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 provincial Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. As an immigrant to Ontario himself, this portfolio holds special significance for him. The Ministry provides many programs and services to help newcomers settle in and become a vital part of the community. Through the Honours and Awards Secretariat, the Ministry also celebrates the outstanding achievements and volunteerism of Ontarians.

Chan is also an active member of the Cabinet Committee on Poverty Reduction, working closely with his colleagues and community organizations toward developing a strategy whereby every Ontarian can benefit from our province’s prosperity.

Before beginning his political career, Chan owned his own 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.