A lifetime of service. A record of bringing people together.
Sid Tobias was born in Esquimalt and has spent much of his life serving the communities that make up Esquimalt–Colwood — through the Canadian Armed Forces, the BC Public Service, local government and regional leadership.
ROOTS IN ESQUIMALT–COLWOOD
Sid was born in Esquimalt, home of Canada’s Pacific Fleet. He later studied at Royal Roads University in Colwood, earning graduate credentials in learning, technology and knowledge management.
For Sid, Esquimalt–Colwood isn’t simply the riding where he is seeking election. It is a community that has shaped much of his life.
24 YEARS OF MILITARY SERVICE
Sid served more than 24 years in the Royal Canadian Navy, retiring as a Chief Petty Officer First Class.
His career included service aboard Canadian warships, senior leadership positions and international assignments. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for his work during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, helping integrate Canadian and American information systems to support the joint security operation.
As Coxswain of HMCS Ottawa, Sid was part of a ship’s company that conducted operations ranging from international deployments to counter-narcotics operations in the eastern Pacific.
PUBLIC SERVICE
Following his military career, Sid joined the BC Public Service, where he has worked for approximately 12 years.
His work has included natural-resource transformation, advanced education and the Environmental Assessment Office, leading teams working on digital transformation, public access to information and complex government services.
The experience gave Sid another perspective on government: how provincial decisions are developed, how public services are delivered, and the importance of translating policy into practical results.
MAYOR AND REGIONAL LEADER
In 2022, Sid was elected Mayor of View Royal and became a Director of the Capital Regional District.
During his term, View Royal exceeded its provincially mandated five-year housing target in roughly two years, completed its first major Official Community Plan update since 2011, advanced a new community primary-care clinic and worked with neighbouring communities on regional infrastructure and services.
Sid has also been involved in regional environmental initiatives, including the Hartland biochar facility, and in building stronger relationships between local governments and First Nations.
WORKING ACROSS BOUNDARIES
One lesson connects Sid’s military, provincial and municipal careers: difficult problems are rarely solved by one organization acting alone.
The Reconciliation Corridor Initiative is an example. First Nations, municipalities and the Capital Regional District have worked together to explore the future of the Island rail corridor and the opportunities it could create for transportation, reconciliation and economic development.
That same approach — bringing people together, understanding different perspectives and concentrating on practical results — has guided Sid throughout his career.
WHY CENTREBC
Sid joined CentreBC because British Columbia needs a pragmatic political centre focused on evidence, responsible government and cooperation.
He believes an MLA’s first responsibility is to represent the people who elected them — bringing their concerns and experience into the Legislature and ensuring local voices are heard when provincial decisions are made.
EXPERIENCE. COOPERATION. RESULTS.
After four decades of military, provincial, municipal and regional service, Sid is offering that experience to the people of Esquimalt–Colwood.
October 24
Vote Sid Tobias
CentreBC — Esquimalt–Colwood