MLA: Jenny Wai Ching Kwan - Vancouver-Mount Pleasant

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be moved and the mountains be cast into the midst of the sea." Psalm 46:1

Lord, MLA: Jenny Kwan has many firsts to her name and has served her adopted country with courage and tenacity over many years. We ask that You continue blessing her endeavors that are aimed at improving the lot of our citizens and in particular those that are less fortunate.  May she continue to bring to the legislature the skills and passion she has demonstrated over the past years. Encourage her heart and may she know that she is making a valuable contribution while serving in opposition.  Bless and keep her family well and happy.  In Jesus' blessed name we pray. Amen.

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 Jobs, Economic Development and Trade.

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.