Premier Rachel Notley, Edmonton-Strathcona

Today we remember Premier Rachel Notley in prayer Lord.  She has a demanding and challenging position and we ask that she would receive strength to fulfill her duties.  Protect her as she travels and meets so many people - may she find rest and a balance of work and relaxing times. Amen

Rachel Notley was sworn in as the province's 17th Premier on May 24, 2015. She grew up in Fairview, Alberta, and is the daughter of former Alberta ND leader Grant Notley and his wife Sandy.

Having grown up in a passionate political family that believed in the importance of building a fairer, more inclusive society, Rachel was naturally drawn to work to make her home province better, and first ran for election for the Alberta New Democrats in Edmonton-Strathcona in 2008. She was re-elected in 2012 and again in 2015.

Rachel holds a bachelor of arts in political science from the University of Alberta, and a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School. She has worked for a variety of labour unions in both Alberta and British Columbia and served as a ministerial advisor to British Columbia's Attorney General in the 1990s. Rachel's work during her legal career focused on labour law, workers' compensation advocacy and workplace health and safety issues.

Rachel lives in Edmonton's Old Strathcona neighbourhood, along with her husband Lou and their two children Ethan and Sophie.

MLA Jason Nixon, Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre

Lord, thank you for this man of integrity, humility and servant leadership. I pray he would be an inspiration to many other young men, cut from the same cloth; inspiring them to serve, lead, and influence their province. Help him to never forget the servant leadership he learned at the Mustard Seed. Though this context is vastly different, I pray servant heartedness would still be his vision. May he be encouraged and empowered today.

Jason Nixon was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta representing the constituency of Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre on May 5, 2015. He currently serves as Official Opposition Whip.

Mr. Nixon serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Legislative Offices and the Special Standing Committee on Members' Services.

He previously served as a member of the Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Nixon's employment experience largely centred on supporting The Mustard Seed, a Christian not-for-profit organization. Over the course of the 25 years in which he was involved with the charitable organization he served in many roles, including as executive director, a position he held between 2006 and 2011.

More recently and while furthering his studies, Mr. Nixon was elected president of the Athabasca University Students' Union (AUSU), a position he held between April 2014 and May 2015. Previous to this he served as AUSU vice-president of finance and administration from April 2012 to April 2014.

Mr. Nixon lives just west of Sundre with his wife, Tiffany, and his three children.

MLA Chris Nielsen, Edmonton-Decore

We are grateful for the gift you have given to us in MLA Chris Nielsen.  We pray today that You would empower him to excel in every aspect of his work as an MLA.  Use him today as a blessing to his constituents, his colleagues and to the people of Alberta.  We ask that you would bless every part of his life today. Amen

Chris Nielsen was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Edmonton-Decore, on May 5, 2015.  He currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship and the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing.

He previously served as deputy chair of the Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund and as a member of the Special Standing Committee on Members' Services and the Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Nielsen worked as a shipper/receiver for 26 years, beginning in 1990. During his extensive career he represented his colleagues as shop steward for 15 years and filled various committee positions within local 401 of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union. Mr. Nielsen's community work also includes volunteering with the Children's Heart Society in a variety of capacities, including as secretary and as director.  He studied engineering design at NAIT from 1986 to 1988.  Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, he and his family have called Edmonton home since 1982.