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Health Minister Michael de Jong attends the 3rd annual Abby Invitational Wrestling Tournament.
Health Minister Michael de Jong joins B.C.'s Lieutenant Governor, the Honourable Steven L. Point, to officially open the Sikh Heritage Museum at Abbotsford's historic Gur Sikh Temple.
Minister de Jong gets ready to run in the annual Santa Shuffle in Ellwood Park. The event included a 5km fun run and a 1km elf walk. More than 200 people took part and raised over $5,000 to help the Salvation Army assist people in need during the holiday season.
B.C. Premier Christy Clark, Health Minister Michael de Jong, Canadian High Commissioner Stewart Beck and Col. Stephen LaPlante arrive at the Delhi War Cemetery in New Delhi, India to observe a moment of silence on Remembrance Day.
Mike joins Santa at the Abbotsford Running Room to promote the Santa Shuffle Fun Run and Elf Walk. The event takes place on December 3rd, and raises money for the Salvation Army so they can assist families and individuals in need during the Christmas season.
Health Minister Michael de Jong takes part in the 2011 Abbotsford Run for the Cure. With over 2100 participants, this year's event raised nearly $300,000 towards finding a cure for breast cancer.
Health Minister Michael de Jong joins Abbotsford South MLA John van Dongen in proclaiming September 24th "Abbotsford Flying Club Day." The proclamation was presented to club member John Spronk at the club's 50th anniversary celebration.
Health Minister Michael de Jong announces a historic information-sharing agreement between Métis Nation BC and the provincial government. The Métis Public Health Surveillance Program will help the Ministry of Health identify consenting Métis Citizens from among existing databases and report on specific health outcomes and chronic diseases.
Health Minister Michael de Jong joins hundreds of other Abbotsford residents in a 10 kilometre run to honour Canadian hero Terry Fox, and raise money for cancer research.
Health Minister Michael de Jong waves to the crowd at the annual Canada Day festivities in Abbotsford.
Students from Abbotsford's Dr. Thomas A. Swift Elementary School help Minister Michael de Jong open section three of the Discovery Trail in Abbotsford. When completed, the trail will span 37 kilometers and will link Abbotsford with Chilliwack. The trail traverses much of Abbotsford’s urban core, and has been funded by a joint partnership with the provincial, federal and municipal governments.
Health Minister Michael de Jong participates in the Fraser Valley Walk for ALS with Abbotsford Heat team mascot Hawkey and Abbotsford Mayor George Peary. The purpose of the walk, which is held in communities across the province, is to raise funds to find a cure for this devastating and fatal disease.
Hitting balls in the Rotary Hole in One contest to raise funds for the Campus of Care being created in Abbotsford. Mike came within three feet-eight inches of the pin … ranking just outside the top seven golfers for the day.
Minister of Health and Abbotsford West MLA Michael de Jong announces a $3.5 million contribution towards the creation of Holmberg House, a palliative care facility to be operated by the Abbotsford Hospice Society. Holmberg House was named to honour the contributions and life of David Holmberg Jr., who succumbed to brain cancer on March 30, 2011. The Holmberg family has long been known for its philanthropic contributions to charitable organizations throughout British Columbia. The Minister is joined by members of the Holmberg family as well as MLAs John van Dongen and Randy Hawes.
Dave Holmberg Sr. speaks during a ceremony naming the Abbotsford Hospice Society's new palliative care facility after his son, Dave Holmberg Jr., who died of brain cancer in March 2011. In addition to the province's $3.5 million contribution, the society, with the assistance of the Holmberg family, is committed to raising the funds required to construct the facility which will be located on a ‘campus of care’ site adjacent to Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre.
Health Minister Michael de Jong and MLAs Randy Hawes and John van Dongen pose with members of the Holmberg family for the naming ceremony for Holmberg House. Once completed, the house will allow Abbotsford residents with terminal illnesses to stay in their community and receive hospice services.
Health Minister Michael de Jong is joined by Abbotsford South MLA John van Dongen, Abbotsford Mayor George Peary and Women’s Resource Society of the Fraser Valley director Betty Johnston on the Clearbrook Road site of 41 supportive housing units for single women and women with children at risk of homelessness. The new apartment complex, well on its way to completion, has a capital cost of roughly $10.3 million and will be named the Christine Lamb Residences in memory of Ms. Lamb, who worked tirelessly to see this project built before succumbing to cancer. Christine Lamb was also a three-term council member of the former Municipality of Matsqui, the only woman to have ever been elected in the municipality during its 105-year history. The new housing unit is funded by an $8.9 million provincial infrastructure grant to combat homelessness through the Ministry of Housing. The City’s contribution of $1.36 million is through its contribution of the land, located adjacent to Matsqui Recreation Centre and Gordie Howe Elementary.
Minister of Health and Abbotsford West MLA Michael de Jong cuts a “Canada” cake at the conclusion of citizenship ceremonies for 30 new Canadians held at Abbotsford’s historic Trethewey House. The new Canadians, from 16 different nations, took the oath of allegiance on April 14.
Mike presents a proclamation declaring April 10-16, 2011 as Arts and Culture Week in British Columbia to Judy Whyte, Executive Director of the Abbotsford Arts Council at a ceremony held at Kariton House community art gallery located on Mill Lake.
Abbotsford West MLA and Minister of Health Michael de Jong proclaims April 5th Oncology Nursing Day in B.C., and presents the proclamation to nurse Janice Paul.
Abbotsford West MLA and Minister of Health Michael de Jong is joined by nurses from the Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre as he proclaims April 5th Oncology Nursing Day in B.C. The event was to recognize and thank nurses for the work they do to ensure people receive high quality cancer care across the province.
Michael poses with Teja Singh Samra, who, at 104 years old, is one of B.C.'s oldest residents. The two are celebrating the 20th year of operation of the Hamdard Weekly newspaper in Surrey.
Michael joins Amar S. Bhullar, Hamdard Chief Editor, and Gurdeep Grewal, Vancouver Operations Manager, in celebrating the 20th year of operation of the Hamdard Weekly in Surrey. The newspaper is published throughout the world, and has a readership estimated at 10 million.
Abbotsford West MLA Michael de Jong is officially sworn in as the new Minister of Health in front of the Lieutenant Governor Steven L. Point in Victoria.
Mike completes on September 18 the annual 10k Abbotsford Police Run in well under an hour, a little slower than previous years but a good finish just the same. Mike competes (against himself) in the run every year, which attracts close to 2,000 people of all ages who participate in either the 10k or 5k divisions.
Mike on stage at the annual Mount Lehman Fall Fair held September 18. This year saw the event mark its 25th anniversary, attracting hundreds of local residents along with many who have moved away but return each year during the fair to reconnect with friends.
Michael addresses the crowd of veterans, friends and families who attended the ceremony September 11 to remember the 65 World War Two airmen from across Canada who died during Lancaster and Mitchell bomber training flights at Abbotsford Airport between 1943 and 1945. Their deaths had gone unacknowledged in this community until now. Their names are now memorialized in bronze on the War Memorial in Abbotsford’s civic square. Abbotsford Airport was originally developed in 1943 by the federal government as a bomber training site for the Royal Canadian Air Force.
Mike speaks from the stage during celebrations of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, the Sikh holy scriptures and the founding of the Sikh religion. Many thousands of Sikh faithful accompanied the scriptures on the parade route through parts of west Abbotsford surrounding the Gurdwara Sahib Kalgidhar Darbar located on Blueridge Drive in Abbotsford.
Mike poses on a motorcycle from among a group that led the parade September 5 celebrating the 406th anniversary of the founding of the Sikh religion.
Mike speaks to Punjabi television reporter while thousands of Indo-Canadians march down the hill to the rear during the celebration parade of the 406th anniversary of the Parkash Divas of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji - the creation of the holy scriptures that mark the beginning of the Sikh religion. Parade was held Sunday, September 5, and was organized by the Kalgidhar Darbar Sahib Society. The parade followed city streets in Abbotsford in a route roughly circling the Gurdwara Sahib Kalgidhar Darbar on Blueridge Drive in Abbotsford.
Mike, constituent Fred Scullard (left) and representatives of the City of Abbotsford, Abbotsford Airport Authority, Ministry of Transportation, Tourism Abbotsford and Abbotsford South MLA John van Dongen, in front of the large new sign unveiled July 29 that welcomes travelers and visitors to Abbotsford International Airport. On the opposing side is “Welcome to British Columbia” directed to visitors who have arrived in our province from other areas aboard the commercial air traffic that land at Abbotsford.
New, large, lit sign with British Columbia flag welcomes visitors arriving at Abbotsford International Airport to our province. Sign was erected based on a suggestion from Abbotsford West constituent Fred Scullard.
Mike and constituent Fred Scullard pose in front of “his” sign. Scullard suggested to Mike a few months ago that the existing “welcome” sign was inadequate. Mike agreed, and with cooperation from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, which provided funding for the installation, the sign was officially unveiled July 29. The sign also welcomes visitors to Abbotsford International Airport on the obverse, recognizing both the City of Abbotsford and the Abbotsford Airport Authority.
Michael speaks at the groundbreaking of the new taxiway at Abbotsford International Airport.
Abbotsford-Mission MLA Randy Hawes, Michael, Abbotsford Mayor George Peary, Abbotsford MP Ed Fast and Abbotsford-South MLA John van Dongen officially break ground to start the construction of a new taxiway at Abbotsford International Airport.
Mike proclaims May as Motorcycle Awareness Month. This is a very important message for the motorcycling community to remind drivers to look twice because motorcycles are back on the road.
"May King" Gordie Buchanan at the opening ceremonies of the 82nd Bradner Flower Show.
Mike celebrates the 10th anniversary of B.C.'s Representation Agreement Act (RAA) at the MSA Society for Community Living in Abbotsford. The celebration was part of a session on supported decision-making held by the society. The RAA allows adults to choose a person to make or help them make decisions about their health care, personal and financial affairs for a time when they may not be capable of making these decisions independently. Pictured with Mike:Bob Geddes, Arlene Schouten (representative for Bob Geddes), Executive Director of Nidus Registry, Joanne Taylor, Melissa Simard and her representative Cherilynne Simard.
Mike speaks during announcement of Cascade Aerospace winning service support contract for Canada’s new CC-130J Super Hercules airlifters. The contract includes using Canadian industry for 20 years of in-service support for the fleet. The aircraft and support programs, and the resulting industrial regional benefits, represent many hundreds of millions of dollars in business for Canadian industry.
Mike with MP Ed Fast (left), Abbotsford South MLA John van Dongen, representatives of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics and (far right) David Schellenberg of Cascade Aerospace following the announcement that Lockheed Martin has selected the Abbotsford-based aerospace company to provide aircraft maintenance, engineering, modification, and support services for Canada’s new fleet of 17 CC-130J Super Hercules Tactical Lift aircraft.
Gymnasts from throughout the province prepare for the 2010 Twisters Invitational. The event was held at Abbotsford's Ag-Rec facility March 19-21.
Mike participates with Abbotsford-South MLA John van Dongen, Abbotsford MP Ed Fast and Abbotsford Mayor George Peary at the official groundbreaking of the $25 million improvement to the Clearbrook Road Interchange.
Michael helps to unveil the new plans of a $45 million upgrade to Abbotsford Collegiate Secondary School. Pictured from left to right: Abbotsford Collegiate Principal Lance McDonald, John, Abbotsford Board of Education Chair Cindy Schafer, Minister of Education Margaret McDiarmid and Abbotsford-West MLA Michael de Jong.
Michael checks out plans for a $45 million upgrade project for Abbotsford Collegiate Secondary School.
Mike meets with Jan Peter Balkenende, Prime Minister of the Netherlands just prior to the Opening Ceremonies of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games held in Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium.
Dr. Rashpal Malhotra, Executive Vice Chairperson, CRRID and Michael cut the ribbon to open the new B.C. Opportunities Office in Chandigarh, The Punjab.
A massive contingent of about 250 British Columbians traveled to Chandigarh for the opening of the new B.C. Opportunities Office.
Michael reinforced the importance of capitalizing on the strong existing cultural ties between British Columbia and north India.
Michael officially opened the first pharmacy to be located in the new Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Center. Posing with the minister is Anita Nathwani, pharmacist Shafique Nathwani, Pharmasave CEO Dave Reston and pharmacist Shabita Nathwani-Teja.
Michael speaks during announcement of $55 million worth of infrastructure funding for Abbotsford. Joining him is Abbotsford Airport Authority chair Dave Kandal, Abbotsford MP Ed Fast, Abbotsford South MLA John van Dongen and Abbotsford Mayor George Peary. With $30 million in funding, Abbotsford International Airport, will build a parallel taxiway to the main runway, allowing expansion of the airport’s ability to land more aircraft.
Michael on stage during opening ceremonies for the 2009 edition of the annual Mount Lehman Fall Fair.
Michael and John van Dongen join Abbotsford Mayor George Peary, Fraser Health CEO Dr. Nigel Murray and (on the left) Sandra Parson, the first patient to receive cancer treatment, and Michael Marchbank of the Provincial Health Services for the first anniversary celebrations of the new Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre. This incredible addition to health care services in the Fraser Valley opened last year on time, and on budget. The facility provides the first full care cancer centre available to eastern and central Fraser Valley residents.
Michael and Captain Albert Gibson take a last Albion Ferry ride just before the service was terminated following completion and opening of Golden Ears Bridge which now provides continuous link between Maple Ridge and Langley.
Michael de Jong, pictured with Premier Gordon Campbell and Clerk E. George MacMinn, was sworn in today as MLA for Abbotsford West. June 8, 2009.
Abbotsford-Mt. Lehman MLA Michael de Jong, Abbotsford-Clayburn MLA John van Dongen, and Abbotsford mayor George Peary review blueprints of the University of the Fraser Valley Abbotsford campus while being briefed on future development by architect Russ Chernoff.
Architect Russ Chernoff and UFV Facilities department head Ian McAskill give Abbotsford-Mt. Lehman MLA Michael de Jong, Abbotsford-Clayburn MLA John van Dongen, and Abbotsford mayor George Peary a tour of the site where a campus ring road might be built to facilitate movement through the university campus.
Abbotsford Deputy Mayor Moe Gill, MLAs Randy Hawes and John van Dongen join MP Ed Fast and Mike following Mike’s announcement of $939,000 to help fund development of section 3 of Abbotsford’s outstanding Discovery Trail. First two phases of Discovery Trail were made possible by two grants from the provincial government in 2007 and 2008 totalling more than $2 million.
Mike attend the official opening of Bradner Flower Show, with from left to right: The Honourable Steven L. Point, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia, Donna Shevens, President of both the Bradner Flower Show and Bradner Community Club and Murray Brown, Master of Ceremonies.
From Left: Ed Fast, MP for Abbotsford, Mike, Rich Coleman, Minister responsible for Housing, John van Dongen, MLA for Abbotsford-Clayburn, Mayor of Abbotsford George Ferguson and Gordon Gong, CEO, Aboriginal Housing Management Association at the opening of the Spirit Bear Centre in Abbotsford.
Mike attends Abbotsford’s Spirit Square announcement on March 14 along with, from left- Mayor George Ferguson, Premier Gordon Campbell Abbotsford city councilor John Smith and Abbotsford-Clayburn MLA John van Dongen.
Mike with Mary Polak, MLA for Langley and Maranda Rudolph, the Langley girls Peewee C Sharks goalie and a member of the PuCKS program. PuCKS is a local organization that uses hockey to promote health, education and community strength for children and youth through the nationally-popular game of hockey.
Mike participates in the traditional Bhangra Dance with Gurdeep Grewal of Abbotsford during an event in the village of Phalewal, Punjab, India.
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