Why I Chose CentreBC: Putting Practical Solutions Ahead of Political Division

By Sid Tobias
October 20, 2026

In my previous article, The Politics of Division: When Did We Stop Listening?, Andrew Weaver and I explored something that has increasingly troubled me: the loss of respectful debate, collaboration and compromise in British Columbia politics.

That raises a fair question. Why did I decide to run for CentreBC?

The answer has less to do with traditional party politics and more to do with how I believe government should work.

I’ve spent 24 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, more than a decade in the BC Public Service, and four years as Mayor of View Royal. I’ve worked with people across political, organizational and jurisdictional boundaries. One lesson has remained consistent throughout those experiences: meaningful progress rarely comes from everyone agreeing. It comes from people being willing to work together despite their differences.

I wasn’t looking for a political party that agreed with me on everything. I was looking for one prepared to listen, examine evidence, make difficult decisions and take responsibility for the results.

Three things that mattered to me

When I spoke with CentreBC leader Elenore Sturko, I made three priorities clear.

First, we need to restore a respectful and collaborative relationship between the provincial government, municipalities, regional governments and First Nations. Local governments are not obstacles to provincial objectives. They are partners in delivering them.

Second, the issues facing Esquimalt–Colwood need attention. Transportation across the West Shore, access to primary health care, and support for the people delivering essential public services are not abstract policy debates. They affect our neighbours every day.

Third, we need to reconsider the province’s approach to housing. Building more homes is essential, but provincial housing policy should support complete, healthy communities rather than focus almost exclusively on density targets. Local planning, infrastructure capacity, affordability and community input all matter.

Those priorities were understood and accepted as the basis for my involvement.

A platform should be more than a collection of promises

One of the things I appreciate about CentreBC is that it has published a 42-page platform with financial costings, implementation timelines and measurable objectives.

For example, the party proposes reducing the provincial deficit each year after its first budget, bringing it to approximately $9 billion by 2030/31, with a balanced budget targeted for 2034/35.

That is a long road back to balance. It deserves scrutiny, and the assumptions behind it should be tested. But at least it provides a financial plan that people can examine.

The platform also includes specific commitments:

• Reducing the first provincial income tax rate from 5.6% to 5.06% in 2027.
• Increasing the annual renter’s tax credit from $400 to $600, with income-based eligibility.
• Doubling BC Builds to 20,000 below-market homes by 2031.
• Expanding access to family doctors and nurse practitioner teams, with a goal of providing primary care to everyone who wants it by the end of 2031.
• Adding 500 provincial RCMP officers over five years.
• Increasing transit service by 15% by 2030.

These are commitments with numbers and dates attached. They provide a basis for public accountability.

Of course, a costed platform is not a guarantee that every objective can be delivered. Governments face changing economic conditions, competing priorities and unforeseen events. What matters is being transparent about the assumptions, reporting progress and being prepared to change course when something isn’t working.

What experience has taught me

As Mayor of View Royal, I’ve seen what happens when different orders of government work together.

Our work to establish a primary care clinic at Eagle Creek demonstrates what local leadership and cooperation with health-care professionals can accomplish.

The Reconciliation Corridor Initiative demonstrates another approach: First Nations, municipalities and regional partners working together to explore a transportation solution that could benefit the entire region.

Neither initiative began with an argument about which political party should receive credit. They began with people identifying a problem and working toward a solution.

I’ve also experienced the frustration of provincial decisions being imposed on local governments without adequate consultation, consideration of infrastructure costs or meaningful opportunities for public input.

We can do better than that.

The centre is not about avoiding difficult decisions

There is sometimes a perception that occupying the political centre means trying to please everyone or avoiding difficult choices.

That isn’t how I see it.

Fiscal responsibility requires difficult decisions. So does improving health care, addressing homelessness, protecting our environment and building the infrastructure needed for growing communities.

Compromise doesn’t mean abandoning principles. It means recognizing that people with different perspectives can contribute to better decisions.

My experience in the military taught me the importance of working within coalitions. My experience in public service taught me the importance of evidence and accountability. Municipal government taught me that the best solutions often come from listening to the people closest to a problem.

None of those lessons belongs exclusively to the political left or right.

Why now?

I hadn’t intended to enter provincial politics. But the decision to call a provincial election while British Columbians were already preparing to vote in municipal elections reinforced my concerns about how political decisions are being made.

We are facing serious challenges involving affordability, health care, public finances and confidence in our institutions.

Those challenges will not disappear after October 24, regardless of which party forms government.

I chose CentreBC because its stated approach to evidence, fiscal accountability and collaboration aligns with the principles that have guided my public service.

I don’t expect everyone to agree with that decision, or with every policy in the platform. I do hope people will examine the proposals, challenge the assumptions and participate in the discussion.

We need more of that in British Columbia.

Winning elections is the responsibility of political parties. Bringing British Columbians together is the responsibility of those entrusted to govern.

That’s the standard I believe we should expect, regardless of political affiliation.