“We have everything we need to build the future our children deserve.”

Blair Visscher is a teacher, wildfire researcher and community organizer who has lived and worked in Vernon and Lumby for more than a decade. Her work focuses on education, community resilience, public policy and improving how communities prepare for climate-related emergencies.

Blair has taught social studies, English and history in School District 22 since 2022 and currently works as a Teacher Teaching on Call while pursuing doctoral research at UBC Okanagan. She holds a Bachelor of Political Science and a Bachelor of Education from UBC Okanagan and completed a Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2026.

Her graduate research examined communication during wildfire evacuations, including how misinformation can spread when official communication channels fail. She is continuing this work through her PhD, studying how communities can become better prepared and more resilient before wildfire emergencies occur.

In 2025–26, Blair worked as a Climate Solutions Scholar helping lay the groundwork for a climate engagement centre in Vernon. As part of that work, she and a team of volunteers spoke directly with residents across the region about what communities need during emergencies. She has also submitted wildfire communication research to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage.

Earlier in her career, Blair worked as a conflict resolution specialist with the Christian Labour Association of Canada in Fort McMurray, mediating between workers and industry. She brings that experience in listening, negotiation and problem-solving into her community and research work.

Blair has served two terms as a Senator at UBC Okanagan and sits on the university’s student AI policy council. She has also served in Green Party electoral district association leadership and previously ran federally in Vernon–Lake Country–Monashee.

Blair is running in Vernon-Lumby to advocate for accessible healthcare, improved public transportation, affordability and stronger community preparedness for wildfire and drought, while bringing her experience in education, research and public policy into the Legislature.