MLA: Hon. Michael de Jong, Q.C. - Abbotsford West - Minister of Health

Lord, we thank You for the extensive health care we enjoy in this country and the many people who serve us in this field.  We pray for MLA: Hon. Michael deJong as he gives leadership to this ministry in our province.  We pray that he will be surrounded with wise counsel and that You will give him understanding of the complex issues so that effective solutions can be provided.  May You always guide our government in making right decisions concerning social welfare and economics in our province.  May they also recognize and hold firmly to that which is good and of real value.  Bless Hon. MLA: deJong with sharp insight and quick discernment. We ask that the deJong family would be blessed with good health, strong relationships and happiness.  May they be aware of Your love and care for them. Amen.

Michael de Jong was named Minister of Health on March 14, 2011. He was re-elected in 2009 as the MLA for the newly named constituency of Abbotsford West, an area he has represented since first being elected to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in a 1994 by-election.

The five-term MLA previously served as Attorney General, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, Minister of Labour and Citizens’ Services, and Minister of Forests. In addition he also served as Government House Leader.

Before his election as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in 1994, Mike served two terms as an elected School Trustee for Abbotsford School District 34, and was a practicing lawyer with his own Abbotsford firm. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton University in Ottawa and a law degree from the University of Alberta.

Michael has also been involved with the Abbotsford-Matsqui Arts Council, the Matsqui Youth Commission and holds the rank of Captain in the Canadian Armed Forces Air Force Reserve.

Still an avid hockey player, in his teen years, Michael was a member of the Abbotsford Pilots Junior B hockey team. He attended Mouat Secondary School and still lives on the Matsqui Prairie farm where he grew up.