Michael Chong

The Honourable
Michael Chong
PC MP
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Communities and Urban Affairs
Assumed office
August 30, 2017
Leader Andrew Scheer
Preceded by Dianne Watts
President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada
Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs
In office
2 February 2006 – 26 November 2006
Preceded by Lucienne Robillard
Succeeded by Peter Van Loan
Minister of State (Sport)
In office
2 February 2006 – 26 November 2006
Preceded by Stephen Owen
Succeeded by Peter Van Loan
Member of the Canadian Parliament
for Wellington—Halton Hills
Assumed office
June 28, 2004
Preceded by new riding
Personal details
Born Michael David Chong
(1971-11-22) November 22, 1971
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Political party Conservative (2003–present)
Other political
affiliations		 Progressive Conservative (before 2003)[1]
Spouse(s) Carrie Davidson
Residence Elora, Ontario, Canada
Alma mater Trinity College, Toronto (BA)
Profession IT consultant
Website chong.ca

Michael David Chong PC MP (born November 22, 1971) is a Canadian politician. He has represented the riding of Wellington—Halton Hills in the House of Commons of Canada since 2004. He served in the cabinet of Prime Minister Stephen Harper as Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Sport, as well as the President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada from February 6, 2006, to November 27, 2006. Chong is a member of the Conservative Party of Canada, and was a candidate for its leadership in 2017.[2]

Early life and career

Michael Chong was born on November 22, 1971, in Windsor, Ontario, and grew up in Fergus, a small town in rural Southern Ontario. He is the oldest son of Paul Chong and Cornelia de Haan. His father was born in Hong Kong and immigrated to Canada in 1952 and became a doctor. His mother arrived in Canada in 1960 from the Netherlands and worked as a nurse. Chong has three siblings; Peter, Andrew and Joanna.[3] He was raised near Fergus in Wellington County, and attended Centre Wellington District High School.[4] In 1978, when Chong was six years old his mother was killed in a car accident at an intersection near Fergus. Two years after her death his father married Adriana, who raised him and his three siblings as if they were her own. In 1999, Chong's father was also killed in a car accident at the same intersection where his mother had been killed 21 years earlier.[5]

Chong attended Trinity College at the University of Toronto where he studied philosophy, history and politics.[3] In his final year at university he landed a job with Canadian Tire as an assistant to a senior executive.[5] He has worked in information technology for Barclays Bank and Research Capital Corporation. Chong worked as a senior technology consultant to the Greater Toronto Airports Authority for the redevelopment of Pearson International Airport and prior to entering politics he worked for the National Hockey League Players’ Association.[3]

Chong was a founding member of The Dominion Institute.[6] He served on the board of the Groves Memorial Hospital from 2002 to 2004, later serving on the board of the Elora Festival and Elora Festival Singers as well as the Corporation of Trinity College.

Chong is married to Carrie Davidson, whom he met while at university. She has roots in both Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador. Her great-great grandfather was William Whiteway, a pro-Confederation politician and three-time premier of the colony of Newfoundland in the late 19th century. Another great-great grandfather, Charles Peers Davidson, was chief justice of the Superior Court of Quebec in the early 1910s. The couple live on a 100-acre farm in Fergus, located on the Grand River about 85 kilometres from Toronto, and have three sons; William, Alistair, and Cameron.[3]

Politics

Described as a Red Tory,[7] Chong joined the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada and the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario in the late 1980s.[8] He ran for parliament in the 2000 federal election as a Progressive Conservative, and finished third Waterloo—Wellington against incumbent Liberal Member of Parliament (MP) Lynn Myers. Chong supported Peter MacKay for the leadership of the federal PC party in 2003.[9]

MP and minister

In early 2004, the Progressive Conservatives merged with the Canadian Alliance to create the Conservative Party of Canada. Chong joined the new party, and in March 2004 defeated Marty Burke to win its nomination for Wellington—Halton Hills.[10] He was elected in the 2004 federal election, defeating Liberal Bruce Hood by over 2,000 votes.

Chong is primarily known as a fiscal conservative, and is considered a moderate in his party. He declared his personal support for the Kyoto Protocol during the 2004 federal election, despite his party's opposition to the measure.[11] He supported Elizabeth Witmer's bid to lead the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario in 2001-02, and supported John Tory for the same position in 2004.[12]

Chong wrote an opinion editorial for The Globe and Mail newspaper in late 2004 entitled "Canadians without hyphens", criticizing John Barber's suggestion that there were not enough Chinese-Canadian MPs representing areas with large Chinese populations. Chong noted he was elected in a riding with a 97% caucasian population, while John McCallum was elected in Markham—Unionville, which is more than 60% Asian. Chong argued that these results reflected his idea of Canada, adding that he favoured the creation of a "common Canadian identity that will allow for greater understanding among ethnic groups".[13]

Like most Conservative MPs, Chong voted against the legal recognition of same-sex marriage in Canada in 2005. A majority of MPs from other parties supported the measure, however, and same-sex marriages were granted legal recognition. In December 2006, Chong reversed his previous position and became one of thirteen Conservative MPs to vote against re-opening the marriage debate.[14]

Chong has opposed using the Great Lakes as a water source for inland communities. He has expressed concern about depopulation in rural Ontario, and supports continued door-to-door rural mail service programs.[15]

Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Sport

Chong was re-elected in the 2006 federal election. In February 2006, he was appointed to the cabinet in Stephen Harper's government as Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, and Minister of Sport. He was the second Chinese-Canadian cabinet minister in Canadian history, after Raymond Chan.

In the buildup to the 2006 federal budget, Chong met with various provincial representatives to discuss ways of approaching Canada's equalization formula between the federal government and the provinces. Prior to the budget's release, he described the existing system as "a mess".[16] Some politicians in Ontario expressed concern that the deal would be unduly favourable to Quebec and unfavourable to their province.[17] Later in the year, Harper government indicated that it would automatically transfer future surpluses to the provinces.[18]

In September 2006, the Canadian media reported that the Harper government was considering a plan to transfer $3 billion to the provinces each year. Every province except Newfoundland and Labrador would gain revenue, with Quebec gaining the most at $1.1 billion.[19]

In early 2006, Chong said that his government would fulfill an election pledge to devote 1% of federal health spending (about $350 million) to health promotion and amateur sports.[20] He represented the Harper government as a representative at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia.[21] This funding did not appear in the 2006 budget, although the Harper government introduced an annual sports tax credit of $80 per child.[22]

In June 2006, Chong indicated that the federal government would not provide federal funding to the "Out Games", a gay-and-lesbian themed athletic competition held in Montreal, Quebec.[23] The following month, Chong provided $395,000 to Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, to make its collection accessible online.[24] He has also discussed the possibility of restarting Canada's ParticipACTION program, which encourages ordinary citizens to become more involved in sports and athletic events.[25] The program was restarted in February 2007, after Chong resigned from cabinet.[26]

Chong pledged $3.5 million to the 2008 North American Indigenous Games in early November 2006.[27] Later in the same month, he announced the creation of Podium Canada to consolidate Canada's medal strategies for the Summer and Winter Olympics.[28]

Chong unexpectedly resigned from cabinet on November 27, 2006, to express his opposition to a motion before the House of Commons, put forward by Prime Minister Harper, which recognized "the Québécois as a nation within a united Canada". Chong said that the motion was akin to ethnic nationalism, which he opposes. During the press conference he held to announce his decision, he said "I believe in one nation, undivided, called Canada".[29]

Reform Act

As a backbench MP, Chong proposed the Reform Act (An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act and the Parliament of Canada Act (candidacy and caucus reforms)) in order to increase the power of party caucuses. The Act ultimately passed the House of Commons and Senate, with amendments, and was given royal assent in 2015. Under the act, each caucus votes at the beginning of each parliament on whether or not it will adopt the Act's procedures giving the caucus the power to review and, if it wishes, remove the party leader, for the election and review of the caucus chair, the expulsion and re-admission of caucus members, and the election of the interim leader.[30]

2017 leadership election

Chong in Vancouver

The Conservative Party was defeated in the 2015 federal election, and Harper immediately resigned as party leader. Despite not having served in Harper's cabinet for nine years, Chong's name was among those mentioned in the media as a potential candidate for party leader. When asked about a leadership bid in November 2015, Chong responded "let's wait and see."[31] In early 2016, the Conservative Party announced that the leadership election would be held on May 27, 2017. On May 16, 2016, Chong launched his campaign at the National Press Theatre in Ottawa, becoming the third candidate to enter the race.[2]

Chong's leadership bid was endorsed by MP and former Environment Minister Peter Kent, as well as MP David Tilson. Chong also received the support of Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Ted Arnott and former MPs Chungsen Leung and Mike Wallace.[32][33]

Chong is in favour of implementing what he describes as a revenue-neutral carbon tax. .

Chong stated publicly that he supports Motion 103, which calls on the government to condemn Islamophobia in Canada and all other forms of religious and racial discrimination.[34] Chong was one of two Conservative MPs, the other being Simcoe North MP Bruce Stanton, and the only leadership candidate to vote for the motion.[35]

Electoral record

Canadian federal election, 2015
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
ConservativeMichael Chong32,48250.9-12.83$114,808.31
LiberalDon Trant23,27936.5+20.16$82,917.29
New DemocraticAnne Gajerski-Cauley5,3218.3-4.66$11,740.16
GreenBrent Allan Bouteiller2,5474.0-2.4$2,190.90
Canadian ActionHarvey Edward Anstey1830.3-0.27$381.96
Total valid votes/Expense limit 63,812100.0   $230,272.85
Total rejected ballots 1850.28–
Turnout 63,97771.36+4.09
Eligible voters 89,653
Conservative hold Swing -16.5
Source: Elections Canada[36][37]
Canadian federal election, 2011: Wellington—Halton Hills
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
ConservativeMichael Chong35,13263.70+6.07–
LiberalBarry Peters9,03416.38-5.95–
New DemocraticAnastasia Zavarella7,14612.96+3.59–
GreenBrent Bouteiller3,5276.37-3.479,592.53
Christian HeritageJeffrey Streutker3160.57-0.24–
Total valid votes/Expense limit 55,155 100.00 $89,278.64
Total rejected ballots 154 0.28–
Turnout 55,309 67.27–
Eligible voters 82,215––
Conservative hold Swing +6.01
Canadian federal election, 2008: Wellington—Halton Hills
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
ConservativeMichael Chong29,19157.63+6.97$67,429
LiberalBruce Bowser11,31222.33-6.83$71,000
GreenBrent Bouteiller4,9879.84+3.74$1,497
New DemocraticNoel Duignan4,7479.37-2.94$800
Christian HeritageJeffrey Streutker4140.81-0.29$416
Total valid votes/Expense limit 50,651 100.00$85,604
Conservative hold Swing +6.9
Canadian federal election, 2006: Wellington—Halton Hills
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
ConservativeMichael Chong27,90750.75+7.95$73,993
LiberalRod Finnie16,06529.22-8.99$55,605
New DemocraticNoel Duignan6,78512.34+0.43$5,496
GreenBrent Bouteiller3,3626.11+0.68$1,102
Christian HeritageCarol Ann Krusky6061.10-0.54$4,944
IndependentMike Wisniewski3550.65–$1,174
Total valid votes/Expense limit 55,080100.00–$78,546
Total rejected ballots 162 0.29+0.13
Turnout 55,24271.05+4.02
Eligible voters 77,756––
Conservative hold Swing +8.47
Canadian federal election, 2004: Wellington—Halton Hills
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
ConservativeMichael Chong21,47942.81–$64,026
LiberalBruce Hood19,17338.21–$73,831
New DemocraticNoel Duignan5,97411.91–$13,594
GreenBrent Bouteiller2,7255.43–$799
Christian HeritagePat Woode8261.65–$2,304
Total valid votes 50,177 100.00 $75,799
Total rejected ballots 205 0.16–
Turnout 50,38267.03–
Eligible voters 75,160––
Canadian federal election, 2000: Waterloo—Wellington
Party Candidate Votes%±%Expenditures
LiberalLynn Myers19,61943.66-0.34$64,568.53
AllianceJohn Reimer14,79732.93+1.6$47,962.31
Progressive ConservativeMichael Chong7,99917.80-0.31$24,282.50
New DemocraticAllan Douglas Strong1,8454.11-2.45$1,588.58
GreenBrent Bouteiller4320.96 $206.62
Christian HeritagePeter Ellis2490.55 $2,148.45
Total valid votes/Expense limit 44,941100.00    
Total rejected ballots 1560.28–
Turnout 45,09758.11 
Eligible voters 77,610
Liberal hold Swing -0.97

All electoral information is taken from Elections Canada. Italicized expenditures refer to submitted totals, and are presented when the final reviewed totals are not available.

References

  1. ↑ "Michael Chong launches bid for Conservative leadership". theglobeandmail.com. Retrieved July 13, 2016.
  2. 1 2 Wherry, Aaron (16 May 2016). "Michael Chong's bid for Conservative leadership starts with a story". CBC News. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Diebel, Linda (25 January 2015). "Maverick Conservative MP Michael Chong fights to reform Parliament". Toronto Star. Retrieved 13 July 2016.
  4. ↑ Daponte, Chris (20 May 2016). "Chong to seek Conservative leadership". The Wellington Advertiser. Retrieved 13 July 2016.
  5. 1 2 Brennan, Richard (9 February 2006). "2 Accidents Helped to Forge New Minister". Toronto Star.
  6. ↑ Jon Willing, "Group preserves memories of aging war veterans before it's too late", Guelph Mercury, 20 August 2004, A3.
  7. ↑ Krayden, David (May 21, 2017). "As Conservative leadership race wraps, the party's in good hands". Retrieved May 28, 2017.
  8. ↑ Jon Willing, "New riding up for grabs", Guelph Mercury, 25 May 2004, A4.
  9. ↑ Dave Pink, "Leadership drama 'what we wanted'", Kitchener-Waterloo Record, 2 June 2003, A1.
  10. ↑ Joanne Shuttleworth, "Fergus man is Conservative nominee", Guelph Mercury, 10 March 2004, A3.
  11. ↑ "Tory candidate likes Kyoto, even if his party doesn't", Guelph Mercury, 26 June 2004, A5.
  12. ↑ Ross Marowits, "Eves may be front-runner but he's no shoo-in to lead Tory party, say members", Canadian Press, 2 December 2001, 11:49 report; Joanne Shuttleworth, "Tory takes over", Guelph Mercury, 20 September 2004, A1.
  13. ↑ Michael Chong, "Canadian without hyphens", The Globe and Mail, 23 November 2004, A25.
  14. ↑ Janice Tibbetts, "Same-sex debate's over, Harper says", Montreal Gazette, 8 December 2006, A1.
  15. ↑ Greg Mercer, "Water protection high on Chong's list", Guelph Mercury, 17 February 2006, A1; Vic Kirsch, "Ont. MP promises Tories will fight move to end rural home mail delivery", Canadian Press, 17 October 2006, 20:49 report.
  16. ↑ Elizabeth Thompson, "Federal Throne Speech must address fiscal imbalance", Montreal Gazette, 28 March 2006, A14; "Parliament is back, but don't panic", Winnipeg Free Press, 3 April 2006, A11.
  17. ↑ Tonda MacCharles and Robert Benzie, "Officials deny deal made with Quebec", Toronto Star, 29 July 2006, A4.
  18. ↑ Bill Curry, "Ottawa offers provinces surplus money", The Globe and Mail, 11 August 2006, A13.
  19. ↑ John Ivison, "$3B more for provinces in plan payments", National Post, 21 September 2006, A1.
  20. ↑ "The high price of gold", Ottawa Citizen, 28 February 2006, A8.
  21. ↑ James Christie, "Canadian team falls short of 100-medal goal", The Globe and Mail, 27 March 2006, S6.
  22. ↑ John Kernaghan, "Sports tax credit saves $80 a year per child", Hamilton Spectator, 3 May 2006, A11.
  23. ↑ Susan Riley, "Liberals: please call home", Ottawa Citizen, 9 June 2006, A14.
  24. ↑ "Grant of $395,000 to put Canada's Sports Hall of Fame info on Internet", Canadian Press, 26 July 2006, 15:16 report.
  25. ↑ "What government is doing to fight obesity", CTV Question Period, 3 September 2006.
  26. ↑ "Ottawa revives ParticipACTION campaign to promote fitness", National Post, 17 February 2007, 17 February 2007, A10; "ParticipACTION is Back" [press release], Canada NewsWire, 19 February 2007, 16:13.
  27. ↑ Jeff Rud, "Ottawa puts $3.5 million in Games", Vancouver Sun, 4 November 2006, B8.
  28. ↑ James Christie, "New Podium Canada body created", The Globe and Mail (Breaking News), 24 November 2006.
  29. ↑ Bill Curry, "Canada's history, family's history held sway", The Globe and Mail, 28 November 2006, A8; "Three cheers for Michael Chong" [editorial], National Post, 28 November 2006, A18; Tonda MacCharles, "Tory minister quits over Quebec vote", Toronto Star, 28 November 2006, A1.
  30. ↑ "Michael Chong urges MPs to 'reclaim their influence' as Reform Act takes effect". CBC News. October 27, 2015. Retrieved October 29, 2015.
  31. ↑ Martin, Lawrence (17 November 2015). "Why Michael Chong would be a good fit as Conservative leader". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 22 May 2016.
  32. ↑ Nash, Chelsea (9 January 2017). "Scheer's Conservative caucus support gives him the advantage, but leadership win not in the bag". The Hill Times. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
  33. ↑ Abbas, Rana (3 October 2016). "Conservatives say fundraising will be major challenge in crowded leadership race, expect multiple ballots". The Hill Times. Retrieved 3 October 2016.
  34. ↑ Spencer, Christina (February 17, 2017). "Spencer: Islamophobia motion has been reduced to an exercise in cynicism". Ottawa Citizen. Retrieved February 20, 2017.
  35. ↑ "House of Commons passes anti-Islamophobia motion". CBC News. March 23, 2017. Retrieved March 23, 2017.
  36. ↑ Elections Canada – Confirmed candidates for Wellington—Halton Hills, 30 September 2015
  37. ↑ Elections Canada – Preliminary Election Expenses Limits for Candidates Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine.
28th Ministry – Cabinet of Stephen Harper
Cabinet posts (2)
Predecessor Office Successor
Lucienne Robillard President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada
2006		 Peter Van Loan
Lucienne Robillard Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs
2006		 Peter Van Loan
Special Cabinet Responsibilities
Predecessor Title Successor
Stephen Owen Minister for Sport
2006		 Peter Van Loan
Parliament of Canada
Preceded by
riding created in 2004		 Member of Parliament for Wellington—Halton Hills
2004–present		 Succeeded by
incumbent
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