Hon. George Abbott - Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, Member for Shuswap

Heavenly Father, we pray for George Abbott today.  We ask that you would grant him tremendous wisdom and strength as he serves our province in this very important portfolio.  Lord, we pray that you would help him to love mercy, do rightly and walk humbly before You and before all men.

Bless him and his family today! 

We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen

George Abbott was appointed Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation and government deputy house leader on June 10, 2009. He was re-elected as MLA for the Shuswap on May 12, 2009.

He had served as Minister of Health since June 16, 2005 and previously served as Minister of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services and Minister of Sustainable Resource Management.

George has also been deputy house leader for the Official Opposition and was critic for municipal affairs and forests. He was Deputy Chair of the Select Standing Committees on Forests, Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, and was a member of the Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs. Additionally, he sat on the Official Opposition Caucus Committee on Crime.

First elected as MLA in 1996 to represent the riding of Shuswap, George was re-elected in 2001 and again in 2005. Before his election to the Legislative Assembly, George was a political science instructor at Okanagan University College. He also owned the oldest and largest berry farm in the Interior.

He received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia and his Master of Arts in political science from the University of Victoria.

George was the chair of the Columbia-Shuswap Regional District. He was also involved in amateur sports as a minor hockey coach.

George and Lesley Abbott live in Sicamous and have three children.

MLA Bob Simpson - Cariboo North

Our Gracious Father we pray for MLA. Bob Simpson today and thank You for the special leadership qualities You have blessed him with.  Lord, we realize his past experiences in business, education , his service in the Canadian Navy, have prepared him for the position he now holds as MLA. We thank you , that he is continuing to serve in this riding,for another term , which he does, so faithfully and well.

Grant him Your grace and wisdom to discern how best , to fulfill his duties . We pray You will bless the work of his hands, to benefit those he represents in Cariboo-North

We bless and appreciate his family , for their sacrifice of time and effort, so that Bob , may serve in the province of BC. Dear Lord,keep them all safe and well, in Your loving care.

Bob Simpson was re-elected as the MLA for Cariboo North on May 12, 2009. He was first elected to the Legislature in 2005.


Bob serves as opposition critic for Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation.


A former small business owner and entrepreneur, Bob was most recently Corporate Manager, Organizational Effectiveness and Leadership Development for a major forest products company.


Born in Scotland, Bob's family immigrated to Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1967 and he moved to British Columbia in 1973 when he joined the Canadian Navy. He has two undergraduate degrees and a Teaching Certificate from the University of Victoria.


Bob is a former National Triathlon Champion in his age group and was named BC’s Male Triathlete of the Year in 2002; he is also an avid mountain biker and runner.


Bob, his wife Trish, and their two teenage children live in Quesnel

MLA Nicholas Simons - Powell River-Sunshine Coast

Creator God, You have blessed the Sunshine Coast with ocean, mountains, lakes, forests-a beautiful masterpiece.

You have blessed us with a caring and thoughtful MLA, Nicholas Simons.  Honor his commitment and sacrifice to his constituents with wisdom, compassion and understanding.  Guide his heart and mind in the issues that concern us. Help him to work well here with the various people groups he tries to represent.

And,Oh Lord, bless our riding with wisdom from above as Nicholas represents us in the Legislature, voicing our needs and concerns to the larger governmental body.

We thank you for Nicholas and pray your hand will always be upon him.


Nicholas Simons was elected as the MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast on May 17, 2005 and again on May 12, 2009.


Nicholas serves as Opposition Critic for Children and Family Development.


Nicholas spent over fifteen years working in the areas of health, justice, social services and child welfare. For the past eight years he served as the Director of Health and Social Development for the Sechelt Nation, where he was the Executive Director of Child and Family Services.


Prior to his employment with the Band, he worked as a child-protection social worker and as a consultant for private firms and various governments in areas including law reform, child welfare, legal education and crime prevention.


Nicholas lectured in Criminology, taught child-protection social work to those working in aboriginal communities, and is a proponent of First Nations autonomy in child welfare.


Nicholas is a cello teacher and performer, former-President of the Sunshine Coast Arts Council and has served as a coach with Sechelt Minor Softball.


Nicholas lives with his partner on the Sunshine Coast

MLA Michael Sather - Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows

Lord, we come to you today for Michael Sather, MLA for Maple Ridge - Pitt Meadows.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for leaders who are passionate about the environment and nature.  We are especially thankful for Mr. Sathers interest in caring for the wilderness and his experience in agriculture, the environment, education, small business, social services and health care.

We ask, Father, that you will network him with other like-minded men and women, on both sides of the house. We ask that out of their discussions will come forth many new ideas and plans that 'all things will work together for good'. May his training and background be appreciated by all who hear him speak, and wisdom flow from him in such a way that, although a member of the Opposition, his ideas will produce rich fruit for our Province.

We ask this in Jesus' Name.  Amen

Michael Sather was re-elected as the MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows on May 12, 2009. He was first elected to the Legislature in 2005. Michael serves as deputy opposition critic for Environment. Michael attained a teaching certificate from the University of Alberta and taught school in Alberta. Michael later attained his Bachelor of Science in Zoology at the University of Alberta. He moved to British Columbia in 1974 and pursued a career studying wildlife for the next ten years. In 1985 he became a wilderness guide and set up a small business as owner/operator of Hummingbird Nature Tours in Maple Ridge.

Michael also served as the Constituency Assistant to former NDP MLA Bill Hartley.


Michael attained his Masters Degree in Psychology in 1998 and was employed as a Mental Health Therapist for the Fraser Health Authority for three and a half years prior to being elected MLA.


Michael has an extensive background and experience in agriculture, education, environment, small business, social services and health care. Michael lives with his spouse, writer and conservationist Annette LeBox. He has two stepchildren, Christian and Sara.

MLA John Rustad - Nechako Lakes

Father, we come to you today for John Rustad of the Nechako Lakes riding.  You know his extensive background in forestry and his ability to work on innovative projects.

We ask, Lord, that you will fill his mind with wisdom, that he may use his background knowledge and his ability to bring new ideas into focus, to bring great prosperity to the region he is representing.

You have given us our forests, Father, and for them we are truly grateful. We ask that they will be managed and harvested wisely for the good of all people in our Province.

You have also raised John to be a member of several Select Standing Committees with social and financial applications.

We pray for his family and his riding, that they may prosper at this time and be blessed because of your hand on this man.  We pray all this in the great Name of Jesus. Amen.

John Rustad was re-elected to represent the newly redistributed riding of Nechako Lakes on May 12, 2009, and was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Silviculture to the Minister of Forests and Range on June 10, 2009. He was previously elected as MLA for the riding of Prince George-Omineca in the 2005 provincial election.


John currently co-chairs the Farm Assessment Review Panel and has chaired the Select Standing Committee on Crown Corporations, the Select Standing Committee to Appoint a Police Complaint Commissioner and the Government Caucus Committee on Social Development. He was also a member of the Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth, the Select Standing Committee on Education, the Selection Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services and the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts.


Since 2005, John has chaired the Northern Caucus of B.C. and has toured extensively throughout the North to listen and bring forward issues that affect those communities. He is also a chair of B.C.’s Outdoor Caucus and government representative to PNWER (Pacific Northwest Economic Region).


Born and raised in Prince George, John has worked in the forest industry for more than 20 years. He formed Western Geographic Information Systems Inc. in 1995, offering a consulting service to the forest industry. Previously he was the Geographic Information Systems department manager for Timberline Forest Inventory Consultants in Prince George. John also owns a woodlot license and has been involved in land development projects.


Elected as a school trustee in 2002, John has worked on innovative projects throughout the district, including the South Fort George Family Resource Centre, a project designed to combine social services from a variety of agencies. John also championed the renovation and expansion of the College Heights Secondary School (CHSS) through a self-financed project; and advocated for the new Trade and Technical Program of Excellence for Grade 10-12 students and the Healthy Choices Committee designed to promote healthy choices in diet and exercise within schools.


John and his wife Kim were married in 1995. John is an avid soccer player and he and Kim enjoy theatre, golf, skiing and the outdoors.

MLA Doug Routley - Nanaimo North Cowichan

Heavenly Father, we ask that you would bless Doug Routley today. We recognize that You have given him many gifts and abilities that enable him to serve his consitituents and our province very well. Help him as he adjusts to serving a new riding and new consitituents. Minister to his life and his relationships. Let your blessing be upon him today we pray!

In Jesus Name, Amen!

Doug Routley, born May 9, 1961 in New Westminster, BC, grew up in Duncan, BC. Doug comes from a family of educators and attended the public schools of the Cowichan Valley. He also attended Camosun College before traveling to Japan, where he lived and worked for one year.

Doug's close friendships and connections to the Cowichan First Nation people began as a boy playing road hockey and attending school with his friends from Cowichan. He has continued building on that connection in politics, first as a school trustee and now as MLA. Doug has a diverse background in industry, business, unions and politics. He has work experience in logging and sawmilling, treeplanting, construction, as well as working as an ESL teacher, business owner and operator, school custodian, union representative, school trustee and MLA.

While in Japan, Doug taught English and studied Sumea, traditional Japanese ink painting. He was a bicycle racer and while training in Japan, met a renowned Japanese bicycle manufacturer. Doug became English teacher to the family of this bicycle manufacturer and was given North American rights to his products. After his return to Canada, Doug established a company with a retail bicycle store in Vancouver and a wholesale/distribution chain which had dealers throughout Canada and the USA with warehouses in Vancouver, Ontario and California.

Doug was elected as the MLA for Cowichan-Ladysmith on May 17, 2005 and re-elected as MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan on May 12, 2009 He serves as Opposition Critic for Apprenticeship and Training, and also served as Deputy Chair of the Select Standing Committee on Education.


Doug has two daughters, Sasha, 21 and Madeline, 13.

MLA Bill Routley - Cowichan

Our Father in Heaven: I thank you and praise your Holy Name for your servant Bill Routley. Bill is an MLA of Duncan and Cowichan Bay area for the province of British Columbia. Lord I pray that your mighty hand be with Bill in all that he does for his constituents and for our beautiful province.

I pray your protection over Bill and his family. As Bill serves you Lord I ask a spiritual joy to fill Bill’s heart , along with the strength and wisdom to fulfill his mission. Help him to see your will, to love justice and walk humbly before you.

Thank you Lord for Bill Routley.

Bill Routley was elected MLA for Cowichan Valley on May 12, 2009. Bill serves as deputy opposition critic for Forests and Range.

Bill began his career in the Forest industry working at the Youbou Sawmill where he became active first as the Safety Chairman, and then as Plant Chairman. He was elected the President of IWA Local 1-80; now USW-Steelworkers Local 1-1937.

Bill served as a Pension Trustee on the IWA-Forest Industry Pension Plan. He was a member of the IWA-Forest Industry Pension Audit Committee, and was a Trustee on the IWA-Forest Industry Health and Welfare Benefit Plan. Bill's service to the community includes five years as a School Trustee in Lake Cowichan (1980 -1985).

Bill and his wife Charmaine enjoy the company of their two grown children, son Noah and daughter Alisha who have provided the gift of five wonderful grandchildren; ages four to nine years. While Bill and Charmaine currently reside in Duncan, they started their family in Youbou and then lived at Marble Bay on Lake Cowichan for many years. Bill and Charmaine were very active in Lake Cowichan with their involvement in Boy Scouts(Beavers) and Girl Guides.

Bill and Charmaine owned a home decorating business "Decorating Den" for many years.

MLA Linda Reid - Richmond East

Lord God, we thank You for the privilege that You have given us to pray for our leaders in Government and today we pray for Linda Reid. We ask Your blessing & favour upon her life and that You would guide her in every decision that is made. Grant her your wisdom as she serves as an MLA and Deputy Speaker.  We pray this in the name of Jesus, Amen

Linda Reid was nominated as Deputy Speaker on June 10, 2009. Previously, she was Minister of State for Childcare from June 16, 2005 to June 9, 2009. She also served as Minister of State for Early Childhood Development from June 5, 2001. She was first elected in 1991 to represent the riding of Richmond East and was re-elected in 1996, 2001, 2005 and 2009.

Linda previously served in a variety of critic roles for the Official Opposition, including children and families, health, attorney general, municipal affairs, and science, technology and research.


She sits as a member of the Government Caucus Committee on Education.


Before her election to the Legislative Assembly, Linda worked as a language therapist, teacher and school administrator for the Richmond School District.


She graduated from the University of British Columbia with an education degree and earned a master of arts from UBC specializing in education, exceptional learners, language acquisition and public administration.


Linda was the BC chair for the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind and a director of the Garden City Hospice Society. She has been active in the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, the Asia-Pacific Business Association, and the Canadian Council for Exceptional Children and the Family Court Committee of Richmond. She was a founding member of the Richmond Chinatown Lions Club and was chair of the British Columbia Youth Parliament board from 1986 to 1991.


Linda and her husband Sheldon live in Richmond and have two children – Olivia and Will.

MLA Bruce Ralston - Surrey-Whalley

Heavenly Father, we come to you today for Bruce Ralston, the MLA for Surrey - Whalley.

Lord, we thank You for a skilled leader who has a broad understanding of law and finance. We ask that as he uses his skills and gifts that you will fill him with tremendous wisdom and insight.  Use him in his critic role to bring attention to the issues that require further thought, discussion and debate.

Father, you care for all people in British Columbia. We need to be governed by men and women of character and understanding: We ask that Mr Ralston will become an even stronger and effective leader within his caucus. 

In Jesus' Name we ask. Amen.

Bruce Ralston was re-elected as the MLA for Surrey - Whalley on May 12, 2009. He was first elected to the Legislature in 2005.


Bruce serves as opposition critic for Finance.


Bruce is a lawyer in Surrey, where he has operated his own law firm for 18 years.


From 1995 to 2006, Bruce was a member of the VanCity Savings Credit Union board of directors. He served as the chair of the board from 2001 to 2003. Bruce also served on the Surrey City Council from 1988 to 1993.


He promoted planned development for healthy neighbourhoods for Surrey families. He is a former board member of Surrey Memorial Hospital and the Surrey Public Library.


Bruce is also a former president of the BC NDP. Bruce was born in Victoria and grew up in Vancouver. He has degrees in history and law from the University of British Columbia and a degree in history from the University of Cambridge in England.


Bruce is married to Miriam Sobrino. They have three children, 17, 15 and 12, who attend public schools in Surrey and New Westminster. They are active in their community through a number of community and sports organizations.

MLA Lana Popham - Saanich South

Lord you have given Lana a deep sensitivity towards the world You have created. Lord may she see your hand at work as she focuses on decisions concerning the protection of the environment. We pray that you would direct her mind in knowing how to bring about right leigislation to protect that which You have given us.May your protective hand be upon her and her family.In Jesus name.Amen

Lana Popham was elected as a Member of the British Columbia Legislative Assembly for the Constituency of Saanich South on May 12, 2009.

She is also the New Democratic Opposition Critic for the Ministry of Agriculture and Lands.  Lana was raised on Quadra Island and has an undergraduate degree from the University of British Columbia.

Lana has an extensive track record as a community leader, advocate and environmental activist. For example, her recent contributions include being a:

Member of Saanich's Planning, Transportation and Economic Development Committee,


President the Vancouver Island Grape Growers Association,


Chair of the Certification Committee for the Islands Organic Producers Association,


Commissioner on the Peninsula Agricultural Commission, and a


Voting Member of the Agri-Food Initiative Advisory Committee.


In late 2007, Lana launched a campaign called “Think Outside the Bag” to reduce the use of disposable bags. While initially dismissed by cynics, in less than two years this campaign has helped to dramatically change how consumers use plastic bags and contributed to a sea change with many grocery stores and other retailers no longer offering them.

Lana has lived in Saanich South since 1996. She is married to Jon Popham, a fire-fighter, and has one young son. The family owns and operates Barking Dog Vineyard, the first certified organic vineyard on Vancouver Island.

Hon. Mary Polak - Minister of Children and Family Development and Minister for Child Care Member for Langley

Heavenly Father we bring before your throne Mary Polack.Lord we ask for your hand upon her and your protection upon her.  Guard her heart and mind and sensitivities,and may your righteous hand direct her in her ministry of children and family development.This is a huge reponsibility Lord so we know that nothing is impossible for You and we ask that you would help her to make the right choices in this ministry and even in the face of hard decisions Lord guide her mind.May your hand of blessing be upon all the families and childern affected in this ministry. Amen

Mary Polak was appointed Minister of Children and Family Development and Minister Responsible for Child Care on June 10, 2009. She was elected to the Legislature in 2005 and again in 2009 to represent Langley. Mary Polak was was appointed Minister of Healthy Living and Sport on June 23, 2008. On December 19, 2006, she was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health for the Conversation on Health. Mary currently sits on the Cabinet Committee on New Relationship Coordination and the Government Caucus Committee on Social Development. She has served on the Government Caucus Committee for Natural Resources and the Economy, the Select Standing Committees for Children and Youth, Education and Public Accounts. She has also been a member of the Cabinet Committee on Agenda Development and the Special Committee to Review the Personal Information Protection Act.

Before being elected to the Legislative Assembly, Mary was director of operations for a small polling and research firm and a trustee and former chair of the Surrey School Board. Under her leadership, Surrey became the first school district in B.C. to balance its books according to generally accepted accounting principles. She also led an initiative to make Surrey the first school district in the province to publish school-by-school results for both elementary and secondary schools.

Throughout her nine years in local government, Mary has worked with many regional and provincial organizations. As a representative to the Lower Mainland Consortium of School Districts for Successful Settlement, she twice presented briefs to the Federal Immigration Commission. In the mid 1990s, Mary chaired the Council of British Columbia School Districts and in 2003, she was elected to the board of directors of the British Columbia School Trustees Association.

Mary lives in the Willoughby area of Langley.

MLA Pam Pimm - Peace River North

We thank you Lord for Pat and pray your guidance upon all his decisions.Give him strength and wisdom from above .You have given him the mind he has Lord and You alone know how to speak into his mind. So we pray Oh God that you would grant him the ability to make the right and timely decisons before him in Jesus name, knowing that in all things, You have the answer.

Amen

Pat Pimm was elected MLA for Peace River North in the 2009 provincial election.

A long-time resident of the Peace River region, Pat served twelve years as councillor for the City of Fort St. John from 1993-2005. For six years, he was chair of city hall’s Finance Committee, responsible for overseeing the municipality’s budget process.

With 25 years experience in the oil and gas industry, he was co-chair of the BC Oil and Gas Conference in 2002 and 2005, bringing together industry stakeholders to identify further strategies and opportunities for economic development in British Columbia’s northeast region. He has also served on a variety of other local community boards and committees.

Pat possesses an extensive background in the construction industry. He is president of Alpha Controls Ltd, a company that provides construction, maintenance, and electrician services for numerous projects. He is also a director and vice-president of the North Peace Construction Association.

Pat is a director of the British Columbia Golf Association and past president of the Lake Point Golf and Country Club. He is a long-time youth sports volunteer, having coached golf, hockey, and minor league fastball. He enjoys travel, curling, and playing hockey. Pat is married to Jody and the father of two daughters and two sons.

Hon. Barry Penner - Minister of Environment - Member for Chilliwack Hope

Father we thank you for Barry Penner. We acknowledge every office is determined by you and all is set in motion for your holy purpose. We pray for your Holy Spirit to be with him as he carries out his duties and bless him with your wisdom, good health, peace that passess all understanding and supernatural ability to cope with all the pressures and demands placed on him in office. Give him a continued sense of confidence that is based on integrity and your truths and will draw our community to you Lord. We thank You for your gracious patience and kindness to us and all the blessings you have placed on our leaders and community. Help our leaders to work together to keep it a safe place to live, worship, work and play. May they continue to grow in your grace and wisdom…In Jesus name. Amen

Barry Penner was re-elected as MLA to represent the new riding of Chilliwack-Hope in the spring of 2009.


Barry was first elected to represent Chilliwack in 1996, and was re-elected in the new riding of Chilliwack-Kent in 2001 and 2005.

Mr. Penner was appointed Minister of Environment on June 10, 2009.

Barry was raised in Chilliwack. He studied political science and economics at Simon Fraser University to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree. He later earned his law degree from the University of Victoria. A former park ranger and sawmill worker, Barry also worked as a B.C. Legislative intern in Victoria. In 1991, he worked for an International law firm in Bangkok, Thailand and then later practiced law in Chilliwack until his election in 1996.

Barry previously served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Government House Leader, as Chair of the Government Caucus Committee on Natural Resources, and was a member of the Legislature's Standing Committee on Crown Corporations.

Barry was appointed by Premier Campbell as the co-chair of B.C.’s Alternative Energy and Power Technology Task Force in April 2005.

He has also chaired the Legislature’s Standing Committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills, and served as a member of the Legislature's Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs, and the Cabinet Committee for Legislative Review.

Premier Campbell appointed Barry in 2001 to lead BC's delegation to the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER). He served as President of PNWER from June 2002 to July 2003 and remains active in PNWER issues.

Barry represents and lives in the electoral district of Chilliwack-Hope.

MLA Michelle Mungall - Nelson Creston

Heavenly Father, we ask you to bless Michelle Mungall today in her role as MLA for Nelson-Creston. We pray that she will cope with all the information-overload that comes with a new position. We pray that she will grow in confidence and wisdom and act with integrity and accountability. Give her favour in all things as she adjusts to her new responsibilities.

Thank you for hearing our prayer, Lord.


At the age of 31 years-old, Michelle became the first woman elected as MLA in Nelson-Creston. Seven years earlier, in 2002, she set another record as the youngest person ever elected to Nelson City Council.


Michelle serves as deputy opposition critic for Advanced Education and Labour Market Development.

Her university studies and her career in community development eventually brought her to Zambia, where she worked to better the lives of girls with HIV/AIDS. Michelle served as Nelson City Councillor (2002-2005); Community Coordinator, Nelson Committee on Homelessness; National Programs Assistant, YWCA Zambia; and managed the Nelson food security and micro-finance non-profit organizations.

Michelle holds a BA (Honours) in Political Science from University of Alberta and a MA in Human Security and Peacebuilding from Royal Roads University.

She was the 2008 Recipient of the National Social Sciences Humanities Research Council Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship and is bilingual in English and French.

Michelle and her partner Zak reside in their Nelson home. They enjoy skiing, hiking, local arts and being active in the region.

MLA Don McRae - Comox Valley

It is with gratefulness to God that we offer up this prayer of blessing for Don McRae. Our prayer first of all is for Don and his family. Father in Heaven we would ask you to keep Don’s family including his wife Deanne and their beautiful daughter Gracie under your loving care and protection. Secondly we pray that Don would be granted wisdom from God as he seeks to lead and represent the many needs and concerns in the Comox Valley and British Columbia. Finally our prayer is that Don would know he is not alone, but has many friends who care and are committed to encouraging and praying for him on a regular basis. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen

Don McRae was elected on May 12, 2009 as MLA for the riding of Comox Valley.

Don was born and raised in the Comox Valley. For the past 14 years he has taught at GP Vanier Secondary School. Aside from teaching Social Studies, Military History, and Psychology, he has also served as a rugby coach, athletic director, department chair, and Staff Leadership Committee Chair.

Don has served as a Courtenay City Councillor for the past seven years. During his time on council, he has served as a municipal director for both the Comox Strathcona Regional District and the newly restructured Comox Valley Regional District. He has also been a member of the Comox Strathcona Hospital Board, vice-chair of the Comox Valley Sewer and Water Committees and numerous community organizations and boards. In 2008, he was also appointed by Premier Campbell to the Citizen’s Conservation Council.

He is an avid jogger and enjoys hiking and fly fishing. Don has been married to his wife Deanne for 14 years and they have a six year old daughter, Gracie Ava.

Hon. Mary McNeil - Vancouver False Creek - Minister of State for the Olympics and ActNow BC

Heavenly Father, we thank you for Mary McNeil today and lift her up in prayer in her new portfolio as Minister of State for the Olympics and ActNow BC. We pray that she makes wise decisions for the many challenges in her new role. We pray for the smooth running of all the events and for the participants in the upcoming 2010 Olympics and that it will be a very positive event in every way for all of BC.

Surround her, her husband, four daughters and their families with your love and protection.

We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen

Mary McNeil was appointed Minister of State for The Olympics and Actnow BC.  Minister McNeil was elected MLA for Vancouver-False Creek in the 2009 general provincial election.

Most recently, Mary served as president and CEO of the BC Cancer Foundation for eight years. She has served in key roles for international economic events including the G7 meetings in Halifax and Toronto, APEC in Vancouver and the XI international conference on AIDS. Mary has also served on the Vancouver Police Board for four years.

Mary was born and educated in Vancouver and has lived in Yaletown for 11 years with her husband of 38 years, Rod. She has raised four daughters and currently has eleven grandchildren

MLA Joan McIntyre - West Vancouver Sea to Sky

Heavenly Father, today, we ask for a blessing on Joan McIntyre. Thank you for her past commitment as Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations and now as she sits on various cabinet committees. We pray for integrity and sound judgment when decisions are made that affect the people of BC. We pray for her good health, a smooth-running office and staff, plus blessings on her husband and two children.

In your name, Lord. Amen

Joan was appointed to the Agenda and Priorities Committee on June 10, 2009. She previously served as Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations.

In 1980, Joan co-founded the well-known BC polling firm of McIntyre & Mustel Research Associates Ltd. She sold her interest in 1996 to work independently and to concentrate more on the qualitative side of the research business.

Throughout her career, Joan has conducted political research and provided counsel on many campaigns. She has also mentored and encouraged young people to become engaged in the political process to ensure they have a direct say in their future.

A long time supporter of the 2010 Olympic Bid, Joan was appointed in 2002 to a communications advisory committee for the Bid and was fortunate to be in Prague for the winning IOC announcement.

She also served as the Deputy Chair of the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts, and was a member on the Select Standing Committee on Crown Corporations and the Agricultural Planning Government Caucus Committee.

Joan grew up in Toronto, Ontario, and attended the University of Toronto's Trinity College. She graduated with an Honours BA in Political Science in 1971. An avid skier and sailor, Joan takes full advantage of living in one of the healthiest and active ridings in Canada.

Joan and her husband Andrew Pottinger have lived in West Vancouver since 1983 and they have two children, Leigh and Drew.Joan McIntyre was first elected in the riding of West Vancouver-Garibaldi in the 2005 provincial general election and re-elected in the riding of West Vancouver-Sea to Sky in 2009.

MLA Norm MacDonalad - Columbia River-Revelstoke

Heavenly Father, thank you for blessing Norm MacDonald for a second term in office as MLA for Columbia-Revelstoke. Give him the strength and stamina to be an effective Opposition Critic for Education. We thank you for his past background as a principal and teacher for many years. Help him in his role as a critic.  Bless and protect him and his family in Golden.

In your name, Jesus. Amen

Norm Macdonald was re-elected as the MLA for Columbia River-Revelstoke on May 12, 2009. He was first elected to the Legislature in 2005.


Norm serves as opposition critic for Forests and Range.


Recently the principal of Nicholson Elementary School, Norm has taught for more than 15 years in the Columbia Valley. He has a further six years experience teaching in Africa. Norm served as a Councillor and was then elected Mayor of Golden in 1996. Norm Macdonald lives in Golden with his wife Karen and two teenage daughters.

Hon. Dr. Margaret McDiarmid - Minister of Education and Minister Responsible For Early Learning and Literacy

Lord, we Thank You that you have called Margaret to make a difference in the Education System. We pray for wisdom from above and fresh ideas that will benefit all in our Province. Give her favour in the eyes of all she comes in contact with and the strength, ability and desire to really make a difference and be a positive influence in Parliament. Bless her family life, her health and give her confidence as she serves in this important role. We Thank You Father for this opportunity for better health for our Province. In Jesus name we ask this. Amen

Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid was elected MLA for Vancouver-Fairview in the 2009 general provincial election.

Margaret has been a family physician for 23 years. She served on the board of the BC Medical Association for 12 years and was president in 2006-2007. The BCMA is a voluntary association of 11,000 members comprised of British Columbia's physicians, medical residents, and medical students. During her time with the BCMA, Margaret met with key leaders from government and other organizations.

Margaret experienced the health care system as a patient after an early diagnosis of breast cancer in 2007. She received treatment and has fully recovered.

Originally from Saskatchewan, Margaret and her husband Robert moved to Rossland, BC in 1989. Since the mid-1990s, both Robert’s and Margaret’s work brought them more frequently to Vancouver, where ultimately they decided to settle. Margaret enjoys golf, bridge, playing piano, kayaking and treasures the time she spends with family and friends.

MLA Norm Letnick - Kelowna Lake Country

Heavenly Father, we pray for MLA Norm Letnick as he serves the people of Kelowna. We pray that you will guide and direct him in all matters he has to handle. We pray, Lord, that he will seekYour wisdom first in making decisions and handling important matters for our Province.

I pray this in Jesus’ most precious name. Amen

Norm was elected as MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country on May 12, 2009 in the provincial general election.

His previous community service experience includes serving on Kelowna City Council since 2005 and working with the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Kelowna Rotary and Gyro Clubs. Norm was chair of the city’s Affordable and Special Needs Housing Task Force where he successfully led Kelowna through a year of public consultations and workshops to develop the eight key recommendations he presented to council in 2006.

As well, Norm represented the central Okanagan on the province’s single business license implementation committee which resulted in reduced cost and red tape for mobile businesses throughout the Okanagan/Similkameen, and he worked as the selection process leader on the City of Kelowna’s Roads Task Force which recommended transportation network access to the new W. R. Bennett Bridge.

Before moving to Kelowna, Norm lived in Banff and owned two H&R Block franchises, a Motorola dealership, and a computer store. He served on the Banff Chamber of Commerce, as president of the Banff Rotary Club, and was chairman of both the Banff Hospital Board and Municipal Planning Commission. Norm also served the Banff community as a city councillor, first elected in 1992 and re-elected in 1995. He was also president of the Banff Housing Corporation developing over $20 million in affordable housing.

Norm was an instructor in the business program at Okanagan College and he holds a Bachelor of Commerce, a Master of Business Administration and is currently working toward a Ph.D. in health economics at UBC Okanagan, focusing on international research to improve health care for British Columbians.

He is bilingual in English and French, enjoys biking, hiking, golf, reading, good movies and helping others reach their full potential. He and his wife Helene have three children.

MLA John Les - Chilliwack

Father we thank you for those you have placed in authority in our community. We pray for our Chilliwack MLA John Les as he carries out his duties. We pray your Holy Spirit will guide him in wisdom and in truth. We pray for good health, peace and supernatural ability to cope with all the pressures and demands placed on John in office.  Give him a sense of confidence and integrity that is based on your truths and will draw our community to you Lord. We Thank You for your gracious patience and kindness to us and all the blessings you have placed on our leaders and community. Help our leaders to keep it a safe place to live, worship, work and play. Be with John as he makes the important decisions facing our community and our Province. In Jesus name. Amen

John Les was re-elected as MLA to represent the new riding of Chilliwack in the spring of 2009.

John has served as Solicitor General, Minister of Small Business and Economic Development.

Mr. Les was first elected to represent the riding of Chilliwack-Sumas in 2001 and re-elected in 2005.

He 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 he became Mayor from 1987 to 1999. During his 13 years as Mayor, he served on a number of bodies, including Chair of the Fraser Valley Regional District; Trustee of the Municipal Finance Authority of B.C.; Director of Union of BC Municipalities; and President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

In his private business career, Mr. Les was a partner in a Chilliwack dairy operation, an award-winning realtor, as well as the owner of a successful land development company.

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 11 grandchildren

Hon. Blair Lekstrom - Minister of Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources

Heavenly Father today we bring before your throne of grace, Blair Lekstrom. We pray that you will fill him with heavenly wisdom as he carries out the mandate you have given him. We ask that he will look to you for guidance as he serves as MLA for Peace River South region. May he use each day as an opportunity for good. Thank you Father for blessing and equipping him for the task before him. In Jesus Name Amen.

Blair Lekstrom was re-elected to a third term as MLA for Peace River South on May 12, 2009 and was re-appointed as Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources on June 10, 2009.

Blair was first appointed Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources on January 19, 2009 after serving as Minister of Community Development from June 23, 2008. He was first elected in the 2001 provincial general election in the riding of Peace River South, and was re-elected for a second term in the 2005 general election.

Previously, Blair chaired the Legislative Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services (2001, 2002, 2005 and 2006) and served on the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts, the Agriculture Policy Development Committee, the Legislative Review Committee and the Government Caucus Committee on the Economy. In the past he has also served as the Chair of the Legislative Committee to review the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the BC Offshore Oil and Gas Committee. He has been a member of the Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs, the Select Standing Committee on Health, the Northern Caucus Committee, the Cabinet Committee on Agenda & Priorities, and the Legislative Committee on the Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform.

Before becoming an MLA, Blair was serving his second term as Mayor of the City of Dawson Creek. He was first elected mayor in 1996, after serving for three years as a councillor.

Born in 1961 in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Blair moved to Dawson Creek later that year and has lived there ever since. Following graduation from South Peace Secondary School, Blair started with BC Tel in 1979 and worked for the next 17 years as an installer-repairman until his election as Mayor in 1996. He was a Peace River Regional District member and served on the North Central Municipal Association executive.

Blair's previous appointments include serving as a Municipal Finance Authority board member, North Central Municipal Association president, BC Task Force on Bank Mergers member, BC Agri-Food Policy Working Group member, and Union of BC Municipalities executive member.

Blair's community involvements included: Dawson Creek & District Hospital Foundation board member, Board Member, Pouce Coupe Long-Term Care Facility as well as participation in a wide range of community groups in his capacity as Mayor of Dawson Creek.

He and wife Vicki were married in 1982. They have two children. Blair is an avid motorcyclist and enjoys working on and riding his Harley Davidson. Other hobbies include: carpentry, camping with his family, and playing baseball and hockey

MLA Richard Lee - Burnaby North

Lord, we thank you for Mr. Lee ‘s willingness to serve as an MLA with such a young family. Lord, we pray that you would enable him to have employees and supporters that would work efficiently and well so that he will be able to spend as much time as possible with his family. Give him wisdom in his day to day decisions. Help the people who work with him to understand his vision and priorities and be able to implement those things that you gave him responsibility for. I thank you for a person of integrity and ask that you bless him in his time in the legislature and in the community and that all things in this term of office would work for betterment of Burnaby-North and the Province of BC. Please protect and bless his home and family, in Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.

Richard T. Lee was first elected as the MLA for the riding of Burnaby North in 2001 and was re-elected to his third term in the May 2009 provincial general election. He was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for the Asia-Pacific Initiative on June 16, 2005.


Richard recently served as member of the legislative Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services and a member of the Select Standing Committee on Education.


Previously, Richard served as member of the legislative Special Committee to Review the Police Complaint Process, a member of the Special Committee to Appoint a Police Complaint Commissioner, Vice-chair of the Special Committee to Appoint a Merit Commissioner, a member of the Government Caucus Committee on Economy and Government Operations, a member of the Government Caucus Multicultural Committee and Chair of the Government Caucus Asian Economic Development Committee.


Before being elected to the Legislature, Richard was a programmer analyst at TRIUMF, Canada's national particle research facility. In 1976 he earned a Combined Honours Bachelor of Science degree from UBC in physics and mathematics and in 1980 a Masters of Science from UBC in Applied Mathematics. While studying, Richard worked as a research assistant from 1975 to 1977 and then as a teaching assistant from 1977 to 1979 with the Department of Mathematics in UBC. From 1979 to 1982 he worked as a programmer at TRIUMF and in 1982 became a programmer analyst. Richard attended the United States Particle Accelerator School at Berkeley in 1989 and once again in 1990 at Harvard University.


Richard's community service included: British Columbia Heritage Language Association director; Burnaby District Parents’ Advisory Council member, and Burnaby Chinese Parents Association vice-president; Burnaby Multicultural Society director; Burnaby Voters Non-Partisan Association director; Civic Education Society director; Vancouver Society in Support of Democratic Movement chairperson; and, British Columbia Table Tennis Association Honorary President.


Born in 1954, Richard and his wife Anne married in 1986 and have lived in the constituency since then. They are also the parents of three children. Richard's pastimes include badminton, basketball, table tennis and bridge.

MLA Harry Lali

Lord we pray for Harry Lali in his role as MLA. Give him and his wife Rani and their children the strength and ability to cope with the pressures of this role. Let Harry be a strong advocate and example of family values in his community and in our Province and to stand strong for the family unit which is too often undermined in our society. We pray for good health, wise decision making, and a positive impact on all he comes in contact with. In Jesus name. Amen

Harry Lali served as Minister of Transportation and Highways from February, 1998, to February, 2001. He was the longest serving NDP Highways Minister in British Columbia. Previously, Harry served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Forests from June, 1996, to February, 1998. Currently he is the Opposition Critic for B.C. Lotteries, Gaming Policy and I.C.B.C.


In 1988, Harry was elected City Councillor in Merritt for one term. In 1991, Harry was elected Member of the Legislative Assembly for Yale-Lillooet, re-elected M.L.A. in 1996, and again a third time in 2005.

Harry was born in 1955 in Jullundur District, Punjab, and currently lives in Merritt. He was educated at the University of Victoria and the University of British Columbia, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and South Asia Area Studies. Harry is the founder of the group that established the Chair of Punjabi and Sikh Studies at the University of British Columbia.

Before his election to the Legislature, Harry was an Employment Counsellor for the federally-sponsored Merritt Outreach Program from 1986 – 1991. He has also worked at MOSAIC in Vancouver. Harry is a former member of the IWA Local 1-417 when he spent 11 summers working in the sawmill industry in Interior B.C. Harry is also a former co-owner of a sporting goods store.

From 2001 – 2006 Harry owned his own business that was involved in international development and technology transfer to developing countries, namely in the field of environmental technologies and power generation.

Harry and his wife, Rani, are the proud parents of two sons and one daughter