MLA: Hon. Michael de Jong, Q.C. - Abbotsford West - Minister of Health

Lord, we thank You for the MLA:Hon. Michael de Jong’s many years of dedication and contribution to our province.  We pray that You will continue to bless his work and enlighten and inspire him with plans that are established by You.  Give him an understanding of people’s real needs and help him to make decisions with compassion and fairness.  Guide him with Your words which bring life and health to our bodies.  In Jesus name we pray.  Amen

Michael de Jong was named Minister of Health on March 14, 2011. He was re-elected in 2009 as the MLA for the newly named constituency of Abbotsford West, an area he has represented since first being elected to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia in a 1994 by-election.

The five-term MLA previously served as Attorney General, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, Minister of Labour and Citizens’ Services, and Minister of Forests. In addition he also served as Government House Leader.

Before his election as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in 1994, Mike served two terms as an elected School Trustee for Abbotsford School District 34, and was a practicing lawyer with his own Abbotsford firm. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Carleton University in Ottawa and a law degree from the University of Alberta.

Michael has also been involved with the Abbotsford-Matsqui Arts Council, the Matsqui Youth Commission and holds the rank of Captain in the Canadian Armed Forces Air Force Reserve.

Still an avid hockey player, in his teen years, Michael was a member of the Abbotsford Pilots Junior B hockey team. He attended Mouat Secondary School and still lives on the Matsqui Prairie farm where he grew up. Michael has also been involved with the Abbotsford-Matsqui Arts Council, the Matsqui Youth Commission and holds the rank of Captain in the Canadian Armed Forces Air Force Reserve.

MLA: Marc Dalton - Maple Ridge-Mission

Dearest Heavenly Father, we pray for Marc Dalton, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission, and ask Your hand to be upon him to guide him and bring about Your purposes through him. Give him clear direction and wisdom as he strives to serve his constituents. May he be open to hear Your voice and to follow Your leading that Your will can be accomplished through him. Bless him with renewed energy and joy in his work and may he know that he is valued and appreciated. We ask this in Jesus’ name.

Marc Dalton was elected as MLA to represent the riding of Maple Ridge-Mission on May 12, 2009.
Previously, Marc worked as a long-time teacher in the Maple Ridge School District at both the elementary and high school levels. He has a Bachelors Degree in French and History and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership, both from Simon Fraser University. Raised in a military family he lived in bases across the country and served in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserves after graduating. He is a member of the Royal Canadian Legion in Maple Ridge.
Mr. Dalton is Aboriginal (Metis) and speaks French. He has led student exchanges to Quebec to promote unity, French language fluency and an appreciation of Canadian culture. He has attended the Teachers Institute of Parliamentary Democracy in Ottawa and has been active in politics at all different levels over the past 25 years.

Mr. Dalton is a resident of Maple Ridge and has been married to his wife, Marlene, for 24 years. They have three grown children.
For several years, Mr. Dalton worked as a volunteer with youth and reaching out to the needy. Currently, he and Marlene are involved with feeding the homeless in downtown Maple Ridge.

MLA: Kathy Corrigan - Burnaby-Deer Lake

Dearest Heavenly Father, thank You for your wisdom in using Kathy Corrigan, MLA for Burnaby-Deer Lake, Official Opposition Deputy Caucus Chair and critic for Public Safety and Solicitor General, and Women, at such a time as this. Thank You for the intelligence and work ethic that you have gifted Kathy with. May she be a ready vessel to carry out Your purposes in our government at this time. Bless her with a refreshed spirit and energy to perform all that she is called upon to do. We ask this in Jesus’ name.

Kathy Corrigan was elected MLA for Burnaby-Deer Lake in 2009 and serves as Official Opposition Deputy Caucus Chair and critic for Public Safety and Solicitor General, and Women.

A strong advocate for public education, Kathy served three terms on the Burnaby Board of Education (1999-2008) and was board chair in 2007 and 2008. She served on numerous district committees and was a member of the BC School Trustees' Provincial Council.

Kathy is a lawyer and public policy researcher by profession. She has also edited a legal journal and has written about privatization and trade agreements.

As a long-time community volunteer, Kathy spent many years serving on parent advisory committees, the Burnaby Minor Hockey Association, the Burnaby & New Westminster Ringette Association, the Lakeside Advisory Board, and other organizations

She and husband Derek Corrigan have lived in Burnaby since 1977. They have four grown children.

MLA: Gary Coons - North Coast

Dearest Heavenly Father, we lift up Gary Coons, MLA for the North Coast and Opposition Critic for BC Ferries and Coastal Communities, to You in prayer. We ask that You guide him as he serves in government. Help him to stay focused in his position and give him the wisdom and insight he needs to do his job well. Keep his spirits high and help him to find great joy and satisfaction in his work. Bless Gary and his family with good health. We ask this in Jesus’ name. 

Gary Coons was re-elected as the MLA for the North Coast on May 12, 2009. He was first elected to the Legislature on May 17, 2005.

Gary serves as opposition critic for B.C. Ferries and Coastal Communities.

During his first term Gary served on the Special Committee for Sustainable Aquaculture and the Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs. He currently is a member of the Select Standing Committee on Crown Corporations.

Before entering politics Gary was an educator in the Prince Rupert School District for 27 years. He taught Mathematics/Special Education. It was during his time as a teacher and union activist that Gary first start down the path to political involvement.

An avid sportsman, Gary enjoys coaching, playing racquet sports and taking advantage of the many outdoor activities that the north coast has to offer.

Gary is married to Lois Elliot and together they have two daughters, Breton and Hannah.