Speakers in Profile

City Councillor (Elected 2005, Re-elected 2008): 

·         Focus on land use (EcoDensity), transportation, environmental and sport issues

·         Alternate director, Metro Vancouver Board

·         Member, Park Committee, Metro Vancouver

·         Member, Electoral District A Committee, Metro Vancouver

·         Member, Sport Tourism Task Force, Tourism Vancouver

Previously served as:

·         Council liaison to Heritage Commission, Bicycle Advisory Committee

·         Director, Federation of Canadian Municipalities

·         Vice-chair, Committee to increase women's participation in municipal politics, FCM

·         Member, Governance Review Committee, FCM

·         Member, Land Use and Transportation Committee, Metro Vancouver Board

·         Member UBC/ Metro Vancouver Joint Committee

·         Director, Translink (2006-2007)

·         Finance Committee, Translink (2006-2007)

Park Board Commissioner (2002 - 2005): 

·         Championed the building of Vancouver's first synthetic turf soccer pitches

·         Promoted the skateboard park at Quilchena Park

·         Led the process to unify McBride Park

·         Promoted building a new track in Vancouver, a city with no synthetic track;

·         Worked with the Eburne Lands working group to promote a waterfront walkway along the Fraser River;

·         Helped found and continued to serve on the advisory committee of MoreSports, an initiative to bring non-participating children and families into sport.

Other background and accomplishments:

Professional background:

·         Lawyer, Crown prosecutor

·         Mathematics teacher, American International School, Lisbon, Portugal

·         Mathematics teacher, Canadian University Services Overseas (CUSO), Northern Nigeria. 

Community Sports and Recreation current and past service:

·         Member, Achilles Track Club and organizing committee of Harry Jerome Track Meet

·         Director, Vancouver Youth Soccer Association

·         President, Kerrisdale Soccer and Athletic Society

·         Vice president, Vancouver Field Sport Federation

·         Director, Riley Park Community Association

Previous city leadership

·         Member, ARKS (Arbutus Ridge Shaughnessy Kerrisdale) CityPlan visioning committee

·         Member, Steering Committee, Rick Hansen's Wheels in Motion event

·         Winner, 2002 Volunteer of the Year award, Vancouver Park Board

·         Member, Vancouver City Planning Commission

·         Chair, Parent Advisory Council, L'ecole Bilingue.

Family

Suzanne and her husband Olin are cycling across the country, piece by piece, and last summer put their feet into the Atlantic Ocean at St Andrews New Brunswick. They have 3 children, Elizabeth, Robert and Angus.

Jacqueline Biollo (bee-oh-low)

Jacqueline Biollo has always had a desire to be involved, help others, and stand-up for a cause which she believes in. This, and so much more, makes her a perfect fit for a role with responsibilities that require not only a visionary leader, but a team player as well.

Jacqueline’s entrepreneurial skills have been the backbone of her executive management consulting company A Songbird’s Solo; focusing on professional visioning from 30,000 feet, and an emphasis on people, possibility, and potential.  Jacqueline strives to identifying the gaps, rather than at what everyone else is doing; aligning her skills and abilities to champion new initiatives.  Mrs. Biollo’s background is in human resources, management, politics and finance; consulting with medium-sized organizations regarding staff and volunteers; policies and procedures; advocacy with all levels of government, stakeholders and Board of Directors;  research and identification of funding sources and a review of compliance agreements to ensure the proper objectives are set or evaluation formats are used; facilitates training and development of the community-at-large regarding societal barriers to name just a few of her portfolio successes.

As an elected official, since 2007, Mrs. Biollo’s portfolio demands participation within parliamentary legislation to educate and inform herself and her constituents about the issues; by advocating for action, ensuring transparency and accountability, sound judgment, integrity; through her conviction and passion to inspire, communication skills, and resourcefulness, effective relationship management, influential leadership, empathy and inclusiveness, confidence, patience and flexibility.

People ~ Possibility ~ Potential

Jacqueline and her family have lived in Beaumont since 2000, and have been involved with a variety of activities; this, while maintaining a healthy work/life balance, encouraging her school aged children to succeed, and remaining supportive to her husband, who is a member of the Canadian Forces.

Jacqueline’s personal success began early on. Showcasing her musical and vocal talents, Mrs. Biollo’s hobby is that she specializes in national anthems in foreign languages, and has performed for members of parliament, dignitaries, such as (the late) Lieutenant Governor Lois Hole, (the late) President Gerald Ford, and Shimon Perez; and held a contract with local sports teams – even traveling to Las Vegas with the Edmonton Trappers to perform the national anthem. Jacqueline’s most recent honour was to star in the lead role of Katisha at the Winspear Centre, in a Gilbert & Sullivan production of the Mikado; and most memorable, was as a Survival Technician in the movie Ordeal in the Arctic, starring Richard Chamberlain.

A graduate of the Women’s Campaign School, and Elected Official Education program; continuing her education seems to fuel Jacqueline’s desire to climb the corporate and government ladder. Mrs. Biollo’s goal is to complete an Executive MBA in Public Administration. Mrs. Biollo is a Commissioner of Oaths.

Jacqueline has served on a variety of boards and committees, continuing to donate her time and talents whist expanding her own areas of interest and opportunities for learning.

Mrs. Biollo is the founder of an initiative called ArtStart, currently being managed by the

Edmonton City Centre Church Corporation (E4C). The project was developed to give children in the inner city the opportunity to be exposed to the arts as well as the opportunity to develop their talents by establishing a multi-disciplinary arts education program.

Jacqueline looks forward to continued involvement in issues of importance to her, her friends and family, and the community.

Laurie Blakeman has been a resident of the Rossdale community in Edmonton-Centre since 1986.

Legislature Experience

First elected to the Alberta Legislature in 1997

Official Opposition Deputy Leader

Official Opposition House Leader

Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Resources and Environment

Member of the Legislative Offices Committee and the Chief Electoral Officer Search Committee

Member of the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund Committee

Official Opposition Shadow Minister for Environment and Culture & Community Spirit

Professional Experience

Executive Director, Alberta Advisory Council on Women's Issues

General Manager, Phoenix Theatre (Edmonton)

General Manager, Theatre Network (Edmonton)

Chief Trainer, Medical Council Canada, LMCC Part II

Executive Director, Alberta Snowmobile Association

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting, University of Alberta

Certificate in Public Administration, University of Alberta, Faculty of Extension

Community Involvement

Recipient, 1999 YWCA Woman of Distinction Award

President, Celebration of Women in the Arts

President, Provincial Association of Business and Professional Women's Clubs of Alberta

Chair, National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women

President, University of Alberta Drama Alumni Association

Member, ACTRA

City of Edmonton: Cultural Diversity Committee, Charitable Appeals Committee, Grant-in-Aid Arts Peer Jury (Edmonton Street Performers Festival, Edmonton Theatre Sterling Awards, Fringe Jury, First Night Festival)

Judy's Bio

Judy has been in office from 1993 to present.

Current Local Appointments

·         Chair, Bicycle & Pedestrian Mobility Advisory Committee

·         Council Liaison, Public Works

·         Council Liaison, Ministry of Transportation

·         Council Liaison, University of Victoria

·         Council Liaison, School Districts

Current Regional Appointments

·         Director, Capital Regional District (CRD) Board (1999 to present)

·         Director, CRD Hospital Board (1999 to present)

·         Director, CRD Environment Committee

·         Director, CRD Core Area Liquid Waste Management Committee

·         Director, CRD Planning & Protective Services

·         Chair, CRD Community Energy Plan Committee

·         Alternate, CRD Water Commission

Provincial Appointments

·         Board Member, Smart Growth B.C.

·         Chair, B.C. Healthy Communities Steering Committee

Previous Appointments

·         Community Leader, World Health Organization, Age Friendly Cities Project

·         Chair, CRD Roundtable on Environment

·         Chair, CRD Board

·         Chair, CRD Hospital Board

·         Chair, Victoria Regional Transit Commission

·         Commissioner, BC Transit Board

·         Member, BC Transit Municipal Systems & Environment Committee

·         Member, Provincial Capital Commission

·         Chair, Saanich Bicycle Advisory Committee

·         Member, Saanich Heritage Foundation

·         Director, CRD Parks Committee

·         Director, CRD Regional Planning Committee

·         Member, Royal & McPherson Theatres Society Board

Mary Anne Chambers was appointed Minister of Children and Youth Services by Premier Dalton McGuinty in June, 2005.

Ms. Chambers was elected as the member of provincial parliament for Scarborough East and appointed to the Executive Council of the Government of Ontario in October 2003.

During her term as Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, the McGuinty government announced the largest multi-year investment in postsecondary education in 40 years and the most substantial improvements to student assistance in almost 30 years. Also under her stewardship, new initiatives were introduced to enable new Canadians to more easily contribute their skills to Ontario’s prosperity, and a greater emphasis was put on the importance of careers in the skilled trades.

Ms. Chambers retired as a senior vice-president of Scotiabank in December 2002. Her strong commitment to both fiscal and social responsibility has been evident in her various achievements, and she has received numerous awards for her community service.

Ms. Chambers has served as a vice-chair of the board of the Rouge Valley Health System. She served on the board of the United Way of Greater Toronto for seven years, and on the board of the United Way of Canada for almost six years. Ms. Chambers is a past chair of the United Way of Canada. She has also served as a governor of the Air Cadet League of Canada and is a past president of the Canadian Club of Toronto.

Ms. Chambers served as a governor of the University of Toronto for nine years, and as vice-chair of the Governing Council for three years. While serving in that capacity, her work on a task force on student financial support contributed to a policy that guarantees no student will be unable to study at the University of Toronto due to inadequate financial resources.

Nancy Chiavario has almost 25 years of experience as a community volunteer and municipal politician. She was elected Commissioner of Vancouver's Park Board in 1986 and served on Vancouver City Council from 1993 to 1999. Her work has focused on the issues of affordable housing, seniors issues, community policing and the needs of First Nations Peoples living in the city of Vancouver. She has also worked with the Pacific National Exhibition, the Brewery Creek Historical Society and the Oceans Blue Foundation. She is a certified property manager and has her own consulting business in non-profit management.

Kerry Cook: Mayor

Kerry is a long time resident of Williams Lake, moving here in 1973. Previously, she held a seat as Councillor from 1996-1999. Kerry has been a faculty member at Thompson Rivers University for over 20 years and is the applied business Technology Coordinator. Kerry has been married to Dan for over 23 years and has three children, Steffanie, Daniel and Meagan. She is looking forward to working with the community and is a strong supporter in creating a positive and safe environment for all of our citizens.

Jean Crowder was first elected on June 28th, 2004 as the Member of Parliament for Nanaimo-Cowichan, British Columbia.

She is the NDP Critic for Aboriginal Peoples Affairs.  She has previously served as the NDP Critic for Health, Community Economic Development, West Coast Fisheries and the Status of Women.  She is also the NDP caucus chair.

Jean serves as vice-chair of the Aboriginal Affairs committee, she is a member of the Parliamentary Friends of Burma Committee, the International Parliamentary Union, the Committee Against the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children and Youth – which is chaired by the Honourable Roméo Dallaire, and the Outdoors Caucus.

In 2007, Jean was honoured by the community of Norway House Cree Nation for her private member’s motion calling on the federal government to adopt a child first principle based on Jordan’s principle, to resolve jurisdictional disputes involving the care of First Nations children.  This motion passed unanimously in the House of Commons on December 12, 2007.

Jean has a degree in psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, and possesses extensive experience in community development and organization.

Prior to being elected to the House of Commons, Jean served two years as a municipal councilor for North Cowichan serving on numerous committees.  She has worked at Malaspina University College, Human Resources Development Canada the BC Ministry of Skills Training & Labour.

Jean is a strong believer in community.  She has served on many local community boards and agencies including Cowichan United Way, Volunteer Cowichan, Pacific Childcare Society and the Duncan Chamber of Commerce.

About Libby Davies, MP for Vancouver East

Libby was first elected as Member of Parliament for Vancouver East in 1997. Re-elected in 2000, again in June 2004, 2006, and most recently in 2008, she is the Deputy Leader of the NDP, and has served as NDP House Leader since 2003. Libby is also the federal NDP Spokesperson for Drug Policy Reform and Solicitation Laws.

Her history as a strong community activist for Vancouver East began over 30 years ago. She and her late partner, Bruce Eriksen, were key figures in the formation of the Downtown Eastside Residents' Association (DERA) in 1973. In 10 years of community organizing, Libby developed her strong grassroots approach to working with people and diverse communities.

In 1982 Libby was elected to Vancouver City Council and served 5 consecutive terms. She became involved in every community issue, from protecting community services to developing affordable housing, fighting for parks and working for the elimination of poverty.

From 1994 to 1997 Libby worked with the Hospital Employees' Union (HEU) serving in the role of Ombudsperson for Human Rights, as well as Complaints Investigator, and Coordinator of Human Resources.

Since being elected Member of Parliament, Libby has provided a strong voice for East Vancouver. In the House of Commons she has consistently raised issues of concern to her constituents including community safety, affordable housing, adequate childcare, and post-secondary education. Libby's community office has helped hundreds of residents with federal government matters such as immigration, student loans, employment insurance, taxation, pensions, and Aboriginal affairs.

Libby has been an outspoken advocate for drug policy reforms to stop the criminalization of drug users and the harm caused by Canada's prohibitionist policies.

Libby has received awards from organizations such as the Capital Xtra's Community Achievement Award for Political Activist of the Year, the YMCA Peace Medal Award, the Vancouver and District Labour Council's Syd Thompson Award, and most recently, the Justice Gerald LeDain Award for Achievement in the Field of Law, for her work on drug policy.

Born in 1953 in England, Libby came to Canada in 1968. She moved to Vancouver in 1969 and has one son, Lief Eriksen. She lives with her partner, Kimberly Elliott.

Debbie Demare believes that influencing positive change by contribution to the community is a key part of a rich and productive life.   

In our society, governments are an integral player in how change is made, so understanding and influencing the political systems that elect those government decision makers has always been a key part of Debbie’s life.  She has been a campaign worker and manager on all political levels – municipal, provincial and federal – over a period of 30 years.  Elected as the only woman to the Williams Lake City Council in 2002, she founded a movement in Williams Lake to encourage women to seek leadership positions of all kinds.  One change happened, in 2008, 4 of the 7 elected to the City Council were women.    Debbie also ran for Mayor in 2005 and credits that experience, although unsuccessful, as a huge contributor to her personal growth.

For Demare though, the political realm is only one player in the change process, and she has always pursued opportunities to influence through leadership in other organizations.  She was a founding member of Literacy BC, and founding member and president of the Cariboo Chilcotin Partners for Literacy.  Her commitment to bringing a community focus to literacy along with advocating for the needs of rural and remote communities also allowed her to be selected to serve on a number of provincial and national committees such as the Premier’s Task Force on Literacy and the National Rural Broadband Selection Committee.  She also served as President of many other community organizations such as the Business Improvement Association and the Fall Fair.   

Along the way she maintained an active career as a Continuing Studies Administrator at TRU in Williams Lake working primarily with First Nations meeting their education and training needs.   Debbie has two children, is married to Sal.  For many years in her busy life, she also nurtured a passion for the most beautiful place on earth, Gun Lake and now lives part time there.  She has recently retired from TRU and is pursuing opportunities that she is interested in as a trainer and consultant. 

·         Heather is currently serving her fifth term as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Calgary-Fish Creek.

·         Currently serves as the Chair of the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund, as well as a member of the Private Bills Committee and the Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing. 

·         In 2007, Heather led the Crime Reduction and Safe Communities Task Force. What she heard— crime touches too many lives, drugs and alcohol are the heart of many crimes, the current criminal justice system is not working.

·         Heather has served as both Solicitor General and as Minister of Children’s Services where she has always devoted her considerable energies to promoting children’s interests and focusing on building strong families and communities.

·         Launched the high-risk offender website;

·         Establishing the country’s first Amber Alert program;

·         Brought forward the Integrated Response to Organized Crime (IROC) initiative, among others.

·         Introduced groundbreaking legislation to protect drug-endangered children (DECA), the first law of its kind to be passed in Canada.

·         Partnered with Microsoft to create the Bad Guy Patrol, a website dedicated to teaching children Internet safety and also worked on many initiatives concerning bullying and family violence.

·         She is best known for championing the issue of child prostitution, which resulted in the Protection of Children Involved in Prostitution Act (PCHIP), the first of its kind in Canada to recognize that children engaged in prostitution are victims of sexual abuse and require protection.

·         She brought forward, and had passed, a private member’s bill to provide the right of court-ordered access of grandparents to their grandchildren.

·         Reader’s Digest named Heather a Canadian Hero in 2002.

·         One of her most treasured honours was being bestowed the Blackfoot name Aahsoikinnah-kaiki, which means healing woman.

Heather is an avid reader, likes to golf and garden in her spare time. She also enjoys spending time with her husband Gordon and family.

Lynn Hunter has lived in Greater Victoria for more than 30 years. She graduated from the University of Victoria and raised her family here. Lynn, a former MP for Saanich Gulf-Islands and a community and environmental activist, currently lives in Fairfield.

Lynn is a community leader on issues and values that Victorians share. She has a lengthy career with organizations promoting social justice and democracy and has worked for environmental organizations seeking to preserve our natural environment and its resources for future generations.

Lynn seeks to bring a broad perspective that includes the economic, social and environmental benefits of each Council decision. Her lengthy experience in public service has taught her how to bring diverse people together to solve problems and make good decisions.

Lynn’s public service achievements include protecting British Columbia’s wild salmon resource as an Aquaculture Specialist and Spokesperson for the David Suzuki Foundation, the Coastal Alliance for Aquaculture Reform and the Pacific Northwest Pure Salmon Campaign, and working abroad providing training on building democratic institutions in Albania in 1997.

Her volunteer activities include serving as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, BC –Yukon Division, Chair of the South Vancouver Island Chapter of the MS Society and Chair of the National Government Relations Committee. Lynn also served as a member of the Board of Directors for Fisheries Renewal British Columbia (1997-2001), Sierra Legal Defence Fund, now known as Eco-Justice (1995-2001), and Vice-Chair for the Board of Directors for OXFAM Canada (1997-2001), an international development organization.

Judy Junor was born in North Battleford and raised in Saskatoon. She received her Diploma in Nursing from St. Paul's School of Nursing in 1969 and worked as a nurse in Saskatoon for many years. Ms. Junor maintains current licensure as a Registered Nurse and is at the present time on a leave-of-absence from Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon.



Ms. Junor has a keen interest in the social and economic factors that are determinants of the health status of individuals and communities. Ms. Junor is a strong proponent of primary health service programs, which follow a team approach in the provision of integrated and accessible care in order to better facilitate health promotion, disease prevention and disease management.



Ms. Junor served as President of the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses from 1993 to 1998 and has served over the years on numerous health sector committees at the local and provincial levels. Ms. Junor also served as Vice-President of the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour from 1996-1998.



Judy Junor was first elected as a Member of the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly in June 1998 and was re-elected in September 1999, and again in November 5, 2003. Ms. Junor has served on the Saskatchewan Legislature’s Public Accounts Committee and as Chair of the Standing Committee on Health care.



Ms. Junor was appointed Associate Minister of Health in September 1998 and Minister Responsible for Seniors in September 1999. In October 2001 Ms. Junor was appointed Provincial Secretary, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, Minister Responsible for Seniors. In February 2003 Ms. Junor was appointed the Minister of Learning.



Ms. Junor has served on numerous cabinet committees, including the Cabinet Committee on Public Sector Bargaining, the Legislative Instruments Committee and the Treasury Board. She is currently chair of the Legislature's Policy Field Committee on Human Services, and a member of the Legislative Instruments Committee.



Ms. Junor continues to live in Saskatoon with her husband Don Junor. The Junors have two children, Sean and Heather, her son-in-law Jody, and one granddaughter, Annika Dawn.

As Executive Assistant to former City Councillor Larry Langley, Kim Krushell learned the ins and outs of life at City Hall.

Her experience as Executive Assistant, combined with her academic background in politics and history, make Kim a strong addition to Edmonton's City Council.

At the community level, Kim works to build stronger neighbourhoods and create opportunities for children and youth. She currently sits as Placement Advisor of the Junior League of Edmonton, member of Prince Rupert Community League Board and Chair of Donate-a-Ride.

Dana's Mission

To protect, preserve and share, for now and future generations, the second largest country, with the most natural resources - the jewel in the crown of the world; Canada, strong and free.

Dana shares the concerns of our community: the protection of waterways, agricultural lands, migratory bird paths, sensitive eco-systems, earth, air and water, a quality of life free from unnecessary environmental health and safety, pollutants and hazards for Delta-Richmond East residents. Our future prosperity locally and globally lay within our ability to grow economically with long term social and environmental considerations toward local communities.

June 2004, Dana was the first Green Party of Canada (GPC) candidate in the Electoral District Association (EDA), she co-created in Delta-Richmond East (DRE). Dana was the first GPC Human Rights Shadow Cabinet member. Dana left the GPC, to have a democratic voice and co-created the unregistered federal Peace and Ecology Party. She served as the first interim leader.

Dana joined the Liberal Party of Canada when the Honourable, Stephane Dion, former Environment Minister, became leader. Stephane Dion's dedication toward the protection of our environment and the Liberal Party of Canada's continued preservation of our Human Rights and Equality were reasons for Dana to join the Liberal Party of Canada.

April 4th, 2007, Dana became the Liberal candidate for Delta-Richmond East. Dana will serve in parliament with balanced representation and the inspiration of her mother's words, "When you look in the mirror, be sure you respect who you see."

Margaret is a dynamic business leader who has 29 years experience in business operations, strategy and client acquisitions. She is a diversified talent who has worked in numerous business sectors that include farming and ranching, oilfield construction, property management and the manufacturing and services industries.

Margaret was one of the founding partners of a highly successful oilfield construction company. She helped "grow" the company from the ground up, expanding to over 120 employees.

As the president of a retail chain in the personal services industry, Margaret was recognized for her incredible team building ability. Her organization was widely recognized for outstanding customer service, and was honored with many awards including highest grossing retail location in the region.

Presently, Margaret is the founder and owner of a flourishing Canadian property management company, with locations in both Alberta and British Columbia. Twice a month Margaret facilitates sessions for Speaking Circles, which helps people develop power and presence in front of any group. www.speakingcircles.com. She also co-hosts Clearly Coastal Friday afternoons from 2-5 pm PST 105.9 FM on the Coast cable system. www.civu.net.

PAULETTE SENIOR, CEO YWCA CANADA

Paulette Senior is the CEO of YWCA Canada, the oldest and largest multi-service

women’s organization in the country. She took up her duties in January of 2006 and has

rapidly become widely recognized as one of the most respected and vocal women leaders

in the country. She has captured significant attention for her positions on access to

universal quality child care, gun control, and making violence against women a national

priority.

Ms. Senior brings a wealth of grassroots experience and sensibilities to her role as CEO.

She spent years on the frontlines of social and community work. She has worked in

shelters, employment programs, and housing helping women, children, and youth in

some of Toronto's most economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

Ms. Senior’s employment history includes YWCA Toronto, Yellow Brick House, Blake

Boultbee Youth Outreach Services, Macaulay Child Development Center, Lawrence

Heights Community Health Center, and Central Neighbourhood House. She has also

held 11 management positions, many of them with YWCA Toronto.

Throughout her career, she has been a strong advocate at local, provincial, and federal

levels addressing issues concerning women and girls, families, youth, immigrants,

poverty, housing, violence against women, policing issues, and anti-oppression. Ms.

Senior is the recipient of several prestigious awards includingMicroSkills’ Margot

Franssen Leadership Award.

Alice Wong is an educator, entrepreneur and an active community leader. She moved to Canada from Hong Kong in 1980 and is currently a resident of Richmond.

While teaching ESL and then entrepreneurship at Vancouver Community College and assisting her husband in his family business, she continued her studies at UBC and obtained her Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction in 1993. Alice joined Kwantlen University College (now Kwantlen Polytechnic University) in 1998 and became the Manager of International Programs until October 2006.

She started the Centre for Small Business at VCC, which offered the first bilingual small business management classes for immigrants, of which many of the participants have become successful and award winning entrepreneurs.

Alice has been happily married to her husband, Enoch, for over 28 years. They have been working hard to serve other families, especially those who are disadvantaged or in need. Together with Enoch, Alice started their own business, and has been operating a consulting firm specializing in research and education since 1994.

Alice has served in many different boards including: the Rosewood Manor in Richmond, Rotary Club of Richmond, Benevolent Relief Seniors Care Society, Ethno Business Council, Chiu Chow Benevolent Association, and the Women’s Enterprise Society of BC. She is a guest host of current affairs programs on local Chinese and Multicultural radio and television.

Alice has been actively promoting and solving issues concerning the people in Richmond. Alice recently founded the Richmond Greenspace Society, for the promotion of greenspace usage in Richmond – especially in a time when Richmond is increasingly urbanized. Alice has been active in the field of public safety. She was part of a group that raised awareness of community safety for women, which came up as a result of the release of the so-called “balcony rapist” from prison.

On the issue of passports, Alice surveyed the needs of Richmond residents and brought their concerns about the effectiveness of the passport office to the government in 2007. Consequently, operations at the passport office have vastly improved, including moving the office to a larger space and providing better services for seniors and disabled people, and effective next year, the passport will be renewable for 10 years (compared to 5 years today).

Alice has worked to protect pedestrians, especially seniors, on traffic crossings and also promoted traffic safety. She raised funds and purchased neon-coloured stripes which can be easily worn over the shoulders and distributed them to seniors – giving car drivers better visibility of the people crossing the street.

Alice was involved in helping the victims of plane crash on Saba road (the Rosario Gardens Condominium), and also involved in raising funds for earthquake relief for the people in Sichuan province in China.

On October 14, 2008, Alice Wong was elected to the House of Commons in Richmond.