us to keep this party moving forward through some very challenging times. If you are able, I ask you to consider becoming a monthly donor. It is the best way to show your appreciation for the work we have done together and to ensure that the progress we made during my time as Acting ED continues to grow stronger.

[Donate]([link removed])

All the best,
Paul Manly

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