Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Jenny Wai Ching Kwan - MLA for Vancouver Mount Pleasant

Jenny Kwan was first elected as the MLA for Vancouver - Mount Pleasant in 1996, becoming one of the first Chinese-Canadians to sit in BC's Legislative Assembly and the first Chinese Canadian Cabinet Minister in the history of B.C. She was re-elected in 2001, and again on May 17, 2005. Jenny is the Opposition Caucus Chair, and serves as Opposition Critic for Homelessness and Mental Health.


Born in Hong Kong, Jenny Wai Ching Kwan immigrated to Canada with her family when she was nine years old. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Criminology) from Simon Fraser University. Jenny began working as a community legal advocate in the Downtown Eastside shortly after graduation.

Jenny was elected to Vancouver City Council in 1993 --becoming the youngest councillor in Vancouver’s history -- and served for three years as the sole representative of Vancouver's progressive municipal political party, COPE.

In 1998 Jenny was appointed Minister of Municipal Affairs, becoming BC's first Chinese-Canadian cabinet minister. Jenny also served as Minister of Women's Equality and Minister of Community Development, Cooperatives and Volunteers and was the provincial government’s lead person in developing the Vancouver Agreement.

Jenny's work in the areas of women's rights, community development, housing and anti-poverty advocacy has earned her a well-deserved reputation as a committed social activist who has made principle her priority.

Jenny is married and lives in East Vancouver with her husband, daughter, son and stepson.


Father, we give thanks for this dynamic young woman Jenny Kwan who has become the first Chinese Canadian to become a Cabinet Minister in the history of British Columbia. What a testimony to give encouragement to us as we recognize the great possibilities that are here in Canada for any one of us no matter our ethnic origin. We thank you for her example and her perseverance that has brought her to this moment in history. Let her light so shine that it helps direct young people, in particular, to desire to serve in community works and the political field. We pray that Jenny would used as a voice that would bring attention to those less fortunate as well as the many social issues that reside within our cities and let her be the instrument of transformation within the province. We pray for health and protection for her and her family.

No comments: