Tracy St Claire

Why I’m running

I am running because I care deeply about our communities and I want to deliver results.

I have seen what we can accomplish when people work together. I want to bring my experience in healthcare, education, emergency response and community leadership to Victoria and get things done for the people who live here.

I believe the BC Conservatives offer the clearest path to forming a new government and making the changes our communities need.

My family is here. This is home. I would be honoured to represent the people of Penticton, Summerland and Naramata in the Legislature.

About me

I grew up in Penticton, where my husband Dave and I raised our two daughters. Our family has deep roots here going back generations. I am fiercely dedicated to our communities and to getting things done for the people who live here.

14 years working in local healthcare

For the past 14 years, I have worked with family doctors, nurse practitioners and community partners across the South Okanagan Similkameen — the last nine as Executive Director of the SOS Division of Family Practice. I have led physician and nurse practitioner recruitment and retention, developed new clinics like the Community Walk-In Clinic without government funding, and led the creation of new services to improve patient access to care.

Former Okanagan Skaha School Trustee

I served as a School District 67 trustee from 2011–2014, including as Vice-Chair and Finance Chair, helping oversee district finances and make decisions affecting our local schools.

Experienced negotiator and community leader

Earlier in my career, I worked with the BC Treaty Commission, helping facilitate negotiations between First Nations and the provincial and federal governments. I also worked for the United Way and have volunteered with numerous organizations in our community.

Experienced in emergency response

I have helped lead healthcare responses through wildfires, floods and the pandemic. Most recently, I served as Incident Commander for the SOS Division during the Bald Range wildfire, coordinating family doctors and nurse practitioners to provide care for evacuees and ensure patients continued to have access to primary care throughout the emergency.

My priorities

Better access to healthcareFocus healthcare spending on frontline patient care, recruit and retain healthcare professionals, and ensure patients can get the care they need close to home.

Wildfire preparedness and recoverySupport families and communities rebuilding now while strengthening wildfire prevention, mitigation and emergency preparedness for the future.

Affordability and responsible governmentRespect taxpayers, control spending and focus public dollars on services that deliver results.

A strong local economySupport small businesses, reduce unnecessary barriers and create the conditions for investment and good jobs.

Reliable transportation and infrastructureStrengthen our transportation network and pursue a resilient alternate route between Penticton and Kelowna.

A strong local voiceMake sure decisions affecting our communities reflect the needs and priorities of the people who live here.

Experience

Consensus Builder · Effective Communicator · Experienced Negotiator

SOS Division of Family Practice — Executive Director 2017–present

Lead a regional non-profit representing family physicians and nurse practitioners, overseeing recruitment, retention, and system improvement initiatives that expand patient access to care.
Established and operated four clinics: Community Walk-In Clinic, Ponderosa Primary Care Centre, Colleen Schneider Medical Centre and South Okanagan Maternity Clinic.

SOS Division of Family Practice — Innovation Project Manager 2012–2017

Led collaborative primary care projects that resulted in SOS Division becoming recognized as a provincial leader in innovation. Many of these projects are now operational.

School District 67 Okanagan Skaha — School Trustee 2011–2014

Served as Vice Chair, Finance Chair and BC Public School Employers’ Association representative.

United Way of South Okanagan Similkameen — Director 2009–2012

Created a strong presence for United Way in the South Okanagan Similkameen, raising $500K.

BC Treaty Commission — Operations Director 2000–2002

As most senior staff reporting to the Chief Commissioner, supported a commission of five politically appointed Commissioners and oversaw $40M in negotiation support funding, $3M operating budget, facilitation of negotiations, and public communication regarding the treaty process. Chaired several national and provincial negotiation tables.

BC Treaty Commission — Analyst + Senior Analyst 1995–2000

Co-led a small team that facilitated treaty negotiations at 60 tripartite negotiation tables. Visited most Indigenous communities in BC and the Yukon. Helped draft the first policies for the treaty process.

Indian and Northern Affairs Specific Claims — Analyst 1994–1995

Researched and analyzed First Nations’ legal claims in preparation for litigation.

Tree House Group Developments — Project Manager 1993–1994

Managed several residential construction projects for a design-build firm.

Kitsilano Yacht Club — Manager 1990–1992

Managed club operations, programs and events. Increased club membership.

Education

SFU — Masters of Arts (Indigenous History), 1993
UBC — Bachelor of Arts (English and History Double Major), 1991
UBC — Certificate in Organizational Coaching, 2022

Skills

Associate Certified Coach – International Coaching Federation, 2023
Quality Improvement — IHI Improvement Development Program, 2015
Public Policy — United Way Public Policy Institute, 2012
Financial Management — UBC Faculty of Commerce, 2001
Negotiation and Mediation — Justice Institute of BC, 1994–2000
Public Speaking and Media Relations — Barr & Wilcox, 1997

Volunteer and community roles

School Trustee, Okanagan Skaha School District 67, 2011–2014
Trustee, Penticton Public Library, 2010–2012
Seniors Symposium Coordinator, Seniors Wellness Centre, 2008–2011
Committee Member, Seniors Advisory Committee Penticton, 2010–2011
Secretary and Fundraising Chair, Queen’s Park Elementary PAC, 2006–2010
Committee Member, Transportation Demand Management Penticton, 2010
Committee Vice-Chair, Parks + Recreation Advisory Committee Penticton, 2009
Committee Vice-Chair, Transportation Committee Penticton, 2009
Director, Penticton Yacht + Tennis Club, 2007–2008
Committee Member, Parks, Recreation + Culture Advisory Penticton, 2006–2008
Committee Member, Heritage Advisory Committee Penticton, 2005

TRACYST CLAIRE