2017 February Chamber Luncheon with Finance Minister Michael de Jong

Finance Minister Michael de Jong

With a track record of successive balanced budgets, B.C. remains in a fiscal position envied by many jurisdictions around the world. We are forecast to lead Canadian provinces in economic growth this year and are continuing our work to further strengthen our economy, create jobs and make life more affordable for British Columbians".

The Honourable Michael de Jong, QC

Michael de Jong is British Columbia's Minister of Finance and Government House Leader.

In 2013, he was elected for his sixth term, as the MLA for Abbotsford West, an area he has represented since first being elected to the legislative assembly of British Columbia in a 1994 by-election. He was reappointed Minister of Finance and Government House Leader on June 10, 2013.

de Jong previously served as Minister of Health, Attorney General, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, Minister of Labour and Citizens' Services, and Minister of Forests.

He is the Chair of government's Treasury Board, and the Legislative Review Cabinet committee. He also serves on Cabinet committees addressing Planning and Priorities, Liquefied Natural Gas, First Nations, Labour and Climate Leadership.

Under de Jong's tenure as finance minister, the Government of British Columbia successfully protected its triple-A credit rating with the major international debt rating agencies and balanced the provincial government budget for three consecutive years, following four years of deficits through the global economic slow-down.

He holds a bachelor of arts degree from Carleton University in Ottawa and a law degree from the University of Alberta. He also holds the rank of Captain in the Canadian Armed Forces Air Force Reserve.

Still an avid hockey player, in his teen years he 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.