Former leader of B.C. Greens to run federally

Former leader of the B.C. Green Party Adriane Carr announced her candidacy Wednesday as a federal contender in the next election.

Carr, who resigned last November as head of the provincial party to join long-time friend and national Green Party Leader Elizabeth May as a deputy leader, will run in the riding of Vancouver Centre.

There, she will challenge Liberal incumbent Hedy Fry if Fry runs again, NDP candidate Randall Garrison, and possibly Liberal Vancouver-Burrard MLA Lorne Mayencourt, who has contemplated jumping into the race as a federal Conservative.

The 55-year-old academic and founding member of the party made the announcement Wednesday in Vancouver, during a campaign stop with May. Carr said she decided to take on Vancouver Centre after receiving support from community leaders.

Carr has not won a seat in the provincial legislature, but her role as deputy leader of the national party should boost her profile.

The Green Party has never had a federal candidate elected.

May said Wednesday the Greens were gaining in popularity and would run candidates in all 308 ridings, expecting at least one elected Green Party MP to emerge.