Mr. Shayne Saskiw - MLA for Lac La Biche-St. Paul-Two Hills

Dear Lord, our prayer is focused today on our MLA Mr. Shayne Saskiw and ask for Your blessing on Him and his family.  We pray that You would continue to give him the vision and heart to serve the many diverse cultures represented in his large constituency.  May he always be a strong leader in our province and always speak up for what is right and true.  Help him to be encouraged knowing that many people are remembering him in prayer today.  Amen.

Shayne Saskiw was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Lac La Biche-St. Paul-Two Hills on April 23, 2012. He currently serves on the Select Special Ethics Commissioner Search Committee and the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing. Previously he served on the Standing Committee on Families and Communities and the Select Special Chief Electoral Officer Search Committee.

Mr. Saskiw was born and raised in the Two Hills area and grew up working on the family purebred cattle farm. Mr. Saskiw, being awarded the Dean’s Citation in Law, has a Bachelor of Laws with Distinction from the University of Alberta, winning the Silver Medal. He also holds a Bachelor of Commerce with Distinction.

Mr. Saskiw practices law with a specialization in tax litigation, having worked at a premiere tax law boutique firm and clerked at the Tax Court of Canada in Ottawa.

Mrs. Janice Sarich - MLA for Edmonton-Decore

Father in Heaven, we are thankful today for MLA Janice Sarich and the important role she plays in our legislature here in Alberta.  Guide her in the busyness of her schedule and help her to focus on the things most necessary and important to attend to.  We ask that as Mrs. Sarich serves the communities of Edmonton – Decore that she would experience Your refreshing.  Amen.

Janice Sarich was elected to her second term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-Decore on April 23, 2012. She currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future.

Previously she served as a member of the Standing Committee Private Bills and the Standing Committee on Families and Communities.

In addition to serving as an MLA during her first term, she was appointed to the position of parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Education on March 12, 2008. In addition, she served as a member of the Cabinet Policy Committee on Education, the Standing Committee on Private Bills and the Standing Committee on Education.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, Mrs. Sarich served as the Ward 2 Edmonton Catholic School Board trustee from 2001 to 2007. Before entering public service, Janice was president of her own business consulting company.

Born and raised in Edmonton, Mrs. Sarich has a bachelor’s degree in physical education and a master’s of education degree from the University of Alberta. She also holds project management and project leadership certificates from NAIT.

An avid volunteer, Mrs. Sarich has been involved with the following community organizations:

• Junior League of Edmonton Advisory Committee
• Catholic Social Services - Children and Youth Family-Based Services Advisory Committee
• Public Interest Alberta’s – Democracy Task Force
• Advisory Committee member to the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights Symposium: A More Democratic Alberta: How Do We Get There?

Mrs. Sarich and her husband, Steve, have two children and live in Edmonton-Decore.

Mr. Peter Sandhu - MLA for Edmonton-Manning

Lord God we thank You for MLA Peter Sandhu and for the strength to continue to serve the people of our Province.  Thank You for his unique gifts and for the experience that he brings to the role he fills in government.  It is our prayer today that he would have the ability to make the best possible decisions for the communities he represents.  We pray that You would bless him for his efforts.  In Your Holy Name,  Amen.

Mr. Sandhu was elected to his second term as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-Manning on April 23, 2012. He currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Families and Communities and the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.

Previously, he served on the following Standing Committees:

• Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund
• Privileges, Elections, Standing Orders and Printing
• Alberta’s Economic Future
• Private Bills
• Finance

Prior to serving as a Member of the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Sandhu had significant experience as a businessman and community leader. He sits on the boards of several community-based organizations and has volunteered for the following organizations:

• East Indian Community Council
• Indo-Canadian Liaison Committee
• Sikh Federation of Edmonton (former president)
• Masters Games Kabaddi Committee

An active member of his community, Mr. Sandhu was the recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, recognizing his contribution to the city and province, and was also an Alberta Centennial Ambassador in 2005.

Mr. Sandhu was born in Manawan, India in the Punjab Province. He immigrated to Canada in 1979, and married his wife Kamal in 1984. They have three children: Preetinder, Bhavneet and Inderdeep.

Mr. Bruce Rowe - MLA for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills

Our prayer today Lord God is for the MLA for Olds – Didsbury – Three Hills.   We pray that You would be with Mr. Bruce Rowe as he meets with his constituents, many of whom are involved in the farming community which is important to the prosperity of this Province.  May he receive insight and understanding in regards to their needs.  Bless him and his family and may they experience Your love and presence today.  Amen

Bruce Rowe was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills on April 23, 2012. He serves as the Official Opposition critic for Municipal Affairs. Mr. Rowe currently serves on the Standing Committee on Private Bills and the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future. Previously he served as deputy chair on the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship.

Mr. Rowe was born and raised in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. After graduating from St. Louis high school, he became an electrician. Mr. Rowe owned and operated an electrical contracting company in Calgary for 35 years. He retired from the private sector in 2005, allowing him to focus his attention and energy on serving the people of Beiseker and all Albertans.

For 10 years Mr. Rowe was involved with the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association as a director and vice-president. He also served as a director with the Alberta Municipal Services Corporation for eight years.

Mr. Rowe served the village of Beiseker in a variety of public roles, including councillor, mayor and library board member in the last 10 years.

Mr. Rowe and his wife, Carol, are proud to call Beiseker home. They have two grown children and two grandchildren. In his spare time he likes to play golf and restore old cars. He also previously served in the Uncle at Large program for three years.

Mr. George Rogers - MLA for Leduc-Beaumont

Father in Heaven our prayer today is for Mr. George Rogers as he faithfully serves the constituents of the region of Leduc and Beaumont in the beautiful Province of Alberta.  May he know that You go before him preparing the way for success and will help him to accomplish the things he needs to do today.  We pray for safety as he travels and that You would bring him in contact with people in his constituency he needs to connect with.  In Your Name,  Amen. 

Deputy Speaker, Chair of Committees

George Rogers was elected to his third term as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Leduc-Beaumont April 23, 2012. He was elected Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees on May 23, 2012.

He currently serves on the following committees:

• Select Special Ethics Commissioner Search Committee (chair)
• Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future
• Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing (deputy chair)

In addition, Mr. Rogers served as chair of the Cabinet Policy Committee for Public Health and Safety, deputy chair of the Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services and as a member of the following committees:

• Standing Committee on Legislative Offices
• Select Special Chief Electoral Officer Search Committee (chair)
• Select Special Information and Privacy Commissioner Search Committee
• Special Standing Committee on Members Services
• Standing Committee on Public Health and Safety
• Legislative Review Committee
• Select Special search committees for the Ombudsman
• Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund
• Private Bills
• Managing Growth Pressures
• Select Special Auditor General Search Committee
• Standing Committee on Public Safety and Services

Mr. Rogers moved to Leduc in 1975 and is a graduate of Leduc Composite High. In 1980, he obtained a Diploma in Accounting from NAIT, followed by a Certificate in Local Government Studies from the University of Alberta in 1988.

He has worked as an assistant controller for an oil company, served as assistant treasurer for the City of Leduc, and assistant town manager for the Town Of Redcliff.

In 1992, he moved back to Leduc and started a successful real estate career with Royal Lepage. In the fall of 1992, He ran successfully for city council, and was re-elected in 1995. In 1998 he was elected mayor, and was re-elected in 2001. He was a 10-year board member of The Alberta Urban Municipalities Association, and served as President from 2001 to 2003. He also served as a board member of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. For his work with the AUMA, Mr. Rogers was recognized by Alberta Venture Magazine as one of Alberta’s 50 Most Influential people in 2003. In 2012, Mr. Rogers was recognized by NAIT as one of the 50 outstanding grads of the past 50 years.
He is the proud father of three adult children, and an avid community volunteer, who has been a member of the Leduc Lions Club for over 20 years.

Honourable Dave Rodney - MLA for Calgary-Lougheed

Dear Lord, we thank you for Honourable Dave, bless him has an ambassador for Alberta to the rest of Canada and the nations. Give him wisdom and excellence as he assists in the direction and leadership in the ministry of health and wellness. Care for his family as he travels and serves this province, in Jesus name.

Associate Minister – Wellness (reporting to the Minister of Health)

Honourable Dave Rodney was elected to his third term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for the constituency of Calgary-Lougheed on April 23, 2012. He was appointed to the provincial cabinet on May 8, 2012, as the new Associate Minister – Wellness for the province of Alberta. Mr. Rodney has focused his activity on his constituency, but his government work has taken him across Canada, the US, Europe, and beyond.

In addition, Mr. Rodney has also served on the following agencies, boards, committees, and commissions:

• Alberta Energy Representative to the Council of State Governments--USA West & USA Midwest
• Agenda and Priorities Committee
• Cabinet Policy on Energy
• Standing Committee on Energy
• Cabinet Policy Committee on Community Services
• Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (chair)
• Calgary caucus (chair)
• Standing Committee on Legislative Offices (chair)
• Standing Committee on Community Services (chair)
• Public Accounts (deputy chair)
• International Development and Governance Advisory
• Cabinet Policy on Public Health and Safety
• Standing Committee on Public Health and Safety
• Cabinet Policy Committee on Managing Growth Pressures
• Charitable Casino Funds Re-distribution
• Community Spirit Program
• Provincial Grants Review
• Legislature Grounds Renewal
• Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services
• Southern Alberta Liaison to the Canadian Armed Forces
• Calgary Stampede Board of Directors
• Robert Bateman’s “Get To Know Your Wild Neighbours”
• Strategic Tourism Marketing Council
• National Public Health Goals Re-evaluation

Other past committee work includes:

• Futures Summit
• Youth parliament and model United Nations
• Mayor’s committee charter member: Turn Off the Violence and Peace Heroes

Mr. Rodney’s Legislature motions for the spring 2010 session:

Be it resolved the Legislative Assembly urge the government:

1. To reach an agreement with applicable levels of government regarding the south west portion of the Calgary ring road in 2010, with construction to begin in 2011.
2. To introduce hands-free mobile device legislation in order to reduce the instances of distracted driving.

In the Assembly Mr. Rodney has sponsored the following bills:

• Bill 201: Smoke-free Places Act, 2005
• Bill 21: Hotel Room Tax (Tourism Levy) Amendment Act, 2005
• Bill PR1: Burns Memorial Trust Amendment Act, 2006
• Bill 5: Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2007
• Bill 13: Access to the Future Amendment Act, 2007
• Bill 42: Insurance Amendment Act, 2007
• Bill 206: Alberta Personal Income Tax (Physical Activity Credit) Amendment Act, 2008 (awaiting proclamation)
• Bill 203: Alberta Get Outdoors weekend Act, 2011

Mr. Rodney’s accomplishments, education and work history:

• The first Canadian to have reached the summit of Mount Everest twice
• International keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, world-wide adventure guide
• Founder/President/CEO of SpiritQuest Enterprises Inc.,incorporated 1997
• Over 20 documentaries and books, including work with National Geographic, BBC and Oprah Winfrey
• A bachelor of arts with distinction (1987) and bachelor of education after degree (1988), University of Saskatchewan
• MRE with distinction, Newman college in Edmonton
• Thirteen years as an educator and administrator in Canada, Nepal and the West Indies
• Three terms as an Employment and Immigration Canada placement officer
• Cofounder of the Top of the World Society for Children with his wife, Jennifer

Mr. Rodney has been awarded many honours, including;

• Presidential Who’s Who of Leaders and Executives, 2011
• Honourary Chair: Duke of Edinburgh Award
• Honourary Chair: KidSport Calgary
• 100 Alumni of Influence, University of Saskatchewan, 2007
• Listed in Alberta’s 50 Most Influential People, Alberta Venture Magazine, 2005
• Humanitarian of the Year, University of Saskatchewan, 2004
• Houston WorldFest Awards gold medallion for best biodocumentary, Back to Everest The Dave Rodney Story,2004
• Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for community service,2002
• Rodney Ridge has been dedicated in his hometown (2002), where he is also in the Sports Hall of Fame
• Top 40 under 40,Calgary Magazine, 2001
• International award-winning business/education/media/public web program Adventure Everest Online´97
• Special achievement award, city of Calgary, 1997
• Pan-Canadian and Reader’s Digest national teacher of the year nominee (1990s)

Mr. Rodney lives with his wife, Jennifer, their two sons, and their puppy, MacGyver.

Ms. Alison Redford - MLA for Calgary-Elbow

Heavenly Father we pray today for MLA Alison Redford representing the people of Calgary – Elbow.   We ask that You would renew her strength and vision for the work You have called her to do and help her to fulfill the many duties before her.   We pray for Your blessing, covering and protection be upon her and her family.   In Your Name, Amen.

Alison Redford was first elected MLA for the constituency of Calgary-Elbow on March 3, 2008.

Ms. Redford served as Alberta’s 14th premier from October 7, 2011, to March 23, 2014. Prior to serving as Premier, she served as Minister of Justice and Attorney General and as political minister for Calgary.

Ms. Redford was born on March 7, 1965 in Kitimat, British Columbia and grew up all over Canada and overseas before settling in Calgary as a teenager. She graduated from Bishop Carroll High School in Calgary and completed her post-secondary education at the University of Saskatchewan College Of Law in 1988. She and her husband, Glen Jermyn, have one daughter, Sarah.

Ms. Redford has been actively involved in both provincial and national politics since the 1980s. She served as Senior Policy Advisor to the Right Honourable Joe Clark when he was Secretary of State for External Affairs, and later worked in the Prime Minister’s Office. In this capacity, she organized a series of national consultations facilitating public input on federal white papers concerned with foreign affairs and defense. In Parliament, she was also the Principal Legislative Advisor to the Secretary of State for External Affairs.

Returning home to Calgary from Ottawa, she articled at Rooney Prentice. She then worked in a small partnership before opening her own law firm, gaining practical experience as a small business owner.

Throughout the 1990s, Ms. Redford worked as a technical advisor on constitutional and legal reform issues in Africa for the European Union, the Commonwealth Secretariat and both the Canadian and Australian governments. Her work in Africa focused on human rights litigation, education programs and policy reform initiatives.

In 2005, she was appointed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations as one of four International Election Commissioners to administer Afghanistan’s first parliamentary elections. She also served as an advisor to the Privy Council Office on Canada’s future involvement in Afghanistan.

Over the course of her career, Alison has also undertaken assignments in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Namibia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and the Philippines.

Before seeking elected office in Alberta, she managed a judicial training and legal reform project for the Ministry of Justice and the Supreme People’s Court in Vietnam.

Honourable Dave Quest - MLA for Strathcona-Sherwood Park

Father, bless Honourable Dave Quest and his family as he serves in the ministry for seniors. Enable him to see the needs and hearts of the seniors of this province, to have wisdom for solutions in the issues seniors are facing now and in the future. Thank you for his dedication to serve as a member of the Legislative Assembly, as well as his constituency/community. In the name of Christ Jesus.

Associate Minister – Seniors

Dave Quest was elected to his second term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Strathcona-Sherwood Park on April 23, 2012. On December 13, 2013, he was sworn-in as Associate Minister – Seniors.

In addition to his regular duties as an MLA, Mr. Quest previously served as a member of the following councils and committees:

• Standing Committee on Families and Communities (Chair)
• Legislative Review Committee
• Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Deputy Chair)
• Special Standing Committee on Members´ Services
• Ports-to-Plains Alliance (PTP) Board of Directors (Alberta Government Representative)
• Council of State Governments-WEST (CSG-WEST)
• Northlands Board of Directors
• Cabinet Policy Committee on Finance (Chair)
• Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund (Chair)
• Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future
• Standing Committee on Legislative Offices
• Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing
• Select Special Information and Privacy Commissioner Search Committee
• Seniors Advisory Council (Chair)
• Cabinet Policy Committee for Health
• Standing Committee on Private Bills
• Standing Committee on Health
• Select Special Auditor General Search Committee
• Select Special Ombudsman Search Committee

Additionally, he carried Bill 12, Body Armour Control Act, 2010; Bill 46, the Gunshot and Stab Wound Mandatory Disclosure Act, 2009; and Bill 60, the Health Professions Amendment Act, 2009; and most recently Bill 201, Scrap Metal Dealers and Recyclers Identification Act, through the legislative process.

Prior to serving as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Mr. Quest was the President of a rural General Motors dealership and a shareholder of an urban one.

Mr. Quest obtained a business diploma from NAIT in 1985 and served with the Better Business Bureau of Northern Alberta for 10 years, fulfilling various roles, including director, chair and director of the Canadian council. As well, he has been awarded a General Motors Dealer Award of Excellence.

Mr. Sohail Quadri - MLA for Edmonton-Mill Woods

Father God Almighty, we pray for MLA Schail Quadri for Edmonton – Millwoods, give him direction and leadership as he serves this very culturally diverse constituency, Bless him with knowledge and understanding as he is a team member for the planning of Alberta economic future. Thank you Lord that he is a man that honors and values family as well as serving our province. In Jesus name.

Sohail Quadri was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-Mill Woods on April 23, 2012. In addition to his various responsibilities as an MLA he presently serves on the following committees:

• Select Special Ethics Commissioner Search Committee (deputy chair)
• Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future
• Standing Committee on Legislative Offices
• Private Members’ Business Committee
• Montana-Alberta Bilateral Advisory Council
• Results Based Budgeting – Economic Development Challenge Panel

Previously Mr. Quadri served as deputy chair of the Select Special Chief Electoral Officer Search Committee and as a member of the Standing Committees on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing, and Public Accounts.

With a bachelor’s degree in commerce, Mr. Quadri found success as a local entrepreneur and small-business owner for several years before deciding to dedicate his time between politics and volunteering.

An advocate of many cultural and social events in the capital region, Mr. Quadri devotes a large portion of his time to volunteering. He is an active member of the Lions Club and was a founding member of the Millwoods Cricket Club. He sat on the board of directors for the Society to Defy Enmity Encourage Peace and the board of directors of the South Asian Long Term Care Foundation. In addition, he is known for his extensive fundraising in support of various humanitarian and relief efforts locally and abroad.

Mr. Quadri is an innate family man. He is very close to his extended family his three brothers, one sister, nieces and nephews.

Mr. Blake Pedersen - MLA for Medicine Hat

Lord, we are grateful for Mr. Blake Pederson and his role as Opposition Critic for culture, and the work he does critiquing the administration and policies of the culture portfolio. Give him wisdom and discernment to help develop this portfolio in the best interest for the citizens of Alberta. Bless Blake and Angela, as Blake serves in this capacity, in Jesus name.

Blake Pedersen was first elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Medicine Hat on April 23, 2012. Blake also serves as the Official Opposition Critic for Culture.

He currently serves as deputy chair of the Standing Committee on Families and Communities and is a member of the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections.

Blake was born and raised in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan on the family ranch. Following graduation from Gull Lake High School, Blake moved to Vancouver as a drummer with a band, but returned to Gull Lake a few months later and entered the work force with a local oilfield services company. Experiencing his first of many boom and bust cycles, after one year of employment Blake participated in a 10-month Agricultural Exchange Program to Australia with the International Agricultural Exchange Association. Upon his return to Canada, Blake returned to the oilfield services industry, and in 1999 became a small-business owner.

Blake and Angela have called Medicine Hat home for the past 17 years. Both have a passion for travel and through visiting other countries and experiencing different cultures, they know and appreciate how fortunate all Canadians are for where we live and the opportunities afforded to each Albertan on a daily basis.

Ms. Bridget A. Pastoor - MLA for Lethbridge-East

Father, we pray and thank you for Ms. Bridget Pastoor, for her dedication to serve as MLA for Lethbridge East; bless her and her family Lord, give her wisdom and clear understanding in the decisions she is required to make for her constituency and the communities she serves on. Strengthen her as she serves in people of Alberta and balances life as a Mom and Grandmother. In Jesus name.

Bridget A. Pastoor was elected to her third term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for the constituency of Lethbridge-East on April 23, 2012.

In addition to serving as a member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, Ms. Pastoor also currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing and on the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future.

Over the course of her three terms Ms. Pastoor has served on a number of additional Legislative Assembly standing committees, including:

• Families and Communities (chair)
• Public Health and Safety (deputy chair)
• Private Bills
• Government Services

Prior to her current service as a government MLA Ms. Pastoor served the Official Opposition in various capacities, including as Deputy Leader, as Whip and as shadow minister for the following government departments: Agriculture and Rural Development, Municipal Affairs and Seniors and Community Supports.

She also participated as a member of the three-person MLA Task Force on Continuing Care Health Services and Accommodation Standards and authored an adjunct report, Blueprint for Action.

Ms. Pastoor began her career with Air Canada. After raising three children, she returned to school and graduated from Lethbridge Community College as a registered nurse and later obtained a certificate as a geriatric specialist from Grant MacEwan. Ms. Pastoor worked as an RN at the Edith Cavell care centre from 1990 to 2004.

An active member of the community and political arena for many years, she has also served in the following capacities:

• Deputy returning officer for Elections Canada, Elections Alberta and the city of Lethbridge
• Member, Canadian Pension Appeals Board,1993 to 1997
• Alderwoman, Lethbridge city council, 1998 to 2004
• Board member, Federation of Canadian Municipalities, 1999 to 2002
• Chair, Council/Corporate Review of the city of Lethbridge, 2001 to 2004

As a city alderwoman she was also a member of the Library Board, the Exhibition Board and the Municipal Planning Commission. Further, she was a member of the University of Lethbridge Senate from 1985 to 1991, the Alberta Student Finance Board and the Canada Pension Appeals Board tribunal.

Ms. Pastoor was awarded a government of Canada commemorative medal for the 125th anniversary of confederation in 1992 and the government of Alberta centennial medal in 2005 and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal in2012. In 2009 she was awarded the YWCA of Lethbridge and district women of distinction award, and named the YWCA champion.

Born Bridget Antoinette Brennan in St. Boniface, Manitoba, she has three daughters, two of which have served as city councillors, two grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

Her interests include social justice and political history.