Colin Hansen was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in 1996 to serve the constituency of Vancouver-Quilchena. He was reelected in the general elections of 2001, 2005, and 2009.

Mr Hansen served as Minster of Finance and Deputy Premier (2008–11); Minister of Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Asia-Pacific Initiative and the Olympics (2005–8); Minister of Finance (2004–5); and Minister of Health Services (2001–4). Between 1996 and 2001, he served as health critic for the Official Opposition, as well as the critic for employment and investment, and for labour.

He currently serves on the Treasury Board and the Select Standing Committee on Health.

Before his election to the legislature, Mr Hansen and his wife, Laura, ran a small business in Vancouver. He also served as vice-president of finance and administration for the Asia-Pacific Foundation of Canada. He has also been involved in a number of community organizations, having held such positions as director for the Vancouver-Yokohama Sister Society and chair of the Vancouver Museum board of trustees.

Mr Hansen was born in 1952 and raised on Vancouver Island, where he attended public school in Port Alberni, Victoria, and Courtenay. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science in 1975 from the University of Victoria.

Mr Hansen and his wife have two grown children, and have lived in the Dunbar area of Vancouver since 1980.