A Christmas and New Year’s Prayer

Dear Lord,

We pray that this Christmas, our eyes would once again turn to the babe in the manager, Christ the Lord. As we look at the events that surrounded that first Christmas, we are reminded of the message the angels brought, that you were born the Savior of the world. We say along with the angels, “Glory to God in the Highest and on earth, peace and goodwill to men.”

Our prayer here at prayAB, is that all our MLA’s during this Christmas season, would experience your presence and peace and be refreshed as they spend time with family and friends.

We at prayAB want to give notice that we will not be posting prayers from December 24^th until January 16^th. We continue however, to remember you in our thoughts and prayers throughout this time and pray that you will have a Blessed New Year.

Honourable Sarah Hoffman - MLA for Edmonton-Glenora

Lord, we are praying together today for Hon. Sarah Hoffman. Give her clarity and the ability to make wise decisions in the many duties she fulfills in health care and for the seniors of this province. Lead and guide her to opportunities that would best benefit Albertans. We pray that you would bless Ms. Hoffman with health and peace. Amen

Deputy Premier

Minister of Health

Sarah Hoffman was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Edmonton-Glenora on May 5, 2015. She was appointed to serve as Minister of Health and Minister of Seniors on May 24, 2015, and on February 2, 2016, Ms. Hoffman was named Deputy Premier, while continuing to serve as Minister of Health.

Ms. Hoffman holds a master of education (educational policy studies) and a bachelor of education (secondary math) from the University of Alberta. She also has a bachelor of science (math) and a bachelor of arts (religion) from Concordia University College of Alberta.

Ms. Hoffman worked as a researcher prior to becoming a trustee for the Edmonton public school board. During her first term as a school trustee, from 2010 to 2012, she served as vice-chair and was then acclaimed as board chair in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

An active community member, Ms. Hoffman has volunteered her time and skills to numerous organizations over the years, including the Alberta Association for Multicultural Education and the Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association.

Mr. Bruce Hinkley - MLA for Wetaskiwin-Camrose

Father in Heaven, it is with gratitude we come in prayer for Mr. Bruce Hinkley and for the service he gives to the people of Wetaskiwin – Camrose. We are certain that previous service has helped shape him to be the person he is today and we are grateful for that experience. Give him energy for the road ahead and wisdom to make the best choices for the people of the province. Bless him and his family, and give them grace and understanding when Mr. Hinkley’s schedule gets busy. We ask all this in Jesus name, 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 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

Heavenly Father we pray for MLA Mr. David Hanson in the community of Lac La Biche – St. Paul – Two Hills and we ask that you would bless him today. Lord, give him strength and wisdom. for you said if we need wisdom to just ask you. We pray for you to guide his thoughts as he makes decisions today and may he experience joy in serving. Amen

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 Resource Stewardship and the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing. He previously served 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.

Honourable Christina Gray - MLA for Edmonton-Mill Woods

Father in Heaven, we thank you for Hon. Ms. Christina Gray. We are grateful for the position she holds in our province and the active involvement in the constituency of Edmonton – Millwoods. For her responsibilities today, fill her with your clarity, insight and wisdom. Bless the team around her with a sense of purpose as well. Continue to protect and grant health and strength to MLA Gray. Amen

Minister of Labour

Minister Responsible for Democratic Renewal

Christina Gray was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Edmonton-Mill Woods, on May 5, 2015. On February 2, 2016, Ms. Gray was appointed Minister of Labour and Minister Responsible for Democratic Renewal.

She previously served as chair of the Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee and as 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

Lord, as we pray today for MLA Richard Gotfried in Calgary – Fish Creek, we thank you for his faithful service to his constituents. We ask you Lord to give him strength today and for all his decisions, wisdom and direction. May he hear your voice giving him discernment and a clear understanding of the path before him. We pray Father for protection for him and all those close to him. Amen

Richard Gotfried is proud to have been born and raised in Alberta. He was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Calgary-Fish Creek, on May 5, 2015.

Mr. Gotfried is a member of the standing committees on Public Accounts and Alberta's Economic Future.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, he spent over a decade working as a senior executive for a Calgary-based home builder. Earlier, he worked for over 15 years as a district sales manager for an international airline. In addition, he was vice-president of corporate and community engagement with Calgary Economic Development between 2011 and 2013.

As a strong supporter of community engagement he has volunteered with several community associations, including the Calgary Home Builders Foundation; the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association; Skål International, Calgary (the International Association of Travel and Tourism Professionals); Scouts Canada and GlobalFest. In addition, he is the founder of the public, essential and key employees (PEAK) home ownership program.

He was named international airline executive of the year in 1990 by Agent Canada, and in 2007 he received a community service award from the Canadian Home Builders' Association.

Mr. Gotfried holds a certificate in corporate and community involvement from the Carroll School of Management at Boston College and an executive management certificate from the University of Hong Kong and studied political science and economics at the University of Calgary.

Ms. Nicole Goehring - MLA for Edmonton-Castle Downs

Lord God, we are thankful for Ms. Nicole Goehring and the abilities she brings to the responsibilities she carries. Thank you as well for the passion she has for serving her constituency of Edmonton – Castle Downs. May she experience satisfaction and fulfilment as she involves herself in community events, meets individuals and families and acquaints herself with their needs. Amen

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 chair of the Standing Committee on Families and Communities and as a member of the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections and the Standing Orders and Printing and the Standing Committee on Public Accounts. Previously she served as chair of the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship and 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.

Mr. Prab Gill - MLA for Calgary-Greenway

Lord God, we are thankful for Mr. Prab Gill. During this season of stress and busyness, may you give Mr. Gill clarity and vigour to carry out the special needs of his constituents. We pray blessings on his family and peace in all his comings and goings. Lord may your hand be on Mr Gill in the upcoming year. Amen

Prabhdeep (Prab) Singh Gill was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta in the Calgary-Greenway by-election, which was held on March 22, 2016.

Prior to being elected, Mr. Gill worked as real estate appraiser and is a member of Appraisal Institute of Canada (AIC) and served as director of a real estate appraisal firm and director of an industrial construction firm.

He holds a bachelor of science in agriculture (honours) and is working on completing his postgraduate certificate in real property valuation (PGCV) from UBC Sauder School of Business.

Mr. Gill is an active member of his community. His experience includes involvement with the assured income for the severely handicapped (AISH) program, IES (Income and Employment Support) Alberta Works. He has also volunteered with the Heart and Stroke Foundation and a drug awareness associations.

Mr. Gill and his wife have two children. In his spare time he enjoys watching football, hockey, movies and spending time with his family.

Honourable Kathleen Ganley - MLA for Calgary-Buffalo

We pray today for our Hon. Ms. Kathleen Ganley as she serves in Calgary-Buffalo. Give her everything she needs and requires for the tasks ahead of her. We are grateful for the sacrifices she has made working in this position and pray for health and strength. We pray that she would sense your presence as she goes about her work today. Bless her and keep her in your loving care. Amen

Minister of Justice and Solicitor General

Kathleen Ganley was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Calgary-Buffalo, on May 5, 2015. She currently serves as Minister of Justice and Solicitor General.

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

Father, we thank you for Mr. Fraser and his commitment to the people of Alberta through his service as MLA for Calgary – South East). We ask that you grant Mr. Fraser much grace, wisdom, and courage to always stand for what is true and just. We pray that you would extend safety and divine protection over him in all his travels. 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 Public Accounts and 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 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

Father God, Thank you for your call upon Ms. Maria Fitzpatrick and your hand upon her life as she directs decisions for this province. We pray for continuous guidance in the matters that cross her desk and that she is daily encouraged in her faithful service. Bless her with health and vitality. 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 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

Heavenly Father, we pray together today for MLA Derek Fildebrandt and for the significant role he carries out in our legislature and in the community of Strathcona – Brooks. We ask that you grant him a clear understanding of all issues that cross his desk, as well as the grace and courage to always do what is right. Bless him with good times of refreshing and recreation. Amen

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.

Honourable Richard Feehan - MLA for Edmonton-Rutherford

Father in Heaven, we pray for Hon.Richard Feehan today and ask that you would be with him as he faces making decisions that require your guidance. Grant him wisdom, grace and courage each day as he continues to serve the people of Alberta as a member of the legislative assembly and in the constituency of Edmonton – Rutherford.

Minister of Indigenous Relations

Richard Feehan was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Edmonton-Rutherford, on May 5, 2015. On February 2, 2016, Mr. Feehan was appointed Minister of Indigenous Relations.

Prior to his service with the Legislative Assembly he dedicated over a decade to teaching for the Edmonton division of the University of Calgary's Faculty of Social Work. Previous to this he was program director of the Edmonton Social Planning Council and vice-president of Edmonton's Catholic Social Services. He also spent more than a decade in private social work practice.

Community minded, he has served on the Clinical Advisory Team for the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services and as the U of Calgary Faculty of Social Work representative on the board for the Canadian Research Institute for Law and the Family. Over the years he has also worked closely with the Glenrose hospital, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton and the Edmonton Community Adult Learning Association. His extensive community involvement also includes volunteering with arts, sports and school programs and with numerous community organizations.

Born and raised in Edmonton, he lives on Edmonton's south side with his wife, Kathaleen, and their three children, Antoine, Kate and Brenndan.

He has a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Alberta, a bachelor of social work from the University of Calgary and a masters of social work from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario.

Mr. Mike Ellis - MLA for Calgary-West

Heavenly Father, we pray for MLA Mike Ellis today, that you would guide and keep him in your peace. We pray that he would find all the time he needs today to do what is required as he serves the people of Calgary – West. We pray that he would continue to be a man of integrity, a leader in Alberta for the good of all Albertans. Bless him and his family with quality time together. 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, the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing and the Standing Committee on Legislative Offices.

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 Mr. Ellis's 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 specialized in judicial administration law and incident command, and 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

Heavenly Father, we come in the name of Jesus, to pray for Honourable David Eggen. We pray that as a Minister in the Premiers cabinet, he will be strong and purposeful in all the decisions he will be making today, and that they will benefit all Albertans. We pray as well that he would have people around him that would give him wise council and guide him on the road ahead. Bless him with health and peace. Amen

Minister of Education

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

Heavenly Father, we pray for MLA Wayne Drysdale today. Guide him in the exact things that he has need of. You God, see all the issues that he will face as he walks through this day in the legislature with his colleagues and all the challenges ahead. We pray courage for him to stand for the good of Albertans and those in Grande Prairie – Wapiti. Amen

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.