[1] In 2007, McGowan was elected leader of the Green Party of Nova Scotia.

[4] According to the CBC some of his supporters claimed "it was McGowan's work as an organizer for the Greens that won him the leadership.

"[2] McGowan beat out Ellen Durkee, and Aaron Eisses during the convention held in early May 2007.

[3] A poll in June 2007 showed the Green Party of Nova Scotia, under McGowan, at 7 per cent popular support.

[5] A provincial by-election was held in Nova Scotia on 2 October 2007 in Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage in which one of McGowan's deputy leaders, Beverley Woodfield was the GPNS candidate.