Thursday, April 28, 2011

MLA Shane Simpson - Vancouver-Hastings

I thank you Lord Jesus for the heart of compassion that you have grown in Shane, which is exemplified by the many years of service both to his constituents and to the many communities that he has touched. I pray that he will continue to use his gifts, talents and experience in ways that would bring fresh and noble ideas to his team especially during this time of transition.

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


Shane serves as opposition critic for Housing and Social Development.

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

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

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

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






Wednesday, April 27, 2011

MLA Bob Simpson - Cariboo North

God we lift up  Mr Simpson to You today and ask that you bless him throughout his day.  Give him wisdom and encouragement as he interacts with those around him. Thank you for his willingness to serve his constituency and the sacrifices he makes.  Be close to his family and bless them with safety and good health we pray in Your name,  Amen Bob Simpson was re-elected as the MLA for Cariboo North on May 12, 2009. He was first elected to the Legislature in 2005.

Bob served as opposition critic for Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation.

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

MLA Nicholas Simons - Powell River-Sunshine Coast

Heavenly Father, we pray for Nicholas Simons today.  Lord we are grateful for a talented and compassionate person that has responded to the opportunity to serve his community in such a remarkable way.  We ask that you would bless him today and would help him to be an effective MLA in the Legislature, in our Province and in his community.  Grant him your strength and wisdom today.  In Jesus Name, 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.

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

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

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

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






Monday, April 25, 2011

MLA Michael Sather - Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows

Dearest Heavenly Father, we appreciate the many experiences and talents You have blessed Michael Sather, Deputy Opposition Critic for the Environment and MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows, with.  We appreciate all that he contributes in his leadership role in our government and thank You for Your wisdom in placing him here.  May he be led by You in all he does, making decisions and offering ideas that are in line with Your will, and learning all that You would teach him so he may be ever more effective in what You will call him to in the future.  Bless his household with good health and Your merciful favour.  We ask this in Jesus’ name.

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


Michael serves as deputy opposition critic for Environment.

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

He moved to British Columbia in 1974 and pursued a career studying wildlife for the next ten years. In 1985 he became a wilderness guide and set up a small business as owner/operator of Hummingbird Nature Tours in Maple Ridge.


Michael also served as the Constituency Assistant to former NDP MLA Bill Hartley.

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

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

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






Sunday, April 24, 2011

MLA John Rustad - Nechako Lakes

Father we Bless MLA John Rustad.  We thank you that you have given him a voice that will impact the people of BC and cause change that will be for the greater good. We pray that this understanding would be increased and that he would walk in your wisdom.  Father that you would order his steps and all he is to do.

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


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

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

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

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

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






Thursday, April 21, 2011

MLA Doug Routley - Nanaimo - North Cowichan


Dear Lord, I thank you for the diligence that you have put in Doug’s heart with regard to Citizen’s Services. Please keep him steadfast in wisdom and truth, and continue to bless him with a peaceful countenance. I ask for a heart that brings new and creative ideas to his team as he begins to work with his new leader. This I ask in the name of the Lord Jesus.

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

Doug serves as opposition critic for Citizens’ Services.

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

MLA Bill Routley - Cowichan Valley

Heavenly Father, we thank you for Bill Routley today.  We ask that as he serves his constituents and our province today that he would know your strength and help.  Help him to be an effective critic ensuring that our forests remain strong and vibrant into the future. Bless him and his family today.  Protect them from harm and in good health.  We ask this in Jesus name, 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.






Tuesday, April 19, 2011

MLA Linda Reid - Richmond East

Blessed Lord God I pray for MLA Linda Reid  that  she will be guided by you in the coming days and I ask that you grant wisdom in decision making as she goes forward as a leader in the community. Thank-you Lord for her commitment  as she endeavors  to make a  difference.

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.

Monday, April 18, 2011

MLA Bruce Ralston - Surrey-Whalley

Dearest Heavenly Father, we give You thanks for raising up Bruce Ralston, Opposition House Leader and MLA for Surrey-Whalley, into a position of leadership in our province.  We thank You that he has invested his time, energy and God-given talent into helping lead and shape our province.  May you give him the wisdom and insight he needs to make right and integral decisions that line up with Your will.  May he be refreshed as he works on our behalf and may You bless him with good health and abundant energy so he may complete all the tasks you have set before him.  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 House Leader. 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.






Sunday, April 17, 2011

MLA Lana Popham - Saanich South

Heavenly Father we are grateful, for MLA. Lana Popham who carries out her role as Opposition Critic for Agriculture and Lands with excellence. Her feel for the environment and the people in Saanich South is evident, in the innovative changes already made in the area of recycling and ways to benefit the environment in other areas as well.


Grant her wisdom and insight for the complex problems we face to-day , in making choices for the best use of agricultural land in this province.

We pray earnestly, You will keep her, family in good health , protected by Your love , and relationships with one another strong and whole.


In the name of Jesus. Amen.

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


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

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

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


Member of Saanich's Planning, Transportation and Economic Development Committee,

President the Vancouver Island Grape Growers Association,


Chair of the Certification Committee for the Islands Organic Producers Association,

Commissioner on the Peninsula Agricultural Commission, and a

Voting Member of the Agri-Food Initiative Advisory Committee.

In late 2007, Lana launched a campaign called “Think Outside the Bag” to reduce the use of disposable bags. While initially dismissed by cynics, in less than two years this campaign has helped to dramatically change how consumers use plastic bags and contributed to a sea change with many grocery stores and other retailers no longer offering them.

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

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Hon. Mary Polak - Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation and Member for Langley

Dear Heavenly Father,

We take time today to thank you for Hon. Mary Polak. She has been given great responsibility as she takes on the new role of Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation.


May you give her much wisdom and knowledge as she familiarizes herself with the tasks that lay before her.


As she works with many of our dear Aboriginal people, may you grant her much favor.


Continue to lead her and guide her in all that she sets her hand to.


Bless Mary as she fulfills this role that you have placed her in.


In Jesus name we pray Amen.


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.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

MLA Pat Pimm - Peace River North

Father we thank you for MLA Pat Pimm and pray that he will be lead by the will of GOD in all decision making. That the issues that affect those that live in the north would be addressed in a way that will bring health and wholeness to the community. That the funds needed for advancing projects will supernaturally be supplied. In Jesus Name, Amen.

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

Upon being sworn in to office, Pat was appointed as the Chair of the Northern Caucus and currently sits on three Select Standing Committees: Crown Corporations, Parliamentary Reform and Legislative Initiatives. In June 2010, Pat was appointed 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 is a director of the British Columbia Golf Association and past president of the Lake Point Golf and Country Club. He is a long-time youth sports volunteer, having coached golf, hockey, and minor league fastball. He enjoys travel, curling, and playing hockey. Pat is married to Jody and the father of two daughters and two sons.





Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Hon. Barry Penner, Q.C. Attorney General and Member for Chilliwack Hope


As we join together in prayer for MLA.Barry Penner this morning , we give grateful thanks for the many years of faithful service to the people of BC. He has served in a number of portfolios during this time, with diligence and expertise, making a difference for the good of his constituents, and our province.



As he takes on his portfolio as Attorney General, we ask for Your divine guidance and wisdom to be evident , as in the past. Give him clear vision to execute with justice and fairness in all You give him to do.


We note the support, knowledge and experience he offers to his colleagues so unselfishly. May abundant blessings be his and for his family. as he continues to gives so much of himself to others. In Jesus Mighty Name we pray. Amen.

Barry Penner was named Attorney General on March 14, 2011. He was re-elected as MLA to represent the new riding of Chilliwack-Hope in the spring of 2009.

Barry was first elected to represent Chilliwack in 1996, and was re-elected in the 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. In addition, he took on the role of Attorney General for BC on December 1, 2010.

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.

Monday, April 11, 2011

MLA Michelle Mungall - Nelson-Creston

Father we thank you for the heart of service that you have placed within MLA Michelle Mungall.  We ask that you would bless her in all that she is working in and on. We ask that you would give her revelation, wisdom and understand in the areas that she oversees. May she walk in ease through this next season.

At the age of 31 years-old, Michelle became the first woman elected as MLA in Nelson-Creston. Seven years earlier, in 2002, she set another record as the youngest person ever elected to Nelson City Council.

Michelle serves as deputy opposition critic for Advanced Education and Labour Market Development.

Her university studies and her career in community development eventually brought her to Zambia, where she worked to better the lives of girls with HIV/AIDS. Michelle served as Nelson City Councillor (2002-2005); Community Coordinator, Nelson Committee on Homelessness; National Programs Assistant, YWCA Zambia; and managed the Nelson food security and micro-finance non-profit organizations.

Michelle holds a BA (Honours) in Political Science from University of Alberta and a MA in Human Security and Peacebuilding from Royal Roads University.

She was the 2008 Recipient of the National Social Sciences Humanities Research Council Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship and is bilingual in English and French.

Michelle and her partner Zak reside in their Nelson home. They enjoy skiing, hiking, local arts and being active in the region.






Sunday, April 10, 2011

MLA Hon. Don McRae Comox Valley Minister of Agriculture

Thank You Lord for MLA Don McRae and his riding of Comox Valley.  We join our prayers today and give thanks for the new position he has been given as the Minister of Agriculture. We ask for wisdom and discernment to guide him, for courage and grace that he may walk through open doors, and integrity of heart to see a righteous government arise. We ask for your hand of protection to be upon Don McRae and his family, and the richest of blessings. In Jesus Name we pray.


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.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

MLA Hon Mary McNeil Vancouver-False Creek Minister of Children and Family Development

Thank You Lord for MLA Mary McNeil and how she has served her constituents in various capacities.  Thank You for giving Mary the opportunity to be placed in as the Minister of Children and Family Development.  Equip her with all she needs for this very important role.  May she feel Your love and support today.

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.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

MLA Joan McIntyre Member for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky

Dear Lord, we are mindful this morning of the years of faithful service , Joan has put in for the people of her riding . We pray You will grant her continued favour as she faithfully contends to bring positive and good changes to her constituents, in West Vancouver. May she seek Your approval in all she sets her mind to accomplish in the months ahead . May her goals and purposes be clear . Grant her the wisdom & insight to achieve them.We pray You will keep Joan and her family , safe , well and secure and may all be blessed with health and happiness .

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.









Monday, April 4, 2011

MLA Norm Macdonald Member for Columbia River - Revelstoke

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

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

Norm serves as opposition critic for Forest and Range and Integrated Land Management.

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

He has a further six years experience teaching in Africa.

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

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

Sunday, April 3, 2011

MLA Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid Member for Vancouver-Fairview

Heavenly Father:  As MLA Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid comes into each day, help her to find the right path. As her constituents call on her for support and advice, help her to find clarity easily. As she looks back on her working day, may she see her efforts as valued and appreciated.  Amen.

Margaret was elected MLA for Vancouver-Fairview in the 2009 general provincial election. She was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors to the Minister of Health on March 14, 2011. She also serves as Vice Chair on the Cabinet Committee for Families First.

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.