MLA: Jagrup Brar - Surrey-Fleetwood

Lord Jesus Your Word says in Psalm 37:23 that the steps of a good man are ordered of the Lord and you delight in our way. Lord we ask that you order the steps of MLA: Jagrup Brar as he serves as Opposition Critic for Small Business. May he be filled with your delight. We pray also your blessings on him and all of his family members. Keep them in good health and filled with your peace and joy in their daily lives.  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 Public Safety and Solicitor General

Our prayers and thoughts are with Hon. Shirley Bond to-day as she attends to the needs of our province in this new and challenging portfolio as Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

Her dedication and commitment to past portfolios she so ably filled, along with her years of valuable experience, can only fit her for what she is now called to do with confidence and expertise.

May she know Your love and presence daily for strength in body, mind and spirit. Grant her an abundance of Your Divine wisdom and clear vision for innovative changes where needed in order to meet the challenges of this fast changing world.

We are aware of the sacrifices and demands there are on the lives of her. and her family; so we ask for Your blessing of protection safety , health and happiness and the Peace that passes all understanding for each one.


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

Father God, we are grateful for our country and province and all our governmental leaders. Today we pray for MLA Hon. Harry Bloy our Minister of Social Development and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism. We ask that you would give him divine wisdom, revelation and insight into the needs of the various types of special needs and social programs that he oversees. We thank you for his commitment and dedication to seeing that all citizens of British Columbia are cared for and integrated into everyday life in this wonderful province of ours. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen


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: Iain Black - Port Moody-Coquitlam

Father God, You say in Your word in Luke 11:9 “ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” We pray that you will make this a reality to MLA Iain Black as he goes about his duties. We pray also that your peace will be with him at all times but especially as he fulfills his responsibilities as MLA. Thank you Lord.


Iain Black was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Public Transportation to the Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure on March 14, 2011. He also serves on the Cabinet Committee on Jobs and Economic Growth.

He was previously Minister of Labour from October 25, 2010 to March 14, 2011. Prior to that he was Minister of Small Business, Technology and Economic Development from June 10, 2009 to October 24, 2010, and Minister of Labour and Citizens' Services from June 23, 2008, to June 9, 2009.

Iain was elected to represent the new riding of Port Moody-Coquitlam in the 2009 provincial general election. He was first elected as an MLA for the former Port Moody-Westwood riding in 2005. Prior to his cabinet appointment, Iain served on the BC Provincial Treasury Board and several Select Standing Committees of the Legislature including Finance, Crown Corporations (where he served as Chair) and Public Accounts. He also served as Chair of both the Special Committee to Appoint a Conflict of Interest Commissioner and the Government Caucus Committee on Natural Resources and the Economy.

At the point of his election, Iain was president of the Banking Solutions Group of Open Solutions Canada. Prior to Open Solutions, Minister Black served as president or chief operating officer of both publicly traded and private technology companies, and as a partner with a national professional services firm. He started his career with IBM Canada Ltd.

Iain’s list of community volunteer roles includes coaching youth soccer in Coquitlam, and serving as a board director of Canuck Place Children’s Hospice. A recipient of the 40-Under-40 award in 1998, “recognizing top business achievement in British Columbians”, Iain is an experienced speaker at North American business and technology industry conferences, who holds an honours degree in business from the University of Manitoba.

Iain and his wife reside in Coquitlam with their three children.

MLA: Dawn Black - New Westminster

Heavenly Father, thank you for MLA Dawn Black and her passion to serve the people that you have entrusted to her. Continue to give her wisdom and discernment in her service. Guide her choices, and give her strength. We pray also that you would watch over all of her family members while she is serving her constituents as an MLA.

In the name of the Lord Jesus.

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

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 God , I pray for MLA Bill Bennett as he endeavors to work in the leadership of our province. Lord God I pray that you will give him daily strength to do his job well and let him enjoy the work he is elected to do. May he receive satisfaction in his own heart for his contribution to government affairs. Thank you Lord for this country of Canada and please give MLA Bill Bennett the strength he needs to continue onward. Amen.


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

Father God, we thank you for the Hon. Pat Bell and his faithful years of service to the people of British Columbia and the constituents of Prince George – Mackenzie. You say in Psalm 32:8 that You will guide us along the best pathway for our lives and that You will advise us and watch over us. We ask that you will continue to guide and watch over Hon. Pat Bell as he carries out all of his daily duties and tasks.

Please protect and comfort his family while he is away from them. This we pray in Jesus name. 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

Father thank you for MLA Donna Barnett and her commitment to her riding.

Thank you that she has taken on this responsibility and we pray that you would bless her and the work of her hands.

Give her wisdom for the tasks she faces today and in the weeks to come.

Be near her family and watch over them we pray in Your mighty name. Amen



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 - Speaker of the House - Penticton

Father, thank you for MLA Hon. Bill Barisoff. We are thankful for his faithful service as Speaker of the House for British Columbia. We thank you for the servant’s heart that you have given to him. We ask that you would lead him and guide him in the decisions that he makes and that he has clarity in all the situations and needs that come across his desk. We speak blessings over him and his family. 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-daughter Kayla Ramos Barisoff.

MLA Harry Bains - Surrey Newton

Father your word states “I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Today we pray this for MLA Harry Bains. Lord we ask that you would also grant to him the strength and wisdom that is required to carry out his duties as opposition critic for Transportation and Infrastructure. Keep his family safe, healthy and happy.



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

Our Heavenly Father as we come before your throne of Grace to-day, we pray in agreement for those in positions of authority as MLA‘s.
This morning in particular we are remembering with thanks, Robin Austin , who is faithfully fulfilling his role as Opposition critic for Education.
Grant him wisdom and discernment along with workable solutions to this important portfolio that it is to the people of BC.
We pray for strength for his body mind and spirit. May he be aware of Your divine guidance daily.
Bless and keep him and his family in good health , and in His perfect peace.
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 active teenagers.

MLA Hon. George Abbott Shushwap Minister of Education

Lord we give you thanks for MLA Hon. George Abbott today.  He has faithfully served the citizens of British Columbia and his riding of Shuswap in a variety of capacities making a difference for the people of our province. 

Lord you know what an asset we have in our youth and that you care deeply for each and every one of them and the educational process in our province. As he continues in his role as Minister of Education we pray that you will continue to give wisdom, insight and vision.Bless both he and his family with good health and prosperity.


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


We pray Lord that you will watch over MLA John Yap and help him in the performance of his busy daily schedule. We ask that you will give him strength and encouragement as he works diligently for the citizens of British Columbia and his riding constituents of Richmond-Steveston. We honour him for his commitment to take on all the roles that he has for the Legislative Assembly. Continue to give him the wisdom he needs to make all the decisions required to carry out all of his duties. Watch over him and protect both him and his family. We thank you Lord.



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 John van Dongen Member for Abbotsford South

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

We hold MLA John VanDongen up to you today, thanking You for his passion, commitment and his continued service to Abbotsford South Constituents, and to the people of British Columbia.

We ask today that you continue to bless him with your favour in his service. Grant him an extra measure of Your wisdom and strength in his leadership, and a sense of Your friendship and Presence.

Almighty God, we commit John to you today, and over the next year.

In the name of the Lord Jesus.


Amen.




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

Lord, we give you thanks for MLA Claire Trevena . We pray that you will continue to lead her and guide her as she continues to faithfully serve her constituents of North Island and the people of British Columbia. May your hand be upon her and give her your divine insights, wisdom and vision as she carries out her duties. May your peace which passes all understanding also be with her and her family as she fulfills all of her duties and responsibilities.

Claire Trevena was first elected in May 2005 and was re-elected on May 12, 2009.   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 Thornewaite - North Vancouver-Seymour

Lord bless Jane, a politician, mother, writer, and a servant of the greater good. Her tireless years of service both within the school and medical systems portrays the heart of one who truly cares for the important things of this province. Lord I ask that you protect the fire that burns in her heart so she can continue to inspire those around her. I ask for health and strength for her mind and body, and that she would find your perfect peace.

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

Dearest Heavenly Father, there are never-ending issues and causes in our world to be concerned with and we thank You that you have raised up Diane Thorne, Deputy Opposition Critic for Education, Early Learning, and Literacy and MLA for Coquitlam-Maillardville, to have a heart for women and families.  Thank You for all that she brings to her role in our government.  May You impart to her Your heart and Your vision in these areas.  May she be malleable in Your hands as You guide her and may she have the heart and the strength to stand up for Your ideals.  May Your favour rest upon her.  We ask this in Jesus’ name.

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, Early Learning and Literacy.

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.

Hon. Steve Thomson - Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources Operations

Dear Lord,  Thank you for a leader who has deep roots in the community he has served for many years. We appreciate the skills and experience he brings to the Ministy of Forests and Resources. God, You have blessed our province with abundance, and we pray that our leaders will be good stewards of these resources. Surround our Minister with good staff members and advisers, and may decisions be made with understanding, wisdom and compassion according to your will. Bless his family with good health, strong relationships and happiness. May they be aware of your love and care for them.

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.

MLA Ralph Sultan - West Vancouver-Capilano

Father we ask that you would give to MLA Ralph Sultan guidance that comes from your heart to stand on truth and righteousness. That those thing that concern you will become those things that concern him. Let your thoughts become his thoughts and your ways his ways. We ask that you bless him and his family abundantly.

Ralph Sultan was elected to the BC Legislature to represent the riding of West Vancouver-Capilano in 2001, 2005 and 2009. He has served on the Government Caucus Committee for the Economy and the Legislature's Public Accounts Committee, and the Caucus Liaison for the Ministry of Finance. Ralph previously served as the Chair for the Government Caucus Committee for the Economy and the B.C. Mining Task Force.

Ralph is an economist, educator and businessperson who also maintains registration as a professional engineer (P.Eng.). Prior to attending university, he worked as a tree faller, as a lineman on the construction of the Kemano-Kitimat transmission line, as surveyor's helper on the Lillooet and Bridge River hydroelectric projects, and was an International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers permit member.

Graduating from UBC in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Ralph worked as a technical sales representative for a major international company before earning MBA, MA, and Ph.D. (Economics) degrees from Harvard University. He completed those degrees in 1965. He then served as Assistant and Associate Professor at the Graduate School of Business Administration, Harvard University, for nine years. He was then employed by The Royal Bank of Canada for almost ten years as Chief Economist; then Senior Vice President, Marketing in Montreal, and subsequently Senior Vice President, Global Energy and Minerals Group in Calgary. He was retained by the J. W. McConnell Foundation, Canada's largest philanthropic fund, as investment advisor.

In 1974 and 1975 Harvard University Press published his two-volume study of price fixing in the electrical industry.

Between 1980 and 2000, Ralph held senior officer and director positions in a variety of financial, mining, forestry and technology sector companies, and owned and operated his own investment company. In the mining sector, he was Executive Vice President of Hudson Bay Mining and Smelting Company, a subsidiary of Anglo American Corporation, and was Chair of Curragh Resources in the Yukon, and held other executive positions.

In the 1990's, after returning home to British Columbia , Ralph served as President of a joint venture with a major American corporation, engaged in the development of a fibreboard mill in Williams Lake.

Ralph was the Eagle Harbour Yacht Club executive secretary and was an Augustana Lutheran Church Councilor. He was Chair of the Financial Research Foundation (1984-1985), Chair, Queen's University Business School Advisory Committee (1981-84), Economic Council of Canada member (1979-83), and Harvard Business School fundraiser (1968-1994). Ralph arranged for the endowment of a UBC professorship in mining engineering (1990) and served on Harvard's Graduate School Arts & Science Advisory Committee (1993-1996). Ralph has received academic awards, including graduation from the Harvard Business School with High Distinction, UBC's Cayley Prize, the Engineering Institute of Canada Prize, Harvard's designation as Baker Scholar and Ford Foundation designation as Fellow. Ralph is a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia.

Born in 1933, Ralph was raised in a family of ten in the Mt. Pleasant District of East Vancouver. He has lived on Vancouver's North Shore since returning to B.C. His wife of 43 years, Shirley, a surgical nurse and rehabilitation clinic entrepreneur, died suddenly in 1999. He has four children and four grandchildren. He enjoys boating, skiing and gardening.

MLA Moira Stilwell - Vancouver Langara

We thank you Father for MLA Moira Stilwell. We ask that by your creative wisdom that she would walk in an ability to bring that which is needed to the community. That you would give her stratigic ideas and ways to bring those ideas to fruition. We pray that you would give her peace and favor in all that she has put her hands to.

Moira Stilwell was elected MLA for Vancouver-Langara in the 2009 provincial general election. She was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Industry, Research and Innovation to the Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation on March 14, 2011. She also serves as Vice Chair of the Cabinet Committee on Jobs and Economic Growth.


She previously served as Minister of Advanced Education and Labour Market Development from June, 2009 to October, 2010.

Dr. Moira Stilwell is a radiologist and nuclear medicine physician who has been working at BC Women’s Hospital for nearly a decade.

Prior to being elected, Moira was Head of Nuclear Medicine at St. Paul’s Hospital, Surrey Memorial Hospital, Abbottsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Clinic. She was also the Co-Chair of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation 2020 Task Force. She previously worked at BC Women’s Hospital where she was Co-medical director of the Breast Health Program and staff radiologist. She was a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiology in the Faculty of Medicine at University of British Columbia.

She is the past Chair of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation/BC Yukon Chapter, has served on the Board of the Canadian Breast Cancer Research Alliance, as well as on the BC Women’s Hospital Foundation Board.

In addition to her active involvement in promoting a healthy community, both as a volunteer and physician, Moira has been actively involved in her children’s schools and local community.

Moira has three grown children and currently lives in Vancouver with her husband Dr. Sam Lichtenstein.

MLA Ben Stewart - Westside-Kelowna

We thank you for the many years MLA Stewart has diligently served the community of West Kelowna. We pray that he will know that his dedication and contributions are valued by the people he serves. Thank you for blessing him with skills and expertise, and may this blessing continue as he sets goals for the coming year. May his thoughts and plans be established by You. May God’s peace rule in his heart as he adapts to changes in the political environment in the weeks to come. We pray that he will experience the truth of your word that says that “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” We pray God’s protection over his family and rich and wonderful fruit in their lives. Amen

Ben Stewart is the MLA for Westside-Kelowna and serves on the Legislative Review Committee, as well as the Priorities and Planning Committee.


Ben previously served as the Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Community and Rural Development, Minister of Citizens' Services, and Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism and the Public Affairs Bureau. He was elected MLA for Westside-Kelowna on May 12, 2009.

An entrepreneur, Ben founded and built Quails’ Gate into one of Canada’s leading estate wineries.

Ben has 30 years of extensive experience serving the community and is a founding director of a Venture Capital Fund for local business development. He was on the board of the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation and has been active in the fundraising and establishment of the Brookhaven Extended Care Facility Campaign, Southern Interior Cancer Centre Campaign, and the Rotary Centre for the Arts.

Ben was chair of the BC Grape Marketing Board where they successfully negotiated with provincial and federal governments on agricultural stabilization. Additionally, he was chairman of the Regional Transportation Advisory Committee for the Thompson Okanagan, as well as a member of the Presidents Community Advisory Council at UBC Okanagan.

His other experience includes having served as the past chair of VQA Canada, where they successfully resolved a number of significant international issues such as trademark protection, international mutual recognition agreements including national wine and health standards. As vice-chair of the Canadian Vintners Association, he oversaw the establishment of new national wine association offices in Ottawa and the hiring of their first CEO.

Ben has been recognized as Business Leader of the Year in Kelowna in 1998, received the Westbank Chamber of Commerce President’s Award in 2006, and recognized as Family Business of the Year by Grant Thornton in 2007. He also received the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for Community Service. He was a Kinsman, a scout leader and a member of the Canadian Ski Patrol.

Ben lives in Westside with Ruth his wife of 30 years and has three grown children.

MLA John Slater - Boundary-Similkameen

Dear Lord God ,   I ask for help in time of need for MLA John Slater so that he will be given  a fresh outlook each week  as they  work in in the halls of government .   Lord please put circumstances  within their reach that allows a positive outcome for all concerned under their leadership.  Thank you Lord that we have citizens willing to serve the  people  this way.
John Slater is the MLA for Boundary-Similkameen and serves on the Cabinet Committee on Open Government and Engagement.

John previously served as Parliamentary Secretary for Water Supply and Allocation to the Minister of Environment. He has also served on the Environment and Land Use Committee, and the Select Standing Committees on Aboriginal Affairs, on Legislative Initiatives, and the committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders, and Private Bills.

He also owns Desert Edge Nursery, a retail/wholesale operation selling vegetable and nursery products.

John is a well-known proactive community leader in the South Okanagan having served Osoyoos for twelve years on city council and then an additional six years as Mayor.

For nearly 30 years in Osoyoos, John has been actively involved in the community. For more than 20 years he coached youth basketball, soccer, hockey and baseball. He was a Kinsman as well as serving as Director for the Osoyoos & District Recreation Commission, the Osoyoos Child & Youth Committee, the Osoyoos Chamber of Commerce, the Okanagan Regional Library, the Interior Vegetable Marketing Agency & Greenhouse Growers Association, Chair of the Okanagan Basin Water Board and was a Director of the BC Vegetable Marketing Commission.

Born and raised in Kelowna, John studied at the University of Victoria but soon returned to the Okanagan moving to Osoyoos in 1980. Over the years, he has owned and operated tourism and service industry businesses. He established a nursery and greenhouse business specializing in vegetable production where he became very involved in agricultural issues and organizations.