Mr. Michael Connolly - MLA for Calgary-Hawkwood

Heavenly Father, we thank you for MLA Michael Connolly, Calgary-Hawkwood.   Lord, please surround this young man with wise counsel so that righteousness sown today will yield a fruitful harvest for our province’s future.  We pray for purposeful opportunities for Michael to involve himself in areas which will benefit the youth of our province in future years.  Give him a voice which can be heard and we pray his passion for social justice would be in agreement with God’ s heart for his region and the future of his generation and future generations in the province of AB.  In Jesus’ name,  Amen

Michael Connolly was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Calgary-Hawkwood on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves as a Member of the Standing Committee on Legislative Offices and the Standing Committee on Private Bills.

Mr. Connolly attended the University of Ottawa to study history and political science in the French immersion program focusing on European integration, Euroscepticism, and Scottish politics and nationalism. He gained valuable experience while completing an internship with an office of a Member of Parliament. During this time he helped to organize a forum for young women leaders from all over Canada.

Previously, Mr. Connolly also worked in the retail and hospitality industries.

Mr. Greg Clark - MLA for Calgary-Elbow

Heavenly Father we thank you for MLA Greg Clark, Calgary-Elbow.  We thank you, Lord, for his concern for Alberta’s future and ask, Father, that you would give him favour and wisdom as he seeks to fulfill his goals for our province.   Give him the encouragement he needs to pursue the goals he pursues for the good of all Albertans now and into the future. Thank you, Lord, that he is a man of integrity and guide him in his endeavours to always stand up for what is right.  Bless his family, Lord, and help them to maintain good health and endurance.  In Jesus’ name,  Amen.

Greg Clark was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Calgary-Elbow on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves on the Standing Committee for Resource Stewardship and is a member of the Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee.

Prior to his election, Mr. Clark taught business management at the University of Calgary. He also worked as a consultant and project manager in the IT industry for over 10 years.

In 2006, along with two partners, Mr. Clark co-founded the technology consulting firm C3 Associates. The firm earned a distinction as one of Alberta Venture's 50 fast growth companies in 2011 and 2012. C3 Associates was also named one of Canada's top 250 information technology companies by the Branham Group in 2012 and 2013. In 2015, Mr. Clark was named one Alberta's 50 Most Influential by Alberta Venture Magazine.

Mr. Clark's community involvement is extensive. His contributions include being co-chair of the parent council at his children's school, coach of his daughter's soccer team, a volunteer with Calgary Reads to promote literacy and vice-chair of the Distress Centre in Calgary. Following the 2013 flooding in southern Alberta he co-founded the Calgary River Communities Action Group.

Mr. Clark holds an MBA with a specialization in knowledge management from Royal Roads University and a bachelor of arts in political science and sociology from the University of Victoria.

He and his wife, Jessica, have two young children.

Honourable Joe Ceci - MLA for Calgary-Fort

Heavenly Father, we thank you for MLA, the Hon. Joe Ceci, Calgary-Fort.   We ask you,  Lord, to

provide Mr. Ceci with wise and godly counselors to help him reach his full potential.  Please grant him with the wisdom he needs to fulfill his goals for our province and give him strength to stand up for what is right in his position as Minister of Finance and President of the Treasury Board.  Grant him the time to pursue meaningful relationships with his family which will bring stability at home and at work.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance

Joe Ceci was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Calgary-Fort, on May 5, 2015. He was appointed to serve as President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance on May 24, 2015.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Ceci worked as a public policy manager with a community-based charitable organization in Calgary. Previous to this, he served as a city of Calgary alderman for 15 years. From 1988 to 1995 he worked as a community social worker with the city of Calgary, and from 1981 to 1987 he provided family counselling services for a number of organizations.

Mr. Ceci’s extensive community involvement has spanned more than 30 years and has included chairing the board of directors for the Folk Festival Society of Calgary and serving as a board member for both Habitat for Humanity and Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth.

Recognition for his community service includes a lifetime achievement award for advocacy from the Family and Community Support Services Association, a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal, an Alberta centennial medal and nomination for a leadership award from the Alberta College of Social Workers.

He holds a bachelor of social work from the University of Western Ontario and a master of social work from the University of Calgary.

Among Mr. Ceci’s many accomplishments is a published work entitled Breaking the Cycle, which ran in Alberta Views magazine.

He and his wife, Christine, call Calgary home.

Mr. Jon Carson - MLA for Edmonton-Meadowlark

Heavenly Father we pray for MLA Jonathan Carson today, that You would guide and keep him in Your peace.   We pray that he would find all the time that he needs today to do that which is required of him as he serves the people of Edmonton-Meadowlark.  We pray that he would be a man of compassion and integrity a leader in Alberta for the good of all Albertans.   Bless him and his family with quality and fun times.  In Jesus Name, Amen.  

Jon Carson was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Edmonton-Meadowlark, on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves on the Standing Committee on Alberta's Economic Future and the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing.

He attended post-secondary studies at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, first attaining a diploma in radio and television broadcasting, then later returning for an electrical apprenticeship.

Prior to his election Mr. Carson was employed as an electrician.

Transitions and the Power of Prayer

Courtesy of our friends at 'Nation At Prayer' People woke up Tuesday morning to another new day - and a nation in transition.  A new Prime Minister had been elected; the Third Party has become the party in power; the Official Opposition has become the Third Party; the party in power has become the Official Opposition; the Green Party lost a member; the Bloc increased from 4 to 10; and the sitting Prime Minister resigned as Party Leader.      1,792 candidates ran for office, 1,454 unsuccessfully, including 106 incumbent MPs; 338 were elected, of which 197 are new to Ottawa.     Transition does not only impact the party standings; it impacts the life of every candidate and his/her family. Every candidate is in process of closing their campaign offices; in addition, defeated incumbents may be moving from accommodation in Ottawa while dealing with the sting of defeat and contemplating their life after politics; successful candidates are looking for new constituency offices and waiting to be assigned their Ottawa offices, while making living arrangements in their 'home away from home'.    Those returning to Ottawa are going through transition - to new roles in Parliament, new seating arrangements (in many cases on the opposite side of the House), and unfamiliar colleagues. Many of them are experiencing varying emotions as they adjust to the reality that some of their colleagues are not returning, even as they adjust to new personalities and changed balances of power. Families are preparing for the long absences from home that accompany elected office; some are weighing the relative merits of moving to Ottawa where they can be together throughout the week while maintaining a presence in the constituency. For those of us who know and trust the transforming power of prayer, this transition is much more than a time of change; it is the time to invite the unequalled and extraordinary power of the Holy Spirit to infuse the hearts and minds of those who now govern our nation, so that God's purposes for Canada will be served.  Whatever our thoughts and feelings about the outcome of the election, we have the great privilege and even greater responsibility, as the apostle Paul instructs, to give priority to praying for all who govern.  What confidence is ours that God can be fully trusted; that He is at work in ways beyond our knowing, for our good and the good of the nation; that He can use every elected representative for His purposes; and that there is nothing in all creation that He cannot transform or beyond which He is not more powerful!

WHAT TO PRAY FOR... THE PRIME MINISTER-DESIGNATE: Wisdom and discernment as he assumes the role and in appointing the Cabinet Capacity to understand complex issues Energy and endurance Adaptability in responding to rapidly changing circumstances and events Protection for him and his family ALL MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT: Wisdom as they assume their new responsibilities God's grace to use their position wisely with integrity and strength of character The power of the Holy Spirit to overcome any sense of entitlement  Their families, as they make the adjustment to new realities Guidance in finding suitable accommodation and office space Courage to do what is right and grace in doing it THOSE DEFEATED, PARTICULARLY INCUMBENTS:  Pray that the Holy Spirit will: Remove any residual bitterness, depression, or sense of personal rejection Guide them into new occupations with a renewed sense of call and fulfillment Guide their families in making any adjustments All now need refreshment from the gruelling schedule of a 78-day campaign, and God's grace to return to a more normalized life. Above all and for all, may this time of transition be a time of transformation when the Holy Spirit awakens or deepens relationships with the living God, the source of transformation. Because we pray, their lives - and our nation - will be impacted and transformed.

Honourable Oneil Carlier - MLA for Whitecourt-Ste. Anne

Heavenly Father, we come in the Name of Jesus, to pray for Honourable Oneil Carlier.   We thank You, God, for Mr. Carlier and the position that he is in, we pray that he will be  strong and purposeful in all the decision that he will be making today that they will benefit all Albertans, concerning our rich resources.  We pray that he would have people around him that would give him wise council and help for those projects he finds himself facing.   Bless Mr. Carlier and his family today with health and peace.  Amen. 

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry

Oneil Carlier was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Whitecourt-Ste. Anne, on May 5, 2015. On May 24, 2015 he was appointed as Minister of Agriculture and Forestry.

Prior to his service with the Legislative Assembly he worked for 13 years as a regional representative of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and devoted 20 years to Agriculture Canada as a geotechnical technician. In addition, Mr. Carlier served as a board member for the Saskatchewan Housing Authorities from 1996 to 1999.

Other community involvement for Mr. Carlier includes close to a decade of volunteering as a Scout leader with Scouts Canada.

Mr. Carlier attended the Labour College of Canada, receiving his certificate in 1997.

Born and raised in Val Marie, Saskatchewan, he has called Alberta home for over a decade and has lived in Whitecourt-Ste. Anne with his wife, Michèle, since 2010.

Honourable Deron Bilous - MLA for Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview

Heavenly Father, we pray for Honourable Deron Bilous, today.  Guide him in the exact things that he has need of.    You see him and all the issues that he will face as he walks through this day in the legislature with his colleagues and the people that he will be talking with concerning the position that he is holding.   We pray courage for him to stand for the good of Albertans and those in Edmonton – Beverly – Clareview.   Protect him and his family in their fun times.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Minister of Municipal Affairs

Minister of Service Alberta

Deron Bilous was sworn in as the Minister of Municipal Affairs and as Minister of Service Alberta on May 24, 2015.

He was first elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview on April 23, 2012 and again on May 5, 2015. During his first term he served as a member of the Standing Committee on Private Bills, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing, and the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship.

Mr. Bilous was born and raised in Edmonton and is very proud of his Ukrainian ancestry. He graduated from the University of Alberta with a bachelor of education degree in 2001. For the past five years he has taught and mentored students at Edmonton’s Inner City High School.

An active volunteer in his community, Mr. Bilous has been a member of the Beverly Heights Community League and vice-president of the Boyle Street Community League. From 2008 to 2011 he served as a board member on the Edmonton Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee.

Mr. Bilous also participated in the Canada World Youth program in 1995-96, working in Edmonton, Saint Jerome in Quebec and Tunisia.

Mr. Bilous lives in Beverly Heights. In his spare time he enjoys playing recreational hockey and other sports as well as travelling.

Mr. Manmeet S. Bhullar - MLA for Calgary-Greenway

Heavenly Father we come in the Name of Jesus to ask You to be with MLA Manmeet S. Bhullar today as he works for the people of Calgary-Greenway.   May he find all the strength, wisdom, and creative ideas  that he needs to face the challenges of this day.   We ask for Your Heavenly guidance and protection for Mr. Bhullar and his family, Amen.

Manmeet Bhullar was first elected to the Alberta Legislature in March 2008 as the MLA for Calgary-Greenway.

He currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Legislative Offices and as a member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.

He previously served as Minister of Infrastructure, Minister of Human Services and Minister of Service Alberta.

Mr. Bhullar was also responsible for negotiating a memorandum of understanding that was signed between the then government of Alberta and the state of Punjab in India. The agreement facilitates trade and partnerships between the two jurisdictions on post-secondary education and agriculture.

In addition, he was a member of the Treasury Board, the Planning and Priorities Cabinet Committee, and the Operations Committee.

Born in Calgary, Mr. Bhullar earned his bachelor of arts from Athabasca University, with studies at Mount Royal University, and obtained his bachelor of laws from the University of Windsor.

Canada and its Prime Minister Elect

“I urge you first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them, intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way kings and all who are in authority…” 2 Tim 2:1-2

Father, I thank you for Canada and our new Prime Minister elect, Justin Trudeau. Lord, I pray that you would infuse him with humility, courage, honesty, and integrity. I lift up all our elected MP’s. I pray that they would call on you, seeking your grace and wisdom to fulfill their roles as our elected officials. I ask that you would protect the marriages and families of all 338 Members of Parliament.

I declare our prayers of blessing wield far more power than words of disappointment or complaint. We choose to respect and honour our leaders as your word clearly instructs us to do.

God keep our land glorious and free, from sea to sea to sea. AMEN.

Mr. Drew Barnes - MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat

Father, we thank for Mr. Barnes and his commitment to the people of Alberta through his service as an MLA.  We are certain it can be frustrating at times and we ask you grant Mr. Barnes much grace, wisdom, and courage to stand for what is true and just.  Father, we know service in this field can also be difficult for family, and we would ask that You extend protection and a special measure of understanding to his family as well.  Thank you for all this.  Amen

Drew Barnes was elected to his second term as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Cypress-Medicine Hat on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.

Mr. Barnes was born in Saskatchewan and moved to Medicine Hat with his family in 1974. Upon graduation from Medicine Hat high school, he continued his studies at Camrose Lutheran College and the University of Alberta. Upon completion of his bachelor of commerce degree from the University of Alberta, he pursued an award-winning career in real estate.

Mr. Barnes owned and managed a successful real estate office in Medicine Hat during his 26-year career in real estate. He was a member of the Medicine Hat Real Estate Board from 1983 to 2009, and he served as president in 1991.

An entrepreneur and businessman, Mr. Barnes owns a number of businesses in Medicine Hat, which include a construction company, a storage facility and a property management company. He also owns commercial and residential property throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan and has irrigation and ranchland, on which he raises commercial beef, and rodeo stock.

An active member of the community, Drew has been involved in many organizations in Medicine Hat and area. He has served as campaign chair and president of the United Way of Southeastern Alberta. A former president of the Kiwanis Club and Opportunity Capital Corporation, Drew enjoys working with others to forward a common cause. He is also a past member of the Kinsmen and Hockey Hounds.

In his spare time Drew enjoys playing and coaching many sports, including golf, hockey, baseball and soccer, and watching his sons play football.

Ms. Erin Babcock - MLA for Stony Plain

Father, you have blessed Ms. Babcock with certain skills and abilities and now You have placed her in government as an MLA, to participate in directing the decisions for this Province. We ask you help her to recognize Your hand in her life and her need for your continuous guidance in the matters that cross her desk.  We pray also that You encourage her and grant her the courage and wisdom to stand for what is right and good. Amen

Erin Babcock was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Stony Plain on May 5, 2015.

She currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Private Bills and as a member of the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship.

Ms. Babcock is a licensed practical nurse and has worked in the health care system since 2006 in Saskatchewan and Alberta, working with individuals with mental and physical disabilities. She relocated to Edmonton to further her education at NorQuest College and has since worked in a unit specializing in working with acute stroke patients and acute geriatric patients.

Ms. Babcock is an active community volunteer and leader, having previously served on the board of directors for the Special Olympics in Kindersley, Saskatchewan.

Mr. Wayne Anderson - MLA for Highwood

Father, when many decisions fall on our shoulders it is difficult to always know what is best.  However, you have said “If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God and He will give liberally to those who ask in faith.”

Mr. Anderson has entered into an arena that is new to him and without question, he will be faced with making decisions that will require your guidance.  We pray on his behalf, that You grant him wisdom, grace and courage each day as he continues to serve the people of Alberta as a member of the legislative assembly. Amen

Wayne Anderson was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for the constituency of Highwood on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves as a member of the Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee and the Standing Committee on Private Bills.

Prior to entering politics, Mr. Anderson spent over 25 years in the information technology industry, holding positions in business development and management for major corporations. He also worked as an auto mechanic and a welder for CP Rail yards.

He attended the University of Winnipeg bachelor of science program and was actively involved in student and local politics. He held the positions of student council treasurer and president and participated on the board of regents and the university senate.

Mr. Anderson and his family reside on an acreage in the community of Davisburg in De Winton, Alberta.

Mr. Shaye Anderson - MLA for Leduc-Beaumont

Heavenly Father, Mr Anderson has assumed a new and significant role as MLA.  He may, and perhaps already has, faced unexpected challenges that requires him to make decisions about matters unlike any he has encountered in the past.  We therefore join together and ask that You grant him a clear and accurate understanding of all issues that may cross his desk, as well as the grace and courage to do that which is right rather than that which is merely politically expedient. Amen

Shaye Anderson was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Leduc-Beaumont on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Alberta's Economic Future and the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship.

Mr. Anderson attended postsecondary studies in British Columbia, from where he originally hails. He obtained a diploma in physical education from Malaspina University-College, now known as Vancouver Island University, and also attended the University of Victoria's Faculty of Education.

For over 10 years Mr. Anderson has worked as a telecommunications technician; his employers include Telus Communications, Vista Telecom Networks and Shaw Cable. In 2015 Mr. Anderson was the recipient of Telus Communications' Customer First champion award.

Mr. Anderson has been involved with the Telecommunications Workers Union and United Steelworkers local 1944 as a shop steward and vice-president.

An avid sportsman, Mr. Anderson plays competitive fastball and rugby; he also helps coach his two sons' soccer and baseball teams.

He and his wife, Kelly, have two sons, Declan and Maddoc.

Mrs. Leela Sharon Aheer - MLA for Chestermere-Rocky View

Father God, we pray for MLA Ms. Leela Aheer. We pray that you would give her the wisdom and knowledge she needs to make important decisions for those she serves in the community of Chestermere-Rockyview. We pray as well that you will continue to help her to be a strong leader in our province, always speaking up for what is right and true. Bless her and her family with health and vitality. Amen

Leela Sharon Aheer was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Chestermere-Rocky View on May 5, 2015.

She currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship.

Mrs. Aheer has been a proud small-business owner since 1998. She has successfully operated a number of small businesses, each employing several people, including the Aheer Studio of Performance and Chestermere's WestCreek Auto Wash.

Mrs. Aheer studied political science at the University of Calgary for several years before obtaining a bachelor's degree in music from the University of Manitoba. She is a professional musician and is classically trained in all styles. She plays the flute and teaches voice, piano and guitar. Mrs. Aheer has won various awards at the Calgary Kiwanis music festival and has nine songs published to her credit. With her group Minerva she collaborated on a CD entitled Follow Me, which received a national release in Canada. She is fluent French and also sings and instructs voice in French, Italian, German, Spanish, Punjabi, Hindi and Telugu. She and her students have won awards and scholarships for voice and musical theatre.

Mrs. Aheer is an active volunteer, especially in areas of music and the arts. She is known to lend her time and energy to more than 50 events per year and has received numerous accolades for her efforts, including the volunteer of the year award from the town of Chestermere in 2013. Mrs. Aheer is a dedicated advocate for individuals with special needs and regularly spends her time volunteering at hospitals and other care facilities.

Mrs. Aheer along with her family – husband, Malkeet, and two children, Akesh and Sehran – reside in Chestermere.

Mr. Tany Yao - MLA for Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo

Dear Lord, we think of MLA Mr. Tany Yao today and ask for your blessing on him. We pray that you would continue to give him the heart to serve the people of Fort McMurray – Wood Buffalo and a vision for our province. We pray as well that he will always be a person integrity, discernment and courage. May your blessing be upon him and fill him with your peace. Amen

Tany Yao was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo, on May 5, 2015.

He currently is a member of the Standing Committee on Families and Communities.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, he worked on his property portfolio between 2011 and 2015.

Before this, he began a 20 year career in emergency response services in 1991 in Ponoka. He then enrolled in NAIT's paramedic program and then worked with the Alberta Central Air Ambulance in Lac La Biche. He also worked for Peace Regional Emergency Medical Services and the Fort McMurray Fire Department. While with the FMFD he acted in a supervisory role and another four years as the Assistant Deputy Chief of Operations - EMS.

In addition to holding a diploma in paramedics, he has undergone extensive firefighter training. He also received certification in project management and in business administration.

Over the years he has volunteered his time to support various charitable organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club, the United Way, Muscular Dystrophy Canada, the Alberta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay For Life.

Ms. Denise Woollard - MLA for Edmonton-Mill Creek

Father in Heaven, we bring MLA Ms. Denise Woollard representing Edmonton – Mill Creek to you in prayer. We ask that you would be with her as she seeks to carry out her role in the Alberta Legislature. Guide her thoughts and speech and we pray that her plans and strategies would be clearly presented. Bless her and her colleagues today. Amen

Denise Woollard was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Edmonton-Mill Creek, on May 5, 2015.

She currently serves as Chair of the Standing Committee on Legislative Offices and as a member of the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship and the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, Ms. Woollard worked for one term as a university facilitator at the University of Alberta. Previous to this, she worked for 8 years as an educational psychologist and 32 years as a teacher and counsellor at schools throughout the province with the Northland and Parkland school divisions.

An avid volunteer, she has dedicated over 35 years to community service, including serving on the board of directors for the Wabamun Public Library and volunteering for the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, the Citadel Theatre and the Canadian Federation of University Women.

Her extensive educational background includes a master's in education, a bachelor of arts in English, a professional diploma and a diploma in special education.

Ms. Woollard was raised in Edmonton and she and her adult children are long time Edmonton residents.

Mr. Cameron Westhead - MLA for Banff-Cochrane

Lord we are grateful today for Mr. Cameron Westhead, MLA for Banff – Cochrane. We pray that you would continue to lead and guide him in his day to day tasks. We ask that you would give him fresh vision for future endeavors. We also pray that in the middle of his busy schedule that he and his family will always find time to be together. In your name, Amen

Cameron Westhead was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Banff-Cochrane, on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and as a member of the Standing Committee on Families and Communities.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Westhead was a registered nurse with Alberta Health Services for 10 years, beginning in 2005. He most recently worked in the operating room at the Foothills hospital. During this time he also served as a workplace representative, an elected position which he held for four years.

He holds a bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Toronto and a bachelor of arts from Nipissing University.

Mr. Westhead and his wife call Bragg Creek home.

Honourable Robert Wanner - MLA for Medicine Hat

We thank you Lord for Hon. Mr. Robert Wanner and his service to the people of our province. Thank you for the knowledge and experience that he brings to his role in government. It is our prayer that he would continue to have the ability to make the best decisions possible for our communities. We pray that his efforts would be appreciated as he seeks to contribute to the well-being of those he serves. Amen

Speaker

Robert E. Wanner was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Medicine Hat, on May 5, 2015. On June 11, 2015, he was elected Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

As Speaker he serves as chair of the Special Standing Committee on Members' Services and as president of the Alberta branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

Prior to his service with the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Wanner devoted 15 years to Canadians Reaching Out to the World's Children Foundation (CARO), of which he is a founding member and was president from 2000 to 2015. CARO is a Medicine Hat based foundation that is dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children in Medicine Hat and around the world.

Mr. Wanner started his career as a social worker with the province of Alberta in Grande Prairie, Alberta. He then enjoyed a lengthy career with the city of Medicine Hat, where he worked for over 35 years in various senior management and executive-level positions, including as director of preventive social services, as the Medicine Hat Police Service's director of administration and planning and as the superintendent of social planning and housing. In 1995 he was appointed to the executive leadership of the city of Medicine Hat as the public services commissioner, and he then served as a project leader of a major organizational development initiative.

He is a registered social worker (RSW), qualified mediator (QMed) and registered family mediator (RFM). In 2005 he formed and operated a private mediation, conflict resolution and small property development business.

Extensively involved in his community, Mr. Wanner has over 40 years of community service experience, including as a senator for the University of Calgary; a founding member and past president of the Gas City Former Employees Association; a volunteer for the Salvation Army, the United Way and several community theatre organizations and, most recently, as chair of a family care clinic (FCC) steering committee.

He holds a bachelor of arts from the University of Saskatchewan, a master of arts in social welfare policy from McMaster University and a master of business administration from the University of Calgary.

Born in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Mr. Wanner has called Medicine Hat home since 1972. He and his wife, Joan Emard-Wanner, have four children and 11 grandchildren.