Sunday, July 31, 2011

MLA: Norm Letnick - Kelowna-Lake Country


Jesus, we pray that You would continue to give wisdom and revelation to MLA Norm Letnick in all areas of responsibility that he carries as an MLA.  May Your hand be upon him and give him Your peace in his daily life and schedule. Even though he may be busy, we pray that You would give him Your supernatural lightness that only You can give.  May he actually feel Your presence with him and rely on Your ability to share his duties and responsibilities. Lord bless his family and give them lots of time together this summer. 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.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

MLA: John Les - Chilliwack

 
Father we thank You for MLA Jon Les. We thank You for his service to this Province. We pray that You will bless him and give him the wisdom that will allow him to accomplish much as quickly as possible. Let Your hand be with him and his family. We pray that You would also give him fresh revelation and understanding in all areas, causing increase and favor to rest upon him, his work, his constituents and his family. 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.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

MLA: Hon. Blair Lekstrom - Peace River South

Father we thank You for Hon. Blair Lekstrom. We thank You that he has been called to his position as Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure for such a time as this. We thank You for blessing and favor upon him and his family. We pray that You would give him wisdom and revelation as he makes decisions for his constituents. Thank You that you will give him unique ideas, plans and strategies that will cause growth and abundance. 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.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

MLA: Richard T. Lee - Burnaby North

Heavenly Father, we pray for MLA Richard Lee and we thank You for placing him in the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. We pray that You will grant him continued blessing in his leadership in our province. Give him wisdom in his recent appointment as Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism to the Minister of Social Development. Also, we pray that You will lead and guide him as a member of the Cabinet Committee on Open Government and Engagement. Bless him as he fulfils his many duties with integrity.
May he, his wife, Anne, and the rest of his family enjoy a good summer holiday. May he return refreshed both personally and professionally.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Richard T. Lee was first elected as the MLA for the riding of Burnaby North in 2001 and was re-elected to his third term in the May 2009 provincial general election. Richard was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism to the Minister of Social Development on March 14, 2011. 
Currently, Richard also serves as a member of the Cabinet Committee on Open Government and Engagement.
Previously, Richard served as Parliamentary Secretary for the Asia-Pacific Initiative, from June 16, 2005 to March 14, 2011.  He also served as a member of the Legislative Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts, Select Standing Committee on Legislative Initiatives and a member of the Select Standing Committee on Education.
Prior to that, Richard served as member of the Legislative Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, the Legislative Special Committee to Review the Police Complaint Process, the Special Committee to Appoint a Police Complaint Commissioner, Vice-chair of the Special Committee to Appoint a Merit Commissioner, the Government Caucus Committee on Economy and Government Operations, the Government Caucus Multicultural Committee and as Chair of the Government Caucus Asian Economic Development Committee.
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.
In 1971 Richard moved to British Columbia where his grandfather settled since 1913. He and his wife Anne married in 1986 and have lived in Burnaby since then. They have three children.

Monday, July 25, 2011

MLA: Harry Lali - Fraser-Nicola

Heavenly Father, today we join with others to lift up MLA Harry Lali to You. Please continue to give him wisdom to lead with integrity and honour as he serves our province diligently as opposition critic for community and rural development. Give him the necessary guidance and encouragement to fulfill his mandate well.
We pray that he and his wife, Rani, will enjoy a good summer break and be refreshed both personally and professionally. In Jesus name, Amen.


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.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

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


Lord we thank You for MLA Hon. Terry Lake and his dedication to public service. May You give him great wisdom and understanding as he deals with the very complex environmental issues in our province. We pray for divine strength and encouragement for him and his family. We ask for great blessing in the lives of his family members as they give up valuable family time so that he can carry out the duties that have been given to him.

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.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

MLA: Jenny Wai Ching Kwan - Vancouver-Mount Pleasant

Father we lift up MLA Jenny Kwan before You today. We bless her for her many years of faithful service to the people of British Columbia. Help her as she balances family, constituency duties, and her duties as opposition critic for Jobs, Economic Development and Trade. Give her wisdom as she works to increase the prosperity of all British Columbians. We also ask that You would give her rest and a time of relaxation this summer with her family.

  
Jenny Kwan was first elected as the MLA for Vancouver - Mount Pleasant in 1996, becoming one of the first Chinese-Canadians to sit in BC's Legislative Assembly and the first Chinese Canadian Cabinet Minister in the history of B.C. She was re-elected in 2001, 2005 and again on May 12, 2009. 

Jenny serves as opposition critic for Jobs, Economic Development and Trade.

Born in Hong Kong, Jenny Wai Ching Kwan immigrated to Canada with her family when she was nine years old.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Criminology) from Simon Fraser University. Jenny began working as a community legal advocate in the Downtown Eastside shortly after graduation.

Jenny was elected to Vancouver City Council in 1993 --becoming the youngest councillor in Vancouver’s history -- and served for three years as the sole representative of Vancouver's progressive municipal political party, COPE.

In 1998 Jenny was appointed Minister of Municipal Affairs, becoming BC's first Chinese-Canadian cabinet minister. Jenny also served as Minister of Women's Equality and Minister of Community Development, Cooperatives and Volunteers and was the provincial government’s lead person in developing the Vancouver Agreement.

Jenny is married and lives in East Vancouver with her husband, daughter, son and stepson.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

MLA: Kevin Krueger - Kamloops-South Thompson


Father, we ask that You would lead and guide MLA Kevin Krueger giving him guidance, wisdom and quick understanding of all the various issues that effect his constituents. We ask that You would give him fresh creative ideas to help make British Columbia and Kamloops-South Thompson increase as sought after places to live and work. As he works to accomplish this we ask that You would strengthen him and when he takes times of rest that You would refresh and renew him quickly.


Kevin Krueger is MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson and also serves on the Cabinet Committee on Open Government and Engagement.
Previously, he has served as the Minister of Social Development, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts and was re-elected as MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson on May 12, 2009. Prior to the 2009 election, he served as Minister of Community Development and Minister of Small Business and Revenue and Minister Responsible for Regulatory Reform and Minister of State for Mining.
Kevin Krueger was re-elected as MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson in 2005 after being elected in 1996 and re-elected in 2001.
While in Opposition, Kevin served as the BC Liberal Critic for Labour. He was Caucus Whip as well as a member of the Select Standing Committee on Education. Kevin was named to the Legislative Standing Committees for Committee of Selection and the Special Committee for the Citizen’s Assembly on Electoral Reform. He was also a member of the Legislative Assembly Management Committee. He previously was a member of the Small Scale Salvage Committee.
Before becoming an MLA, Kevin worked with the Insurance Corporation of BC for 20 years, and at the time of his departure was a road safety regional manager.
His community work includes the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce, Kamloops Community Counterattack Committee, Rotary Club past-president, coordinator with the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and secretary of the Protocol Committee for the 1993 Canada Summer Games. He arranged the twinning of the Rotary Clubs of Kamloops and Uji, Japan. He is a former board member, executive councillor and shop steward of the Office and Technical Employees Union, Local 378. He was a director of the Prince George & District Credit Union.
Kevin and his wife Debbie, a school teacher, have six children, including two daughters-in-law and a son-in-law. They are the proud grandparents of seven children.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

MLA: Leonard Krog - Nanaimo

 
Father, we thank You for MLA Leonard Krog and his commitment to the people of British Colombia and his constituents in Naniamo. We ask Father that You would uncover those hidden things as he stands as the Opposition Critic For The Attorney General so that all decisions are made with wisdom and revelation. Lord, we ask this because we trust You to continue to guide MLA Krog to protect our province and to see it continue to grow in prosperity in all things.

Leonard Krog was re-elected as the MLA for Nanaimo on May 12, 2009.
Leonard serves as opposition critic for the Attorney General.
Born in Nanaimo and raised in Coombs, Leonard served as MLA for Parksville-Qualicum from 1991 to 1996.
Since 1980, Leonard has been a practicing lawyer in a Nanaimo law firm, most recently with his wife Sharon.
In addition , Leonard has served as the director and president of the Mid-Island Consumer Services Co-operative, chair of the United Way for Nanaimo and District, director of the Nanaimo City Centre Association, president of the Nanaimo City Bar Association, director and president of the Planned Parenthood Association's Nanaimo Branch, a member and supporter of Amnesty International and Lawyers for Social Responsibility.
Leonard and his wife Sharon live in Nanaimo. They have two children, Jessica and Parker, and two grandchildren, Portia and Archer.

Monday, July 18, 2011

MLA: Maurine Karagianis - Esquimalt-Royal Roads

We bring MLA Maurine Karagianis before You today Father and thank You for her willing heart and desire to serve the people of her constituency and our great province. Thank You for the wisdom and skill that she brings to her role as opposition caucus Whip. Guide her and direct her Lord and cover her with Your blessing and protection. Help her to balance the demands of her job and the demands of family life. May this summer be a great time of connecting with her family, rest and renewal and a time of refreshing. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Maurine Karagianis was elected MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin on May 17, 2005, and re-elected to the reconfigured riding of Esquimalt-Royal Roads on May 12, 2009.
Maurine serves as official opposition caucus Whip.
She was elected to Esquimalt Council in 1996. Serving for three terms, Maurine helped create and chaired the CRD Arts Committee, and by working to save the Matson Gary Oak meadow in the Inner Harbour and daylighting the Gorge Creek helped enrich green space and renew bird habitat in Esquimalt.
A long-standing Director of the Veins of Life Watershed Society, Maurine has worked in support of environmental stewardship for the Gorge Waterway and watershed protection in the Capital Region.
She worked in the fashion industry for over 15 years, in retail, wholesale and import/export, and also spent more than a decade working in the communications industry for the tourism market and international motorcycle industry.
Maurine ran a consulting firm that worked with non-profit organizations and First Nations communities to create affordable housing. Her career has also included working for the provincial Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Social Services.
A proud mother and grandmother, Maurine lives with her partner in Esquimalt.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

MLA: Carole James - Victoria-Beacon Hill

Father today we lift up MLA Carol James to You. We thank you for her hard work, her commitment and her dedication to serve the people of British Columbia. Just as she has poured out her time and energy to serve others, we ask today that You will pour back blessings into her life. Help her to find the time for reflection and renewal that will strengthen and energize her and bring fresh vision for the work You have called her to do. Bless the time that she has with her family and cover them with Your love and protection. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.


Carole has served as the MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill since 2005.
Prior to entering provincial politics, Carole served as President of the B.C. School Trustees Association for an unprecedented five terms, commencing in 1995.
She was elected to the Greater Victoria School Board from 1990 to 2001. She has also served at the national level as the Vice-President of the Canadian School Boards Association.
Carole has been appointed to numerous provincial initiatives, including the Independent B.C. Budget Review Panel, the Public Education Restructuring Consultation, the Ministry of Children and Families Secure Care Committee.
In addition to serving a two-year term as the Director of Child Care Policy for the government of British Columbia, she has served on the Greater Victoria Region Social Planning Council, the City of Victoria Parks and Recreation Committee, and the Task Force on Violence Prevention.
In recognition of her work in the area of co-operative pre-schools, she was named an Honorary Life Member of the Vancouver Island Co-operative Pre-School Association.
In 2001, Carole moved to Prince George to serve as the Director of Child and Family Services for Carrier Sekani Family Services. As part of her management responsibilities, she coordinated the planning for regionalization of child and family services from the Ministry of Children and Families to an Aboriginal Authority.
Carole is the mother of two children, Alison and Evan. She was also a foster parent for 20 years, giving care to children and adults with special needs.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

MLA: Vicki Huntington - Delta South


God, we thank You for MLA Vicki Huntington and for her appointment as MLA. We thank You Lord that You continue to protect Vicki during the summer months and prepare her while she rests for the tasks ahead of her next year. We praise You Lord for loving her and for covering her with Your wisdom while she continues to serve the people of BC. Thank You for bringing her back to the legislature refreshed and well after the summer vacation. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Victoria (Vicki) Huntington is a native of Vancouver, BC and has a degree in Political Science from the University of British Columbia. Much of her early career was spent in Ottawa with the federal government. More recently, she served as an elected Councillor for the Municipality of Delta, BC.

For most of the 1970s, Vicki worked with the RCMP Security Service, beginning as a civilian member and later a Special Constable (Investigator) in the force. In preparation for this position, she was commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant in the Canadian Army Intelligence Corps (Res).

Vicki served as Band Manager for the Gitanmaax Indian Reserve in Hazelton, BC. First-hand knowledge and understanding gained in this capacity was invaluable in her later work with the federal Minister of Indian Affairs & Northern Development; Nisga’a Task Group; and as Vice Chair of the Lower Mainland Treaty Advisory Committee and its representative on the Provincial Treaty Negotiating Team.

During a number of years in Ottawa, Vicki served the Solicitor General of Canada; and the Ministers of both National Revenue and Indian Affairs & Northern Development. She was also involved in various capacities at the federal level with the Progressive Conservative Party. She returned to British Columbia in 1988 as the Director of the Federal Ministers’ Regional Offices in Vancouver.

Vicki has shown a particular interest in environmental matters. In this regard, she received an award from the Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust for exceptional service.

A resident of Ladner (Delta), British Columbia, Vicki was first elected in 1993 to Delta Municipal Council and returned to Council at or near the top of the polls in the four subsequent municipal elections. She declined to run again in 2008.

Vicki was elected as an Independent MLA for Delta South in May 2009.


Wednesday, July 13, 2011

MLA: Rob Howard - Richmond Centre

We bring MLA Rob Howard before You Lord. We thank You that You never slumber nor sleep and we ask You to look after Mr. Howard and his family even during the summer break. We ask Lord that You bless Rob and his family with Your many blessings, that You protect him during his vacationing, and that You encourage him to serve You and Your people of BC with a refreshed vigour when the Legislature reconvenes. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Rob Howard was elected as the MLA for Richmond Centre in 2009.

Rob has served as President of Tourism Richmond, was co-Chair of the Vancouver chapter of the Real Estate Institute of BC and has served on the board of the Richmond Caring Place Society and the Heritage Commission. During his time on Richmond City Council, he chaired several committees including the Finance and Community Safety Committees.

Rob was the driving force behind the Richmond Airport Vancouver Rapid Transit Task Force and was a strong proponent of the City’s long-term financial plan. During his time as City Councilor, he was also deeply involved in the Asia Pacific Strategy.

Along with his wife Trudy and son Jay, Rob enjoys giving back to the community in which he has spent his life. Together, they have spent 12 years volunteering, assisting, coaching and running tournaments for the Richmond Minor Hockey Association.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

MLA: Douglas Horne - Coquitlam-Burke Mountain



Today we lift MLA Douglas Horne up to You Lord and ask that You would keep him in the palm of Your hand and direct and guide him in all of the roles and functions that he has assumed as MLA.  As he goes about his days may he do so in the revelation of the love and joy that You have for him and his constituents.  We pray that all of the tasks that he undertakes will go well and be effective in all aspects.  Grant him and his family a relaxing and refreshing summer. In Jesus name we pray.    

Douglas Horne was elected as the MLA for the electoral district of Coquitlam-Burke Mountain in May, 2009. He is currently Deputy Chair of the Committee of the Whole (Chair – Committee of Supply), a Member of the Executive Counsel’s Legislative Review Committee, the Deputy Chair of the Select Standing Committee for Public Accounts, and a Member of the Select Standing Committee for Children and Youth.

In addition, Douglas was previously a Member of the Provincial Treasury Board, a Member of the B.C. Local Government Elections Task Force, a Member of the Special Committee to Review the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and a Member of the Special Committee to Appoint a Merit Commissioner.

Douglas has been active in federal, provincial and civic politics for many years. While working in Ottawa, he served as a Special Assistant to a former federal Minister, and as a Special Assistant to the former Speaker of the House of Commons, The Honourable John Fraser.

Before entering politics, Douglas was Managing Director – Corporate & CEO of Maple Leaf Studios Ltd. This leading international design and production studio has created innovative and engaging experiences for international themed attractions, World Fairs & Expos, visitor centres and destination resorts. Douglas was instrumental in the success of British Columbia – Canada Place (the log house) during the 2006 Winter Games in Torino, Italy. In addition, Douglas worked with Russian business leaders and the City of Sochi on their successful bid to host the 2014 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. As well, Maple Leaf Studios and its partner, Shanghai Art-Design (a member of the Shanghai Media Group) were selected by Shanghai Expo 2010 for the central theme pavilions preliminary design competition.

Doug has lived in Coquitlam on Westwood Plateau with his wife and two children since 1996.

Monday, July 11, 2011

MLA: John Horgan - Juan de Fuca



Lord Jesus, bless MLA John Horgan.  We ask that You would protect both he and his family as he fulfills his duties as MLA.  May You direct his every step so that he may feel the confidence and support of those he serves as he undertakes all those tasks that You have for him. We pray also that this summer will be an exceptional time of rest, relaxation, refreshing and reinvigoration in preparation for the Fall legislative session. Amen.  


John Horgan was elected as the MLA for Malahat-Juan de Fuca on May 17, 2005, and re-elected to the reconfigured riding of Juan de Fuca on May 12, 2009.

John serves as Official Opposition House Leader and is the opposition critic for Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources.

John was born and raised in Victoria.

A former long time public servant, he started his career in Ottawa working in the House of Commons before returning to British Columbia to work for the provincial government. He has also worked in the private sector, running a management and consulting company.

John has a Bachelor of Arts from Trent University and completed his Master of Arts at Sydney University in Australia.

John and his wife Ellie have two sons who attend the University of Victoria.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

MLA: Gordon Hogg - Surrey-White Rock

Father, we bring MLA Gordon Hogg before You today and ask that You bless his life and work in a meaningful way. We pray that he would sense Your presence and know that You care for him so much. May his decisions and conversations also be productive and beneficial to the people and situations he encounters this week. Thank You for this man and bless and protect his family and loved ones all of their days. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen
Gordon Hogg was first elected to represent the riding of Surrey-White Rock in a 1997 bi-election. He was re-elected in 2001, 2005 and again in 2009.
Gordon is currently the Parliamentary Secretary for Non-profit Partnerships to the Minister of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government. He also serves on various committees, including the Cabinet Committee on Families First and the Cabinet Committee on Open Government and Engagement.
Previously, he served as Parliamentary Secretary for Social Entrepreneurship to the Minister of Finance and a member of the Select Standing Committees on Education, Aboriginal Affairs and Crown Corporations. He is also the former Minister of State for Mining, Minister of State for ActNow BC and Minister of Children and Family Development.
He previously served as Minister of State for ActNow BC and Minister of Children and Family Development.
Mr. Hogg also served as chair of the Government Caucus and was a member of the Legislative Assembly Management Committee. He was also the chair of the Seniors Caucus Committee and has served on the Cabinet Committee for Agenda Development and the Select Standing Committees on Finance and Government Services; Sustainable Aquaculture; Children and Youth; Health and Social Services; Justice; Constitutional Affairs; and Intergovernmental Relations.
Previously, Mr. Hogg served as the Official Opposition Critic for education and human resources and was also a member of the Official Opposition Caucus Committees on Health and Education.
Mr. Hogg was a counsellor, probation officer and regional director for corrections prior to his election to the Legislative Assembly. He received his bachelor of arts in sociology and psychology from the University of British Columbia and his master’s degree in psychology from Antioch College
Mr. Hogg served on White Rock council for 20 years, for 10 of which he was mayor. He has been a board member of more than 15 committees and non-profit societies, including the Peace Arch Community Health Council and Peace Arch District Hospital. He has also been a foster parent and little league coach.
Gordon and his wife, LaVerne, live in White Rock and have one son.

Thursday, July 7, 2011

MLA: Kash Heed - Vancouver-Fraserview

Father God, today we give thanks for MLA Kash Heed. We pray that You will continue to direct and give wisdom to him to undertake those tasks that are most beneficial for all concerned. Give him all the strength and courage required to carry out those assignments. May he take pleasure in his day to day activities and be filled with Your fullness of joy. Allow him to see the beneficial impact that he, as a MLA, contributes to in his community. Give him a refreshing time with his family this summer. Amen.



Kash Heed was appointed Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General on June 10, 2009.

Minister Heed was elected MLA for Vancouver-Fraserview in the 2009 general provincial election.

Kash graduated from the B.C. Police Academy in 1979 and has spent the past 30 years serving the public in law enforcement.

Kash began his career as an officer with the Vancouver Police Department where he moved through the ranks of Constable, Detective, Sergeant, Inspector and Superintendent. During this same time, he completed his BA and MA at Simon Fraser University part-time.

While Superintendent in charge of the south part of Vancouver, and as an Inspector in the southeast quadrant of Vancouver he created the Gang Violence Task Force.

Heed was also head of the drug squad, led the Indo-Canadian gang task force and launched the COMPSTAT system, using computer technology to track crime.

In 2007, Kash was appointed Chief of the West Vancouver Police Department.

Kash lives in Richmond with his wife and new daughter.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

MLA: Dave S. Hayer - Surrey-Tynehead


God, we praise You for the gift of MLA Dave Hayer to our province. Thank You for a leader with a diverse background and broad experience that You have prepared to serve our province in such a time as this. We pray for Mr. Hayer and ask that you would place your hand upon him and that You would be at work in and through him today. Be glorified in his life we pray. Amen!



Dave S. Hayer was first elected to the BC Legislature as MLA for the riding of Surrey-Tynehead in the 2001 provincial general election and was re-elected in 2005 and 2009.

Dave formerly served as the Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism, where he worked closely with the Minister of Science and Universities and Minister of Regional Economic and Skills Development, which is responsible for the Provincial Nominee Program.

Dave previously worked with the Hon. Moira Stillwell when she was Minister of Regional Economic and Skills Development. portfolio.

Dave also worked with the Hon. Mary McNeil when she was the Minister of Citizens' Services and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism and the Public Affairs Bureau, portfolio as well as with the Hon. Ben Stewart when he was Minister of Citizens’ Services and Multiculturalism. Dave is also a member of the Cabinet Committee on Economy, the Select Standing Committees on Health, Education and Legislative Initiatives as well as helping as Chair of the Committee of Supply.

In January 2007, Dave received a prestigious award from the Government of India. The Pravasi Bharatia Samman Award is annually given to people of Indian heritage, no longer living in India, who have achieved excellence in their chosen fields of endeavour. Dave was presented with the award for his "active leadership in the community, his contributions to public service and for his achievements in government". At the presentation ceremony, Dave was described as a "great friend of India and has been a strong voice in the Indo-Canadian community against terrorism and violence". He was the only Canadian among 15 people from other countries to be given the Pravasi Bharatia Samman Award this year. Dave is only the second Canadian to be presented with this honour. Dave received his award from Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, President of India, at a ceremony in New Delhi, India on January 9, 2007. In 2008 Dave was selected by the Vancouver Sun as one of the 100 top most influential Canadians of South Asian descent making a difference in BC.

Previously, Dave served as Chair of Surrey Caucus; Caucus Liaison for the Minister of State for Mental Health and Addictions Services; vice-chair of the Caucus Committee for Asian Economic Development; member of the Government Caucus Committee on Multiculturalism & Diversity and Government Caucus Committee on Health; member of the Cabinet Committee on Environment and Resource Development for the Ministry of Skills Development and Labour and Ministry of Sustainable Resource Management; member of the Select Standing Committees on Finance and Government Services, Education, and Aboriginal Affairs; the Special Committee to Review the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act; member of the Government Caucus Committee on Government Operations, Select Standing Committee member on Crown Corporations and Caucus Liaison for the Minister of State for Intermediate, Long Term and Home Care.

Before his election to public office, Dave was a Surrey businessperson, Assistant Publisher of the Indo-Canadian Times, Kwantlen University College Governor, real estate agent, and he worked in the newspaper and forestry industries and as labourer in a steel factory. Dave earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Simon Fraser University in 1982 and from 1981 to 1982 he completed taxation courses at the University of British Columbia. Dave served as the General Manager of the Canadian Accounting Aggregates Public Accountants from 1983 to 1988 following which he joined the Indo-Canadian Times.

Dave's current involvements include: member of the Rotary Club of Surrey, Surrey Chamber of Commerce and the Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce. Some previous business involvements include: BC Chamber of Commerce director (1999-2001); Surrey Chamber of Commerce president (1996-97), vice-president (1994-96), director (1992-94); Vancouver Board of Trade Small Business Council member (1995-2000); Indo-Canadian Business Association vice-president (1993-2000); Ethnic Press Association of BC vice-president (1994-99), treasurer/director (1991-99); and, City of Surrey Economic Development Strategy Advisory Committee member (1995-2000).

Some of Dave's former community involvements include: Rotary Club of Surrey president (1999-2000), vice-president (1996-98); Surrey Community Crime Prevention Society president (1995-96); South Fraser Child Development Centre Christmas Party chair (1988-2001); and Surrey & White Rock Home Support Association director (94-95). As well, Dave initiated the Surrey Police Officer of the Year Awards and initiated the building of the Surrey Chamber of Commerce Building.

Born in 1958 in India, Dave moved to Surrey in 1972 and into the Surrey-Tynehead constituency in 1991. He and Isabelle Martinez, who married in 1981, have four children. Dave enjoys working on community projects, reading, swimming and walking.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

MLA: Randy Hawes - Abbotsford-Mission

Heavenly Father, we thank You for MLA Randy Hawes. We are grateful for his many years of public service and his willingness to serve his community with the gifts that You have given him. We ask for Your blessing upon his life and work today. Help him as he works with constituents and community leaders on the issues that concern them. Fill him with Your wisdom and insight so that many will be blessed through him. In Jesus Name, Amen

Randy Hawes was named Parliamentary Secretary for Natural Resource Operations Review to the Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations on March 14, 2011. He also serves on the Treasury Board and the Environment and Land Use Committee. Randy was re-elected as MLA to represent the new riding of Abbotsford-Mission in the spring of 2009.

Randy was first elected as MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission in 2001 and was re-elected in the May 2005 provincial general election.

Randy was appointed the Minister of State for Mining in June 2009.

Randy has served as Chief Government Whip as appointed by Premier Gordon Campbell, he has chaired the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Service, Chair of the Government Committee on Health, and has been a member of the Legislative Assembly's Select Standing Committee on Health. In addition, he serves on the Legislative Assembly's Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts, the Special Committee to Select a Merit Commissioner and chairs the Burrard Thermal Options Committee. Formerly, Randy was Chair of the Special Committee to Appoint a Chief Electoral Officer, and served on the Government Caucus Committee on Communities and Safety and the Small-Scale Salvage Review committee.

Before becoming an MLA, Randy was in his third term as Mayor of the District of Mission. Randy was also Chair of the Fraser Valley Regional District, a member of the Fraser Valley Treaty Advisory Committee for four years, a four-year member of the James Sewer Treatment Plant Board, and a seven-year member (four as Chair) of the Fraser Valley Water Commission.

Randy started as a loans officer with the Toronto Dominion Bank in 1972 and worked as manager in a variety of locations throughout BC and the Yukon. Because he wanted to stay in Mission, Randy left the TD bank in 1986 to pursue a career in real estate and property development. Randy was elected to a one-year term as a District of Mission councillor in 1987 and became mayor in 1993.

Randy has been an active participant in many aspects of his constituency, including serving for two years on the Mission Community Health Council, five years on the District of Mission Justice Council, and three years on the Ferndale Penitentiary Citizens' Advisory Committee. Randy served as director of the Fraser House, a drug and alcohol treatment facility, was an honourary member of the Royal Canadian Legion's Branch 57, and is a member of the Mission Rotary Club. He also coached minor hockey for 15 years and minor baseball for 10 years in Mission.

Born in Edmonton in 1947, Randy and Alma married in 1969 and moved to Mission in 1979; they have three children and nine grandchildren. Randy's passions are playing golf, reading, and spending time with his grandchildren.