The Honourable David Emerson

Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics

Vancouver Kingsway (British Columbia)


David Emerson was first elected to the House of Commons in 2004 and was named Minister of Industry in July 2004. He was re-elected in 2006.

In 1975, Mr. Emerson joined the Government of British Columbia, becoming the province’s Deputy Minister of Finance in 1984. In 1986, Mr. Emerson left government to become President and CEO of the Western and Pacific Bank of Canada. Four years later, he returned to the provincial government as Deputy Minister of Finance, then Deputy Minister to the Premier, and later President of B.C. Trade Development Corporation.

In 1992, Mr. Emerson was appointed to lead the newly created Vancouver International Airport Authority. In 1998, he was appointed President and CEO of Canfor Corporation.

Mr. Emerson attended the University of Alberta and obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in economics. He then went on to Queen’s University where he received his doctorate in economics.

Mr. Emerson and his wife, Theresa, have two children.
Mr. Emerson also has three grown children.

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