The B.C. Green Party has announced the nomination of Arzeena Hamir as the candidate for the Courtenay-Comox riding.
Leader Sonia Furstenau welcomed Hamir to the team ahead of a community event taking place on Friday in Courtenay.
鈥淲e are thrilled to have Arzeena as our candidate for Courtenay-Comox,鈥� said Furstenau. 鈥淎rzeena has been a dedicated community leader for decades, and her passion for positive change is evident in her extensive contributions as an organic farmer, as well as her work with Young Agrarians, Comox Valley Community Health Network, and many more community boards. She will be an exceptional representative for the people of Courtenay-Comox and a powerful advocate for B.C. Green values.鈥�
As an agronomist, Arzeena鈥檚 career focus has always been the sustainability and well-being of communities. She founded the Mid Island Farmers Institute, helped set up the Comox Valley Organic Cooperative, and sits on multiple agricultural advisory boards.
Hamir shared her perspective on her decision to leave the B.C. NDP and run for the B.C. Green Party.
鈥淟ike so many British Columbians, I have hoped and waited for the B.C. NDP to make the right choices for our children鈥檚 futures. They haven鈥檛 delivered,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 know that, as a B.C. Green MLA, I can make a real difference on issues like healthcare, affordable housing, and real climate action in this riding. The Comox Valley needs a strong voice in Victoria, not a Victoria voice in the Comox Valley.
鈥淚鈥檓 no stranger to advocating for what is best for my community. Before moving to Vancouver Island, I spearheaded a ban on the use of cosmetic pesticides and GMO in the city of Richmond, as well as supporting the creation of a number of community gardens and food literacy programs. It鈥檚 so important to me that our communities, no matter their size, can trust that their MLA is looking out for their well-being and finding sustainable solutions to the most pressing issues. I want to be that MLA for Courtenay-Comox.鈥�
鈥淩esidents of the Comox Valley deserve an MLA who listens to them and brings their voice to Victoria,鈥� said Furstenau. 鈥淎rzeena has a keen understanding of the issues facing her community and is already a strong advocate for positive change. Her track record as a Regional Director and her experience serving the community on multiple committees makes her the ideal candidate, and a force for change in this region. I look forward to working closely with her in the legislature.鈥�
A community event officially welcoming Hamir to the BC Greens team will take place Friday, Nov. 17, 5 p.m. at the Native Sons Hall in Courtenay (360 Cliffe Ave.). Furstenau will be on hand. Admission is free for BC Green members, $10 for non-members. Go to to reserve a seat.
