Thursday, September 30, 2010

MLA Ron Cantelon Member for Parksville-Qualicum

Heavenly Father we express our gratefulness to You that we are privileged to live in this beautiful and blessed place. We are also grateful for the men and women who give freely of their time and treasure to serve the people of this province. And so we pray for  Ron Catelon who as the Government Caucus Chair has tremendous responsibilities. We pray for him wisdom and patience and understanding as he wrestles with the day to day duties of provincial government. He is where he is because You have placed him there. May he also reach out to You for daily guidance as he endeavours to fulfil his mandate responsibly and with integrity. We ask these things in the precious name of our loving Saviour Jesus the Christ. Amen.

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.





Wednesday, September 29, 2010

MLA Hon. Gordon Campbell Premier Vancouver-Point Grey

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. Gordon Campbell who is the Premier of BC.  We thank You God for the stability that Gordon demonstrated in the government and in his continual work as a politician on our province for the last 15 years. We specifically ask today that You will bestow on him Your wisdom and will help him to make decisions which will demonstrate understanding and mercy for the citizen of this great province. We thank You God for directing and guiding our Premier and for giving him Your peace. In Jesus name we pray. 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.







Tuesday, September 28, 2010

MLA Stephanie Cadieux Member for Surrey-Panorama

Lord, may great grace, be upon this keen vibrant young woman, whose very persona suggests confidence, hope and a keen insight for positive change in our province. She has shown great strength to meet the challenges, an MLA. is faced with daily. We pray , our Father You will grant divine wisdom, to tackle the tasks at hand and bless her greatly with the fruits of her labour. Dear Lord increase Your benefits of grace, to her marriage, their good health, and safety, as she seeks to accomplish what she has set out to do that will greatly benefit the families in her riding, Surrey / Panorama In Your Holy Name we pray! Amen
Stephanie Cadieux was elected MLA for Surrey-Panorama in the 2009 general provincial election.

Stephanie resides as Chair of the Special Committee to Appoint an Information and Privacy Commissioner, and is also a member of the Select Standing Committees on Health and on Children and Youth and the Special Committee to Review the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

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.







Monday, September 27, 2010

MLA Jagrup Brar Member for Surrey-Fleetwood

Father in Heaven, we pray to 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 Fleetwood 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. Jagrup has also served as Opposition Critic for Small Business and Revenue, Employment and Income Assistance and as Critic for Solicitor General and Public Safety.

Born in India, Jagrup was a member of the Indian National Basketball team and earned a master’s degree in Philosophy. He then moved to Canada to study at the University of Manitoba where he earned a Master's degree in Public Administration, MPA. Jagrup moved to British Columbia from Winnipeg fourteen 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, the homeless 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 children - Noor and Fateh.



Sunday, September 26, 2010

MLA Hon. Shirley Bond Prince George-Valemount Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

Heavenly Father, we pray for Shirley Bond today. Thank you that You have put her in a place of influence and leadership within our province. Help her to be a good steward of what You have entrusted to her. We ask today that You would bless her as she serves You. Give her favour in every area of her life so that she can be an effective MLA. Bless her husband, her family and her staff.

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.







Thursday, September 23, 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-Lougheed 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.











Wednesday, September 22, 2010

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

We thank You Heavenly Father for Hon. Iain Black who was appointed Minister of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development on June 10th 2009. You have blessed him with many gifts and the eagerness to better his province. We pray that You will continue to have Your hand upon him and guide him with much wisdom and grace. We ask that You bless him for the many sacrifices he has made and continue to give him the energy and knowledge to go about the many tasks before him. Bless his wife and 3 children and grant them peace and prosperity.

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.









Tuesday, September 21, 2010

MLA Dawn Black New Wesminister

Dear God, we thank You that we can come before You today knowing that You always hear and answer our prayers.  We bring before You today Dawn Black elected for the New Westminster region.  We thank You that You placed on Dawn’s heart a return to BC and bring her previous Member of Parliament experience. We ask Lord that You will increase her capacity to include Your picture for better labour relations and higher education in our province. We also pray that Dawn will have the opportunity to enjoy her family in a greater and more meaningful way. We thank You God that You had placed Dawn Black among us.
In the name of Jesus, 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.



Monday, September 20, 2010

Hon. Bill Bennett Kootney East Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources

Dear Lord , we come to You today to bless and give thanks for Bill Bennett and for his many years of faithful service to the Province of British Columbia. He is no stranger to the Legislature and obviously trusted by his constituents as they keep returning this capable dedicated man to office as their MLA. His professional status, past experiences in business, his involvement in his community, will be invaluable in his  position as Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources. We pray You will continue to grant him sound decisions and clear vision for good changes in this riding of East Kootenay.  Bless Bill and his wife Beth and their two sons with protection , good health and happiness.
In the precious Name of Jesus 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. On June 11, 2010, he was appointed the Minister of Energy, Mines, and Petroleum Resources.

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.



Sunday, September 19, 2010

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

Dearest Heavenly Father, we come to You today with thanks for Your omnipotence and great wisdom in appointing MLA the Honourable Patrick Bell to Government for such a time as this.  We acknowledge, Lord, that You have a purpose for Patrick and ask that You give him wisdom beyond himself, special insight into the affairs of his portfolios in Forests and Land Management, and a desire to accomplish all that You would put in his heart that he would be used as an instrument of blessing.

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.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

MLA Hon Bill Barisoff Penticton Speaker

Our Father as we come together to pray for MLA. Bill Barisoff , we give thanks for the wisdom and grace that he brings to the legislature. We pray that You would give him strength as he carries out with grace, the responsible position that has been entrusted to him as Speaker of the House. May he continually be aware of Your Presence , to receive Divine strength, daily. We appreciate the sacrifice that he makes along with his wife and family to serve the people of this province . Bless them with Your love and care, good health and safety in travel.
In Jesus Name! 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.



Wednesday, September 15, 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.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

MLA Robin Austin Member for Skeena

Father in Heaven we thank You for Robin Austin and his willingness to serve as the MLA for Skeena. We know that he faces many challenges as the opposition critic for Education, Early Learning and Literacy. We pray You will give him great wisdom and insight as he goes about his work in this area. Lord, we pray You would bless his wife and his two children and give them a sense of how much their sacrifice is appreciated.
In Jesus name Amen.

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.









Monday, September 13, 2010

MLA Hon George Abbott Shuswap Minister of Aborigianl Relations

Heavenly Father we thank You have placed George Abbott in this place of influence. We pray that You will bless him and give him wisdom as he works with the First Nations and that those working with him will bring clear concise communication to the table. Most of all we ask that George, his family and staff will have opportunities to rest and be refreshed this summer.

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.



Sunday, September 12, 2010

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

Lord: When John raises his eyes from his work, help him to see how he serves and supports his community. When he seeks solutions to difficulties or problems, help him to find them easily. Amen.

John Yap was first elected in the riding of Richmond-Steveston in the 2005 provincial election. He was re-elected on May 12, 2009.

Minister Yap previously served as the chair of the Government Caucus. He was also a member of the Treasury Board, the Legislative Review Cabinet Committee, as well as the Select Standing Committees of Public Accounts and Crown Corporations. He has also served as a member of the Special Committee on Sustainable Aquaculture and was previously a member of the Finance and Government Services Committee.

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. John is an honorary member of the Vancouver Diamond Lions Club.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

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

Dearest Heavenly Father, as the representative for the people of North Vancouver-Longsdale and as Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations, we thank You for Your wisdom in bringing MLA the Honourable Naomi Yamamoto to the Legislature for such a time as this. Thank you for blessing Minister Yamamoto with intelligence and a willingness to serve. We pray You will guide her decision-making and ask that You would surround her with people who will encourage her, support her and who will give her advice that lines up with Your plan. May she sense Your hand upon her and may she know that she is appreciated. We ask this in Jesus' name.

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.



Wednesday, September 8, 2010

MLA John van Dongen Member for Abbotsford South

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, MLA John van Dongen who is serving as the Government Caucus Whip, and was elected for Abbotsford- South riding. We thank You God for placing a seasoned man in this difficult job of a watchman and we ask that You continue to give him wisdom and understanding as he represents BC citizens. We ask that You cover Mr. van Dongen with health and good family relations for many years to come.
In Jesus name we pray. 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.





Tuesday, September 7, 2010

MLA Claire Trevena Member for North Island

Dear Lord , as we come before Your Throne of Grace, to pray for Claire, we pray she will know and feel Your help and love today as she fulfills the many tasks this day may bring. We thank you for her heart of care for others shown in the work she has done in establishing and supporting community kitchens, as well as environmental initiatives undertaken in her riding. In her position now as MLA. we pray You will bless her with keen perception of the needs of N. Island, and that her voice will be heard as she raises concerns for the good and wise changes that will benefit her constituents.  May Your Grace abound in her daily work and in her family life . May Claire be blessed with good health , safety and happiness.

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.



Monday, September 6, 2010

MLA Jane Thornthwaite Member for North Vancouver - Seymour

Dearest Heavenly Father, thank You for Your wisdom in bringing MLA Jane Thornthwaite to the Legislature as a represenative for the people of North Vancouver-Seymour. Thank You for the special talents and experiences Jane has to offer. We ask that You keep Your hand upon her, giving her wisdom, encouragement and special favour as she seeks to serve her constituents well. Strengthen her spirit and her resolve and bring times of refreshing when she needs it most. Bless her and her family with good health and may they have quality time to spend together in spite of busy schedules. We ask this in Jesus' name.

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.





Sunday, September 5, 2010

MLA Diane Thorne Member for Coquitlam - Maillardville

Heavenly Father, we pray for Diane Thorne today. We ask that You will bless her and continue to give her wisdom in her area of responsibility within our province. We thank You for her influence in working with and having a voice for the women of our province. We ask that You will bless her with insight to be even more affective in this area. We ask You will give her favour and bless her, her family and staff as they have a break over the summer.

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.

Thursday, September 2, 2010

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

Heavenly Father, we uplift the Honorable. Steve Thomson to You. We thank You Lord for all the experience he has had to bring him to the place of being entrusted to be the Minister of Agriculture and Lands. But we realize that since all wisdom comes from You, that Mr. Thomson senses Your presence at work around him and through him as he carries on his responsibilities today. Bless him, Father, as a husband, father, grandfather, farmer and business owner. Amen.

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.





Wednesday, September 1, 2010

MLA Ralph Sultan Member for West Vancouver-Capilano

Dear Lord: We lift Ralph up to You in prayer and ask that as we do he feel that he is supported and appreciated. Help him to see the value he brings to his work with his talents and experience. When conflicts arise, of whatever nature, may he see the path to forward movement and reconciliation. 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.