A former MP from Waterloo Region may become the next leader of the federal Green Party after the only other candidate dropped out of the race. Nira Dookeran withdrew as a leadership candidate on Tuesday, leaving Mike Morrice as the only other person still in contention for the role. In a statement posted on the Green Party’s website, Dookeran said “after much soul searching” she decided to drop out due to “personal and family reasons.” “I want to express my best wishes to Mike Morrice, my fellow candidate in the Leadership Contest. We, as a Party, have a big job ahead of us,” Dookeran’s statement said. Morrice unopposed Although Morrice is now running unopposed, the party said he will not be acclaimed. “Under the Green Party of Canada’s Constitution, a vote is still required even when only one leadership candidate remains,” the Green Party of Canada told CTV News in an emailed statement. “Mike Morrice will therefore not be elected by acclamation, and the leadership vote will proceed.” The party said, under the leadership contest rules, any remaining scheduled debates will still move forward, but they will now be presented as town halls. Although the party’s website states votes will be cast between Nov. 2 and Nov. 13, on Wednesday, CTV News was told that timeline is not confirmed and more information will be released when it is available. The party also said it is not currently considering allowing additional candidates to register for the leadership race. Morrice’s political history Morrice previously served as the MP for the Kitchener-Centre riding in Kitchener, Ont. He was elected to the position in 2021 and served as the Green Party’s critic for housing and disability inclusion. However, he was defeated by current Conservative MP Kelly DeRidder during the 2025 election. At the time, he had been the Green Party’s only sitting MP in Ontario. The riding was close throughout the night, with the count continuing into the early morning hours. According to the official results posted by Elections Canada, DeRidder secured 20,234 votes compared to 19,859 votes cast for Morrice — a difference of 375 ballots. He announced his intention to run for the federal leadership in August.
