Sunday, October 31, 2010

MLA Sue Hammell Member for Surrey-Green Timbers

Dear God, we thank You that we can come before You today as we bring before You today, our MLA: Sue Hammell who serves as Deputy Opposition Critic for Health Services. We thank You God for giving Sue knowledge of health and women and had placed her in the position which suites these qualities. We ask that You will help her shine in the MLA position that she holds and to bring forth her specialize international experience for the benefits of BC citizens.
In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Sue Hammell was re-elected as the MLA for Surrey-Green Timbers on May 12, 2009. She was first elected in 1991, and re-elected in both 1996 and 2005.

Sue serves as deputy opposition critic for Health Services.

Sue has served in a number of cabinet positions during her political career, including Minister of Housing, Recreation and Consumer Services, Minister Responsible for Co-operatives, and the Minister for Women's Equality. In addition, she was Government Caucus Chair and was active on several legislative committees.

Sue is also a founding member of the Minerva Foundation for BC Women, initiated in 1999 to provide funds for projects that will assist women to realize their potential and to create a safe place for them to live and work in British Columbia.

Sue has been working with Washington BC based National Democratic Institute since 2000. With NDI she traveled to the Middle East five times to work with emerging political parties and female candidates.

In 2002 Sue worked with the Surrey Aboriginal Society as their Executive Director. She developed the Society into a modern urban centre for aboriginal people with an annual budget of over 2 million dollars.

Born in Vancouver, Sue was raised on Sea Island in Richmond. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of British Columbia, she taught in Verdun, Quebec, in Courtenay and Surrey.

Sue is married and has one grown daughter, Sage. Sue and her husband John have lived in the Surrey Green Timbers area since 1990.









Thursday, October 28, 2010

MLA Guy Genter Member for Delta North

Dear God,
We bring before You Guy Gentner, the MLA for the New Democratic Party of BC in North Delta Constituency. We thank You God for this outdoor man. We thank You for his love of the wild life and for his compassion for the needy. We thank You God that You had given him organization abilities and had placed him in a position to use these gifts that You had given him. We pray Lord that you will bless Guy with energy and insight to understand people in conflict and be able to find the right words and direction to guide them to peaceful solutions. We thank You God for blessing our MLA Guy Gentner who serves as opposition critic for intergovernmental relations.
In the Name of Jesus the Christ we pray. Amen.

Guy Gentner was re-elected as the MLA for Delta North on May 12, 2009. He was first elected to the Legislature May 17, 2005.

Guy serves as opposition critic for Intergovernmental Relations.

Guy Gentner served as a Delta Councillor from 1999 to 2005. As chair of the Delta Parks, Recreation and Culture Commission, Guy re-organized the department to include a significant capitalization program for parks, recreation and the arts.

Guy’s efforts as chair of the commission were instrumental in the delivery of an enhanced Sun God Aquatic Centre, Mackie Park Artificial Turf Field, improvements to the Watershed Park and the new Fire Hall Centre for the Arts.

Guy also chaired Delta’s Planning and Environment Committee and Traffic and Safety Committee and served on many municipal committees including Finance, Foreshore and Harbours, Tour de Delta, and the GVRD’s Parks Committee. Guy’s community involvement consists of Delta’s Heritage Advisory Commission, Delta’s Board of Variance and the Delta Arts Council.

Guy helped form the North Delta/Newton Public Hospital Society, and is also a past president of the North Delta Ratepayers Association and former vice-president of the Burns Bog Conservation Society.

Through the mayor’s bog task force, Guy contributed to the negotiating process that helped public purchase of Burns Bog.

Guy graduated from Simon Fraser University, drove a bus for many years, fly fishes and is an advocate for outdoor recreation.









Wednesday, October 27, 2010

MLA Scott Fraser Member for Alberni-Pacific Rim

Dear Father in Heaven,

We bring before You Scott Fraser the MLA for Alberni-Pacific Rim of the New Democratic Party. We thank You God that You chose Scott as Your leader in this government. We praise You that You had given him the understanding and the love for Vancouver Island and You showed him the direction in which he can help his constituency to live a better life. We are asking You God that You will direct Scott to be able to use Your gifts with wisdom and serve the people of BC with selflessness that permeates presently in that rural neighbourhood. We ask that You bless Scott Fraser and his family with health and a happy family life.
In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

Scott Fraser was elected as the MLA for Alberni-Pacific Rim on May 12, 2009. He served as MLA for Alberni-Qualicum from May 17, 2005 until the riding boundaries were re-drawn.

Scott serves as opposition critic for Community and Rural Development.

From 1996 to 1999 Scott served as the mayor of the District of Tofino and was involved in the creation of the first UNESCO World Biosphere designation in British Columbia.

Scott has also served on many organizations, including Alberni Clayoquot Regional District Board, Vancouver Island Regional Library Board, Clayoquot Sound Central Region Board, Tourism British Columbia, Vancouver Island Health Board, Tofino/Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, treaty advisory committees, fisheries committees and the Family Court Committee.

Scott was born in Ottawa, Ontario and has been a resident of BC since 1980. His background includes small business, labour, harbour management, fisheries and shellfish aquaculture.

Scott lived in Tofino with his wife and daughter for over 12 years. They now live in the Qualicum Beach area.





Tuesday, October 26, 2010

MLA Eric Foster Member for Vernon-Monashee

Dear God,

We are praying this day on behalf of Eric Foster. Although Eric has been busy for some years in public life, it is his first term as an MLA for Vernon-Monashee constituency. We are asking that You bless Eric and his wife with health and wisdom. That this term will help him to discover the needed representation on behalf of his constituency and of the people of BC.
We pray to You Father in the name of Your son Jesus believing that our prayers are heard and answered.

Eric Foster was elected on May 12, 2009 as MLA for Vernon-Monashee in the general provincial election.

Eric served as the Mayor of the Village of Lumby for four years prior to his election as MLA, councillor for the Village of Lumby for 12 years and as a director of the North Okanagan Regional District.

He is a registered forest technician and for eight years served as a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Auxiliary, as well as a director of the North Okanagan Community Futures Development Corporation.

Eric and his wife Janice have been volunteering, working and living in the North Okanagan for more than 20 years.

Eric is a great supporter of sports, the outdoors, his community, arts and culture.





Monday, October 25, 2010

MLA Rob Fleming Member for Victoria-Swan Lake

Our Father, Your word declares Jer. 29 :11 “ for I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future . This morning as we come together to pray for Rob, we trust this word will be quickened to his heart . May he indeed be blessed as MLA for Victoria and Swan Lake as he goes about the duties and responsibilities You have entrusted him with. Help him to know he is appreciated for the good work he does for the betterment of this community he continues to serve so faithfully. We pray for health and safety for him and his family. May the quality time he spends with them, be abundantly blessed by Your love and grace.

Rob Fleming was elected on May 17, 2005 as the MLA for Victoria-Hillside, and re-elected on May 12, 2009 as the MLA for the re-configured constituency of Victoria-Swan Lake.

Rob serves as opposition critic for Environment.

Rob served as critic for post-secondary and sat as chair of the legislature’s Public Accounts committee.

Rob served two terms as a Victoria City Councilor before his election to the legislature. He chaired the city’s finance committee and represented Victoria at the Capital Regional District, the Victoria Regional Transit Commission, the Capital Housing Corporation and Tourism Victoria.

Rob has been involved in a number of community organizations, including the Work Place, the Veins of Life Watershed Society, and the Victoria Cool Aid Society Foundation.

Rob received a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Victoria and has worked in research and communications.

Rob lives in Victoria with his wife Maura, daughter Rory and son Jack. He is a dedicated soccer fan and player, and an avid user of Victoria's parks and beaches.





Sunday, October 24, 2010

MLA Mike Farnworth Member for Port Coquitlam

Dear Father in Heaven,

We bring before You Your child, Mike Farnworth. Mike had given many years to the people of Port Coquitlam and BC. Recently, he served Canadians by representing them overseas in programs for countries that are creating for the first time democratic governments. Father in Heaven, we are asking that You will give Mike Farnworth Your appreciation in a way that he will know that his work is not gone unnoticed. We are praying that You will gift him with abilities to learn and to understand languages and cultures far different then his own. We trust that Mike Farnworth will walk in the assurance that You will protect his body, mind, soul and spirit at home and abroad.

Mike Farnworth was elected as MLA for Port Coquitlam on May 12, 2009. He was first elected as the MLA for Port Coquitlam-Burke Mountain in 1991, and re-elected in 1996. Mike was re-elected again as MLA for this constituency on May 17, 2005.
 
  Mike is the Opposition House Leader, and serves as Opposition Critic for Public Safety and Solicitor General. Mike also served the people of Port Coquitlam as a three term City Councillor.

During his time as the MLA for Port Coquitlam he served in numerous Cabinet positions, including Minister of Health and Minister of Social Development and Economic Security.

From 2001 to 2004, Mike worked in Bulgaria, the Balkans and most recently Iraq on democratic governance programs to help build multiparty democracies in former one-party states.

Mike was raised in Port Coquitlam and has lived there for over 30 years.









Thursday, October 21, 2010

MLA Kevin Falcon Member for Surrey-Cloverdale

Dear God, we thank You that we can come before You today as we bring before You today, the Hon. Kevin Falcon who is our Minister of Health Services.We thank You God for the leadership abilities that You have given Kevin and we ask that You will direct him to use these abilities for the benefits of the citizens of BC and for the glory of God.
In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Kevin Falcon was appointed Minister of Health Services on June 10, 2009.


MLA Falcon was first elected in 2001 to represent the riding of Surrey-Cloverdale, and was re-elected in 2005 and 2009. He was previously appointed Minister of Transportation on January 26, 2004 and initially served as Minister of State for De-regulation.

As well, Minister Falcon has previously overseen a capital program that includes the Kicking Horse Canyon, the Sea to Sky Highway and the William Bennett Bridge, among many others.

Minister Falcon's leadership earned him recognition in Vancouver Magazine's annual ranking of the city's 50 most influential leaders in 2008.

Before his election to the Legislative Assembly in 2001, Kevin Falcon was president of Access Group, a corporate communications firm he founded in 1998. He has also worked in the real estate development industry and was vice-president of Northwest Investment Properties. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Simon Fraser University, and his real estate education at the University of British Columbia.

Kevin has been active with his local Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club. He is a past director of the Vancouver Sea Festival, past-president of the Vancouver Junior Chamber of Commerce and a former volunteer with the Cloverdale RCMP Bike Patrol.









Wednesday, October 20, 2010

MLA Mable Elmore Member for Vancouver-Kensington

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 Mable Elmore elected for the Vancouver-Kensington region. We thank You God for Mable’s passion for families and children. We recognize in her Your positive force of energy and we ask that You will use that passion through her for bettering the community. We thank You God that You had placed Mable Elmore among us and we ask that You will bless her with Your presence and make Yourself known to her.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Mable Elmore was elected MLA for Vancouver-Kensington on May 12, 2009.

Mable serves as deputy opposition critic for Children, Family Development and Child Care.

Mable has been a transit operator for 10 years, driving a bus in Metro Vancouver while taking a role in her union, the Canadian Auto Workers Local 111, where she coordinated the "More Buses Now" campaign to improve public bus transit.

Mable is a second generation Filipino-Canadian who has also been active in the peace movement and on immigrant, social justice, women's and gay, lesbian and transgendered issues.





Tuesday, October 19, 2010

MLA Doug Donaldson Member for Stikine

God we are pleased to ask You to bless Doug Donaldson.  As he serves as the Deputy Opposition Critic for Finace may You give him wisdom, insight and clear understanding into the needs of our province.  We ask that You keep him full of energy and life; may he enjoy the umbrella of Your safety and of Your continual care.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, Amen.

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

Doug serves as deputy opposition critic for Finance.

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

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










Monday, October 18, 2010

MLA Adrian Dix Member for Vancouver-Kingsway

Dear Lord, we are coming to Your Throne of Grace today on behalf of Adrian Dix, that he might be aware of Your Divine Presence leading, guiding and directing his steps each day. Grant him strength, wisdom and a clear mind for the responsible position as Opposition Critic for Health. May the work of his hands bring the fruits he desires for the good of all. We pray he will be blessed with safety in travel, enjoyment of good health, and a Peace that passes all understanding.
 In Jesus' great Name we pray. Amen.

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

Adrian serves as opposition critic for Health Services.

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

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

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

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

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









Sunday, October 17, 2010

Hon. Michael de Jong Abbotsford West Attorney General and Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General

Lord, we come to You today for Michael de Jong: Attorney General, Minister of Public Safety, and Solicitor General. We ask that You will come alongside Michael in the ministries You have for him at this time. May he be aware of Your strength and guiding hand, that much good will be accomplished to the benefit of all British Columbians. We also lift up his family to You for their care and protection. 
Thank You, Lord. Amen.

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

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

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

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

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


Tuesday, October 12, 2010

MLA Mark Dalton - Maple Ridge Mission

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

In Jesus’ name, Amen!

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

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

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

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

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

Monday, October 11, 2010

MLA Gary Coons - North Coast

Father we lift Gary Coons to you today. I know your eyes have been upon this man and I pray that his ears and his eyes will be open to understand that which you are doing in this present day. We pray that you will lead him and that he would have your discernment in the decision-making processes that he makes. We Bless him this day. In Jesus Name.

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

Gary serves as deputy opposition critic for Transportation and Infrastructure.

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

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

Sunday, October 10, 2010

MLA Katrine Conroy - Kootenay West

Our gracious, Heavenly Father, today our prayers go out for MLA, Katrine Conway. We truly give thanks for her courage, compassion and selflessness in the giving of herself to others. We trust she is well on the way to recovery. May You uplift and refresh her spirit as she prepares to come back to work. Bless her with wisdom, grace and clarity of direction in this responsible position she holds as Party Whip for the Opposition. We appreciate her leadership qualities and her willingness to serve in the legislature, to champion good change for our province and especially for the constituents in her riding of W. Kootenay Boundary. May You abundantly bless Katrine’s personal life as she balances her work load away from home and her role as wife and mother. Keep her and her family all safe and well.

In Jesus' precious Name. Amen

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

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

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

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

Thursday, October 7, 2010

MLA Hon. Rich Coleman Fort Langley-Aldergrove Minister of Housing and Social Development

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

Rich Coleman has been British Columbia’s Minister of Housing and Social Development since 2008. Under his leadership, the provincial government has launched efforts to curb homelessness, including programs like Housing Matters, family and seniors rental assistance programs, and buying, renovating, and managing single-room occupancy apartments.

Before entering public life, Rich was governor of the BC Kinsmen, president of the Aldergrove Chamber of Commerce, Langley’s 1988 Volunteer of the Year, and a director on several volunteer boards. As a member of the Aldergrove Kinsmen Club in the 1980s, Rich oversaw the volunteer fundraising and construction efforts that built the Aldergrove Kinsmen Community Centre, a vital community facility which houses a preschool, library, workout area, and meeting space. The Club was also involved in building a successful housing project in Aldergrove. Rich is a life member of the Kinsmen.

In recognition of his tireless and long-term work in the community, Rich has been awarded both Rotary’s top honour, the Paul Harris Fellowship, and the Kinsmen’s highest honour, the Hal Rogers Fellowship. Rich was the second person ever honoured with the Hal Rogers—the first being Kin founder Hal Rogers himself.

Rich has been elected four times (1996, 2001, 2005, and 2009) as MLA for Fort Langley-Aldergrove. He has previously served as Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, and Minister of Forests and Range. He and his wife Michele live in the Fraser Valley.







Wednesday, October 6, 2010

MLA Hon. Murray Coell Saanich North and the Islands Minister of Labour

Dear Lord and Saviour, we thank You today for Murray Coell and his many years of valuable community service to the residents of N. Saanich and now for the past 14 years as their able MLA. We especially appreciate how he has used his educational training in Social Services to the benefit of the those needing rehabilitation and services for those with mental disabilities as well as his exemplary volunteer work on the board of Queen Alexander Hosp. for children. Dear Lord we thank You for his faithfulness to the people of N.Saanich and ask You today to continue to bless the work of his hands that he has proven he has such a heart for. We pray You will give him divine insight , discernment, new and innovative ideas that will continue to make good changes in the riding of Saanich N. and the islands he serves. May his daily life be filled with Your grace, good health and happiness.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Murray and Corinne Coell live in Central Saanich.





Tuesday, October 5, 2010

MLA Raj Chouhan Member for Burnaby-Edmonds

Heavenly Father, I ask You to bless Raj Chouhan in all his hands are doing. Lord, we praise You for his heart that is filled with passion for social justice for all people and ask that You continue to feed that fire in his soul. We ask for the wisdom of Solomon in each decision he makes in his role as labour critic and that his sense of fairness benefit all people of British Columbia as he stands for and protects the working persons. Protect Mr. Chouhan and his family and shield them from the stresses of his long hours and many days away from home. In Jesus Name. Amen.

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

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

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

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

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



Monday, October 4, 2010

MLA Hon. Ida Chong Oak Bay-Gordon Head Minister of Healthy Living and Sport

Lord God, we thank You today for a leader of Ida’s quality and capacity and ask that every day her steps continue to be ordered and directed by You in the portfolio of Healthy Living and Sport. We pray for continued inspiration to motivate her staff and indeed the public to become more involved in active living as we know this is how You designed us to be. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen

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

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

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

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

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







Sunday, October 3, 2010

MLA Spencer Chandra Herbert Member for Vancouver-West End

Heavenly Father we thank You for Spencer Chandra Herbert and his election on May 12th 2009. We pray as he is one of BC’s newer MLA’s that You grant him great wisdom and knowledge as he learns the responsibilities of this new challenge. We thank You for his enthusiasm and eagerness to better our province and pray that You would bless him in all he does. In Jesus name Amen

Spencer Chandra Herbert was elected MLA for Vancouver-West End on May 12, 2009. He served as MLA for Vancouver – Burrard from October 29, 2008 until the riding boundaries were re-drawn.

Spencer serves as opposition critic for Tourism, Culture and the Arts.

A strong community activist, Spencer tackles issues head on. He was elected to serve as Vancouver Parks Commissioner in 2005. He was voted “Unsung Hero” by the readers of the WestEnder and one of Vancouver’s three best politicians by the readers of Georgia Straight.

Spencer's achievements include initiating the first of many fundraising drives to restore storm-damaged Stanley Park and helping improve environmental sustainability at parks throughout the city. He was instrumental in the improvements to Nelson Park in the West End, and Emery Barnes Park in Yaletown.

Spencer’s background is in the arts and culture industry. He was the associate producer of the United Nations World Urban Festival and has been a facilitator and lecturer with Better Environmentally Sound Transportation, the GLBT Centre and the B.C. Civil Liberties Association.

He's also worked actively with the Coal Harbour Residents Association, the West End Residents Association, the Stanley Park Ecology Society, the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre and the Save St. Paul's Coalition.

Born and raised in Vancouver, Spencer enjoys baseball and is a keen community gardener.

Spencer lives in the West End with partner Romi, a community developer.