Joan Smallwood was appointed Minister of Labour on November 1, 2000.

Ms. Smallwood previously served as Minister of Women's Equality from February 2000 to November 2000; as Minister of Labour from July 1999 to February 2000; as Minister of Housing, Recreation and Consumer Services from September 1993 to November 1995; and as Minister of Social Services from 1991 to 1993.

She was Government Caucus Chair from October 1997 to July 1999. She also chaired the Special Committee of the Legislature on the Multilateral Agreement on Investment and chaired the New Democrat Caucus while in Opposition.

Ms. Smallwood was first elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1986 and was re-elected in 1991 and 1996. She represents the riding of Surrey-Whalley.

Before her election to the Legislative Assembly, Ms. Smallwood worked for Langley Family Services. She also chaired the Cloverdale Community Association and was a founding member of Women for Better Wages, an organization working towards pay equity.

Joan and Larry Smallwood have two children, Natalie and Stacia.