MLA: Katrine Conroy - Kootenay West

Father in Heaven,  we thank You for the MLA: Katrine Conroy and her willingness to serve in our government. Please dear Lord give her the strength and wisdom needed to be an effective voice for positive outcomes on issues that come before her.  Lord God we ask that she look upward to You and that Your Holy Spirit speaks wisdom in her heart and a peace that comes only from You, Oh God. Thank You Lord Jesus that You know all things and see all things.  Lord Jesus please show Your love to her in ways that she recognizes so she will know that you are always at work in her life. Lord we also ask that You give her Your peace even through the storms and Your strength when she is tired.  Thank You Jesus Our Lord, the Risen One. We ask all this in Your mighty name. Amen.


Katrine Conroy was elected as the MLA for Kootenay West May 12, 2009. She served as MLA for West Kootenay-Boundary from May 17, 2005 until the riding boundaries were re-drawn.

Katrine serves as opposition critic for Seniors and Long-term Care.

Katrine Conroy has been successful in both community and career endeavors. Katrine has enjoyed successful careers as one of B.C.'s first female Steam Engineers, as an Early Childhood Educator, Administrator and College Instructor, and as a small business person.

Katrine has worked and volunteered in her community as the Executive Director of Kootenay Family Place, Co-Chair of the Castlegar and District Social Planning Council, Treasurer of the Community Futures Board, Hospital Board member, and founding Board member of the Community Social Services Employers Association.

With her husband Ed, Katrine lives in Pass Creek where they run a successful ranch breeding prize winning Polled Hereford cattle. Together they have raised four children, and have five grandchildren.

MLA: Hon. Rich Coleman - Fort Langley-Aldergrove - Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Housing

Blessed Lord God our loving Father please hear our prayers for MLA: Hon. Rich Coleman who is serving the people of our province. We pray earnestly Lord that MLA Coleman  will be given Your guidance  in his daily affairs and keep him in good health. Thank You Lord for this man who is working as a leader in our land and in our legislature.  We know it’s stressful being in the political arena so we ask that You will lead and guide him to successful outcomes in all his endeavors. We pray also Lord Jesus that You will protect his family and all their relationships so that their home is a place of joy for all who enter. Lord we ask that Your care and Blessing be on this man every day in every way. In the Mighty name of the living Jesus Christ our Lord we ask this.  Amen.

Rich Coleman was appointed Minister of Energy and Mines and Minister Responsible for Housing on March 14, 2011. He was re-elected for a fourth term as MLA for Fort Langley-Aldergrove in the 2009 general election.

Rich’s previous cabinet positions include Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General and Minister Responsible for Housing, Minister of Housing and Social Development and Minister of Forests and Range.

Rich’s dedication and passion for public service was shaped by his parents—a father who was a civil servant and a mother who was school teacher. They taught their children that community came first, and that serving others was the noblest thing a person could commit themselves to. That community-first attitude has guided Rich his entire life.

Before entering public life, Rich was governor of the BC Kinsmen, president of the Aldergrove Chamber of Commerce, Langley’s 1988 Volunteer of the Year, and a director on several volunteer boards. As a member of the Aldergrove Kinsmen Club in the 1980s, Rich oversaw the volunteer fundraising and construction efforts that built the Aldergrove Kinsmen Community Centre, a vital community facility which houses a preschool, library, workout area, and meeting space. The Club was also involved in building a successful housing project in Aldergrove. Rich is a life member of the Kinsmen.

In recognition of his tireless and long-term work in the community, Rich has been awarded both Rotary’s top honour, the Paul Harris Fellowship, and the Kinsmen’s highest honour, the Hal Rogers Fellowship. Rich was the second person ever honoured with the Hal Rogers—the first being Kin founder Hal Rogers himself.

Rich has been elected four times (1996, 2001, 2005, and 2009) as MLA for Fort Langley-Aldergrove. He has previously served as Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, and Minister of Forests and Range. He and his wife Michele live in the Fraser Valley.

MLA: Murray Coell - Saanich North and the Islands

Father we lift up MLA: Murray Coell to You and ask that You will be near him in a special way. Grant him Your peace in all his interactions and strengthen him today as only You can.  We ask also that You give him wisdom in any challenges that he may have to face. Bless his family and all those close to him and keep them safe and healthy; we pray.  In Your precious Name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Murray Coell was first elected to represent the riding of Saanich North and the Islands in 1996, and was re-elected in 2001, 2005 and 2009.

Previously, he has served as Minister of Environment; Minister of Labour; Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development; Minister of Advanced Education and Minister Responsible for Research and Technology; Minister of Community, Aboriginal and Women's Services; and Minister of Human Resources.

Before his election to the Legislative Assembly, Coell sat on Saanich Municipal Council for 12 years, six of them as Mayor.  He also chaired the Capital Regional District board, the Saanich Police board and the Capital Regional District hospital board, and was deputy chair of the Municipal Finance Authority.

Prior to his service in government, Coell was a social worker, specializing in alcohol and drug rehabilitation as well as in services to those with mental disabilities. He also owned and operated a small business.

He lives with his wife Corinne in Central Saanich.

MLA: Hon. Christy Clark - Vancouver-Point Grey - Premier and President of the Executive Council

Dear Lord, We bring MLA: Hon. Christy Clark before You today.  Thank You for the privilege to pray for our Government.  We ask that You would grant her Your grace, wisdom and strength to carry out her tasks.  Protect her and keep her family safe we pray.  Watch over her and let her know that You are with her as she goes about her day because You love her so much!  Thank You God for all of Your blessings You give to us! In Your name, Amen.

Christy Clark was sworn in as British Columbia’s 35th Premier on March 14, 2011 and was elected Vancouver-Point Grey MLA in a by-election on May 12, 2011.

She previously served as the MLA for Port Moody-Burnaby Mountain (1996-2001) and Port Moody-Westwood (2001-2005). She has served as Deputy Premier, Minister of Education, Minister of Children and Family Development and vice-chair of Treasury Board.

During her first term, she sat on the Select Standing Committee on Environment and Tourism and on the Official Opposition Caucus Committee for Children.

She took a break from government in 2005 to spend more time with her family. She worked in the media during her time from government, including as a columnist and commentator and host of the “Christy Clark Show” on CKNW.

Premier Clark brought the anti-bullying “Pink Shirt Campaign” to British Columbia to raise awareness of issues related to bullying in our schools, workplace and communities.

She has received several awards, including the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award and the 2009 Woman of the Year in BC by the Consumer Choice Awards. She attended Simon Fraser University (SFU), the Sorbonne (France) and the University of Edinburgh (Scotland, UK), studying Political Science and Religious Studies. She was born and raised in Burnaby and graduated from Burnaby South Senior Secondary.

MLA: Raj Chouhan - Burnaby-Edmonds

Father, we grateful to You for MLA: Raj Chouhan and his deep commitment and diligence in promoting human rights and racial equality in British Columbia. We appreciate that he took this commitment into his position as MLA for the riding of Burnaby-Edmonds. Lord we pray that You will give him new revelation, insight and wisdom as to the areas that he needs to direct his efforts to. Lead him to those people and organizations that will join with him and stand along side him in his desire to raise awareness of human rights for all people of our wonderful province. Renew his strength and keep him prosperous and in good health. In Jesus' name we pray.

Raj Chouhan was elected as the MLA for Burnaby-Edmonds on May 17, 2005 and re-elected on May 12, 2009. Raj serves as the Official Opposition Critic for Labour. Previously Raj served as critic for Human Rights, Multiculturalism and Immigration. Raj also serves as the Opposition Deputy-Whip since 2007.

Before immigrating to Canada in 1973, Raj was involved in student union activities in India. On his arrival in Canada, Raj was impacted by the plight of immigrant workers  and developed  a passion for community and social justice work.

Raj is the founding president of the Canadian Farmworkers' Union, and he served as the Director of Bargaining at the Hospital Employees Union for 18 years. Raj has also served as a member of the Labour Relations Board of B.C. and the Arbitration Bureau of B.C.

A founding member of the B.C. Organization to Fight Racism, Raj has worked in promoting human rights and racial equality. He has served as the Vice President of B.C. Human Rights Defenders since 2003. Raj has taught courses on Human Rights, the B.C. Labour Code and collective bargaining since 1987. He has traveled across Canada to give seminars and attend conferences that raise awareness of issues regarding racism, poverty, worker rights, and discrimination.

In addition, Raj supports many programs offered through community organizations including neighbourhood safety, refugee assistance, and health and wellness programs for seniors.

MLA: Hon. Ida Chong - Oak Bay-Gordon Head - Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development

Father, we pray for the MLA: Hon. Ida Chong today and ask Your blessing upon her life. We are grateful for her many years of loyal and dedicated public service both at the municipal and provincial levels and pray that You will continue to give her renewed wisdom, vision and strength. We pray that You will guide her as she balances her ministerial responsibilities along with the other duties that come from being an MLA. Give her great favour in those areas where she needs favour and may she find Your peace as she begins her day. May she have a time of refreshing this summer as well as a time of renewing and strengthening relationships with family and friends. Amen.

Ida Chong was re-elected to represent the riding Oak Bay–Gordon Head in the 2009 election. She currently serves as Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.

Minister Chong’s previous cabinet portfolios include Minister of Science and Universities, Minister of  Regional, Economic and Skills Development, Healthy Living and Sport, Small Business, Technology and Economic Development, Minister Responsible for the Asia-Pacific Initiative, Minister of Community Services, Minister of Advanced Education and Minister of State for Women’s and Seniors’ Services. In addition to her role as Minister, she also served on the Cabinet Committee for Climate Action and B.C.’s Treasury Board.

A native of greater Victoria, Minister Chong has represented her constituency of Oak Bay-Gordon Head since she first entered provincial politics in 1996. During her first term at the legislature she was the Official Opposition critic in a number of areas, including critic for Small Business and Deputy Critic of Finance.

Minister Chong has been involved in her community for years - volunteering for a number of not-for-profit groups and serving as municipal councilor for the District of Saanich, from 1993 - 1996.

For nearly 20 years, she was senior partner in an accounting practice based in Saanich, catering to small and medium sized enterprises. While no longer in active practice, she proudly retains her credentials as a Certified General Accountant, having won a number of awards for her work in this field, including being named in 2006, a Fellow of the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada, a national designation for exemplary service.

MLA: Spencer Chandra Herbert - Vancouver-West End

Father, we lift up MLA: Spencer Chandra Herbert before You today and ask for great blessing on him. We ask that You would continue to grant him insight and clear direction as he represents the people of the West-End of Vancouver.  Thank You for his willingness to serve the people of British Columbia and may his passion and desire to see change make all of our province a better place to live and work. We pray also for good health and strength for him as he commutes back and forth to Victoria and may Your hand of protection be upon him. 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

Lord we thank You for all the years of public service by MLA: Ron Cantelon both at the municipal level as well as the provincial level. We ask that You would guide and direct him as he participates in the various committees within the government. Give him divine wisdom in the area of our health care.  Help him around the discussion tables to come up with solutions that will help all British Columbians.  We pray for a blessing on his entire family including the grandchildren.

Ron Cantelon was re-elected for his second term on May 12, 2009 to the riding of Parksville-Qualicum. Ron is also the Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors to the Minister of Health and sits on the Select Standing Committee on Health and the Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs.

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 Special Committee of Selection, Treasury Board, the Select Standing Committee on Crown Corporations 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 two grandchildren.

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

Dear Lord we join together to pray for MLA: Hon. Stephanie Cadieux.  Bless her in her various responsibilities both personally and professionally.  We thank You for her service to the Province of British Columbia as well as the Surrey-Panorama riding.  We pray continued strength for her to lead well as the appointed Minister of Social Development. We also pray and believe that she will experience the full sense of Your care and guidance in all areas of her and her family's lives. In Jesus' name we pray.

Stephanie Cadieux serves as Minister of Social Development, having been appointed on September 26, 2011. She formerly served as the Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development and Minister of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government. 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 God we lift up MLA: Jagrup Brar to you and ask that You would please give him the guidance he needs to serve and lead well as the MLA from the Surrey Fleetwood riding.  May he sense your presence in the many areas of his influence.   Grant him favour that he might truly understand how much you love him and his family.   Amen.

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 Justice and Attorney General

Heavenly Father, together we stand in prayer for MLA: Hon. Shirley Bond in her service to Prince George-Valemount and the Province of British Columbia.  We especially ask for an out pouring of Your wisdom as she faces the challenges as Minister of Justice and those of her recently appointed role as Attorney General.  We pray for Your presence to be with her and her family and that she will sense the depth of Your love and care as she leads.  Amen.

Shirley Bond was elected in 2001 and 2005 as the MLA for Prince George-Mount Robson, and re-elected for a third term in 2009 as the MLA for Prince George-Valemount.

Shirley was appointed Minister of Justice and Attorney General on February 8, 2012.  Prior to her new role, she was appointed Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General on March 14, 2011 and Acting Attorney General on August 18, 2011.  She is the first woman in British Columbia to hold these positions.

As Minister of Justice and Attorney General, she is responsible for police and correctional services, the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles, crime prevention and victims’ assistance, and emergency management. As Attorney General, she is also responsible for criminal justice and family law, court administration, legal aid and public legal education, family maintenance and legal services to government.

With over ten years of Cabinet experience, Shirley has served as Deputy Premier, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Minister of Education, Minister Responsible for Early Learning and Literacy, Minister of Advanced Education, and Minister of Health Services.

Shirley currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Treasury Board, member of the Legislative Review Committee and as a member 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.

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 lives in Prince George with Bill, her husband of more than 30 years and they love spending time with their twin adult children and their families, especially grandsons Caleb and Cooper.

  

MLA: Harry Bloy - Burnaby-Lougheed

Dear Heavenly Father, our prayers go out to MLA: Harry Bloy and we give thanks for over a decade of faithful service to his constituents in Burnaby-Loughheed. May he and his family be blessed with Your love and presence daily. Grant him wisdom and Your eyes and ears to be able to see and hear as You would that he "may prove what is that good and acceptable and   perfect will of God" (Romans 12:2) for the Province of British Columbia. Lord, we also ask that You would continue to protect and keep in good health MLA: Bloy as he serves so faithfully in our Legislative Assembly. In Jesus' Precious Name we pray!

Harry Bloy 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 as Minister of State for Multiculturalism, and Minister of Social Development and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism, was 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 was 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 Lord for giving MLA: Dawn Black the willingness to serve our province. We are grateful that she is ably fulfilling her role as Assistant Deputy Speaker . We commend her for her courage , strength and confidence  to enter the provincial political arena in 2009. We pray You will continue to grant  her wisdom, insight and clarity of direction for her constituents in New Westminster. Refresh her and lift her spirits  daily that she may know Your blessing and fulfill all the work required in the position You have given her to do with joy and enthusiasm. We pray You will keep her family in good health, protected by Your love and their relationships with one another loving and strong. In Jesus Name. Amen.

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

Dear Heavenly Father as we pray for MLA: Bill Bennett we praise You Lord for Your word that declares in Acts 17:28 “for in Him we live and move and have our being”. May he embrace this truth and be blessed. The wealth of his experience, training, sound leadership, wisdom and enthusiasm are always evident as he contends for his constituents in Kootenay East. We pray he and his family will be covered by Your protection, love and grace. We know his service to this province is not without sacrifice of himself, his wife, Beth, and sons Dylan and Daniel for which we are grateful and give You thanks for. In the Name of Jesus, we pray.

Bill was first elected to represent the riding of Kootenay East in the southeast corner of British Columbia, Canada, in 2001, re-elected in 2005 and in 2009.  Bill has served as Minister of Energy, Mines & Petroleum Resources, Minister of Community and Rural Development, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, and Minister of State for Mining.

Bill has chaired the BC Legislative Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, the B.C. Outdoor Caucus, the Kootenay Caucus and currently chairs the BC Legislative Special Committee on Cosmetic Pesticides. He has also been a member of various legislative committees, including the Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth, the Select Standing Committee on Crown Corporations, Select Standing Committee on Health, and the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts. He has also served on many other government committees, particularly focused on land use and natural resource issues.

Before being elected, Bill was a partner in a law firm in Cranbrook. 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 fishing and hunting 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 made the decision to enter 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 enjoys the outdoors by hunting, fishing, hiking and snowboarding in the Canadian Rockies.

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

Lord of Creation, we bless Your Holy Name and bring You this prayer request for MLA: Honourable Patrick Bell. Over the years he has demonstrated  his dedication to the service of his community and his desire to see others benefit from his position in the Legislature.  He has a passion for the youth of our province who are so in need of  caring mentors and role models. These are extremely uneasy times in the political arena so we pray for Minister Bell a steadiness of purpose and renewed energy as he deals with with the day to day issues in the legislature and the concerns of his immediate constituents.  Oh Lord our God, we commend this man to You that he may be guided by the eternal principles of Your Holy Word.  In Name of our Sovereign Saviour, Jesus th Christ.  Amen.

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

Eternal Heavenly Father with grateful hearts we bring to Your attention MLA: Donna Barnett who serves with diligence and grace.  She has thrown herself wholeheartedly into numerous activities in her community for many years, clearly demonstrating her concern for the well being of her neighbours and now is involved with the greater neighbourhood of this magnificent Province of British Columbia.  Dear Lord, we pray that You provide her with the fortitude to speak up for the voiceless and the down trodden. Give her a renewed vision of the purpose for which she sought the position of MLA. May You  strengthen her day by day and grant her favour with her peers and all those she comes in contact with. At the end of each day may her spirit be revived and her sense of well being be increased as she reviews a job well done.  Bless her in the mighty name of Jesus our Lord and Saviour.  Amen.

Donna Barnett was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Communities to the Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development on September 26, 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 the 100 Mile Chapter of Kidsport, 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

Everlasting, Almighty Father of the Ages, into your gracious hands we commit the Speaker of the Legislature the Honourable Bill Barisoff.  We ask for him clearness of thought and a fairness of purpose as he oversees the Legislature. You who raise up individuals for these positions are also able to endow them with the wit and wisdom required to carry out the very important obligations to the citizenry of this blessed Province of British Columbia. We ask for a special blessing of protection upon him, his gracious wife and his sons and grand children. May he sense Your tender hand lovingly guiding him in the way he should go. Give him the blessing of good health and energy day by day. May You keep him encouraged and determined to carry out his mandate with integrity and enthusiasm. We ask this in the blessed name of our Saviour Jesus the Christ. Amen.

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-daughters Kayla Ramos Barisoff and Allison Elizabeth Barisoff.

MLA: Harry Bains - Surrey-Newton

Heavenly Father, we ask that You would lead, guide and protect MLA: Harry Bains. Lord You say in your word in 1 Samuel 26:23a " May the Lord repay every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness;". We thank You that You will repay him for his faithful service to his constituents and and province. May You lift him up and and encourage him as he goes about his duties and tasks as an MLA. May You direct him to those strategic individuals and organizations that will connect with him in ways that will lead to solutions, programs and legislation that will improve the lives of many of our citizens. May You be with his family when his duties take him away from them. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

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

Lord God, You say in Your Word in Matthew 22:14 "Many are called, but few are chosen."  We give You thanks that you have chosen MLA: Robin Austin to serve in our legislature as the opposition critic for Education and Chair of the caucus committee on Social Policy at this time. We pray and trust that You will direct him and all others involved with public education in our province to a resolution of the issues involved that will bring the most good for the most number of citizens. May You also lead him to innovative and unique approaches to social policies, an area that he is passionate about. Bless his family. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

 

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 young adults.

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

Lord, we ask that Your hand would be upon MLA: Hon. George Abbott our Minister of Education. Lord we know that the education of the youth of British Columbia is something dear to Your heart because our youth are our most valuable resource. Your Word says in James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God..". We know You know the pressing immediate issues related to public education that need resolution and we pray that You would lead us to that solution that is the best for our province.  We pray that You would not only give Minister Abbott wisdom but also supernatural revelation, vision and insight for the future that will continue to insure our public education system is one of the best. We ask this in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.

 

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: Hon. John Yap - Richmond-Steveston - Minister of State for Multiculturalism

Father, we thank You that You have placed MLA: Hon. John Yap as our Minister of State for Multiculturalism and the chair of the Immigration Task Force. We ask that You give him revelation, knowledge and understanding as the Immigration Task Force exams the current system of economic immigration to Canada specifically British Columbia.  We pray that You would give him supernatural wisdom in this area and lead him to those countries, companies and individuals that will have the greatest economic impact on our cities, towns and province. As he and the Task Force review and write policies we ask that they would have clarity on the future impact that the decisions made today will have on the future of our province both economically and socially. We Bless him Father in the precious name of Your son Jesus.

John Yap was appointed Minister of State for Multiculturalism on March 24, 2012.

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

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

Father, We ask that You bless MLA: Hon. Naomi Yamamoto.  We pray that You will give her creativity, insight and wisdom as she reviews and deals with all those areas that she is involved in as Minister of Advanced Education. May she also continue to deal effectively and efficiently with the issues on her constituents in North Vancouver-Lonsdale. We ask that You would lead her and guide her into the areas of the greatest need as it is in her heart to bring change where needed. Lord, we thank You for this wonderful province and therefore ask that You bless all those initiatives that will strengthen British Columbia and its citizens. In Jesus' name, we pray. 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

Father, we thank You for MLA:John van Dongen. We ask Father that in this season of transition that You hold him steady in the purpose, wisdom, understanding and revelation that he has for his constituents and the province of British Columbia.  Continue to lead him into all that You have planned for him by opening the right doors and closing the doors that are not in your plans. We ask that You would also watch over his family and keep them joyous and healthy.

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.