MLA Mary Anne Jablonski; Red Deer-North

Father in Heaven we thank you for MLA Mary Anne Jablonski , elected to represent the constituents of Red Deer – North. We pray that you would give her fresh insight as she seeks to fulfill her role in the Legislature for the varied needs of her constituents. We are grateful for the many years she has served here in Alberta and the wisdom she is able to share with those who are new to provincial leadership. In Your Name, Amen

Deputy Chair of Committees

Mary Anne Jablonski was elected to her fifth term as Member of the Legislative Assembly for Red Deer-North on April 23, 2012. She was appointed deputy chair of the Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund to the Standing Committee on Families and Communities in May, 2012.

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

She has also served on the following committees:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

March 18, 2013

Honourable Ken Hughes; Calgary-West

Thank you Lord God that you give Hon. Ken Hughes favor with all the individuals he meets and works with today. We pray that you give him wisdom as he makes decisions and also give him the strategies he needs to put new initiatives in place. Lord, we ask that you would give Mr. Hughes the rest he requires to be most effective and bless him and his family with many good and relaxing times together.  In Jesus Name, Amen

Minister of Energy

Ken Hughes was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for the constituency of Calgary-West on April 23, 2012. He was appointed to cabinet on May 8, 2012, and serves as Minister of Energy.

Mr. Hughes holds an undergraduate degree in agriculture from the University of Alberta. He also has a master’s in public administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University (1981-1983) with a focus on public and corporate finance.

Mr. Hughes is an entrepreneur and the founder of the insurance brokerage firm Alpine Insurance & Financial, Inc., with offices across Alberta. As a successful businessman Mr. Hughes is keenly aware of how the ebb and flow of the economy affects Alberta families. Mr. Hughes is a certified director (ICD.D) and has worked in several business sectors, including property and casualty insurance, energy and energy services and information technology.

Mr. Hughes has a distinguished public service career, which includes serving as the founding chair of Alberta Health Services (2008-2011), chair of the former Headwaters Health Authority (1994-1995) and federal Member of Parliament for the rural riding of Macleod (1988-1993), including appointment as Parliamentary Assistant to the Deputy Prime Minister. Earlier in his career he gained significant experience working at provincial, national and international levels while serving in the positions of senior adviser to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and executive assistant to the Alberta Minister of Education.

Mr. Hughes’ family roots extend deeply in the Alberta cattle industry, prior to the creation of the province of Alberta. Personally, he has served in leadership roles with community organizations as well as volunteering across the province. This includes work on voluntary and community boards like the Lethbridge Community College Board of Governors, the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede Board, the Calgary Counseling Centre, the 2002 Kananaskis Summit Advisory Committee, the 2005 and 2008 Alberta World Cup of Cross-Country Skiing Organizing Committees, the Calgary World Fair Bid Committee Board and the Calgary Technologies Inc. Board. He is the first non-U.S. citizen to be asked to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Midwest Research Institute in Kansas City. As part of a group of 37 Albertans Mr. Hughes and his son, Aidan, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in August 2011, raising over $1 million for orthopedic services in Alberta.

Mr. Hughes and his wife, Denise, have three children.

October 4, 2012

Honourable Doug Horner; Spruce Grove-St. Albert

Father God, we bring Hon. Doug Horner before you asking that you would give him strength and well-being in every area of life so that he may fulfill his call to meet the needs of his constituents in Spruce Grove – St. Albert. May he be aware of the resources available to him to have success today. Thank you for his hard work and that he is known as a person of integrity. May he and his family members  experience your blessing upon their lives. In Your Name, Amen

President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance

Doug Horner was elected to his fourth term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Spruce Grove -St. Albert on April 23, 2012. On May 8, 2012 he was named President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Finance. Previously Mr. Horner had served as Deputy Premier, President of the Treasury Board, Minister of Enterprise and Minister Liaison to the Canadian Forces. He has served as vice-chair of the Agenda and Priorities Committee since 2007.

During his second term he served as Minister of Advanced Education and Technology and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. Additionally, he was a member of the Treasury Board and the Cabinet Policy Committee on the Economy.

Born in Barrhead, Alberta, to Jean and Dr. Hugh Horner, Mr. Horner has spent most of his life in rural Alberta. Three generations of his family have been involved in agriculture, and his father was a previous minister of agriculture.

Mr. Horner also has a solid business background, graduating from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) with a diploma in business. After completing further studies, he was accredited by the Institute of Canadian Bankers.

Before being elected to the Alberta Legislature, Mr. Horner had extensive experience in the private sector, including banking in southern Alberta and the value-added sector of agriculture. He was integral in the start-up and operations of his family’s barley and oat processing mill. Later he became responsible for international marketing and sales of specialty grains for ConAgra out of its Nebraska office. After three years he moved back to Canada and established a trading company for agrifoods and agrifeeds for domestic and international markets.

Mr. Horner is an active member of his community. He is currently a member of the Spruce Grove & District Chamber of Commerce, the St. Albert Parkland Rotary Club, the Royal Canadian Legion, the Loyal Edmonton Regiment Association as well as several other service and community organizations.

Mr. Horner has previously served as a member of the Standing Committee on Law and Regulations, the Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services and the Standing Policy Committee on Justice and Government Services. He has also served as chair of the Alberta government’s Information and Communications Technology Implementation Committee and vice-chair of the Alberta Grain Commission.

September 25, 2013

Honourable Fred Horne; Edmonton-Rutherford

Heavenly Father, bless MLA Hon. Fred Horne in his service representing the constituents of Edmonton-Rutherford in our Capital City. May he experience renewed vision and creativity that will continue to lead him to success in the important role and responsibilities that he fills in our government. We are grateful for his leadership and pray that he will know that the work he does is appreciated.  Amen

Minister of Health

Mr. Horne was elected to his second term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-Rutherford on April 23, 2012.

On May 8, 2012, Mr. Horne was appointed as Minister of Health. He had served as Minister of Health and Wellness since October 2011. He also served as a member of the Cabinet Policy Committee on Public Health & Safety and the Treasury Board. He was also a member of the Standing Committee on Health.

Previously, Mr. Horne served as Parliamentary Assistant to Health and Wellness. Previous committee involvement includes membership on the Select Special Chief Electoral Officer Search Committee and the Standing Committee on Legislative Offices and chair of the Standing Committee on Health.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Mr. Horne worked as a health policy consultant for over 25 years, serving various government bodies and regional health authorities in addition to the public, private and not-for-profit sectors.

Throughout his career Mr. Horne led initiatives to improve access and quality in Canadian public health care and has worked extensively with the Conference Board of Canada, the Alberta government and the Mayo Clinic.

Mr. Horne holds a master of business administration degree from Royal Roads University and a postgraduate certification in dispute resolution from York University.

An avid volunteer, Mr. Horne has served on numerous boards including:

• Alberta Mental Health Board
• Athabasca University
• Mediation and Restorative Justice Centre of Edmonton
• Canadian Student Debating Federation

Additionally, Mr. Horne is a former debater and coached Team Canada at the World Schools Debating Championships. For his continued contributions to the development of debate and speech programs Mr. Horne received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002.

Mr. Horne and his wife, Jennifer, have lived in Edmonton since 1992.

May 14, 2012

MLA Kent Hehr; Calgary-Buffalo

Dear Jesus, we thank you for MLA Mr. Kent Hehr, serving the constituency of Calgary-Buffalo. It is our prayer that he be blessed in all he puts his hand to today as he fulfills 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 Name, Amen

Kent Hehr was elected to his second term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Calgary-Buffalo on April 23, 2012.

He currently serves as a member of the following committees:

• Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing
• Standing Committee on Public Accounts
• Standing Committee on Alberta´s Economic Future

Previously, in addition to his regular duties as MLA, Mr. Hehr served as Deputy Leader of the Official Opposition and as a member of the following committees:

• Standing Committee on Resource Management
• Standing Committee on Education (deputy chair)
• Standing Committee on Energy
• Special Standing Committee on Members´ Services

Prior to his election as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Mr. Hehr practiced law with the firm of Fraser Milner Casgrain since 2001.

Mr. Hehr pursued postsecondary studies at Mount Royal College and completed both his bachelor of arts degree and bachelor of laws degree at the University of Calgary, where he was named graduate of the decade and ranked among the top 40 graduates in 40 years.

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

• National Education Association of Disabled Students, president
• Calgary Advisory Committee on Accessibility, chair
• Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta), chair
• Calgary Downtown West Community Association
• United Way of Calgary Leaders Committee
• Calgary Canuck Alumni Association

Mr. Hehr has a keen interest in current events and enjoys hockey and baseball.

March 18, 2013

Honourable Dave Hancock; Edmonton-Whitemud

Thank you, Lord, for Edmonton-Whitemud MLA, Hon. Dave Hancock and his passion as he represents the people of his constituency. We pray for him to experience renewed strength and joy as he serves in his many responsibilities and seeks to meet the various needs of Albertans. Give him wisdom and insight to know what he should attend to today to be most effective. May he and his family find opportunity to enjoy recreational time together. In Jesus Name, Amen

Minister of Human Services

Government House Leader

Dave Hancock is in his fifth term as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-Whitemud. On May 8, 2012, he was appointed Minister of Human Services and Government House Leader.

In addition, Dave currently serves as a member of the Operations Committee and the Cabinet Policy Committee on Public Health & Safety.

Prior to his current appointment, Dave served as Minister of Education, vice-chair of the Cabinet Policy Committee on Community Services and as a member of the Agenda and Priorities Committee and the Treasury Board.

In his third term, Dave served as Minister of Health and Wellness and as Government House Leader. He was also appointed as a member of the Agenda and Priorities Committee, Treasury Board, the Legislative Review Committee, the Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing Committee, and the Cabinet Policy Committee on Community Services.

He has previously served as the Minister of Advanced Education, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Minister of Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs, and vice-chair of the Standing Policy Committee on Education and Employment. During each of his terms in office, Dave has served as a member of Treasury Board and the Agenda and Priorities Committee.

Dave is a lawyer by profession and was a partner with Matheson and Company, Barristers and Solicitors, before entering public service. He received an arts degree in political science and economics, and a law degree from the University of Alberta.

He is a strong believer in giving back to the community. He supports numerous nonprofit and service organizations as time permits, including Success By 6, Meals on Wheels, and Kiwanis Club.

Dave was born in Fort Resolution, N.W.T. He lived in Hazelton, B.C., and the northern Alberta community of Fort Vermilion, graduating from La Crête Public School before moving to Edmonton to attend university.

He and his wife, Janet, have three children: Ian, Janis and Janine.

May 14, 2012

MLA Jason Hale; Strathmore-Brooks

Heavenly Father, may your blessing be upon our MLA representing the people of Strathmore-Brooks, Mr. Jason Hale. Thank you for his faithful service in our Alberta government and we pray that you would continue to surround him with those will assist him in effectively carrying out his role. May he and those close to him experience your peace and kindness and we request this in your name Father God, Amen

Jason Hale was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Strathmore-Brooks on April 23, 2012. He is a member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship.

Mr. Hale was born and raised near Bassano. In 2010 the Hale family celebrated a century of living in the community. He and his wife and two sons currently run a cow-calf operation. Mr. Hale has also worked as a consultant in the oil and gas sector and as a professional bullfighter.

Mr. Hale graduated from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) with a chemical technology diploma.

An active member of his community, Mr. Hale has been a member of the Bassano Rodeo Committee for the past eight years and a director of the Bassano Agricultural Society for the past three years. He has also regularly volunteered as a coach and manager with community hockey and baseball teams.

Mr. Hale and his family reside on their farm in Bassano.

July 13, 2012

Honourable Doug Griffiths; Battle River-Wainwright

Dear God, we pray today for Hon. Doug Griffiths representing the people of Battle River-Wainwright 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 Hon. Doug Griffiths with health and well-being in every area of life. In Your Name, Amen

Minister of Municipal Affairs

Doug Griffiths was first elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta at the age of 29 for the constituency of Wainwright in a by-election on April 8, 2002. He was re-elected to the Legislature to represent the constituency of Battle River-Wainwright on November 22, 2004, March 3, 2008, and for a fourth term on April 23, 2012.

On May 8, 2012 Mr. Griffiths was named Minister of Municipal Affairs, a position he was originally sworn into in October 2011.

Previous appointments include serving as parliamentary assistant for the Department of Finance and Enterprise and as parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. He also served on the following committees:

• Standing Committee on Public Safety and Services
• Standing Committee on Health
• Public Accounts
• Standing Committee on the Economy
• Alberta Grain Commission (vice-chair)
• Private Members Business House Strategy Committee (chair)
• Standing Policy Committee on Energy and Sustainable Development (chair)
• Rural Development Strategies Task Force (chair)
• Agenda and Priorities Committee
• Standing Policy Committee on Economic Development and Finance
• Standing Policy Committee on Agriculture and Municipal Affairs
• Learning Alberta Steering Committee
• Health Services Utilization and Outcomes Commission (now called the Health Quality Council)
• MLA Committee on Strengthening Alberta’s Role in Confederation
• Standing Committee on Public Accounts (deputy chair)
• Standing Committee on Resources and Environment

Before becoming a Member of the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Griffiths received an honours degree in philosophy and a degree in education, both from the University of Alberta. During the three years prior to his election he taught at Byemoor School, where he was nominated every year for an award in teaching, once for the Edwin Parr Award and twice for the Pan Canadian Student Choice Award.

Mr. Griffiths and his wife, Sue, have two boys, Austin (born December 2005) and Brady (born August 2008).

May 14, 2012

MLA Hector Goudreau; Dunvegan-Central Peace-Notley

We are thankful for Hector Goudreau and his many years of service in the Alberta Legislature.  We ask for your wisdom as he sits on various committees and also meets with residents of his constituency, Dunvegan-Central Peace-Notley.  We pray also for good health and many opportunities for family time.  In Jesus name we pray.

Hector Goudreau was elected to his fourth term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Dunvegan-Central Peace-Notley on April 23, 2012. Currently Mr. Goudreau serves on the Standing Committee on Private Bills, the Standing Committee for Privileges, Elections, Standing Orders and Printing, the Standing Committee for Families and Communities and the Select Special Chief Electoral Officer Search Committee.

Mr. Goudreau has served as chair of the Cabinet Policy Committee on Community Development, a member and as the deputy chair of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and as a member of the Standing Committee on Community Development, Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future, the Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services and the Legislative Review Committee.

Previously, Mr. Goudreau served as Minister of Municipal Affairs, Minister of Employment and Immigration and Minister of Tourism, Parks, Recreation and Culture. He also served as Deputy Government House Leader.

Mr. Goudreau has served as a member of the Standing Policy Committee on Agriculture and Municipal Affairs, vice-chair of the Alberta Grain Commission, a member of the Historic Dunvegan Advisory Committee and a member of the Heritage Savings Trust Fund Committee. He has also served as a member of the standing committees on Private Bills and Public Accounts as well as the Standing Policy Committee on Learning and Employment.

Mr. Goudreau sat as a council member with the town of Falher and also spent some time as deputy mayor.

Born on October 11, 1950, Mr. Goudreau was raised on a dairy farm in Beaumont. He graduated from the University of Alberta with a bachelor of science degree, majoring in agriculture. He also completed a number of courses at the universities of Duluth, Minnesota and Montana.

With 27 years as a district agriculturist, he has worked as a crop specialist for the provincial government, was the assistant manager of Falher Alfalfa, an agronomist in Australia, farmed with his family and has his own farm. Mr. Goudreau was a recipient of the government of Alberta’s employee award for 25 years of service.

Mr. Goudreau is and has been involved with community and professional organizations, including:

• Alberta Institute of Agrologists, member
• Agricultural Society, member
• Agriculture-related organizations: seed cleaning plants, AADC and a canola product team
• Peace County Development Corporation, chair
• Falher and Area Economic Development Committee
• SCENO - Enterprise Centre
• Smoky Applied Research and Demonstration Association (SARDA)
• Northwest Corridor Development Corporation, member
• Smoky River Water Co-op, member
• Smoky River trade shows
• Knights of Columbus, member
• Canadian Parents for French
• School committees, church committees

He received the Knights of Columbus Knight of the Year award in 1987.

Mr. Goudreau lives in Falher with his wife, Angeline. They have three daughters: Micheline, Monique and Melanie. In his free time he enjoys travelling, fishing, curling, reading and farming.

November 1, 2013

MLA Yvonne Fritz; Calgary-Cross

We are thankful for Yvonne Fritz and her many years of commitment to the constituents of Calgary-Cross.  We pray for continued strength and creativity in her life as she meets with constituents and also volunteers.   We ask also pray for refreshment for her and joy in her service to our province.   Bless her family in Jesus name.

Yvonne Fritz was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta as the Member for Calgary-Cross in 1993 and was elected for her sixth term on April 23, 2012. She currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Private Bills, the Standing Committee on Families and Communities and the Standing Committee of Privileges, Elections, Standing Orders and Printing.

In addition to her duties as a Member, she served as chair of the Standing Committee on Public Health and Safety during the 27th Legislature and more recently as a member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.

Previously she served as Minister of Children and Youth Services. In her capacity as Minister of Children and Youth Services, she worked with families and communities to provide nurturing, safe environments for children and youth. In addition to her ministerial appointment, she served as a member of the Agenda and Priorities Committee.

Initially named to Cabinet in 2004, Mrs. Fritz served as Minister of Seniors and Community Supports, Associate Minister of Housing and Urban Development in 2007 and Minister of the newly-created Housing and Urban Affairs in 2008.

Prior to serving as a Minister of the Crown, Mrs. Fritz served as the Chair of the Cabinet Policy Committee on Managing Growth Pressures, as a member of Treasury Board and chaired both the Alberta Multicultural Commission and the Women’s Breast Cancer Screening Council. She also sponsored three Private Members’ Bills, including a bill for mandatory bicycle helmet use for children and teenagers.

From 1988 until 1993, Mrs. Fritz served as a City of Calgary Alderman in Ward 5, one of Canada’s largest civic ridings.

Prior to seeking elected office, Mrs. Fritz worked as a registered nurse at Calgary General Hospital for over 20 years.

As a long-time resident of Calgary-Cross, Mrs. Fritz is an active member in local associations and a strong advocate for volunteerism and community involvement.

She is married to Lanny; they have two grown children.

November 1, 2013