John Les was first elected to represent the riding of Chilliwack-Sumas in 2001, and was re-elected in 2005. During his time as an MLA, John has previously served as Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General and as Minister of Small Business and Economic Development.
He served as Government Caucus Chair from June 2002 to January 2004 and has also chaired the Legislative Special Committee on the Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform. John has served on the Government Caucus Committee on Economy and Government Operations, as well as the Select Standing Committee on Crown Corporations. He has also been chair of the Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs, and was formerly a member of the Select Standing Committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills.
Prior to being elected to the Legislative Assembly, John served for three years as a Chilliwack municipal councillor before he became Mayor from 1987 to 1999. During his 13 years as Mayor, he served on a number of bodies, including: the Fraser Valley Regional District; the Municipal Finance Authority of B.C.; the Union of BC Municipalities; and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.
Before he became involved in municipal government, John was active in business and property development, as well as community activities, such as restorative justice, the Community Police Access Centre non-profit society, and the Fraser Valley Regional Library.
John is an Honorary Rotarian, who was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship in recognition of his exemplary community service, by the Rotary Club of Chilliwack.
John and his wife Mattie live in Chilliwack and have six children and four grandchildren.
