MLA: Spencer Chandra Herbert - Vancouver-West End

Father, we thank You for MLA: Spencer Chandra-Herbert. We ask Father that You would give to him clear direction and strategic ideas for the season ahead. We pray that he would walk in Your wisdom and understanding and that You would guide his every step. In Jesus’ name we pray.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MLA: Ron Cantelon - Parksville-Qualicum

Father we thank You for MLA: Ron Cantelon. We thank You for his many years of service to the citizens of British Columbia. We pray You will lead and guide him while giving continued direction and vision to him and his family causing increase in every area that they are involved in. We ask Father that You would also give to him the wisdom and knowledge that only comes from You.  In Jesus' name we pray.

Ron Cantelon was re-elected for his second term on May 12, 2009 to the riding Parksville-Qualicum. Ron is the Government Caucus Chair and a member of the Select Standing Committee on Health.

Previously, Ron served as Minister of Agriculture and Lands and was a member of the B.C. Agriculture Plan Committee and the Special Committee on Sustainable Aquaculture. He was also Chair of the Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth and Chair of the Committee to Review the Personal Information Protection Act. In addition, Ron has been a member of the Select Standing Committee on Crown Corporations, the Special Committee of Selection, Treasury Board and the Government Caucus Committee on Social Development.

Ron first entered political life as a city councillor for the City of Nanaimo in 1999. He has also acted as Chair of the Nanaimo Conference Centre Advisory Committee, Chair of the Downtown Nanaimo Partnership, Director of the Nanaimo Regional District Board and President of the Port Theatre from 1994 to 1999.

Ron has won several awards including Tourism Nanaimo’s Citizen of the Year 1999, Re/Max manager of the year for Western Canada in 1999 and was one of the 125 notable citizens for Nanaimo’s 125th anniversary.

Ron Cantelon has five children and one grandchild.

MLA: Hon. Stephanie Cadieux - Surrey-Panorama - Minister of Social Development

Father we thank You for MLA: Hon. Stephanie Cadieux. We thank You that You have called her by name and appointed her for just such a time as this. We pray that Your unmerited favour and blessing would cover not only her but also all of her family and the many duties, tasks and projects that she puts her hands to. We thank You that she will have many divine appointments with those strategic people that will assist her in fulfilling the vision that You have given to her. As she goes forward, we ask that You would give her a spirit of wisdom and revelation as she enters into this next season of her life. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ.  


Stephanie Cadieux serves as Minister of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government, having been appointed on March 14, 2011. She formerly served as the Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development. Stephanie was elected MLA for Surrey-Panorama in the 2009 general provincial election.

Stephanie resides as chair of the of the Cabinet Committee on Open Government and Engagement. Formerly, she servied on the Special Committee to Appoint an Information and Privacy Commissioner, and is also a member of Agenda and Priorities Committee, the Select Standing Committees on Health and on Children and Youth and the Special Committee to Review the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Living with a spinal cord injury since a car crash at the age of 18, she became a strong community advocate for programs to assist people with physical disabilities to achieve their goals and regain independence. In 2007, Stephanie worked with 2010 Legacies Now to develop an Accessible Tourism Plan for BC.

Stephanie worked with the BC Paraplegic Association for eight years, most recently as director of marketing and development. She has been an active community volunteer and was the president of Realwheels Society, Ambassador for the Rick Hansen Man in Motion Foundation, as well as a member of the advisory panel and a researcher with International Collaboration On Repair Discoveries (ICORD).

Stephanie was voted one of Business in Vancouver’s Top 40 under 40, in 2007.

Stephanie has lived Surrey for seven years with her husband and enjoys sailing and travel.

MLA: Jagrup Brar - Surrey-Fleetwood

Dear Lord Jesus, we pray today for MLA: Jagrup Brar and ask that You will minister Your grace to him each day. Lord, give him peace in his inner soul and Your strength and confidence. May You fill his life with loving relationships to encourage him and keep his family safe and happy. Send Your angels to surround him and protect him from harm . Thank You Lord for the service he is giving in upholding the quality of life we all enjoy in British Columbia and Canada. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.

Jagrup Brar was elected as the MLA for Surrey Fleetwood on May 12, 2009. He served as MLA for Surrey Panorama Ridge from Oct. 28, 2004 until the riding boundaries were re-drawn.

Jagrup serves as Opposition Critic for Small Business. Jagrup has also served as Opposition Critic for Healthy Living and Sport , Small Business and Revenue, Employment and Income Assistance and as Critic for Solicitor General and Public Safety.

Born in India, Jagrup was a member of the Indian National Basketball team and earned a master’s degree in Philosophy. He then moved to Canada to study at the University of Manitoba where he earned a Master's degree in Public Administration, MPA. Jagrup moved to British Columbia from Winnipeg fourteen years ago. Since then, Jagrup and his family have put down strong roots in Surrey.

An involved member of his community, Jagrup is a dedicated local volunteer, and has taken time to help a variety of local organizations providing services to young people, seniors, the homeless and new Canadians.

For over a decade, Jagrup worked in the public and non-profit sectors, assisting professionals with career development and working with employers to develop strategies to recruit a highly-skilled, multicultural workforce. As the Executive Director of the Surrey Self Employment and Entrepreneur Development Society (SEEDS), Jagrup trained new entrepreneurs to develop and launch successful small business ventures.

Jagrup is married and lives in Surrey with his wife Rajwant and their children - Noor and Fateh.

MLA: Hon. Shirley Bond - Prince George-Valemount - Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General

Father in Heaven and Lord of all; today hear our prayers for MLA: Hon. Shirley Bond. She needs Your guidance daily in her life, particularly, since she is the Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.  Lord, please give her wisdom and revelation as to what projects she should pursue in order to be successful in fulfilling the mandate that she has been given. Please give her Your knowledge, courage, strength and joy. May You carry her forth each day with a new zest as she deals with the demands on her life serving in the public sector. We pray this all in the name of Jesus Christ the lord.

Shirley Bond was appointed Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General on March 14, 2011. She was re-elected for a third term as MLA for Prince George-Valemount in 2009.

Shirley has previously served as Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Minister of Education and Minister responsible for Early Learning and Literacy and Deputy Premier, Minister of Advanced Education and Minister of Health Services.

She also serves as Vice-Chair of the Treasury Board, chaired the Cabinet Committee on New Relationship Coordination, and sat as a member of the Cabinet climate Action Committee. She is also part of the Cabinet Committee on Jobs and Economic Growth.

Before her election to the Legislative Assembly, she served three terms on the Prince George School Board, the last as chair. She also worked with the continuing education department of the Prince George School District, becoming its business manager. She was given the B.C. Interior, North & Yukon Woman of Distinction Award for her work in public education.

Minister Bond has an arts and science diploma from the College of New Caledonia and, up until becoming MLA, was working on a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science at the University of Northern BC.

She was protocol director for the 2001 Special Olympic Summer Games and sat on the boards of Carey Theological College, the Personal Living Choices Society, the Trinity Opportunity Fund Grants Committee and the City of Prince George's Standing Committee on Youth.

Shirley and Bill Bond live in Prince George. They have twin adult children.

MLA: Hon. Harry Bloy - Burnaby-Lougheed - Minister of Social Development and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism

Today we are looking to You, Lord God Almighty, in praying for MLA: Hon. Harry Bloy.  Lord God you have placed him in the position of Minister of Social Development and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism.  We pray that You will guide him as an agent for his community and those who have put their trust in him. May he have Your confidence and courage in all areas of his leadership. Lord protect all of his communications and his relationships so that he may accomplish things effectively and quickly. God, You have given strength to leaders in the past by guiding them through all the demands made of them. Please do this also for MLA: Hon.Harry Bloy. We pray all this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Harry Bloy was appointed Minister of Social Development and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism on March 14, 2011. He was first elected in the riding of Burquitlam in 2001 and was re-elected in the May 2005 provincial general election. He won election to the Legislature for a third time in 2009 for the new riding of Burnaby-Lougheed.

Harry also serves on the Treasury Board and Cabinet Committee for Families First.

Previously, Harry served on the Government Caucus Committee for Natural Resources and Economy and three Select Standing Committees: Finance and Government Services; Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills; and, Legislative Initiatives. In addition, he is the Deputy Chair of Committee of the Whole.

Harry has also served on the Crown Corporations, Public Accounts, Finance and Government Services committees. He was also a member of the Special Committee to Review the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Prior to being an MLA, Harry was the President of a local telecommunications company. Harry earned a marketing diploma from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute in Toronto after which he worked as a systems analyst before moving into retail. Starting as a district manager, he became national marketing manager for a countrywide retail chain. In 1979 Harry and his brother opened the first in a series of convenience stores and over the next 12 years developed, operated and expanded the chain before selling the business.

MLA: Dawn Black - New Westminster

Thank You, Father, that You have given us MLA: Dawn Black.  We appreciate that You placed on her heart a change from federal politics to provincial politics thereby gifting us with one of the top MPs in Canada as selected by the Toronto Star. We ask Lord that You will guide her in her role as the Assistant Deputy Speaker.  We believe God that You will give her wisdom, health and strength in her daily work and with her family. Thank You for keeping her with us and serving the people of British Columbia. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Dawn Black was elected as MLA for New Westminster on May 12, 2009.

Dawn serves as the Assistant Deputy Speaker.

Dawn and her family live in New Westminster. Dawn served three terms as a Member of Parliament.

The Toronto Star voted Dawn as one of the top ten MPs in Canada. The Globe and Mail featured her as one of only four Question Period standouts.

Following former New Westminster MLA Chuck Puchmayr’s announcement that he would not be seeking re-election, Dawn decided to come home and enter provincial politics.

Dawn lives with her husband Peter in New Westminster. They have three sons and seven grandchildren.

MLA: Bill Bennett - Kootenay East

Father, we are grateful to You for our seasoned MLA: Bill Bennett. We ask that the vast knowledge and various abilities that You have given him will help him in all those assignments and tasks that he is involved in. We ask that You will bestow on him wisdom and clarity of thought which will guide his decisions in order that they have the greatest benefit for the residents of British Columbia. 

We thank you Father for his love of the outdoors and for the family you have given him. Please bless him and his family. In Jesus name, we pray.

Bill Bennett was re-elected to represent the riding of Kootenay East on May 12, 2009 and was appointed Minister of Community and Rural Development on June 10, 2009. On June 11, 2010, he was appointed the Minister of Energy, Mines, and Petroleum Resources.

Bill was first elected to represent the riding of East Kootenay in 2001 and re-elected in 2005. He was previously appointed Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts on June 23, 2008, and Minister of State for Mining on June 16, 2005.

Previously, Bill was Chair of the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, a member of the Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth, and chair of the B.C. Outdoor Caucus. Bill also served as the government leader on the Parliamentary Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts. In addition, he served as deputy chair of the Legislative Select Standing Committee on Crown Corporations. As a rural MLA, Bill's caucus committee focus has been on natural resource issues, having participated on committees dealing with mining, forestry, agriculture and land use.

Before being elected, Bill was a partner in a Cranbrook law firm. In 1976, he earned an honours degree in English from the University of Guelph and in 1992, at the age of 42, a law degree from Queen’s University. Bill owned and operated fly-in wilderness lodges in the Northwest Territories and Manitoba from 1977 to 1993. Bill served as president of the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce in 1997 and 1998 and was incoming chair of the BC Chamber of Commerce in 2000 when he took the plunge into provincial politics. Bill was twice elected Cranbrook Business Person of the Year and served as president of the Kootenay Bar Association.

Bill and his wife Beth married in 1974 and have two sons, Dylan and Daniel. Bill is a passionate snowboarder who enjoys the outdoors by hunting, fishing and hiking in the Canadian Rockies.

MLA: Hon. Patrick Bell - Prince George-Mackenzie - Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation

As we come together to pray for MLA: Hon. Patrick Bell, may he be encouraged refreshed and invigorated by Your presence as he meets the challenges and demands of his new portfolio.

We trust You will grant him clear vision and integrity to guide him in decisions that will be effective and right for our province.
We give You thanks and appreciation for his hardworking ethics, many abilities and the valuable experience he brings to the legislature.
We pray for continued blessings of good health for him and his family. In Jesus Name.

Pat Bell was appointed Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation on March 14, 2011. He was re-elected for a third term as MLA for Prince George-Mackenzie in 2009.

Pat has previously served as Minister of Forests, Mines and Lands, Minister of Forests and Range, Minister of Agriculture and Lands and as Minister of State for Mining.

He has served on the Government Caucus Committee on Natural Resources and B.C. Task Force on Mining, and as chair of the Small Scale Salvage Review Committee. Pat has also served on the Legislative Select Standing Committees on Education and Crown Corporations.

Prior to becoming an MLA, Pat owned a trucking company and co-owned a logging company. He owns two Wendy's Restaurants in Prince George.

Committed to youth sport, Pat chaired the junior golf program at the Prince George Golf and Curling Club from 1993 to 1997. He also coached high school volleyball and supported the Prince George Barracuda Swim Club. Bell served for several years on the Tourism Prince George Board of Directors.

Born in Vancouver and educated at the University of British Columbia, Pat has lived in Prince George since 1988. He and his wife Brenda have three children.

MLA: Donna Barnett - Cariboo-Chilcotin

We are privileged to pray for MLA: Donna Barnett and give thanks for the diversity of her many years of dedicated service to the Cariboo.

Now as their MLA, may she continue to be successful in completing the goals she envisions for this great community.

We earnestly pray that daily she will be mindful of the sufficiency of Your grace  to grant her courage, strength and wisdom for the work You have called her to do.

May she know the peace of God that passes all understanding as You keep her in good health, protected and safe. In Jesus Name.

Donna Barnett was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Economic Development to the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation on March 14, 2011. She was elected MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin on May 12, 2009.

Donna has served as a member of the Select Standing Committees on Aboriginal Affairs, on Health, and the Committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills

A self-employed business owner and realtor, Donna served as mayor of the District of 100 Mile House from 1986 to 1990 and again from 1996 to 2008.

During that time, Donna served as co-chair of the Council of Resource Community Mayors, as well as chair of the Cariboo-Chilcotin Beetle Action Coalition. Additionally, she was a member of the federal government’s Minister of Natural Resources Committee and a member of the Premier's Climate Action Team.

Donna’s political experience is very diverse. She has been either a member of or involved in: the Cariboo Regional District and Hospital District, Community Policing, the Premier's Task Force on Opportunities, Land Use Planning, Health Care, the Restorative Justice Committee, the Regional Economic Development Committee, the BC Open Learning Agency, the Board of Directors for the Cariboo College and the Chamber of Commerce.

With over 35 years of community involvement, Donna has been a Rotarian, a member of the 100 Mile House Kinettes, a member of the 100 Mile Outriders Club, chair of the Spirit of BC 100 Mile House Community Committee, chair of the100 Mile Chapter of Kisport, chair of the 100 Mile & District Safety Committee, a member of Measuring up the North 100 Mile Committee, chair of the 100 Mile Advisory Committee for the Industrial Hemp Pilot Project, a member of the 100 Mile House Museum Society, a member of the Lower Bridge Creek Watershed Society and served as chair of the South Cariboo Planning Council.

Donna has been the recipient of many awards including the 2008 Women in Resource Communities Woman of the Year Award and 2006 BC Government Community Achievement Award.

Donna and her husband Jack have two grown children and one grandchild.

MLA: Hon. Bill Barisoff - Penticton - Speaker of the House

Heavenly Father, as we prayer for Hon. Bill Barisoff, to-day we are reminded of Your word that declares that it is in You we live and move and have our being. May You continually be his source of daily strength and courage in his exemplary position as Speaker of the House. We pray You will also bless Him abundantly with patience wisdom and discernment and great favour. Keep him and his family safe and in good health. May they be blessed with happiness, love and care for one another. In Jesus Name.

Bill Barisoff was first elected Speaker on September 12, 2005, and re-elected to this position on August 25, 2009. He also served as Minister of Water, Land and Air Protection and Minister of Provincial Revenue.

Mr. Barisoff previously held a variety of critic roles for the Official Opposition, including agriculture, transportation and highways and aboriginal affairs. He served on the province's Motor Carrier Commission and was a member of the Select Standing Committees on Aboriginal Affairs and on Agriculture.

He was first elected in 1996 to represent the riding of Okanagan-Boundary and was re-elected in 2001 and in 2005 as the Member for Penticton-Okanagan Valley. In 2009 he was re-elected as the Member for Penticton.

Bill, who was born and raised in Oliver, owned a trucking firm before his election to the Legislative Assembly.

He served as a school trustee for 18 years, including eight as chair of the Southern Okanagan school board; was a volunteer firefighter in Oliver for over 25 years; and sat on the Okanagan Labour Relations Council. He was also chair of the Oliver Recreation Commission for one year.

Bill and Edna Barisoff live in Oliver. Their family includes sons Glen, his wife Hilary, and grand-son Benjamin Charles; Michael; Darren, his wife Eliza, and grand-daughter Kayla Ramos Barisoff.

MLA: Harry Bains - Surrey-Newton

Today Father we ask You to bless MLA: Harry Bains. Thank You for his years of service to the people of Surrey and the Province of British Columbia. Grant him favour with the people he works with each day and give him wisdom in dealing with the many demands of his job. Be with his family and cover them with Your love and protection. In Jesus' name.

Harry Bains was re-elected as the MLA for Surrey-Newton on May 12, 2009. He was first elected to the Legislature on May 17, 2005.

Harry serves as opposition critic for Transportation and Infrastructure.

Harry has been active in the Surrey community for many years. He has years of experience in education having served on the Kwantlen College Board of Governors between 1993 and 1999.

Harry was an elected officer of Steelworkers-IWA Canada local 2171 for over fifteen years. He served most recently as Vice president of his local, where he led negotiations and engaged in bargaining for better working conditions for working people.

Harry and his wife Rajvinder live in Surrey. They have two children, Kulpreet and Jasmeen.

MLA: Robin Austin - Skeena

We lift up MLA Robin Austin to You today Lord and thank You for the gifts and experience he brings to his role as opposition critic for Education. Be with him as he travels throughout the Skeena area and from his home to Victoria. Bless him with wisdom as he serves the people of British Columbia. Be with his family, especially those times when he is away from home. May his home be filled with love and peace. In Your name we pray.


Robin Austin was re-elected as the MLA for Skeena on May 12, 2009. He was first elected to the Legislature on May 17, 2005.

Robin serves as opposition critic for Education and Chair of the caucus committee on Social Policy.

Robin was employed as a Community Schools Coordinator for a Non-Profit Society in Terrace.

Prior to entering the social work field, Robin spent 20 years working in the Private Sector for both large corporations and small businesses associated with the Hotel/Tourism industry. Robin has a B.A. from Strathclyde University in Scotland as well as a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Northern BC.

Robin and his wife have been married for twenty years and are the parents of two active teenagers.

MLA: Hon. George Abbott - Shuswap - Minister of Education

Father, we are so blessed in British Columbia to have people like MLA: Hon. George Abbott serving our province. Grant him wisdom in his role as Minister of Education and as he serves on the Priorities and Planning Committee and the Cabinet Committee on Families First. Help him to balance the many demands he faces each day as he deals with budgets, contracts and education programs. Bless and protect his wife and children and give him the time and energy he needs to devote to his own family as he works to serve the children and families of British Columbia. In Jesus name we pray.

George Abbott is currently the Minister of Education. Previously, he served as Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation. He was re-elected as MLA for the Shuswap on May 12, 2009. George is also a member of the Priorities and Planning Committee and the Cabinet Committee on Families First.

Prior to the 2009 election, he served as Minister of Health since June 16, 2005, Minister of Community, Aboriginal and Women’s Services and Minister of Sustainable Resource Management.

George has also been deputy house leader for the Official Opposition and was critic for municipal affairs and forests. He was Deputy Chair of the Select Standing Committees on Forests, Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, and was a member of the Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs. Additionally, he sat on the Official Opposition Caucus Committee on Crime.

First elected as MLA in 1996 to represent the riding of Shuswap, George was re-elected in 2001 and again in 2005. Before his election to the Legislative Assembly, George was a political science instructor at Okanagan University College. He also owned the oldest and largest berry farm in the Interior.

He received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of British Columbia and his Master of Arts in political science from the University of Victoria.

George was the chair of the Columbia-Shuswap Regional District. He was also involved in amateur sports as a minor hockey coach.

George and Lesley Abbott live in Sicamous and have three children.

MLA: John Yap - Richmond-Steveston

Precious God, together we stand in prayer for John Yap. Please pour Your wisdom into him as he leads within our beloved province. We pray for Your favour in all of his dealings both personally and professionally and that he will know the depth of Your love.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

John Yap was first elected in the riding of Richmond-Steveston in the 2005 provincial election. He was re-elected on May 12, 2009.

MLA Yap currently serves as the Parliamentary Secretary for Clean Technology to the Minister of Energy and Mines.

Yap previously served as the Minister of State for Climate Action and as the chair of the Government Caucus. He was also a member of the Treasury Board, the Legislative Review Cabinet Committee, as well as the Select Standing Committees of Public Accounts Crown Corporations and Finance and Government Services. He has also served as a member of the Special Committee on Sustainable Aquaculture and was previously a member of the Finance and Government Services Committee.

MLA: Hon. Naomi Yamamoto - North Vancouver-Lonsdale - Minister of Advanced Education

Dear Lord, we join together to pray for MLA: Hon. Naomi Yamamoto. Bless her in her various responsibilities both personally and professionally. We thank You for her services and pray continued strength for her to lead well as Minister of Advanced Education. Lord, we also thank you for her tireless efforts with the business community. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Naomi Yamamoto was elected as MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale in the 2009 general provincial election and was appointed Minister of Advanced Education on March 14, 2011.

Prior to this, Minister Yamamoto was appointed Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations in June 2009. On October 25, 2010, she was appointed as Minister of State for Building Code Renewal.

Minister Yamamoto had been the president and owner of Tora Design Group in North Vancouver for 21 years. She also enjoyed working with the business community as the president and general manager of the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce.

She also served on the board of the North Shore Credit Union and the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority and was president of the Gordon and Marion Smith Foundation. As well, she represented the North Vancouver Chamber on the North Shore 2010 Spirit Committee and Vancouver’s North Shore Tourism Association Board.

In 1997, Minister Yamamoto served as chair of the BC Chamber of Commerce. She completed a six-year term on the board of Capilano College, with the last three years as chair. She also enjoyed six years as a director of the North Shore Neighbourhood House.

In 2005, Naomi was appointed as an inaugural member of the Premier’s Small Business Roundtable.

In her role as Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations, Naomi Yamamoto is also the Premier’s representative to the Pacific North West Economic Region.

MLA: John van Dongen - Abbotsford South

Heavenly Father, we lift up MLA: John van Dongen to You. Continue to bless him in all his services to the Province of British Columbia, both past and present. Give his guidance to lead his community and give him Your favour in all of the many great projects he is involved in. Amen.

John van Dongen was re-elected as MLA to serve the new riding of Abbotsford-South in the spring of 2009.

John was first elected in 1995 in a by-election to represent the riding of Abbotsford and was re-elected in 1996, 2001, and 2005.

Mr. van Dongen has served as the Solicitor General and Minister of Public Safety. He has also served as Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations and as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries. He has also been a member of the Government Caucus Committee on Social Development. For the past several years, John served on the Hospital Construction Committee for the new Abbotsford Hospital and Cancer Centre.

Before his election to the Legislative Assembly, Mr. van Dongen operated a dairy farm in Abbotsford. He studied agricultural economics at the University of British Columbia.

Mr. van Dongen was involved in farm organizations and businesses for almost two decades. He was on the board of directors of the B.C. Dairy Foundation, Agrifoods International Co-operative (Dairyland) the B.C. Federation of Dairymen's Association and the Federal Farm Debt Review Board.

He was Chair of the Building and Finance Committee of St. Joseph's Church in Mission. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus. He is the father of two sons and has one granddaughter.

MLA: Claire Trevena - North Island

Father, we are grateful to You for the strength that MLA: Claire Trevena possesses. We thank You that she is one that can accept the challenges of those issues that impact the citizens of British Columbia. We ask that You would guide her and direct her paths. Lead her into that research that that will bring truth and balance to light on the projects that she is involved with. May You give her a quick understanding of all of the issues that she deals with. In Jesus name, we pray.

Claire Trevena was first elected in May 2005 and was re-elected on May 12, 2009.
Claire serves as opposition critic for Children and Family Development.
Claire is a former journalist, community activist and human rights worker.
In the early 1990s, Claire came to Canada as the BBC's Canadian correspondent.
Awarded the Canadian Civilian Peacekeeping Medal, she's worked on democratic development projects overseas and in Canada.
Claire was an active trade unionist in her professional life. Since moving to BC she has been involved in a number of community initiatives, including a weekly community kitchen on Quadra Island as well as various environmental initiatives.
She was elected to the board of the Quadra Community Association and held a seat on the Regional District of Comox Strathcona Regional Area J Advisory Planning Committee.
Prior to the 2005 election, Claire ran a small communications business on Quadra Island with her husband, Mike McIvor.

MLA: Jane Thornthwaite - North Vancouver-Seymour

Lord, we ask that You would Bless MLA: Jane Thornthwaite. We ask that You would strengthen and give her courage as she forges into new areas as she is serving the needs of her constituents. Lord, we pray that You will surround her with those that would become a strength and an encouragement to her and help her create, in unique ways, programs that will aid the people of British Columbia. Amen 

Jane Thornthwaite was elected MLA for North Vancouver-Seymour in the 2009 general provincial election. She is a member of the Cabinet Committee on Families First.

She previously served on the Select Standing Commitees on Children and Youth, Education and Finance and Government Services.

Since 2005, Jane was a School Trustee for the North Vancouver Board of Education and topped the polls in both the 2005 and 2008 municipal elections. She was elected Chair of the North Vancouver Board of Education in December 2008 and resigned from the Board June 2009 after being elected to the Legislature.

Previously, Jane was a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (B.Sc., B.H.E.) with a 22-year career in health care. Jane’s work experience includes positions in hospital dietetics and community health, an instructor for a third year required Nutrition course at UBC, a Corporate Nutritionist for an international Health Food Chain and a National Sales Representative for an international pharmaceutical firm.

Her writing has been published in a wide variety of publications and she has been a guest presenter and lecturer at numerous colleges and universities.

As a former self-employed health consultant, Jane has experience operating a small business and supporting a family as a mother of three kids.

Jane has an extensive volunteer career on the North Shore and has lived in North Vancouver for over 19 years.

MLA: Diane Thorne - Coquitlam-Maillardville

Father, we thank You for the heart of a servant that MLA: Diane Thorne serves with. We pray that You would grant her revelation and wisdom so that she can lead strategically and with accuracy.  As the times change, we ask that You would also reveal to her those things that would impact the citizens of British Columbia and are a priority to Your heart .  We ask, also, that You would give MLA Thorne rest and peace as the demands of her position increase.

Diane Thorne was re-elected as the MLA for Coquitlam-Maillardville on May 12, 2009. She was first elected to the Legislature in 2005.

Diane serves as deputy opposition critic for Education.

Diane served on Coquitlam council from 1996 to 2005, bringing considerable experience in business and social services to the political arena. Diane and her husband Neil have owned and operated several successful small businesses.

Diane has been extensively involved in a wide cross-section of women's issues over the past 35 years. She served on the board of directors of the B.C./Yukon Women's Centres Association and spent several years as the province's representative on the National Action Committee on the Status of Women.

In 1993, Diane received the BC Distinguished Service to Families Award and in 1992, the Canada 125 medal. She was a founding member of the PoCoMo Youth Services Society, the Family Life Educators of BC and the Fraser Burrard Restorative Justice Society. Diane studied liberal arts at several community colleges and Simon Fraser University. Diane and Neil live locally and have two adult sons, Jay and Lee.

MLA: Hon. Steve Thomson - Kelowna-Mission - Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations

Lord, we ask that You would continue to lead and guide the Hon. Steve Thomson the Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations. We appreciate the beautiful province that You have created for us here in British Columbia. We pray that You will give MLA Thomson plans and ideas that will allow the use of these wonderful resources while at the same time allow us to enjoy and maintain the natural beauty that they are. May You also insure that he be able to find the time to enjoy those other things that bring him joy, especially his family.

Steve Thomson is currently the Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations. He previously served as Minister of Natural Resource Operations, Minister of Energy, Minister of Agriculture of Lands, and was elected to represent the riding of Kelowna-Mission on May 12, 2009.

Born and raised in Kelowna, Steve comes from a pioneer family who continues to operate the original family farm established in 1896.

Steve is the former executive director of the BC Agriculture Council and has developed his career and experience working on behalf of British Columbia farmers and ranchers. He has served as General Manager of the BC Fruit Growers Association and the BC Milk Producers Association.

He has been selected for many leadership roles and advisory positions dedicated to the continuous improvement of our province. Steve brings to his role of MLA for Kelowna Mission extensive leadership expertise, experience in economic development and a clear understanding of how to get things done in government. He has served the community and province as president of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce and chair of the BC Chamber of Commerce and has represented those organizations and others on provincial government task forces focused on red tape reduction and small business development. He has also served as a director of the Kelowna Museum, the Okanagan Innovation Fund and the BC BioEnergy Network.

He has a great love of sports and had a long career in rugby including the opportunity to play for the Canadian National Rugby Team. Current interests include golf, gardening and being an ardent rugby fan.

Steve is a husband, father and grandfather. He is married to Brenda and has three children and five grandchildren.