Canada’s longest serving political leader is stepping down. Speaking at the Green Party of Ontario convention yesterday, Frank de Jong announced that he will not be running for re-election as leader of the party. Since becoming leader in 1993 Mr. de Jong has devoted his time and energy to building the Provincial Green Party from 0.4% support in 1995 to 8% in 2007.

“Frank has been an inspiration to us as he led the party from fringe status 16 years ago to our current standing as a contender in 2011.” said Mark MacKenzie, Green Party Male Representative for Eastern Ontario. “His contributions have laid the foundation from which we will elect Green Party MPPs in the next election.”

The Green Party of Ontario will now hold a contest to select a new leader in November.