Wednesday, August 31, 2011

MLA: Ralph Sultan - West Vancouver-Capilano


Lord God, we thank You that we live in a country and province where we have a government elected by and for the people.  We take time today to give You thanks for MLA: Ralph Sultan as a member of our legislative assembly.  We are thankful that a man with his background and credentials has decided to bring his expertise into the public sector.  May You give him strategies and plans to be able to accomplish all the things that he needs to do to make this province an even better place to live and work.  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.


Tuesday, August 30, 2011

MLA: Dr. Moira Stilwell - Vancouver-Langara

Photo of MLA Dr. Moira Stilwell
Lord Jesus, we want to give You thanks for MLA: Dr. Moira Stilwell and her dedication and service to the people of our province. LORD may You continue to be with her and never leave her. May You give her the strength, courage and wisdom to be able to accomplish all the plans and tasks that You have set before her. Give her Your peace and bless her time with her family. 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.


Monday, August 29, 2011

MLA: Ben Stewart - Westside-Kelowna



Dear God, we ask Your blessing on MLA: Ben Stewart. We thank You for his willingness to serve the people of British Columbia in his capacity as MLA. May You give him the strength, vision, love and compassion required to be the wise, effective and caring leader in our province that You have appointed him to be.  We pray that You will also protect and watch over all his relationships especially all the relationships within his family. 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.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

MLA: John Slater - Boundary-Similkameen


Almighty and eternal God, in Your goodness You watch over those in authority. Today we want to ask Your blessing on MLA: John Slater. We thank You for his years of diligent service in the public sector. We pray Lord that You would fill him with the spirit of Your wisdom so that all that he does will establish peace and well-being in all the citizens of British Columbia. We also pray that You will give him times of refreshing and encouragement as he fulfills his duties. In Jesus name we pray. 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.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

MLA: Shane Simpson - Vancouver-Hastings


Father we want to ask Your continued blessings would be upon MLA Shane Simpson. We thank him for his many faithful years of service to our awesome province. May he know You as the God of Psalm 121:8 that guards him when he leaves and when he returns. May you give him revelation of those things that You desire for Your people here in British Columbia and the strength and courage to see them through. Bless his family in all that they do. In Jesus’ name. 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.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

MLA: Bob Simpson - Cariboo North


Heavenly Father we lift up our MLA Bob Simpson.  We pray Your blessing on the leadership and organizational skills he brings to this position.   Help him to discern what is vital, excellent and of real value and may significant ideas be recognized and acted upon.   Guide him so that the goals he sets for the upcoming season are in line with your purposes and plans.  Open doors for him so that his work is effective. 
Make Your face shine on his family and enrich them with wholesome relationships and good friends. 

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.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

MLA: Nicholas Simons - Powell River-Sunshine Coast

Lord, we pray that Your blessing will be on MLA Simons and his work, his leisure, his activities, his plans and his relationships.  May he be aware of Your guidance and peace as he serves in our government. Make him a strong advocate for what is just, fair and good for the people of our province.  Give him sound judgment as he speaks for the welfare of his constituents and the people of British Columbia.
We ask that you would surround him with beautiful sights and sounds for his enjoyment.

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.

Monday, August 22, 2011

MLA: Michael Sather - Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows


We thank You, Lord, today for MLA Michael Sather and his position as deputy opposition critic for the Environment.  We live in one of the most beautiful places on earth, and we pray for those who give leadership and direction for its care.  In Proverbs Your Word says that “the heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.”  Bless MLA Sather in his work to understand issues and to advance solutions that bring benefit to the environment.  
Bless his family with Your love, strength and courage.  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.


Sunday, August 21, 2011

MLA: John Rustad - Nechako Lakes

Dearest Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your guiding hand bringing MLA:John Rustad to a place of leadership in our province.  We pray You will lead him in making wise, insightful decisions. May his many experiences and his knowledge serve him well. As he is faithful to heed Your voice, may You increase his influence so he may rightly affect the direction of our province.  Bless he and his wife with health and refreshment of spirit. We ask this in Jesus’ name.

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, August 18, 2011

MLA: Doug Routley - Nanaimo-North Cowichan


Dearest Heavenly Father, we lift up Doug Routley to You in prayer today. As Doug serves as Opposition Critic for Citizens’ Services and Open Government, we pray You will make Your will known to him that he may hear You and make wise, timely decisions. We pray You will enable him to be a strong, integral leader and a steadying influence to his many colleagues. Bless him with favour in his personal life and may he feel rejuvenated even as he continues to serve. We ask this in Jesus’ name. 

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.

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Dearest Heavenly Father, as we pray today for MLA: Bill Routley, Deputy Opposition Critic for Forests and Range. We acknowledge Your Sovereign hand in providing the experiences and opportunities that brought him to his place of leadership today. We pray that You will continue to guide him and give him wisdom and foresight. May times of refreshing and a renewed sense of purpose come upon him as he continues to serve. Bless he and his family with good health and quality time together. We ask this in Jesus’ name.

 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, August 16, 2011

MLA: Linda Reid - Richmond East

 
Heavenly Father, we pray for Linda Reid today. Thank You for her faithfulness in serving others. We ask that You would bless her today. Give her fresh and creative ideas and approaches to solving challenges and problems on behalf of her constituents and our Province. We ask that Your kindness and goodness would cover every part of her life today. Bless her family, friends and staff. We ask this in Jesus name.

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, August 15, 2011

MLA: Bruce Ralston - Surrey-Whalley

 
Lord God, we pray for Bruce Ralston today. Thank You for his years of service to his community. Lord, we would ask that You would be a constant source of refreshing and renewal for him. Renew his body, his mind and his spirit as You fill him with Your love, strength and grace. Bless his family today. Amen


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.

Sunday, August 14, 2011

MLA: Lana Popham - Saanich South

 
We pray for MLA: Lana Popham today. Thank You Lord for the skills and gifts that You have given her. We are grateful for the wisdom and experience that she brings to this role. We ask that You would fill her life with even greater wisdom and insight as she serves her constituents and our Province as the critic for Agriculture. We ask for your blessing on her family today. Fill them with Your joy, love and peace. In Jesus Name, 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.
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, August 11, 2011

MLA: Hon. Mary Polak - Langley

 
God thank You for Hon. Mary Pollack and her attention to details as she serves her constituency. 
Bless her and grant her peace as she works, travels and rests this summer. 
Be near her family also and keep them safe we pray in Jesus' name. 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, August 10, 2011

MLA: Pat Pimm - Peace River North

 
Father we thank You for MLA Pat Pimm and his willingness to serve the people of Fort St. John and the riding of Peace River North . Draw near to him as he goes about his day and guide his steps. Give him and his family some time of refreshing and relaxation in this month too.  We ask this in Jesus name. 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.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

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

 
God, we lift up Hon. Barry Penner to You and ask You to be close to him this week. Give him wisdom as he makes decisions relating to his position as Attorney General and keep him and his family safe this summer season. Thank You for giving him an opportunity to serve the people of Chilliwack and Hope and all of British Columbia. Amen

Barry Penner was confirmed as Attorney General on March 14, 2011, after initially being appointed as Attorney General in December, 2010.
 
He was first elected to represent Chilliwack in 1996, and was re-elected in the renamed riding of Chilliwack-Kent in 2001 and 2005, and then again in 2009 in the further renamed riding of Chilliwack-Hope.
 
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.

Monday, August 8, 2011

MLA: Michelle Mungall - Nelson-Creston


We truly thank You today Lord for MLA Michelle Mungall. She is a young, bright and vibrant woman and we appreciate her willingness to serve in the legislature. She has excelled not only in her university studies but also in the compassionate work she has been involved in to make this a better world to live in by helping the less fortunate. We pray Lord You will bless her work in the legislature and in her riding of Nelson-Creston. May she inspire and give courage to the youth of British Columbia by her example. Fill her with Your love and grace and keep her in Your perfect peace. In Jesus precious Name we pray.

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 opposition critic for Advanced Education, Youth 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, August 7, 2011

MLA: Hon. Don McRae - Comox Valley


May the blessing of Your grace and love rest on MLA Don McRae today as he works diligently as Minister of Agriculture and for his constituents in the Comox Valley. Being born and raised in the Comox valley, his interest and expertise has already been felt in this area as a teacher, coach, athletic director, and as a councillor .Now, as their MLA, we pray he will know Your wisdom, leading and direction as he seeks to bring innovative, good and positive changes to this part of the island he cares so deeply for. In Jesus’ name . 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.