Ms. Maria Fitzpatrick - MLA for Lethbridge-East

Lord, we ask that MLA Ms. Maria Fitzpatrick would be mindful of your presence with her as she faces a busy schedule and many demands. May her strength be renewed and her vision for the future of Lethbridge – East be clear. We pray for time for rest and also recreation and enjoyable gatherings with family and friends. 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

Lord, we thank you for this new day. We pray for Mr. Derek Fildebrandt and that you go before him today to make a plain path for him to walk. We ask that as he proceeds forward that you would bring to him the people he needs to connect with and the resources he needs in order to accomplish his goals. Thank you for his leadership in the position he holds and the blessing he is to his constituents. Protect him and keep him safe in his travels as he goes between Strathmore, Brooks and the Legislature. 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, be with the Honourable Mr. Richard Feehan as he serves and cares for the people and affairs of the region of Edmonton – Rutherford. May he have discernment and clarity as he and community leaders make plans, projections and put things in motion so objectives can be reached. Bless him with joy in his service and surround him with people to assist him in reaching his goals and aspirations for Alberta. Amen

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

God, you are good and have good plans for the day you created. May MLA Mike Ellis be aware of your goodness as he serves and fulfills his role of leadership in Calgary – West. Let him experience fresh vision and creative ideas to apply to the plans he believes he must carry out so that Alberta prospers. Grant him health and strength for his busy schedule. 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

Father God, we join together across Alberta to pray for Cabinet Minister, Hon. Mr. David Eggen. May he find opportunity to travel and hear parents and educators share their heart about the education of their children. Thank you that you give him compassion, wisdom and understanding to speak on behalf of Albertans’ and clearly represent the interests of families in his constituency and beyond. We pray that through your guidance, you will enable Alberta to become the leader in the nation we are meant to be. 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, as we lift up MLA Mr. Wayne Drysdale to you today. We ask you to be with him guiding him in all his deliberations and bringing his plans to fruition. As he travels may he experience your hand of safety and we pray that he would connect with those who also want success and growth for the people of his constituency. May he and his team be of one mind as they make decisions for our province. 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.

Ms. Deborah Drever - MLA for Calgary-Bow

Lord God in Heaven, we pray that you will make your presence known to MLA Ms. Deborah Drever as she goes about her today. May she experience your guidance in every decision making process and each important matter that needs to be attended to. We pray also for new strategies and ideas as she seeks to fulfill the vision you have given her for our province. Amen

Deborah Drever was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta as the Member for the constituency of Calgary-Bow on May 5, 2015.

She currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Private Bills, the Standing Committee on Families and Communities and the Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee.

Born and raised in Calgary, Ms. Drever is enrolled at Mount Royal University, where she is working towards a bachelor of arts degree in sociology.

Throughout her post-secondary studies she has been active in various human rights organizations. She is a member of a feminist collective, and she shares in discourse focusing on women's issues in Alberta.

Also active within her community, she has volunteered with a variety of not-for-profit organizations around Calgary since the age of eight. She has devoted over a decade to supporting the Calgary Folk Music Festival and has worked for over five years with GlobalFest, an international event that features fireworks displays and celebrates cultural diversity. Ms. Drever has also canvassed for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Diabetes Association and the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

She enjoys advocating for social justice and experiencing Calgary's vibrant arts community. Her hobbies include hiking, skiing, travelling and learning new languages.

Mr. Thomas Dang - MLA for Edmonton-South West

Father, you know all things before they even take place in our day. Prepare MLA Thomas Dang for the challenges ahead with strength and endurance. Unite his team around him and may they enjoy the fruit of their labours. Bless his family with health and vitality. Amen

Thomas Dang was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Edmonton-South West, on May 5, 2015.

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

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Dang worked in software development while pursuing a degree in computing science at the University of Alberta.

Throughout his youth, he has been an activist and advocate for social policy and student issues.

Mr. Dang was born and raised in Edmonton.

Mr. Lorne Dach - MLA for Edmonton-McClung

Lord, thank you for MLA Lorne Dach and the experience and skills he has acquired that will enable him to be an effective leader in the public role he is in. We join together across this province in prayer that he will continue to have the vision and the drive to pursue the goals that he has in his heart for success in Alberta. Bless him today with grace and strength. Amen

Lorne Dach was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta in the constituency of Edmonton-McClung on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves a member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and as a member of the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future. He previously served as deputy chair of the Standing Committee on Legislative Offices.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, he worked for close to 30 years in the real estate industry as an Associate Broker.

Community minded, he has also dedicated his time to volunteer efforts, which include serving on the board of directors of homeEd, the City of Edmonton Non-Profit Housing Corporation, for six years and volunteering as a probation officer with Alberta Solicitor General's court intake unit for two years.

Mr. Dach was born, raised and educated in Edmonton. He holds a bachelor of arts in political science from the University of Alberta and has called Edmonton-McClung home for more than 25 years.

Mr. Scott Cyr - MLA for Bonnyville-Cold Lake

Father God, we thank you for MLA Mr. Scott Cyr and the service he provides for the people of Alberta. We ask you Lord, for wisdom to manage his position with excellence. May he continue to be a person of integrity in the role he carries out. Bless him with health and vitality and great friendships to brighten his day. Amen

Scott Cyr was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Bonnyville-Cold Lake, 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 Public Accounts and the Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Cyr worked as an accountant for 14 years. Previous to his career in accounting he was a field operator in the oil and gas industry.

His educational background includes a management degree with a double major in accounting and finance, which he obtained from the University of Lethbridge in 1999. In 2003 he acquired his class 4 power engineering certificate from the Alberta Boilers Safety Association and his registered public accountant designation from the Registered Public Accountants Association.

An active community member, Mr. Cyr spent two years volunteering as director of the Lakeland Credit Union.

Mr. Cyr along with his family — wife, Megan, and two children, Amelia and Charlotte — reside in Cold Lake where he enjoys reading, gardening, fishing and working on various projects around the home.

Estefania Cortes-Vargas - MLA for Strathcona-Sherwood Park

Lord, thank you for the gifts and abilities you have given MLA Cortes-Vargas. Provide her with ongoing opportunities to use her education and experience. Give her wisdom on decision making and resources to fulfill the tasks she has on hand to do. Bless her family and may she acquire many meaningful relationships in the course of her service here in Alberta. Amen

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 chair of the Standing Committee on Legislative Offices and as a member of the Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee.

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.

Mr. Nathan Cooper - MLA for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills

Lord God, we are grateful for MLA Cooper and his desire to run for office and serve the people of our province. It is our prayer for him today that he would continue to put into action the education he has received, the experience and the life lessons that are valuable to carry out his role here in Alberta. Surround him with knowledgeable people that will assist him in finding creative solutions to the issues facing his constituents in Olds, Didsbury and Three Hills. Bless his family with meaningful times together and health and well-being. Amen

Nathan Cooper was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills, on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves on the following committees:

• Standing Committee on Legislative Offices
• Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing
• Special Standing Committee on Members' Services

Prior to serving as a Member of the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Cooper held a number of employment positions but most recently was chief of staff and director of legislative affairs for the Wildrose caucus. Previous to this, he served two terms as councillor for the town of Carstairs.

Having been involved in the 4-H program from a young age, Mr. Cooper has won numerous public speaking awards, and he continues to support 4-H as a volunteer judge. Mr. Cooper also had the privilege of being a Rotary Club exchange student in 1998 and still continues to support the Rotary Club today.

Mr. Cooper and his wife, Tanya, are raising three children – Porter, Paxton and Peyton – in their hometown of Carstairs.

Mr. Craig Coolahan - MLA for Calgary-Klein

Dear Lord, we pray today for Mr. Coolahan. Help him to focus on the most crucial elements of the tasks before him as he serves Albertan’s and in particular those in the constituency of Calgary – Klein. May he be aware of resources and solutions to meet the needs of those he serves so families and businesses can prosper.  Amen

Craig Coolahan was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Calgary-Klein on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves as member of the Standing committee on Alberta’s Economic Future and the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing. Previously he served as chair of the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future.

Prior to his election Mr. Coolahan was employed as a business representative with the United Utility Workers' Association, where he managed the administration of several contracts and represented hundreds of workers in the electricity transmission industry.

Mr. Coolahan holds degrees in English and in journalism and worked in various writing and editing capacities for nearly 15 years, including six as a technical writer for a Calgary-based utility company.

He and his wife, Sarah, have two children, Mehna and Kieran.

Mr. Michael Connolly - MLA for Calgary-Hawkwood

Dear Lord, we pray today for Mr. Michael Connolly, MLA to the constituency of Calgary – Hawkwood. Thank you for the care he demonstrates for the people he serves. Make him aware of needs that require addressing and also make him aware of resources and solutions to take care of those needs. We thank you that you are a God who cares for us and will demonstrate to Mr. Connolly that you provide the strength and wisdom to carry out his role effectively. Amen

Michael Connolly was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Calgary-Hawkwood on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves as deputy chair of the Standing Committee on Private Bills, as a member of the Standing Committee on Legislative Offices and the Standing Committee on Alberta's Economic Future.

Mr. Connolly attended the University of Ottawa to study history and political science in the French immersion program focusing on European integration, Euro-scepticism, and Scottish politics and nationalism. He gained valuable experience while completing an internship with an office of a Member of Parliament. During this time he helped to organize a forum for young women leaders from all over Canada.

Previously, Mr. Connolly also worked in the retail and hospitality industries.

Mr. Greg Clark - MLA for Calgary-Elbow

Father in Heaven, it is our prayer today that you would give MLA Clark wisdom and discernment for the work before him. We are grateful for the people you have placed around him and ask that you would help shape them into a strong team. We pray for him and that he would experience health and strength as he faces the day and to handle the many hours he puts in from day to day. Amen

Greg Clark was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Calgary-Elbow on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves on the Standing Committee for Resource Stewardship and is a member of the Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee.

Prior to his election, Mr. Clark taught business management at the University of Calgary. He also worked as a consultant and project manager in the IT industry for over 10 years.

In 2006, along with two partners, Mr. Clark co-founded the technology consulting firm C3 Associates. The firm earned a distinction as one of Alberta Venture's 50 fast growth companies in 2011 and 2012. C3 Associates was also named one of Canada's top 250 information technology companies by the Branham Group in 2012 and 2013. In 2015, Mr. Clark was named one Alberta's 50 Most Influential by Alberta Venture Magazine.

Mr. Clark's community involvement is extensive. His contributions include being co-chair of the parent council at his children's school, coach of his daughter's soccer team, a volunteer with Calgary Reads to promote literacy and vice-chair of the Distress Centre in Calgary. Following the 2013 flooding in southern Alberta he co-founded the Calgary River Communities Action Group.

Mr. Clark holds an MBA with a specialization in knowledge management from Royal Roads University and a bachelor of arts in political science and sociology from the University of Victoria.

He and his wife, Jessica, have two young children.

Honourable Joe Ceci - MLA for Calgary-Fort

Father in Heaven we pray that you would continue to bless the Honourable Mr.Joe Ceci and fill him with vision for the people of Calgary – Fort. We recognize the enormity of the responsibility that goes along with his role and we pray for physical strength. We pray as well that you would guide MLA Ceci to the most crucial things that need to be attended to today and discernment in the decisions that go along with them. Amen

President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance

Joe Ceci was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Calgary-Fort, on May 5, 2015. He was appointed to serve as President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance on May 24, 2015.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Ceci worked as a public policy manager with a community-based charitable organization in Calgary. Previous to this, he served as a city of Calgary alderman for 15 years. From 1988 to 1995 he worked as a community social worker with the city of Calgary, and from 1981 to 1987 he provided family counselling services for a number of organizations.

Mr. Ceci’s extensive community involvement has spanned more than 30 years and has included chairing the board of directors for the Folk Festival Society of Calgary and serving as a board member for both Habitat for Humanity and Calgary Bridge Foundation for Youth.

Recognition for his community service includes a lifetime achievement award for advocacy from the Family and Community Support Services Association, a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal, an Alberta centennial medal and nomination for a leadership award from the Alberta College of Social Workers.

He holds a bachelor of social work from the University of Western Ontario and a master of social work from the University of Calgary.

Among Mr. Ceci’s many accomplishments is a published work entitled Breaking the Cycle, which ran in Alberta Views magazine.

He and his wife, Christine, call Calgary home.

Mr. Jon Carson - MLA for Edmonton-Meadowlark

Lord God in Heaven, we thank you for MLA Mr. Jonathan Carson. Together we pray for your blessing to come to him and his family. We also ask that you would strengthen family bonds and draw them even closer together and help him balance important relationships and the work that needs to be done to fulfill his role. Lord, we pray for wisdom and stamina to make difficult decisions and insight to know what is best for Albertans. Amen

Jon Carson was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Edmonton-Meadowlark, on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves on the Standing Committee on Alberta's Economic Future and the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing.

He attended post-secondary studies at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, first attaining a diploma in radio and television broadcasting, then later returning for an electrical apprenticeship.

Prior to his election Mr. Carson was employed as an electrician.

Honourable Oneil Carlier - MLA for Whitecourt-Ste. Anne

Heavenly Father, we are grateful for MLA Oneil Carlier as he serves the people of the constituency of Whitecourt and Ste. Anne. May these communities flourish under his leadership and prosper. We ask that your blessing God, would be upon him as he works long hours and for the care shown to the people he represents. May he be surrounded by individuals who will support and assist him in the many tasks to be performed each day. Amen

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry

Oneil Carlier was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Whitecourt-Ste. Anne, on May 5, 2015. On May 24, 2015 he was appointed as Minister of Agriculture and Forestry. On February 2, 2016, Mr. Carlier was named Deputy Government House Leader.

Prior to his service with the Legislative Assembly he worked for 13 years as a regional representative of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and devoted 20 years to Agriculture Canada as a geotechnical technician. In addition, Mr. Carlier served as a board member for the Saskatchewan Housing Authorities from 1996 to 1999.

Other community involvement for Mr. Carlier includes close to a decade of volunteering as a Scout leader with Scouts Canada.

Mr. Carlier attended the Labour College of Canada, receiving his certificate in 1997.

Born and raised on a farm in Val Marie, Saskatchewan, he has called Alberta home for over a decade and has lived in Whitecourt-Ste. Anne with his wife, Michèle, since 2010.

Honourable Deron Bilous - MLA for Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview

Father in Heaven, we are thankful for the faithful consistent service of the Honourable Mr. Deron Bilous and the passion for leadership he has for our province. May he be surrounded with advisors that are not only wise and challenge him on the issues he is making decisions on, but are a source of encouragement along the way. May he have good rest at night and quality time with those important to him whether family or friends.  Amen.

Minister of Economic Development and Trade

Deron Bilous was sworn in as Minister of Economic Development and Trade on October 22, 2015. Prior to this he served as Minister of Municipal Affairs and as Minister of Service Alberta.

He was first elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview on April 23, 2012, and again on May 5, 2015. During his first term he served as a member of the Standing Committee on Private Bills, the Standing Committee on Public Accounts, the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing, and 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. Drew Barnes - MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat

God in Heaven, we are grateful today for MLA Barnes and his heart to serve in his constituency of Cypress and Medicine Hat. Thank you for his commitment and for taking the many opportunities to make Alberta a better place to live and play and grow for the generations to come. Continue to bless him with knowledge, wisdom and integrity as he seeks to strengthen and enhance his community. Amen

Drew Barnes was elected to his second term as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Cypress-Medicine Hat on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.

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.