Heavenly Father, thank you for the Honourable Jennifer Whiteside. Thank you for placing her in the position she is in and continue to give her the wisdom and compassion she needs to do all that is before her. Bless her with patience to keep fighting and standing up for those who are in need. We ask that you would also be with her family, may they all know feel loved and protected today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Jennifer Whiteside was elected MLA for New Westminster in 2020 and was appointed the Minister of Education. She now serves as the Minister for Mental Health and Addictions Previously she was the chief spokesperson and lead negotiator for the Hospital Employees’ Union, she has fought for better public healthcare and the rights of healthcare workers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked tirelessly to protect seniors and workers in nursing homes across the province. While leading B.C.’s first campaign for a living wage, she fought to ensure that work lifts people out of poverty and allows them to support their families and fully participate in their communities. Jennifer has worked for community organizations and labour unions at the provincial and national level, and in those roles has championed a wide range of social justice issues from accessible post-secondary education and affordable public childcare, to Medicare and health equity. Jennifer was born and raised in New Westminster, holds a degree in History from Simon Fraser University.