Michael Chan - Named Minister of Tourism and Culture

Michael Chan was elected to the Ontario Legislature in a February 2007 by-election and, soon after, joined the Ontario Cabinet as Minister of Revenue.  He served in that position until his re-election in a general provincial election later that year with close to 60 percent of the total vote.

Chan currently serves as the Minister of Tourism and Culture. He previously served as Minister of Citizenship and Immigration a portfolio that held special significance for him as an immigrant himself.

Before beginning his political career, Chan owned an insurance brokerage in Markham — with 30 employees and hundreds of agents.  He was a member of the Markham Board of Trade and the Canadian Chinese Insurance Professionals Association. Chan is also an honorary president of the Toronto Chinese Senior Health and Recreation Association and has sat on the advisory council for the Ontario Medal for Police Bravery and the Toronto Ngun Lam Athletic Association.

Each year, Chan has actively participated in annual food drives in support of the Markham Food Bank.  He is a proud supporter of and participant in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of York Bowl for Kids Sake.  He continues to be very active in community events and work diligently for his Markham-Unionville constituents.

Chan originally emigrated from Hong Kong almost forty years ago. He lives in Markham with his wife, Elaine, and their two sons, Alex and Brian.

http://www.premier.gov.on.ca/team/biography.asp?MPPID=74&Lang=EN