Mr. Wayne Drysdale - MLA for Grande Prairie-Wapiti

Father, we lift up Mr. Wayne Drysdale to you today. We ask that you would use him in the role as MLA for the constituency of Grande Prairie-Wapiti to move things forward and bring about good changes. Give him wisdom in the decisions he makes while in his legislative office. We pray blessing upon his family. Lord, show your love to him and may he experience health and well-being as he faithfully serves his province. Amen

Wayne Drysdale was elected to his third term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Grande Prairie-Wapiti on May 5, 2015.

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

He had previously served as Minister of Transportation and as Minister of Infrastructure.

Mr. Drysdale has also served as deputy whip and as a member of the following Standing Committees of the Legislative Assembly:

• Private Bills
• Finance

Previous committee involvement includes serving as a member of the Treasury Board, chairing the cabinet policy committee on Resources and the Environment, and serving on the cabinet policy committee on Public Safety and Services and the Standing Committees on Public Accounts and Resources and Environment.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Mr. Drysdale spent 15 years as councilor for the municipal district of Greenview and served as chair of both the Agricultural Service Board and the Municipal Planning Commission.

Active in his community, Mr. Drysdale has served on the following boards:

• Grande Prairie Regional Emergency Medical Service (vice-chair and founding member)
• Community Futures Grande Prairie & Region
• Grovedale/South Wapiti Recreation Board
• Alberta Milk Producers
• Alberta Beef Producers
• Grovedale Volunteer Fire Department

Mr. Drysdale and his wife, Sherry, live on the family farm in the Grande Prairie area. Their daughter, Jodie, along with her husband, Don, and daughters Tory and Sydney also live in the region. In 2001, following the tragic death of their son, Troy, the family established a bursary for local students pursuing a career in emergency services, fire or EMS in Northern Alberta. To date the bursary has helped fill 49 emergency response positions in the region.

Deborah Drever - MLA for Calgary-Bow

Heavenly Father, we come with gratitude for MLA Deborah Drever and for the experience she brings to her portfolio. Give her the ability to discern and focus on the things of most importance for Alberta and the constituency of Calgary – Bow. Help her to build strong relationships with people who are influential and can assist her in bringing the province into greater prosperity. Bless and refresh her this summer. Amen

Deborah Drever was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta as the Member for the constituency of Calgary-Bow on May 5, 2015.

Drever currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Private Bills, the Standing Committee on Families and Communities and the Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee.

Born and raised in Calgary, Drever is enrolled at Mount Royal University, working towards a bachelor of arts degree in sociology.

Throughout post secondary studies Drever has been active in various human rights organizations. Drever is a member of a feminist collective, and shares in discourse focusing on women's issues in Alberta.

Also active within the local community, Drever has volunteered with a variety of not-for-profit organizations around Calgary since the age of eight. Drever has devoted over a decade to supporting the Calgary Folk Music Festival and has worked for over five years with GlobalFest, an international event that features fireworks displays and celebrates cultural diversity. Drever has also canvassed for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Diabetes Association and the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

Drever enjoys advocating for social justice and experiencing Calgary's vibrant arts community. Hobbies include hiking, skiing, travelling and learning new languages.

Mr. Thomas Dang - MLA for Edmonton-South West

Dear Father in Heaven, we are thankful today for MLA Mr. Thomas Dang in the constituency of Edmonton-South-West. We ask Lord that you would bless him and all he puts his hand to. May he sense your presence, giving him wisdom and understanding in all the decisions he must make. Encourage him each day as he continues to help meet the needs of his constituents. Bless him, keep him and his family safe and may they know your peace. Amen

Thomas Dang was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Edmonton-South West, on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund, the Special Standing Committee on Members' Serves and the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship. He previously served as a member of the Standing Committee on Private Bills.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Dang worked in software development while pursuing a degree in computing science at the University of Alberta.

Throughout his youth, he has been an activist and advocate for social policy and student issues.

Mr. Dang was born and raised in Edmonton.

Mr. Lorne Dach - MLA for Edmonton-McClung

Dear God, we thank you for MLA Lorne Dach. We appreciate his devoted service to the people of Edmonton-McClung. We pray for him today that he may know ongoing strength, wisdom and understanding. May you continue to bless him with insight into the many challenging matters he must address on a daily basis. Be with him and the staff around him, in Jesus name, Amen

Lorne Dach was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta in the constituency of Edmonton-McClung 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 Alberta’s Economic Future. He previously served as deputy chair of the Standing Committee on Legislative Offices.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, he worked for close to 30 years in the real estate industry as an Associate Broker.

Community minded, he has also dedicated his time to volunteer efforts, which include serving on the board of directors of homeEd, the City of Edmonton Non-Profit Housing Corporation, for six years and volunteering as a probation officer with Alberta Solicitor General's court intake unit for two years.

Mr. Dach was born, raised and educated in Edmonton. He holds a bachelor of arts in political science from the University of Alberta and has called Edmonton-McClung home for more than 25 years.

Mr. Scott Cyr - MLA for Bonnyville-Cold Lake

Lord, we want to thank you for MLA Scott Cyr and the passion and vision he has for not only his constituency but for our province. Provide him today with insight, great wisdom and an understanding of the issues at hand and how to bring the necessary changes. May he have many enjoyable times with friends and family this summer. Amen

Scott Cyr was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Bonnyville-Cold Lake, on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and the Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Cyr worked as an accountant for 14 years. Previous to his career in accounting he was a field operator in the oil and gas industry.

His educational background includes a management degree with a double major in accounting and finance, which he obtained from the University of Lethbridge in 1999. In 2003 he acquired his class 4 power engineering certificate from the Alberta Boilers Safety Association and his registered public accountant designation from the Registered Public Accountants Association.

An active community member, Mr. Cyr spent two years volunteering as director of the Lakeland Credit Union.

Mr. Cyr along with his family — wife, Megan, and two children, Amelia and Charlotte — reside in Cold Lake where he enjoys reading, gardening, fishing and working on various projects around the home.

Estefania Cortes-Vargas - MLA for Strathcona-Sherwood Park

Dear Heavenly Father, We pray together today for MLA Ms. Estefania Cortes-Vargas that she would be given wisdom to represent her riding well. May she experience success as she makes decisions and changes and have people who would support her and assist her. We pray that she would have time for local services and to continue to help those who are disabled. May she and her family have great refreshing times together this summer. Amen

Estefania Cortes-Vargas was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Strathcona-Sherwood Park on May 5, 2015.

Cortes-Vargas currently serves as Government Whip, deputy chair of the Special Standing Committee on Members' Services and as a member of the Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee. Previous committee membership includes having served as chair of the Standing Committee on Legislative Offices.

Cortes-Vargas was a student of MacEwan University's social work program and worked for the Edmonton public school board for over four years as an educational assistant and previously as a facilitator for the Multicultural Health Brokers Co-operative.

Cortes-Vargas is very active in the community, lending efforts to many initiatives such as coaching for a tae kwon do program that serves families with children with disabilities.

Mr. Nathan Cooper - MLA for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for MLA Nathan Cooper and his faithfulness and ask that you would give him and his colleagues, wisdom for the decisions before them. May he represent the people of Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills well and have a clear understanding of the needs of rural communities. Give him insight as well as guidance as he meet with various standing committees and may they experience unity in their decisions. In your name, Amen (Gr. 6 Student)

Nathan Cooper was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills, on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves on the following committees:

• Standing Committee on Legislative Offices
• Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing
• Special Standing Committee on Members' Services

Prior to serving as a Member of the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Cooper held a number of employment positions but most recently was chief of staff and director of legislative affairs for the Wildrose caucus. Previous to this, he served two terms as councillor for the town of Carstairs.

Having been involved in the 4-H program from a young age, Mr. Cooper has won numerous public speaking awards, and he continues to support 4-H as a volunteer judge. Mr. Cooper also had the privilege of being a Rotary Club exchange student in 1998 and still continues to support the Rotary Club today.

Mr. Cooper and his wife, Tanya, are raising three children – Porter, Paxton and Peyton – in their hometown of Carstairs.

Mr. Craig Coolahan - MLA for Calgary-Klein

Almighty Father, we want to thank you today for Craig Coolahan. We pray for your blessings to be upon him as he continues to serve in his role as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-Millcreek. Grant him continued insight and clarity into the issues he must address at the constituency level and provide him with ongoing wisdom and conviction in his role in the Legislature. Watch over him in his many dimensions of life and service. We pray all this in Jesus name, Amen

Craig Coolahan was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Calgary-Klein on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves as chair of the Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund and as a member of the standing committees on Alberta’s Economic Future and Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing. He previously served as chair of the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future.

Prior to his election Mr. Coolahan was employed as a business representative with the United Utility Workers’ Association, where he managed the administration of several contracts and represented hundreds of workers in the electricity transmission industry.

Mr. Coolahan holds degrees in English and in journalism and worked in various writing and editing capacities for nearly 15 years, including six as a technical writer for a Calgary-based utility company.

He and his wife, Sarah, have two children, Mehna and Kieran.

Michael Connolly - MLA for Calgary-Hawkwood

Lord God, we ask today that you would continue to bless Michael Connolly as he serves the wonderful people of Calgary-Hawkwood and fulfills his role in our government. Grant him clarity, wisdom and strength in all that he does. May he know your love, care and peace filling up his life. Bless him and all those working around him with your awesome presence. Amen

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

Connolly currently serves as deputy chair of the Standing Committee on Private Bills and is a member of the Standing Committee on Alberta's Economic Future and the Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee. Connolly previously served as a member of the Standing Committee on Legislative Offices.

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. Connolly gained valuable experience while completing an internship with an office of a Member of Parliament. During this time Connolly helped to organize a forum for young women leaders from all over Canada.

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

Mr. Greg Clark - MLA for Calgary-Elbow

Dear Lord, we bring before you Mr. Greg Clark. We ask that you would empower him to hear and respond to the needs of those in his constituency of Calgary – Elbow with wise insight. May he always serve Albertans with honesty and with integrity. In all he does may he sense your kindness and love for him. Bless him and his family with good times together this summer. 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

Dear Jesus, we pray that you would help the Honourable Joe Ceci as he gives leadership in the Premier’s Cabinet as Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board. Give him wisdom and the ability to think outside the box and develop new and creative ways to bring prosperity to this province. Bless him with health and peace. Amen (Grade 6 Student)

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 Viewsmagazine.

He and his wife, Christine, call Calgary home.

Jon Carson - MLA for Edmonton-Meadowlark

Dear Lord, we pray for MLA Mr. Jonathan Carson. We thank you that he is one to give attention to the details that will have an effect on the well-being of his constituents. We ask you to guide him concerning the issues that affect those of his constituents in Edmonton – Meadow Lark. Increase his wisdom and insight that he may accomplish even more of the things that you have called him to fulfill. Bless him with health and strength. Amen

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

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

Carson 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 the election Carson was employed as an electrician.

Honourable Oneil Carlier - MLA for Whitecourt-Ste. Anne

Dear Heavenly Father, we pray today for Honourable Oneil Carlier as he serves our Premier as Minister of Agriculture and Forestry. Help him to accomplish these things that are on his heart to do for our province. May he be guided by your wisdom and have insight and creative solutions for every issue he faces. Strengthen him and give him courage. Amen (Grade 6 Student)

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry

Deputy Government House Leader

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. On February 2, 2016, Mr. Carlier was named Deputy Government House Leader.

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 geo-technical 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 on a farm 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

Dear God, we look to you on behalf of Honourable Deron Bilous, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister of Service Alberta. Grant him all the strength he needs to carry out his Ministerial responsibilities. May he experience your grace in his many tasks and have renewed passion as he serves in the Premiers Cabinet. Bless his family, his staff and those who support and serve with him. Amen

Minister of Economic Development and Trade

Deputy Government House Leader

Deron Bilous was sworn in as Minister of Economic Development and Trade on October 22, 2015. Prior to this, he served as Minister of Municipal Affairs and as Minister of Service Alberta.

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.

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.

Prior to his election in 2012, Mr. Bilous taught and mentored students at Edmonton's Inner City High School and was active in his community of Beverly Heights.

Between 1995 and 2005, Mr. Bilous was involved in a number of projects with the Canada World Youth program, a volunteer youth program focusing on international development. His work with Canada World Youth took him to Quebec, Tunisia and China.

Mr. Bilous lives in the Beverly area in northeast Edmonton with his wife Rose and his stepchildren.

Mr. Drew Barnes - MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat

Dear Heavenly Father, we pray for your blessings to rest upon Mr. Drew Barnes as he represents families, businesses and the institutions in his constituency of Cypress and Medicine Hat. Please continue to help him to serve with integrity and wisdom. Thank you that you are with him and fill him with peace throughout tough times. Keep him safe during his road trips. Amen (Grade 6 Student)

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

Dear God, we pray together today for our Stony Plain MLA, Erin Babcock. We ask that you would bless her for all the hard work she does on behalf of the province of Alberta. Give her wisdom for all the decisions she makes and the resources needed to carry them out. May she and her family experience your presence, health and renewed strength. In Jesus name, Amen (Grade 6 Student)

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

She currently serves as the deputy chair of the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing, 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

Dear Lord, we join together in prayer today for MLA Mr. Wayne Anderson, asking that your blessing and good fortune would be with him. Help him to make wise choices and decisions as he considers the future of the constituency of Highwood Alberta and our province. We pray that he would enjoy his day, the tasks at hand and the people he meets. Take away stress and may he experience strength and confidence as he serves, for you are with him. Amen (Grade 6 Student)

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

Dear Lord, We pray for MLA Mr. Shaye Anderson. Grant him favor with the many people he meets and works with on a daily basis. Multiply his time and renew his energy. Give him safety when he travels and renew his strength each and every day. In Jesus name, Amen (Grade 6 Student)

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

He currently serves as the deputy chair of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and as a member of the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future. He previously served as a member of the Standing Committee on Private Bills and as a member of 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

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You that You are with MLA Ms. Leela Aheer as she serves in our government and on numerous committees.  Renew her strength and vision for the work You have called her to do day by day.   Bless her efforts in her constituency of Chestermere – Rockyview.  Thank You for her desire to make it a better place to live, work and play.  Amen.   (Grade 6 student) 

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 in 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 ask that You would please be with Mr. Tany Yao as he serves in our government and his constituency of Fort McMurray – Wood Buffalo.  Give him safety in his travels and strength for each and every day.  Protect him and his family so they can be strong for one another.  We ask for an increase of creativity, discernment and objectivity as he continues to serve Albertans.  Amen.  (Grade 6 student)

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.