MLA Doug Donaldson - Member for Stikine

Dear Father, We bless and honor Doug Donaldson. We ask that You strengthen him for the work You have called him to do. Thank You for the wisdom You have given him, and for helping him in all the decisions he makes.

We ask for divine insights and strategies to accomplish Your purposes in the new year. We thank You for Doug Donaldson and his family, and pray You bless them richly.

May Your hand of protection to be upon them in 2010.

In Jesus' Name, Amen

Doug Donaldson was elected as MLA for Stikine on May 12, 2009 after four terms as a municipal councillor in Hazelton.

Doug serves as deputy opposition critic for Finance.

Doug’s previous work in the Stikine included jobs in forestry, tourism, education, communications and journalism. He has been active on many local and provincial boards.

Doug lived in Smithers and Telkwa before settling in Hazelton. He has traveled extensively through the new Stikine riding, with many trips to the northern part of the constituency featuring a recent visit to Iskut to participate in a community coalbed methane forum organized by the Tahltan. Doug is married and has two adult children. He enjoys skiing, hiking, squash and tending to his chickens, turkeys, sheep and llamas. His formal education includes an undergraduate degree in biology and a graduate degree in journalism.

MLA Adrian Dix - Vancouver Kingsway

Gracious Lord, we thank You for Adrian Dix and the work he does for our beautiful province and the people who live here. We thank You that he has taken the position of commenting on public policy, and informing British Columbians of the daily decisions affecting us. Lord, give him discernment in the discussions, and clarity as he communicates the reasons for decisions made on our behalf. Be with him in his role as Health Services Critic, so that exceptional health care is accessible for each of us. Bless him, invigorate him and refresh him daily as he works in public office. In Jesus’ Name. Amen

Adrian Dix was re-elected as MLA for Vancouver-Kingsway on May 12, 2009. He was first elected to the Legislature on May 17, 2005.


Adrian serves as opposition critic for Health Services.

Adrian has extensive experience as a non-profit director, education community leader, government strategist and media commentator.

For the past five years, Adrian travelled the province as Executive Director of Canadian Parents for French – BC & Yukon Branch, a non-profit organization promoting language education.

Adrian is a commentator on public policy whose regular columns were published in the Victoria Times-Colonist and The Source, a Vancouver multicultural newspaper. Over the past five years, he was regularly called upon to present views on public policy issues for local, provincial, national and international media.

Adrian also served as the Chief of Staff to Premier Glen Clark from 1996 to 1999.

Adrian grew up in Vancouver, graduated from University of British Columbia and now lives in the Collingwood neighbourhood.

Hon. Mike de Jong - Attorney General - Member for Abbotsford West

Lord, we pray for Your strength for this man You have placed in this position of authority. We ask for clarity of mind for the tasks You have set before him, and insight into those areas that need Your wisdom. Help him with favor with those he works with, and help him know how to rise above any challenges that come his way. We pray Your touch upon him today, in Jesus Name.

Michael G. de Jong, Q.C., was named British Columbia’s Attorney General on June 10, 2009. The five-term MLA previously served as Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, Minister of Labour and Citizen Services, and Minister of Forests.


Michael de Jong was re-elected on May 12, 2009 as the MLA for the newly named constituency of Abbotsford West, an area he has represented since first being elected to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in a 1994 byelection. The constituency was then known as Matsqui, a name that continued through the 1996 general election until 2001. The riding was then renamed Abbotsford – Mount Lehman, a designation that was held through the 2005 election until the 2009 general election.

In addition to his role as Attorney General, Mr. de Jong also serves as Government House Leader, a post he has held since 2005.


Prior to his roles in government, Mr. de Jong served as Deputy House Leader for the Official Opposition and was Opposition Critic for a variety of portfolios.

Before his election as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in 1994, Mr. de Jong served two terms as an elected School Trustee for Abbotsford School District 34, and was a practicing lawyer with his own Abbotsford firm. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton University in Ottawa and a law degree from the University of Alberta.

MLA Marc Dalton - Maple Ridge Mission

Heavenly Father, we bring Marc Dalton before you today. We ask that you would help him as he serves the interests of his constituents while he serves our great province as well. Lord, we ask that you would continue to bless him with your wisdom, strength and insight. Grant him favour within his caucus and across party lines. Use him as a bridge builder among MLA’s from both sides of the house. Bless his marriage, his family and those who work to support him. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen

Marc Dalton was elected as MLA to represent the riding of Maple Ridge-Mission on May 12, 2009.


Previously, Marc worked as a long-time teacher in the Maple Ridge School District at both the elementary and high school levels. He has a Bachelors Degree in French and History and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership, both from Simon Fraser University. Raised in a military family he lived in bases across the country and served in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves after graduating. He is a member of the Royal Canadian Legion in Maple Ridge.

Mr. Dalton is Aboriginal (Metis) and speaks French. He has led student exchanges to Quebec to promote unity, French language fluency and an appreciation of Canadian culture. He has attended the Teachers Institute of Parliamentary Democracy in Ottawa and has been active in politics at all different levels over the past 25 years.

Mr. Dalton is a resident of Maple Ridge and has been married to his wife, Marlene, for 24 years. They have three grown children.

For several years, Mr. Dalton worked as a volunteer with youth and reaching out to the needy. Currently, he and Marlene are involved with feeding the homeless in downtown Maple Ridge.

MLA Kathy Corrigan - Burnaby Deer Lake

We thank You, Lord, that you have called Kathy Corrigan to stand beside her husband in public service. Help her, Lord, to fulfill Your perfect will as she goes about her many responsibilities. Give her stamina, wisdom, courage and time to reflect on You each day. Give her insight into the many complex issues she has to deal with in Burnaby – Deer Lake, and reveal to her those things that are important for her to know to make informed decisions. Bless her family, her health, her home and her workplace, in Jesus Name.

Kathy Corrigan was elected as MLA for Burnaby-Deer Lake on May 12, 2009.


Kathy serves as opposition critic for the Olympics and ActNow BC.

Kathy Corrigan has lived in Burnaby for more than 30 years. She has served for nine years on the Burnaby school board and was chair of the board for two years.

Her involvement in the community includes serving on parent advisory committees, coaching and supporting sports teams, and writing a column on education for the Burnaby NOW.

Kathy Corrigan is a lawyer by training and has worked as a policy analyst, specializing in social, labour and trade policy.

Kathy and husband Derek Corrigan, who is the Mayor of Burnaby, have raised four children.

MLA Gary Coons - North Coast

We pray for Gary Coons today, asking You, Lord God, that you would bless him with much wisdom as he faithfully serves the people of the North Coast in British Columbia. We thank You ,God, that he exercises wisdom as he performs his role as Opposition Critic for Transportation and Infrastructure. We pray that You will continue to bless him with good health, and give him the desire of his heart, which is to be able to spend time with his family and friends.

Gary Coons was re-elected as the MLA for the North Coast on May 12, 2009. He was first elected to the Legislature on May 17, 2005.

Gary serves as deputy opposition critic for Transportation and Infrastructure.

Gary has been an educator in the Prince Rupert School District for 27 years. He has taught Mathematics/Special Education and has been an active community advocate for many years. His other interests include spending time with his family and friends.

He also enjoys coaching, playing racquet sports and taking advantage of the many outdoor activities that the north coast has to offer.

MLA Katrine Conroy - Kootenay West

Dearest Heavenly Father, we thank You for MLA Katrine Conroy and for her great willingness to step out and make a difference in her world. We ask that You use the knowledge she has gained through the various leadership positions and careers she has held for the greater good of the province, according to Your purposes, oh Lord.

We ask that you cause her desires and goals to come in line with Yours, that she would be a conduit of blessing for the people of the West Kootenays and beyond. May you grant her success in her public career as an MLA, even as you have blessed her in her private endeavours, and may she recognize that it is You that has done this, oh Lord.


Katrine Conroy was elected as the MLA for Kootenay West May 12, 2009. She served as MLA for West Kootenay-Boundary from May 17, 2005 until the riding boundaries were re-drawn.


Katrine Conroy has been successful in both community and career endeavors. Katrine has enjoyed successful careers as one of B.C.'s first female Steam Engineers, as an Early Childhood Educator, Administrator and College Instructor, and as a small business person.

Katrine has worked and volunteered in her community as the Executive Director of Kootenay Family Place, Co-Chair of the Castlegar and District Social Planning Council, Treasurer of the Regional District of Central Kootenay Community Futures Board, Hospital Board member, and founding Board member of the Community Social Services Employers Association.

With her husband Ed, Katrine lives in Pass Creek where they run a successful ranch breeding prize winning Polled Hereford cattle. Together they have raised four children, and have five grandchildren.

Hon. Rich Coleman - Minister of Housing and Social Development

Heavenly Father, we thank you that You have called Rich Coleman to serve all the people of BC. We pray that You would continue to use his training and experience to fulfill Your purpose in the many tasks he is required to perform. Give him wisdom, strength, peace and the ability to discern Your perfect will each day. Bless him with quality time for his home and family and protect them, Lord. Give him favour with his constituents and his colleagues as he does the job You have called him to do. Provide him with the support of good employees and those in positions which would enable him to do things in the way the job requires. We ask it in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.

Rich Coleman was first elected in 1996 to represent the riding of Fort Langley-Aldergrove and was re-elected in 2001, 2005 and 2009.


Rich Coleman was appointed Minister of Housing and Social Development on June 23, 2008.

He previously served as Minister of Forests and Range and Minister Responsible for Housing, as well as Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

From 1996-2001, Mr. Coleman served in a variety of Official Opposition roles, including housing critic, forests deputy critic, and caucus whip. He also sat on the Official Opposition Caucus Committee on Crime.

Mr. Coleman has served as governor of the B.C. Kinsmen, president of the Aldergrove Chamber of Commerce, and as a director on several volunteer boards. He was awarded Rotary's highest honour, the Paul Harris Fellowship, and received a Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal in 2003. He has also received the Canada 125 Medal for community service and was chosen Langley's Volunteer of the Year in 1988.

Before his election to the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Coleman ran a real estate management and consulting company. He is also a former member of the RCMP and a security specialist.

Rich Coleman and his wife, Michele, live in Aldergrove and have two adult children.

Hon. Murray Coell - Minister of Labour, Member for Saanich North and the Islands

Lord, we come before you today to pray for Murray Coell. Thank you for his involvement in his community and willingness to serve the people in Saanich and the Islands. Bless him as he goes about his day. Thank you for his family; watch over them, also. Amen

Murray Coell was re-elected to the riding Saanich North and the Islands in the 2009 election. On June 10, 2009, he was appointed to serve as Minister of Labour.

Previously, Minister Coell served as Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development, Minister of Advanced Education and Minister Responsible for Research and Technology. In addition, Minister Coell’s past portfolios include Minister of Human Resources and Minister of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services.

Minister Coell also served as Official Opposition critic for environment, for children and families, and for social services. He sat on the Select Standing Committees on Public Accounts, and on Environment and Tourism, as well as the Official Opposition Caucus Committee for Children.

He was first elected in 1996 to represent the riding of Saanich North and the Islands, and was re-elected in 2001, 2005 and 2009. He has served on the Government Caucus Committee on Communities and Safety, the Cabinet Committee of Agenda and Priorities, the Treasury Board, and the Public Sector Employers' Council.

Before his election to the Legislative Assembly, Minister Coell was a social worker, specializing in alcohol and drug rehabilitation as well as in services to those with mental disabilities. He also owned and operated a small business.

He received his bachelor of arts in social welfare from the University of Victoria.

Minister Coell sat on Saanich Municipal Council for 12 years, six of them as Mayor. He also chaired the Capital Regional District, the Saanich Police board and the Capital Regional District hospital board, and was deputy chair of the Municipal Finance Authority.

He served as a volunteer for 10 years on the board of Silver Threads Meals on Wheels and for five years on the board of the Queen Alexandra Hospital for Children.

Murray and Corinne Coell live in Central Saanich.

MLA Raj Chouhan - Member for Burnaby Edmonds

Heavenly Father, I ask You to bless Raj Chouhan in all You have set before him to do. Lord, we praise You for his heart for social justice, and ask that You continue to give him great insight in this area. Give him wisdom in each decision he makes in his role as Labour Critic to benefit all the people of British Columbia.



Protect Mr. Chouhan and his family, and shield them from the stresses of his long hours and many days away from home. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.



Raj Chouhan was elected as the MLA for Burnaby-Edmonds on May 17, 2005 and re-elected on May 12, 2009. Raj serves as the Official Opposition Critic for Labour. Previously Raj served as critic for Human Rights, Multiculturalism and Immigration. Raj also serves as the Opposition Deputy-Whip since 2007.

Before immigrating to Canada in 1973, Raj was involved in student union activities in India. On his arrival in Canada, Raj was impacted by the plight of immigrant workers and developed a passion for community and social justice work.

Raj is the founding president of the Canadian Farmworkers' Union, and he served as the Director of Bargaining at the Hospital Employees Union for 18 years. Raj has also served as a member of the Labour Relations Board of B.C. and the Arbitration Bureau of B.C.

A founding member of the B.C. Organization to Fight Racism, Raj has worked in promoting human rights and racial equality. He has served as the Vice President of B.C. Human Rights Defenders since 2003. Raj has taught courses on Human Rights, the B.C. Labour Code and collective bargaining since 1987. He has traveled across Canada to give seminars and attend conferences that raise awareness of issues regarding racism, poverty, worker rights, and discrimination.


In addition, Raj supports many programs offered through community organizations including neighbourhood safety, refugee assistance, and health and wellness programs for seniors.

Hon. Ida Chong - Minister of Healthy Living and Sport

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for Hon. Ida Chong, and bless her commitment to the people of British Columbia. Bless her with great wisdom and knowledge to make positive decisions for our Province. We ask You to impart to Ida divine strategies that will open many more doors of opportunity in 2010. May she see Your hand of favor in a greater measure. Bless and protect all that pertains to her life, home, ministry, health and family.

In Jesus' Name, Amen


Ida Chong was re-elected to represent the riding Oak Bay–Gordon Head in the 2009 election. On June 10, 2009, she was appointed to serve as Minister of Healthy Living and Sport.


Minister Chong’s previous cabinet portfolios include Minister of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development, Minister Responsible for the Asia-Pacific Initiative, Minister of Community Services, Minister of Advanced Education and Minister of State for Women’s and Seniors’ Services. In addition to her role as Minister, she also served on the Cabinet Committee for Climate Action and B.C.’s Treasury Board.

A native of greater Victoria, Minister Chong has represented her constituency of Oak Bay-Gordon Head since she first entered provincial politics in 1996. During her first term at the legislature she was the Official Opposition critic in a number of areas, including critic for Small Business and Deputy Critic of Finance.

Minister Chong has been involved in her community for years – volunteering for a number of not-for-profit groups and serving as municipal councilor for the District of Saanich, from 1993-1996.

For nearly 20 years, she was senior partner in an accounting practice based in Saanich, catering to small and medium sized enterprises. While no longer in active practice, she proudly retains her credentials as a Certified General Accountant, having won a number of awards for her work in this field, including being named in 2006, a Fellow of the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada, a national designation for exemplary service.

MLA Ron Cantelon - Member for Parksville Qualicum

Father, we thank You for Ron, and his commitment and service to us on Vancouver Island and within our province. We ask for wisdom for him today. May he know and be able to prioritize his portfolio as to what is most important. May You give him the passion and desire to do what is best for us in this beautiful province. We pray Your blessing upon him as he communicates and shares his heart. We do thank You for him, and we pray Your blessing upon him today. Bless his home and his family.

Ron Cantelon was re-elected for his second term on May 12, 2009 to the riding Parksville-Qualicum. Ron is the Government Caucus Chair and a member of the Select Standing Committee on Health.

Previously, Ron served as Minister of Agriculture and Lands and was a member of the B.C. Agriculture Plan Committee and the Special Committee on Sustainable Aquaculture. He was also Chair of the Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth and Chair of the Committee to Review the Personal Information Protection Act. In addition, Ron has been a member of the Select Standing Committee on Crown Corporations, the Special Committee of Selection, Treasury Board and the Government Caucus Committee on Social Development.

Ron first entered political life as a city councillor for the City of Nanaimo in 1999. He has also acted as Chair of the Nanaimo Conference Centre Advisory Committee, Chair of the Downtown Nanaimo Partnership, Director of the Nanaimo Regional District Board and President of the Port Theatre from 1994 to 1999.

Ron has won several awards including Tourism Nanaimo’s Citizen of the Year 1999, Re/Max manager of the year for Western Canada in 1999 and was one of the 125 notable citizens for Nanaimo’s 125th anniversary.

Ron Cantelon has five children and one grandchild.

Hon. Gordon Campbell - Premier of British Columbia

Our Father in heaven,

Lord, I thank you that you are the author and architect of the life of our Premier, the Honorable Gordon Campbell. You have called him into being, you have gifted him for leadership. I pray, along with others here in his home riding of West Point Grey, that you will grant him, beyond the common: wisdom to understand the times and to lead accordingly, peacemaking skill to bring together that which has been broken, a teachable spirit to learn and to excel, blessing and protection for his personal and family life and deep-rooted character to leave a legacy that far outshines any mere accomplishment. You, Lord, have instructed us to pray for those in authority over us and I do so today with anticipation that you will do even more than what we ask for.

I pray all of this in the name of Jesus, Amen.

Gordon Campbell was sworn in as British Columbia's 34th Premier on June 5, 2001.


Mr. Campbell was elected leader of the B.C. Liberal Party in September 1993. He was elected to the B.C. Legislature in 1994 in a by-election to represent the riding of Vancouver-Quilchena and was re-elected in 1996, 2001, 2005, and 2009 for Vancouver-Point Grey.

Mr. Campbell attended public school in Vancouver. After graduating he received a scholarship to Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. He worked his way through university in the dining hall and as the associate to the secretary of the college, and received his Bachelor of Arts degree. He later received a Master's of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University.

He was a secondary school teacher, basketball and track coach in Yola, Nigeria, working under the auspices of CUSO. He then became an assistant to former Vancouver mayor Art Phillips. From 1976 to 1981, he worked with Marathon Realty, where he became general manager of development. In 1981, he founded Citycore Development Corporation.

In 1984, Mr. Campbell was elected to Vancouver City Council. From 1986 to 1993, he served as Mayor of Vancouver for three successive terms.

Mr. Campbell and his wife Nancy, a school vice-principal, have two sons.

MLA Stephanie Cadieux - Surrey Panorama

Lord we pray for Stephanie and thank You that You have so well-equipped her for the task You have given her. So we ask that You would give her the wisdom and strength needed to overcome the challenges of working with youth and children.We pray protection over Stephanie and her family, in Jesus Name.

Stephanie Cadieux was elected MLA for Surrey-Panorama in the 2009 general provincial election.


She is currently a member of the Select Standing Committees on Health and on Children and Youth.

Living with a spinal cord injury since a car crash at the age of 18, she became a strong community advocate for programs to assist people with physical disabilities to achieve their goals and regain independence. In 2007, Stephanie worked with 2010 Legacies Now to develop an Accessible Tourism Plan for BC.

Stephanie worked with the BC Paraplegic Association for eight years, most recently as director of marketing and development. She has been an active community volunteer and was the president of Realwheels Society, Ambassador for the Rick Hansen Man in Motion Foundation, as well as a member of the advisory panel and a researcher with International Collaboration On Repair Discoveries (ICORD).

Stephanie was voted one of Business in Vancouver’s Top 40 under 40, in 2007.

Stephanie has lived Surrey for seven years with her husband and enjoys sailing and travel.

MLA Jagrup Brar - Surrey Fleetwood

Father in Heaven, we ask you as God our Provider to bless Jagrup Brar with many blessings as he faithfully serves the people of his riding. Give him wisdom in his role as the Healthy Living and Sport Opposition Critic. Bless him as he volunteers in counseling and training others who are launching new businesses. May he see much fruit in this endeavour. We also pray that he be kept safe from illnesses, and that he has leisure time to spend with his family.

Jagrup Brar was elected as the MLA for Surrey-Fleetwod on May 12, 2009. He served as MLA for Surrey-Panorama Ridge from Oct. 28, 2004 until the riding boundaries were re-drawn.


Jagrup serves as opposition critic for Healthy Living and Sport.

Born in India, Jagrup moved to Canada to study at the University of Manitoba where he earned a Master's degree in Public Administration. Jagrup moved to British Columbia from Winnipeg ten years ago. Since then, Jagrup and his family have put down strong roots in Surrey.

An involved member of his community, Jagrup is a dedicated local volunteer, and has taken time to help a variety of local organizations providing services to young people, seniors and new Canadians.

For over a decade, Jagrup worked in the public and non-profit sectors, assisting professionals with career development and working with employers to develop strategies to recruit a highly-skilled, multicultural workforce.

As the Executive Director of the Surrey Self Employment and Entrepreneur Development Society (SEEDS), Jagrup trained new entrepreneurs to develop and launch successful small business ventures.

Jagrup is married and lives in Surrey with his wife Rajwant and their daughter.

Hon. Shirley Bond - Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

Our Father, as we remember Shirley Bond today, we are reminded of Psalm119:105 that declares, “Your Word is a lamp unto my feet; and a light unto my path.”

May You, indeed, bless Shirley with divine guidance and direction .We pray for discernment and insight, as she gives leadership in her portfolio.

May the joy of the Lord be her strength, as she faces the many challenges that occur daily. Grant her sound judgment and good decision-making in all her work. May You shower her with favour, as she meets each challenge with confidence and courage.

We pray You will abundantly bless her and her family with good health, along with a rich supply of Your loving care and protection, as she travels about the province.

In the strong name of Jesus we pray.

Amen


Shirley Bond was re-elected to a third term as MLA for Prince George-Valemount on May 12, 2009 and appointed Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure on June 10, 2009.


Shirley was previously appointed Minister of Education and Minister responsible for Early Learning and Literacy on June 16, 2005 and Deputy Premier on September 20, 2004. She also serves as Vice-Chair of the Treasury Board, chairs the Cabinet Committee on New Relationship Coordination, and is a member of the Cabinet climate Action Committee.

Shirley was elected in 2001 and re-elected in 2005 to represent the riding of Prince George-Mount Robson. She previously served as Minister of Advanced Education and Minister of Health Services.

Before her election to the Legislative Assembly, she served three terms on the Prince George School Board, the last as chair. She also worked with the continuing education department of the Prince George School District, becoming its business manager. She was given the B.C. Interior, North & Yukon Woman of Distinction Award for her work in public education.

Minister Bond has an arts and science diploma from the College of New Caledonia and, up until becoming MLA, was working on a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science at the University of Northern BC.

She was protocol director for the 2001 Special Olympic Summer Games and sat on the boards of Carey Theological College, the Personal Living Choices Society, the Trinity Opportunity Fund Grants Committee and the City of Prince George's Standing Committee on Youth.

Shirley and Bill Bond live in Prince George. They have twin adult children.

MLA Harry Bloy - Burnaby Lougheed

Bless this public servant, Lord, in all that You require him to do. We are thankful that he has a heart for the community and that You have brought him to this place to serve the people of Burnaby-Lougheed. Give him Your perfect wisdom and strength, and furnish him with all the tools and favour to enable him to make maximum use of his time and energy. Provide him with the help he needs to bring his many tasks to completion. Bless and protect his family and give them time together. We ask for Your presence in his life, in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.

Harry Bloy was first elected in the riding of Burquitlam in 2001 and was re-elected in the May 2005 provincial general election. He won election to the Legislature for a third time in 2009 for the new riding of Burnaby-Lougheed.


Harry served on the Government Caucus Committee for Natural Resources and Economy and three Select Standing Committees: Finance and Government Services; Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills; and, Legislative Initiatives. In addition, he was the Deputy Chair of Committee of the Whole.

Previously, Harry served on the Crown Corporations, Public Accounts, Finance and Government Services committees. He was also a member of the Special Committee to Review the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Prior to being an MLA, Harry was the President of a local telecommunications company. Harry earned a marketing diploma from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute in Toronto after which he worked as a systems analyst before moving into retail. Starting as a district manager, he became national marketing manager for a countrywide retail chain. In 1979 Harry and his brother opened the first in a series of convenience stores and over the next 12 years developed, operated and expanded the chain before selling the business. Since the early 90's, Harry has been involved in a number of businesses including the distribution of dairy products and in an executive office leasing company.

Throughout his life, Harry has believed in the importance of volunteering. He served on the board of directors and was a founding member of the Burnaby Optimist Club. Harry also serves as a member of the Regional Council of Scouts Canada-Burnaby Region.

Harry's extensive community involvement in the riding dates back to 1979 and has included the Burquitlam Community Association, Burnaby Mountain Mantas Summer Swim Club (of which he was a founding member), former President of the Burnaby Arts Council, Burnaby Minor Lacrosse, District Parent Advisory Council and the Parent Advisory Council for his children's elementary school. He has also volunteered for many events and projects including the Healthy Heart Fun Run and Walk, Mothers March of Dimes and the BC Summer Games.

Born in 1946 in Sudbury, Ontario, Harry and his wife Anita married in 1977 and have lived in the constituency since 1978; they have three children, Jeremy, Katie and Candice. Harry enjoys walking, photography, volunteering and gardening.

Hon Iain Black - Minister of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development

We lift up Hon. Iain Black to you today, Lord. Give him strength and discernment as he interacts with those around him. Thank you that he has been willing to fill this role in his community, and bless him today in everything he does. Let Your presence surround him and his family as You watch over them. Thank you that You love this member of the Legislature so much. Bless him today, Lord. Amen

Iain Black was appointed Minister of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development on June 10, 2009. He was previously Minister of Labour and Citizens' Services from June 23, 2008, to June 9, 2009.


Minister Black was elected to represent the new riding of Port Moody-Coquitlam in the 2009 provincial general election. He was first elected as an MLA for the former Port Moody-Westwood riding in 2005. Prior to his cabinet appointment, Minister Black served on the BC Provincial Treasury Board and several Select Standing Committees of the Legislature including Finance, Crown Corporations (where he served as Chair) and Public Accounts. He also served as Chair of both the Special Committee to Appoint a Conflict of Interest Commissioner and the Government Caucus Committee on Natural Resources and the Economy.

At the point of his election, Minister Black was president of the Banking Solutions Group of Open Solutions Canada. Prior to Open Solutions, Minister Black served as president or chief operating officer of both publicly traded and private technology companies, and as a partner with a national professional services firm. He started his career with IBM Canada Ltd.

Minister Black’s list of community volunteer roles includes coaching youth soccer in Coquitlam, and serving as a board director of Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. A recipient of the 40-Under-40 award in 1998, “recognizing top business achievement in British Columbians”, Minister Black is an experienced speaker at North American business and technology industry conferences, who holds an honours degree in business from the University of Manitoba.

Minister Black and his wife reside in Coquitlam with their three children.

MLA Dawn Black - New Westminster

Lord, we lift up Dawn Black to You. You have given her this opportunity to serve in this place and we thank you for her. Be near her as she meets with people and makes important decisions throughout her day. Bless her family and those close to her in her riding. Thank you for this member who is willing to serve her constituency. Amen

Dawn Black was elected as MLA for New Westminster on May 12, 2009.

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

Dawn and her family live in New Westminster. Dawn served three terms as a Member of Parliament.

The Toronto Star voted Dawn as one of the top ten MPs in Canada. The Globe and Mail featured her as one of only four Question Period standouts.

Following former New Westminster MLA Chuck Puchmayr’s announcement that he would not be seeking re-election, Dawn decided to come home and enter provincial politics.

Dawn lives with her husband Peter in New Westminster. They have three sons and seven grandchildren.

Hon. Bill Bennett - Minister of Community and Rural Development, Member for Kootenay East

Gracious God, we ask today that You would be with Minister Bennett as he serves the community and rural leaders of British Columbia. We are thankful for a man with many diverse skills. We thank you for the beautiful part of British Columbia that he represents and ask that you would bless the people and riding of Kootenay East. We ask that You would bless every part of his life and become very real to him.

We ask this in Jesus Name, Amen

Bill Bennett was re-elected as MLA for Kootenay East on May 12, 2009 and appointed Minister of Community and Rural Development on June 10, 2009.


Bill Bennett was previously appointed Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts on June 23, 2008. In 2007, he became Chair of the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, a member of the Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth, and Chair of the BC Outdoor Caucus. He previously served as Minister of State for Mining.

Bill Bennett was elected to represent the riding of East Kootenay in the 2001 provincial election and re-elected in 2005. Bill served on the Government Caucus Committee on Natural Resources and is a member of the Kootenay Caucus. He was also deputy chair of the Parliamentary Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts, a member of the Government Caucus Committee on Natural Resources, a member of the Premier's Olympic Live Sites Committee, the Caucus Committee on Treaties, the Waste Management Review Committee and is a legislative member of the committee for the Pacific Northwest Economic Region. Bill served on the Committee of Development of the Provincial Noxious Weed Strategy, the Land Use Task Force as well as the Small Scale Salvage Committee and the Mining Task Force.

He formerly served as deputy chair of the Legislative Select Standing Committee on Crown Corporations and as a member of the Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct Committee, Standing Orders and Private Bills Committee.

Before being elected, Bill was a partner in a Cranbrook law firm. In 1976, he earned an honours degree in English from the University of Guelph and in 1992 a law degree from Queen's University.

Bill owned and operated successful fly-in wilderness lodges in the Northwest Territories and Manitoba from 1977 to 1992. In 1988, he worked as a tourism consultant with the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs and to the Manitoba Keewatin Tribal Council.

Bill was a Cranbrook Rotary Club member who has also served as BC Chamber of Commerce first vice-chair (1999), Cranbrook & District Chamber of Commerce president (1997 & 1998), Kootenay Ice WHL franchise committee member (1998), and Kootenay Bar Association president (1998). In 1997 and 1998 he was elected Cranbrook Business Person of the Year.

Born in 1950, Bill and his wife Beth married in 1974 and have two children, Dylan and Daniel. They have lived in the constituency since 1994. Bill is a passionate snowboarder who also hunts, fishes and hikes.