Honourable Wayne Drysdale - MLA for Grande Prairie-Wapiti

Heavenly Father, we come to You in the Name of Your Son Jesus to pray for Honourable Wayne Drysdale.   As he is faithfully serving the people of Alberta in Grande Prairie – Wapiti, may he sense Your nearness, help and encouragement in his times of need, as he sorts through the many challenges in his position in the Alberta legislature.  We ask for a unity of purpose with all that he comes in contact with during his busy schedule.  Bless the time he has with his family.  Amen

Minister of Transportation

Wayne Drysdale was elected to his second term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Grande Prairie-Wapiti on April 23, 2012. He currently serves as Minister of Transportation. He previously served 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 councillor 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 daughter Tory 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.

Honourable David C. Dorward - MLA for Edmonton-Gold Bar

Heavenly Father we bring before You today Honourable David Dorward.  May he find favour in Your sight today as he sets his focus on all that is presented for his attention.  May he use wise judgment in understanding all that is on his agenda and utilize the gifts that You have given to him for this time and place in the Alberta Legislature.  Bless and keep his family with safety and peace.   In Jesus Name,  Amen.

Associate Minister of Aboriginal Relations (Reporting to the Premier)

David Dorward was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-Gold Bar on April 23, 2012 and currently serves as Associate Minister of Aboriginal Relations.

He previously served as Deputy Government House Whip and as a member of the Treasury Board. Additionally he has served as deputy chair of the Select Special Conflicts of Interest Act Review Committee, deputy chair of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and as a member of the Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services, the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future and the Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund.

Mr. Dorward has lived in Edmonton-Gold Bar for more than 50 years. He attended Avonmore, Donnan and Bonnie Doon schools. He is a graduate of the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and the University of Alberta, and was recognized by NAIT as one of its top 50 graduates of the last 50 years.

An experienced Chartered Accountant and Certified Management Accountant, Mr. Dorward founded his own company, Dorward & Company Chartered Accountants LLP in 1994. In 2009 his company was a finalist for the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Owner of the Year Award.

Throughout his life Mr. Dorward has contributed to his community in many ways. He has served on numerous local and provincial boards, including the Edmonton Epilepsy Association, Basketball Alberta and the Children’s Ability Fund. He founded Edmonton’s Saville Community Sports Centre (GO Centre), the largest community and sport centre of its type in North America. As well he serves as president of the Edmonton Grads Basketball Centre, the group that operates basketball programming at the GO Centre. In addition to coaching youth basketball for more than 12 years, he organized the basketball program for many Edmonton-Gold Bar communities. Mr. Dorward has also served as a United Way director of finance and administration.

In 2009 he received an honorable mention for the Alberta Outstanding Community Leader Award, presented by the then Lieutenant Governor, Norman Kwong.

Mr. Dorward and his wife, Janice, are proud to call Edmonton-Gold Bar home. They have four children and 13 grandchildren.

Mr. Ian Donovan - MLA for Little Bow

Heavenly Father, we lift up Mr. Ian Donavan, MLA for Little Bow.  Thank You for wisdom and insight to carry out his responsibilities.  Aware that he has a busy schedule, we ask that You would give him the strength and vitality he needs for the many items on his agenda.  May he be aware of the needs in his constituency that require his attention.  Bless him and his family with health and well-being.  Amen.

Ian Donovan was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Little Bow on April 23, 2012. He was appointed to the Standing Committee on Public Accounts on May 24, 2012.

He previously served as a member of the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future.

Mr. Donovan was born in High River and calls the hamlet of Mossleigh home. A graduate of Senator Riley high school, he has operated a grain farm in Mossleigh for 20 years. In addition to his running his farm, he is a long-time member and former director of the Blackie Seed Cleaning Association.

Mr. Donovan is an active member of his community, having been involved with the Lions Club of Mossleigh and Community Futures Highwood, a nonprofit community-owned business development organization, for the past 15 years. He also served as councillor for division 9 of Vulcan county from 1995 until his election to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta.

Donovan lives with his wife, Serena, and their children on their farm in Mossleigh.

Honourable Gordon Dirks - MLA for Calgary-Elbow

Dear Lord, we thank you for your servant, the Honourable Gordon Dirks. We pray that You will continue to bring wisdom and careful consideration for the growing needs of our young population. We pray during this time of rapid growth in our province, that You will help the Minister of Education and his team balance the needs of the youth and the diverse technical needs of our post-secondary populace. Amen.

Minister of Education

Gordon Dirks was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta in the riding of Calgary-Elbow on October 27, 2014. He currently serves as Minister of Education.

Mr. Dirks’ extensive public service experience dates back more than 30 years. Most recently he served as school trustee with the Calgary Board of Education from 1999 to 2010. He also served as the Calgary Board of Education Board Chair.

Prior to his work with the Calgary Board of Education, Mr. Dirks was Assistant Deputy Minister of the Corporate Services Department of Family and Social Services from 1990 to 1993.

In addition, between 1982 and 1986 he served as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan, where he was appointed Minister of Urban Affairs, Housing and Social Services. He was also a member of the Treasury Board and the Planning and Priorities Committee.

Furthermore, Mr. Dirks served as the Vice-President of External Relations for Ambrose University from 2006 to 2010 and as the president of Rocky Mountain College from 1993 to 1996.

An active member of his community, Mr. Dirks worked for the Centre Street church as Executive Pastor from 2010 to 2014, a position he previously held with the Beulah Alliance church from 1993 to 1996. He is also a member of the Corpath business forum.

Previous community activity included membership on the following:

• Governance Committee for Centre Point: Advancing Non-profit Management (chair)
• Imagine Calgary Steering Committee
• Government of Alberta Results-based Budgeting Review Committee

Mr. Dirks holds a Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Regina.

He and his wife, Evangeline, live in Calgary. They have two adult children and three grandchildren.

Honourable Jonathan Denis, QC - MLA for Calgary-Acadia

Dear God, we thank You for the Hon. Jonathan Denis and his role in our legislature.  We ask You today that You would be present to give him wise counsel and the solutions for difficult situations.  Guide him and his staff as they work together for success in every area in our province.  Amen.

 

Minister of Justice and Solicitor General

Deputy Government House Leader

Jonathan Denis, QC, was elected to his second term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Calgary-Acadia on April 23, 2012, and currently serves as Minister of Justice and Solicitor General. In addition, Jonathan serves as Deputy Government House Leader and is a member of the Government’s Operations Committee and its Agenda and Priorities Committee.

Jonathan moved to Calgary in 2000 from Saskatchewan, where he was born in Regina. Prior to moving to Alberta, Jonathan obtained degrees in commerce and law. Before serving as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Jonathan was a senior associate with the Calgary office of a national law firm, specializing in litigation and government relations.

In 2009 Jonathan was appointed a Queen’s Counsel of Alberta. He was also the president of a communications firm and a director of the Institute for Public Sector Accountability, a nonprofit organization founded to promote transparency and accountability in the public sector.

Jonathan previously served as Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, where he exceeded targets for affordable housing and reducing homelessness while reducing spending by 39 per cent. He has also served as Solicitor General and Minister of Public Security and parliamentary assistant for Energy.

An active part of his community, Jonathan has been a volunteer with the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Habitat for Humanity and the Canadian Cancer Society. Jonathan has also been a health care advocate for patients throughout Calgary. In 2010, he was recognized by Avenue Magazine as one of Calgary’s Top 40 under 40.

In his spare time Jonathan enjoys keeping active and spending time with family and friends. Jonathan is also an avid fan of both of the Calgary Flames and Calgary Stampeders.

Ms. Alana DeLong - MLA for Calgary-Bow

Father God, we lift before You Ms. Alana DeLong, MLA for Calgary – Bow.  It is our prayer that You would direct her schedule today and provide her with the wisdom she needs for the many decisions she must make.  We ask that You would also give her insight as she continues to make the province of Alberta a place where families can grow and flourish.  In Your name, Amen.

 

Ms. DeLong is appointed a member of the Standing Policy Committees for Economic Futures. She is Chair of the Seniors Advisory Council for Alberta. As well, Ms. DeLong is Canadian Vice President and Chair of the Pacific North West Economic Region (PNWER). She previously co-chaired the 2010 PNWER Calgary Summit Host Committee.

Born in Nelson, British Columbia, Ms. Alana DeLong obtained her bachelor of science (honours) in mathematics with a minor in theatre from the University of British Columbia. She then moved to Calgary, where she attended courses at the University of Calgary in their computer science master’s program.

Ms. DeLong has more than 20 years of experience in the field of information technology and has worked for many leading high-tech computer firms in Calgary, serving as president of Sterling Rock Systems. Alana was the first female computer mainframe salesperson with Sperry Univac. She was also the first female marketing manager with Canadian General Electric.

An active member of her community, some of Ms. DeLong’s past contributions have been as president of Tuesday Nooners Toastmasters and as a singer with the Calgary Opera Chorus. She has campaigned extensively for the Red Cross Society, the Cancer Foundation, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Flowers of Hope and various municipal, national and provincial elections. She hosted a TV ski program and has been an actress with Theatre Calgary.

For more than 30 years Ms. DeLong has called Calgary-Bow home. Alana enjoys the outdoors and has hiked the province’s mountains and canoed most of the rivers in southern Alberta. 

Alana DeLong has two grown children, Samantha and James.

Mr. Cal Dallas - MLA for Red Deer-South

Dear Jesus, gratitude fills our hearts today as we think of those who serve in our Legislature and in particular MLA Cal Dallas.  May he receive from Your hand fresh wisdom and insight for the things he must give attention to today.  May he have joy as he serves the people of Alberta in the constituency of Red Deer – South and enjoy this beautiful part of central Alberta.  We pray blessings on him and his family.  Amen.

Cal Dallas was first elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Red Deer-South on March 3, 2008, and thereafter elected for a second term on April 23, 2012. He currently serves as the Legislative Secretary, Intergovernmental Relations (reporting to the Premier) and is a member of the Treasury Board.

Mr. Dallas previously served as the Minister of Intergovernmental, International and Aboriginal Relations, and subsequently as Minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations.

Mr. Dallas has explored trade and investment opportunities in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the United States. Mr. Dallas also works within the province to inform Alberta’s innovative companies about business opportunities abroad as well as the supports available to help export-ready companies succeed in the global marketplace.

Prior to entering cabinet, Mr. Dallas served as parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Alberta Finance and Enterprise and then to the Minister of Alberta Environment. In addition, he co-chaired Climate Change Central, was vice-chair of the Regulatory Enhancement Project Task Force and served on the Cabinet Policy Committee on Energy.

Prior to serving in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Mr. Dallas was executive director of the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce, and before that he worked in the printing and publishing industry for 25 years, including nine years as publisher of the Red Deer Express.

An active member of his community, Mr. Dallas has been involved in the following organizations:

• Red Deer Rotary Club, director
• Alberta Chamber of Commerce, vice-president (volunteer)
• United Way of Central Alberta, director
• Innisfail Golf Association, president
• Red Deer College, board of governors
• STARS Capital Campaign
• Mayor’s Task Force on Homelessness

In recognition of his community involvement, Mr. Dallas received the Canadian Chamber of Commerce volunteer of the year award in 2002 and the Queens Jubilee Medal in 2003.

Additionally, he received the Bill Draayer award from the Alberta Weekly Newspapers’ Association in 2004, and the Alberta Centennial Medal in 2005.

Mr. Dallas and his wife, Jacqueline, live in Red Deer.

Ms. Christine Cusanelli - MLA for Calgary-Currie

God we thank You for Ms. Christine Cusanelli, MLA for Calgary – Currie.  We pray You would continue to give her the expertise she needs as she serves on committees and supports initiatives in her community.  Give her peace knowing that You surround her with Your safety and protection.  Amen

Christine Cusanelli was elected to her first term as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Calgary-Currie on April 23, 2012. She was sworn in as Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation on May 15, 2012, a position she held until February 4, 2013.

She currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Private Bills and the Standing Committee on Families and Communities.

She has a bachelor of education degree from Faculté Saint-Jean, University of Alberta, and a masters degree in psychology from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. She started her career as a teacher with the Calgary Catholic school district, where she taught elementary and junior high students in French immersion and other educational settings. 

Most recently Ms. Cusanelli led St. Michael’s school (K-9) in implementing two international baccalaureate programs. She has been a keen supporter and advocate for students with special needs and learning challenges.

She became a principal at age 32, placing her among the youngest principals in Calgary. In this role she spent the past several years working to create bonds with students, their families and the broader community through outreach that has included visiting seniors’ homes, working with Inn from The Cold and opening the school up to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Calgary.

Ms. Cusanelli is a runner, cyclist and swimmer. She has participated in triathlons, marathons and other races in the pursuit of personal health and to fund raise for various charities. She spends time golfing, travelling, reading and enjoying the arts with her daughter.

Mr. Ron Casey - MLA for Banff-Cochrane

God in heaven, we are bringing MLA Ron Casey to You in prayer thankful for the place he holds in our legislature and his faithful service to Albertans.  May he be blessed today with great wisdom for the many decisions he must make and the strength for the many tasks before him.  Bless him as well with peace and well-being.  In Your Name,  Amen.

Ron Casey was elected to his first term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for the constituency of Banff-Cochrane on April 23, 2012.

In addition to his duties as an MLA, Mr. Casey also serves on the following committees:

• Chair, Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund
• Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing Committee
• Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship
• Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services
• Past Chair of Rural Caucus

Recently, Mr. Casey was appointed to the MLA implementation team working on the review and implementation of the Retail Market Review recommendations that will strengthen Alberta’s retail electricity market.

Born and raised on an Ontario farm, Mr. Casey moved to Alberta when he was 21, making Canmore his home for over 40 years. Trained as a master electrician, Mr. Casey ran his own company called B&C Electric Ltd. from 1978 to 1990 and later built homes, commercial developments, and industrial buildings.

Mr. Casey has strong ties and a history of service to his community starting as a member of the Town Council in 1995 and winning four terms to serve as Mayor of Canmore for 12 years in 1998, 2004, 2007 and 2010.

Mr. Casey holds a 4th degree black belt in Chito Ryu Karate and runs his own karate training school in Canmore. Mr. Casey also spends as much time as he can on his motorcycles during the summer months.

Mr. Casey and his wife, Pennie, have two grown daughters – Alison and Shannon, and are also the proud grandparents of two grandchildren, Casey and Nicola.

Mr. Wayne Cao - MLA for Calgary-Fort

God, we come before You today, for MLA Wayne Cao.  Recognizing the important call on his life serving the constituents of Calgary – Fort, we pray for continued vision and that he would carry out his role with renewed strength.  May he have precious time with family and friends and be refreshed.  Amen.

Wayne Cao was first elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta on March 11, 1997, as the MLA for the Calgary-Fort constituency and re-elected on March 11, 2001, November 22, 2004, March 3, 2008, and April 23, 2012. On April 14, 2008, he was elected to the position of Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees, a position he held for the remainder of the 27th Legislature. He currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship.

Mr. Cao has served as chair of the following standing committees:

• Alberta’s Economic Future
• Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund
• Education
• Families and Communities
• Legislative Offices
• Private Bills
• Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing
• Public Accounts

Additionally, he has served as the Cabinet member liaison to caucus for southern Alberta and as a member of the following:

• Cabinet Policy Committee on Government Services
• Child care legislation review
• Committee on Lifelong Learning
• Court Service Workers Review Committee
• Employment Standards Regulations Review
• Government caucus in Calgary
• Government Member, Lougheed House Historical Preservation Society
• Government Representative, Calgary Diversity Leadership Council
• Government Strategy Team on Private Members’ Bills
• Legislative Review Committee
• MLA Committee on Strengthening Alberta’s Role in Confederation
• Natural Heritage Environment Protection Legislation Review
• Northland Athabasca School District Review
• Standing Policy Committee on Learning
• Subcommittees of Supply and Designated Supply

Mr. Cao has brought forward several legislation changes related to maternity/parental leave increase, minimum wage increase, employment standards for domestic workers, medical benefits for severely handicapped people, seniors’ assistance programs and the selection of Alberta’s official song.

He has lived, worked and travelled extensively in many parts of the world: Southeast Asia, Western Europe, Australia, Mexico, the USA and Canada.

Mr. Cao received training in engineering, computing technology and business management from various corporations and institutions such as the universities of Auckland, Saigon and Waterloo and continuing education programs through Shell Petroleum in Canada and the USA. He is a certified information technology professional, holding ISP designation from the Canadian Information Processing Society.

He worked for the Shell petroleum company for 26 years in many specialist and management roles before early retirement in 1997 after winning his first election. He taught evening courses for the Association of Engineers of Saigon-Vietnam and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology.

Mr. Cao is a past director of Kimson Consulting Services and Canadasia Management Consulting, a past chair of the Data Warehouse Technology Special Interest Group of the Canadian Information Processing Professional Society and past member of the Data Processing Management Association of America.

He has participated in and held memberships in various society and charity organizations, including:

• Calgary Minor Soccer Association
• Canadian Club of Calgary
• For the Love of Children Society
• Habitat for Humanity
• Royal Canadian Legion, Ogden Branch
• The Future Group
• United Nations Association
• Wildrose Lions Club

Mr. Cao also has worked with Calgary community TV and has spent time advising cultural events. He was a volunteer/session leader with the Junior Achievement stay-in-school programs; judge for high school debates, science and heritage fairs; a volunteer/contributor with Meals-for-Homeless and Inn-from-the-Cold; and a participant and fundraiser for various charity events.

His contributions to the community have been recognized through awards and honorary membership from For The Love of Children Society, the Hart Foundation, Friends of Elliston Park Society, the Ogden Seniors Association, Fort Calgary Historic Foundation, Visminsa Filipino Society, Indo-Canada Association, Hispanic Arts Society, Hoysun Association, Millican-Ogden Association, Calgary Minor Soccer Association and Chinese Music Development Society. He has received the Queen’s Jubilee Medal and the Alberta Centennial Medal.

Mr. Cao enjoys playing racket sports, downhill skiing, fishing, playing music and singing, history reading, language learning and martial arts practice.

He has established his home in Calgary for over the last 30 years with his wife, Kim Hoang, an engineer and banking professional, and their three sons: William (MBA; law, University of Calgary), Winston (engineer, University of Waterloo) and Ulysses (biochemist, Queen’s University). They have one grandson so far.

Honourable Robin Campbell - MLA for West Yellowhead

Lord God, we come with gratitude for MLA Robin Campbell and his role in the Legislature here in Alberta representing the people of West Yellowhead.  Direct his thoughts today to the important things he needs to attend to and we are thankful that You are aware of the busyness of his schedule.  Surround him with those who can best support and assist him to fulfill his goals.  In Your Name,  Amen.

President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance

Mr. Campbell was elected to his second term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for West Yellowhead on April 23, 2012.

He currently serves as President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance. Previous appointments include serving as Minister of Environment and Sustainable Resource Development, Minister of Aboriginal Relations, Government House Leader and Chief Government Whip.

Prior to entering provincial politics, Mr. Campbell was the president of the local United Mine Workers of America and worked as an appeals commissioner with the Workers’ Compensation Board. He was also a member of the Alberta Labour Relations Board and the Environmental Protection Advisory Committee.

Mr. Campbell was also a key participant in the Cheviot hearings, representing the Hinton and District Chamber of Commerce, Alberta Council for Sustainable Communities and the Environment and the United Mine Workers.

In the summer of 2013, Mr. Campbell was recognized by Treaty 7 Management Corporation and supporting Chiefs for his work with First Nations. During a ceremony in Calgary, Mr. Campbell was given a ceremonial headdress and the Blackfoot name Mak-Koyii-Sa-Pii, meaning "Wolf Charger."

Mr. Campbell currently resides in Jasper.

Ms. Pearl Calahasen - MLA for Lesser Slave Lake

God our Father, we pray for Your blessings to rest upon Ms. Pearl Calahasen as she represents the fine people of her constituency of Lesser Slave Lake.  May You continue to enable her to serve with wisdom and integrity.  Grant her strength as she travels through her riding and give her words of encouragement for those who are still rebuilding in their community.  Fill her with Your grace in every area of life.  Amen.

Pearl Calahasen was elected to her seventh term as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Lesser Slave Lake on April 23, 2012. She currently serves as Legislative Secretary, First Nations Education and Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour (Reporting to the Premier and the Minister of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour). Ms. Calahasen also serves as a member of the Treasury Board and as a member of the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing, as well as the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship.

Ms. Calahasen previously served as a member of the following committees:

• Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services
• Standing Committee on Private Bills
• Standing Committee on Community Development
• Standing Committee on Public Accounts

Since she was first elected to the Alberta Legislature in 1989, Ms. Calahasen served as Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, minister without portfolio responsible for children’s services, Associate Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and as a member of the Standing Committee on Resources and Environment.

Pearl Calahasen was born and raised in Grouard, Alberta. She has a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Alberta and a master’s degree from the University of Oregon. She is currently an adjunct professor at the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Education.

Her professional experience includes teaching Grades 1-12, serving as a continuing education co-ordinator at Alberta Vocational College in Lesser Slave Lake (now Northern Lakes College) and working as a private consultant developing and evaluating educational materials.

Ms. Calahasen has been a champion of Native education programs. She led the development of the first Native language program introduced in Alberta schools and was responsible for developing the Cree language program for adult students. As a consultant with Alberta Education Ms. Calahasen was the principal advisor for the development of the Native education policy, curriculum materials and language development and programming.

Actively involved in community affairs, Ms. Calahasen has served as a member of the Native economic development program, as an Alberta human rights commissioner and as a volunteer tutor for illiterate adults. She has canvassed for the Heart Fund and Cancer Society and has been actively involved in community sports as a player, coach and administrator. Ms. Calahasen was one of the founding members of the University of Alberta Native Students’ Association.

Ms. Calahasen has been recognized by the Aboriginal community as a role model and has received many awards. Some of these include:

• Esquao Circle of Honour
• Honorary membership in the Kapawe’no First Nation
• Honorary Chief of Tallcree First Nation
• Induction into the Blackfoot Women’s Society
• The National Aboriginal Achievement Award for Public Service
• Aboriginal Role Model Award

In addition to these honours and awards, the board of governors representing universities and colleges in Alberta granted Ms. Calahasen the Distinguished Achievement Award Celebrating Success.

Dr. Neil Brown, QC - MLA for Calgary-Mackay-Nose Hill

Dear Heavenly Father, we bring before You Dr. Neil Brown, MLA for Calgary – Mackay – Nosehill.  We ask for Your empowerment to not only have an ear to hear but the ability to effectively respond to the needs of those in his constituency.  In all the many responsibilities he carries out may he know and sense  the love You have for him personally and as a politician.  Amen

Dr. Neil Brown, QC, was elected to his third term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for the constituency of Calgary-Mackay-Nose Hill on April 23, 2012.

Committees Served on

Current Assignments

• Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship
• Standing Committee on Legislative Offices
• Standing Committee on Private Bills
• Member of the board of the Canadian Energy Research Institute
• Health – Primary Care & Health Benefits Panel

Past Assignments

• Standing Committee on Families and Communities
• Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship
• Chair, Standing Committee on Private Bills
• Agenda and Priorities Committee
• Standing Committee on Education
• Private Members Business Committee
• Regulatory Review Secretariat
• Cabinet Policy Committee on Education
• Chair, Cabinet Policy Committee on Public Safety and Services (responsible for reviewing policy changes and proposed legislation in departments of Justice and Attorney General; Solicitor General, Aboriginal Affairs, Service Alberta, Treasury Board, and Executive Council.)
• Standing Committee on Public Safety and Services: all party committee which examines policy and legislation
• Chair, Legislative Review Committees: Member Agenda and Priorities Committee (2006-2008)
• Chair, Select Special Committee on Conflicts of Interest Act Review
• Chair, Alberta Forestry Research Institute
• Standing Committee on Public Accounts
• MLA AISH Review Committee
• Chair, Protection of Persons in Care Review
• Standing Committee on Government Services
• Cabinet Policy Committee on Resources and Environment
• MLA Métis Harvesting Committee
• Forestry Industry Sustainability Committee
• Standing Committee on Public Accounts

Dr. Brown began his career as an assistant professor of biology at Trent University. He then went on to practise law with McLaws and Company (later Parlee McLaws), focusing mainly on civil litigation and oil and gas matters. In 1987 he went into private practice, specializing in civil litigation, administrative, oil and gas and environmental law. Dr. Brown received his bachelor’s of science in biology from the University of Calgary in 1971, his master’ of science in zoology from the University of Alaska in 1974, his Ph.D. in biology from McGill University in 1977 and his bachelor of laws from the University of Calgary in 1982.

Dr. Brown is an active member of the Law Society of Alberta. Since being elected to serve as an MLA, Dr. Brown has successfully sponsored 15 government bills.

His contribution to the public sector includes:

• Service on the Board of Governors and Senate of the University of Calgary
• Past president of the Alumni Association of the University of Calgary
• Member, Student Legal Aid, the University of Calgary
• Vice-president and chair of his community association
• Associate (voting) member, Royal Canadian Legion for over 30 years
• Director, Midnapore Church of England Society (historic site)
• Lecturer, Historic Calgary Week of Chinook Country Historical Society
• Volunteer canvasser for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Alberta Lung Association, the Canadian Cancer Society and the Kidney Foundation

Dr. Brown has received a number of awards and honours, including:

• Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal
• Canada 125 medal for Service to Community and Canada in 1992
• Alberta Centennial medal for outstanding service to Alberta 2005
• National Sciences and Engineering Research Council grant (1978-79)
• National Research Council of Canada Scholar (1974-77)
• Award of Merit Honoree, Alumni Association of the University of Calgary (1992)
• Chief Justice McGillivray Shield, University of Calgary Faculty of Law (1980 and 1981)
• President’s Citation, University of Calgary Students’ Union (1989-90)

Dr. Brown enjoys outdoor pursuits, including canoeing, fishing, hunting as well as creative writing, travelling and reading.