Unsure who to vote for? Want to know more about your local candidates? Black Press Media has asked candidates to provide a short biography as well as answer key questions to help readers understand more about who is running from Peachland to Coldstream in this upcoming B.C. election. Be sure to check back for updates and videos.
Bryce Tippe, born and raised in Revelstoke, has lived across the Interior and Lower Mainland, giving him a unique perspective on the challenges British Columbians face. Overcoming severe discrimination in his youth, Bryce battled depression and anxiety, emerging with a commitment to reduce unnecessary suffering and inspire positive change. The first in his family to attend university, Bryce returned to school to study political science, driven by his frustration with the disconnect between the government and the public. Now, as a BC Green Party candidate for Kelowna Centre, Bryce is running a grassroots campaign while working full-time. His passion, tenacity, and dedication to improving accountability and transparency in provincial politics make him a strong advocate for meaningful change in British Columbia.
What qualifications do you think an MLA should have?
MLAs and politicians should be generalists, with a broad understanding of many subjects. Managing a society is a complex responsibility involving countless variables. A solid grasp of policy implementation, the fundamentals of macroeconomic theory, and Canadian constitutional law (Constitution Act [1982] + British North America Act [1867]) is essential. Above all, they should be principled, sincere, and responsive to the needs of their constituents.
What qualifications do you have to represent your riding?
I hold a degree in Political Science from UBC Okanagan, with a focus on Canadian Studies. This education has provided me with a deep understanding of the Canadian political landscape and its institutional framework. I'm passionate about creating quality policy solutions and love tackling complex issues, especially when they have serious consequences for British Columbia and its residents. I'm a strong advocate for a more community-focused democratic framework, and I believe there is a growing desire for this.
On a personal level, I am honest to a fault, always strive to be fair, and work to be accountable for my words and actions. I will always speak what I believe, not what I think others want to hear.
What political issues will drive voters to the polls this election?
Healthcare, housing, the carbon tax, and the addiction epidemic are pressing concerns. For younger voters, the climate crisis and Indigenous issues may also play a significant role.
What unique issues are affecting your riding?
I live in downtown Kelowna and rely on transit, so I've seen firsthand how homelessness has worsened over the past year or two. In just the past six months, I've had to call emergency services twice—once for a man sleeping on the highway and another time for someone threatening me. During one of these incidents, an individual was openly using drugs at the bus stop.
People I know have been on waitlists for psychiatrists for over two years, and most can't even find a family doctor. Housing is becoming a luxury, and it all feels dystopian. These issues are deeply interconnected: many people self-medicate with drugs to cope with untreated mental health issues, while others turn to substance use after becoming homeless, enduring the cold and discomfort of street life. As housing becomes less affordable, homelessness rises.
The best path to recovery is through consistent mental health support, which is largely inaccessible. These overlapping issues make it nearly impossible for those struggling to escape addiction or homelessness. Kelowna, and the province as a whole, have failed to address these challenges, and we need a complete overhaul of our current strategies to manage them effectively. I believe my personal experiences, along with my education, have equipped me to make tangible improvements in these areas.
