Tuesday, August 28, 2012

MLA: John van Dongen - Abbotsford South

Father we are grateful that You have John van Dongen as a member of our legislature. We thank You that Your word is a lamp to guide his feet and a light for his path (Psalm 119:105 NLT) and that you will prosper him abundantly in all the work of his hand (Deuteronomy 30:9.) You have called him by name and purposed for him to accomplish those things that you have put on his heart for the province of British Columbia and its citizens. May the knowledge and wisdom he has garnered over his seventeen years as an MLA continue to serve him well as he serves others. In Jesus' mighty name, we pray.

John van Dongen, one of the longest serving MLAs in the B.C. Legislature, has represented Abbotsford voters since 1995.

He was re-elected in 1996, 2001, and 2005 and began representing the new riding of Abbotsford South in the spring of 2009.  During that time, he has held a variety of posts, including Solicitor General and Minister of Public Safety, Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries.

John has called Abbotsford home for more than 30 years, and before his election to the Legislative Assembly operated his own successful dairy farm.

He was actively involved in farm organizations and business for 20 years, serving as the Vice-President of the Board of Directors of Dairyland and as a board member of Agrifoods International Co-operative (Dairyland), BC Dairy Foundation, BC Federation of Dairyman’s Association and the Federal Farm Debt Review Board.

John, the oldest of seven children, was born in Canada after his parents emigrated from Holland.  He is the father to two adult sons and has two grandchildren. John holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of British Columbia.

 

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