Ida Chong

With Jenny Wai Ching Kwan (elected same day), first Chinese-Canadian elected to the Legislative Assembly (1996)

Ida Chong was born and raised in Victoria, British Columbia. She received a Certified General Accountant designation and spent many years as a senior partner in a local accounting practice. In 1993, Chong was elected as a municipal councillor for the District of Saanich, where she served one term.

Chong ran successfully as the B.C. Liberal Party candidate for the riding of Oak Bay-Gordon Head in the 1996 provincial general election. With her victory, Chong made history – alongside Jenny Wai Ching Kwan – as the first Chinese-Canadian elected to the Legislative Assembly.

During her first term, Chong served as Opposition critic for small business and deputy critic for finance. She was re-elected in 2001, 2005 and 2009 and was appointed to a variety of cabinet portfolios, including women’s and seniors services; advanced education; community services; small business, technology and economic development; healthy living and sport; science and universities; and community, sport and cultural development.

In addition to Chong’s extensive cabinet experience, she also served for many years on B.C.’s Treasury Board – a cabinet committee responsible for overseeing fiscal planning and management related to the provincial budget.