Councillor James Wang
I came to Canada from China in 1996. I was born in the beautiful southern city of Suzhou and was raised in Xi’an, a northwest China city well-known for its rich history and the world-renowned 2,000 year-old Terra Cotta Warriors. My family has lived in Burnaby for 15 years.
With my election in 2008 to the Burnaby Board of Education as a trustee, I became the first immigrant from Mainland China to be elected in Canada. My contribution as a school trustee over the past six years has had a significant impact on promoting important initiatives that benefit all children in the public school system in Burnaby.
I have a master’s degree in Business Administration and I am fluent in English and Mandarin. My accomplishments include: Independent Director & Senior Advisor with Canada Export Centre; Honorary President of the Northwest Benevolent Association of Canada; Advisor with the Canada Community Service Association (CCSA). I was recognized by the Vancouver Sun as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Chinese-Canadians in BC (2006), along with my brother.
As a 2014 winner of the RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrants Award, I am honoured to be in the company of prestigious past winners, including CFL legend Michael “Pinball” Clemons, Olympian Donovan Bailey, former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, Olivia Chow, and many more.
I volunteer my time with many community activities and have led local fundraising campaigns for earthquake victims in Haiti and China. I am an avid photographer and a golf and table tennis enthusiast, sitting as a director of the North America Golf Association and vice chair of Canadian Chinese Table Tennis Federation.
I have two children growing up in Burnaby, who are enjoying many benefits of the excellent public education system. I strongly believe in the importance of the public school system and have worked very hard as a school trustee to ensure that Burnaby’s children are successful learners and that they receive a quality education in a safe, inclusive, supportive environment. Much of my focus has been on securing leading-edge learning opportunities for Burnaby students and building trust and understanding in the important role of publicly funded education.
All of this positive work has encouraged me to want to do more to serve the community. That is why I made the decision seek a position on Burnaby City Council, where I now look forward to bringing my passion, energy and extensive experience to the role of city councillor.
Current Focus
My focus is on serving more with my passion and energy and being a bridge between Burnaby’s diverse communities.
Memberships and Community Links
- Member, Social Issues Committee
- Honorary President, Northwest Benevolent Association
- Past Co-Chairman, Canadian Alliance of Chinese Associations
- Advisor, Canadian Community Service Association (CCSA)
- Advisor, Canada-China Society of Science and Technology
- Advisor, Global Women's Federation of Commerce of Canada
- Advisor, Henan Fellowship Association of Canada
- Director, North America Golf Association
- Vice President, Canadian Chinese Table Tennis Federation
