Geng Tan


Geng Tan is a Canadian politician who served as the Member of Parliament for the riding of Don Valley North in the House of Commons of Canada from 2015 to 2019 as a member of the Liberal Party. Tan made history as the first Canadian MP of a Mandarin-speaking heritage to be elected to the House of Commons.

Community leadership and awards

Tan is characterized as a long-standing leader and volunteer for many community organizations that are responsible for providing services and support for new Canadians immigrants. Tan is the founder, former Executive President and Co-chair of The Council of Newcomer Organizations. He is also the former Vice Chairman of the Confederation of Toronto Chinese Canadian Organizations. Drawing from his experience in those roles, Tan regularly shared his expertise on immigration and community development policy through his participation on many panels.
Tan was the recipient of both the Ontario Service Award and the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal for his service to Canada.

Education and designations

Tan earned a Bachelor of Engineering from Hunan University in China, majoring in organic chemical engineering. Tan went on to obtain his certification as a Senior Engineer and held various managerial positions. In Canada, Tan attended the University of Toronto and completed both his Master's in applied science and PhD in chemical engineering and applied chemistry.

Work experience

As a former senior nuclear chemist, Tan worked at Atomic Energy of Canada Limited and the Ontario Power Generation.

Federal politics

On June 16, 2019, Tan announced that he would not run for re-election. On June 25, 2019, it was reported that a former constituency staffer had accused him of fathering her child and refusing to pay child support. Tan's wife Xinglai Laura Huang, a scientist with Environment Canada, ran for the Liberal nomination to replace Tan, but was barred from running by the party. He was ultimately succeeded by Han Dong.

Electoral record