Ms. Denise Woollard - MLA for Edmonton-Mill Creek

Dear Heavenly Father, we pray for MLA Denise Woollard that she will know that she can trust You to help her in the important role she has as she leads the people of Edmonton – Mill Creek.  We pray that You will give her safety and strength each and every day.  Keep her heart strong and her mind positive.  In Your Name, Amen.   (Grade 6 student) 

Denise Woollard was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Edmonton-Mill Creek, on May 5, 2015.

She currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Legislative Offices and as a member of the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship.  She previously served as chair of the Standing Committee on Legislative Offices and as a member of the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, Ms. Woollard was working as a university facilitator at the University of Alberta. Previous to this, she worked for 16 years as an educational psychologist at schools throughout the province.

She also spent many years as a teacher and school counsellor for Northland and Parkland school divisions.

An avid volunteer, she has dedicated over 35 years to community service, including serving on the board of directors for the Wabamun Public Library and volunteering for the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, the Citadel Theatre and the Canadian Federation of University Women.

Her extensive educational background includes a master's in education, a bachelor of arts in English, a professional diploma and a diploma in special education.

Ms. Woollard was raised in Edmonton and she and her adult children are long time Edmonton residents.

Mr. Cameron Westhead - MLA for Banff-Cochrane

Today we pray Lord God for MLA Mr. Cameron Westhead that You would be with him and guide him as he shares ideas and give him wisdom for significant decisions he needs to make.  May he be aware of the needs of Albertans as he deals with sensitive issues.  Be with him and his family and give them strength throughout their days.  Amen.   (Grade 6 student)

Cameron Westhead was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Banff-Cochrane, on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts. He previously served as a member of the Standing Committee on Families and Communities.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Westhead was a registered nurse with Alberta Health Services for 10 years, beginning in 2005. He most recently worked in the operating room at the Foothills hospital. During this time he also served as a workplace representative, an elected position which he held for four years.

He holds a bachelor of science in nursing from the University of Toronto and a bachelor of arts from Nipissing University.

Mr. Westhead and his wife call Bragg Creek home.

Honourable Robert Wanner - MLA for Medicine Hat

Dear God in heaven, we pray for the Honourable Robert Wanner, MLA for Medicine Hat and speaker of the House.  May he know he can always rely on You.  Thank You for Your wisdom and guiding hand on his life and we pray for Your blessing on him and his family.  Amen.  (Grade 6 student)

Speaker

Robert E. Wanner was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Medicine Hat, on May 5, 2015. On June 11, 2015, he was elected Speaker of the Legislative Assembly.

As Speaker he serves as chair of the Special Standing Committee on Members' Services and as president of the Alberta branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

Prior to his service with the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Wanner devoted 15 years to Canadians Reaching Out to the World's Children Foundation (CARO), of which he is a founding member and was president from 2000 to 2015. CARO is a Medicine Hat based foundation that is dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable children in Medicine Hat and around the world.

Mr. Wanner started his career as a social worker with the province of Alberta in Grande Prairie, Alberta. He then enjoyed a lengthy career with the city of Medicine Hat, where he worked for over 35 years in various senior management and executive-level positions, including as director of preventive social services, as the Medicine Hat Police Service's director of administration and planning and as the superintendent of social planning and housing. In 1995 he was appointed to the executive leadership of the city of Medicine Hat as the public services commissioner, and he then served as a project leader of a major organizational development initiative.

He is a registered social worker (RSW), qualified mediator (QMed) and registered family mediator (RFM). In 2005 he formed and operated a private mediation, conflict resolution and small property development business.

Extensively involved in his community, Mr. Wanner has over 40 years of community service experience, including as a senator for the University of Calgary; a founding member and past president of the Gas City Former Employees Association; a volunteer for the Salvation Army, the United Way and several community theatre organizations and, most recently, as chair of a family care clinic (FCC) steering committee.

He holds a bachelor of arts from the University of Saskatchewan, a master of arts in social welfare policy from McMaster University and a master of business administration from the University of Calgary.

Born in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Mr. Wanner has called Medicine Hat home since 1972. He and his wife, Joan Emard-Wanner, have four children and 11 grandchildren.

Mr. Glenn van Dijken - MLA for Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock

Dear God, we pray for Mr. Glenn Van Dijken as he serves the region of Barrhead – Morinville – Westlock.  Help him in whatever he does and may he have Your wisdom for the decisions that have to be made.  We pray for peace as serving in government can be stressful.  May he know that he is making a difference for the people of Alberta and is appreciated.  Amen.   (Grade 6 student) 

Glenn van Dijken was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock, on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Legislative Offices and as a member of the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing. He is also a member of the Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, Mr. van Dijken's activities centred on operating his family grain farm in Dapp, Alberta, for which he and his spouse, Barb, were named Outstanding Young Farmers of Alberta in 2001.

He has also worked on various committees and boards. He co-chaired the Canadian Outstanding Young Farmer program from 2009 to 2010 and served on the board of directors for the Federated Co-operative Limited from 2011 to 2015, the Goldeye Foundation Society from 2011 to 2015 and the Neerlandia Co-operative Association Limited from 1996 to 2008.

A founding member of the Western Hog Exchange (WHE), Mr. van Dijken was a WHE director for 12 years, between 1997 and 2011, serving five years as vice-chair and two as chair.

Other community activity for Mr. van Dijken includes serving on his church council and volunteering as a hockey and baseball coach.

Mr. Glenn van Dijken - MLA for Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock

Dear God, we pray for Mr. Glenn Van Dijken as he serves the region of Barrhead – Morinville – Westlock.  Help him in whatever he does and may he have Your wisdom for the decisions that have to be made.  We pray for peace as serving in government can be stressful.  May he know that he is making a difference for the people of Alberta and is appreciated.  Amen.   (Grade 6 student)

Glenn van Dijken was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock, on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Legislative Offices and as a member of the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing. He is also a member of the Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, Mr. van Dijken's activities centred on operating his family grain farm in Dapp, Alberta, for which he and his spouse, Barb, were named Outstanding Young Farmers of Alberta in 2001.

He has also worked on various committees and boards. He co-chaired the Canadian Outstanding Young Farmer program from 2009 to 2010 and served on the board of directors for the Federated Co-operative Limited from 2011 to 2015, the Goldeye Foundation Society from 2011 to 2015 and the Neerlandia Co-operative Association Limited from 1996 to 2008.

A founding member of the Western Hog Exchange (WHE), Mr. van Dijken was a WHE director for 12 years, between 1997 and 2011, serving five years as vice-chair and two as chair.

Other community activity for Mr. van Dijken includes serving on his church council and volunteering as a hockey and baseball coach.

Dr. Bob Turner - MLA for Edmonton-Whitemud

Dear God, thank You for MLA Dr. Bob Turner and all he does in his constituency of Edmonton – Whitemud and for our province.  May he have peace in difficult times on the job.  Thank You for his dedication to his role and we pray that You would give him all the wisdom and encouragement he may need every day.  Watch over him and his family and refresh him with new energy and commitment.  Amen  (Grade 6 student)

Andrew Robert (Bob) Turner was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Edmonton-Whitemud, on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and as a member on the Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund. Previously he served as Chair of the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing.

For nearly 40 years, he has served Albertans as an oncologist at the Cross Cancer Institute, the University of Alberta Hospital and other hospitals in northern Alberta. Dr. Turner, a retired professor of Medicine at the University of Alberta, has also lectured at leading Canadian and international medical teaching facilities and done clinical research in novel therapies of leukemias and other blood disorders.

Dr. Turner attended McGill University, where he received his science and medical degrees while also serving on the student council and board of governors. He went on to train in Internal Medicine at the Royal Victoria hospital in Montreal and then in Hematology and Medical Oncology at the University of Pittsburgh.

A dedicated member of the Edmonton medical community, Dr. Turner has served in a number of working groups and committees for entities such as the Alberta Medical Association, the University of Alberta Department of Medicine, Alberta Health Services, the Alberta Cancer Board and the Canadian Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service. Dr. Turner has also been widely published in academic medical journals and has contributed to a number of medical textbooks.

Dr. Turner and his wife, Dr. Joan Allalunis-Turner, reside in Edmonton and have two children, Emily and Simon, and one grandson. Bob enjoys an active lifestyle that includes cycling, curling, skiing and running. His hobby is the study of western Canadian history, particularly explorers and mapmakers such as David Thompson.

Mr. Wes Taylor - MLA for Battle River-Wainwright

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for MLA Mr. Wes Taylor and his role in government and as he serves the people of Battle River – Wainwright.  Help him when he faces difficult situations to receive wisdom and insight to see things changed.  May he always sense that You walk with him enabling him as he fulfills his duties.  Amen.  (Grade 6 student)

Wes Taylor was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta as the Member for the constituency of Battle River-Wainwright on May 5, 2015. On June 1 he was appointed by Brian Jean as shadow cabinet spokesman for Innovation and Advanced Education.

He currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund and the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future.

Prior to his service with the Legislative Assembly Mr. Taylor was employed as a realtor from 1998 to 2014. He also has a bachelor of education degree from the University of Alberta and worked as a teacher in the Buffalo Trail school division for five years.

An active member of the community, Mr. Taylor has served as a member of the board for Wainwright Pentecostal Assembly, director of Eastalta Co-op and director of the Alberta Real Estate Association. In addition Mr. Taylor is a volunteer firefighter.

Mr. Taylor and his wife, Eileen, reside in Wainwright and have three children: Chantel, Matthew and Ashley. He enjoys golfing, motorcycles, scuba diving and autobody refinishing. He also holds a black belt in Tae-Kwon-do.

Ms. Heather Sweet - MLA for Edmonton-Manning

Dear God, thank You for Ms. Heather Sweet and her role in government.  Help her to accomplish the things on her heart to do and time to bring to completion her goals and plans.  As she travels our province may she be aware of new possibilities and opportunities to bring prosperity and resources to the people of Alberta.  Amen.   (Grade 6 student) 

Deputy Chair of Committees

Heather Sweet was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Edmonton-Manning, on May 5, 2015. On March 9, 2016, she was elected as the Deputy Chair of Committees.

She previously served as chair of the Standing Committee on Families and Communities and as member of the Standing Committee on Legislative Offices.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, Ms. Sweet worked for over a decade as a registered social worker. From 2005 to 2015 she worked in child protection services, focusing on high-risk youth, and previous to this, she worked for a year with the Metis Child and Family Services Society.

She was a member of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees' Committee on Political Action and served as chapter chair for Edmonton and Area Human Services workers.

Active in her community, Ms. Sweet has volunteered at the Vancouver Olympics and the Edmonton Folk Music Festival and with FIFA Edmonton.

She was recently honoured to be among those selected to attend the Governor General's Canadian Leadership Conference in 2015.

Dr. David Swann - MLA for Calgary-Mountain View

Father God, we pray this day for MLA David Swann and are thankful for all the good work he has done for the constituency of Calgary – Mountain View.  Help him to make right decisions and give him wisdom for all he must do today and for all the people he must meet with and always operate with courage, humility and honesty.  Amen   (Grade 6 student)

David Swann was elected to his fourth term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for the constituency of Calgary-Mountain View on May 5, 2015. From December 15, 2008 to September 12, 2011, Dr. Swann served as leader of the Alberta Liberal caucus, Her Majesty’s Official Opposition.

He currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Families and Communities and on the Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee.

He previously served as critic for Health and Wellness and Executive Council. Additionally, Dr. Swann served as a member of the following Standing Committees:

• Public Health and Safety
• Private Bills
• Families and Communities
• Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing

During his first term Dr. Swann was environment critic and also served as deputy chair of the Standing Committee on Resources and Environment and as a member of the Private Bills Committee and the Standing Committee on Health.

Dr. Swann graduated from the University of Alberta with his B.MSc. in 1971, his MD in 1973 and from the University of Calgary with his FRCP(C) in 1988. He practised as a family physician from 1975 to 1984 and then as a public health consultant from 1988 to 2004.

Dr. Swann is active within his community and was responsible for initiating the Healthy City Project in Calgary in 1987. He was also a part of developing the first pesticide-free park in Calgary in 1998 and has been involved in a number of anti-sanctions, anti-war movements from 1995 to 2004, which included three trips to Iraq.

He was involved in the publication of Finding My Voice for Peace (from Canada and the New American Empire, ed. George Melnyk). Dr. Swann was also honoured with the Gold Star Teaching Award in both 1999 and 2003 from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary.

Dr. Swann has been actively involved in raising issues of human security and human rights both locally (farm-workers) and internationally (Darfur).

Dr. Swann and his wife, Laureen, have three children. During his free time he enjoys peace and justice work, music and singing, jogging, woodworking and writing.

Mr. Graham D. Sucha - MLA for Calgary-Shaw

Lord God, we pray in Your name for MLA Sucha and that You would give him continued vision for the constituency of Calgary – Shaw.  Be with him guiding his thoughts as he makes important decisions for the people of our province.  Help him to make the best choices to meet their needs and help then move toward achieving success.  Bless him and his family with peace and safety.  Amen.  (Grade 6 student)

Graham Sucha was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Calgary-Shaw, on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Alberta's Economic Future. He is also a member of the Standing Committee on Private Bills and Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee.

Mr. Sucha previously served as a member of the Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund, the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship and as a member of the Standing Committee on Alberta's Economic Future.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, he worked for over a decade in restaurant management, overseeing several restaurants in the Calgary area. While there he aided in raising money for several charities including the Special Olympics and 2013 Flood Relief.

He holds a diploma in television and broadcasting from Algonquin College and studied political science at Carleton University in Ottawa. While in Ottawa he completed a broadcasting placement with the Canadian armed forces' Army News.

A second generation Calgarian, Graham is proud of his family heritage that has roots in Great Britain and Slovakia. Growing up in Marlborough Park, he currently resides in Millrise with his wife and three children.

Mr. Rick Strankman - MLA for Drumheller-Stettler

Dear Father in heaven, thank You for the work MLA Strankman has done in the region of Drumheller – Stettler and his faithful service in our legislature.  It is our prayer that he will have Your wisdom in each and every decision he makes and that he will feel at peace with them.  Give him courage and strength and may he and his colleagues always be guided to find the truth in every situation.  Bless him and his family.  Amen.   (Grade 6 student)

Rick Strankman was elected to his second term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for the constituency of Drumheller-Stettler on May 5, 2015.

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

Mr. Strankman has owned and operated a farming business since 1973. From 1999 to 2011 he also volunteered as secretary/treasurer of the Western Barley Growers Association. Although initially interested in agriculture, Mr. Strankman became increasingly involved in politics and social activism in response to federal regulation of the agriculture industry, including legislation relating to the Canadian Wheat Board.

Mr. Strankman was jailed in 2002 after being charged under the Customs Act for taking 756 bushels of wheat across the U.S. border in protest of the Canadian Wheat Board’s monopoly. He and the other farmers that were arrested received a pardon from Prime Minister Stephen Harper on August 1, 2012, when the federal government’s Marketing Freedom for Grain Farmers Act came into effect, which allowed producers to opt out of the Canadian Wheat Board and sell wheat on the open market. He served one week of a 180 day sentence.

His commitment to public service began early on and as a youth Mr. Strankman was honored with the Queen’s scout award by Boy Scouts of Canada.

Mr. Strankman also has a keen interest in aviation and has held a pilot’s license and done aerial application since 1974. He and his wife Dianne live in Altario and have two grown children.

Mr. Pat Stier – MLA for Livingstone-Macleod

Lord Jesus we pray that You would help MLA Pat Stier and may Your presence be with him as he serves on standing committees.  May his eyes be opened to new possibilities as he travels and talks to people in our province.  Give him safety in his travels and new strength for each and every day.  Continue to renew his vision for the work You have called him to do.  Amen   (Grade 6 student)

Pat Stier was elected to his second term as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Livingstone-Macleod on May 5, 2015. During his first term he served as Chief Opposition Whip.

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

Mr. Stier has lived in Alberta's foothills region his entire life. He grew up on the family ranch near De Winton, where he and his family have raised Angus cattle, Arabian horses and various crops for more than 30 years. He attended school in Okotoks.

Throughout his working career Mr. Stier was employed primarily in the seismic data segment of the oil and gas industry in Calgary. He is President of River Canyon Enterprises Inc., a rural land planning consulting company in the foothills region.

Mr. Stier has many years of experience in municipal government including service on planning, subdivision, development, and assessment boards prior to his election as a municipal councillor from 2004 to 2007 with the Municipal District of Foothills. He served as President of the Dunbow Road Area Residents Association from 1988 to 1999.

Dr. Richard Starke - MLA for Vermilion-Lloydminster

Dear Lord, we ask that You would be with Dr. Richard Starke as he serves in his constituency of Vermillion – Lloydminster and on various government committees in our legislature.  Give him favor with those he works with and wisdom and insight into the issues he faces each day.  Renew his strength and energy and multiply his time.  Amen.   (Grade 6 Student)  

Richard Starke was elected to his second term as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Vermilion-Lloydminster on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing. He is also a member of the Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee.

Dr. Starke previously served as a member of the Treasury Board and the Standing Policy Committees on Health and Seniors, and Environment and Energy. During his first term he was also a member of the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing and served as chair of the Rural Health Care Review Panel.

Prior to that he had served as Minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation and as chair of the Natural Resources and Environment Ministerial Group. In addition, he has served as a member of the following committees and boards: the Agenda and Priorities Committee, Operations and Policy Cabinet Committee, Southern Alberta Recovery Ministerial Task Force and the Families and Community Ministerial Group. He has also served as a member of the Legislature Standing Committees on Alberta’s Economic Future, Public Accounts and Private Bills.

Dr. Starke was born and raised in Edmonton. He attended the University of Alberta and later the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan, where he graduated with a doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) in 1983. Dr. Starke joined the Lloydminster Animal Hospital in 1983, became a partner in 1985 and was senior partner from 1990 until his retirement from practice in December 2011.

Dr. Starke first became interested in politics while in high school, when he participated in model parliamentary activities as a member of the TUXIS Parliament of Alberta. During his time in TUXIS Parliament he served in various cabinet positions and as Premier and Speaker. He also represented Alberta at the first National Youth Parliament in Ottawa in 1980, serving as Minister of Energy. In 1985 he became the youngest person to be elected to city council in Lloydminster, when at the age of 25 he was elected alderman. He served two terms, from 1985 to 1991.

An active member of his community, Dr. Starke has served as a member and board chair of the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation. He has been involved with the Rotary Club of Lloydminster and Rotary International since the late 1980s, and he is a founding member of Lloydminster’s German Heritage Society. He has also served as director of coaching and programs for the Lloydminster Border Blades Speed Skating Club.

Dr. Starke lives north of Lloydminster in the Durness district with his wife, Alison, their Bernese Mountain Dog, Liesl, and two annoyingly affectionate cats. Both of their sons currently attend university.

Mr. Mark Smith - MLA for Drayton Valley-Devon

Dear Jesus, Please be with MLA Mark Smith as he serves on government committees and in his constituency in the community of Drayton Valley – Devon.  Give him safety in his travels and renew his strength each day.  May You give him wisdom for each obstacle along his way and every difficult situation. Thank You for the skills he brings to his role in government and the people he serves.  Help him to have time for his family and to be renewed.  Amen.  (Grade 6 student) 

Mark Smith was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Drayton Valley-Devon, on May 5, 2015.

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

Prior to serving as a Member of the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Smith was a social studies teacher with 30 years of experience as an educator.

While having been born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Mr. Smith completed his post-secondary education in Alberta. He began studying at Concordia College in 1979 and later received his bachelor of education degree from the University of Alberta.

An avid sportsman who enjoys football, hockey and basketball, Mr. Smith has dedicated a great deal of his personal time over the past 30 years to volunteering as a basketball coach. He has also volunteered on the board for Calvary Baptist church in Drayton Valley for many years.

Mr. Smith and his wife, Lisa, have three children: Joshua, Luke and Sarah.

Honourable Lori Sigurdson - MLA for Edmonton-Riverview

Thank You Lord God for the work Ms. Lori Sigurdson is doing as she supports our Premier as a cabinet Minister.  We pray for wisdom in regards to  every decision she makes in this crucial role in our province at this time.  Guide her and give her courage and strength and may she and her team find hope in every situation they come across.  We ask You to bless Ms. Sigurdson and her family and may her home be filled with joy and peace.  In Your precious Name, Amen.  (Grade 6 student) 

Minister of Seniors and Housing

Lori Sigurdson was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Edmonton-Riverview on May 5, 2015. She was appointed to serve as Minister of Innovation and Advanced Education and Minister of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour, on May 24, 2015. On October 22, 2015 the Minister was sworn in as the Minister of Advanced Education. Her portfolio with Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour remained the same. On February 2, 2016, Ms. Sigurdson was appointed Minister of Seniors and Housing.

Ms. Sigurdson holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from the University of Alberta as well as Bachelor and Master of Social Work Degrees from the University of Calgary. She has over 25 years of experience as a social worker. In addition, Ms. Sigurdson served as an instructor at the University of Calgary, Grant MacEwan University and Norquest College. Most recently she was employed at the Alberta College of Social Workers as the manager of professional affairs.

A mother of three sons, Ms. Sigurdson is an active volunteer in her community. She served as the vice-president of Public Interest Alberta and, has been involved in the work of the Parkland Institute, the Greater Edmonton Alliance, The Mayor’s Task Force to Eliminate Poverty, Ritchie United Church and the Alberta College of Registered Social Workers.

Mr. David Shepherd - MLA for Edmonton-Centre

Dear Lord, we pray that You will give MLA Shepherd hope, power and strength every day.  We pray as well for Your hand to be upon the decisions that he makes.  May he see the reward of his labors as he helps those who are needy.  Thank You God for his quality of leadership and bless him with joy in his service.   Amen.   (Grade 6 student)

David Shepherd was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Edmonton-Centre, on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves as chair of the Standing Committee on Legislative Offices and as a member of the Standing and the Standing Committee on Families and Communities.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Shepherd worked in the communications field as a communications adviser and writer for organizations such as the North Edge Business Association, the city of Edmonton and the government of Alberta. Before his career in communications, Mr. Shepherd held a variety of employment positions such as taxpayer services agent and salesperson in support of his work as a musician and studio engineer.

His educational background includes diplomas in music performance and in live sound recording from MacEwan University. He also has a bachelor of arts in professional communications from Royal Roads University, where he received the Royal Roads University chancellor's award in 2014.

Mr. Shepherd leads an active lifestyle in Edmonton. He is an avid cyclist and has volunteered for the Edmonton Bike Coalition as a spokesperson and organizer. He also enjoys live music, film and playing the piano.

Mrs. Kim Schreiner - MLA for Red Deer-North

Dear God, we pray for Ms. Kim Schreiner that You would be with her and all those who support her at her offices.  May she have Your wisdom for all the important decisions she must make.  Surround her with people who will give her wise counsel and good advice.  Help her to be knowledgeable of what the families in Red Deer need and to represent them well.  Amen.   (Grade 6 student) 

Kim Schreiner was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Red Deer-North, on May 5, 2015.

She currently serves as deputy chair of the Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund, a member of the Special Standing Committee on Members' Services and as a member of the Standing Committee on Alberta's Economic Future. She previously served as a member of the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship.

Prior to her serving with the Legislative Assembly, she worked as a health care aide, beginning in 2007. Over the course of her career she has worked with Valley Park Manor, Covenant Care and Extendicare.

She was also the steward and occupational health and safety representative for the local Alberta Union of Provincial Employees.  As well, she has done work with resident advisory and family councils.

A mother of two, she is also an active school volunteer and a member of parent council.

Mrs. Schreiner received her health care aide certification from NorQuest College. She also studied hairdressing at NAIT between 1981 and 1982.

Born in Abitibi, Quebec, she has called Red Deer home for over 30 years.

Mr. David A. Schneider - MLA for Little Bow

Dear God, we pray for MLA Mr. David Schneider that You will help him as he works in his constituency.  Help him to be aware of what is right and what is needed as he serves with his colleagues.  Give him confidence and strength when he has to make tough decisions and be aware of what is just and true.  May he be wise in all he does today.  Amen.   (Grade 6 student)

David Schneider was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Little Bow on May 5, 2015.

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

For over 20 years Mr. Schneider has owned and operated Schneider Farm & Ranch Inc., located south of Vulcan. He has been a long-time secretary and treasurer of the Badland Hills Cattle Grazing Association in Taber and director of the Vulcan Seed Cleaning Association.

Mr. Schneider has also served as councillor and reeve for Vulcan County.

He and his wife, Sharon, reside on a farm south of Vulcan. Their daughter, Kristin, took her secondary education in Lethbridge and she is an office manager in the city.

Honourable Marlin Schmidt - MLA for Edmonton-Gold Bar

Dear God, we pray for Hon. Marlin Schmidt of Edmonton – Gold Bar that he would experience Your peace.  We pray that You would give him wisdom to make right decisions and be strong even when he stands alone.  Give him new plans and strategies for his work in his constituency as well as for committee meetings.  Be with him and show him how much You care for him.   Amen.    (Grade 6 student)

Minister of Advanced Education

Marlin Schmidt was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Edmonton-Gold Bar, on May 5, 2015. On February 2, 2016, Mr. Schmidt was appointed Minister of Advanced Education.

He previously served as deputy chair of the Special Standing Committee on Members' Services.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Schmidt specialized in site remediation for over a decade.

From 2008 to 2015 he worked for Alberta Environment as a soil and groundwater contamination specialist, and previous to this, he worked as a remediation specialist, beginning in 2002.

He holds a master of science degree in applied environmental geosciences from Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen in Germany and a bachelor of science from Queen's University in Kingston.

Honourable Irfan Sabir - MLA for Calgary-McCall

Dear God, we pray for Honourable Irfan Sabir in his role of Minister of Human Resources.  As he goes about his day may he do so with joy and peace.  In the midst of all the things he has to do, may he do them knowing that You are with him guiding him.  May he walk everyday with Your blessing and may he experience new doors being opened to him to make his work even more effective.  Watch over and protect him and his family.   In Your Name, Amen   (Grade 6 student)

Minister of Human Services

Irfan Sabir was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Calgary-McCall, on May 5, 2015. On May 24, 2015 he was appointed as Minister of Human Services.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, he practiced in aboriginal law at a national law firm in Calgary beginning in 2012. Previous to this, he worked as a research assistant with the Faculty of Law at the University of Calgary (U of C).

He also worked with the Salvation Army for five years and worked as a real estate agent with the Calgary Real Estate Board between 2006 and 2007.

In addition, Mr. Sabir has volunteered with Calgary Legal Guidance and Canadian Red Cross.

In addition to holding a juris doctor degree from the U of C, he has a degree in social work from the U of C and a degree in economics from the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan.

Born in Rawalakot, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, he has called Calgary home since 2004.

Mr. Eric Rosendahl - MLA for West Yellowhead

Dear God, we pray for MLA Eric Rosendahl.  Grant him favour with the many people he meets and works with each day.  We thank You for the skills he brings to his role in government and to the people he serves.  We pray for strength and a strong heart to run the race God has given him to run.  As Mr. Rosendahl goes through the day may he walk with Your blessing.  In Your Name we pray.  Amen  (Grade 6 student)

Eric Rosendahl was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of West Yellowhead, on May 5, 2015.

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

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Rosendahl worked as a steam engineer for 34 years at the West Fraser pulp mill in Hinton and retired. Previous to this, he worked in various capacities within the forestry industry and our parks system. Most recently he worked with the town of Hinton and Grande Yellowhead School Division #77 as a bus driver from 2010 to 2015.

An avid volunteer and community advocate, he has served as president of a number of councils and boards, including the Yellowhead District Labour Council, Hinton Fish and Game Association, Hinton Search and Rescue and the Alberta Hunter Education Instructors Association.

In addition, he has also served on the public advisory committee and on the forest resources advisory group for the executive and served on the executive of Unifor 855. He was a member of council and served many years on the environment committee for the Alberta Federation of Labour.

He holds a diploma in renewable resources and wildlife management technology.

Together with his wife, Linda Lee, he resides in Hinton.