Jason Luan (born April 23, 1963) is a Canadian politician who represented the electoral district of Calgary-Foothills from 2019 to 2023. He also represented Calgary-Hawkwood from 2012 to 2015. While in office, Luan served several cabinet positions, including Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addiction, Minister for Community and Social Services, and Minister of Culture.
Background Luan was born April 23, 1963. In 1990, he earned a master's degree in social work from the University of Calgary. Before serving as an MLA, he managed funding for nonprofit social service agencies for over 20 years.
Luan co-chaired the Immigrant Sector Council of Calgary from 2006 to 2012 and served on the Calgary Council on Mental Health and Addictions from 2017 to 2018.
Political career Luan was first elected in the 2012 Alberta general election to represent the riding of Calgary-Hawkwood in the 28th Alberta Legislature. In the 2015 Alberta general election, he lost the seat to NDP candidate, former MLA Michael Connolly.
In the 2019 Alberta general election, Luan won the riding of Calgary-Foothills, winning 57 per cent of the vote. He was appointed Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addiction. During that time, announced details on $8 million in new funds to help more Albertans access opioid treatment. Luan opposed the NDP's "one-pillar approach" to harm reduction. He and the government promoted a more "comprehensive" treatment and recovery-oriented approach when it comes to drug use and addiction.
Luan was appointed Minister for Community and Social Services on July 8, 2021, in the cabinet of Jason Kenney. After Kenney stepped down as UCP leader, the newly elected UCP leader, Danielle Smith, appointed Luan as Minister of Culture on October 24, 2022.Alberta, Government of. "Premier announces new cabinet". www.alberta.ca. Retrieved 2022-10-25.
Luan ran re-election in the 2023 election, but lost his seat to Court Ellingson from the NDP.
Personal life
Luan and his wife, Fengying Zhang, have two daughters.
Awards and recognition
In 2012, Luan received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for community services.
Electoral history
References