Wednesday, February 20, 2013

MLA: Gordon Hogg - Surrey-White Rock

Father, we come before You with thanksgiving for the men and women that serve us in the government of the Province of British Columbia. We lift up MLA: Gordon Hogg to You and ask You to pour out Your blessings on him and his family. Be with him Lord, as he serves on government committees and in his constituency of Surrey-White Rock. Open his eyes to new possibilities as he travels and talks to the people of our province. Renew his strength and vision for the work You have called him to do. We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.

Gordon Hogg was first elected to represent the riding of Surrey-White Rock in a 1997 byelection. He was re-elected in 2001, 2005 and again in 2009.

Gordon is currently the government caucus chair and is Parliamentary Secretary for Non-profit Partnerships to the Minister of Social Development. He also serves on various committees, including the Cabinet Committee on Families First and the Cabinet Committee on Open Government and Engagement.

Previously, he served as Parliamentary Secretary for Social Entrepreneurship to the Minister of Finance and a member of the Select Standing Committees on Education, Aboriginal Affairs and Crown Corporations. He is also the former Minister of State for Mining, Minister of State for ActNow BC and Minister of Children and Family Development.

He previously served as Minister of State for ActNow BC and Minister of Children and Family Development.

He was also the chair of the Seniors Caucus Committee and has served on the Cabinet Committee for Agenda Development and the Select Standing Committees on Finance and Government Services, Sustainable Aquaculture, Children and Youth, Health and Social Services, Justice, Constitutional Affairs, and Intergovernmental Relations.

Previously, Gordon served as the Official Opposition Critic for education and human resources and was also a member of the Official Opposition Caucus Committees on Health and Education.

Gordon was a counsellor, probation officer and regional director for corrections prior to his election to the Legislative Assembly. He received his bachelor of arts in sociology and psychology from the University of British Columbia and his master’s degree in psychology from Antioch College

He served on White Rock council for 20 years, for 10 of which he was mayor. He has been a board member of more than 15 committees and non-profit societies, including the Peace Arch Community Health Council and Peace Arch District Hospital. He has also been a foster parent and little league coach.

Gordon and his wife, LaVerne, live in White Rock and have one son.

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

MLA: Kash Heed - Vancouver-Fraserview

Lord, we lift up MLA: Kash Heed to You and thank You for the skills and experience he brings to his role in government and to the people he serves in Vancouver-Fraserview and the Province of British Columbia. Lord we ask that You would be with him each day, giving him safety in his travels and renewed strenYour love and protection. Grant him favour with those he works with and give him wisdom and insight into the issues he faces each day. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kash lives in Richmond with his wife and new daughter.

Monday, February 18, 2013

MLA: Dave S. Hayer - Surrey-Tynehead

Father, it is a privilege to come before You in prayer. We are thankful for the freedom to work, serve and worship You in the beautiful province of British Columbia. Lord, our province is a better place because of the service of people like MLA: Dave Hayer and we thank You for him and ask for Your blessing on him and the work he does in so many areas. Multiply his time, renew his energy and grant him favour with the many people he meets and works with each day as he serves the constituents in his riding and in his many roles in government. Bless Dave with wisdom and guide him each day. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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

Dave is a member of the Cabinet Committee for Families First, the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services, the Select Standing Committee on Health and the Convener of the Select Standing Committee on Legislative Initiatives as well as acting as Deputy Chair of Committee of Supply, as required throughout session.

Dave formerly served as the Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism and Immigration from 2005 -2011, where he worked closely with the Minister of Science and Universities and the Minister of Regional Economic and Skills Development, which was responsible for the Provincial Nominee Program.

Dave previously worked with the Attorney General of British Columbia, the Minister of Regional Economic and Skills Development and various Ministers of Citizens' Services and Ministers Responsible for Multiculturalism and the Public Affairs Bureau.

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

In 2007, Dave received a prestigious award from the Government of India. The Pravasi Bharatia Samman Award is annually given to people of Indian heritage, no longer living in India, who have achieved excellence in their chosen fields of endeavour. Dave was presented with the award by the President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, at a ceremony in New Delhi, India on January 9, 2007 for his "active leadership in the community, his contributions to public service and for his achievements in government".

At the presentation ceremony, Dave was described as a "great friend of India” as having been a strong voice in the Indo-Canadian community against terrorism and violence". He was the only Canadian among 15 people to receive the Pravasi Bharatia Samman Award that year and to date Dave is only the second Canadian to be presented with this honour.

In 2008 Dave was selected by the Vancouver Sun as one of the 100 top most influential Canadians of South Asian descent making a difference in BC. Dave is also a recipient of the Rotary Club of Surrey's Paul Harris Fellow award. A Paul Harris Fellowship is "recognition of exceptional service" to the community and to the world. In addition, Dave is a recipient of the Golden Jubilee medal of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II  to commemorate the Fiftieth Anniversary of Her Majesty’s Reign as Queen of Canada.

Before his election to public office, Dave was a Surrey businessperson, Assistant Publisher of the Indo-Canadian Times, Kwantlen University College Governor, real estate agent, and worked in the restaurant, newspaper, construction, transportation and forestry industries. In addition, Dave has worked as a labourer in a steel factory and during his teenage years worked on farms, in greenhouses, in a grocery store and even delivered both the Sun and Province newspapers.

Dave also served as the General Manager of the Canadian Accounting Aggregates Public Accountants from 1983 to 1988, following which he joined the Indo-Canadian Times.

Dave earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Simon Fraser University in 1982 and during 1981 and 1982 he completed taxation and Executive Management courses at the University of British Columbia. He also attended Douglas College from 1977 to 1979 and completed the Tax Course at BCIT.

Dave's current involvements include membership in: the Rotary Club of Surrey, Whalley Royal Canadian Legion, Surrey Board of Trade and the Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce an honorary member of the Vancouver Board of Trade and Simon Fraser University’s India Advisory Council which supports SFU's strategic initiatives in India and engagement with BC's Indo-Canadian diaspora.

Some previous community and business involvements include: Rotary Club of Surrey president (1999-2000); Surrey Community Crime Prevention Society president (1995-96); Surrey Chamber of Commerce president (1996-97); BC Chamber of Commerce director (1999-2001); Vancouver Board of Trade Small Business Council member (1995-2000); Indo-Canadian Business Association vice-president (1993-2000); Ethnic Press Association of BC vice-president (1994-99); City of Surrey Economic Development Strategy Advisory Committee member (1995-2000); South Fraser Child Development Centre Christmas Party chair (1988-2001); and Surrey & White Rock Home Support Association director (94-95). As well, Dave created the Surrey Police Officer of the Year Awards and initiated the building of the Surrey Chamber of Commerce (now Board of Trade) Building.

Dave Sukhdip Singh Hayer was born in 1958 in India. He moved to Surrey with his family in 1972 and has lived in the Surrey Guildford, Tynehead and Fraser Heights areas since 1976. He and Isabelle Martinez, whom he married in 1981, have four children. Dave enjoys working on community projects, reading, swimming and walking.

   

Sunday, February 17, 2013

MLA: Randy Hawes - Abbotsford-Mission

 
Father, We pray the You will continue to give MLA: Randy Hawes Your discernment, strength and wisdom. May he receive an extra portion of encouragement this year from his staff, colleagues and constituents. May You provide him the keys to unlock any obstacles in his path to accomplishing those things he has pending for his riding and the province. Give him times of rest, relaxation and rejuvenation with his family and friends in the midst of all of the things he has to do. In Jesus' name, we pray.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday, February 14, 2013

MLA: Colin Hansen - Vancouver-Quilchena

 
Lord, we lift up MLA: Colin Hansen to You in prayer. We pray for strength and a strong heart to run the race that You have placed before him. We ask for an increase of creativity, discernment, objectivity, and direction. Please clear the obstacles that should not be in his way and we thank You for those things that You have placed before him that are used to teach and strengthen his resolve. May he walk everyday in a place of blessing. Amen.

MLA Colin Hansen was first elected in 1996 to represent the electoral district of Vancouver-Quilchena and was re-elected in 2001, 2005 and 2009.

Colin serves on the Treasury Board.  He was re-appointed Minister of Finance and appointed Deputy Premier on June 10, 2009. He was given additional responsibility for Small Business on October 25, 2010, and served in both these roles until March 14, 2011. He previously served as Minister of Economic Development (June 16, 2005 to June 23, 2008), Minister of Health Services (June 5, 2001 to December 14, 2004) and a previous appointment as Minister of Finance (December 15, 2004 to June 15, 2005).

Colin served as health critic for the Official Opposition, as well as the critic for Employment and Investment, and for Labour. He sat on the Select Standing Committees on Crown Corporations and on Economic Development, Science, Labour, Training and Technology.

He also sat on the Official Opposition Caucus Committees on Health and Economy.

Colin received his bachelor of arts in political science from the University of Victoria in 1975. Before his election to the Legislative Assembly, he and his wife Laura owned and operated a small business they established in 1988. Prior to that, he was vice-president of finance and administration for the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada.

Colin served as a director of the Vancouver-Yokohama Sister City Society and chair of the Vancouver Museum board of trustees. Colin and Laura Hansen have two children and live in the Dunbar area of Vancouver-Quilchena.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

MLA: Sue Hammell - Surrey-Green Timbers

 
Father, we ask that you would Bless MLA: Sue Hammell. At those times when she may find many of the processes of government like a maze we ask that you would continue to lead and guide her through to completion. Give her wisdom and discernment and we pray that You would keep her in a place of peace. Watch over and protect her and  her husband and daughter. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.

Sue Hammell was re-elected as the MLA for Surrey-Green Timbers on May 12, 2009. She was first elected in 1991, and re-elected in both 1996 and 2005.

Sue serves as Official Opposition Deputy House Leader and is the opposition critic for Women’s Issues, Child Care and Early Learning.

Sue has served in a number of cabinet positions during her political career, including Minister of Housing, Recreation and Consumer Services, Minister Responsible for Co-operatives, and the Minister for Women's Equality. In addition, she was Government Caucus Chair and was active on several legislative committees.

Sue is also a founding member of the Minerva Foundation for BC Women, initiated in 1999 to provide funds for projects that will assist women to realize their potential and to create a safe place for them to live and work in British Columbia.

Sue has been working with Washington DC based National Democratic Institute since 2000. With NDI she traveled to the Middle East five times to work with emerging political parties and female candidates.

In 2002 Sue worked with the Surrey Aboriginal Society as their Executive Director. She developed the Society into a modern urban centre for aboriginal people with an annual budget of over 2 million dollars.

Born in Vancouver, Sue was raised on Sea Island in Richmond. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of British Columbia, she taught in Verdun, Quebec, in Courtenay and Surrey.

Sue is married and has one grown daughter, Sage. Sue and her husband John have lived in the Surrey Green Timbers area since 1990.

Monday, February 11, 2013

MLA: Scott Fraser - Alberni-Pacific Rim

Lord, in Your Word in Jeremiah 29:11 it says "I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." We thank you for MLA: Scott Fraser. Lord we thank You that You have called him right from the beginning to be serving in our legislature and are helping accomplish his plans. Father we thank You that You are with him as he fulfills all his duties. May You also give him Your wisdom and revelation. We pray that MLA: Fraser  will have a quick comprehension of the truth in all matters of concern to him. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Scott Fraser was elected as the MLA for Alberni-Pacific Rim on May 12, 2009. He served as MLA for Alberni-Qualicum from May 17, 2005 until the riding boundaries were re-drawn.

Scott serves as opposition critic for Aboriginal Relations.

From 1996 to 1999 Scott served as the mayor of the District of Tofino and was involved in the creation of the first UNESCO World Biosphere designation in British Columbia.

Scott has also served on many organizations, including Alberni Clayoquot Regional District Board, Vancouver Island Regional Library Board, Clayoquot Sound Central Region Board, Tourism British Columbia, Vancouver Island Health Board, Tofino/Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, treaty advisory committees, fisheries committees and the Family Court Committee.

Scott was born in Ottawa, Ontario and has been a resident of BC since 1980. His background includes small business, labour, harbour management, fisheries and shellfish aquaculture.

Scott lived in Tofino with his wife and daughter for over 12 years. They now live in the Qualicum Beach area.

Sunday, February 10, 2013

MLA: Eric Foster - Vernon-Monashee

Father, we thank You for MLA: Eric Foster. We thank You that You Lord go before him to clear the way for him this year. Lord, we pray that you would give him new vision, new revelation and new strategies to help him accomplish much for his constiuents and the province. As 2013 unfolds, may he sense that You walk with him. As he goes about his day may he do so with a  supernatural joy and peace in the midst of all those things that he has to do. We ask Lord that You cover him and his family in blessing and favor. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Eric Foster was elected on May 12, 2009 as MLA for Vernon-Monashee in the general provincial election.

Eric is the Government Whip and currently a member of the Environment and Land Use Committee. He served previously on the Select Standing Committees on Legislative Initiatives, and Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders, andPrivate Bills. Eric was also a member of the Cabinet Agenda and Priorities Committee.

Serving as the Mayor of the Village of Lumby for four years prior to his election as MLA, Eric also served as councilor for the Village of Lumby for 12 years and as a director of the North Okanagan Regional District.

He is a registered forest technician and a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Auxiliary, as well as a director of the North Okanagan Community Futures Development Corporation.

Eric and his wife Janice have been volunteering, working and living in the North Okanagan for more than 20 years.

Eric is a great supporter of sports, the outdoors, his community, arts and culture.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

MLA: Rob Fleming - Victoria-Swan Lake

We lift up MLA: Rob Fleming to You, Lord, and pray that You would give him fresh vision for this new year.  May Your Holy Spirit give him insight and revelation in his position as Environmental Critic. We pray that You would give MLA Fleming strength in his many tasks in his community and in his legislative work.  We pray that he would sense Your love and encouragement.  We pray blessings, good health and protection over his wife and children. Amen.

Rob Fleming was elected on May 17, 2005 as the MLA for Victoria-Hillside, and re-elected on May 12, 2009 as the MLA for the re-configured constituency of Victoria-Swan Lake.

Rob serves as opposition critic for Environment.

Rob has served as critic for the environment and post-secondary and sat as chair of the legislature’s Public Accounts committee.

Rob served two terms as a Victoria City Councillor before his election to the legislature. He chaired the city’s finance committee and represented Victoria at the Capital Regional District, the Victoria Regional Transit Commission, the Capital Housing Corporation and Tourism Victoria.

Rob has been involved in a number of community organizations, including the Work Place, the Veins of Life Watershed Society, and the Victoria Cool Aid Society Foundation.

Rob received a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Victoria and has worked in research and communications.

Rob lives in Victoria with his wife Maura, daughter Rory and son Jack. He is a dedicated soccer fan and player, and an avid user of Victoria's parks and beaches.

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

MLA: Mike Farnworth - Port Coquitlam

 
Lord, thank You for MLA: Mike Farnworth and for his experience and dedication to better his constituency and our province.  Your Word says “wise words bring approval”. Lord Jesus, give MLA Farnsworth wisdom as Opposition Critic for Health and in what he brings to the Legislature. We pray that You would give him strength and good health as he works to accomplish his many tasks.  Refresh him and may he have quality times with his friends and family.  Amen.

Mike Farnworth was elected as MLA for Port Coquitlam on May 12, 2009. He was first elected as the MLA for Port Coquitlam-Burke Mountain in 1991, and re-elected in 1996. Mike was re-elected again as MLA for this constituency on May 17, 2005.

Mike serves as opposition critic for Health.

Mike also served the people of Port Coquitlam as a three term City Councillor.

During his time as the MLA for Port Coquitlam he served in numerous Cabinet positions, including Minister of Health and Minister of Social Development and Economic Security.

From 2001 to 2004, Mike worked in Bulgaria, the Balkans and most recently Iraq on democratic governance programs to help build multiparty democracies in former one-party states.

Mike was raised in Port Coquitlam and has lived there for over 30 years.

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

MLA: Kevin Falcon - Surrey-Cloverdale

Dear Lord, thank You for MLA: Kevin Falcon and the many years he has given in service to the people of Surrey-Cloverdale and the Province of British Columbia.  Give Kevin wisdom as he serves in his last few months as MLA and prepare him for his next steps. As Kevin ventures out into new life endeavours, we pray that You would direct him. We ask that You would bless him and his family.  May he be encouraged as he reflects upon his years as a Minister and as an MLA. Amen

Kevin Falcon was appointed to serve as Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance on March 14, 2011. He also serves as Chair of the Treasury Board.

MLA Falcon was first elected in 2001 to represent the riding of Surrey-Cloverdale, and was re-elected in 2005 and 2009. He previously served as the Minister of Health Services and as Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, initially serving as Minister of State for De-regulation.

As well, Minister Falcon has previously overseen a capital program that includes the Kicking Horse Canyon, the Sea to Sky Highway and the William Bennett Bridge, among many others.

Minister Falcon's leadership earned him recognition in Vancouver Magazine's annual ranking of the city's 50 most influential leaders in 2008.

Before his election to the Legislative Assembly in 2001, Kevin Falcon was president of Access Group, a corporate communications firm he founded in 1998. He has also worked in the real estate development industry and was vice-president of Northwest Investment Properties. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Simon Fraser University, and his real estate education at the University of British Columbia.

Kevin has been active with his local Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club. He is a past director of the Vancouver Sea Festival, past-president of the Vancouver Junior Chamber of Commerce and a former volunteer with the Cloverdale RCMP Bike Patrol.

Monday, February 4, 2013

MLA: Mable Elmore - Vancouver-Kensington

We lift up MLA: Mable Elmore to You today Lord and thank You for appointing her to this position.  Give her a clear vision for how to make a positive difference for those who genuinely need her help.  Fill her with a healthy compassion and a desire to advocate for what is just and fair. Establish Your plans and purposes through her work. Bless her with an awareness of Your love for her and refresh her with renewed energy and commitment.  We ask this in Jesus' name, Amen.

Mable Elmore was elected MLA for Vancouver-Kensington on May 12, 2009.

Mable serves as opposition critic for ICBC and Deputy Finance critic.

Mable has been a transit operator for 10 years, driving a bus in Metro Vancouver while taking a role in her union, the Canadian Auto Workers Local 111, where she coordinated the "More Buses Now" campaign to improve public bus transit.

Mable is a second generation Filipino-Canadian who has also been active in the peace movement and on immigrant, social justice, women's and gay, lesbian and transgendered issues.

Sunday, February 3, 2013

MLA: Doug Donaldson - Stikine

Heavenly Father, we lift up our MLA: Doug Donaldson to You.  We pray Your blessing on the leadership skills he brings to this position.   Help him to discern and act upon those things that are vital and of real value.   Guide him so that his goals for this year are in line with Your purposes and plans.  Open doors for him so that his work is more effective. Make Your face shine on his family and enrich them with wholesome relationships and good friends.  In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Doug Donaldson was elected as MLA for Stikine on May 12, 2009 after four terms as a municipal councilor in Hazelton.

Doug serves as deputy opposition critic Finance, and Energy and serves as Chair of the caucus committee on Sustainable Economic Development.

Doug’s previous work in the Stikine included jobs in forestry, tourism, education, communications and journalism. He has been active on many local and provincial boards.

Doug lived in Smithers and Telkwa before settling in Hazelton. He has traveled extensively through the new Stikine riding, with many trips to the northern part of the constituency featuring a recent visit to Iskut to participate in a community coalbed methane forum organized by the Tahltan. Doug is married and has two adult children. He enjoys skiing, hiking, squash and tending to his chickens, turkeys, sheep and llamas. His formal education includes an undergraduate degree in biology and a graduate degree in journalism.