Mr. Jason Luan - MLA for Calgary-Hawkwood

Heavenly Father we thank You for MLA Jason Luan and the things that You have called him to fulfill.   We pray today that You would increase his influence in order that he may accomplish much for all Albertans and increase understanding of the issues that affect all those within his sphere of responsibility.  Bless him with renewed health and strength.  Amen.

Mr. Luan was elected to his first term as a Member of Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Calgary-Hawkwood on April 23, 2012. He was appointed Chair of Social Care Facility Review Committee, Government Liaison of the Alberta Research and Innovate Authority; member of the Legislative Policy Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future; member of the Standing Committee of the Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing and member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts. He also served as Deputy Chair, and later Chair of the Select Special Conflicts of Interest Act Review Committee; member of the Standing Committee of Private Bills and member of the Standing Committee on Family and Community Services in.

Mr. Luan holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Calgary and has dedicated his career to public service for over 20 years, promoting healthy families and strong communities. He is passionate about community development, collaboration, cultural diversity and social inclusion. He is also a strong bridge for business, community and cultural exchanges between Alberta and China. Prior to being elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Mr. Luan served as a social worker for the former Alberta Family and Social Services, and then as a social planner for the City of Calgary, managing funding for nonprofit social service agencies. Mr. Luan is proud to have made a difference in many lives through his distinguished professional service and volunteer contributions serving his community. He was the recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.

Mrs. Genia Leskiw - MLA for Bonnyville-Cold Lake

Thank You Father in Heaven that Your presence is with MLA for Bonnyville and Cold Lake, Mrs. Genia Leskiw.  We join together with others from all over this province to pray blessings, and wisdom on Mrs. Leskiw as she serves and that You would prepare her for the next steps she needs to take.  Give her favour today, we pray, in Jesus Name, Amen

Genia Leskiw was elected to her second term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Bonnyville-Cold Lake on April 23, 2012. She is the first Ukrainian and the first female to represent the Bonnyville-Cold Lake constituency.

Mrs. Leskiw currently serves as deputy chair of the Standing Committee on Private Bills and as a member of the following committees:

• Standing Committee on Legislative Offices
• Standing Committee on Families and Communities
• Select Special Ethics Commissioner Search Committee
• Advisory Council on Alberta-Ukraine Relations (chair)

Mrs. Leskiw previously served on the following committees and councils:

• Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship
• Cabinet Policy Committee on Education (chair)
• Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing
• Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services
• Legislative Review Committee
• Select Special Chief Electoral Officer Search Committee

Prior to serving as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, she taught elementary school for over 30 years. In 1995, she was nominated for an Excellence in Teaching Award, and in 2005 she was honoured with an Alberta Centennial Award. Very active in her community, Genia has volunteered with various organizations/associations, including:

• Kiev’s-K-Hi Ukrainian Youth Camp
• St. Elias Ukrainian Orthodox Church
• St. Elias Women’s Organization
• Lakeland Ukrainian Association, president
• Bonnyville Bingo Association, board member
• Teacher/Board Liaison Committee
• Alberta Teachers’ Association local school representative

In addition, Mrs. Leskiw is a member of the Bonnyville Ukrainian choir and her local church choir. In her spare time, Mrs. Leskiw enjoys painting Pysanky (Ukrainian Easter eggs), working with seniors, camping and travelling.

Mrs. Leskiw lives in Bonnyville with her husband, Ron. They have two children, David and Lynna.

Mr. Ken Lemke - MLA for Stony Plain

Thank You Lord for MLA Ken Lemke and the positive difference he is making in the constituency of Stony Plain.  Lord it is our prayer that You would give him fresh vision, insight and new strategies to help him accomplish even more for our province.   As he goes about his day may he experience joy and peace in the midst of all he has to do.  In Your Name Lord,  Amen.

Ken Lemke was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Stony Plain on April 23, 2012. He currently serves on the Select Special Ethics Commissioner Search Committee and the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Futures.

Previously he served as deputy chair of the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing and as a member of the following:

• Standing Committee on Families and Communities
• Select Special Chief Electoral Officer Search Committee
• Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship

Mr. Lemke grew up in Ohaton, Alberta – a small town east of Camrose – and attended the University of Lethbridge.

Mr. Lemke had careers in real estate, sales and marketing prior to being elected to the Stony Plain Town Council, where he served from 1995 to 2012, with the last four years as mayor.

Mr. Lemke was instrumental in helping the Stony Plain Town Council achieve one of the lowest property taxes in the capital region while maintaining high levels of service, orderly growth and fiscal responsibility. He also assisted the tri-municipal region to increase shared services, including the building of the TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre. Furthermore, Mr. Lemke was involved in helping Alberta’s capital region form the Capital Region Board, fostering increased co-operation among the 23 municipalities.

Mr. Lemke is an active community volunteer and leader. He is largely involved with the Rotary Club of Stony Plain,and the Stony Plain branch of the Canadian Legion and is a former chairman of the TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre. Mr. Lemke was a board member and chairman of various other commissions, including the Stony Plain Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, the Parkland Water Services Commission, the Capital Region Wastewater Commission, the Stony Plain Library Board, the Parkland lottery board, and the Capital Region Board.

Mr. Lemke and his family, including his wife, Gail, and their three children, have lived in the Stony Plain constituency for over 30 years.

Ms. Maureen Kubinec - MLA for Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock

Thank You Father in Heaven that You are with MLA Ms. Maureen Kubinec as she spends much time on the road between the communities of Barrhead, Morinville and Westlock.   May she know that You go before her clearing the way of obstacles so that in each community she is able to attend to the matters of most importance and to the issues she needs to address.   Thank You for key people to step into her life to give her the assistance she needs to continue to be successful.  Amen. 

Maureen Kubinec was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock on April 23, 2012. She is the Caucus Chair.

In addition to serving as chair of the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing, Ms. Kubinec is a member of the Special Standing Committee on Members Services and the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Futures.

She previously sat on the following Standing Committees:

• Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund

• Resource Stewardship

She previously served on the Standing Committee for Families and Communities and the Select Special Conflicts of Interest Act Review Committee.

Ms. Kubinec was born in Lacombe and raised in Three Hills. She lives in the Linaria district near Westlock, where she and her husband, Tim, operate a family farm. They have four adult children.

Ms. Kubinec is a strong proponent of public service. She served as a school trustee with the Three Hills and Pembina Hills school boards before serving as president of the Alberta School Boards Association from 2004 to 2007. She also served as a member and vice-chair of the Persons with Developmental Disabilities Northeast Community Board from 2008 to 2012 and as a councillor and deputy reeve for Westlock county from 2010 to 2012.

Ms. Kubinec is an active member of St. Anne’s Catholic church parish, having served on the parish council from 2008 to 2011.

Honourable Heather Klimchuk - MLA for Edmonton-Glenora

Father God, we join together in prayer today for Honourable Heather Klimchuk as she travels and converses with the people of our province and in particular the Glenora region of Edmonton.  We ask that You provide the resources for the various initiatives Ms. Klimchuk is involved in as well as the strategic relationships that are necessary to see her projects come to completion.  Give her renewed strength and vitality as she goes about the work of being an MLA.   In Jesus Name,  Amen.

Minister of Culture

Mrs. Klimchuk was elected to her second term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-Glenora on April 23, 2012. On May, 8, 2012 she was named Minister of Culture.

During her first term, Mrs. Klimchuk served as Minister of Culture and Community Services and as Minister of Service Alberta.

Mrs. Klimchuk’s public service experience prior to serving as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta includes working for the Legislative Assembly of Alberta as a researcher and working as a writer for both Premier Lougheed and Premier Getty. Mrs. Klimchuk also assisted with the initiation of the Alberta Seniors Information Phone Line.

Mrs. Klimchuk holds a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Alberta in political science.

Mrs. Klimchuk is also active in her community and has served in the following capacities:

• Planning and Development for the Glenora Community League
• Glenora School Council Chair and volunteer co-ordinator
• Reading mentor at Glenora School
• Director of St. Basil’s School of Ukrainian Dance
• Communications Director for Kupalo Ukrainian Dance School
• Volunteer co-ordinator for the Bell Walk for Kids

Mrs. Klimchuk and her husband, Wade, have two children: Kyrsten and Keifer. They have called Edmonton-Glenora home for over 18 years.

Mr. Stephen Khan - MLA for St. Albert

Lord God we lift before You Mr. Stephen Khan as he represents the people of St. Albert and we are thankful for his dedication and hard work to better his constituency and province.   We pray that You would continue to bless his leadership skills and the experience he brings to his position as he works closely with our Premier.   Bless him today with Your peace.  Amen.

Stephen Khan was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for St. Albert on April 23, 2012. Two weeks later Premier Alison Redford appointed him Minister of Enterprise and Advanced Education, a position he held until February 4, 2013.

In addition to serving as chair of the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship, Mr. Khan is a member of the Standing Committees on Public Accounts, the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund and Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing.

Mr. Khan previously served as chair of the Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund and as a member of the, the Standing Committee on Families and Communities.

Mr. Khan attended elementary and high school in St. Albert. He graduated from the University of Alberta with a bachelorof arts degree in anthropology.

For more than 20 years Mr. Khan owned and operated his family’s software development company, Management Information Group (St. Albert) Ltd. During that time he grew the business into a North American and international presence with thousands of clients across Canada, the United States and Europe, and expanded its staff from eight to more than 70 employees.

Mr. Khan’s roots are firmly planted in St. Albert, where his family is actively involved in the community. He has volunteered for the St. Albert Minor Hockey Association and the St. Albert Minor Baseball Association, and both he and his wife have been active volunteers at their children’s schools. Mr. Khan is also involved with the St. Albert Food Bank, and he serves breakfast at The Rock in Edmonton’s Boyle McCauley area. He is a past board member of the Northern Alberta Business Incubator.

He and his wife, Rae, live in St. Albert with their two children.

Ms. Donna Kennedy-Glans - MLA for Calgary-Varsity

Dear Heavenly Father it is our prayer for MLA Ms. Donna Kennedy-Glans that she will have the discernment to act today upon the things that are vital to move the region of Calgary – Varsity forward.   Thank You that You continue to give her compassion for those she represents and a strong desire to be an advocate for what is just and fair.  In Your Name,  Amen.

Donna Kennedy-Glans was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Calgary-Varsity on April 23, 2012. On December 13, 2013, she was sworn-in as Associate Minister – Electricity and Renewable Energy, a position she held until March 17, 2013.

Donna formerly chaired the all-party Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship. She was a member of Treasury Board and also sat on the Alberta government’s Ministerial Working Group on Natural Resources and Environment. In addition, Donna was a member of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region committee, which connects stakeholders from across the U.S. and Canada to discuss economic questions that relate to the region.

Donna was born near Tillsonburg, Ontario, and was raised on a cattle farm in rural southwestern Ontario, where her parents and extended family continue to farm today. She graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1981 and earned her Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Western Ontario in 1984.

Since moving to Calgary in 1984, Donna has worked as a lawyer, businesswoman and leader in the energy sector. Highlights of her 28-year career in this sector include serving as

• A lawyer and negotiator with TransCanada Pipelines’ exploration and production company during the deregulation of energy markets in the 1980s;
• A corporate executive and first female Vice-President with Nexen Inc., an upstream oil and gas company, where she was responsible for managing above ground risks in domestic and international projects from 1991-2001; and
• An independent consultant, advising global energy operators on how to manage non-technical risks in resource projects over the past decade.

In addition, Donna founded Bridges Social Development in 2002, and served as its executive director until 2011. Bridges is a volunteer organization that brings together local champions and Canadian experts to train and mentor community leaders in health care, law, journalism, education and politics in countries like Yemen, Egypt, Oman, India and Nepal. In 2008, a global youth social entrepreneurship initiative was launched, focusing on training youth leaders in Canada, including youth from Diaspora, First Nations and Métis communities.

Donna is lead author of Corporate Integrity: A Toolkit for Managing beyond Compliance, published in 2005 by John Wiley & Sons. Her second book, Unveiling the Breath: One Woman’s Journey into Understanding Islam and Gender Equality was published in 2009. In 2007, Donna was awarded a Global Woman of Vision award and was named a ‘Compelling Calgarian’ by the Calgary Herald in 2010. Donna is a frequent guest lecturer at the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business.

While Donna has worked in more than 35 countries around the world, she has lived in Calgary-Varsity for the past 20 years with her husband, Laurie Glans. Together they have raised three sons, who are either attending, or have graduated from, university. In addition to volunteering with local community, inter-cultural and interfaith groups, she enjoys hiking, biking and working in her garden.

Mr. Darshan Kang - MLA for Calgary-McCall

Dear God, we pray today for MLA Mr. Darshan Kang, MLA for Calgary – McCall.  We are grateful for his active involvement in the Sikh community and in various community leagues making him more aware of the needs of the people he represents.  Bless him today with increased vision and insight as he serves our province.  Be with him and his wife filling them with joy and peace.  Amen.

Mr. Kang was elected to his second term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Calgary-McCall on April 23, 2012.

Currently, Mr. Kang serves on the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing.

Previously, he served on the following standing committees of the Legislative Assembly:

• Public Accounts
• Private Bills
• Families and Communities

Mr. Kang has also served as critic for Transportation and Service Alberta.

Prior to his service as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Mr. Kang worked as a commercial realtor. Among his professional accomplishments are being voted top realtor within his company and fifth-highest performer within Alberta.

In addition to being actively involved with the Sikh community, Mr. Kang is or has been involved in the following community organizations:

• Saddle Ridge Community League
• Castleridge-Falconridge Community League
• Martindale-Taradale Community League
• Northeast Centre of Community Society
• Alberta Children’s Hospital
• Heart and Stroke Foundation

Mr. Kang is originally from India and completed a premedical degree at the University of Indore prior to emigrating to Canada in 1970.

Mr. Kang and his wife, Sharanjit, live in Chestermere, Alberta.

Ms. Linda Johnson - MLA for Calgary-Glenmore

Heavenly Father our prayer today for Ms. Linda Johnson is that You will continue to give her discernment, strength and wisdom for the many committees she serves on.   Thank You the she is a strong advocate for literacy and we pray Lord that she will see the rewards of her labors in the up and coming generation.  We pray that You would bless her with good health and may she feel refreshed today.  In Jesus Name,  amen.

Linda Johnson was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Calgary-Glenmore on April 23, 2012.

Ms. Johnson serves on the Standing Committees on Resource Stewardship and The Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services.

Additionally, she is the government representative to Alberta Innovates – Technology Futures and is a member of the Education Act regulation review committee.

Previously she served as a member on the following committees:

• Standing Committee on Private Bills (deputy chair)
• Select Special Conflicts of Interest Act Review Committee.
• Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing
• Standing Committee on Families and Communities
• Results Based Budgeting, Early Childhood Development

Born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Ms. Johnson attended Saint Mary’s University, where she received a Bachelor of Commerce degree.

Ms. Johnson has extensive experience in business environments, having worked in oil and gas, direct marketing and the automotive industry.

A proud and active member of her church and community, Ms. Johnson continues to encourage volunteer engagement and is a strong advocate for literacy.

Ms. Johnson, her husband, Al and their three children have lived in southwest Calgary since 1986.

Honourable Jeff Johnson - MLA for Athabasca-Sturgeon-Redwater

Father God we pray for Honourable Jeff Johnson as he represents the rural communities of Athabasca – Sturgeon and Redwater.  We are grateful for the support he gives to these communities through actively serving in various organizations and therefore giving him an awareness of needs and how to meet them.  We pray that You will guide him in his role as minister of Education and continue to give him vision for inspiring education.  Bless him and his family with joy and well-being.   Amen.

Minister of Education

Jeff Johnson was elected to his first term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Athabasca-Sturgeon-Redwater (formerly Athabasca-Redwater) on March 3, 2008.

In May 2012, Mr. Johnson was appointed Minister of Education. This appointment builds on Mr. Johnson’s experience as co-chair of the pioneering Inspiring Educationcommittee. He has previously served as Minister of Infrastructure, Minister responsible for the Oil Sands Secretariat and Parliamentary Assistant to the Treasury Board.

In addition to his regular duties as an MLA and the Minister of Education, he serves as a member of the Treasury Board, the Agenda and Priorities Committee and the Operations Committee, as well as the Ministerial Liaison to the Canadian Armed Forces.

Jeff has experience working in both the financial markets as a futures trading floor pit boss and in building a series of successful small businesses. As owner and president of the largest rural Xerox sales agency in Western Canada, he was recognized as the Xerox Canada Agent of the Year three times and selected to be one of six members appointed to the National Agent Council.

As a former coach and trainer, Jeff has enjoyed working with hockey players at the junior, college and pro levels and learned the importance of mentoring and teamwork.

Jeff has a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and he continues to remain an active member of his community through various organizations like his local Rotary Club and his family’s church.

He and his wife, Kim, along with their three young children continue to live in beautiful Athabasca.

Mr. Matt Jeneroux - MLA for Edmonton-South West

Lord, we ask You to bless MLA Matt Jeneroux in the many duties he must fulfill.  Give him clarity and the ability to make good decisions.   We pray that You would lead him into opportunities that would be for the benefit of the constituents of Edmonton – South West and the people of our province.  Fill his heart with Your grace and peace and may his family be aware of Your love and care for them.   In Jesus Name,  Amen.

Matt Jeneroux was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-South West on April 23, 2012. He is current Chair of the Youth Secretariat and Youth Advisory Panel, a member of the Treasury Board, Co-Chair of the Alberta Film Advisory Council and also serves as a member of the Education Act Regulatory Review Committee and the Electricity Retail Market Review Committee Implementation team.

He is also Chair of the Standing Committee on Legislative Offices and a member of the Standing Committee on Families and Communities.

Mr. Jeneroux was also successful in passing a Private Members’ Bill on Compassionate Care Leave (2012) which provides a leave of absence for caregivers taking care of their terminally ill loved ones, the first of its kind in Alberta. The Bill received royal assent from the Governor General in June 2013.

Born and raised in Edmonton, Mr. Jeneroux attended the University of Alberta, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2004.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Mr. Jeneroux worked with the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation, Alberta Blue Cross, the Ministry of Alberta Environment, and the Government of Canada.

Mr. Jeneroux has volunteered with numerous organizations, including United Way, Alberta Winter Games, Rotary Club, Blackmud Creek Community League, Canadian Blood Services, Make-A-Wish Foundation and Federal Government Youth Network. Additionally, Mr. Jeneroux chaired the city of Edmonton Naming Committee from 2007 to 2012 and also participated on the Board of Directors for Goodwill Industries Alberta.

Mr. Jeneroux is a father to two young daughters.

Honourable Sandra Jansen - MLA for Calgary-North West

Dear Lord Jesus, we pray today that You would be with the Honourable Sandra Jansen to lead and guide her.  We pray You would direct her thoughts and plans as she works on many committees.  May she have the wisdom to make the decisions that will make this province a better place to live.   Amen.

Associate Minister – Family and Community Safety

Sandra Jansen was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Calgary-North West on April 23, 2012. She was sworn in as Associate Minister – Family and Community Safety on August 1, 2013.

Previous appointments include serving as member of the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing, the Standing Committee on Families and Communities, Deputy Government Whip, chair of the Calgary caucus and co-chair of the Alberta Film Advisory Council.

Ms. Jansen earned a broadcasting diploma from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and later studied French at McGill University. She also holds a master’s degree in professional communications from Royal Roads University. Ms. Jansen is an experienced journalist, having spent 23 years in the field, including 10 years as a national news anchor at CTV News Channel in Toronto. She also hosted the City TV Calgary show Your City from 2007 to 2010. Ms. Jansen later served as Premier Alison Redford’s southern Alberta communications manager from October 2011 to March 2012.

A passionate advocate and dedicated volunteer, over the years she has been a spokesperson and a volunteer for the United Way, Calgary Health Trust, and Ronald McDonald House and a board member at the Calgary Girls’ School. Ms. Jansen is an acrylic artist and has donated more than 50 paintings to various charities in the Calgary area.

Mrs. Mary Anne Jablonski - MLA for Red Deer-North

Dear Heavenly Father, we lift MLA Mary Anne Jablonski up to You.  We ask that You would be with her as she seeks to fulfill her role in the legislature, may she do so with integrity, courage and conviction.   Guide her thoughts and speech and we pray that her plans and strategies be clearly presented and may You send her the people needed to carry them out.   In Your name, Amen.

Deputy Chair of Committees

Mary Anne Jablonski was elected to her fifth term as Member of the Legislative Assembly for Red Deer-North on April 23, 2012. She currently serves as deputy chair of the Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund an as a member of the Standing Committee on Private Bills and the Standing Committee on Families and Communities.

Additionally she served as Minister of Seniors and Community Supports from March 12, 2008 to October 12, 2011. During her third term she served as chair of the Cabinet Policy Committee on Community Services and as a member of the Legislative Review Committee.

She has also served on the following committees:

• Standing Committee on Community Development (chair)
• Alberta Mental Health Board Liaison and Advisory Committee (chair)
• Standing Policy Committee on Justice and Government Services (chair)
• Youth Secretariat (chair)
• Corrections Review Committee (chair)
• Strengthening Alberta’s Role in Confederation Committee (co-chair)
• FOIPP Review Committee (deputy chair)
• Standing Committee on Public Accounts
• Standing Policy Committee on Health and Community Living
• Committee on Collaboration and Innovation
• Crystal Meth Task Force Committee
• Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services

Mrs. Jablonski was born and raised in St. Catharines, Ontario. She has three sisters and one brother. She was awarded a scholarship to attend Brock University, where she studied psychology and political science. Married since 1971, Mrs. Jablonski and her husband, Bob, have three grown children and five grandchildren.

Mrs. Jablonski and her family moved to Alberta in 1980, when her husband was transferred to Penhold with the Canadian Forces. From 1982 to 1985 she helped to successfully lobby the federal government for a dental plan for the families of the Canadian Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police as well as for the rights of spouses of military members.

Before she entered politics, Mrs. Jablonski and her husband owned and operated a very successful fiberglass manufacturing company. They employed 18 people and manufactured various fiberglass projects, including a 70-foot dinosaur, waterslides, jet boats and RV parts. 

Her work experience also includes seven years in the banking industry.

Mrs. Jablonski is an energetic and enthusiastic member of her community. She has been involved in various community groups, sporting associations, church boards, the Catholic Women’s League, Girl Guides of Canada and the Chamber of Commerce. In 1999 as a member of the ITC (formerly Toast Mistresses) Mrs. Jablonski won the international speech competition in Kobe, Japan.

In her free time Mrs. Jablonski enjoys camping and hiking with her family.