Honourable Diana McQueen - MLA for Drayton Valley-Devon

Father God, we lift up Honourable Diana McQueen and ask that You bless her with success as she carries out her cabinet role as Minister of Municipal Affairs.   Bring to her the wisdom and insight she needs for the many decisions she must make today and surround her with the support staff that will help her to fulfill her goals.  In Your Name Father, Amen.

Minister of Municipal Affairs

Diana McQueen was elected to her second term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Drayton Valley-Devon on April 23, 2012. On September 15, 2014, Mrs. McQueen was sworn-in as Minister of Municipal Affairs (MA).

Minister McQueen has previously served as Minister of Energy and Minister of Environment and Sustainable Resource Development (ESRD). She also served as a Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy and the Minister of Environment before being sworn into cabinet.

She currently serves as vice-chair of the Government's Operations Committee, chair of the Public Safety Committee, member of the Treasury Board, and a member of the Planning and Priorities Committee.

Over the course of this term of office, Mrs. McQueen has focused on a number of initiatives, including:

• Implementing Alberta's first regional plan under the Land-use Framework;
• Partnering with the federal government to begin implementing a comprehensive environmental monitoring program for the oil sands region;
• Facilitating increased trade in forest products with the Asia-Pacific Region;
• Development of the Alberta Energy Regulator;
• Development of Independent Monitoring Agency;
• Working with European interests to eliminate the Fuel Quality Directive;
• Moving the Municipal Governance Act Review towards completion; and
• Leading discussions with Alberta's metropolitan areas towards the development of city charters.

Outside the legislature, she is active in her community, and has served as a school board chair and trustee, and as the mayor of Drayton Valley.

Honourable Ric McIver - MLA for Calgary-Hays

God we thank You for this day and that You have planned good things as Honourable Ric McIver carries out his role as Minister of Job Skills, Labour and training.  May You grant him wisdom as he develops programs and makes plans that will move Albertans forward in every area of employment and job development.  Thank You for his diligence and hard work and we ask You to fill him with Your peace.  Amen

Minister of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour

Ric McIver was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Calgary-Hays on April 23, 2012. On September 15, 2014, he was sworn in as Minister of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour. He also serves as a member of the Treasury Board and as a member of the Government’s committee on Operations.

Previously, Mr. McIver served as Minister of Infrastructure and Minister of Transportation.

Mr. McIver served the residents of Calgary-Hays as the alderman on Calgary city council for ward 12 from 2001 to 2010, a span of three terms. In that time he served on the board of the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association, the Calgary Police Commission and the Metropolitan Calgary Foundation. He also served as chair of the Calgary Housing Company.

Mr. McIver became an Albertan on July 26, 1981. He has worked in the food industry in many different roles, including national sales manager and sales and marketing manager of different organizations. He has also owned and operated a food distribution and marketing wholesale business.

He is married to Christine, the founder and CEO of the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta. Between them they have four children and two grandchildren, all living in Calgary.

Mr. Everett McDonald - MLA for Grande Prairie-Smoky

Dear Heavenly Father, we are in prayer today for MLA Everett McDonald.  May he feel Your smile upon him and experience Your presence with him as he goes about his day.  May You go before him and pave the way so things go smoothly and work efficiently.  Thank You for the good things You have stored up for him and his family, may they enjoy many good times together.  Amen.

Everett McDonald was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Grande Prairie-Smoky on April 23, 2012.

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

• Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future
• Special Standing Committee on Members’ Service
• Treasury Board
• Government Operations Committee

Mr. McDonald was recently appointed as chair of the MLA implementation team working on the review and implementation of the retail market review recommendations to strengthen Alberta’s retail electricity market.

He previously served as deputy chair of the Standing Committee on Legislative Offices and as a member of the Select Special Ethic Commissioner Search Committee, a member of the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing, the Select Special Conflicts of Interest Act Review Committee and the Select Special Chief Electoral Officer Search Committee.

Mr. McDonald was born and raised in Grande Prairie and is a third-generation farmer; he has been farming in the same district of the county that his grandfather homesteaded in 1911.

First elected to the County of Grande Prairie No. 1 Council in 1992, Mr. McDonald served in various capacities during his tenure, including as chair of numerous commissions and boards and as deputy reeve. He then served as reeve from 2004 until his election to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta. Mr. McDonald was the chairman of the Crystal Creek Conservation Society and also represented the county on various provincial committees, including the Alberta Growth Summit and the provincial Mountain Pine Beetle Advisory Committee. In addition, he was also a founding board member of Aquatera, a municipally owned utility corporation, the first of its kind in the province.

Golf, fishing, hockey and curling are some of Mr. McDonald’s favourite pastimes. He and his wife, Tina, have four children and are also the proud grandparents of two grandsons.

Mr. Bruce McAllister - MLA for Chestermere-Rocky View

Dear Jesus, we thank You for this new day and ask that as MLA Bruce McAllister looks ahead to the day before him he will look with fresh vision.  We ask that as he interacts with his constituency he would be led to meet with key people of influence and to resources to move his plans forward.  Bless him with health and strength.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

Bruce McAllister was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Chestermere-Rocky View on April 23, 2012.

In addition to serving as the Official Opposition Education and Advanced Education critic, Mr. McAllister serves on the Standing Committee on Families and Communities.

He previously served on the Standing Committee on Families and Communities and the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing.

Mr. McAllister was born Fredericton, New Brunswick, and has called Alberta home for the majority of his life. After completing a diploma in broadcast journalism from Loyalist College in Belleville, Ontario, he began a 20-year career in journalism that took him to Halifax, Winnipeg, Medicine Hat and Calgary. Most recently Mr. McAllister anchored Global TV Calgary’s morning show.

An active member of his community, Mr. McAllister has worked as a spokesperson and master of ceremonies in support of countless community causes. Sports, literacy and seniors’ events are especially important to him.

Mr. McAllister lives in Chestermere with his wife, Lisa, and their three children. He enjoys spending time with his family as well as playing hockey, golf and reading.

Mr. Brian Mason - MLA for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood

God in Heaven we are taking time today to pray for MLA Brian Mason as he serves in the constituency of Edmonton – Highlands – Norwood.  We are grateful for his experience and years of service in the legislature.  Give him strength and wisdom for all that is before him today and lead him to attend to the things on his agenda that are of most importance.  We ask for Your hand of blessing to be upon him and his family.  Amen.

 

Brian Mason was first elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood in a 2000 by-election. He was re-elected in the provincial general election of March 12, 2001, and was subsequently appointed House Leader of the New Democrat caucus and critic responsible for human resources, finance and agriculture.

On September 18, 2004, Mr. Mason became leader of the New Democrats, a position he retired in 2014. Mr. Mason was elected to his third term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood on November 22, 2004, his fourth term on March 3, 2008, and his fifth term on April 23, 2012.

Mr. Mason currently serves as a member of the Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services, the Standing Committee on Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund and the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship.

Previously he has served as a member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, the Standing Committee on Resources and Environment, Standing Committee on Government Services and the Standing Committee on the Economy.

Before his election to the Alberta Legislature, Mr. Mason served as city of Edmonton councillor for ward 3. He was first elected in October 1989 and won three subsequent civic elections. As a member of city council for 11 years Mr. Mason gained a reputation as a tough and effective voice for his constituents. During this time Mr. Mason chaired the non-profit Housing Board and served on the Taxi Commission, Library board and Northlands board.

Following his political science studies at the University of Alberta he became politically active, serving as the executive director of the Alberta Federation of Students from 1977 to 1979.

Mr. Mason has lived in Edmonton-Highlands-Norwood for over 20 years with his wife, Karin, and their two sons, Peter and Alex.

Honourable Stephen Mandel - MLA for Edmonton-Whitemud

Heavenly Father, we ask You to encourage Honourable Stephen Mandel as he serves in his important role as Minister of Health.  May he work confidently knowing that You are able to give him wisdom and direct him to know how to best meet the health needs of Albertans. We pray You show him new and innovative ways to address costs and yet deliver excellent medical services.  Fill his home with Your peace and presence.  Amen.

Minister of Health

Stephen Mandel was sworn in as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-Whitemud on November 17, 2014, after winning a by-election on October 27.

He has served as Minister of Health since September 15, 2014. He is also chair of the government’s Operations Committee and a member of the Priorities and Planning Committee.

Mr. Mandel was the mayor of Edmonton from 2004 to 2013. During that time he established initiatives to tackle homelessness, public safety, aboriginal relations, seniors housing and the integration of immigrant communities.

Mandel received an associate of arts degree from Lincoln College in Lincoln, Illinois, a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Miami University and a master’s degree in political science from the University of Windsor.

Mandel was born in Windsor, Ontario, and moved to Edmonton in 1972. He is an accomplished businessman, having worked for 30 years in the private sector before entering municipal politics. During his time in private industry he was involved in business development, residential and commercial real estate development, construction as well as many other community projects.

He is married to Lynn Mandel, and they have two children, Rachel and Adam.

Mr. Thomas Lukaszuk - MLA for Edmonton-Castle Downs

Father God, we are grateful that You know all things and You are present to assist MLA Thomas Lukaszuk as he makes significant decisions that will affect not only the people of Edmonton – Castle Downs but the province of Alberta.  May he be conscious of Your presence as he works and that he would hear Your voice directing him and giving him wisdom.  Bless him and his family and give them rest and peace today.  In Your Name, Amen.

Thomas Lukaszuk was elected to his fourth term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for the constituency of Edmonton-Castle Downs on April 23, 2012.

Mr. Lukaszuk was formerly Deputy Premier and Minister of Enterprise and Advanced Education.

Mr. Lukaszuk also served as Minister of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour, Minister of Education, Political Minister for Edmonton, Minister of Employment and Immigration and parliamentary assistant for Municipal Affairs.

Over the course of his elected service Mr. Lukaszuk has served on a wide range of legislative and government committees. The areas of work have ranged from accountability, access to information and ethics in government to support for low-income and disabled Albertans, tourism marketing and human rights.

In particular, he has been a member of:

• Standing Committee on Law and Regulations
• Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing
• Standing Committee on Private Bills
• Standing Committee on Legislative Offices
• Standing Committee on Community Services
• Select Special Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act Review Committee
• Select Special Chief Electoral Officer Search Committee
• Select Special Health Information Act Review Committee
• Select Special Ethics Commissioner Search Committee
• Select Special Auditor General Search Committee
• Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services
• Standing Policy Committee on Health and Community Living
• MLA Committee to Review Low-income Programs, chair

MLA Stakeholder Consultation Committee on Key Design Features; Low-income Review Implementation, chair

• MLA Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) Review Committee, chair
• MLA Corrections Review Committee
• Select Special Conflicts of Interest Act Review Committee
• Provincial Offences Procedure Review Steering Committee, chair
• Strategic Tourism Marketing Council
• Alberta Foreign Offices Review Committee
• Human Rights, Citizenship and Multiculturalism Education Fund Advisory Committee, chair
• Northlands Park Board
• Task Force on the Teachers’ Unfunded Pension Liability
• Edmonton Salutes Committee
• Government of Alberta Liaison to Consular Corps

Born April 5, 1969, in Poland and raised in north Edmonton, Mr. Lukaszuk graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Alberta and taught in Edmonton schools before starting Injured Workers Advocates Inc. (IWA), a firm designed to assist injured workers with work-related injury claims. Before becoming an MLA, he served on the Social Care Facilities Review Committee, the Citizens’ Appeal Panel (chair), and the Alberta Lotteries Review Committee. He conducted reviews of Alberta daycares, foster homes, group homes and homeless shelters.

Mr. Lukaszuk has a history of involvement with community groups. He coached soccer through the Edmonton Northwood Community League, has been a Scout leader and is a strong supporter of ABC Head Start. He is a past president of the Youth Friendship Society and a Knight of Columbus. He has been decorated with the Order of St. John investiture, the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal for his community service and the Alberta Centennial Medal for his contributions to the province. He volunteers with the Edmonton Castle Downs Recreation Society, and has built playgrounds in Vietnam and the Philippines.

In his free time Mr. Lukaszuk enjoys travelling, reading and spending time with his young family.

Mr. Jason Luan - MLA for Calgary-Hawkwood

Dear God, we are thanking You today for MLA Mr. Jason Luan and his genuine care for the people he serves in Calgary – Hawkwood.  Be with him today as he sits down to attend to the important paperwork in front of him that he would know what to give his attention to.  May he be aware of Your presence guiding him and giving him wisdom for choices and decisions he must make.  Bless him with peace.  Amen. 

Mr. Luan was elected to his first term as a Member of Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Calgary-Hawkwood on April 23, 2012. He currently serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Privileges, Elections, Standing Orders and Printing. As well he is a member of the Government’s Operations Committee as well as member of the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future and the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.

He also served as Deputy Chair, and later Chair of the Select Special Conflicts of Interest Act Review Committee, a member of the Standing Committee of Private Bills and as a member of the Standing Committee on Family and Community Services.

Mr. Luan holds a master's degree in social work from the University of Calgary and has dedicated his career to public service for over 20 years, promoting healthy families and strong communities. He is passionate about community development, collaboration, cultural diversity and social inclusion. He is also a strong bridge for business, community and cultural exchanges between Alberta and China. Prior to being elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, Mr. Luan served as a social worker for the former Alberta Family and Social Services, and then as a social planner for the City of Calgary, managing funding for nonprofit social service agencies. Mr. Luan is proud to have made a difference in many lives through his distinguished professional service and volunteer contributions serving his community. He was the recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.

Mrs. Genia Leskiw - MLA for Bonnyville-Cold Lake

Father in Heaven You said in the Bible to ask and we would receive.  Today we ask for strength wisdom and discernment as she sits on committees and travels throughout her constituency of Bonnyville and cold Lake meeting with her constituents.  We pray that she would be filled with joy in her role and that You would bless her and her family with good health.  Amen.

Genia Leskiw was elected to her second term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Bonnyville-Cold Lake on April 23, 2012. She is the first Ukrainian and the first female to represent the Bonnyville-Cold Lake constituency.

Mrs. Leskiw currently serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Private Bills and as a member of the following committees:

• Standing Committee on Legislative Offices
• Standing Committee on Families and Communities
• Advisory Council on Alberta-Ukraine Relations (chair)

Mrs. Leskiw previously served on the following committees and councils:

• Standing Committee on Resource Stewarship
• Cabinet Policy Committee on Education (chair)
• Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing
• Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services
• Legislative Review Committee
• Select Special Chief Electoral Officer Search Committee
• Select Special Ethics Commissioner Search Committee

Prior to serving as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, she taught elementary school for over 30 years. In 1995, she was nominated for an Excellence in Teaching Award, and in 2005 she was honoured with an Alberta Centennial Award. Very active in her community, Genia has volunteered with various organizations/associations, including:

• Kiev’s-K-Hi Ukrainian Youth Camp
• St. Elias Ukrainian Orthodox Church
• St. Elias Women’s Organization
• Lakeland Ukrainian Association, president
• Bonnyville Bingo Association, board member
• Teacher/Board Liaison Committee
• Alberta Teachers’ Association local school representative

In addition, Mrs. Leskiw is a member of the Bonnyville Ukrainian choir and her local church choir. In her spare time, Mrs. Leskiw enjoys painting Pysanky (Ukrainian Easter eggs), working with seniors, camping and traveling.

Mrs. Leskiw lives in Bonnyville with her husband, Ron. They have two children, David and Lynna.

Mr. Ken Lemke - MLA for Stony Plain

Lord God, we lift up MLA Mr. Ken Lemke representing Stony Plain and its constituents.  We ask You to be with him as he sits on many committees to have a clear word to add to the discussions being made, so they can come into decisions quickly.  Bless his time with friends and family.  Amen. 

Ken Lemke was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Stony Plain on April 23, 2012. He currently serves on the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Futures and is the Deputy Government Whip.

Previously he served as deputy chair of the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing and as a member of the following:

• Standing Committee on Families and Communities
• Select Special Chief Electoral Officer Search Committee
• Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship
• Select Special Ethics Commissioner Search Committee

Mr. Lemke grew up in Ohaton, Alberta – a small town east of Camrose – and attended the University of Lethbridge.

Mr. Lemke had careers in real estate, sales and marketing prior to being elected to the Stony Plain Town Council, where he served from 1995 to 2012, with the last four years as mayor.

Mr. Lemke was instrumental in helping the Stony Plain Town Council achieve one of the lowest property taxes in the capital region while maintaining high levels of service, orderly growth and fiscal responsibility. He also assisted the tri-municipal region to increase shared services, including the building of the TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre. Furthermore, Mr. Lemke was involved in helping Alberta’s capital region form the Capital Region Board, fostering increased co-operation among the 23 municipalities.

Mr. Lemke is an active community volunteer and leader. He is largely involved with the Rotary Club of Stony Plain, and the Stony Plain branch of the Canadian Legion and is a former chairman of the TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre. Mr. Lemke was a board member and chairman of various other commissions, including the Stony Plain Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, the Parkland Water Services Commission, the Capital Region Wastewater Commission, the Stony Plain Library Board, the Parkland lottery board, and the Capital Region Board.

Mr. Lemke and his family, including his wife, Gail, and their three children, have lived in the Stony Plain constituency for over 30 years.

Honourable Maureen Kubinec - MLA for Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock

Dear Heavenly Father it is our prayer today as we lift Honourable Maureen Kubinec to You that she would experience Your presence and strength with her today.  As she serves as Minister of Culture and Tourism, bring people across her path who can assist her in preserving our wonderful heritage and find new ways to promote Alberta as a vacation destination.  Protect her in her travels throughout our beautiful province.  Amen. 

 Minister of Culture and Tourism

Maureen Kubinec was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock on April 23, 2012. On September 15, 2014 she was appointed Minister of Culture and Tourism.

Ms. Kubinec was born in Lacombe and raised in Three Hills. She lives in the Linaria district near Westlock, where she and her husband, Tim, operate a family farm. They have four adult children.

Ms. Kubinec is a strong proponent of public service. She served as a school trustee with the Three Hills and Pembina Hills school boards before serving as president of the Alberta School Boards Association from 2004 to 2007. She also served as a member and vice-chair of the Persons with Developmental Disabilities Northeast Community Board from 2008 to 2012 and as a councillor and deputy reeve for Westlock county from 2010 to 2012.

Honourable Heather Klimchuk - MLA for Edmonton-Glenora

Father in Heaven we pray for Honourable Heather Klimchuk in the significant role she has in our legislature as Minister of Human Services.  Thank You that You give her compassion, understanding and wisdom to speak on behalf of Albertans across this province.  Thank You for Your daily care for her and her family and may they feel surrounded by Your love.  Amen.

Minister of Human Services

Mrs. Klimchuk was elected to her second term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-Glenora on April 23, 2012. On September 15, 2014 she was named Minister of Human Services.

She is also serves as Deputy Government House Leader and is a member of the Government’s committee on Agenda and Priorities.

Previously, Mrs. Klimchuk served as Minister of Culture, Minister of Culture and Community Services and as Minister of Service Alberta.

Mrs. Klimchuk’s public service experience prior to serving as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta includes working for the Legislative Assembly of Alberta as a researcher and working as a writer for both Premier Lougheed and Premier Getty. Mrs. Klimchuk also assisted with the initiation of the Alberta Seniors Information Phone Line.

Mrs. Klimchuk holds a bachelor of arts special from the University of Alberta in political science.

Mrs. Klimchuk is also active in her community and has served in the following capacities:

• Planning and Development for the Glenora Community League
• Glenora School Council Chair and volunteer co-ordinator
• Reading mentor at Glenora School
• Director of St. Basil’s School of Ukrainian Dance
• Communications Director for Kupalo Ukrainian Dance School
• Volunteer co-ordinator for the Bell Walk for Kids

Mrs. Klimchuk and her husband, Wade, have two children: Kyrsten and Keifer. They have called Edmonton-Glenora home for over 18 years.

Honourable Stephen Khan - MLA for St. Albert

God in Heaven we are praying today for Honourable Stephen Khan as he serves as minister of Service Alberta and ask that You enable him to represent the interests of the community of St. Albert.  We agree together in Prayer for divine wisdom as he meets with concerns of the government.  May he rest well at night and awake each day refreshed.  Amen.  

Minister of Service Alberta

Stephen Khan was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for St. Albert on April 23, 2012. He was appointed Minister of Service Alberta on September 15, 2014 and also serves as a member of the Treasury Board. He previously served as Minister of Enterprise and Advanced Education.

Mr. Khan previously served as chair of the Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund and chair of the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship as well as a member of the Standing Committees on Families and Communities, Public Accounts and Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing.

Mr. Khan attended elementary and high school in St. Albert. He graduated from the University of Alberta with a bachelor of arts degree in anthropology.

For more than 20 years Mr. Khan owned and operated his family’s software development company, Management Information Group (St. Albert) Ltd. During that time he grew the business into a North American and international presence with thousands of clients across Canada, the United States and Europe, and expanded its staff from eight to more than 70 employees.

Mr. Khan’s roots are firmly planted in St. Albert, where his family is actively involved in the community. He has volunteered for the St. Albert Minor Hockey Association and the St. Albert Minor Baseball Association, and both he and his wife have been active volunteers at their children’s schools. Mr. Khan is also involved with the St. Albert Food Bank, and he serves breakfast at The Rock in Edmonton’s Boyle McCauley area. He is a past board member of the Northern Alberta Business Incubator.

He and his wife, Rae, live in St. Albert with their two children.

Ms. Donna Kennedy-Glans, QC - MLA for Calgary-Varsity

Thank You Lord today for MLA Donna Kennedy-Glans, we appreciate her service to the province in the constituency of Calgary – Varsity.  Guide her through the many appointments of the day and give her insight into finding answers and solutions for difficult situations and decisions.  May Your blessing be upon her.  In Your Name, Amen. 

Donna Kennedy-Glans was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Calgary-Varsity on April 23, 2012. On December 13, 2013, she was sworn-in as Associate Minister – Electricity and Renewable Energy, a position she held until March 17, 2013 when she left Government Caucus to sit as an Independent.

Donna currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future. She formerly chaired the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship. As well she was a member of Treasury Board and also sat on the Alberta government’s Ministerial Working Group on Natural Resources and Environment. In addition, Donna was a member of the Pacific Northwest Economic Region committee, which connects stakeholders from across the U.S. and Canada to discuss shared economic issues.

Donna was born near Tillsonburg, Ontario, and was raised on a cattle farm in rural southwestern Ontario, where her parents and extended family continue to farm today. She graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1981 and earned her Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Western Ontario in 1984.

Since moving to Calgary in 1984, Donna has worked as a lawyer, businesswoman and leader in the energy sector. Highlights of her 28-year career in this sector include serving as

• A lawyer and negotiator with TransCanada Pipelines’ exploration and production company during the deregulation of energy markets in the 1980s;
• A corporate executive and first female Vice-President with Nexen Inc., an upstream oil and gas company, where she was responsible for managing above ground risks in domestic and international projects from 1991-2001; and
• An independent consultant, advising global energy operators on how to manage non-technical risks in resource projects over the past decade.

In addition, Donna founded Bridges Social Development in 2002, and served as its executive director until 2011. Bridges is a volunteer organization that brings together local champions and Canadian experts to train and mentor community leaders in health care, law, journalism, education and politics in countries like Yemen, Egypt, Oman, India and Nepal. In 2008, a global youth social entrepreneurship initiative was launched, focusing on training youth leaders in Canada, including youth from Diaspora, First Nations and Métis communities.

Donna is lead author of Corporate Integrity: A Toolkit for Managing beyond Compliance, published in 2005 by John Wiley & Sons. Her second book, Unveiling the Breath: One Woman’s Journey into Understanding Islam and Gender Equality was published in 2009. In 2007, Donna was awarded a Global Woman of Vision award; was named a ‘Compelling Calgarian’ by the Calgary Herald in 2010; received the Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal; one of Alberta’s 50 Most Influential People, 2014 by Alberta Venture; and one of Canada’s 50 Most Powerful Business People in 2014 by Canadian Business. Donna is a frequent guest lecturer at the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business.

While Donna has worked on projects in more than 35 countries around the world, and has lived in Calgary-Varsity for the past 20 years with her husband, Laurie Glans. Together they have raised three sons, who are either attending, or have graduated from, university. In addition to volunteering with local community, inter-cultural and interfaith groups, she enjoys hiking, biking and working in her garden.