Josephine Pon

Josephine Pon
Born	Hong Kong
Occupation(s)	Politician, banker, business executive
Years active	2019–2023 (politics)
Known for	Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Calgary-Beddington; Alberta Minister of Seniors and Housing (2019–2022)

Josephine Pon is a Canadian political figure who secured her seat in the 2019 Alberta general election as the representative for Calgary-Beddington within the 30th Alberta Legislature, affiliated with the United Conservative Party. During her tenure, she contributed to the Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund and the Special Standing Committee on Members' Services. From 2019 until 2022, she held the portfolio of Alberta's Minister of Seniors and Housing.

Background

Originally from Hong Kong, Pon relocated to Alberta, Canada in 1981, initially settling in Edmonton before moving to Calgary. Her professional journey includes over two decades in the banking sector, where she occupied positions such as Account Manager in Personal and Commercial banking, as well as Regional Manager for Business Development in Multicultural Banking at Scotiabank. In this capacity, she managed operations spanning more than 230 branches and a workforce exceeding 3,000 employees throughout the Prairie Region. Between 2013 and 2016, Pon chaired the board of Immigrant Services Calgary (ISC), an organization delivering support to upwards of 27,000 immigrants annually via 50 distinct programs. Her experience also extends to roles at Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), where she served as an International Trade Consultant and worked within Assisted Housing for the Prairie Region. Prior to her political career, she was Vice President at Taste of Asia Group, overseeing five Canadian restaurants employing over 150 staff members, providing her with significant exposure to the restaurant industry.

Political career

Pon was elected on April 16, 2019, as the MLA for Calgary-Beddington representing the United Conservative Party, winning by a margin of 3,807 votes over Alberta NDP candidate Amanda Chapman and securing 53.1% of ballots cast.

Following her election, Premier Jason Kenney appointed her as Alberta’s Minister of Seniors and Housing, where she concentrated on enhancing affordable housing options and resources for seniors. She spearheaded initiatives to modernize provincial benefits applications by introducing digital platforms tailored to senior citizens’ needs. Furthermore, Pon prioritized advancing housing developments with a focus on investing in affordable housing solutions aimed at bolstering financial security for low-income residents.

On November 21, 2019, she unveiled a plan designed to streamline affordable housing application processes by minimizing bureaucratic obstacles. Later, on November 1, 2021, Pon presented Bill 78: The Alberta Housing Amendment Act, facilitating government partnerships with private sector entities through "joint ventures" to stimulate investment in affordable housing expansion.

In collaboration with the federal Government of Canada, she announced a $444 million funding package intended to provide rental assistance for nearly 35,500 households across Alberta.

The United Conservative Party nominated Pon once more for Calgary-Beddington during the 2023 Alberta general election, where she was ultimately unseated by Amanda Chapman. Subsequently, Pon sought the Conservative nomination for Calgary Skyview ahead of the 2025 federal election but was not selected; instead, an appointed candidate was chosen.