Monday, May 31, 2010

MLA Harry Bloy Member for Burnaby-Lougheed

" Grace and peace be yours in abundance” (1 Pet.1:2)

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the service Harry provides to his community, city and country. We pray for continued wisdom and direction from You as he serves in the Burnaby-Louheed constituency. We ask that he experience an abundance of Your peace with the situations he may face in the week ahead.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

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.













Sunday, May 30, 2010

MLA Hon. Iain Black Port Moody-Coquitlam Minister of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development

Heavenly Father,

This is Your Heart, that we would pray with thanksgiving on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority. Today we thank You for Hon. Iain Black. Appointed as Minister of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development and elected to represent the new riding of Port Moody-Coquitlam.

We are instructed to choose wise, discerning and experienced men, that You may appoint them as heads over us, leaders of thousands and of hundreds, of fifties and of tens. We are grateful that Hon. Iain Black has been chosen to represent the people of this Province. You have blessed him with many gifts and talents to succeed in what ever is before him. May Your wisdom and peace continue to guide him each day as new doors open before him. We bless and honor Hon. Iain Black and his position in Government, and ask for Your hand of protection to be upon him and his family.

In Jesus Name,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.












Thursday, May 27, 2010

MLA Dawn Black Member for New Westminister

May the favour of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us – yes establish the work of our hands (Ps. 90:17)

Lord, we lift Dawn up to You today and ask that You indeed establish the work of her hands. You have observed the tireless hours she dedicates to her role in the area of ensuring that our education and labour market are fully accounted for. Bless her desire to see righteous objectives fulfilled in this portfolio. In Jesus’ name we pray, 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.







Wednesday, May 26, 2010

MLA Hon. Bill Bennett Kootenay East Minister of Community and Rural Development

Dear God, we thank You that we can come before You today knowing that You will always hear and answer our prayers. We bring before You today, the Hon. Bill Bennett who is our Minister of Community and Rural Development, elected for Kootenay East. We thank You God for the diversity of talents that You had given him and for Your continual blessing over him day by day.


We specifically ask You at this time, to watch over his health and his safety. We pray that Bill will be well and will come to no harm indoors and outdoors and that his body will be strengthened.
We also ask that You please will watch over his wife and sons and that You will show Bill Bennett a way to spend more quality time with them on a weekly basis. Also that his family life will be strengthened and enriched and he will be able to enjoy more often his place as a husband and a father in his home.


In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Bill Bennett was re-elected to represent the riding of Kootenay East on May 12, 2009 and was appointed Minister of Community and Rural Development on June 10, 2009.


Bill was first elected to represent the riding of East Kootenay in 2001 and re-elected in 2005. He was previously appointed Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts on June 23, 2008, and Minister of State for Mining on June 16, 2005.

Previously, Bill was 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 B.C. Outdoor Caucus. Bill also served as the government leader on the Parliamentary Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts. In addition, he served as deputy chair of the Legislative Select Standing Committee on Crown Corporations. As a rural MLA, Bill's caucus committee focus has been on natural resource issues, having participated on committees dealing with mining, forestry, agriculture and land use.

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, at the age of 42, a law degree from Queen’s University. Bill owned and operated fly-in wilderness lodges in the Northwest Territories and Manitoba from 1977 to 1993. Bill served as president of the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce in 1997 and 1998 and was incoming chair of the BC Chamber of Commerce in 2000 when he took the plunge into provincial politics. Bill was twice elected Cranbrook Business Person of the Year and served as president of the Kootenay Bar Association.

Bill and his wife Beth married in 1974 and have two sons, Dylan and Daniel. Bill is a passionate snowboarder who enjoys the outdoors by hunting, fishing and hiking in the Canadian Rockies.







Tuesday, May 25, 2010

MLA Hon. Patrick Bell Prince George-Mackenzie Minister of Forests and Range and Minister Responsible for the Integrated Land Management Bureau

God we present  Hon. Pat Bell to you today. Would you grant our Minister of Forests and Range fresh vision and insight into this beautiful province of ours. Bless him so that his Leadership will be continually full of enthusiasm and strength. It’s our desire for you to keep him & his family well; keep him safe as he travels throughout the province.

Pat Bell was re-elected to a third term as MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie on May 12, 2009 and re-appointed Minister of Forests and Range and Minister Responsible for the Integrated Land Management Bureau on June 10, 2009.


Bell was first appointed Minister of Forests and Range on June 23, 2008. He previously served as Minister for Agriculture and Lands and as Minister of State for Mining.

Bell was elected to represent the riding of Prince George North in the 2001 election and re-elected in 2005.

He has served on the Government Caucus Committee on Natural Resources and B.C. Task Force on Mining, and as chair of the Small Scale Salvage Review Committee. Bell has also served on the Legislative Select Standing Committees on Education and Crown Corporations.

Prior to becoming an MLA, Bell owned a trucking company and co-owned a logging company. He owns two Wendy's Restaurants in Prince George.

Committed to youth sport, Bell chaired the junior golf program at the Prince George Golf and Curling Club from 1993 to 1997. He also coached high school volleyball and supported the Prince George Barracuda Swim Club. Bell served for several years on the Tourism Prince George Board of Directors.

Born in Vancouver and educated at the University of British Columbia, Bell has lived in Prince George since 1988. He and his wife Brenda have three children.

Monday, May 24, 2010

MLA Donna Barnett Member for Cariboo-Chilcotin

Father, You have brought Donna, among other things, to the position of Parliamentary Secretary for Pine Beetle recovery. You know our forests are being devastated by the pine beetle and we so need Your help.

Please bring alongside Donna men and women who have Your answers for the land You have given us. Endue her with Uour wisdom and may she, enriched by her previous experience, have the insight needed.
In all her dealings in the Provincial Government please guide her, protect her as she travels, and keep her, her family, and her constituency under Your love and care.

Donna Barnett was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Pine Beetle Community Recovery to the Ministry of Community and Rural Development on June 10, 2009. She was elected MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin on May 12.


A self-employed business owner and realtor, Donna served as mayor of the District of 100 Mile House from 1986 to 1990 and again from 1996 to 2008.

During that time, Donna served as co-chair of the Council of Resource Community Mayors, as well as chair of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition. Additionally, she was a member of the federal government’s Minister of Natural Resources Committee and a member of the Premier's Climate Action Team.

Donna’s political experience is very diverse. She has been either a member of or involved in: the Cariboo Regional District and Hospital District, Community Policing, the Premier's Task Force on Opportunities, Land Use Planning, Health Care, the Restorative Justice Committee, the Regional Economic Development Committee, the BC Open Learning Agency, the Board of Directors for the Cariboo College and the Chamber of Commerce.

With over 35 years of community involvement, Donna has been a Rotarian, a member of the 100 Mile House Kinettes, a member of the 100 Mile Outriders Club, chair of the Spirit of BC 100 Mile House Community Committee, chair of the100 Mile Chapter of Kisport, chair of the 100 Mile & District Safety Committee, a member of Measuring up the North 100 Mile Committee, chair of the 100 Mile Advisory Committee for the Industrial Hemp Pilot Project, a member of the 100 Mile House Museum Society, a member of the Lower Bridge Creek Watershed Society and served as chair of the South Cariboo Planning Council.

Donna has been the recipient of many awards including the 2008 Women in Resource Communities Woman of the Year Award and 2006 BC Government Community Achievement Award.

Donna and her husband Jack have two grown children and one grandchild.



Sunday, May 23, 2010

MLA Hon. Bill Barisoff Penticton Speaker

Our gracious, eternal and loving heavenly Father, we wish to bring before you the Speaker of the House, Honorable Bill Barisoff. We recognize that he has many challenging obligations in the legislature. We pray that you will give him the insight he needs as he directs the day to day debates on the floor of the house. May he be given the gift of discernment so that he may with kindness, patience and understanding deal fairly with all the house members. We pray a blessing upon his wife and his family as well, so that they may provide much needed support for Bill. We thank you dear Lord for hearing our prayer on behalf of Bill and help us to remember to uplift him in prayer as he faces challenges throughout the year. Thank you, in the name of Jesus. Amen

Bill Barisoff was first elected Speaker on September 12, 2005, and re-elected to this position on August 25, 2009. He also served as Minister of Water, Land and Air Protection and Minister of Provincial Revenue.


Mr. Barisoff previously held a variety of critic roles for the Official Opposition, including agriculture, transportation and highways and aboriginal affairs. He served on the province's Motor Carrier Commission and was a member of the Select Standing Committees on Aboriginal Affairs and on Agriculture.

He was first elected in 1996 to represent the riding of Okanagan-Boundary and was re-elected in 2001 and in 2005 as the Member for Penticton-Okanagan Valley. In 2009 he was re-elected as the Member for Penticton.

Bill, who was born and raised in Oliver, owned a trucking firm before his election to the Legislative Assembly.

He served as a school trustee for 18 years, including eight as chair of the Southern Okanagan school board; was a volunteer firefighter in Oliver for over 25 years; and sat on the Okanagan Labour Relations Council. He was also chair of the Oliver Recreation Commission for one year.

Bill and Edna Barisoff live in Oliver. Their family includes sons Glen, his wife Hilary, and grand-son Benjamin Charles; Michael; Darren, his wife Eliza, and grand-daughter Kayla Ramos Barisoff.







Thursday, May 20, 2010

MLA Harry Baines Member for Surrey-Newton

Dear Lord: In this prayer we ask for strength and guidance for Harry Baines as he fulfills his duties and responsibilities. Help him to understand that his work has real value. Give him a clarity of vision that shows him the wonder and importance of even the smallest things, as each has its place in your world. Give him rest and peace at the end of every day. Amen.

Harry Bains was re-elected as the MLA for Surrey-Newton on May 12, 2009. He was first elected to the Legislature on May 17, 2005.

Harry serves as opposition critic for Transportation and Infrastructure.

Harry has been active in the Surrey community for many years. He has years of experience in education having served on the Kwantlen College Board of Governors between 1993 and 1999.

Harry was an elected officer of Steelworkers-IWA Canada local 2171 for over fifteen years. He served most recently as Vice president of his local, where he led negotiations and engaged in bargaining for better working conditions for working people.

Harry and his wife Rajvinder live in Surrey. They have two children, Kulpreet and Jasmeen.







Wednesday, May 19, 2010

MLA Robin Austin Member for Skeena

Our Father in Heaven: As You have chosen Robin to lead in Kitimat, I pray that Your will be done. Lord I pray Your protection over Robin and his wife and children. Lord, as You are the Reedemer and Creator of us all I pray the light will shine in Kitimat for You Lord.  I pray Your wisdom will be give to Robin in his daily service to Your people.  May You be glorified Lord as Robin achieves his daily work for the people in the region You have assigned him.

Go with M.L.A. Robin Austin and bless him Lord I pray in the name of our Savior Jesus.

Robin Austin was re-elected as the MLA for Skeena on May 12, 2009. He was first elected to the Legislature on May 17, 2005.

Robin serves as opposition critic for Education, Early Learning and Literacy.

Robin was employed as a Community Schools Coordinator for a Non-Profit Society in Terrace.

Prior to entering the social work field, Robin spent 20 years working in the Private Sector for both large corporations and small businesses associated with the Hotel/Tourism industry. Robin has a B.A. from Strathclyde University in Scotland as well as a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Northern BC.

Robin and his wife have been married for twenty years and are the parents of two active teenagers.







Tuesday, May 18, 2010

MLA Hon. George Abbott Shuswap Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconcilliation

Our Gracious Heavenly Father, as we approach Your Throne of Grace to-day on behalf of Hon George Abbott, we ask You to pour out of Your abundant supply , all that he needs, to help him in the position he holds, in this very vital portfolio.

May he be led by Your divine wisdom. Grant him clear direction and guidance and sensitivity in the challenging decisions, solutions and changes , he will be called on to make.. May Your will be done.

Bless him and his family with strength and wellness , as they make sacrifices as a family, so he is able to do the work with excellence, that you have called him to do.
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.

Monday, May 17, 2010

MLA Hon John Yap Richmond-Steveston Minister of State for Climate Action

Our Father in Heaven, we earnestly pray that Your will be done in the life of John Yap. May he look to you for guidance and direction, as he puts his trust in you.
We give thanks for the valued member of the legislature he has proven to be in the past , and continues to be today.
May You sharpen his vision, for this important portfolio for Climate Change. Grant him workable and wise solutions to implement desirable changes in this area.
His service to this province is not without personal sacrifice and so we pray the many hours he spends away from his family will be abundantly covered by Your protection, guidance, love and grace.
In the Name of Jesus. Amen

John Yap was appointed Minister of State for Climate Action on June 10, 2009. He previously served as the Chair of the Government Caucus and on various committees.

First elected in the riding of Richmond-Steveston in the 2005 provincial election, Minister Yap was re-elected in 2009.

Minister Yap is active in the community as a Rotarian, being a charter member and Past President of the Richmond Sunset Rotary Club. He is also a member of Gilmore Park United Church, where he has previously served as Board Chair, Finance Chair, Treasurer and Personnel Committee Chair. He has served as board chair of Gilmore Seniors Centre, a 117 unit seniors residence. Minister Yap is an honorary member of the Vancouver Diamond Lions Club.

Minister Yap is also a former member of the Mission Through Finance Committee of British Columbia Conference of the United Church of Canada and is a past member of the Seniors Advisory Council of the City of Richmond.

Born in Singapore, Minister Yap immigrated as a teenager to Canada with his parents and has lived in the Lower Mainland for the past 32 years, living in Richmond for 22 of those years. Married with two children, he enjoys reading, jogging, golf and travel.







Sunday, May 16, 2010

MLA Hon. Naomi Yamamoto North Vancouver-Lonsdale Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations

Our Lord, Father and Creator, we ask today Lord that your mighty hand is with the Honorable Naiomi Yamamoto minister of state for Intergovernmental relations.
Father, you know how diligently Naiomi must work in her roll as public servant. Grant her your guidance as she fills this particular government roll.
Lord, I pray you give Naiomi wisdom, joy and success in her home riding of North Vancouver – Lonsdale. I pray Lord that you will be honored in the work of Naiomi and that your presence will be seen by all.
I pray your continued blessing in Naiomi and her family. Lord: your will be done, your kingdom come.

Naomi Yamamoto was elected as MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale in the 2009 general provincial election and was appointed Minister of State for intergovernmental Relations in June 2009.

Minister Yamamoto had been the president and owner of Tora Design Group in North Vancouver for 21 years. She also enjoyed working with the business community as the president and general manager of the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce.

She also served on the board of the North Shore Credit Union and the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority and was president of the Gordon and Marion Smith Foundation. As well, she represented the North Vancouver Chamber on the North Shore 2010 Spirit Committee and Vancouver’s North Shore Tourism Association Board.

In 1997, Minister Yamamoto served as chair of the BC Chamber of Commerce. She completed a six-year term on the board of Capilano College, with the last three years as chair. She also enjoyed six years as a director of the North Shore Neighbourhood House.

In 2005, Naomi was appointed as an inaugural member of the Premier’s Small Business Roundtable.

In her role as Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations, Naomi Yamamoto is also the Premier’s representative to the Pacific North West Economic Region.





Thursday, May 13, 2010

MLA John van Dongen Member for Abbotsford South

We come to you, Heavenly Father to pray for John van Dongen. We uphold him with our prayers that he will be given the extra strength and insight that is needed to fulfill his many obligations both in the legislature and also in his home constituency. We pray for daily patience as he carries out his duties as the Caucus Whip. Father in heaven, bless this man and his family too, for they are a great part of the support that John so desires and needs . We pray that he too will reach out to you as he realizes he needs Divine guidance as he seeks to serve with honesty and enthusiasm all the people of this great province. We thank you now for answered prayer in the name of our Lord. Amen.

John van Dongen was re-elected as MLA to serve the new riding of Abbotsford-South in the spring of 2009.


John was first elected in 1995 in a by-election to represent the riding of Abbotsford and was re-elected in 1996, 2001, and 2005.

Mr. van Dongen currently serves as the Government Caucus Whip.

Mr. van Dongen has served as the Solicitor General and Minister of Public Safety. He has also served as Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations and as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries. He has also been a member of the Government Caucus Committee on Social Development. For the past several years, John served on the Hospital Construction Committee for the new Abbotsford Hospital and Cancer Centre.

Before his election to the Legislative Assembly, Mr. van Dongen operated a dairy farm in Abbotsford. He studied agricultural economics at the University of British Columbia.

Mr. van Dongen was involved in farm organizations and businesses for almost two decades. He was on the board of directors of the B.C. Dairy Foundation, Agrifoods International Co-operative (Dairyland) the B.C. Federation of Dairymen's Association and the Federal Farm Debt Review Board.

He was Chair of the Building and Finance Committee of St. Joseph's Church in Mission. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus. He is the father of two sons and has one granddaughter.



Wednesday, May 12, 2010

MLA Claire Trevena Member for North Island

Creator: I pray today for Claire Trevena and ask for extra support for her in her work. Help her to see the challenges of each day as tasks you have purposefully set before her. Help her to find inner resources and ideas beyond what she thought she possessed. And at the end of every day, give her rest, peace and a sense of accomplishment. This is asked in the name of the one who loves us best. Amen.

Claire Trevena was first elected in May 2005 and was re-elected on May 12, 2009.

Claire is a former journalist, community activist and human rights worker.

In the early 1990s, Claire came to Canada as the BBC's Canadian correspondent.

Awarded the Canadian Civilian Peacekeeping Medal, she's worked on democratic development projects overseas and in Canada.

Claire was an active trade unionist in her professional life. Since moving to BC she has been involved in a number of community initiatives, including a weekly community kitchen on Quadra Island as well as various environmental initiatives.

She was elected to the board of the Quadra Community Association and held a seat on the Regional District of Comox Strathcona Regional Area J Advisory Planning Committee.

Prior to the 2005 election, Claire ran a small communications business on Quadra Island with her husband, Mike McIvor.







Tuesday, May 11, 2010

MLA Jane Thornthwaite Member for North Vancouver - Seymour

This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Dear Lord, we pray for this talented, capable and hard-working, young woman.

We pray You will bless her abundantly for her courage in stepping out to a new way of life, in her desire to make a difference in our province, and for her constituents of North Vancouver and Seymour.

For the sacrifices she is making as a mother of three to serve this province, we pray Your blessings upon her. Place Your hand of protection and love over her family, that every need will be met, and that they will lack nothing. We especially ask that You will keep them all in good health and keep their relationships with one another strong and whole.

In Jesus' Mighty Name we pray. Amen

Jane Thornthwaite was elected MLA for North Vancouver-Seymour in the 2009 general provincial election.


Since 2005, Jane was a School Trustee for the North Vancouver Board of Education and topped the polls in both the 2005 and 2008 municipal elections. She was elected Chair of the North Vancouver Board of Education in December 2008 and resigned from the Board June 2009 after being elected to the Legislature.

Previously, Jane was a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (B.Sc., B.H.E.) with a 22-year career in health care. Jane’s work experience includes positions in hospital dietetics and community health, an instructor for a third year required Nutrition course at UBC, a Corporate Nutritionist for an international Health Food Chain and a National Sales Representative for an international pharmaceutical firm.

Her writing has been published in a wide variety of publications and she has been a guest presenter and lecturer at numerous colleges and universities.

As a former self-employed health consultant, Jane has experience operating a small business and supporting a family as a mother of three kids.

Jane has an extensive volunteer career on the North Shore and has lived in North Vancouver for over 19 years.









Monday, May 10, 2010

MLA Diane Thorne Member for Coquitlam - Maillardville

Lord God, You are good and wise and we praise you as you look now down upon our province British Columbia. We ask now Lord that you look upon Diane Thorne who serves the region of Coquitlam – Maillardville in our province of British Columbia.

Lord, may Diane be a servant of the people in the region you have assigned her. We pray for your joy to be with Diane wherever she goes and that her assignment will be fruitful.

May success follow her efforts as a provincial government servant.
Lord, we also pray peace and protection for Neil, her husband and for her children Jay and Lee. Bless this family with an abundant measure from heaven.

Diane Thorne was re-elected as the MLA for Coquitlam-Maillardville on May 12, 2009. She was first elected to the Legislature in 2005.

Diane serves as deputy opposition critic for Education, Early Learning and Literacy.

Diane served on Coquitlam council from 1996 to 2005, bringing considerable experience in business and social services to the political arena. Diane and her husband Neil have owned and operated several successful small businesses.

Diane has been extensively involved in a wide cross-section of women's issues over the past 35 years. She served on the board of directors of the B.C./Yukon Women's Centres Association and spent several years as the province's representative on the National Action Committee on the Status of Women.

In 1993, Diane received the BC Distinguished Service to Families Award and in 1992, the Canada 125 medal. She was a founding member of the PoCoMo Youth Services Society, the Family Life Educators of BC and the Fraser Burrard Restorative Justice Society. Diane studied liberal arts at several community colleges and Simon Fraser University. Diane and Neil live locally and have two adult sons, Jay and Lee.







Sunday, May 9, 2010

MLA Hon. Steve Thomson Kelowna-Mission Minister of Agriculture and Lands

Heavenly Father, may the unique, pioneering family history Steve Thomson possesses be used by You in a special way as he serves as Minister for Agriculture and Lands and as MLA to the people of Kelowna-Mission. May his many experiences in leadership and advisory roles bring renewed energy and a strong leadership voice to his Ministry. We ask that You renew his outlook and give him discernment to make decisions that reflect Your will and desire. Surround him with people that will give him sound advice and bring clarity to every situation.


Steve Thomson was appointed Minister for Agriculture and Lands on June 10, 2009. He was elected to represent the riding of Kelowna-Mission on May 12, 2009.

Born and raised in Kelowna, Steve comes from a pioneer family who continue to operate the original family farm established in 1896.

Steve is the former executive director of the BC Agriculture Council and has developed his career and experience working on behalf of British Columbia farmers and ranchers. He has served as General Manager of the BC Fruit Growers Association and the BC Milk Producers Association.

He has been selected for many leadership roles and advisory positions dedicated to the continuous improvement of our province. Steve brings to his role of MLA for Kelowna Mission extensive leadership expertise, experience in economic development and a clear understanding of how to get things done in government. He has served the community and province as president of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce and chair of the BC Chamber of Commerce and has represented those organizations and others on provincial government task forces focused on red tape reduction and small business development.

He has also served as a director of the Kelowna Museum, the Okanagan Innovation Fund and the BC BioEnergy Network.

He has a great love of sports and had a long career in rugby including the opportunity to play for the Canadian National Rugby Team. Current interests include golf, gardening and being an ardent rugby fan.

Steve is a husband, father and grandfather. He is married to Brenda and has three children and five grandchildren.



Thursday, May 6, 2010

MLA Ralph Sultan Member for West Vancouver-Capilano

Lord, we come to You today to thank You for Ralph Sultan, a man of many talents and a wealth of experience in different fields of life.
We ask that his wisdom acquired over the years may produce good fruit in due season.
We ask, Lord, that You endow him with Your insight so that through him and many others Your will would be accomplished in his constituency, West Vancouver-Capilano, and through our Legislature in B.C.
We ask for an abundance of productive ideas through him.

In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.

Ralph Sultan was elected to the BC Legislature to represent the riding of West Vancouver-Capilano in 2001, 2005 and 2009. He has served on the Government Caucus Committee for the Economy and the Legislature's Public Accounts Committee, and the Caucus Liaison for the Ministry of Finance. Ralph previously served as the Chair for the Government Caucus Committee for the Economy and the B.C. Mining Task Force.

Ralph is an economist, educator and businessperson who also maintains registration as a professional engineer (P.Eng.). Prior to attending university, he worked as a tree faller, as a lineman on the construction of the Kemano-Kitimat transmission line, as surveyor's helper on the Lillooet and Bridge River hydroelectric projects, and was an International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers permit member.

Graduating from UBC in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Ralph worked as a technical sales representative for a major international company before earning MBA, MA, and Ph.D. (Economics) degrees from Harvard University. He completed those degrees in 1965. He then served as Assistant and Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Business Administration, Harvard University, for nine years. He was then employed by The Royal Bank of Canada for almost ten years as Chief Economist; then Senior Vice President, Marketing in Montreal, and subsequently Senior Vice President, Global Energy and Minerals Group in Calgary. He was retained by the J. W. McConnell Foundation, Canada's largest philanthropic fund, as investment advisor.

In 1974 and 1975 Harvard University Press published his two-volume study of price fixing in the electrical industry.

Between 1980 and 2000, Ralph held senior officer and director positions in a variety of financial, mining, forestry and technology sector companies, and owned and operated his own investment company. In the mining sector, he was Executive Vice President of Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Company, a subsidiary of Anglo American Corporation, and was Chair of Curragh Resources in the Yukon, and held other executive positions.

In the 1990's, after returning home to British Columbia , Ralph served as President of a joint venture with a major American corporation, engaged in the development of a fibreboard mill in Williams Lake.

Ralph was the Eagle Harbour Yacht Club executive secretary and was an Augustana Lutheran Church Councilor. He was Chair of the Financial Research Foundation (1984-1985), Chair, Queen's University Business School Advisory Committee (1981-84), Economic Council of Canada member (1979-83), and Harvard Business School fundraiser (1968-1994). Ralph arranged for the endowment of a UBC professorship in mining engineering (1990) and served on Harvard's Graduate School Arts & Science Advisory Committee (1993-1996). Ralph has received academic awards, including graduation from the Harvard Business School with High Distinction, UBC's Cayley Prize, the Engineering Institute of Canada Prize, Harvard's designation as Baker Scholar and Ford Foundation designation as Fellow. Ralph is a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia.

Born in 1933, Ralph was raised in a family of ten in the Mt. Pleasant District of East Vancouver. He has lived on Vancouver's North Shore since returning to B.C. His wife of 43 years, Shirley, a surgical nurse and rehabilitation clinic entrepreneur, died suddenly in 1999. He has four children and four grandchildren. He enjoys boating, skiing and gardening.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

MLA Hon. Dr. Moira Stillwell Vancouver-Langara Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development

Father, we ask for your attention to our prayer this day for Dr. Moira Stilwell. We pray that this gifted woman’s talents will be used to bless all the citizens of this province in general and her own constituency in particular. Cover her with your Divine protection and guide her day by day to do that which will be pleasing in your sight. Bring alongside her those individuals who will be able to help lift the burdens of public office. Guide her to make the right decisions when the difficult problems present themselves. We ask a double blessing upon her this day in the name of Jesus our caring and loving Saviour. Amen

Dr. Moira Stilwell was appointed Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development on June 10, 2009.

Minister Stilwell was elected MLA for Vancouver-Langara in the 2009 provincial general election.

Dr. Moira Stilwell is a radiologist and nuclear medicine physician who has been working at BC Women’s Hospital for nearly a decade. Prior to being elected, Moira was Head of Nuclear Medicine at St. Paul’s Hospital, Surrey Memorial Hospital, Abbottsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Clinic. She was also the Co-Chair of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation 2020 Task Force. She previously worked at BC Women’s Hospital where she was Co-medical director of the Breast Health Program and staff radiologist. She was a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiology in the Faculty of Medicine at University of British Columbia.


She is the past Chair of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation/BC Yukon Chapter, has served on the Board of the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Alliance, as well as on the BC Women’s Hospital Foundation Board.


In addition to her active involvement in promoting a healthy community, both as a volunteer and physician, Moira has been actively involved in her children’s schools and local community.


Moira has three grown children and currently lives in Vancouver with her husband Dr. Sam Lichtenstein.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

4th Annual MLA Prayer Breakfast

May 1-7 is proclaimed Prayer Week in BC.  In recognition of Prayer Week and as an act of honour for those who serve in public office, Leading Influence Ministries hosted our Fourth Annual MLA Prayer Breakfast on May 4, 2010 at the Hotel Grand Pacific.

This is the prayer that was prayed this morning by Pastor Dan Cousins of Genesis Centre in Nanaimo, BC.  We invite you to pray with us today.

We thank you for the leaders gathered in this room who give of themselves to serve our province as elected leaders. We ask that you would honour their willing sacrifice of time and energy as they give themselves to public service. We pray that you would grant them wisdom as they serve as leaders. Help them to discern what is best for our province as we move towards tomorrow. Give them courage to make good and right decisions that are in keeping with Your plans so that all of us will benefit. Fill them with compassion for the poor and weak among us. Help them to govern rightly on their behalf. Grant them Your strength that will enable them to fulfill all that is required of them. May they sense Your love for them today.



We ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.


Monday, May 3, 2010

MLA Hon. Ben Stewart Westside-Kelowna Minister of Citizen's Service and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism and the Public Affairs Bureau

Lord: You see all the workings of every day for each and every one of us. I pray now for Ben Stewart. Help him when he sees the responsibilities of each day to call upon you for strength, guidance and clarity. Help him feel your love and support. Amen.

Ben Stewart was appointed Minister of Citizens' Services and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism and the Public Affairs Bureau on June 10, 2009. He was elected MLA for Westside-Kelowna on May 12, 2009.

An entrepreneur, Ben founded and built Quails’ Gate into one of Canada’s leading estate wineries.

Ben has 30 years of extensive experience serving the community and is a founding director of a Venture Capital Fund for local business development. He was on the board of the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation and has been active in the fundraising and establishment of the Brookhaven Extended Care Facility Campaign, Southern Interior Cancer Centre Campaign, and the Rotary Centre for the Arts.

Ben was chair of the BC Grape Marketing Board where they successfully negotiated with provincial and federal governments on agricultural stabilization. Additionally, he was chairman of the Regional Transportation Advisory Committee for the Thompson Okanagan, as well as a member of the Presidents Community Advisory Council at UBC Okanagan.

His other experience includes having served as the past chair of VQA Canada, where they successfully resolved a number of significant international issues such as trademark protection, international mutual recognition agreements including national wine and health standards. As vice-chair of the Canadian Vintners Association, he oversaw the establishment of new national wine association offices in Ottawa and the hiring of their first CEO.

Ben has been recognized as Business Leader of the Year in Kelowna in 1998, received the Westbank Chamber of Commerce President’s Award in 2006, and recognized as Family Business of the Year by Grant Thornton in 2007. He also received the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for Community Service. He was a Kinsman, a scout leader and a member of the Canadian Ski Patrol.

Ben lives in Westside with Ruth his wife of 30 years and has three grown children.



Sunday, May 2, 2010

MLA John Slater Member for Boundary - Simikameen

Heavenly Father, as we pray for John Slater, we thank You for answered prayers in helping him during his first year in the Legislature. His past experience in leadership in his own community has enabled him to be an innovative force for good change in this province. May You bless him with vision, wisdom and grace. Grant him continued favour with his colleagues and those in opposition.

Keep John Slater in the palm of Your hand, as you bless him with good health, happiness and safety in his many travels.

John Slater was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Water Supply and Allocation to the Minister of Environment on June 10, 2009. He was elected as MLA for Boundary-Similkameen on May 12, 2009. He will also be serving on the Environment and Land Use Committee.

He currently owns and operates Desert Edge Nursery, a retail/wholesale operation selling vegetable and nursery products.

John is a well-known proactive community leader in the South Okanagan having served Osoyoos for twelve years on city council and then six years as Mayor.

For nearly 30 years in Osoyoos, John has been actively involved in the community. For more than 20 years he coached youth basketball, soccer, hockey and baseball. He was a Kinsman as well as serving as Director for the Osoyoos & District Recreation Commission, the Osoyoos Child & Youth Committee, the Osoyoos Chamber of Commerce, the Okanagan Regional Library, the Interior Vegetable Marketing Agency & Greenhouse Growers Association, and was a Director of the BC Vegetable Marketing Commission.

Born and raised in Kelowna, John studied at the University of Victoria but soon returned to the Okanagan moving to Osoyoos in 1980. Over the years, he has owned and operated tourism and service industry businesses. He established a nursery and greenhouse business specializing in vegetable production where he became very involved in agricultural issues and organizations.