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

Father in Heaven, we pray today for your blessing to rest upon Dr. Neil Brown as he balances his work between his office in Calgary and his legislative office. May he be aware of your presence to guide him as he seeks to carry out the numerous tasks before him and wisdom for all the decisions he must make. Grant him health and well-being as he serves us here in Alberta. This we pray, in your name, 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.

Ms. Laurie Blakeman - MLA for Edmonton-Centre

Thank you for your devotion, your enthusiasm and your commitment for our province. We hope that you will see the possibilities of our government. We pray that God will give perseverance. We pray that God will protect your family and guide your ideas. We hope that you know that you are making a difference in our lives. Amen (Secondary Student)

Laurie Blakeman was first elected as Edmonton-Centre MLA in 1997 and is now in her fifth term. She currently serves as Alberta Liberal House Leader in the Alberta Legislature.

She currently serves on the following committees:

• Standing Committee on Legislative Offices
• Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship

In addition, Ms. Blakeman served as deputy chair of the Standing Committee on Energy and was a member of the following committees:

• Standing Committee on Community Development
• Select Special Information and Privacy Commissioner Search
• Select Special Conflicts of Interest Act Review Committee
• Select Special Chief Electoral Officer Search Committee
• Select Special Ethics Commissioner Search Committee

Ms. Blakeman has served as critic for eight other portfolios, including Health and Wellness.

Ms. Blakeman has a bachelor of fine arts degree in acting and a certificate in public administration, both from the University of Alberta. Before serving in the provincial Legislature, she enjoyed a successful career in the theatre both as a performer and an administrator with Phoenix Theatre, Theatre Network, and Celebration of Women in the Arts.

Ms. Blakeman is a former executive director of the Alberta Advisory Council on Women’s Issues and past president of Celebration of Women in the Arts as well as the founding member of the Edmonton National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. In 1999 she received a YWCA Woman of Distinction Award.

A long-time resident of Edmonton’s Rossdale neighbourhood, Ms. Blakeman is married to Ben Henderson, Edmonton city councillor for ward 8. They share their home with two large dogs and two cats.

Mr. Deron Bilous - MLA for Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview

Dear God, We pray today for MLA Mr. Deron Bilous that he will always be aware of doing what is right for the people of Alberta. Help him and give him the ability to see the truth in every situation and speak out for those who are being treated unfairly. Give him wisdom to make the best decisions. In Jesus name, Amen (Grade 6 Student)

Deron Bilous was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview on April 23, 2012. He currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Private Bills, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing.

He previously served as a member of the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship.

Mr. Bilous was born and raised in Edmonton and is very proud of his Ukrainian ancestry. He graduated from the University of Alberta with a bachelor of education degree in 2001. For the past five years he has taught and mentored students at Edmonton’s Inner City High School.

An active volunteer in his community, Mr. Bilous has been a member of the Beverly Heights Community League and vice-president of the Boyle Street Community League. From 2008 to 2011 he served as a board member on the Edmonton Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee.

Mr. Bilous also participated in the Canada World Youth program in 1995-96, working in Edmonton, Saint Jerome in Quebec and Tunisia.

Mr. Bilous lives in Beverly Heights. In his spare time he enjoys playing recreational hockey and other sports as well as traveling.

Mr. Gary Bikman - MLA for Cardston-Taber-Warner

Heavenly Father, We pray today for your blessing upon MLA Gary Bikman as he serves in our Legislature. May he gain your wisdom and have a clear understanding of how to address the many needs of the families in his constituency. Thank you Lord, for Mr. Bikman and his faithful continued service to all Albertans. We also pray for peace and good rest at night and strength for each day. Amen

Gary Bikman was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Cardston-Taber-Warner on April 23, 2012. He currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship and the Standing Committee on Legislative Offices. Previously he served as deputy chair of the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future.

Mr. Bikman was born and raised in southern Alberta. He holds a bachelor’s of science degree and a master’s in business administration degree from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

Mr. Bikman has extensive business experience, having successfully owned and managed an oilfield service company for 25 years. He cofounded and led ChopStix Restaurants from 2006 to 2010 and ChopStix International Franchising Inc. from 2010 to 2012. Mr. Bikman is also an experienced and dedicated educator, having been a sessional instructor at the University of Lethbridge’s faculty of management and at Lethbridge College.

An active member of his community, Mr. Bikman has frequently served as Stirling’s mayor, deputy mayor and councillor since 1980. He has also served intermittently as a member of the Chinook Arch Regional Library Board and as a scout leader in the village of Stirling.

Mr. Bikman and his first wife, Suzy, moved to Stirling in 1972. She died of cancer in 1989, leaving their nine children motherless.

He later met and married Sheila Cooper-Leavitt. Together with her four children their blended family totals 13, with over 30 grandchildren. They continue to reside in Stirling.

In his spare time he enjoys sports, yard work, leading self-employment workshops and teaching ethics and morality to teenagers. He is also an avid reader.

Honourable Manmeet S. Bhullar - MLA for Calgary-Greenway

Dear God, We pray for Honourable Manmeet Bhullar and are thankful for all the work he has done for the constituency of Calgary – Greenway and that he loves to do good for others. Help him to make right decisions and give him wisdom for all he must do today and for the people he needs to talk to. Lord, give him as well, courage, humility, honesty and compassion. Father, bless him and his family and keep them safe. In Your holy Name, Amen (Grade 6 student)

Minister of Infrastructure

Manmeet Bhullar was first elected to the Alberta Legislature in March 2008 and is the MLA for Calgary-Greenway, in the city's vibrant northeast. As Minister of Infrastructure he is responsible for building new schools, hospitals and seniors' facilities to meet the needs of Alberta's growing population.

Mr. Bhullar previously served as Minister of Human Services, where he implemented transparency and quality assurance measures for Alberta's child intervention system. He launched new parent link centres with the goal of supporting young families, invested in mental health supports for children in care and made it a priority to keep at-risk children in the care of their loved ones and community when safe. During this time Mr. Bhullar also chaired the meeting of Canada's provincial and territorial ministers of social services.

Prior to this portfolio he served as Minister of Service Alberta, where he laid the groundwork for changes to the Condominium Property Act and implemented new penalties for dishonest contractors. He was instrumental in getting the CRTC to develop a national wireless code to protect consumers from the shock of high roaming charges and rigid cell phone contracts.

Mr. Bhullar is also responsible for negotiating a memorandum of understanding that was signed between the government of Alberta and the state of Punjab in India. The agreement facilitates trade and partnerships between the two jurisdictions on post-secondary education and agriculture.

In addition, he is a member of the Treasury Board, the Planning and Priorities Cabinet Committee, and the Operations Committee.

Born in Calgary, Mr. Bhullar earned his bachelor of arts from Athabasca University, with studies at Mount Royal University, and obtained his bachelor of laws from the University of Windsor.

Mr. Naresh Bhardwaj - MLA for Edmonton-Ellerslie

Dear God, We pray for Mr. Naresh Bhardwaj, that you will give him strength and courage as he gives leadership in the constituency of Edmonton - Ellerslie. Be with him as he makes decisions that are important to the people of our province and help him to make the best choices to meet their needs. Bless him and his family with peace and safety. Amen (Grade 6 Student)

Associate Minister of Persons with Disabilities (Reporting to the Minister of Human Services)

Mr. Bhardwaj was elected to his second term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Edmonton-Ellerslie on April 23, 2012. He currently serves as Associate Minister of Persons with Disabilities.

In addition to his duties as an MLA, Mr. Bhardwaj was previously the chair of the capital region caucus. He also served on the following committees: the Legislative Review Committee, the Standing Committee on Private Bills, the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future as well as the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing.

Mr. Bhardwaj moved to Alberta with his family in 1976. He became a journeyman automotive mechanic in 1983 before going back to school and graduating from the U of A with a double major. Naresh then spent the next 18 years working as a teacher in Pincher Creek, Whitecourt, Red Deer, Calgary and Edmonton, teaching predominantly automotives, mathematics and physical education.

Mr. Bhardwaj has been actively involved with Edmonton communities for over 36 years, serving on many associations, establishing Youth Link, a youth employment training program, and coaching soccer at the community league level and for Juventus U-18.

Mr. Bhardwaj was married in 1982 to his wife, Sunita, and has three children: Sarah, Stephen and Neeraj.

Mr. Drew Barnes - MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you so much for the work Mr. Drew Barnes that has done on behalf of the Cypress – Medicine Hat areas. We pray that you will give him wisdom in each and every decision he makes and that he will feel at peace with them. Lord, guide him, give him courage and strength and may he and his colleagues always be guided to find the truth in every situation. We ask you to bless Mr. Barnes and his family and may his home be filled with peace and joy. In Your precious name Jesus, Amen (Grade 6 Student)

Drew Barnes was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Cypress-Medicine Hat on April 23, 2012.

Mr. Barnes was born in Saskatchewan and moved to Medicine Hat with his family in 1974. Upon graduation from Medicine Hat high school, he continued his studies at Camrose Lutheran College and the University of Alberta. Upon completion of his bachelor of commerce degree from the University of Alberta, he pursued an award-winning career in real estate.

Mr. Barnes owned and managed a successful real estate office in Medicine Hat during his 26-year career in real estate. He was a member of the Medicine Hat Real Estate Board from 1983 to 2009, and he served as president in 1991.

An entrepreneur and businessman, Mr. Barnes owns a number of businesses in Medicine Hat, which include a construction company, a storage facility and a property management company. He also owns commercial and residential property throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan and has irrigation and ranchland, on which he raises commercial beef, and rodeo stock.

An active member of the community, Drew has been involved in many organizations in Medicine Hat and area. He has served as campaign chair and president of the United Way of Southeastern Alberta. A former president of the Kiwanis Club and Opportunity Capital Corporation, Drew enjoys working with others to forward a common cause. He is also a past member of the Kinsmen and Hockey Hounds.

In his spare time Drew enjoys playing and coaching many sports, including golf, hockey, baseball and soccer, and watching his sons play football.

Mr. Joe Anglin - MLA for Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre

We pray that God will give you hope, power and strength every day. We hope that your decisions will be blessed by God. Thank you for your devotion to our beautiful province. Thank you for helping the poor and thinking of them. We pray that you will have a good year. We are blessed to have your quality of leadership. Thank you for doing fantastic work. Amen (Secondary Student)

Joe Anglin was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre on April 23, 2012.

He currently serves as deputy chair of the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship and previously served as a member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.

Mr. Anglin served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam era before becoming a police officer. He then obtained a bachelor’s degree in business and a master’s degree in education. Mr. Anglin worked as a lineman for a public electric utility before going on to work for AT&T, the world’s largest corporation. He obtained a diploma in engineering and worked his way up into executive management. During his time with AT&T he taught fibre-optic transmission engineering at the Bell Labs training facilities in Chicago and served as the White House communications liaison for George Bush Sr. in Kennebunkport, Maine.

In the late 1990s Mr. Anglin became a unit leader for the Canadian Coast Guard’s fast-response search and rescue operations on the Pacific coast. In 2000, as the unit leader, Joe organized and led the Canadian national search and rescue team to victory in the World Marine Search and Rescue competitions.

Most recently Mr. Anglin was the founder and CEO of ASIG Inc., which operated as an international financial services firm. With offices located in Vancouver and Washington, ASIG specialized in trading derivatives, oil contracts, gas contracts and currencies.

An active member of his community, Mr. Anglin successfully organized and led the Lavesta Area Group, an association of southern Alberta landowners opposed to the construction of a 500KV electricity transmission line through their area, from 2006 to 2010. He served as chair of the Rimoka Housing Foundation from 2010 to 2012 and also served as a town councillor in Rimbey from 2010 until his election to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta.

In 2007 the Edmonton Journal named Mr. Anglin one of the top 10 people who made a difference. In 2008 Alberta Venture named him one of Alberta’s 50 most influential people.

Mr. Anglin currently lives in Rimbey with his wife, Deborah, and their two children.

ALBERTA YOUTH CALL 2 PRAYER 2015

On Monday, March 16^th Christian Schools under the umbrella of the Association of Christian Schools International came together to participate in the 5^th annual day of prayer at the Alberta Legislature. Educators, parents and students from Cornerstone Christian School of Medicine Hat, Fort Saskatchewan Christian School, Glenmore Christian Academy of Calgary, Saddle Lake Christian School of Saddle Lake Cree Nation, Slave Lake Koinonia Christian School and Strathcona Christian Secondary of Sherwood Park committed themselves to praying for our elected leaders today. Our prayer initiative began in a reserved room with instruction on ‘why we pray for government’ followed by reading and declaring

Psalm 33:8-18 “The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the people. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever . . . Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord”

 Students had the privilege of meeting and hearing from Uve Knaak who has recently been appointed to the ministry role of Chaplain in the Legislature by Leading Influence Ministries. We all then prayed for him in his new role. During the morning, students carried out a number of prayer activities, from writing cards of appreciation for their MLA, writing prayers to be posted on PRAYAB.com to spending concentrated time in prayer for the wisdom of God to come to all our provincial leaders. 

After lunch, we prayer walked as we toured the building, met with our MLAs and had photos taken with them. Our time in the Legislature was full of wonderful surprises. One school had the privilege of meeting and conversing with the Speaker of the House, Gene Zwozdesky, while another group of students had the rare opportunity of shaking hands and interacting with Alberta’s Lieutenant Governor, Honourable Donald Ethell. Before completing our prayer walking tour, all of us representing the Association of Christian Schools gathered at the entry of the Premiers wing to make a presentation of a beautiful framed poster with the meaning of Alberta on it, ‘Bright through Nobility’. In a speech to an Executive Assistant in the Office of the Premier, Ella a grade 6 student from Fort Saskatchewan Christian School, read these words;

We are honoured today to make this presentation to the Alberta Legislature on behalf of the students from the Association of Christian Schools International of Alberta. Dedicated to the practice of excellence in academics, moral character and service to others, may we along with all those who call themselves Albertans strive to live up to our name; Alberta -’Bright through Nobility’. As citizens of this grand and stately province, it is our desire that we be known for demonstrating excellence in all our endeavours, show good moral character and as our name defines us, that we be full of light and life, happy and hopeful, and glorious and splendid indeed.

We pray God’s blessing to be upon our Premier as he carries out his role as Premier of Alberta. We pray also that he would be aware of God’s guiding presence and wisdom in his leadership.

Presented to Honourable Jim Prentice, Premier of Alberta for the Alberta Legislature on behalf of the students representing the Association of Christian Schools International, at the ‘Alberta Youth Call 2 Prayer’ day of Prayer at the Legislature, March 16^th, 2015.

As staff and students gathered for the session in the Chambers at the end of the day, each of our schools were introduced by their MLA. The entire Assembly was made aware that we had come specifically that day to pray for them. MLA Dave Rodney spoke highly of Glenmore Christian Academy and his words are etched in my mind, * “One of the invaluable gems in Calgary – Lougheed is Glenmore Christian Academy. I truly enjoy visiting their students, staff and parents and I am absolutely honoured that they’re joining us today. GCA has built a dynamic Christian environment dedicated to excellence in learning and life development. Their focus is to raise leaders who will become responsible citizens and world – view thinkers who are committed to Christian service. It’s a pleasure to introduce eight fine students, who have made a special trip up to Edmonton to pray for us as provincial leaders here in this building.” 

As we listened that afternoon to the various MLAs making statements and voicing their concerns, I think we were all likely sobered by the power our Legislative Assembly holds to enact laws that affect us all. This was indeed a reminder to pray that the truth of God and His righteousness prevails. Thank you to all who participated in our day of prayer whether on site or from afar, your prayers make a difference!

James 5:16 The Prayer of a righteous man is Powerful and Effective.

* The Alberta Hansard

This documented step of youthful faith brought to you by:

Mrs. Elaine Baillie, Chaplain

Fort Saskatchewan Christian School

God Bless and have a great week.

Mr. Rob Anderson - MLA for Airdrie

Dear God, We pray for MLA Mr. Rob Anderson that you would be with him and all the other party representatives that they would be wise in all the important decisions they must make. Surround them with people who will give them wise counsel and good advice. Help him Lord, to represent the people of Airdrie well and be knowledgeable of what they need. In your name, Amen (Grade 6 Student)

Rob Anderson was elected to his second term in Alberta’s Legislative Assembly as the Member for Airdrie on April 23, 2012.

He currently serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, and has previously served on the following standing committees of the Legislative Assembly:

• Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund
• Resource Stewardship
• Education
• Finance
• Private Bills
• Public Safety and Services
• Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services

Born in Edmonton on June 13, 1977, Mr. Anderson is the oldest of seven children. The family lived in Sherwood Park for most of his early years before moving in 1990 to Airdrie, which has been home ever since. During his youth he spent much of his time playing sports, particularly hockey and football. Two of his most memorable achievements are winning the Edmonton city championship as defensive captain for the Salisbury high school football team in Sherwood Park and being named the starting goaltender for the Brigham Young University Cougars hockey team. He also dedicated himself to earning his Boy Scouts of Canada chief scout award.

In 2003 Mr. Anderson graduated magna cum laude from Brigham Young University with a bachelor of arts in communications. Three years later he obtained a bachelor of laws from the University of Alberta, graduating with 'distinction' honours.

While at law school Mr. Anderson earned the coveted Merv Leitch QC scholarship for superior academic standing in constitutional law and demonstrated participation in related extracurricular activities, which in his case included his cofounding the organization Students for a Stronger Alberta. This group advocated for democratic reform and more meaningful voter participation in the democratic process, printed a university newspaper (The Independent), focused on debating relevant public policy and political issues of the day and organized a speaker series on strengthening democracy. He further demonstrated his interest in legal issues as they relate to the political sphere by earning the highest academic standing in the U of A law school's law and democratic process course.

Prior to his election as a Member of the Legislative Assembly Mr. Anderson practiced corporate litigation law at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP in Calgary. Aside from the opportunity to work with some of Canada's most knowledgeable legal minds, this experience provided him with firsthand insight into how and why companies succeed or fail.

At 19 years old Mr. Anderson spent two years engaging in mission service in Taiwan. During this time he had the opportunity to learn to speak Mandarin Chinese fluently, work as a caregiver for high-needs individuals, teach English as a second language and forge friendships that he enjoys to this day. It turns out that learning Mandarin Chinese was a blessing in more ways than one. In 2008, his parents adopted a little girl from China.

Mr. Anderson and his wife, Anita, live in Airdrie, where they raise their four sons: Derek, Bryce, Spencer and Joshua. He also has the opportunity to spend time with his parents, four brothers and two sisters, who live nearby.

Mr. Moe Amery - MLA for Calgary-East

Dear God, We pray for Mr. Moe Amery that you will help him as he works in his constituency. We also pray that you will bless him for all the good he has already done. Help him to be aware of what is right and what is needed as he serves with his colleagues. Give him strength and confidence when he is making tough decisions and be aware of what is true and just. Help Mr. Amery to be wise in all he does today we pray. Amen   (Grade 6 Student)

Moe Amery was elected to his sixth term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Calgary-East on April 23, 2012. In addition to serving as chair of the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future, Mr. Amery also serves as a member of the Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund and the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.

Mr. Amery has previously served as a member of:

• Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services
• Standing Committee Community Development
• Standing Committee on Private Bills
• Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing
• Standing Committee on Government Services
• Cabinet Policy Committee on Community Services
• Standing Policy Committee on Energy and Sustainable Development
• Standing Policy Committee on Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
• Environmental Protection Advisory Committee (chair)
• Glenbow Museum Advisory Committee
• MLA Implementation Team on the Future Selection of RHA Members
• MLA representative on the city of Calgary’s World Fair 2005 bid
• MLA Committee to Review Low-income Programs, summer 2001
• International Governance Office Advisory Committee
• Secondary Suites Committee, 2003 (co-chair)

Mr. Amery was born in Lebanon on September 20, 1954, and relocated to Canada in 1974. He was a student of the University of Alberta’s General Studies faculty between 1975 and 1977. Before being elected to the Legislature, Mr. Amery enjoyed a successful career in Calgary for almost 15 years.

Mr. Amery has been involved with the community associations in his constituency and continues with other business, service and cultural organizations.

Together Mr. Amery and his wife, Mary, have five children: Mickey, Lila, Leena, Laura and Malaak. The Amery family lives in Southview, a neighbourhood in the Calgary-East constituency.

Together Mr. Amery and his wife, Mary, have five children: Mickey (Heather), Lila (Abe), Leena (Mansour), Laura and Malaak. The Amery family lives in Southview, a neighbourhood in the Calgary-East constituency. The Amery’s currently have four grandchildren: Moe Jnr (Mickey & Heather), Elissa, Noah & Arianna (Lila & Abe)

Mr. Mike Allen - MLA for Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo

Dear God, We pray for Mr. Mike Allen that you would bless him for all the work he has done for his community. We pray that you will give him the strength and the wisdom to make the right decisions. Lord, we pray that you will help Mr. Allen be strong and do what is right even if he stands alone. May he not be concerned with what others may say or think but be confident that you are with him and will be there for him when he needs help. We thank you for Mr. Allen and ask that you would be close to him, giving him your wisdom and showing him how much you love and care for him. Amen   (Grade 6 student)

Mike Allen was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo on April 23, 2012. He was appointed by Premier Redford as the special advisor to the Minister of Transportation for highway 63 on May 22, 2012.

Mr. Allen currently serves as a member of the following Standing Committees:

• Private Bills
• Resource Stewardship
• Public Accounts

Mr. Allen was previously the chair of the Select Special Conflicts of Interest Act Review Committee. He had also served as a member of the Standing Committee on Families and Communities and the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections Standing Orders and Printing.

Mr. Allen served as a member of Treasury Board and the Alaska-Alberta Bilateral Council and had also represented Alberta on the Council of State Governments – Midwest.

Mr. Allen moved to Fort McMurray in 1993 with his family and purchased Campbell’s Music, where he was able to combine his business administration background and career as a professional jazz musician to create a successful and thriving business. Mr. Allen began transitioning from business to community leader when he was nominated to a position on the board of Fort McMurray’s Chamber of Commerce. He served two terms as president.

In 2007 Mr. Allen was elected to city council, serving two terms as a councillor.

Business leader, community leader and now provincial elected representative, he continues to serve Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo, the amazing community he calls home.

Honourable Gene Zwozdesky - MLA for Edmonton-Mill Creek

Lord God, Today we lift up Hon. Gene Zwozdesky, may he walk every day in a place of blessing. Give him wisdom and discernment as he makes decisions throughout the day. Help him to be a peacemaker and may his fellow MLAs honour him in his role. We pray your blessings on the leadership skills he brings to this position. Amen  (Gr. 6 Student)

Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta

On April 23, 2012, Gene Zwozdesky was elected to his sixth term as the MLA for Edmonton-Mill Creek. He was elected Speaker of the Legislative Assembly on May 23, 2012, and appointed chair of the Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services on May 24, 2012.

Mr. Zwozdesky sits on the executive of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association as the Canada Regional Representative.

In addition to his role as MLA, Mr. Zwozdesky chaired the Standing Committee on Community Development.

He previously served as Minister of Alberta Health and Wellness, Minister of Aboriginal Relations, Minister of Education, and Minister of Community Development. He was also the Associate Minister of Health and Wellness (1999) and of Capital Planning (2007).

Mr. Zwozdesky was a member of the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing and the Cabinet Policy Committee on Community Development.

An adjunct professor at the University of Alberta, Mr. Zwozdesky has a bachelor of arts degree and a bachelor of education degree from the University of Alberta as well as accreditation courses in public administration.

Before becoming an MLA, Mr. Zwozdesky worked as a teacher, administrator, professional musician and business owner. He was also the Executive Director of the Alberta Cultural Heritage Foundation and of the Alberta Ukrainian Canadian Centennial Commission, as well as Music Director for the Shumka Dancers and Cheremosh Dancers.

Mr. Zwozdesky is actively involved in his community. He is President of the Alberta Friends of Golf Association and a member of: the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, Northern Alberta Alliance on Race Relations, Order of St. Andrew, Rainbow Society of Alberta, St. John’s Fraternal Society, Big Miller Bandwagon Statue Project, and the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN). He is also an Honourary Life-time Member of the Edmonton Musicians’ Association (Local 390), the Twin Parks Community League, and the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers. He is an Honorary Member of the Robert Burns World Federation, January 22, 2014.

Previously, Mr. Zwozdesky was an executive member of the Alberta Folk Arts Council, Alberta Recording Industry Association, Edmonton Canada Day Committee, Edmonton Heritage Festival Association and Capital City Savings (SERVUS) Ukrainian Community Council. He was the co-founder and producer of the Great Canadian Awards and Honorary Mayor of Kananaskis Country. He has served as a volunteer auctioneer for numerous organizations and has helped raise over $5 million for charitable causes.

Gene Zwozdesky has received many awards and recognitions, including:

• Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, 2012
• Taras Shevchenko Medal, 2009
• Ami de la francophonie lors de Rond Point
• Alberta Association of Rehab Centres Trail Breaker Award
• Alberta Council for the Ukrainian Arts Award
• Alberta Motion Picture Industry Film Composer Award
• Alberta Recording Industries Association (ARIA) Award of Distinction
• Blauen-Funken Prinzengarde Honorary Knight Award
• CFCW Canadian Ukrainian Music Hall of Fame
• City of Edmonton Ambassador Award for Business and Tourism
• Congress of Black Women of Canada Merit Award
• Council of India Societies Merit Award
• Edmonton Folk Arts Council Heritage Development Award
• Edmonton Musicians Association Honorary Life Member Award
• Friends of Focus Award (for work with disability groups)
• Friends of Inner City Edmonton Appreciation Award
• Government of Canada Merit Award for Multiculturalism
• Lebanese Cultural Association (Lac La Biche) Honorary Member Award
• Pakistan Canada Association Community Service Award
• Province of Alberta Achievement Award for Culture
• Queens Golden Jubilee Medal
• Royal Canadian Legion Community Service Award
• Royal Canadian Norwood Legion Honorary Life Member Award
• Sikh Federation of Edmonton Outstanding Community Services Award
• Twin Parks Community League Honorary Life Member Award
• Ukrainian Canadian Social Services Certificate of Recognition
• Ukrainian Shumka Dancers Lifetime Member Award
• Vohon Ukrainian Dance Ensemble Recognition Award
• 2005 Alberta Centennial Medal

For the 2009 and 2010 Mardi Gras Season, Gene and his wife, Christine, were crowned "Prince and Princess" of the German Blauen-Funken Karneval.