Gerard Janssen | |
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Member of the British Columbia Legislative Assembly for Alberni | |
In office November 19, 1988 – May 16, 2001 | |
Preceded by | Bob Skelly |
Succeeded by | Gillian Trumper |
Personal details | |
Born | Venlo, Netherlands | May 3, 1946
Political party | British Columbia New Democratic Party |
Occupation | Jeweller |
Gerard A. Janssen (b. May 3, 1946[1]) is a Dutch-born jeweller, watchmaker and former political figure in British Columbia. He represented Alberni in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia from 1988 to 2001 as a New Democratic Party (NDP) member.
He was born in Venlo, the son of Nicholas Jannsen and Maria Sloesen,[1] and came to Canada with his parents in 1952. Janssen later took over the operation of the business established by his parents in 1956.[2] In 1967, he married Florence Edith Irene McIver.[1] He was a member of the Alberni Valley Chamber of Commerce, also serving as its president. Janssen was first elected to the provincial assembly in a 1988 by-election held after Bob Skelly resigned his seat to enter federal politics. He served as government whip in the assembly. Janssen was a member of the provincial cabinet, serving as Minister of Small Business, Tourism and Culture from 2000 to 2001.[2] He was defeated by Gillian Trumper when he ran for reelection to the assembly in the new riding of Alberni-Qualicum in 2001.[3]