AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 11, 2026
Elenore Sturko Becomes Leader of CentreBC
Elenore Sturko, who has been active in politics for roughly four years, has taken on the leadership of CentreBC, a political party founded in 2025 that seeks to provide voters with a centrist option in the upcoming B.C. provincial election. Sturko's political journey has seen her affiliated with three provincial parties and serving as an Independent MLA before taking on this new role.
A Party in Flux
CentreBC has experienced significant changes in recent months. On September 18, several former B.C. Conservative MLAs joined the party, and former leader Mike Bernier stepped down, allowing Peter Milobar to take the helm. However, after less than a week, Milobar and several others returned to the B.C. Conservative Party following the resignation of its leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay on September 22. Sturko, in contrast, stayed with CentreBC and rapidly advanced to the top leadership position.
Views on the Snap Election and B.C. Politics
Sturko is critical of B.C. NDP Leader David Eby's justification for calling a snap election, questioning the argument that more seats are needed to pass legislation. She points out that Eby managed to enact 46 pieces of legislation since 2024's election and suggests there is a public appetite for change in B.C. politics.
Sturko also commented on Eby's reference to Donald Trump and the impact of international trade tensions, highlighting the need for British Columbia to diversify its trade partners to reduce economic vulnerability, especially in key industries like steel, aluminum, and forestry.
Public Safety and Law Enforcement
Public safety is a central issue for CentreBC. As a former police officer, Sturko emphasizes the party’s commitment to increasing the number of provincial RCMP officers by 500 over five years, particularly to support specialized units in smaller municipalities. The party also plans to provide permanent funding for the extortion task force and increase the number of prosecutors in the B.C. Prosecution Service.
On mental health and addictions, CentreBC proposes intensive housing solutions and increased hospitalization for individuals with severe mental health or substance use issues who cannot care for themselves, aiming for robust long-term care provisions.
Economic and Social Priorities
Sturko identifies the economy—alongside health—as the biggest issue in the election. She criticizes what she describes as mismanagement of the province's finances under David Eby and sets economic diversification as a top priority, with a focus on supporting manufacturing, resource development, and small businesses to sustain health care funding.
CentreBC brands itself as economically responsible and socially progressive, striving to attract those who feel politically homeless in the current landscape of B.C. politics.
Stance on SOGI 123 and Indigenous Rights
The SOGI 123 (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) resource has been a contentious topic between political parties. Sturko states that CentreBC supports policies and resources that keep school environments free from discrimination, align with the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the B.C. Human Rights Code, and remain age-appropriate and educationally relevant. The party does not plan to repeal or eliminate SOGI 123.
Regarding Indigenous rights and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA), Sturko says CentreBC aims to reduce legal uncertainty arising from such legislation and advocates for government-led—not court-led—decisions on aligning laws with the declaration. The party supports working with First Nations to advance treaty processes more efficiently and acknowledges constitutionally protected Indigenous rights.
CentreBC’s Appeal to Voters
Sturko describes CentreBC as a home for voters seeking a balanced approach—marrying fiscal responsibility with socially progressive values. The party’s policies emphasize economic development, environmental responsibility, and social inclusion. Sturko hopes that CentreBC can provide a voice for the "politically homeless" in the B.C. legislature and play a meaningful role following the election.
Source: cbc.ca.
