Ms. Debbie Jabbour - MLA for Peace River

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you that you watch over our leaders and in particular today, we are praying for Peace River legislative representative, Ms. Debbie Jabbour. We ask that you will give her wisdom to make the right choices in her decision making. Give her the strength to say and do everything that needs to be said and done and helping her in tough situations. We pray the Lord’s blessing over her today. May the Lord bless you and keep you, make His face to shine upon you, be gracious to you and give you His peace. Amen  (Jr. High Student)

Biographical information for individual Members will be posted as soon as it is available.

Mr. Grant Hunter - MLA for Cardston-Taber-Warner

Dear God, as we think of MLA Mr. Grant Hunter, we pray that he would represent his constituency well. We pray that he would know that he can trust you to lead him to the people he needs to meet and network with in Cardston, Taber and Warner. May your presence be all around him blessing him with peace and good health. In your name, Amen  (Grade 6 Student)

Grant Hunter was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Cardston-Taber-Warner on May 5, 2015. He currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Alberta's Economic Future and the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.

Mr. Hunter holds a bachelor of science degree from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, and a master's degree from Northcentral University in Prescott Valley, Arizona.

Prior to his election Mr. Hunter operated Hunter Construction, a residential and commercial construction company. He has also worked in the import and export business, in the media industry and as a former teacher in Alberta.

Mr. Hunter has served as a board member for several political and community organizations, including the Cardston Lions Club.

He resides in Cardston with his wife, Angie, and their five children.

Mr. Trevor Horne - MLA for Spruce Grove-St. Albert

God in Heaven, we pray on behalf of Mr. Trevor Horne who is the MLA for Spruce Grove and St. Albert. May he know that you are with him. We ask that you would give him guidance and clear vision as to how to make a positive difference for those he is governing. May he have compassion and a desire to advocate for what is just and fair. We pray blessings, health and protection over him and his family. Amen  (Grade 6 Student)

Trevor Horne was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Spruce Grove-St. Albert, on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Alberta's Economic Future and as a member of the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Horne's focus centred primarily on involvement in his community. He volunteered during Alberta's 2012 general provincial election and 2013 municipal election. He was also previously involved in Scouts Canada.

More recently and while studying political science at MacEwan University, he served as chair of a postsecondary political association, beginning in 2012, and as policy chair for a political youth association, beginning in 2014.

He holds a graphic communications certificate from NAIT and attended MacEwan University from 2011 to 2015.

Mr. Horne was born in Edmonton and resides in St. Albert.

Honourable Sarah Hoffman - MLA for Edmonton-Glenora

Dear Heavenly Father, we are thankful to you for Hon. Sarah Hoffman and pray that you would grant her the energy and wisdom she needs to carry out this important role. May she find time to rest and be restored. Thank you for the hours she puts into her work and we pray that she would be filled with joy. We ask that her colleagues, family and friends would support her in her endeavours. This we pray in your name, Amen  (Jr. High Student)

Biographical information for individual Members will be posted as soon as it is available.

Mr. Bruce Hinkley - MLA for Wetaskiwin-Camrose

Dear God, please be with MLA Mr. Bruce Hinkley and multiply his time and renew his energy.  As he goes about the day, may he sense that You walk with him.  We pray blessings on the leadership skills he brings to this position.  We thank You for his enthusiasm, dedication and commitment while serving in our legislature.  Amen.

Bruce Hinkley was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Wetaskiwin-Camrose on May 5, 2015.

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

Mr. Hinkley holds a master's degree in education from the University of Alberta and a bachelor of education degree from the University of Calgary.

He was a small-business owner and operator and a veteran educator with over 30 years of experience, both as a classroom teacher and as an administrator. Mr. Hinkley served as the executive director for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Wetaskiwin from 1986 to 1991.

Mr. Hinkley has supported local youth centres and supports sports and literacy organizations throughout Wetaskiwin and its surrounding area. He has coached hockey, baseball, volleyball and cross-country skiing.

Mr. Hinkley enjoys a wide range of hobbies, particularly running, hiking and walking his dogs. He has been an alpine and cross-country skier. He is also presently enrolled in a Spanish language certificate program, and he is an avid collector of stamps and chess sets, many of which he finds on his travels around the world.

He and his family live in rural Wetaskiwin.

Mr. David B. Hanson - MLA for Lac La Biche-St. Paul-Two Hills

Dear Lord God be with MLA Mr. David Hanson, as he goes through each and every day and guide him we pray.  Thank You for bringing him the resources that he needs to accomplish the things he sees needs to be done in our province.  Bless him with health and rest and may he feel refreshed today.  Amen.  (Grade 6 student)

 

David Hanson was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Lac La Biche-St. Paul-Two Hills, on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing and as a member of the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Hanson worked for over 37 years in the construction industry in service of both the commercial and oil and gas sectors. Over the course of his career he has worked in various capacities, including as a foreman, as a superintendent and, most recently, as a consultant and construction inspector for a major Alberta oil and gas company.

He attended NAIT in 1982 and holds certification in three trades: plumbing, gasfitting and steamfitting. He also received a diploma in medical radiology in 1988.

Mr. Hanson is a member of the St. Paul & District Lions Club.

He was born and raised in Two Hills, and he and his family now reside on a farm northeast of St. Paul in the hamlet of Owlseye.

Ms. Christina Gray - MLA for Edmonton-Mill Woods

Dear God, be with MLA Ms. Christina Gray as she serves the constituents of Edmonton - Millwoods.  Thank You for her leadership and the fine example she is of one who sincerely cares for the needs of the people she represents.  Guide her today and may she experience Your peace and presence.  Amen.  

Christina Gray was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Edmonton-Mill Woods, on May 5, 2015.

She currently serves as Chair of the Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee. She is also Deputy Chair of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, Ms. Gray worked as a senior consultant with a local software development consulting firm, beginning in 2008. Previous to this, she worked as a software developer and instructor.

Active in her community, she served on the Edmonton Transit System Advisory Board for six years, three years of which were in the capacity of chair. She also volunteered as a distress line operator with The Support Network for four years. In 2007 she was recognized for her various contributions with a YWCA of Edmonton women of distinction award.

She holds a bachelor of arts degree in psychology and a diploma in software development.

Ms. Gray and her husband, Neal, are long-term residents of Edmonton.

Mr. Richard Gotfried - MLA for Calgary-Fish Creek

Dear Lord, we want to thank You for MLA Mr. Richard Gotfried and the part he plays in our Legislative Assembly.  Enable him to make the best decisions and choices for our province.  Give him wisdom and help him to know what is most important to give his time to today.  In Jesus Name, Amen.   (Grade 6 student)

 

Biographical information for individual Members will be posted as soon as it is available.

Ms. Nicole Goehring - MLA for Edmonton-Castle Downs

Father, thank You for MLA Ms. Nicole Goehring representing Edmonton – Castle Downs. We lift her up to You and pray that she would sense Your love and encouragement.  Give her insight and solutions to issues at hand.  We pray as well that You would increase her influence in order that she may accomplish even more for the people she serves. Amen.  (Grade 6 student)

Nicole Goehring was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Edmonton-Castle Downs, on May 5, 2015.

She currently serves as a member of the Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services and as a member of the Standing Committee on Families and Communities.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, Ms. Goehring worked for close to a decade with Child and Family Services in various capacities, including as a caseworker, assessor and, most recently, as a court co-ordinator. Previous to this, she worked with Edmonton Integrated Services for seven years, six of which she spent in the role of group home supervisor.

From 1996-1997 Ms. Goehring worked as a peers educating peers coordinator for TERRA Association, a program she co-created and implemented in schools, hospitals and universities to provide community education in the area of teen pregnancy. From 1995-1996 she was a youth mediator with Community and Family Services. At that time she co-created and implemented a youth friendly mediation manual and program, and worked with Edmonton school counselors and Edmonton police officers to mediate youth related situations in schools and communities to avoid suspensions, expulsion and or criminal charges.

An active parent, she has managed sports teams, has worked on parent advisory committees and has acted as a parent liaison.

She holds a diploma in social work from Grant MacEwan Community College (now known as MacEwan University).

Ms. Goehring lives in Edmonton with her husband, Shane, and three children.

Honourable Kathleen Ganley - MLA for Calgary-Buffalo

Father God, we pray for Hon. Ms. Kathleen Gangley that You would multiply her time and renew her energy.  Guide and direct her as she attends to important business today.  Bless her family and may they have health, strength and many enjoyable times together.  In Jesus Name, Amen.   (Grade 6 student)

Minister of Justice and Solicitor General

Minister of Aboriginal Relations

Kathleen Ganley was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Calgary-Buffalo, on May 5, 2015. She was appointed Minister of Justice and Solicitor General and Minister of Aboriginal Relations on May 24, 2015.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, Ms. Ganley worked with a private law firm as an associate, specializing in labour, employment and human rights law. Previous to this, she articled with the Provincial Court of Alberta from June 2011 to March 2012.

Before beginning her legal career, Ms. Ganley spent a summer as a caseworker with student legal assistance and as a research assistant with RESOLVE Alberta, a research network focused on ending violence against women.

An avid volunteer, over the years she has donated her time to participating in a variety of community activities, including providing student legal assistance, delivering patient care at the Foothills hospital, coaching swimming, counselling children's day camp and assisting with community theatre.

In addition to receiving a number of scholarships and bursaries, Ms. Ganley was awarded the department of philosophy silver medallion and the University of Calgary undergraduate merit award.

Along with a juris doctor degree from the University of Calgary, she also holds a bachelor of arts in philosophy and a bachelor of science in psychology.

Mr. Rick Fraser - MLA for Calgary-South East

Dear God, we pray for MLA Mr. Rick Fraser as he continues to serve in our Province.  Thank you for his experience and skill he brings to his position. Surround him with great staff that will assist him in moving our province into success and prosperity.  Give him strength and vitality to keep persevering.  Amen.

Rick Fraser was elected to his second term as the Member for Calgary-South East on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Private Bills.

He previously served as Legislative Secretary, Ambulance Services (reporting to the Minister of Health), as Associate Minister of Public Safety and as the Associate Minister of Recovery and Reconstruction of High River. As well he has served as a member of the following committees:

• Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services
• Standing Committee on Families and Communities
• Strategic Tourism and Marketing Council
• Standing Committee on Public Accounts
• Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship

Mr. Fraser also served as Deputy Government Whip. Like so many Canadians, one of Mr. Fraser’s passions is the game of hockey. Upon graduating high school, he was drafted eighth overall in the 1994 East Coast Hockey League free agent draft by the Columbus Chill. He has enjoyed sharing his love for teamwork and volunteerism by coaching various sports teams in and around his community.

After three and a half years of college, he earned his advanced-care paramedic diploma in the University of Alberta Faculty of Augustana paramedic program. As an advanced-care paramedic, he was responsible for all advanced life-saving procedures outside of a hospital setting combined with advanced treat-and-release, and treat-and-refer protocols for the sick and injured anywhere in Alberta. In addition, Mr. Fraser has served the public for 12 years working for the ambulance service.

Mr. Fraser was a leader in his profession, operating as crew chief in Calgary and teaching advanced cardiac life support to EMS staff, physicians, nurses and students at Lakeland College in Camrose. From 2008 to 2010 he served as president of Calgary paramedics. Additionally, he sat on the Alberta College of Paramedics committee that is responsible for developing a critical care paramedic program and overseeing continuing education for all EMS staff in Alberta. Mr. Fraser also advocates for new paramedic students as the practicum co-ordinator for the Calgary zone of Lakeland College.

Born and raised in Calgary, Rick Fraser and his wife Mishelle are now raising two young sons in Calgary’s southeast side.

Ms. Maria Fitzpatrick - MLA for Lethbridge-East

Dear God, please be with MLA Ms. Maria M. Fitzpatrick as she serves the people of Calgary – Varsity.  Guide her thoughts and may she know what is best in order to see success and progress for Albertans.  Give her renewed strength and good health to continue to carry out her role.  In Christ’s Name, Amen. 

 

Maria Fitzpatrick was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Lethbridge-East, on May 5, 2015.

She currently serves as deputy chair of the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing and as a member of the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future.

Prior to her service with the Legislative Assembly she dedicated over 30 years of her life in the field of corrections. During this time she spent 20 years within operations serving as a parole officer both in the institution and the community; as a recreation supervisor, a basic literacy teacher and acting education co-ordinator; she served federally and with the territorial government of the Northwest Territories. She finished her career in corrections working for National Headquarters of the Correctional Service of Canada working in policy and project management. Maria took a 3 year leave of absence during her career when she was elected as the regional executive vice-president of the Public Service Alliance of Canada in the National Capital Region. Maria's work career began as a teacher with the Catholic school board in St. John's, Newfoundland.

Ms. Fitzpatrick's extensive community service spans over several decades and involves participation on several boards and in numerous associations, including United Way Ottawa, the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the National Association of Federal Retirees. In addition, she served as chair of the Lethbridge Regional Women's Committee, as vice-president of the Canadian Federation of University Women and as an event organizer with the Ottawa Regional Women's Committee. She is also a member of the McKillop United church choir. Maria actively worked with other volunteers in the community garden at the Agricultural Research Station in Lethbridge to provide produce to the Inter-faith food bank since 2013.

Born and educated in Newfoundland, she attended Memorial University in St. John's, Newfoundland, between 1966 and 1972 and received a diploma in education from St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia in 1988.

Ms. Fitzpatrick is a well-known proponent of an active lifestyle. She was named St. John's female athlete of the year in 1969 and over the years has coached a number of track and field teams in several jurisdictions.

A resident of Lethbridge, she has called Alberta home for close to 20 years. She has three children. 

Mr. Derek Fildebrandt - MLA for Strathmore-Brooks

Father in heaven, we pray for Your blessing on MLA Mr. Derek Fildebrandt today. We are thankful for the skills he brings to his role and for his care for the people he represents, the people of Alberta and Strathmore - Brooks.  Also, we pray that You would give him wisdom in everything he does.  Amen.  (Grade 6 student)

Derek Fildebrandt was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Strathmore-Brooks, on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves as Chair of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and as a member of the Special Standing Committee on Members' Services.

As well he serves as the Official Opposition's shadow minister of Finance and Treasury Board.

Prior to serving as a Member of the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Fildebrandt was the Alberta director and national research director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. He also previously worked as a policy analyst for the Forum of Labour Market Ministers for the British Columbia Public Service.

Born and educated in Ontario, Mr. Fildebrandt received his bachelor of arts, history and political science from Carleton University.

Mr. Fildebrandt enjoys a number of outdoor activities such as fishing, sport shooting and canoeing.

Mr. Richard Feehan - MLA for Edmonton-Rutherford

Heavenly Father, we pray for MLA Mr. Richard Feehan that You would give him safety in his travels and renewed strength for each and every day. Lord, give him insight and creative solutions for the issues that come his way.  God, multiply his time and guide him to connect with just the right people today.  Amen.   (Grade 6 student)

Biographical information for individual Members will be posted as soon as it is available.

Mr. Mike Ellis - MLA for Calgary-West

Lord God in heaven, may Your presence be with MLA Mr. Mike Ellis as he serves the people of   our province.  Give him the insight and understanding needed to meet their needs and provide opportunities that will move this province forward. May Your blessing rest upon him and his family and at the end of the day may he feel confident that his leadership in Alberta is making a difference, Amen

Mike Ellis was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta in the constituency of Calgary-West in a by-election on October 27, 2014. He was re-elected on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves as a member of the standing committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund and the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing.

He has previously served as a member of the Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund and the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Ellis spent 12 years with the Calgary Police Service. During his tenure he served eight years in the position of constable and three as patrol sergeant. In recognition of his service he received a 10-year distinguished service medal in 2013.

During his policing career his focus was primarily on community policing, which included working with some of Calgary’s most vulnerable citizens through the Alberta Secretariat for Action on Homelessness. He also trained other officers in how to help victims of crime.

Mr. Ellis has studied in the bachelor of policing program at Charles Sturt University in Australia. He also holds a management certificate from Mount Royal College and leadership certification from the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Mr. Ellis is married to Hollie, and together they have three children.

Honourable David Eggen - MLA for Edmonton-Calder

Dear God, bless Hon. David Eggen, MLA for Edmonton – Calder and we pray over his work in the Legislature that it would thrive and that You would give him the wisdom he requires.  Thank You that You help him to make the best choices for the communities in this province and for the special interest groups he represents.  Bless him with good health and keep him from sickness and harm.  Amen

Minister of Education

Minister of Culture and Tourism

David Eggen was sworn in as the Minister of Education and as the Minister of Culture and Tourism on May 24, 2015.

Mr. Eggen was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-Calder on April 23, 2012 and again on May 5, 2015. He previously represented the constituency from 2004 to 2008 and served as the ND's critic for energy, education, environment and sustainable resource development.

Mr. Eggen has served as a member of the following committees:

• Standing Committee on Families and Communities
• Standing Committee on Legislative Offices
• Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future
• Select Special Chief Electoral Officer Search Committee
• Select Special Ethics Commissioner Search Committee
• Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund

Mr. Eggen was educated at the University of Alberta, where he received a bachelor of education degree in 1984. He then went to Zimbabwe, where he taught for three years. Upon his return to Edmonton he taught at a number of local schools from 1990 to 2004.

Mr. Wayne Drysdale - MLA for Grande Prairie-Wapiti

Dear God, we are grateful for MLA Mr. Wayne Drysdale and all the work he does in our province.  May he see new possibilities as he travels and talks to the people of Alberta.  Renew his strength and help him to see how important the work is that he has been called to do.  Give him times of rest and refreshment with family and friends.  Amen.   (Grade 6 student)

Wayne Drysdale was elected to his third term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Grande Prairie-Wapiti on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Private Bills and the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship.

He had previously served as Minister of Transportation and 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 councilor 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 daughters Tory and Sydney 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.

Ms. Deborah Drever - MLA for Calgary-Bow

God, we pray for MLA Ms. Deborah Drever that You would give her strength and courage to do the work You have called her to do.  On stressful days we pray for Your grace and peace.  We pray for Your many blessings, good health, safety in her travels and protection over her and her family.  In Jesus name, Amen.  (Grade 6 student)

Biographical information for individual Members will be posted as soon as it is available.

Mr. Thomas Dang - MLA for Edmonton-South West

Dear God, we pray that you will help MLA Thomas Dang through his daily tasks, we ask that you help him acclimatize himself to the numerous requirements his constituency has. Please help him hear you when he requires wisdom or clarity when addressing the stressful nature of his service. May you give him peace when his daily tasks are done and help him meet the needs of his family and close friends.

Biographical information for individual Members will be posted as soon as it is available.

Mr. Lorne Dach - MLA for Edmonton-McClung

Lord God, we pray that MLA Mr. Lorne Dach will have confidence in the decisions he makes for Edmonton – McClung.  Give him insight and creative solutions. Grant him favor with those he works with and give him wisdom.  We pray that you would bless him in his new leadership role and guide him so that he may accomplish much for our province.  Amen.  (Grade 6 student)

Biographical information for individual Members will be posted as soon as it is available.

Mr. Scott Cyr - MLA for Bonnyville-Cold Lake

Heavenly Father, we pray for MLA Mr. Scott Cyr and that he would continue to do the best he can in the field of work You have called him to do.  Lead and guide him as he plans for the people of Alberta.  Bless his staff in the legislature and in his constituency.  Give him good rest as he sleeps at night.  Amen.   (Grade 6 student

Biographical information for individual Members will be posted as soon as it is available.

Estefania Cortes-Vargas - MLA for Strathcona-Sherwood Park

Dear God, we pray that Your presence would be with MLA Ms. Estefania Cortes-Vargas and that You would make her office a place where she gets much accomplished today.  Guide and direct her thoughts to attend to those things that are of most importance to all Albertans.  Bless her with time to do the recreational things she enjoys.  Amen.   (Grade 6 student)  

Estefania Cortes-Vargas was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Strathcona-Sherwood Park on May 5, 2015.

She currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Legislative Offices.

Cortes-Vargas is a student of MacEwan University's social work program. She worked for the Edmonton public school board for over four years as an educational assistant and previously as a facilitator for the Multicultural Health Brokers Co-operative.

Cortes-Vargas is very active in the community, lending her efforts to many initiatives such as coaching for a tae kwon do program that serves families with children with disabilities.