From the snowy reaches of Yellowknife to the political corridors of Victoria, Elenore Sturko’s career is a tapestry woven with service, advocacy, and resilience. Now representing Surrey-Cloverdale in the British Columbia Legislative Assembly under the Conservative banner, Sturko has emerged as a strong advocate for mental health reform and public safety. Her journey—spanning broadcasting, military service, frontline policing, and now politics—mirrors the challenges and values she champions: communication, transparency, and public trust.
Early Life and Background
Raised in British Columbia, Elenore Sturko graduated from Kamloops Senior Secondary before stepping into the world of broadcast journalism. Her early years in the newsroom at CFJC-TV in Kamloops laid the foundation for clear, impactful communication—a skill that would later define her public-facing roles in law enforcement and politics.
In 2007, Sturko’s desire to serve led her to join the Canadian Armed Forces as a reservist with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Stationed in Yellowknife, she worked with the 440 Transport Squadron, navigating the unique challenges of Canada’s North while deepening her understanding of Indigenous communities and sovereignty issues.
Her calling to public service continued to grow, ultimately steering her toward a career in policing.
Career Journey
Elenore joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in 2009, starting her service in Langley, British Columbia. She later returned to Yellowknife in 2012, where she worked not only as a frontline officer but also played a vital role in community policing and media relations—two areas that demanded both strategic communication and empathy.
In 2016, Sturko and her family moved to Ottawa, where she joined the RCMP Musical Ride and participated in the 2017 Canada 150 tour. This unique assignment broadened her national profile and allowed her to engage with Canadians from coast to coast.
By 2018, she was back in Surrey, now serving as a media spokesperson for the local RCMP detachment. Her dual expertise in frontline policing and media engagement positioned her as a credible voice on public safety issues. She also advised the RCMP on matters related to gender, inclusion, and harassment, becoming a respected internal advocate for equity and reform.
Her transition to politics came in 2022, when she was elected as the BC Liberal MLA for Surrey South in a by-election. Initially serving as the opposition critic for education and later for mental health, addiction, and recovery, she built a policy track record focused on evidence-based reform.
In a decisive move in 2024, Sturko crossed the floor to join the Conservative Party of BC, winning the Surrey-Cloverdale seat in that year’s general election. She was soon appointed as the party’s critic for Solicitor General and Public Safety—roles that aligned with her professional background and passion for systemic change.
Key Achievements & Public Perception
Among her most significant legislative efforts is the Mental Health Amendment Act, 2025, which aims to strengthen communication between medical professionals and families during mental health crises. Sturko’s advocacy for the bill was spurred by a tragic incident in Surrey involving a violent episode linked to untreated mental illness. Her proposal mandates that physicians consult close relatives before certifying individuals under the Mental Health Act and ensure families are notified of critical decisions like discharge or consent withdrawal.
The bill has been praised for balancing public safety with compassion, showcasing Sturko’s ability to translate complex issues into actionable policies.
Publicly, Sturko is often viewed as principled and forthright. Her professional history and consistent focus on transparency have garnered respect across political lines, particularly from constituents concerned with mental health, policing, and community well-being.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite her rising political profile, Sturko faced internal resistance shortly after joining the Conservative caucus. A leaked letter from 13 of her fellow Conservative MLAs criticized her public comments on a controversial resignation at the Vancouver Police Board. Sturko had spoken out against racist and transphobic remarks made by a board member—remarks which she believed warranted resignation. While some colleagues called for her to apologize, Sturko stood her ground, refusing to retract her statements.
The episode exposed ideological tensions within the party but also highlighted Sturko’s willingness to speak candidly, even at political cost.
Current Role & Future Outlook
Today, Elenore Sturko serves as the Official Opposition Critic for Solicitor General and Public Safety. Her portfolio places her at the heart of debates on crime, policing reform, and emergency services—issues that remain top of mind for many British Columbians.
Looking ahead, she is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping her party’s public safety platform. With mental health, addiction, and public trust in policing under the spotlight, Sturko’s real-world experience and legislative initiative make her a key player in BC’s evolving political landscape.
Conclusion
Elenore Sturko’s journey is marked by a rare blend of frontline insight, communication prowess, and political grit. As a former RCMP officer, media professional, and now MLA, she brings a unique lens to policy-making—grounded in service, sharpened by lived experience, and propelled by a drive to protect and uplift communities.
At a time when public safety and mental health intersect more urgently than ever, voices like Sturko’s offer a much-needed balance of compassion and accountability. Her evolving role in BC politics will be one to watch as the province grapples with some of its most pressing social issues.
