Introduction
The journey of Bryan Tepper from the frontlines of law enforcement to the halls of the British Columbia Legislature is defined by integrity, advocacy, and a lifelong commitment to public safety. Currently serving as the MLA for Surrey-Panorama and the Official Opposition Critic for Community Safety and Integrated Services, Tepper brings decades of experience and community-rooted insight into provincial governance. His story reflects not only a distinguished policing career but also a deep investment in making British Columbia a safer, healthier, and more affordable place for all.
Early Life and Background
A resident of Ocean Park in Surrey for over 20 years, Tepper relocated to British Columbia following his transfer to the Surrey RCMP detachment. With his wife Rona and their three children, he immersed himself in the local community—quickly growing to view Surrey as Canada’s finest place to live. From Crescent Beach to the Newton area, Tepper became a familiar and trusted face in neighborhoods across Surrey.
His commitment to community safety began long before politics. As an RCMP officer, Tepper served in frontline operations, notably leading a watch in Newton and Panorama—two of Surrey’s most dynamic and complex districts. These experiences gave him firsthand exposure to the opportunities and systemic challenges shaping urban life.
Career Journey
Over the course of his law enforcement career, Tepper became known for his balanced approach to public safety—grounded in both compassion and accountability. A notable highlight includes his leadership role in the Mounted Police Professional Association of Canada (MPPAC), where he served as treasurer. Under his guidance, the association successfully challenged the federal government in court, securing RCMP members the right to union representation—a milestone in Canadian policing history.
Alongside his professional duties, Tepper and his wife have maintained active volunteer profiles. From the Crescent Beach Property Owners Association and the Ocean Park Community Association to water polo and marine search and rescue initiatives, their civic involvement runs deep. These engagements reflect a lifestyle rooted in service, trust, and shared responsibility.
Political Career
Tepper’s entry into politics came after decades of direct service. Though he previously sought a federal nomination in 2017, it was the 2024 British Columbia general election that marked his official political breakthrough. Originally slated to contest Surrey–White Rock, Tepper was ultimately nominated in Surrey–Panorama following strategic party realignments.
In a closely watched race, he unseated NDP incumbent Jinny Sims with 49.6% of the vote, winning by just 263 votes. This victory positioned him at the heart of BC’s evolving conservative resurgence, and his appointment as Critic for Community Safety and Integrated Services followed soon after. His law enforcement background gives him critical authority in matters of crime prevention, integrated response, and community health.
Key Priorities and Vision
Tepper’s legislative focus revolves around three core issues: crime and addiction, healthcare reform, and affordability. His public safety platform advocates for a collaborative, inter-agency approach—combining law enforcement, social services, and mental health support. He emphasizes a dual strategy on drug policy: compassionate rehabilitation coupled with strict action against drug diversion and trafficking.
Healthcare, however, remains his signature issue. Acknowledging the system’s deep-rooted challenges, Tepper calls for bold reforms—particularly in streamlining administrative processes, expanding provincial training programs, and incentivizing medical professionals to stay in BC. He believes that responsibly developing British Columbia’s natural resources can generate the fiscal room needed to support such reforms.
Tepper also stands for restoring confidence in democratic governance by ensuring public safety services are properly resourced, outcomes-driven, and responsive to local realities.
Public Controversies
In March 2025, Tepper faced criticism after inviting YouTuber MisterSunshineBaby, a known Trump supporter, to the Legislative Assembly. The gesture drew backlash from BC NDP members, who questioned the appropriateness of introducing a politically polarizing figure during an active trade dispute between Canada and the United States. While Tepper did not formally comment, the incident sparked debate about partisanship and media influence in provincial politics.
Conclusion
Bryan Tepper’s rise from police patrols to provincial policymaking underscores a career built on trust, service, and results. His firsthand knowledge of community dynamics, combined with a firm yet thoughtful approach to governance, positions him as a pragmatic and solution-oriented leader for Surrey-Panorama.
As British Columbia navigates complex issues like public safety, healthcare strain, and economic inequality, Tepper’s dual perspective—as a frontline officer and elected official—brings valuable clarity to some of the province’s most pressing debates. Whether standing up for RCMP rights or advocating for healthcare innovation, Bryan Tepper continues to serve with purpose and conviction.
