MLA John Les

Today we are praying for John Les, MLA for Chilliwack-Sumas.

John Les was first elected to represent the riding of Chilliwack-Sumas in 2001 and re-elected in 2005. He served as Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General and as Minister of Small Business and Economic Development.

Mr. Les has also served as Government Caucus Chair, and also chaired the Legislative Special Committee on the Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform. Mr. Les 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.

Before being elected to the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Les served for three years as a Chilliwack municipal councillor before serving as 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, including a stint as president.

Before he became involved in municipal government, Mr. Les 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.

Mr. Les is an Honorary Rotarian, who was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship in recognition of his exemplary community service, by the Rotary Club of Chilliwack.

Mr. Les and his wife Mattie live in Chilliwack and have six children and four grandchildren.

Lord, we thank you for those You have called to community service and for leaders like John Les who have given themselves to their communities in response to the desires that you have placed within their hearts and minds.  We pray for Mr. Les today and ask that you would bless him and his family today.  May he know a fresh measure of your compassion and grace in his life today.  Lift off the burdens that weigh him down today as he yields them to You.  May this be a day marked with Your joy, strength and peace in his home, relationships and work.

In Jesus Name,  Amen.