MLA: Ralph Sultan - West Vancouver-Capilano

Father, we thank You for MLA: Ralph Sultan. We thank You for the knowledge and vast experience that he brings to the Legislature.  We are also grateful for his many years service to the people of British Columbia. We pray that You would continue to guide and direct him as he moves forward into the new year. May he walk in rich wisdom, understanding and revelation. May he and his family also enjoy good health. In Jesus`name we pray.

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.

MLA: Dr. Moira Stilwell - Vancouver-Langara

Father, we thank You for Moira Stillwell. She is one that truly loves people. We ask Father that You would richly bless her and her family as she has blessed many others. May You pour out on her a spirit of wisdom and revelation that only comes from heaven. We thank you that you have called her and strategically placed her as an MLA for just such a time as this. Provide her with times of rest and relaxation in the midst of her busy schedule. Amen.

Moira Stilwell was elected MLA for Vancouver-Langara in the 2009 provincial general election. She was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Industry, Research and Innovation to the Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation on March 14, 2011. She also serves as Vice Chair of the Cabinet Committee on Jobs and Economic Growth.

She previously served as Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development from June, 2009 to October, 2010.

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.

MLA: Ben Stewart - Westside-Kelowna

Father, we thank You for MLA: Ben Stewart and pray that You will give him supernatural wisdom and revelation as he makes decisions for his constituents and British Columbia. We also pray that You would open many doors for him that would lead to new, fresh places and ideas for making our province an even better place than it already is. May Your favor, blessing and protection surround both him and his family during the coming new year. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Ben Stewart is the MLA for Westside-Kelowna and serves on the Legislative Review Committee, as well as the Priorities and Planning Committee.

Ben previously served as the Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Community and Rural Development, Minister of Citizens' Services, and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism and the Public Affairs Bureau.  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.

MLA: John Slater - Boundary-Similkameen

Father, we bless MLA :John Slater, and ask that You strengthened him and give him an even clearer vision for his constituency.  We ask that when faced with challenges that You would give him quick understanding and wisdom that leads to strategies that change communities for the betterment of all. Protect him and all family members with health, happiness and joy during the entire upcoming new year. Amen.

John Slater is the MLA for Boundary-Similkameen and serves on the Cabinet Committee on Open Government and Engagement.

John previously served as Parliamentary Secretary for Water Supply and Allocation to the Minister of Environment. He has also served on the Environment and Land Use Committee, and the Select Standing Committees on Aboriginal Affairs, on Legislative Initiatives, and the committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders, and Private Bills.

He also owns 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 an additional 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, Chair of the Okanagan Basin Water Board 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.

MLA: Shane Simpson - Vancouver-Hastings

Father, we pray for wisdom for MLA: Shane Simpson as he brings to light the needs of those that live with poverty, homelessness and are vulnerable. We also ask Father that You would reveal to him creative solutions that would help solve some of the struggles in these areas. Please also bring those along side of him that can provide some key insights and understanding of these issues to help improve the quality of life. May You uncover the things that are hidden and that cause hinderance to the solutions that are needed. May he experience greater joy in relationships this holiday season than ever before. Amen.

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

Shane serves as Official Opposition Caucus Chair and critic for Social Development and Housing.

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

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

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

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

MLA: Bob Simpson - Cariboo North

Father, we thank You for MLA: Bob Simpson's passion to see that British Columbia has the best form of government possible and his untiring efforts in this regard.  We realize that he has been very busy the past few months in the legislative assembly and with projects.  We pray that you would give him Your supernatural rest as he goes about his day. During this holiday season we also pray that he has very special moments with his family and friends and there is much joy and laughter. May 2012 be a year of fulfillment for him in all areas of endeavour. In Jesus' name, we pray. 

Bob Simpson was re-elected as the MLA for Cariboo North on May 12, 2009. He was first elected to the Legislature in 2005. He began sitting as an Independent MLA in December of 2010.

While in Opposition, Bob was the critic for Forestry and for Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation. As an Independent, Bob works towards Electoral and Democratic reform, as well as working to solve issues important to his constituents and to British Columbians with both the Government and Opposition in a non-partisan matter.

A former small business owner and entrepreneur, Bob was most recently Corporate Manager, Organizational Effectiveness and Leadership Development for a major forest products company.

Born in Scotland, Bob's family immigrated to Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1967 and he moved to British Columbia in 1973 when he joined the Canadian Navy. He has two undergraduate degrees and a Teaching Certificate from the University of Victoria.

Bob is a former National Triathlon Champion in his age group and was named BC’s Male Triathlete of the Year in 2002; he is also an avid mountain biker and runner.

Bob, his wife Trish, and their two teenage children live in Quesnel.

MLA: Nicholas Simons - Powell River-Sunshine Coast

Lord, You say in Your Word that we are to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. We Thank You that You have given us MLA: Nicholas Simons whose background in the areas of health, justice, social services and child welfare has exemplified the living out of this directive. Continue to give him new wisdom, direction, insights and contacts in order to be able to fulfill his duties as opposition critic for community living and deputy critic for social development and housing.  May he find  new comfort and joy in the midst of his busy schedule not only during the Christmas season but also in the new year. In Jesus's name, we pray. Amen.

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

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

Nicholas serves as opposition critic for community living and deputy critic for social development and housing.

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

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

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

MLA: Michael Sather - Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows

 
Father God, we ask that Your favor, joy and protection would be over MLA: Michael Sather and his family as he carries out his duties. We are grateful and thankful for all the areas of expertise that he brings to the table as an MLA. Please lead and guide him during the upcoming year in finding new openings and opportunities in which to use his many skills in serving the needs of this province. May You also provide him with a deep realization of the importance of his role by a renewal of encouragement and support from his family, staff, constituents, fellow MLA's and friends during this next season of his life. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Michael Sather was re-elected as the MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows on May 12, 2009. He was first elected to the Legislature in 2005.

Michael serves as deputy opposition critic for Environment.

Michael attained a teaching certificate from the University of Alberta and taught school in Alberta. Michael later attained his Bachelor of Science in Zoology at the University of Alberta.

He moved to British Columbia in 1974 and pursued a career studying wildlife for the next ten years. In 1985 he became a wilderness guide and set up a small business as owner/operator of Hummingbird Nature Tours in Maple Ridge.
Michael also served as the Constituency Assistant to former NDP MLA Bill Hartley.

Michael attained his Masters Degree in Psychology in 1998 and was employed as a Mental Health Therapist for the Fraser Health Authority for three and a half years prior to being elected MLA.

Michael has an extensive background and experience in agriculture, education, environment, small business, social services and health care.

Michael lives with his spouse, writer and conservationist Annette LeBox. He has two stepchildren, Christian and Sara.

MLA: John Rustad - Nechako Lakes

Lord,  thank You for our awesome province and all those who govern it. We ask a special blessing on MLA: John Rustad and his committment to serve the people of British Columbia, especially those in the northern part. We ask that You would order his steps and and give him wisdom, discernment and a quick understanding in all of those areas where he has influence in order that he may continue improving the quality of life for all those individuals and resources effected. Refresh and renew  him in every way during this next period and may he find new joy in all his relationships with family and friends. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

John Rustad was re-elected to represent the newly redistributed riding of Nechako Lakes on May 12, 2009, and was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Silviculture to the Minister of Forests and Range on June 10, 2009. He was previously elected as MLA for the riding of Prince George-Omineca in the 2005 provincial election.

John currently co-chairs the Farm Assessment Review Panel and has chaired the Select Standing Committee on Crown Corporations, the Select Standing Committee to Appoint a Police Complaint Commissioner and the Government Caucus Committee on Social Development. He was also a member of the Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth, the Select Standing Committee on Education, the Selection Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services and the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts.

Since 2005, John has chaired the Northern Caucus of B.C. and has toured extensively throughout the North to listen and bring forward issues that affect those communities. He is also a chair of B.C.’s Outdoor Caucus and government representative to PNWER (Pacific Northwest Economic Region).

Born and raised in Prince George, John has worked in the forest industry for more than 20 years. He formed Western Geographic Information Systems Inc. in 1995, offering a consulting service to the forest industry. Previously he was the Geographic Information Systems department manager for Timberline Forest Inventory Consultants in Prince George. John also owns a woodlot license and has been involved in land development projects.

Elected as a school trustee in 2002, John has worked on innovative projects throughout the district, including the South Fort George Family Resource Centre, a project designed to combine social services from a variety of agencies. John also championed the renovation and expansion of the College Heights Secondary School (CHSS) through a self-financed project; and advocated for the new Trade and Technical Program of Excellence for Grade 10-12 students and the Healthy Choices Committee designed to promote healthy choices in diet and exercise within schools.

John and his wife Kim were married in 1995. John is an avid soccer player and he and Kim enjoy theatre, golf, skiing and the outdoors.

MLA: Doug Routley - Nanaimo-North Cowichan

 
We lift up MLA: Doug Routley to You today Lord and thank You for appointing him to this position.  We pray that Your hand would guide his life and bless his work.  Make him aware of Your presence and love.  Help him to make decisions with understanding, wisdom and compassion.  May he nurture positive changes within his sphere of influence. Amen.

We lift up MLA: Doug Routley to You today Lord and thank You for appointing him to this position.  We pray that Your hand would guide his life and bless his work.  Make him aware of Your presence and love.  Help him to make decisions with understanding, wisdom and compassion.  May he nurture positive changes within his sphere of influence. Amen.

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

Doug serves as opposition critic for Citizens’ Services and open government.

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

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

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

While in Japan, Doug taught English and studied Sumea, traditional Japanese ink painting. He was a bicycle racer and while training in Japan, met a bicycle manufacturer. After his return to Canada, Doug established a bicycle retail and wholesale company which had dealers throughout Canada and the USA.

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

MLA: Bill Routley - Cowichan Valley

Lord, we thank You for MLA: Bill Routley’s willingness to serve his constituency.  We pray that You will establish his thoughts and plans to benefit the needs in his constituency.  Open the necessary doors to meet these needs so that people’s lives are impacted for good.  Enrich the lives of all those around him,  his family, constituents and associates.  May he know God’s peace and wisdom in his work and leisure. Amen.

Bill Routley was elected MLA for Cowichan Valley on May 12, 2009.

Bill serves as deputy opposition critic for Forests and Range.

Bill began his career in the Forest industry working at the Youbou Sawmill where he became active first as the Safety Chairman, and then as Plant Chairman. He was elected the President of IWA Local 1-80; now USW-Steelworkers Local 1-1937.

Bill served as a Pension Trustee on the IWA-Forest Industry Pension Plan. He was a member of the IWA-Forest Industry Pension Audit Committee, and was a Trustee on the IWA-Forest Industry Health and Welfare Benefit Plan. Bill's service to the community includes five years as a School Trustee in Lake Cowichan (1980 -1985).

Bill and his wife Charmaine enjoy the company of their two grown children, son Noah and daughter Alisha who have provided the gift of five wonderful grandchildren; ages four to nine years. While Bill and Charmaine currently reside in Duncan, they started their family in Youbou and then lived at Marble Bay on Lake Cowichan for many years. Bill and Charmaine were very active in Lake Cowichan with their involvement in Boy Scouts(Beavers) and Girl Guides.

Bill and Charmaine owned a home decorating business "Decorating Den" for many years.

MLA: Linda Reid - Richmond East

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the life and work of MLA: Linda Reid.  Thank You for the gifts and talents you gave her which she ably uses to serve the people of British Columbia.  Bless her and her family through this season.  Give her rest and relaxation and a focus on the things that are of real value.  Let her know that she is valued and appreciated.  Renew her mind and refresh her ideas according to your purposes.  May she approach her work with a renewed sense of commitment to excellence as she leads by serving her constituents and colleagues.  Continue to bless her with strength, patience and Your peace.  Amen

Linda Reid is the Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and has served since June, 2009. Previously, she was Minister of State for Childcare from June, 2005 to June, 2009 and the Minister of State for Early Childhood Development from June, 2001 to June, 2005. She was first elected in 1991 to represent the riding of Richmond East and was re-elected in 1996, 2001, 2005 and 2009.

Linda previously served in a variety of critic roles for the Official Opposition, including children and families, health, attorney general, municipal affairs, and science, technology and research.  She was also the Opposition Caucus Chair.

She has served on Treasury Board, and on the Select Standing Committee to Appoint a Child, Youth and Family Advocate, the Select Standing Committee to Appoint a Police Complaints Commissioner, the Select Standing Committee on Transportation, Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Select Standing Committee on Crown Corporations. 

Before her election to the Legislative Assembly, Linda worked as a language therapist, teacher and school administrator for the Richmond School District.

She graduated from the University of British Columbia with an education degree and earned a master of arts from UBC specializing in education, exceptional learners, language acquisition and public administration.

Linda was the BC chair for the Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind and a director of the Garden City Hospice Society. She has been active in the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, the Asia-Pacific Business Association, and the Canadian Council for Exceptional Children and the Family Court Committee of Richmond. She was a founding member of the Richmond Chinatown Lions Club and was chair of the British Columbia Youth Parliament board from 1986 to 1991.

Linda and her husband Sheldon live in Richmond and have two children – Olivia and Will.

MLA: Bruce Ralston - Surrey-Whalley

Dearest Heavenly Father, by Your design, Bruce Ralston, MLA for Surrey-Whalley and Opposition Critic for Finance and Public Accounts, has come into service in our provincial government for such a time as this.  Thank You for the plans You purpose to accomplish through Bruce.  May You guide every decision that he will make and may he greatly effect those around him as he follows Your leading in all that he does.  May he be encouraged as He sees what You will bring about as he listens to You.  We ask this in Jesus’ name.

Bruce Ralston was re-elected as the MLA for Surrey - Whalley on May 12, 2009. He was first elected to the Legislature in 2005.

Bruce serves as opposition critic for Finance and Public Accounts.

Bruce is currently the chair of the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts. He has also been a member of the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services since 2006.

Bruce is a lawyer in Surrey, where he has operated his own law firm for 18 years.

From 1995 to 2006, Bruce was elected to four consecutive terms as a member of the VanCity Savings Credit Union board of directors. He served as the chair of the board from 2001 to 2003. In 2003 BC Business magazine recognized Bruce as one of BC’s leading five board chairs. From 2003 until 2005, Bruce acted as the chair of the board of VanCity Enterprises, a VanCity subsidiary with a mandate to provide innovative housing solutions throughout the Lower Mainland.

Bruce also served on the Surrey City Council from 1988 to 1993, where he promoted planned development for healthy neighbourhoods for Surrey families. He is a former board member of Surrey Memorial Hospital and the Surrey Public Library.

A former president of the BC NDP, Bruce was born in Victoria and grew up in Vancouver. He has degrees in history and law from the University of British Columbia and a degree in history from the University of Cambridge in England.

Bruce is married to Miriam Sobrino. They have three children, 20, 18 and 15, who grew up in Whalley and attended public schools in Surrey and New Westminster. The elder two attend Canadian universities, while the youngest is entering Grade 10. The family is active in their community through a number of community and sports organizations.

MLA: Lana Popham - Saanich South

Dearest Heavenly Father, may Your will be accomplished through Lana Popham, MLA for Sannich South and Opposition Critic for the Ministry of Agriculture, as she serves her constituency and the people of British Columbia in her current posting.  Use the knowledge she has to affect those around her and the decisions that have to be made in order to accomplish all that You purpose.  May she feel supported by her colleagues at work and her family at home and be encouraged to do all she must do to the best of her ability.  Refresh her spirit and let anxiousness be far from her.  We ask this in Jesus’ name.

Lana Popham was elected as a Member of the British Columbia Legislative Assembly for the Constituency of Saanich South on May 12, 2009.

She is also the New Democratic Opposition Critic for the Ministry of Agriculture.

Lana was raised on Quadra Island and has an undergraduate degree from the University of British Columbia.

Lana has an extensive track record as a community leader, advocate and environmental activist. For example, her recent contributions include being a:

• Member of Saanich's Planning, Transportation and Economic Development Committee,
• President the Vancouver Island Grape Growers Association,
• Chair of the Certification Committee for the Islands Organic Producers Association,
• Commissioner on the Peninsula Agricultural Commission, and a
• Voting Member of the Agri-Food Initiative Advisory Committee.

In late 2007, Lana launched a campaign called “Think Outside the Bag” to reduce the use of disposable bags. While initially dismissed by cynics, in less than two years this campaign has helped to dramatically change how consumers use plastic bags

 

Lana has lived in Saanich South since 1996. She is married to Jon Popham, a fire-fighter, and has one young son. The family owns and operates Barking Dog Vineyard, the first certified organic vineyard on Vancouver Island.

MLA: Hon. Mary Polak - Langley - Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation

Dearest Heavenly Father, we thank You for the Honourable Mary Polak the MLA for Langley and the Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, and ask that You guide her in the way she should go. We pray that You will also give her all the wisdom she needs to accomplish all that You set before her to accomplish.  May she be energized and enthusiastic as she fulfills her daily duties and may she sense Your leading in all the decisions she must make.  Bless her with times of true rest and seasons of refreshing.  We ask this in Jesus’ name.

Mary Polak was appointed Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation on March 14, 2011. She was re-elected to the B.C. Legislature in 2009, having represented the constituents of Langley since 2005.

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

Mary previously sat on the Cabinet Committee on New Relationship Coordination and the Government Caucus Committee on Social Development as well as on the Government Caucus Committee for Natural Resources and the Economy, the Select Standing Committees for Children and Youth, Education and Public Accounts, the Cabinet Committee on Agenda Development and the Special Committee to Review the Personal Information Protection Act.

Before being elected to the Legislative Assembly, Mary Polak was director of operations for a small polling and research firm and a trustee and former chair of the Surrey School Board. Under her leadership, Surrey became the first school district in B.C. to balance its books according to generally accepted accounting principles. She also led an initiative to make Surrey the first school district in the province to publish school-by-school results for both elementary and secondary schools.

Throughout her nine years in local government, Mary has worked with many regional and provincial organizations. As a representative to the Lower Mainland Consortium of School Districts for Successful Settlement, she twice presented briefs to the Federal Immigration Commission. In the mid 1990s, Mary chaired the Council of British Columbia School Districts and in 2003, was elected to the board of directors of the British Columbia School Trustees Association.

Mary lives happily in the Willoughby area of Langley.

MLA: Pat Pimm - Peace River North

Lord Jesus, thank You for MLA:Pat Pimm and his willingness to serve the people of British Columbia and his constituency of Peace River North as  a member of the legislative assembly.You say in Your Word in Psalm 55:22 that if we give our cares to You Lord You will take care of us and never let a good man down. May You be extra close to him this next season of his life so that he may he accomplish all that You have for him. May he also find times this holiday season for real joyous and relaxed times with his family and friends. Keep both he and his family in good health. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.  

Pat Pimm was elected MLA for Peace River North in the 2009 provincial election.

Pat has served as the Chair of the Northern Caucus and currently sits on two Select Standing Committees: Aboriginal Affairs and Finance and Government Services. Pat has served as a member of Treasury Board.

A long-time resident of the Peace River region, Pat served twelve years as councillor for the City of Fort St. John from 1993-2005. For six years, he was chair of city hall’s Finance Committee, responsible for overseeing the municipality’s budget process.

With 25 years experience in the oil and gas industry, he was co-chair of the BC Oil and Gas Conference in 2002 and 2005, bringing together industry stakeholders to identify further strategies and opportunities for economic development in British Columbia’s northeast region. He has also served on a variety of other local community boards and committees.

Pat possesses an extensive background in the construction industry. He is president of Alpha Controls Ltd, a company that provides construction, maintenance, and electrician services for numerous projects. He is also a director and vice-president of the North Peace Construction Association.

Pat was a director of the British Columbia Golf Association and past president of the Lake Point Golf and Country Club. He is a long-time youth sports volunteer, having coached golf, hockey, and minor league fastball. He enjoys travel, curling, and playing hockey. Pat is married to Jody and the father of two daughters and two sons.

MLA: Barry Penner, Q.C. - Chilliwack-Hope

Lord, we are thankful for MLA: Barry Penner, Q.C and his many years of faithful service to the citizens of British Columbia.  We thank You for leading and guiding him in the decisions he has made. We pray that You fill him with renewed strength, courage and vision for our province for the days and years ahead as he helps create an exciting future for our province.  May he continue being encouraged by his constituents, staff and family. In all his endeavours may he have Your peace which passes all understanding. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.   

Barry Penner was re-elected to the riding of Chilliwack-Hope in May 2009. He previously served as Attorney General.

He was first elected to represent Chilliwack in 1996, and was re-elected in the renamed riding of Chilliwack-Kent in 2001 and 2005.

Mr. Penner was appointed Minister of Environment in June, 2005 and fulfilled this role until October, 2010. He was the longest serving Environment Minister in BC history, and by late 2009 was the longest serving Environment Minister in Canada.

Mr. Penner was appointed Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation in October 2010, serving in this role until mid-March, 2011.

Barry was raised in Chilliwack. He studied political science and economics at Simon Fraser University to earn his Bachelor of Arts degree. He later earned his law degree from the University of Victoria. A former park ranger and sawmill worker, Barry also worked as a B.C. Legislative intern in Victoria. In 1991, he worked for an International law firm in Bangkok, Thailand and then later practiced law in Chilliwack until his election in 1996.
Barry was appointed by Premier Campbell as the co-chair of B.C.’s Alternative Energy and Power Technology Task Force in April 2005. He is keenly interested in renewable energy and conservation technologies.

Barry previously served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Government House Leader, as Chair of the Government Caucus Committee on Natural Resources, and was a member of the Legislature's Standing Committee on Crown Corporations.

Barry has also chaired the Legislature’s Standing Committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills, and served as a member of the Legislature's Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs, and the Cabinet Committee for Legislative Review.

Premier Campbell appointed Barry in 2001 to lead BC's delegation to the Pacific Northwest Economic Region (PNWER). He served as President of PNWER from June 2002 to July 2003 and remains active in PNWER issues.

Barry represents and lives in the electoral district of Chilliwack-Hope.

MLA: Hon. Don McRae - Comox Valley

Thank You for MLA: Hon. Don McRae and his willingness to serve his constituency. May he find time to relax and enjoy the holiday season and may he also find his working times effective and productive too.  Lord, give him a sense of balance in his work and in his leisure time; we pray.  Bless his family and those near him and thank You for his commitment to this province. In Jesus' name we pray these things, Amen.

Don McRae was elected on May 12, 2009 as MLA for the riding of Comox Valley. On March 14, 2011 he was named Minister of Agriculture.

Don has served as Convener of the Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and was a member of the Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth, the Select Standing Committee on Health and the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services.

Don was born and raised in the Comox Valley. For the past 14 years he has taught at GP Vanier Secondary School.  Aside from teaching Social Studies, Military History, and Psychology, he has also served as a rugby coach, athletic director, department chair, and Staff Leadership Committee Chair.

Don has served as a Courtenay City Councillor for the past seven years.  During his time on council, he has served as a municipal director for both the Comox Strathcona Regional District and the newly restructured Comox Valley Regional District.  He has also been a member of the Comox Strathcona Hospital Board, vice-chair of the Comox Valley Sewer and Water Committees and numerous community organizations and boards.  In 2008, he was also appointed by Premier Campbell to the Citizen’s Conservation Council.

He is an avid jogger and enjoys hiking and fly fishing. Don has been married to his wife Deanne for 14 years and they have two daughters, Gracie and Chloe.

MLA: Hon. Mary McNeil - Vancouver-False Creek

God, We lift up MLA: Hon. Mary McNeil to You and ask for Your blessing to rest on her in this upcoming season.  May she find a time where she can enjoy her family and friends and be refreshed from all of her responsibilities.  Thank You for her dedication to her community and everything she has invested into people's lives. We also pray that You will be especially close to her this season.  In Your Name we pray. Amen!

Minister Mary McNeil was appointed Minister for Children and Family Development on March 14, 2011.  Before that, she served as  Minister of Citizen Services from June 11, 2010 to March 14, 2011. She previously served as
Minister of State for The Olympics and Actnow BC. 

Minister McNeil was elected MLA for Vancouver-False Creek in the 2009 general provincial election.

Most recently, Mary served as president and CEO of the BC Cancer Foundation for eight years. She has served in key roles for international economic events including the G7 meetings in Halifax and Toronto, APEC in Vancouver and the XI international conference on AIDS. Mary has also served on the Vancouver Police Board for four years.

Mary was born and educated in Vancouver and has lived in Yaletown for 11 years with her husband of 38 years, Rod. She has raised four daughters and currently has eleven grandchildren.

MLA: Joan McIntyre - West Vancouver-Sea to Sky

Father, we lift up MLA: Joan McIntyre to You and thank You for her service and time that she invests into so many people.  Bring people around her to encourage her and let her know that she is a valuable part of her community. Please keep her safe in all her travels this season.  Thank you for her family also and bless them. May they experience Your Peace and Love this season in a fresh way.  Bless Joan in all she sets her hands to do.  We pray in Jesus' Name; Amen.

Joan McIntyre was first elected in the riding of West Vancouver-Garibaldi in the 2005 provincial general election and re-elected in the riding of West Vancouver-Sea to Sky in 2009.

She currently serves on the Cabinet Committee for Families First.  Prior to that, she served on the Agenda and Priorities Cabinet Committee, the Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth (which she chaired), and the Select Standing Committees on Crown Corporations and Public Accounts, respectively, the latter of which she previously deputy-chaired. She served as Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations from June 2008 to June 2009.

In 1980, Joan co-founded the well-known BC polling firm of McIntyre & Mustel Research Associates Ltd. She sold her interest in 1996 to work independently concentrating more on the qualitative side of the research business and she worked in this field until 2005 when first elected.

An avid skier and sailor, Joan takes full advantage of living in one of the healthiest and active ridings in Canada.

MLA: Norm Macdonald - Columbia River-Revelstoke

Our gracious Heavenly Father, we thank You this morning for MLA: Norm Macdonald and appreciate a man of his calibre as he serves the people of his riding with integrity and diligence. We pray You will bless him with the abundance of Your grace as he serves as Opposition critic for Forests and Range and reward him with honour and favour for his involvement to protect our natural resources in this province. We pray You will refresh and uplift his spirit today, Dear Father.  May you keep him and his family in good health and give them happy quality time with one another. In Jesus Name. Amen

Norm Macdonald was re-elected as the MLA for Columbia River-Revelstoke on May 12, 2009. He was first elected to the Legislature in 2005.

Norm serves as opposition critic for Forests and Range.

Recently the principal of Nicholson Elementary School, Norm has taught for more than 15 years in the Columbia Valley.

He has a further six years experience teaching in Africa.

Norm served as a Councillor and was then elected Mayor of Golden in 1996.

Norm Macdonald lives in Golden with his wife Karen and two teenage daughters.

MLA: Hon. Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid - Vancouver-Fairview

Our prayers go out to MLA: Hon. Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid today for strength and wisdom in the handling of her new portfolio as Minister of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government. May she draw on Your resources and know Your guidance and direction  is there for her daily.  In her busiest of days, grant her Your peace that passes all understanding. We pray she will be encouraged as she tackles the hard issues always knowing she is covered by prayer. Dear Father, bless her and her household with good health and happiness and with safety in her travels always. In Jesus Name, Amen

Margaret was elected MLA for Vancouver-Fairview in the 2009 general provincial election. She was appointed Minister of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government on September 26, 2011.  She also serves as Chair on the Cabinet Committee for Open Government and Engagement.

Margaret was appointed Minister of Tourism, Trade and Investment and Minister responsible for Intergovernmental Relations on October 25, 2010. She previously served as Minister of Education and Minister Responsible for Early Learning and Literacy from June, 2009 to October, 2010.

Margaret has been a family physician for 23 years. She served on the board of the BC Medical Association for 12 years and was president in 2006-2007. The BCMA is a voluntary association of 11,000 members comprised of British Columbia's physicians, medical residents, and medical students. During her time with the BCMA, Margaret met with key leaders from government and other organizations.

Margaret experienced the health care system as a patient after an early diagnosis of breast cancer in 2007. She received treatment and has fully recovered. 

Originally from Saskatchewan, Margaret and her husband Robert moved to Rossland, BC in 1989.  Since the mid-1990s, both Robert’s and Margaret’s work brought them more frequently to Vancouver, where ultimately they decided to settle. Margaret enjoys golf, bridge, playing piano, kayaking and treasures the time she spends with family and friends. 

MLA: Norm Letnick - Kelowna-Lake Country

Heavenly Father, our prayers go out to MLA: Norm Letnick .We pray blessings and encouragement for him as he continues to serve the constituents of Kelowna-Lake Country with excellence. His keen perception and wisdom is evident as he contends to bring about good solutions for the changes needed for that area. May he be aware of Your Presence daily as You watch over and keep him and his family in the palm of Your hand giving them safety and good health. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen.

Norm was elected as MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country on May 12, 2009 in the provincial general election.

Norm is the Chair of the Select Standing Committee on Health and serves on the Legislative Review Committee. Previously, he was on the Select Standing Committees on Public Accounts, as well as Finance and Government Services.  He is also the President, Francophone Parliamentary Assembly, B.C. Section.

His previous community involvement includes serving on Kelowna City Council from 2005-2008, sitting on the council of St. Charles Garnier Parish, president of the Kelowna Gyro Club, and Rotary Club past president.

As a City Councilor, Norm served on the Housing Committee; the Downtown Entertainment District Task Force; the Parks, Recreation, and Culture Task Forces; as chair of the city’s Affordable and Special Needs Housing Task Force; and served on the central Okanagan on the province’s single business license implementation committee. Prior to being elected to Kelowna City Council Norm served on both the City of Kelowna’s Entertainment District Task Force and Roads Task Force.

Before moving to Kelowna, Norm lived in Banff and owned two H&R Block franchises, a Motorola dealership, and a computer store. He served on the Banff Tourism Bureau, as president of the Banff Rotary Club, secretary/treasurer of the Banff Shine Club, and was chairman of both the Banff Hospital Board and Municipal Planning Commission. Norm also served the Banff community as a city councilor, first elected in 1992 and re-elected in 1995. He was also president of the Banff Housing Corporation developing over $20 million in affordable housing.

Before being elected as MLA, Norm was a tenured Associate Professor in the business program at Okanagan University College. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a Rhodes Scholarship Nomination from the University of Calgary, a Master of Business Administration degree from Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh, and is currently working toward a Ph.D. in health economics at UBC Okanagan. His thesis focus is on the effectiveness of Divisions of Family Practice.

Norm was the 2009 recipient of the Canadian Cancer Society’s Regional Community Champion Award for his work with the Gala of Hope helping to fund raise $624,000 over three years.

He is bilingual in English and French, enjoys sports, reading, good movies and helping others reach their full potential. He and his wife Helene have three children.

MLA: John Les - Chilliwack

Lord Jesus, please help MLA: John Les achieve the goals he has set before him.  We the people of British Columbia as well as the rest of Canada are blessed by You God and are extremely thankful to You for our land . Father, You know that we need strong leaders willing to keep our province and country stable, strong and growing.  It is is this vein that we thank you for MLA: John Les and ask your wisdom be given to him in daily decision making. Lord God, we also pray that whatever his needs are at present time that you will help him with them. In Jesus name we pray.  Amen.

John Les is currently the Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier. He previously served as Parliamentary Secretary for HST Information to the Minister of Finance.

John was re-elected as MLA to represent the new riding of Chilliwack in the spring of 2009. He has also served as Solicitor General, and Minister of Small Business and Economic Development.

Mr. Les was first elected to represent the riding of Chilliwack-Sumas in 2001 and re-elected in 2005.

He served as Government Caucus Chair, and also chaired the Legislative Special Committee on the Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform. Mr. Les has served on the Government Caucus Committee on Economy and Government Operations, as well as the Select Standing Committee on Crown Corporations. He has also been chair of the Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs, and was formerly a member of the Select Standing Committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills.

Before being elected to the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Les served for three years as a Chilliwack municipal councillor before he became Mayor from 1987 to 1999. During his 13 years as Mayor, he served on a number of bodies, including Chair of the Fraser Valley Regional District; Trustee of the Municipal Finance Authority of B.C.; Director of Union of BC Municipalities; and President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

In his private business career, Mr. Les was a partner in a Chilliwack dairy operation, an award-winning realtor, as well as the owner of a successful land development company

Mr. Les is an Honorary Rotarian, who was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship in recognition of his exemplary community service, by the Rotary Club of Chilliwack.

Mr. Les and his wife Mattie live in Chilliwack and have six children and 15 grandchildren.

MLA: Hon. Blair Lekstrom - Peace River South

Lord God, today we thank You for all our leaders as we pray for MLA: Hon. Blair Lekstrom as he works diligently. Lord Jesus You know all things and You know what issues he is facing in carrying out his portfolio. We ask that You give him strength and guidance by the mighty power of Your Holy Spirit. Dear God, may he, along with those he works with, know that people do care about him and appreciate his leadership.  May he also look up to You Lord for help in fulfilling all of his duties. This is all in the Name of Jesus Christ the Lord that we make this request. Amen.

Blair Lekstrom was appointed Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure on March 14, 2011. Blair was first elected in the riding of Peace River South in 2001. He was re-elected for a third time in 2009.

Blair has previously served as Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and Minister of Community Development. Previously, Blair chaired the Legislative Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services (2001, 2002, 2005 and 2006) and served on the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts, the Agriculture Policy Development Committee, the Legislative Review Committee and the Government Caucus Committee on the Economy.

Before becoming an MLA, Blair served as Mayor of the City of Dawson Creek. He was first elected mayor in 1996, after serving for three years as a councillor.

Born in 1961 in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Blair moved to Dawson Creek later that year and has lived there ever since. Following graduation from South Peace Secondary School, Blair started with BC Tel in 1979 and worked for the next 17 years as an installer-repairman until his election as Mayor in 1996. He was a Peace River Regional District member and served on the North Central Municipal Association executive.

Blair's previous appointments include serving as a Municipal Finance Authority board member, North Central Municipal Association president, BC Task Force on Bank Mergers member, BC Agri-Food Policy Working Group member, and Union of BC Municipalities executive member.

Blair's community involvements included: Dawson Creek & District Hospital Foundation board member, Board Member, Pouce Coupe Long-Term Care Facility as well as participation in a wide range of community groups in his capacity as Mayor of Dawson Creek.

He and wife Vicki were married in 1982. They have two children. Blair is an avid motorcyclist and enjoys working on and riding his Harley Davidson. Other hobbies include: carpentry, camping with his family, and playing baseball and hockey

MLA: Richard T. Lee - Burnaby North

Father in Heaven, we bring before You today in our prayer MLA:  Richard T. Lee.  Lord God, you tell us in Your Holy Word  to pray for our leaders and we are glad to do so. We thank You Lord for Your protection and direction through the leaders that govern our amazing province of British Columbia. We pray that You will guide him and give him strong leadership abilities in every area that he is involved in.  Please encourage him by Your grace. May he prosper and be happy in all aspects of his life. We ask this in the matchless name of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Richard T. Lee was first elected as the MLA for the riding of Burnaby North in 2001 and was re-elected in May 2005 and 2009. He was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Asia-Pacific on September 26, 2011.

Currently, Richard also serves as member of the Cabinet Committee on Open Government and Engagement, the Legislative Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth, LSSC on Health and LSSC on Legislative Initiatives.

Previously, Richard served as Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism (2011) and Parliamentary Secretary for the Asia-Pacific Initiative (2005-2011), Vice Chair of the Legislative Special Committee to Appoint a Merit Commissioner and Chair of Government Caucus Asian Economic Development Committee.

He was also a member of the Cabinet Committee on Climate Action and Clean Energy, the Legislative Select Standing Committee on Education, the LSSC on Public Accounts, the LSSC on Finance and Government Services, the Legislative Special Committee to Review the Police Complaint Process, the LSC to Appoint a Police Complaint Commissioner, the Government Caucus Committee on Economy and Government Operations and the GCC on Multiculturalism and Diversity.

Before being elected to the Legislature, Richard was a programmer analyst at TRIUMF, Canada's national particle research facility. In 1976 he earned a Combined Honours Bachelor of Science degree from UBC in physics and mathematics, and in 1980 a Masters of Science from UBC in Applied Mathematics. While studying, Richard worked as a research assistant from 1975 to 1977 and then as a teaching assistant from 1977 to 1979 with the Department of Mathematics at UBC. From 1979 to 1982 he worked as a programmer at TRIUMF and in 1982 became a programmer analyst. Richard attended the United States Particle Accelerator School at Berkeley in 1989 and once again in 1990 at Harvard University.

Richard's community service included: British Columbia Heritage Language Association director; Burnaby District Parents’ Advisory Council member, Burnaby Chinese Parents Association vice-president; Burnaby Multicultural Society director; Burnaby Voters Non-Partisan Association director and Civic Education Society director.

In 1971, Richard moved to British Columbia, where his grandfather settled in 1913. He and his wife Anne married in 1986 and have lived in Burnaby since then. They have three children.
 

MLA: Hon. Dr. Terry Lake - Kamloops-North Thompson

We pray for MLA: Hon. Terry Lake today and ask that You would bless his life, family and work.  As he serves our province as Minister of the Environment, fill him with wisdom,  insight and strength to do what is right and best so that we and the generations that follow us would benefit in great ways.  We ask that he would be very aware of Your presence, help and assistance as he fulfills his responsibilities today.  In Jesus' name, Amen

Terry Lake is MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson and Minister of Environment.

Previously, he was the Parliamentary Secretary for Health Promotion to the Minister of Health Services. He also served as Parliamentary Secretary for the Ranching Task Force to the Minister of Agriculture and Lands. He was elected MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson on May 12, 2009.

Terry also served on the Selecting Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs, on Health, and on Legislative Initiatives. He was also a member of the Early Childhood Education Innovations Committee.

A veterinarian by profession, Terry served as the Mayor of the City of Kamloops from 2005-2008 and as a city councillor from 2002-2005, a time when Kamloops reached record employment and construction and was recognized for service to residents by the National Quality Institute.

Terry is a recipient of the BC Veterinary Medical Association Award of Merit for service to the profession and has served as Vice President of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association and Vice President of the Union of BC Municipalities. He was a member of the BC Transit Board of Directors for three years when transit service increased dramatically in Kamloops.

Community service has long been a part of Terry’s life whether serving as president of the Coquitlam Rotary Club in the 1990s or as president of the Kamloops Recreational Soccer League. One of his most rewarding experiences was traveling with Developing World Connections to Tangalle, Sri Lanka in 2008 to assist with tsunami relief.

Terry and his wife Lisa have three daughters, a dog and a cat.

MLA: Harry Lali - Fraser-Nicola

Thank You for the energy and passion that MLA: Harry Lali brings to his work.  Direct his paths today.  We thank You for his many years of faithful service as an MLA. Grant him Your peace, strength and wisdom as he continues to give of himself in service to others.  Let Your blessing rest upon his personal and professional relationships throughout this next season of his life; we pray.
 

Harry Lali served as Minister of Transportation and Highways from February, 1998, to February, 2001. He was the longest serving NDP Highways Minister in British Columbia. Previously, Harry served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Forests from June, 1996, to February, 1998. 

Harry serves as opposition critic for community and rural development.

In 1988, Harry was elected City Councillor in Merritt for one term. In 1991, Harry was elected Member of the Legislative Assembly for Yale-Lillooet, re-elected M.L.A. in 1996, and 2005. He was elected to a fourth term on May 12, 2009.

Harry is 51 years old and was born in Jullundur District, Punjab, and currently lives in Merritt. He was educated at the University of Victoria and the University of British Columbia, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and South Asia Area Studies. Harry is the founder of the group that established the Chair of Punjabi and Sikh Studies at the University of British Columbia. 

Before his election to the Legislature, Harry was an Employment Counsellor for the federally-sponsored Merritt Outreach Program from 1986 – 1991. He has also worked at MOSAIC in Vancouver. Harry is a former member of the IWA Local 1-417 when he spent 11 summers working in the sawmill industry in Interior B.C. Harry is also a former co-owner of a sporting goods store.

From 2001 – 2006 Harry owned his own business that was involved in international development and technology transfer to developing countries, namely in the field of environmental technologies and power generation. 

Harry and his wife, Rani, are the proud parents of two sons and one daughter.