MLA: Spencer Chandra Herbert - Vancouver-West End

Dear Father, it is with thankful hearts that we come before Your throne of grace today to pray for MLA: Spencer Chandra Herbert knowing You are a God that answers prayer. Therefore, we have confidence to pray Your word that declares “that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it.”  As he tackles the issues before him for his riding, grant him wisdom and guidance  to bring the desired outcome that will bear good fruit according to Your will. May You bless him with good health, joy and Your peace that passes all understanding. Jesus, in Your name we pray.

Spencer Chandra Herbert was elected MLA for Vancouver-West End on May 12, 2009. He served as MLA for Vancouver – Burrard from October 29, 2008 until the riding boundaries were re-drawn.

Spencer serves as opposition critic for Tourism, Arts and Culture and the B.C. Lottery Corporation and Gaming Policy.

A strong community activist, Spencer tackles issues head on. He was elected to serve as Vancouver Parks Commissioner in 2005. He was voted “Unsung Hero” by the readers of the WestEnder and one of Vancouver’s three best politicians by the readers of Georgia Straight.

Spencer's achievements include initiating the first of many fundraising drives to restore storm-damaged Stanley Park and helping improve environmental sustainability at parks throughout the city. He was instrumental in the improvements to Nelson Park in the West End, and Emery Barnes Park in Yaletown.

Spencer’s background is in the arts and culture industry. He was the associate producer of the United Nations World Urban Festival and has been a facilitator and lecturer with Better Environmentally Sound Transportation, the GLBT Centre and the B.C. Civil Liberties Association.

He's also worked actively with the Coal Harbour Residents Association, the West End Residents Association, the Stanley Park Ecology Society, the Roundhouse Community Arts and Recreation Centre and the Save St. Paul's Coalition.

Born and raised in Vancouver, Spencer enjoys baseball and is a keen community gardener.

Spencer lives in the West End with partner Romi, a community developer.

MLA: Ron Cantelon - Parksville-Qualicum

Today we pray that the blessings of Your grace, peace and love would rest on MLA: Ron Cantelon. His faithful service to his community over the years was duly noted when he was chosen as Tourism Nanaimo's “Citizen of the Year” in 1999. His commitment to his community has never waned as he went on to become the MLA for his riding of  Parksville-Qualicum in 2005. We pray, dear Lord, that You will continue to supply him daily with the spiritual, physical and emotional needs to help him fulfill his role as MLA with wisdom and a clear vision. Bless his family with Your divine protection and well being. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

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

Previously, Ron served as Minister of Agriculture and Lands and was a member of the B.C. Agriculture Plan Committee and the Special Committee on Sustainable Aquaculture. He was also Chair of the Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth and Chair of the Committee to Review the Personal Information Protection Act. In addition, Ron has been a member of the Special Committee of Selection, Treasury Board, the Select Standing Committee on Crown Corporations and the Government Caucus Committee on Social Development.

Ron first entered political life as a city councillor for the City of Nanaimo in 1999. He has also acted as Chair of the Nanaimo Conference Centre Advisory Committee, Chair of the Downtown Nanaimo Partnership, Director of the Nanaimo Regional District Board and President of the Port Theatre from 1994 to 1999.

Ron has won several awards including Tourism Nanaimo’s Citizen of the Year 1999, Re/Max manager of the year for Western Canada in 1999 and was one of the 125 notable citizens for Nanaimo’s 125th anniversary.

Ron Cantelon has five children and two grandchildren.  

MLA: Hon. Stephanie Cadieux - Surrey-Panorama - Minister of Children and Family Development

We give thanks, for the privilege of praying for MLA: Hon. Stephanie Cadieux. When we acquaint ourselves with her background and the portfolio she holds, we recognize and thank You for Your leading in her life. In turn, we are blessed to have such a courageous, responsible and dedicated woman serving in our legislature as Minister of Children and Family Development. Her strong community advocacy for programs to assist people with physical disabilities to achieve goals and regain independence is not only evident but desperately needed. Dear Father, impart to her Your  divine wisdom , discernment and daily health and  strength so that she may fulfill, with excellence, the work  You have called her to. Fill Minister Cadieux with Your joy and peace. In Jesus' name we pray.

Stephanie Cadieux serves as Minister of Social Development, having been appointed on September 26, 2011. She formerly served as the Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development and Minister of Labour, Citizens' Services and Open Government. Stephanie was elected MLA for Surrey-Panorama in the 2009 general provincial election.

Stephanie resides as chair of the of the Cabinet Committee on Open Government and Engagement. Formerly, she servied on the Special Committee to Appoint an Information and Privacy Commissioner, and is also a member of Agenda and Priorities Committee, the Select Standing Committees on Health and on Children and Youth and the Special Committee to Review the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Living with a spinal cord injury since a car crash at the age of 18, she became a strong community advocate for programs to assist people with physical disabilities to achieve their goals and regain independence. In 2007, Stephanie worked with 2010 Legacies Now to develop an Accessible Tourism Plan for BC.

Stephanie worked with the BC Paraplegic Association for eight years, most recently as director of marketing and development. She has been an active community volunteer and was the president of Realwheels Society, Ambassador for the Rick Hansen Man in Motion Foundation, as well as a member of the advisory panel and a researcher with International Collaboration On Repair Discoveries (ICORD).

Stephanie was voted one of Business in Vancouver’s Top 40 under 40, in 2007.

Stephanie has lived Surrey for seven years with her husband and enjoys sailing and travel.

MLA: Jagrup Brar - Surrey-Fleetwood

Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favour and high esteem in the sight of God and Man. Proverbs 3:3-4
Eternal Father in Heaven we raise our voice in prayer on behalf of this dedicated and hard working member of the Legislature. He has spent countless hours in meetings and debates and one on one sessions that have taken many hours of devoted time away from his home and family. Oh Lord, continue to shower upon him blessings of wisdom, patience and understanding so that he is fully equipped to fulfill his mandate to both his home riding and the entire province. Bless him with energy, good health and stamina to maintain the commitment he has made to see that the citizens of this great province are served well by their government. We have prayed these blessings in the Name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus the Christ. 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.　
　
3:3-4
Eternal Father in Heaven we raise our voice in prayer on behalf of this dedicated and hard working member of the Legislature. He has spent countless hours in meetings and debates and one on one sessions that have taken many hours of devoted time away from his home and family. Oh Lord, continue to shower upon him blessings of wisdom, patience and understanding so that he is fully equipped to fulfill his mandate to both his home riding and the entire province. Bless him with energy, good health and stamina to maintain the commitment he has made to see that the citizens of this great province are served well by their government. We have prayed these blessings in the Name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus the Christ. Amen.

Jagrup Brar was elected as the MLA for Surrey-Fleetwood on May 12, 2009. He served as MLA for Surrey-Panorama Ridge from Oct. 28, 2004 until the riding boundaries were re-drawn.

Jagrup serves as Opposition Critic for Small Business. Jagrup has also served as Opposition Critic for Healthy Living and Sport, Small Business and Revenue, Employment and Income Assistance and as Critic for Solicitor General and Public Safety.

Born in India, Jagrup was a member of the Indian National Basketball team and earned a master’s degree in Philosophy. He then moved to Canada to study at the University of Manitoba where he earned a Master's degree in Public Administration, MPA. Jagrup moved to British Columbia from Winnipeg fourteen years ago. Since then, Jagrup and his family have put down strong roots in Surrey.

An involved member of his community, Jagrup is a dedicated local volunteer, and has taken time to help a variety of local organizations providing services to young people, seniors, the homeless and new Canadians.

For over a decade, Jagrup worked in the public and non-profit sectors, assisting professionals with career development and working with employers to develop strategies to recruit a highly-skilled, multicultural workforce. As the Executive Director of the Surrey Self Employment and Entrepreneur Development Society (SEEDS), Jagrup trained new entrepreneurs to develop and launch successful small business ventures.

Jagrup is married and lives in Surrey with his wife Rajwant and their children - Noor and Fateh.　
　

MLA: Hon. Shirley Bond - Prince George-Valemount - Minister of Justice and Attorney General

"I will bless the Lord who has given me council; My heart also instructs me in the night season. I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved." Psalm 16:7-8. We offer up a special prayer of blessing for the MLA: Hon. Shirley Bond who has a very full plate not only as representative of her riding but also has the added responsibilities of Minister of Justice and Attorney General. We ask for strength for her every day, wisdom to tackle the difficult problems and an abiding sense of Your everlasting arms lifting her up and through the seemingly intractable situations that she must confront on a daily basis. Oh Lord, our kind and eternal sovereign, watch over this dear precious lady, her husband, children and grandchildren. Keep them ever under your divine watchfulness and loving care. In Jesus blessed name, we pray. Amen and Amen.

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

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

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

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

Shirley currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Treasury Board, member of the Legislative Review Committee and as a member of the Cabinet Committee on Jobs and Economic Growth.

Before her election to the Legislative Assembly, she served three terms on the Prince George School Board, the last as chair. She also worked with the continuing education department of the Prince George School District, becoming its business manager. She was given the B.C. Interior, North & Yukon Woman of Distinction Award for her work in public education.

She was protocol director for the 2001 Special Olympic Summer Games and sat on the boards of Carey Theological College, the Personal Living Choices Society, the Trinity Opportunity Fund Grants Committee and the City of Prince George's Standing Committee on Youth.

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

MLA: Dawn Black - New Westminster

Lord, We are very fortunate to have a woman with the background and experience of MLA: Dawn Black serving in our legislature. We know that her many years of public service have been pleasing not only to You but to the people of Canada as a whole and to British Columbia. You say in Ecclesiastes 2:26 (NLT) that "God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy to those who please him." so may You give these to her in abundance.  Give her renewed vigor, insight and strategies to accomplish all of those things that You have laid on her heart to implement for the citizens of this province. May her family times also be extra special times of refreshing and great joy. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.    

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

Dawn serves as the Assistant Deputy Speaker.

Dawn and her family live in New Westminster. Dawn served three terms as a Member of Parliament.

The Toronto Star voted Dawn as one of the top ten MPs in Canada. The Globe and Mail featured her as one of only four Question Period standouts.

Following former New Westminster MLA Chuck Puchmayr’s announcement that he would not be seeking re-election, Dawn decided to come home and enter provincial politics.

Dawn lives with her husband Peter in New Westminster. They have three sons and seven grandchildren.

MLA: Hon. Bill Bennett - Kootenay East - Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development

We want to thank You for MLA: Hon. Bill Bennett and the experience and knowledge that he brings with him to our legislature. We are grateful that he is a person who is not afraid of taking on new challenges in the public sector that are beneficial to the people of  British Columbia. We lift him up to You and ask that You would continue to be with him in the new role of Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development that he has recently taken on. Give him keen insights and quick understanding in this area. May he receive renewed encouragement from family, friends, colleagues and constituents in the process. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. 

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

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

Before being elected, Bill was a partner in a law firm in Cranbrook. In 1976, he earned an honours degree in English from the University of Guelph and in 1992, at the age of 42, a law degree from Queen’s University. Bill owned and operated fly-in wilderness fishing and hunting lodges in the Northwest Territories and Manitoba from 1977 to 1993. Bill served as president of the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce in 1997 and 1998 and was incoming chair of the BC Chamber of Commerce in 2000 when he made the decision to enter provincial politics. Bill was twice elected Cranbrook Business Person of the Year and served as president of the Kootenay Bar Association.

Bill and his wife Beth married in 1974 and have two sons, Dylan and Daniel. Bill enjoys the outdoors by hunting, fishing, hiking and snowboarding in the Canadian Rockies.