Mr. Joe Anglin - MLA for Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre

Thank you Heavenly Father, for Mr. Anglin and for his time and attentiveness to the role he performs, for his constituents of the Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre region. We are thankful for his continuing influence in Alberta. Please continue to bless him and his family. May he know that his contributions make a difference in the lives of Albertans. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

oe Anglin was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre on April 23, 2012.

He previously served as deputy chair of the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship and as a member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.

Mr. Anglin served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam era before becoming a police officer. He then obtained a bachelor’s degree in business and a master’s degree in education. Mr. Anglin worked as a lineman for a public electric utility before going on to work for AT&T, the world’s largest corporation. He obtained a diploma in engineering and worked his way up into executive management. During his time with AT&T he taught fibre-optic transmission engineering at the Bell Labs training facilities in Chicago and served as the White House communications liaison for George Bush Sr. in Kennebunkport, Maine.

In the late 1990s Mr. Anglin became a unit leader for the Canadian Coast Guard’s fast-response search and rescue operations on the Pacific coast. In 2000, as the unit leader, Joe organized and led the Canadian national search and rescue team to victory in the World Marine Search and Rescue competitions.

Most recently Mr. Anglin was the founder and CEO of ASIG Inc., which operated as an international financial services firm. With offices located in Vancouver and Washington, ASIG specialized in trading derivatives, oil contracts, gas contracts and currencies.

An active member of his community, Mr. Anglin successfully organized and led the Lavesta Area Group, an association of southern Alberta landowners opposed to the construction of a 500KV electricity transmission line through their area, from 2006 to 2010. He served as chair of the Rimoka Housing Foundation from 2010 to 2012 and also served as a town councillor in Rimbey from 2010 until his election to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta.

In 2007 the Edmonton Journal named Mr. Anglin one of the top 10 people who made a difference. In 2008 Alberta Venture named him one of Alberta’s 50 most influential people.

Mr. Anglin currently lives in Rimbey with his wife, Deborah, and their two children.

Mr. Rob Anderson - MLA for Airdrie

Thank You, Lord, for Airdrie MLA, Rob Anderson and his passion as he represents the people of his constituency.  We ask that You would enable him to experience renewed strength and joy as he serves in his many responsibilities.  Give him wisdom to know how to most effectively meet the various needs of Albertans.  May he always find time for him and his family to enjoy recreational time together.  In Jesus Name,  Amen.

Rob Anderson was elected to his second term in Alberta’s Legislative Assembly as the Member for Airdrie on April 23, 2012.

He currently serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, and has previously served on the following standing committees of the Legislative Assembly:

• Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund
• Resource Stewardship
• Education
• Finance
• Private Bills
• Public Safety and Services
• Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services

On January 4, 2010, Mr. Anderson joined the Wildrose Caucus.

Born in Edmonton on June 13, 1977, Mr. Anderson is the oldest of seven children. The family lived in Sherwood Park for most of his early years before moving in 1990 to Airdrie, which has been home ever since. During his youth he spent much of his time playing sports, particularly hockey and football. Two of his most memorable achievements are winning the Edmonton city championship as defensive captain for the Salisbury high school football team in Sherwood Park and being named the starting goaltender for the Brigham Young University Cougars hockey team. He also dedicated himself to earning his Boy Scouts of Canada chief scout award.

In 2003 Mr. Anderson graduated magna cum laude from Brigham Young University with a bachelor of arts in communications. Three years later he obtained a bachelor of laws from the University of Alberta, graduating with 'distinction' honours.

While at law school Mr. Anderson earned the coveted Merv Leitch QC scholarship for superior academic standing in constitutional law and demonstrated participation in related extracurricular activities, which in his case included his cofounding the organization Students for a Stronger Alberta. This group advocated for democratic reform and more meaningful voter participation in the democratic process, printed a university newspaper (The Independent), focused on debating relevant public policy and political issues of the day and organized a speaker series on strengthening democracy. He further demonstrated his interest in legal issues as they relate to the political sphere by earning the highest academic standing in the U of A law school's law and democratic process course.

Prior to his election as a Member of the Legislative Assembly Mr. Anderson practised corporate litigation law at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP in Calgary. Aside from the opportunity to work with some of Canada's most knowledgeable legal minds, this experience provided him with firsthand insight into how and why companies succeed or fail.

At 19 years old Mr. Anderson spent two years engaging in mission service in Taiwan. During this time he had the opportunity to learn to speak Mandarin Chinese fluently, work as a caregiver for high-needs individuals, teach English as a second language and forge friendships that he enjoys to this day. It turns out that learning Mandarin Chinese was a blessing in more ways than one. In 2008, his parents adopted a little girl from China.

Mr. Anderson and his wife, Anita, live in Airdrie, where they raise their four sons: Derek, Bryce, Spencer and Joshua. He also has the opportunity to spend time with his parents, four brothers and two sisters, who live nearby.

Mr. Moe Amery - MLA for Calgary-East

Dear Jesus, we are grateful to You for MLA Moe Amery serving the people of Calgary – East.  Our prayer today is that he would be blessed with strength in all he puts his hand to as he carries out his many tasks and responsibilities.  Grant him insight and understanding when he needs to deal with difficult situations and we ask You for creative solutions.  In Christ’s name, Amen.

Moe Amery was elected to his sixth term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Calgary-East on April 23, 2012. In addition to serving as chair of the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future, Mr. Amery also serves as a member of the Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund and the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.

Mr. Amery has previously served as a member of:

• Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services
• Standing Committee Community Development
• Standing Committee on Private Bills
• Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing
• Standing Committee on Government Services
• Cabinet Policy Committee on Community Services
• Standing Policy Committee on Energy and Sustainable Development
• Standing Policy Committee on Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
• Environmental Protection Advisory Committee (chair)
• Glenbow Museum Advisory Committee
• MLA Implementation Team on the Future Selection of RHA Members
• MLA representative on the city of Calgary’s World Fair 2005 bid
• MLA Committee to Review Low-income Programs, summer 2001
• International Governance Office Advisory Committee
• Secondary Suites Committee, 2003 (co-chair)

Mr. Amery was born in Lebanon on September 20, 1954, and relocated to Canada in 1974. He was a student of the University of Alberta’s General Studies faculty between 1975 and 1977. Before being elected to the Legislature, Mr. Amery enjoyed a successful career in Calgary for almost 15 years.

Mr. Amery has been involved with the community associations in his constituency and continues with other business, service and cultural organizations.

Together Mr. Amery and his wife, Mary, have five children: Mickey, Lila, Leena, Laura and Malaak. The Amery family lives in Southview, a neighbourhood in the Calgary-East constituency.

Together Mr. Amery and his wife, Mary, have five children: Mickey (Heather), Lila (Abe), Leena (Mansour), Laura and Malaak. The Amery family lives in Southview, a neighbourhood in the Calgary-East constituency. The Amery’s currently have four grandchildren: Moe Jnr (Mickey & Heather), Elissa, Noah & Arianna (Lila & Abe)

Mr. Mike Allen - MLA for Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo

Heavenly father, bless MLA Mike Allan in his service representing the constituents of Fort McMurray – Wood Buffalo.  May he experience renewed vision and creativity that will lead him to success in the role and responsibilities that he fills in the Alberta Government.  Bless him and his family with peace and joy.  Amen.

Mike Allen was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo on April 23, 2012. He was appointed by Premier Redford as the special advisor to the Minister of Transportation for highway 63 on May 22, 2012.

Mr. Allen currently serves as a member of the following Standing Committees:

• Private Bills
• Resource Stewardship
• Public Accounts

Mr. Allen was previously the chair of the Select Special Conflicts of Interest Act Review Committee. He had also served as a member of the Standing Committee on Families and Communities and the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections Standing Orders and Printing.

Mr. Allen served as a member of Treasury Board and the Alaska-Alberta Bilateral Council and had also represented Alberta on the Council of State Governments – Midwest.

Mr. Allen moved to Fort McMurray in 1993 with his family and purchased Campbell’s Music, where he was able to combine his business administration background and career as a professional jazz musician to create a successful and thriving business. Mr. Allen began transitioning from business to community leader when he was nominated to a position on the board of Fort McMurray’s Chamber of Commerce. He served two terms as president.

In 2007 Mr. Allen was elected to city council, serving two terms as a councillor.

Business leader, community leader and now provincial elected representative, he continues to serve Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo, the amazing community he calls home.

PRAYER BULLETIN FOR ALBERTA’S BYELECTION

Dear Lord in heaven, we pray for these things at the beginning of this fall sitting and for the upcoming By election. 

·       That this election will serve God’s Purposes for our province.

·       That our Province will be one whose Elected Leaders are:

-         individuals of integrity, discernment, grace, courage and conviction

-         willing servants

-         people of vision, perseverance and character

·       That the Holy Spirit will guide Electors in examining issues, Candidates and in voting.

·       That every Elector will cherish their right to vote.

·       That every Elector will vote.

Honourable Gene Zwozdesky - MLA for Edmonton-Mill Creek

Father God, we ask for Your blessing to be upon our speaker of the House, Honourable Gene Zwozdesky and also representing the people of Edmonton – Mill Creek.  Continue to enable him to carry out his many important responsibilities with strength and vitality.  Guide him, his colleagues and staff and give them wisdom in all their decision making.  May he and those close to him experience Your peace and kindness.  Amen.

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta

On April 23, 2012, Gene Zwozdesky was elected to his sixth term as the MLA for Edmonton-Mill Creek. He was elected Speaker of the Legislative Assembly on May 23, 2012, and appointed chair of the Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services on May 24, 2012.

Mr. Zwozdesky sits on the executive of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association as the Canada Regional Representative.

In addition to his role as MLA, Mr. Zwozdesky chaired the Standing Committee on Community Development.

He previously served as Minister of Alberta Health and Wellness, Minister of Aboriginal Relations, Minister of Education, and Minister of Community Development. He was also the Associate Minister of Health and Wellness (1999) and of Capital Planning (2007).

Mr. Zwozdesky was a member of the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing and the Cabinet Policy Committee on Community Development.

An adjunct professor at the University of Alberta, Mr. Zwozdesky has a bachelor of arts degree and a bachelor of education degree from the University of Alberta as well as accreditation courses in public administration.

Before becoming an MLA, Mr. Zwozdesky worked as a teacher, administrator, professional musician and business owner. He was also the Executive Director of the Alberta Cultural Heritage Foundation and of the Alberta Ukrainian Canadian Centennial Commission, as well as Music Director for the Shumka Dancers and Cheremosh Dancers.

Mr. Zwozdesky is actively involved in his community. He is President of the Alberta Friends of Golf Association and a member of: the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, Northern Alberta Alliance on Race Relations, Order of St. Andrew, Rainbow Society of Alberta, St. John’s Fraternal Society, Big Miller Bandwagon Statue Project, and the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN). He is also an Honourary Life-time Member of the Edmonton Musicians’ Association (Local 390), the Twin Parks Community League, and the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers. He is an Honorary Member of the Robert Burns World Federation, January 22, 2014.

Previously, Mr. Zwozdesky was an executive member of the Alberta Folk Arts Council, Alberta Recording Industry Association, Edmonton Canada Day Committee, Edmonton Heritage Festival Association and Capital City Savings (SERVUS) Ukrainian Community Council. He was the co-founder and producer of the Great Canadian Awards and Honorary Mayor of Kananaskis Country. He has served as a volunteer auctioneer for numerous organizations and has helped raise over $5 million for charitable causes.

Gene Zwozdesky has received many awards and recognitions, including:

• Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, 2012
• Taras Shevchenko Medal, 2009
• Ami de la francophonie lors de Rond Point
• Alberta Association of Rehab Centres Trail Breaker Award
• Alberta Council for the Ukrainian Arts Award
• Alberta Motion Picture Industry Film Composer Award
• Alberta Recording Industries Association (ARIA) Award of Distinction
• Blauen-Funken Prinzengarde Honorary Knight Award
• CFCW Canadian Ukrainian Music Hall of Fame
• City of Edmonton Ambassador Award for Business and Tourism
• Congress of Black Women of Canada Merit Award
• Council of India Societies Merit Award
• Edmonton Folk Arts Council Heritage Development Award
• Edmonton Musicians Association Honorary Life Member Award
• Friends of Focus Award (for work with disability groups)
• Friends of Inner City Edmonton Appreciation Award
• Government of Canada Merit Award for Multiculturalism
• Lebanese Cultural Association (Lac La Biche) Honorary Member Award
• Pakistan Canada Association Community Service Award
• Province of Alberta Achievement Award for Culture
• Queens Golden Jubilee Medal
• Royal Canadian Legion Community Service Award
• Royal Canadian Norwood Legion Honorary Life Member Award
• Sikh Federation of Edmonton Outstanding Community Services Award
• Twin Parks Community League Honorary Life Member Award
• Ukrainian Canadian Social Services Certificate of Recognition
• Ukrainian Shumka Dancers Lifetime Member Award
• Vohon Ukrainian Dance Ensemble Recognition Award
• 2005 Alberta Centennial Medal

For the 2009 and 2010 Mardi Gras Season, Gene and his wife, Christine, were crowned "Prince and Princess" of the German Blauen-Funken Karneval.

Mr. Steve Young - MLA for Edmonton-Riverview

Dear Father in Heaven, our prayer today is for MLA Steve Young who serves as Government Whip as well as on the Agenda and Priorities committee.  We ask that You would continue to enable him to carry out his many responsibilities with strength and vitality.  Guide him, his colleagues and staff and give them wisdom in their decision making.  Bless Mr. Young with peace and well-being in every area of life.  In Your name we pray, Amen.

Steve Young was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-Riverview on April 23, 2012. He was subsequently appointed as vice-chair of the Government Operations Committee and a member of the Agenda and Priorities Committee. He previously served as Government Whip.

Mr. Young also serves as a member of the following Standing Committees:

• Public Accounts
• Legislative Offices
• Resource Stewardship
• Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing

He previously served as deputy chair with the Members’ Services Committee and as a member of the following Committees:

• Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future
• Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship
• Select Special Conflict of Interest Act Review Committee
• Families and Communities

A fourth-generation Albertan, Mr. Young grew up just outside of Edmonton in the County of Strathcona. He attended the University of Alberta and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education in 1995 and an MBA specializing in international business in 2004.

He served on the board of directors for what is now known as Servus Credit Union for six years and chaired its Audit and Finance Committee. He is past president of the Garneau Community League and was involved with the Edmonton-Riverview Progressive Conservative Association for three years, serving on the executive committee and then as president.

Mr. Young was a criminal law instructor at MacEwan University from 2007 to 2012; as an educator, he has done consulting work for the Alberta Solicitor General, Alberta Sustainable Resource Development and Edmonton Transit on risk management, operations and strategy.

During his tenure as an officer with the Edmonton Police Service from 1995 until 2012 Mr. Young gained a breadth of experience in numerous areas, including emergency response, criminal investigations, community engagement, crime prevention and information management. Prior to his election to the Legislative Assembly Mr. Young was involved with a national initiative for developing data exchange standards in partnership with Public Safety Canada, the RCMP, the Department of Homeland Security, Mexico and INTERPOL.

A former player in the Western Hockey League and for the University of Alberta Golden Bears, Mr. Young has also completed the Canadian Ironman triathlon as part of the Cops for Cancer team that raised money and awareness for cancer research.

Mr. Young along with his wife, Leanne, and their daughters, Abigail and Taylor, reside in the community of Crestwood.

Mr. David H. Xiao - MLA for Edmonton-McClung

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for MLA David Xiao and his service and commitment to the people of Edmonton – McClung.  We ask for your wisdom and knowledge to apply as he sits on various committees and also meets with community leaders.  We pray also for health and well-being and opportunities for refreshment with friends and family.  Amen.

David Xiao was elected to his second term as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-McClung on April 23, 2012. He is a member of the following Standing Committees:

• Private Bills (chair)
• Resource Stewardship

Previously he served as a member of the following Standing Committees:

• Legislative Offices (chair)
• Alberta’s Economic Future
• Family and Communities
• Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing
• Resource Stewardship

In addition to his role as an MLA, Mr. Xiao served as parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Energy, Minister of Transportation and the Minister of Employment and Immigration. He was also as a member of the Cabinet Policy Committee on Energy and a member of Standing Committees on Private Bills, Public Accounts, Energy, the Economy and Public Safety and Services.

Prior to his election as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Mr. Xiao was an avid entrepreneur and local businessperson. Mr. Xiao’s diverse entrepreneurial experience includes international trade, publishing, commercial real estate investment and marketing.

Dedicated to furthering his education and expanding his horizons, Mr. Xiao has a diploma in geological science from the Beijing Institute of Mining and a bachelor of arts in English literature from the Beijing Second Foreign Language Institute. Mr. Xiao has also studied business through NAIT and economics at the University of Alberta.

Mr. Xiao is active in his community and is a member of the Rotary Club of Edmonton and the Canadian Club of Edmonton. He has served on the board of directors of the YMCA and the Edmonton Chinese Garden Society.

Mr. Xiao lives in Edmonton with his wife, Alice, and his sons, Allen and Andrew.

Mr. Xiao is a tea connoisseur. Collecting clay teapots and cooking are his main hobbies.

Honourable Teresa Woo-Paw - MLA for Calgary-Northern Hills

Lord God today we are praying for Hon. Theresa Woo-Paw.  We pray for health, vitality and strength as she serves constituents of Calgary – North.  We ask you to help her keep a good balance between her busy work schedule and personal life.  At the end of the day may she see the results of her dedication and commitment to the people she represents.  Amen

Associate Minister of Asia Pacific Relations (Reporting to the Premier)

Ms. Woo-Paw was elected to her second term as Member of the Legislative Assembly for Calgary-Northern Hills on April 23, 2012. She currently serves as the Associate Minister of Asia Pacific Relations.

Previously she served as parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Employment and Immigration and as a member of the Standing Committees on Public Safety and Services and Public Accounts.

Ms. Woo-Paw holds a bachelor of arts degree in social work from the University of Calgary and has dedicated her career to promoting active civic engagement and volunteerism, social inclusion, cross-cultural understanding and anti-discrimination awareness.

Prior to serving as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Ms. Woo-Paw worked as a private consultant providing diversity training and program facilitation and instruction. During her career she has worked for the Cultural Diversity Institute, the Calgary health region, United Way Calgary, the Red Cross, Calgary board of education, the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association and the Calgary Immigrant Aid Society.

Additionally, Ms. Woo-Paw served as the trustee and chair of the Calgary board of education from 1995 to 1999.

An active part of her community for over 30 years, Ms. Woo-Paw founded the Asian Heritage Foundation, the Ethno-Cultural Council of Calgary and the Calgary Chinese Community Services Association as well as served on over 30 committees and boards including the following organizations:

• United Way of Calgary and area
• Calgary Chamber of Voluntary Organizations
• Alberta Wild Rose Foundation
• Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre

Her community service has earned Ms. Woo-Paw an Immigrant of Distinction Award, YWCA’s Woman of Distinction Award, the Queen’s Jubilee Award for Multiculturalism and Community Services and the Canada 125th Commemorative Award for Community Services.

Ms. Woo-Paw lives in Calgary with her husband, Borick. They have three children, Jadine, Jason and Cordelia.

Mr. Jeff Wilson - MLA for Calgary-Shaw

We give You our thanks Heavenly Father, for Jeff Wilson and his commitment to the constituents of Calgary – Shaw.  We pray for insight and creativity as he meets and plans with other community leaders and volunteers for the success and growth of the region.  We ask for strength and health for him today.  Amen.

Jeff Wilson was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Calgary-Shaw on April 23, 2012.

Mr. Wilson is a member of the Standing Committee on Legislative Offices and the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing.

He previously served as a member of the Select Special Conflicts of Interest Act Review Committee and the Standing Committee on Families and Communities.

Mr. Wilson graduated from Harry Collinge high school in Hinton. He completed a broadcasting diploma at Mount Royal college in Calgary in 2000. He has worked in the communications field ever since, both as an entrepreneur and as an employee with AVW-TELAV, a North American audiovisual solutions company.

Mr. Wilson first became involved in politics while attending Mount Royal college, where he served as president of the Broadcasting Society from 1999 to 2000. An active member of his community, he has volunteered at Calgary’s Ronald McDonald House and with the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter.

Mr. Greg Weadick - MLA for Lethbridge-West

Dear Heavenly Father, we are grateful for MLA Greg Weadick who serves the people of the growing community of Lethbridge.  Give him divine wisdom as he seeks to fulfill the role of Associate Minister of Municipal affairs.  We pray he would be able to discern what is of most importance as he puts plans in motion for our province.  May he be confident in the right timing of the projects he has laid out.  May he also feel appreciated and know how important his role is.  In Jesus Name,  Amen.

Greg Weadick was elected to his second term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Lethbridge-West on April 23, 2012.

He previously served as Minister of Municipal Affairs and as Associate Minister of Recovery and Reconstruction of Southeast Alberta and as Associate Minister of Municipal Affairs. During his first term, Mr. Weadick was served as Minister of Advanced Education and Technology and as a member of the Cabinet Policy Committee on the Economy.

Mr. Weadick also served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Advanced Education and Technology. He has also served on the following committees:

• Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services
• Standing Committee on the Economy
• Standing Committee on Public Accounts

He has deep roots in Lethbridge, being the fourth generation of his family to call the city home. He was among some of the first students at the University of Lethbridge’s new west side campus, earning his bachelor of science in 1976 before beginning his career as a certified irrigation design consultant. He has also owned and operated several successful small businesses in Lethbridge.

Mr. Weadick was first elected to Lethbridge city council in 1991 and continued to serve for nine years. As a member of council, he helped guide the city’s pay-as-you-go strategy that put the city on firm financial ground. Mr. Weadick also served on provincial task forces on police funding and air transportation while on council.

During his 25-plus years of volunteer service, in Lethbridge he helped found the Lethbridge Rotary Dragonboat Festival, which has gone on to become one of the most anticipated events of the year. He was the founding president of the Lethbridge Youth Foundation and 5th on 5th Youth Services, which has helped thousands of young people get their education back on track and become contributing members of society.

He also helped promote the city as chairman of the Economic Development, Agriculture & Tourism Committee and as a member of the Downtown LA Board. He has served on the Lethbridge & District Exhibition Board and the Lethbridge Senior Friendly Committee, the police commission, and is a longtime Rotarian. As a businessman, Mr. Weadick has long been associated with the Lethbridge and District Chamber of Commerce, including several years as a director.

He and his wife, Joanne, also a former alderman, recently celebrated their 31st anniversary. They have two children, Josh and Lauren, both currently attending University.

Mr. George VanderBurg - MLA for Whitecourt-Ste. Anne

Father God, our prayer today is that You would bless MLA. Mr. George VanderBurg as he represents the constituencies of Whitecourt – St. Anne and serves as the Associate Minister of Seniors.  May You grant him a great measure of wisdom and insight as he seeks to put plans in motion for the large aging population in our province.  Bless him and his family with good refreshing times of relaxation together.  Amen.

Government Whip

George VanderBurg was elected to his fourth term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Whitecourt-Ste. Anne on April 23, 2012. He currently serves as the Government Whip, and as a member of the Government’s Operations Committee. He is also the deputy chair of the Special Standing Committee on Members Services, and serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing.

Mr. VanderBurg is the former Associate Minister of Seniors (reporting to the Minister of Health) and he previously served as Minister of Seniors, Minister of Government Services, and Acting Minister of Innovation and Science.

Mr. VanderBurg has also served as a member of the following councils and committees:

• Standing Committee of Families and Communities
• Cabinet Policy Committee on Public Health & Safety
• Canadian Energy Research Institute
• Personal Information Protection Act Review Committee (deputy chair)
• Standing Committee on Legislative Offices Committee
• Standing Committee on Government Services
• Seniors Advisory Council for Alberta (chair)
• Standing Committee on Public Accounts (vice-chair)
• Advisory Council on Electricity
• Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund
• Standing Committee on Private Bills
• Standing Policy Committee on Agriculture and Municipal Affairs
• MLA Tourism Funding Review Committee
• School Construction and Operating Review Committee
• Roles and Responsibilities Committee, Municipal Affairs
• MLA Precious Minerals and Mines Strategy Committee
• Northlands Park Board (director)
• Transmission Advisory Commission (chair)

Prior to becoming the MLA for Whitecourt-Ste. Anne in 2001, Mr. VanderBurg served 15 years in municipal politics. He served as the mayor of Whitecourt for almost nine years and spent six as a town councillor.

Over the years Mr. VanderBurg was an active Rotarian, and he and his wife, Liz, were successful owners and operators of various businesses in northern Alberta. He was president of the Whitecourt Chamber of Commerce and was the recipient of the Chamber of Commerce president’s award. Mr. VanderBurg has also been named Whitecourt’s citizen of the year and been awarded the Alberta Chamber of Commerce small business of the year award.

Mr. VanderBurg and his wife have been married for 35 years, have two sons, Kris (Amanda) and Jake (Crystal) and live in Whitecourt.