Michael de Jong , BA / 85

Michael de Jong was appointed Minister of Labour and Citizens’ Services in June 2005. He previously served as Minister of Forests, and while in Official Opposition served as Deputy House Leader and as critic for a variety of portfolios.

He was first elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1994 to represent the electoral district of Matsqui, he was re-elected to the new riding of Abbotsford-Mount Lehman.

Before his election, Michael practiced as a lawyer in his Abbotsford firm. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton University and a law degree from the University of Alberta.

“When I graduated in 1985, I had received a first rate educational grounding that would eventually take me into the practice of law and for the last 12 years, into the BC Legislature. I frequently think of the faculty and friends with whom I worked and played at Carleton. Twenty years later I’m still proud to say I’m a graduate of Canada’s Capital University.”