The head of the South Okanagan Division of Family Practice will be running for BC United in Penticton to replace Dan Ashton in this year91裸聊视频檚 provincial election.

BC United Leader Kevin Falcon was in Penticton on Feb. 13 joined by medical professionals as he announced Tracy St. Claire as the party91裸聊视频檚 candidate for Penticton-Summerland.

The announcement took place a stone91裸聊视频檚 throw away from the Penticton Regional Hospital.

St. Claire marks the third member of the healthcare sector to join BC United in recent weeks, following the Feb. 8 announcement of retired surgeon Dr. Michael Humer for Kelowna-Centre and the earlier announcement of Dr. Claudine Storness-Bliss for Surrey-Cloverdale.

91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 sending a real message that the people that work in the industry understand just how broken it91裸聊视频檚 become under this NDP government and that we have to have people that are willing to roll up their sleeves,91裸聊视频� said Falcon. 91裸聊视频淭hese doctors are making personal and financial sacrifices, because they care a lot about the system and they believe that with the right leadership, we can fix it.91裸聊视频�

The Division of Family Practice works to represent doctors when dealing with the provincial government alongside groups like Doctors of BC.

The healthcare system will be a big focus for St. Claire, both improving people91裸聊视频檚 access to care and the quality of the care they receive.

91裸聊视频淚 think most British Columbians are worried about health care, and it91裸聊视频檚 in the newspaper every day,91裸聊视频� said St. Claire. 91裸聊视频淭here are a lot of areas where the system is in crisis, so I think it91裸聊视频檚 time for some fresh ideas.91裸聊视频�

In addition to being the executive director of the local division of family practice since 2017, St. Claire has been a director of the United Way91裸聊视频檚 South Okanagan Similkameen division and a past trustee on School District 6791裸聊视频檚 board.

St. Claire will be vying to keep the Penticton seat for BC United after Ashton has left provincial politics. Ashton announced in December 2023 that he would not be seeking reelection, after spending 11 years as the region91裸聊视频檚 MLA.

A born and raised Penticton resident, St. Claire resides with her husband Dave and their two daughters, Erika and Lindsay.

The community has been the focus of much of St. Claire91裸聊视频檚 life, from her master91裸聊视频檚 degree based on the Penticton Indian Band, to her work as a facilitator in treaty negotiations and to years of volunteering.

St. Claire received endorsements from Ashton, along with previous MLAs Bill Barisoff and Rick Thorpe.

91裸聊视频淒an Ashton, Bill Barisoff, Kevin named a number of big names and big shoes to fill, you91裸聊视频檝e done so much, it91裸聊视频檚 an honour to be considered for your support,91裸聊视频� said St. Claire. 91裸聊视频淎nd especially to my family, my friends, my colleagues 91裸聊视频� many of you here working in healthcare, much more close to the front lines than I do 91裸聊视频� I just really appreciate your encouragement, your support and your belief in me.91裸聊视频�

Ashton also took a few moments to praise St. Claire after she and Falcon spoke.

91裸聊视频淭he work starts now,91裸聊视频� said Ashton. 91裸聊视频淚t91裸聊视频檚 an incredible experience. It91裸聊视频檚 something I91裸聊视频檓 always going to remember and take to heart. Mark my words, it91裸聊视频檚 a whirlwind, but you91裸聊视频檒l enjoy every minute of the experience.91裸聊视频�

Falcon is also hosting a town hall while he is in Penticton, which will be held at the Seniors Drop-In Centre from 6:30 p.m. until 8 on Feb. 13.

Residents are invited to come and ask questions on a variety of topics, including health care, crime and public safety.