First Name: James
Title: Parliamentary Secretary for Canadian Heritage
Spouses: Jeannette Abbott (current)
Children: Three children (unknown)
CV: Abbott was first elected to the House of Commons in 1993. He was re-elected in 1997, 2000, 2004 and 2006. Jim represents the constituency of Kootenay Columbia, British Columbia.In February 2006, Mr. Abbott was appointed as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage. In previous Parliaments, Mr. Abbott has served as his party's critic for Canadian Heritage, Solicitor General, Revenue Canada, Regional Development and the Senate. He was Chairman of the British Columbia Conservative Caucus.Mr. Abbott has served on numerous Parliamentary Committees including Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Canadian Heritage and, in particular, the review of the Broadcasting Act. As well, Jim has been a member of the Committees on Environment, Natural Resources (Forestry), Finance, Public Accounts and Justice and Human Rights. Jim was also Associate Critic Foreign Affairs Asia Pacific in the 38th Parliament. Asia Pacific issues are of particular interest to Mr. Abbott. He is currently Chairman of the Canada Korea Inter-Parliamentary Association, Chairman of Canada Taiwan Parliamentary Friendship Group. Jim has also served previously as Co-Chair Canada Mongolia Inter-Parliamentary Association and Treasurer of the Canada Asean Inter-Parliamentary Association.Mr. Abbott has participated in many inter-parliamentary conferences in Asia under the Asia Pacific Economic Development Conference (APPCED) and the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF).Jim brings a background of sales, marketing and business management with his own firm - as well as small, medium and international businesses - to his parliamentary functions.