MLA: Hon. Mary McNeil - Vancouver-False Creek - Minister of Children and Family Development

Thank you for MLA: Hon. Mary McNeil Lord Jesus and her service working in our halls of government. We pray that You will give her a special portion of your encouragement  and wisdom especially on those days when she is making decisions that will effect the future of our province.  Continue to lead and guide her, strengthen her in trying times and give her good perception in decision making on behalf of all those whom she is serving in leadership.  Dear Lord may You also bring blessings to her, her family and those friends to whom she is particularly close to in relationship.  Be strength for her each day.  We ask this in Your Holy name Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Minister Mary McNeil was appointed Minister for Children and Family Development on March 14, 2011.  Before that, she served as  Minister of Citizen Services from June 11, 2010 to March 14, 2011. She previously served as Minister of State for The Olympics and Actnow BC. 

Minister McNeil was elected MLA for Vancouver-False Creek in the 2009 general provincial election.

Most recently, Mary served as president and CEO of the BC Cancer Foundation for eight years. She has served in key roles for international economic events including the G7 meetings in Halifax and Toronto, APEC in Vancouver and the XI international conference on AIDS. Mary has also served on the Vancouver Police Board for four years.

Mary was born and educated in Vancouver and has lived in Yaletown for 14 years with her husband of 38 years, Rod. She has raised four daughters and currently has 13 grandchildren.

MLA: Joan McIntyre - West Vancouver-Sea to Sky

Lord God Almighty we bring before You MLA : Joan McIntyre. Please give her strength for the days and weeks ahead as she works in her legislative roles. Thank You Lord God for her willingness to work in this position.  May she be encouraged by the fact that You, God,  care about every aspect of her daily affairs and promised us Your guidance and wisdom if we will only ask.  Please be with her to encourage her, guide her and keep a joyous and good spirit within her.  May she also feel your presence as she performs her daily duties.  Thank you Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen.
 
Joan McIntyre was first elected in the riding of West Vancouver-Garibaldi in the 2005 provincial general election and re-elected in the riding of West Vancouver-Sea to Sky in 2009.

She currently serves on the Cabinet Committee for Families First.  Prior to that, she served on the Agenda and Priorities Cabinet Committee, the Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth (which she chaired), and the Select Standing Committees on Crown Corporations and Public Accounts, respectively, the latter of which she previously deputy-chaired. She served as Minister of State for Intergovernmental Relations from June 2008 to June 2009.

In 1980, Joan co-founded the well-known BC polling firm of McIntyre & Mustel Research Associates Ltd. She sold her interest in 1996 to work independently concentrating more on the qualitative side of the research business and she worked in this field until 2005 when first elected.

An avid skier and sailor, Joan takes full advantage of living in one of the healthiest and active ridings in Canada.

MLA: Norm Macdonald - Columbia River-Revelstoke

Psalm 27:14 “Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait I say on the Lord.” is our prayer for MLA: Norm Macdonald as he continues to serve faithfully and contends diligently for the best for British Columbia and for his constituents in Columbia River-Revelstoke.  We pray especially for him and his family for the demands on their lives while he is serving away from home .The sacrifice of being away from family does not go unnoticed and so we pray every need they have will be abundantly met with Your blessing. In Jesus' Name.

Norm Macdonald was re-elected as the MLA for Columbia River-Revelstoke on May 12, 2009. He was first elected to the Legislature in 2005.

Norm serves as opposition critic for Forests and Range.

Recently the principal of Nicholson Elementary School, Norm has taught for more than 15 years in the Columbia Valley.

He has a further six years experience teaching in Africa.

Norm served as a Councillor and was then elected Mayor of Golden in 1996.

Norm Macdonald lives in Golden with his wife Karen and two teenage daughters.

MLA: Hon. Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid - Vancouver-Fairview - Minister of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government

As we touch Your throne of grace Lord for MLA: Hon. Margaret Mac Diarmid, we appreciate and give thanks for her gift of constant servitude and the daily giving of herself to the people of British Columbia.  As You measure out the sufficiency of Your grace to-day, we pray her cup will be filled, pressed down, shaken together and running over. Grant her clarity of mind, wisdom and justice in determining solutions for the many issues she deals with daily. Cover her and her family with Your love and peace. In Jesus' Name, we pray.

Margaret was elected MLA for Vancouver-Fairview in the 2009 general provincial election. She was appointed Minister of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government on September 26, 2011.  She also serves as Chair on the Cabinet Committee for Open Government and Engagement. 

Margaret was appointed Minister of Tourism, Trade and Investment and Minister responsible for Intergovernmental Relations on October 25, 2010. She previously served as Minister of Education and Minister Responsible for Early Learning and Literacy from June, 2009 to October, 2010.

Margaret has been a family physician for 23 years. She served on the board of the BC Medical Association for 12 years and was president in 2006-2007. The BCMA is a voluntary association of 11,000 members comprised of British Columbia's physicians, medical residents, and medical students. During her time with the BCMA, Margaret met with key leaders from government and other organizations. 

Margaret experienced the health care system as a patient after an early diagnosis of breast cancer in 2007. She received treatment and has fully recovered.  

Originally from Saskatchewan, Margaret and her husband Robert moved to Rossland, BC in 1989.  Since the mid-1990s, both Robert’s and Margaret’s work brought them more frequently to Vancouver, where ultimately they decided to settle. Margaret enjoys golf, bridge, playing piano, kayaking and treasures the time she spends with family and friends.  

MLA: Norm Letnick - Kelowna-Lake Country

Lord, what a privilege it is to pray for our MLA‘s as they come together to debate issues, pass legislation, and deliberate as to the best course for British Columbians at this point in time.  It is, indeed, a great responsibility they hold. So we pray for divine wisdom, discernment and direction for MLA: Norm Letnick in his role as MLA for his Kelowna - Lake Country constituents that he has been entrusted with. Give him keen insight and perception to add valued input that will allow for good and right changes for the people in this province. Bless his family with an abundance of Your grace, happiness and good health. We ask all these things in the Name of Jesus.
 
Norm was elected as MLA for Kelowna-Lake Country on May 12, 2009 in the provincial general election.

Norm is the Chair of the Select Standing Committee on Health and serves on the Legislative Review Committee. Previously, he was on the Select Standing Committees on Public Accounts, as well as Finance and Government Services.  He is also the President, Francophone Parliamentary Assembly, B.C. Section.

His previous community involvement includes serving on Kelowna City Council from 2005-2008, sitting on the council of St. Charles Garnier Parish, president of the Kelowna Gyro Club, and Rotary Club past president.

As a City Councilor, Norm served on the Housing Committee; the Downtown Entertainment District Task Force; the Parks, Recreation, and Culture Task Forces; as chair of the city’s Affordable and Special Needs Housing Task Force; and served on the central Okanagan on the province’s single business license implementation committee. Prior to being elected to Kelowna City Council Norm served on both the City of Kelowna’s Entertainment District Task Force and Roads Task Force.

Before moving to Kelowna, Norm lived in Banff and owned two H&R Block franchises, a Motorola dealership, and a computer store. He served on the Banff Tourism Bureau, as president of the Banff Rotary Club, secretary/treasurer of the Banff Shine Club, and was chairman of both the Banff Hospital Board and Municipal Planning Commission. Norm also served the Banff community as a city councilor, first elected in 1992 and re-elected in 1995. He was also president of the Banff Housing Corporation developing over $20 million in affordable housing.

Before being elected as MLA, Norm was a tenured Associate Professor in the business program at Okanagan University College. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree with a Rhodes Scholarship Nomination from the University of Calgary, a Master of Business Administration degree from Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh, and is currently working toward a Ph.D. in health economics at UBC Okanagan. His thesis focus is on the effectiveness of Divisions of Family Practice.

Norm was the 2009 recipient of the Canadian Cancer Society’s Regional Community Champion Award for his work with the Gala of Hope helping to fund raise $624,000 over three years.

He is bilingual in English and French, enjoys sports, reading, good movies and helping others reach their full potential. He and his wife Helene have three children.

 

MLA: John Les - Chilliwack

Precious God, together we stand in prayer for MLA:John Les and his dedication to public service in this province. Give him Your guidance and direction as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier. May he find renewed wisdom, energy and vision from the many years of experience he has gained in his service to the people of Chilliwack and British Columbia. Give him Your favor in all of the many great projects he is involved in.  May he truly understand how much You love him and his family. Bless their family time together. In Jesus' name; Amen.

John Les is currently the Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier. He previously served as Parliamentary Secretary for HST Information to the Minister of Finance.

John was re-elected as MLA to represent the new riding of Chilliwack in the spring of 2009. He has also served as Solicitor General, and Minister of Small Business and Economic Development.

Mr. Les was first elected to represent the riding of Chilliwack-Sumas in 2001 and re-elected in 2005.

He served as Government Caucus Chair, and also chaired the Legislative Special Committee on the Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform. Mr. Les has served on the Government Caucus Committee on Economy and Government Operations, as well as the Select Standing Committee on Crown Corporations. He has also been chair of the Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs, and was formerly a member of the Select Standing Committee on Parliamentary Reform, Ethical Conduct, Standing Orders and Private Bills.

Before being elected to the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Les served for three years as a Chilliwack municipal councillor before he became Mayor from 1987 to 1999. During his 13 years as Mayor, he served on a number of bodies, including Chair of the Fraser Valley Regional District; Trustee of the Municipal Finance Authority of B.C.; Director of Union of BC Municipalities; and President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

In his private business career, Mr. Les was a partner in a Chilliwack dairy operation, an award-winning realtor, as well as the owner of a successful land development company

Mr. Les is an Honorary Rotarian, who was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship in recognition of his exemplary community service, by the Rotary Club of Chilliwack.

Mr. Les and his wife Mattie live in Chilliwack and have six children and 15 grandchildren.

 

MLA: Hon. Blair Lekstrom - Peace River South - Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

Dear Lord, as we join together to pray for MLA:Hon. Blair Lekstrom we thank You that he has chosen to serve the people of British Columbia as both an MLA and cabinet minister. We pray Your joy and blessing on him as he tackles his various roles and responsibilities. We thank You for his diligence and pray continued strength for him to lead well in his current role as Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. We ask that You would be with his family and protect them while he is away from them and may they have extra special wonderful times when they are together. In Jesus’ Name; Amen.

Blair Lekstrom was appointed Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure on March 14, 2011. Blair was first elected in the riding of Peace River South in 2001. He was re-elected for a third time in 2009.

Blair has previously served as Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources and Minister of Community Development. Previously, Blair chaired the Legislative Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services (2001, 2002, 2005 and 2006) and served on the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts, the Agriculture Policy Development Committee, the Legislative Review Committee and the Government Caucus Committee on the Economy.

Before becoming an MLA, Blair served as Mayor of the City of Dawson Creek. He was first elected mayor in 1996, after serving for three years as a councillor.

Born in 1961 in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Blair moved to Dawson Creek later that year and has lived there ever since. Following graduation from South Peace Secondary School, Blair started with BC Tel in 1979 and worked for the next 17 years as an installer-repairman until his election as Mayor in 1996. He was a Peace River Regional District member and served on the North Central Municipal Association executive.

Blair's previous appointments include serving as a Municipal Finance Authority board member, North Central Municipal Association president, BC Task Force on Bank Mergers member, BC Agri-Food Policy Working Group member, and Union of BC Municipalities executive member.

Blair's community involvements included: Dawson Creek & District Hospital Foundation board member, Board Member, Pouce Coupe Long-Term Care Facility as well as participation in a wide range of community groups in his capacity as Mayor of Dawson Creek.

He and wife Vicki were married in 1982. They have two children. Blair is an avid motorcyclist and enjoys working on and riding his Harley Davidson. Other hobbies include: carpentry, camping with his family, and playing baseball and hockey.

MLA: Richard T. Lee - Burnaby North

Precious God, together we stand in prayer for MLA:Richard T. Lee in his service to his riding of Burnaby North and our beloved Province.  Please pour Your wisdom into him as he undertakes the many and various roles that You currently have for him to fulfill.  We pray for Your favor and blessing in all of his dealings, both personally and professionally, and that he will know the depth of Your love. In Jesus’ name; Amen.

Richard T. Lee was first elected as the MLA for the riding of Burnaby North in 2001 and was re-elected in May 2005 and 2009. He was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Asia-Pacific on September 26, 2011.

Currently, Richard also serves as member of the Cabinet Committee on Open Government and Engagement, the Legislative Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth, LSSC on Health and LSSC on Legislative Initiatives.

Previously, Richard served as Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism (2011) and Parliamentary Secretary for the Asia-Pacific Initiative (2005-2011), Vice Chair of the Legislative Special Committee to Appoint a Merit Commissioner and Chair of Government Caucus Asian Economic Development Committee.

He was also a member of the Cabinet Committee on Climate Action and Clean Energy, the Legislative Select Standing Committee on Education, the LSSC on Public Accounts, the LSSC on Finance and Government Services, the Legislative Special Committee to Review the Police Complaint Process, the LSC to Appoint a Police Complaint Commissioner, the Government Caucus Committee on Economy and Government Operations and the GCC on Multiculturalism and Diversity.

Before being elected to the Legislature, Richard was a programmer analyst at TRIUMF, Canada's national particle research facility. In 1976 he earned a Combined Honours Bachelor of Science degree from UBC in physics and mathematics, and in 1980 a Masters of Science from UBC in Applied Mathematics. While studying, Richard worked as a research assistant from 1975 to 1977 and then as a teaching assistant from 1977 to 1979 with the Department of Mathematics at UBC. From 1979 to 1982 he worked as a programmer at TRIUMF and in 1982 became a programmer analyst. Richard attended the United States Particle Accelerator School at Berkeley in 1989 and once again in 1990 at Harvard University.

Richard's community service included: British Columbia Heritage Language Association director; Burnaby District Parents’ Advisory Council member, Burnaby Chinese Parents Association vice-president; Burnaby Multicultural Society director; Burnaby Voters Non-Partisan Association director and Civic Education Society director.

In 1971, Richard moved to British Columbia, where his grandfather settled in 1913. He and his wife Anne married in 1986 and have lived in Burnaby since then. They have three children.

MLA: Harry Lali - Fraser-Nicola

Dear God, we lift MLA:Harry Lali up in prayer today. Lord, we thank You for giving Harry a successful international business and a zeal for public office.  We ask that You continue to bless Harry with a loving heart and a sharp mind that will allow him to excel in his position as the opposition critic for community and rural development. We also pray God that You will bestow on him, his wife and his family a long and healthy life. We thank You Father in the name of Your son, Jesus, Amen.

Harry Lali served as Minister of Transportation and Highways from February, 1998, to February, 2001. He was the longest serving NDP Highways Minister in British Columbia. Previously, Harry served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Forests from June, 1996, to February, 1998.

Harry serves as opposition critic for community and rural development.

In 1988, Harry was elected City Councillor in Merritt for one term. In 1991, Harry was elected Member of the Legislative Assembly for Yale-Lillooet, re-elected M.L.A. in 1996, and 2005. He was elected to a fourth term on May 12, 2009.

Harry is 51 years old and was born in Jullundur District, Punjab, and currently lives in Merritt. He was educated at the University of Victoria and the University of British Columbia, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and South Asia Area Studies. Harry is the founder of the group that established the Chair of Punjabi and Sikh Studies at the University of British Columbia.

Before his election to the Legislature, Harry was an Employment Counsellor for the federally-sponsored Merritt Outreach Program from 1986 – 1991. He has also worked at MOSAIC in Vancouver. Harry is a former member of the IWA Local 1-417 when he spent 11 summers working in the sawmill industry in Interior B.C. Harry is also a former co-owner of a sporting goods store.

From 2001 – 2006 Harry owned his own business that was involved in international development and technology transfer to developing countries, namely in the field of environmental technologies and power generation.

Harry and his wife, Rani, are the proud parents of two sons and one daughter.

MLA: Hon. Dr. Terry Lake - Kamloops-North Thompson - Minister of Environment

Dear God, We bring before You today in prayer MLA: Hon. Dr. Terry Lake our Minister of Environment. We thank You that he has a real heart for public service. We pray that the leadership abilities that You have given him will continue to grow and allow him to be supernaturally effective as Minister of Environment. We also ask that You will direct and guide him to use these abilities for the benefit of all the citizens of British Columbia and for Your Glory, God. May he and his family find their times together to be times of refreshing for themselves and each other. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Terry Lake is MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson and Minister of Environment.

Previously, he was the Parliamentary Secretary for Health Promotion to the Minister of Health Services. He also served as Parliamentary Secretary for the Ranching Task Force to the Minister of Agriculture and Lands. He was elected MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson on May 12, 2009.

Terry also served on the Selecting Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs, on Health, and on Legislative Initiatives. He was also a member of the Early Childhood Education Innovations Committee.

A veterinarian by profession, Terry served as the Mayor of the City of Kamloops from 2005-2008 and as a city councillor from 2002-2005, a time when Kamloops reached record employment and construction and was recognized for service to residents by the National Quality Institute.

Terry is a recipient of the BC Veterinary Medical Association Award of Merit for service to the profession and has served as Vice President of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association and Vice President of the Union of BC Municipalities. He was a member of the BC Transit Board of Directors for three years when transit service increased dramatically in Kamloops.

Community service has long been a part of Terry’s life whether serving as president of the Coquitlam Rotary Club in the 1990s or as president of the Kamloops Recreational Soccer League. One of his most rewarding experiences was traveling with Developing World Connections to Tangalle, Sri Lanka in 2008 to assist with tsunami relief.

Terry and his wife Lisa have three daughters, a dog and a cat.

MLA: Jenny Wai Ching Kwan - Vancouver - Mount Pleasant

Dear Father in Heaven, we bring before You Jenny Wai Ching Kwan, MLA for Vancouver – Mount Pleasant region. We thank You for her dedication and commitment that she has shown in her various roles over the years as a member of our legislative assembly. We ask You, Lord, that you will continue to bless her with wisdom and sensitivity toward the needs of British Columbia residents.  Please keep her healthy and strong so she can continue to enjoy her family. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

Jenny Kwan was first elected as the MLA for Vancouver - Mount Pleasant in 1996, becoming one of the first Chinese-Canadians to sit in BC's Legislative Assembly and the first Chinese Canadian Cabinet Minister in the history of B.C. She was re-elected in 2001, 2005 and again on May 12, 2009.

Jenny serves as opposition critic for Jobs, Economic Development and Trade.

Born in Hong Kong, Jenny Wai Ching Kwan immigrated to Canada with her family when she was nine years old.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Criminology) from Simon Fraser University. Jenny began working as a community legal advocate in the Downtown Eastside shortly after graduation.

Jenny was elected to Vancouver City Council in 1993 --becoming the youngest councillor in Vancouver’s history -- and served for three years as the sole representative of Vancouver's progressive municipal political party, COPE.

In 1998 Jenny was appointed Minister of Municipal Affairs, becoming BC's first Chinese-Canadian cabinet minister. Jenny also served as Minister of Women's Equality and Minister of Community Development, Cooperatives and Volunteers and was the provincial government’s lead person in developing the Vancouver Agreement.

Jenny is married and lives in East Vancouver with her husband, daughter, son and stepson.

MLA: Kevin Krueger - Kamloops-South Thompson

Faithful Heavenly Father, our prayers are respectfully lifted up to You today on behalf of all our elected members of the legislature but especially for MLA: Kevin Krueger as he seeks to serve his constituents. There are many demands on the time and energy of this very capable gentleman. Bless his endeavors on behalf of not only his home riding but all the citizens of British Columbia. Lift any heavy burdens and give him peace of mind and strength both spiritually and physically so that he may joyfully carry out the mandate that was given to him by the electorate of Kamloops-South Thompson. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen

Kevin Krueger is MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson and also serves on the Cabinet Committee on Open Government and Engagement.

Previously, he has served as the Minister of Social Development, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts and was re-elected as MLA for Kamloops-South Thompson on May 12, 2009. Prior to the 2009 election, he served as Minister of Community Development and Minister of Small Business and Revenue and Minister Responsible for Regulatory Reform and Minister of State for Mining.

Kevin Krueger was re-elected as MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson in 2005 after being elected in 1996 and re-elected in 2001.

While in Opposition, Kevin served as the BC Liberal Critic for Labour. He was Caucus Whip as well as a member of the Select Standing Committee on Education. Kevin was named to the Legislative Standing Committees for Committee of Selection and the Special Committee for the Citizen’s Assembly on Electoral Reform. He was also a member of the Legislative Assembly Management Committee. He previously was a member of the Small Scale Salvage Committee.

Before becoming an MLA, Kevin worked with the Insurance Corporation of BC for 20 years, and at the time of his departure was a road safety regional manager.

His community work includes the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce, Kamloops Community Counterattack Committee, Rotary Club past-president, coordinator with the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and secretary of the Protocol Committee for the 1993 Canada Summer Games. He arranged the twinning of the Rotary Clubs of Kamloops and Uji, Japan. He is a former board member, executive councillor and shop steward of the Office and Technical Employees Union, Local 378. He was a director of the Prince George & District Credit Union.

Kevin and his wife Debbie, a school teacher, have six children, including two daughters-in-law and a son-in-law. They are the proud grandparents of seven children.

MLA: Leonard Krog - Nanaimo

In the mighty Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus, we bring petition to You on behalf of the legislative representative for Nanaimo, MLA: Leonard Krog. We pray for a special blessing on this man, his wife, children and grandchildren. We realize that the life of an MLA requires extraordinary dedication and much sacrifice for both himself and his family. So dear Lord as he works diligently in his various roles may You soothe any hurts and distresses that happen along the way and bring a spirit of calmness to mind, body and soul for both him and his wife Sharon. Amen and Amen.

Leonard Krog was re-elected as the MLA for Nanaimo on May 12, 2009.

Leonard serves as opposition critic for the Attorney General.

Born in Nanaimo and raised in Coombs, Leonard served as MLA for Parksville-Qualicum from 1991 to 1996.

Since 1980, Leonard has been a practicing lawyer in a Nanaimo law firm, most recently with his wife Sharon.

In addition , Leonard has served as the director and president of the Mid-Island Consumer Services Co-operative, chair of the United Way for Nanaimo and District, director of the Nanaimo City Centre Association, president of the Nanaimo City Bar Association, director and president of the Planned Parenthood Association's Nanaimo Branch, a member and supporter of Amnesty International and Lawyers for Social Responsibility.

Leonard and his wife Sharon live in Nanaimo. They have two children, Jessica and Parker, and two grandchildren, Portia and Archer.

MLA: Maurine Karagianis - Esquimalt-Royal Roads

Our Gracious Heavenly Father, our prayer today for MLA: Maurine Karagianis is that as she undertakes her many and onerous duties as an MLA she will sense that there are individuals who are concerned for her well being and are praying for her. We pray that she will realize that she is appreciated for her dedication to the citizens of the Province of British Columbia and that she draws strength from those prayers. May You, Lord encourage her and  renew her dedication to the causes she so passionately believes in. May You also guide her as she continues steadfastly in the paths she has chosen. We pray that the spirit of servitude that You have given her will be her portion and she shall see the fruits of her labors bless others. Bless her and left her up and give her strength.  We pray in Jesus Our Saviour's Blessed Name. Amen.

Maurine Karagianis was elected MLA for Esquimalt-Metchosin on May 17, 2005, and re-elected to the reconfigured riding of Esquimalt-Royal Roads on May 12, 2009.

Maurine serves as official opposition caucus Whip.

She was elected to Esquimalt Council in 1996. Serving for three terms, Maurine helped create and chaired the CRD Arts Committee, and by working to save the Matson Gary Oak meadow in the Inner Harbour and daylighting the Gorge Creek helped enrich green space and renew bird habitat in Esquimalt.

A long-standing Director of the Veins of Life Watershed Society, Maurine has worked in support of environmental stewardship for the Gorge Waterway and watershed protection in the Capital Region.

She worked in the fashion industry for over 15 years, in retail, wholesale and import/export, and also spent more than a decade working in the communications industry for the tourism market and international motorcycle industry.

Maurine ran a consulting firm that worked with non-profit organizations and First Nations communities to create affordable housing. Her career has also included working for the provincial Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Social Services.

A proud mother and grandmother, Maurine lives with her partner in Esquimalt.

MLA: Carole James - Victoria-Beacon Hill

Heavenly Father, We give thanks for MLA: Carole James. We are grateful that You have lead her into public service and that she has been diligent in her service to the people of Victoria, British Columbia and all of Canada. May You continue to lead and guide her as she serves in the British Columbia legislature.  We pray she will find that the encouragement she receives from her family, colleagues and constituents leads to a supernatural increase in strength and courage . We also pray that You, Lord, will give her an extra special dose of Your joy and provide her with times of rest and relaxation in the midst of her full schedule. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Carole has served as the MLA for Victoria-Beacon Hill since 2005.

Prior to entering provincial politics, Carole served as President of the B.C. School Trustees Association for an unprecedented five terms, commencing in 1995.

She was elected to the Greater Victoria School Board from 1990 to 2001. She has also served at the national level as the Vice-President of the Canadian School Boards Association.

Carole has been appointed to numerous provincial initiatives, including the Independent B.C. Budget Review Panel, the Public Education Restructuring Consultation, the Ministry of Children and Families Secure Care Committee.

In addition to serving a two-year term as the Director of Child Care Policy for the government of British Columbia, she has served on the Greater Victoria Region Social Planning Council, the City of Victoria Parks and Recreation Committee, and the Task Force on Violence Prevention.

In recognition of her work in the area of co-operative pre-schools, she was named an Honorary Life Member of the Vancouver Island Co-operative Pre-School Association.

In 2001, Carole moved to Prince George to serve as the Director of Child and Family Services for Carrier Sekani Family Services. As part of her management responsibilities, she coordinated the planning for regionalization of child and family services from the Ministry of Children and Families to an Aboriginal Authority.

Carole is the mother of two children, Alison and Evan. She was also a foster parent for 20 years, giving care to children and adults with special needs.

MLA: Vicki Huntington - Delta South

Father, we thank You for the years of faithful service by MLA: Vicki Huntington not only to those that live in British Columbia but to those that live in other parts of our nation. Lord, we pray that the experience that she has gained over the years and the wisdom she has acquired would help her in the decisions that she must currently make.  We also pray that You would give her a spirit of creativity that would lead to new and creative ways to enhance the quality and life experiences for those that call our province home. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Victoria (Vicki) Huntington is a native of Vancouver, BC and has a degree in Political Science from the University of British Columbia. Much of her early career was spent in Ottawa with the federal government.  More recently, she served as an elected Councillor for the Municipality of Delta, BC.

For most of the 1970s, Vicki worked with the RCMP Security Service, beginning as a civilian member and later a Special Constable (Investigator) in the force. In preparation for this position, she was commissioned as a 1st Lieutenant in the Canadian Army Intelligence Corps (Res).

Vicki served as Band Manager for the Gitanmaax Indian Reserve in Hazelton, BC. First-hand knowledge and understanding gained in this capacity was invaluable in her later work with the federal Minister of Indian Affairs & Northern Development; Nisga’a Task Group; and as Vice Chair of the Lower Mainland Treaty Advisory Committee and its representative on the Provincial Treaty Negotiating Team.

During a number of years in Ottawa, Vicki served the Solicitor General of Canada; and the Ministers of both National Revenue and Indian Affairs & Northern Development. She was also involved in various capacities at the federal level with the Progressive Conservative Party. She returned to British Columbia in 1988 as the Director of the Federal Ministers’ Regional Offices in Vancouver.

Vicki has shown a particular interest in environmental matters.  In this regard, she received an award from the Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust for exceptional service.

A resident of Ladner (Delta), British Columbia, Vicki was first elected in 1993 to Delta Municipal Council and returned to Council at or near the top of the polls in the four subsequent municipal elections. She declined to run again in 2008.

Vicki was elected as an Independent MLA for Delta South in May 2009.

MLA: Rob Howard - Richmond Centre

Father, we bless MLA: Rob Howard. We ask Father that You would strengthen him as he goes about his daily tasks that affect the people of British Columbia. As he undertakes the assignments that he is involved with may You empower him with fresh and renewed  revelation, wisdom and understanding. Father, we ask that in the midst of his busy schedule You will provide him with times of refreshing that will renew his strength and invigorate him. Bless Him, Father! In Jesus' name, Amen.

Rob Howard was elected as the MLA for Richmond Centre in 2009.

Rob was born and raised in Richmond and has raised his son Justin here with his wife Trudy. Rob ran his own business, a commercial real estate and seniors’ home management company, prior to becoming an MLA. He has also been involved in many aspects of Richmond life, including a twelve-year involvement with the Richmond Minor Hockey Association.

Rob is a past president of Tourism Richmond, and he has served on the Board of the Richmond Caring Place Society. Rob was also co-chair of the Vancouver Chapter of the Real Estate Institute of British Columbia and is a long-time member of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce.

Rob served as a councillor for the City of Richmond for seven years (2001-2008). During his time on Richmond City Council, he served as the chair of the Finance Committee, as well as the Community Safety and the Public Works and Transportation Committees. Rob was also the Council representative to the Economic Advisory Committee, the Heritage Commission, the Richmond Safe Communities Alliance, the Richmond Sister City Committee, the Minoru Seniors Society, and the Olympic Oval Building Committee.

Rob served as council liaison to the RAV Rapid Transit Task Force, the Economic Development Task Force and Blue Ribbon Business Round Table. Rob also served as a director on the Board of the Lower Mainland Local Government Association.

Provincially, Rob has served on the Select Standing Committee on Public Accounts and the Special Committee to Appoint an Information and Privacy Commissioner.

Rob currently chairs the Select Standing Committee on Finance & Government Services, and is a member of the Cabinet Committee on Jobs and Economic Growth and the Special Committee to Appoint a Representative for Children and Youth. Rob is also the Provincial Lead for the Air Access initiative.

 

MLA: Douglas Horne - Coquitlam-Burke Mountain

Lord, we thank You for MLA: Douglas Horne. We are blessed to have him serve the people of British Columbia and more specifically those in his riding of Coquitlam-Burke Mountain. We pray that You will grant him wisdom, health and energy as he juggles his many responsibilities. May his home be a place of peace and harmony. Be with his family and surround them with Your love and care. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Douglas Horne was elected as the MLA for the electoral district of Coquitlam-Burke Mountain in May, 2009. He is currently Deputy Chair of the Committee of the Whole (Chair – Committee of Supply), a Member of the Executive Counsel’s Legislative Review Committee, the Deputy Chair of the Select Standing Committee for Public Accounts, and a Member of the Select Standing Committee for Children and Youth.

In addition, Douglas was previously a Member of the Provincial Treasury Board, a Member of the B.C. Local Government Elections Task Force, a Member of the Special Committee to Review the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and a Member of the Special Committee to Appoint a Merit Commissioner.

Douglas has been active in federal, provincial and civic politics for many years. While working in Ottawa, he served as a Special Assistant to a former federal Minister, and as a Special Assistant to the former Speaker of the House of Commons, The Honourable John Fraser.

Before entering politics, Douglas was Managing Director – Corporate & CEO of Maple Leaf Studios Ltd. This leading international design and production studio has created innovative and engaging experiences for international themed attractions, World Fairs & Expos, visitor centres and destination resorts. Douglas was instrumental in the success of British Columbia – Canada Place (the log house) during the 2006 Winter Games in Torino, Italy. In addition, Douglas worked with Russian business leaders and the City of Sochi on their successful bid to host the 2014 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. As well, Maple Leaf Studios and its partner, Shanghai Art-Design (a member of the Shanghai Media Group) were selected by Shanghai Expo 2010 for the central theme pavilions preliminary design competition.

Doug has lived in Coquitlam on Westwood Plateau with his wife and two children since 1996.

MLA: John Horgan - Juan de Fuca

Father we ask that You bless and guide MLA: John Horgan as he serves the people of British Columbia in his important roles as Opposition House Leader and opposition critic for Energy, Mines and Petroleum. Give him wisdom as he serves his constituents and keep him safe as he travels throughout his Juan de Fuca riding.  May You continue to keep his eyes and ears open to the see and hear the needs of the people he encounters everyday. May You also give him a strong and effective voice in government. Thank You Lord for his commitment and service. Bless and protect his wife and sons. In Jesus' name, Amen.

John Horgan was elected as the MLA for Malahat-Juan de Fuca on May 17, 2005, and re-elected to the reconfigured riding of Juan de Fuca on May 12, 2009.

John serves as Official Opposition House Leader and is the opposition critic for Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources.

John was born and raised in Victoria.

A former long time public servant, he started his career in  Ottawa working in the House of Commons before returning to British Columbia to work for the provincial government. He has also worked in the private sector, running a management and consulting company.

John has a Bachelor of Arts from Trent University and completed his Master of Arts at Sydney University in Australia.

John and his wife Ellie have two sons who attend the University of Victoria.

MLA: Gordon Hogg - Surrey-White Rock

Thank you Father that in British Columbia we have people like MLA: Gordon Hogg who commit their lives to service. We thank You for the expertise, skill and experience that he brings to the many responsibilities he has as he represents the people of Surrey-White Rock. Give him wisdom and insight as he contributes to the work of the various committees that he is a part of. Bless him with good health and surround him and his family with Your love and protection. In Jesus name we pray.

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

Gordon is currently the Parliamentary Secretary for Non-profit Partnerships to the Minister of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government. 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.

Mr. Hogg also served as chair of the Government Caucus and was a member of the Legislative Assembly Management Committee. 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, Mr. Hogg 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.

Mr. Hogg 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

Mr. Hogg 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.

MLA: Kash Heed - Vancouver-Fraserview

Father, we are thankful for the leadership that MLA: Kash Heed has shown to the communities of the Lower Mainland and to all communities in British Columbia.  We ask for Your divine wisdom and guidance for him as he works on behalf of all his constituents.  We pray a supernatural blessing upon both him and his family and ask that You would continue to give him health and strength today and each day to come. 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.