Thursday, April 29, 2010

MLA Shane Simpson Member for Vancouver - Hastings

Father in Heaven: Oh Lord as you look down from Heaven upon Shane, I pray You gift Shane to glorify You mightily. Our Lord I pray You light the path of Shane as he serves in the East Vancouver community. You know him Lord for he has served the people in the community faithfully for more than 35 years.

I pray that You would strengthen him and prosper the work he so faithfully does. Help him as he serves his riding and many constituents. Bless his family and shower them with them with Your peace, love and encouragement.

Shane Simpson was re-elected as the MLA for Vancouver-Hastings on May 12, 2009. He was first elected to the Legislature in 2005.

Shane serves as opposition critic for Housing and Social Development.

Born and raised in Vancouver, Shane has lived, worked, and engaged in community-building activities in East Vancouver for more than 35 years.

In his professional career, Shane has worked as the Director of Policy and Communications for Smart Growth BC, Chair of the Vancouver City Planning Commission, Instructor in the Community Economic Development program at Simon Fraser University, Executive Director of the Worker Ownership Resource Center, Legislative Coordinator for the Canadian Union of Public Employees, coordinator and fundraiser for the Ray Cam Cooperative Center, executive assistant to former Vancouver East MP Margaret Mitchell, and as a self-employed consultant on business and economic development for labour, co-operative and non-profit groups.

Shane was the recipient of the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal for his contribution to community in 2002. In 1992, he was awarded the Governor General's 125th Anniversary Commemorative Medal for Community Service.

Shane, his partner Cate Jones and their daughter Shayla, live in the Burrardview neighbourhood of Vancouver Hastings.





Wednesday, April 28, 2010

MLA Bob Simpson Member for Cariboo North

God, bless and encourage Bob Simpson. As he serves as the Opposition critic for Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation grant him great depth of understanding. Give him favor with all the people of our province and particularly our Aboriginal people. May he walk with your wisdom and grace. As he fulfills the life of duty and family, may he have great ability to balance it all well. Cover him with health and safety.

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.



Tuesday, April 27, 2010

MLA Nicholas Simons Member for Powell River - Sunshine Coast

Our Gracious Heavenly Father, we ask for your blessing to rest on Nicholas today, and on every task and every decision he is called on to make in his role as Opposition Critic for Human Rights and Immigration May Nicholas continue to have a sincere passion and a desire to make good changes in the lives of the families and children as he speaks in the legislature for those he represents in his riding of Powell River and the Sunshine Coast .

We pray dear Lord, You will continue to grant him this sensitivity to recognize needs quickly. May You give him strength to cope with the many stresses and pressures that come his way. We thank you for his faithful service and ask that You keep him safe and in good health. May You continue to bless his talents in music and the arts to bring joy to others.
We ask these favours in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

Nicholas Simons was first elected as MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast on May 17, 2005.

Nicholas serves as deputy opposition critic for Housing and Social Development.

Nicholas has spent over fifteen years working in the areas of health, justice, social services and child welfare.

He served as the Executive Director of Health and Social Development for the Sechelt Nation from 1997 until his election in 2005. In this role he oversaw Health, Child Welfare, Alcohol and Drugs, Financial Assistance, and Justice Programs. He also negotiated funding for innovative preventative health and social services.

Prior to his employment with the Sechelt Nation, he worked as a child-protection social worker for the Ministry for Children and Family Development, as a Financial Assistance Worker, and as the Crime Prevention Coordinator for the Northwest Territories. He has been a consultant for the Federal, Northwest Territories, and First Nations governments in areas including law reform, child welfare, and legal.

He has lectured in Criminology at Simon Fraser University (SFU), in which he has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Ottawa (1986) and a Master's degree from SFU (1993). He has taught child-protection social work to social workers working in First Nations communities.

Nicholas has been active in the arts community both as a cello teacher and performer. He has performed and recorded with local, national and international artists and is the former President of the Sunshine Coast Arts Council.











Monday, April 26, 2010

MLA Michael Sather Member 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.







Sunday, April 25, 2010

MLA John Rustad Member for Nechako Lakes

Father, we lift John Rustad up to you today. We ask that you keep his wife and him in good health, and in safety. Give John a strong ability to order his time, so that he can accomplish all that he needs to do. May he have an increased understanding in the needs of our province. Rejuvenate him and put a skip in his step today.

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.







Thursday, April 22, 2010

MLA Doug Routley Member for Nanaimo - North Cowichan

Dearest Heavenly Father, we bring before You Doug Routley, MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan and Opposition Critic for Citizens' Services. Thank You for Doug's desire to serve. We pray You will guide him and grant him wisdom in his role in government leadership. May his ears be open to hear You and may he make decisions pleasing to You. We ask that You strengthen Doug and bless his family with good health.

Doug Routley was elected as the MLA for Nanaimo-North Cowichan on May 12, 2009. He served as MLA for Cowichan-Ladysmith from May 17, 2005 until the riding boundaries were re-drawn.
 
 Doug serves as opposition critic for Citizens’ Services.

  Doug was born May 9, 1961 in New Westminster, BC and grew up in Duncan.

 He comes from a family of educators and attended the public schools of the Cowichan Valley and attended Camosun College before traveling to Japan, where he lived and worked for one year.

Doug has experience in logging, as a sawmill worker, treeplanter and in construction. He also has been a business owner and operator, school custodian and School Trustee.

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 bicycle manufacturer. After his return to Canada, Doug established a bicycle retail and wholesale company which had dealers throughout Canada and the USA.

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











Wednesday, April 21, 2010

MLA Bill Routley Member for Cowichan Valley

Jesus, we thank you for Bill Routley and his love and commitment to you. Bless him and his wife Charmaine today and draw them closer to you. Give Bill wisdom in the challenges he faces today and remind him of your love for him. Thank you for all the long hours he invests into his community and strengthen him today.

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.









Tuesday, April 20, 2010

MLA Linda Reid Member for Richmond East

Today as we pray for MLA. Linda Reid , we truly give You thanks for the many years of outstanding contributions she has made for the people of BC.
Her record as a worthy candidate in her riding of Richmond East, have been proven by the constituents of her riding , who have returned her to the legislature in every election since 1991.
We pray You will grant her great grace and favour and a willing heart to seek You for guidance, discernment and direction in her role as Deputy Speaker.Protect and keep her safe as she travels, and may she and her dear family be blessed with good health and happiness.
In Jesus Name , 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.

Monday, April 19, 2010

MLA Bruce Ralston Member for Surrey-Whalley

Thank you, Lord, for Bruce Ralston and for the position he holds as Opposition Critic for Finance. We need men and women with great wisdom to be involved in the money matters for our province. We give thanks for his expertise in any number of areas that will help him to a great job on behalf of the Province of BC. We ask, Father, that You bless Bruce and his family, that you grant him favour, and that Bruce will continue to be used to bring about dynamic change in the areas he serves, both in his party and in his community.

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.



Sunday, April 18, 2010

MLA Lana Popham Member for Saanich South

We thank you Lord for Lana Popham, and for the interest You have given her for the planet we live on. Thank you for her desire to improve and care for the environment of this world You have created. We pray for Your wisdom and insight as she serves as a Critic for Agriculture and Lands, among other responsibilites. We ask Lord that you will richly bless Lana, her marriage and her family.
In Jesus' Name

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



Thursday, April 15, 2010

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


Today, our Heavenly Father, we come to You in prayer on behalf of Mary Polack. Her responsibilities as Minister of Children and Family Development are great, so we pray that she may know the sufficiency of Your boundless grace daily.

We pray for increased wisdom, discernment and clear direction as she envisions and anticipates the needs of the children and families of this province, our most treasured and valued resource.

Grant her favour with all those she works with in the Legislature. Bless her with a co-operative, excellent staff showing loyalty and competence.

Despite the demands of her work away from home, may You give Mary Polack an abundance of special, quality time with her daughter, and shower them with happiness and good health.

Mary Polak was appointed Minister of Children and Family Development and Minister Responsible for Child Care on June 10, 2009. She was re-elected to the B.C. Legislature in 2009, having represented the constituents of Langley since 2005.

Prior to her new Cabinet post, Mary served as the Minister of Healthy Living and Sport and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health for the Conversation on Health.

Also, Mary previously sat on the Cabinet Committee on New Relationship Coordination and the Government Caucus Committee on Social Development as well as on the Government Caucus Committee for Natural Resources and the Economy, the Select Standing Committees for Children and Youth, Education and Public Accounts, 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 Polak 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, was elected to the board of directors of the British Columbia School Trustees Association.

Mary lives happily in the Willoughby area of Langley.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

MLA Pat Pimm Member for Peace River South

Dearest Heavenly Father, It is with thankful hearts we come to you today and pray for Pat Pimm who is our MLA for Peace River North.  We acknowledge Your hand in setting him as a leader of our province and ask that You equip him with all that he needs to accomplish the many tasks set before him. Bless him for his willingness to serve his community and province and help him to be an even more effective leader.
We are grateful for the many gifts you have bestowed upon him and ask that you continue to bless him and his family, in Jesus mighty name 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.







Tuesday, April 13, 2010

MLA Hon. Barry Penner Chilliwack - Hope Minister of Environment

God, thank you for Barry Penner. We lift him up to you today and ask you will bless him as he works, lives and rests. May he find time to spend with his family during these busy weeks and may he also see You in unexpected ways.

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.







Monday, April 12, 2010

MLA Michelle Mungall Member for Nelson - Creston

                                                                                                                                                            
We lift up Michelle Mungall in prayer today and give thanks for this young woman who has broken ground in a number of areas. We pray that she will be seen as an example of what young people can accomplish when their minds are set on a positive course of action. We pray that Michelle will excell in all that she sets her hands and heart to accomplish during her time within the government framework. We pray for her safety and ask that she be given strength to stay the course.

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.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

MLA Don McRae Member for Comox Valley

Father we lift up Mr McRae to you today. Thank you for his willingness to serve his community in this office and for the gifts and abilities you have have given him. Draw near to him as he goes about his day and may he know he is in this position for a greater purpose! Thank you that you love this man and his family very much. Bless him today Lord.

Don McRae was elected on May 12, 2009 as MLA for the riding of Comox Valley. Don is the Convener of the Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and is a member of the Select Standing Committee on Health and Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services.

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.





Thursday, April 8, 2010

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

Dearest Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your wisdom in placing Mary McNeil as Minister of State for The Olympics and Actnow BC and as MLA for Vancouver-False Creek. Bring her skills, experiences and knowledge into alignment that she may be effective and valuable as she performs her duties. We ask that Your favour would rest upon her as she serves the people of BC. Grant her good health and an invigorated spirit.

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.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

MLA Joan McIntyre Member for West Vancouver

We thank you Lord for Joan McIntyre and her faithfulness in serving the riding of West Vancouver- Sea to Sky.
We ask that as she takes on the many tasks you have set before her, that you continue to equip her with wisdom and effectiveness in all that she sets her hands to.
We know that You Lord have placed Joan in this position for this time and would ask that you give her discernment and understanding in the Committees she has so willingly offered to serve.
Bless Joan and her family with health, stamina and protection, in Jesus name Amen.

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.

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.

Joan currently sits on two Cabinet Committees, Agenda Development and Legislative Review and is a member on the Agricultural Planning Government Caucus Committee. She has 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.

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.



Tuesday, April 6, 2010

MLA Norm Macdonald Member for Columbia River - Revelstoke

We lift up Norm Macdonald today and give thanks for his position as Opposition Critic in the area of Forest and Range and Integrated Land Management. We pray that he will be able to apply his gift of teaching as pertinent information is brought to the forefront, and as there is need for explanations pertaining to these large areas of responsibility. Place into Norm’s hands all the resources that will help him to do the best job possible. Keep him healthy and watch over him, we ask in Jesus’ Name.

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 Forest and Range and Integrated Land Management.

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.







Monday, April 5, 2010

MLA Honorable Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid Vancouver - Fairview Minister of Education and Minister Responsible for Early Learning and Literacy

Thank You Father for Margaret MacDiarmid. We thank you that she has dedicated her life to caring for others and has such a big passion to help. Give her wisdom Father, as she serves in her role as Minister of Education and Minister Responsible for Early Learning and Literacy. Thank you for the difference she has made and continues to make every day. We pray Your richest blessings upon Margaret.

In Jesus' name, Amen

Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid was appointed Minister of Education and Minister Responsible for Early Learning and Literacy on June 10, 2009.

Minister 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.









Sunday, April 4, 2010

MLA Norm Letnick Member for Kelowna-Lake Country

Gracious, heavenly Father, our prayer today is for MLA Norm Letnich. Norm has demonstrated his civic-mindedness in so many ways and in such very responsible positions.

So we pray upon him and his family Your blessing and protection. Guide Norm as he takes part in the Legislature debates. Provide him with stamina and insight as a lawmaker setting forth good laws that will not only benefit his constituents but all British Columbians. And we pray for divine guidance as he confronts challenging and important decisions. In Jesus' Holy Name we leave Norm in Your precious hands, Lord. 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.







Thursday, April 1, 2010

MLA John Les Chilliwack

                                                                                                                                                               
Dear Lord, We bring John Les before you today and ask You to bless him and everything he sets his hands to do. Give him strength as he makes decisions and faces challenges throughout today. Be near his family and let him know You are near him today.

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.