Ida Chong

Candidate Profile

Since first being elected to represent Oak Bay-Gordon Head in 1996, Ida Chong has always been a hard working constituency MLA, effectively representing Oak Bay-Gordon Head since 1996.

A native of Victoria and raised in Gordon Head, Ida prides herself on her relationship with the community and her constituents. Serving the community has, and always will be, Ida's top priority.

Ida was appointed Minister of Small Business, Technology & Economic Development and Minister Responsible for the Asia-Pacific Initiative on June 23, 2008. She previously served as Minister of Community Services and Minister responsible for Seniors’ and Women’s Issues, Minister of Advanced Education and as Minister of State for Women’s and Seniors’ Services. Ida has also served on Treasury Board, the Select Standing Committees on Crown Corporations, and Parliamentary Reform, and as chair of the Government Caucus Committee on Economy and Government Operations.

Prior to 2001, as a member of the Official Opposition, Ida served as critic for small business, tourism and culture, the deputy critic of finance, the deputy critic for women's equality and chair of the Official Opposition Committee on the Economy.

Ida first entered political life as a municipal councillor for the District of Saanich in 1993.

Away from politics, Ida enjoys walking her Spring Spaniel, Chekers, and taking part in local events such as the annual MS Walk, Terry Fox Run, CIBC Run for the Cure and Earth Day. Ida has also spent time volunteering for several not-for-profit groups in the Victoria region.

Ida is a Certified General Accountant and former small business owner. She has won several awards for her CGA work including the J.M. MacBeth Award for service at a chapter level, and the Harold Clarke Award for service on a provincial committee. Additionally, in 1999, she was awarded the CGA Community Service Award.

Questions

1. Please identify what you believe to be the most important issue in your riding and your plan to address that issue.
   

   The Economy. We need the power of a strong economy to move BC forward. The power of a strong economy will allow us to invest even more dollars in health and education, allows business to grow and jobs to be created. It’s important we not add costs to business and that we keep taxes low.
   
   Small business will benefit from the 44% cut to their tax rate and our commitment to making it the lowest in Canada by 2012, whereas Carole James’ NDP will hit you with $450M in new costs and the loss of 50,000 jobs.
   
   For families we’ve increased take-home pay by cutting personal income taxes to the lowest in Canada up to $116,000, Carole James’ NDP voted against every tax cut putting dollars back into families’ budgets.
   
   Lower taxes. Less red tape. Best credit rating in Canada. That’s what attracts investment, powers the economy and creates jobs.