Benson Lau

Benson Lau is a family physician in Toronto. He was born in Hong Kong in 1953. Benson immigrated to Canada with his family in 1968. Soon after, he graduated from Central Collegiate in Regina, Saskatchewan. In 1972, he moved to Toronto to pursue his post secondary education and obtained his Bachelor of Arts from University of Toronto in 1975. Once he had completed his BA, Benson worked for several years before returning to school and receiving his Doctorate of Medicine degree from University of Toronto.

Since his graduation from medical school, Benson has started and sustained a very successful medical practice. Furthermore, besides operating a clinic, he also is a practicing home physician for 3 nursing homes. In addition, Benson serves as a stress lab supervisor for the Western Division, University Health Network.

Benson is a member of the Canadian Medical Association, Ontario Medical Association and Canadian Chinese Medical Society. He is also affiliated with the Toronto Hospital – Western Division and the Scarborough Grace Hospital.

Benson has served as a member of numerous community associations. In particular, he has volunteered his time to organizations including the University Settlement Centre, St.John’s Ambulance (Toronto Branch), Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, Toronto East General Hospital Foundation, Carefirst Community Service and Seniors Centre.

As further evidence of his commitment to community life, Benson ran as a candidate in 1991 and 1994 in the Toronto municipal elections. Furthermore, between 2001 and 2004, he was a provincially appointed member of the Toronto Police Services Board. Throughout much of his service on the Board, Benson was an avid and vocal supporter of police Chief Julian Fantino.

In 2003, Benson was admitted to the Order of Ontario and was awarded The Queen’s Silver Jubilee medal.

Career

After obtaining his medical degree, Benson practiced as a solo family physician. Benson has also practiced as a medical director, home physician, and as a supervisor at a number of facilities and institutions including three nursing homes.

Presently, as the Medical Director at the Dr. Paul and John Rekai Centre, Benson acts as a consultant to the Board on all medical matters. As Medical Director, he engages in a number of tasks including, initiating and implementing policies and guidelines related to medical matters. Some of his other responsibilities as Medical Director include, encouraging, supporting and educating staff to promote and improve a healthy living and working environment. Benson’s position also allows him to consult with government regulatory agencies in order to assist with short and long term planning issues relating to the delivery of care.

Currently, as a home physician at the Mon Sheong Home for the Aged, he works with the Medical Director and staff to provide quality health care to residents and continuing education on health related subjects to residents, their family and staff.

In addition, as a Supervisor at the Cardiac Stress Laboratory (Western Division) at the University Health Network, Benson is, first and foremost, responsible for the care of patients. His responsibilities as Supervisor also include the coordination and provision of education to patients involved in various types of investigatory procedures.

Public appointments

Between1998 to 2001, Benson served as a member of the Ontario Civilian Commission on Police Services. His duties required him to participate in adjudication and appellate panels relating to police disciplinary penalties as well as disputes between municipal councils and police services boards throughout Ontario. As part of the Commission, he was also involved in inquiries with respect to public complaints arising out of a variety of matters relating to policing issues across the Province.

From 2001 to 2004, Benson was a member of the Toronto Police Services Board. His responsibilities included involvement in issues related to community safety and outreach as well as governance, strategic planning and budgeting for the largest urban police force in Canada. As a Board member, Benson also advocated for increased education and training for front line officers.

Benson often aligned himself with other members of the Board including Judge Hugh Locke (retired) in support of Chief Fantino who was a populist and outspoken police chief throughout that period.

Awards

# Order of Ontario, 2003
# Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal, 2003
# Ontario Volunteer Award for 15 years of volunteering services, 1999
# Chinese Canadian Legend, 2003