MLA Jenny Wai Ching Kwan Member for Vancouver - Mount Pleasant

Dearest Heavenly Father, even as Jenny Kwan brings her own unique experiences and perspectives to her role in our government as Opposition Critic for Small Business, Technology and Economic Development and as MLA for Vancouver-Mount Pleasant, we ask that You would direct her path to make the most effective use of her abilities. May You give her clear focus on the tasks set before her and may integrity guide her every decision. May she be willing to serve in whatever way You call her to and may she be strengthened and encouraged as she steps out. Bless her and keep Your hand upon her and her family.

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, 2005 and again on May 12, 2009.

Jenny serves as opposition critic for Small Business, Technology and Economic Development.

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