Tamara Bissett-Laza is a long-time advocate for public education who believes strong schools depend on listening to families, supporting frontline staff and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.

A lifelong Delta resident, parent and community leader, Tamara brings firsthand understanding of how schools function day-to-day and the essential role support staff play in student success, inclusion and school safety.

She currently serves as a National Representative with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), where she works across multiple sectors on advocacy, bargaining, organizational leadership and problem-solving. Her experience has strengthened her ability to collaborate, build relationships and advocate effectively for workers, families and the communities they serve.

Tamara has a long history of volunteer leadership in Delta. She founded the Delta Community Animal Expo, bringing together non-profit organizations, rescue groups, businesses and residents to support community education and engagement. She also volunteers with Ladner Minor Baseball, Delta Fastpitch, the Hawthorne Elementary PAC and the Delta Hospital and Community Health Foundation Gala.

Tamara believes strong schools are the foundation of healthy communities and that decisions should always reflect what is best for students, families and frontline staff. Her priorities include safe and inclusive schools, student achievement, mental health supports, transparency in decision-making and responsible financial stewardship.

Born and raised in Delta, Tamara attended Ladner Elementary and Delta Secondary and grew up on Westham Island working on her family’s farm and winery business. She and her husband returned to Ladner to raise their son in the same community that shaped her own upbringing.