Mr. Tany Yao - MLA for Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo

Father in heaven, we pray for Your blessings to be on MLA Mr. Tany Yao today.  We are grateful for what he brings to his position and the care he has for the people of Fort McMurray and Wood Buffalo who are brave in their recovery from so much loss.  We pray that You would give him wisdom in everything he does.  Amen

Tany Yao was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo, on May 5, 2015.

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

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, he worked on his property portfolio between 2011 and 2015.

Before this, he began a 20 year career in emergency response services in 1991 in Ponoka. He then enrolled in NAIT's paramedic program and then worked with the Alberta Central Air Ambulance in Lac La Biche. He also worked for Peace Regional Emergency Medical Services and the Fort McMurray Fire Department. While with the FMFD he acted in a supervisory role and another four years as the Assistant Deputy Chief of Operations - EMS.

In addition to holding a diploma in paramedics, he has undergone extensive firefighter training. He also received certification in project management and in business administration.

Over the years he has volunteered his time to support various charitable organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club, the United Way, Muscular Dystrophy Canada, the Alberta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay For Life.

Ms. Denise Woollard - MLA for Edmonton-Mill Creek

Dear Lord, we ask that You would be with MLA Ms. Denise Woollard and multiply her time as she goes about her day.   Renew her and may she sense that You walk with her.  We pray blessings on the leadership skills she brings to her role.  We thank You for her dedication and commitment while serving in our legislature.  Amen

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, the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship and the Select Special Ombudsman and Public Interest Commissioner Search Committee.

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

Heavenly Father, may Your blessing be upon our MLA representing the people of beautiful Banff – Cochrane.  Thank You for his faithful service in our Alberta government and we pray that You would continue to surround him with those who will assist him, effectively carrying out his role.  May he and those close to him experience Your peace and kindness and we ask this in Your Name, Amen.

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

Thank You Lord, for Medicine Hats’ MLA Honourable Robert Wanner and his passion as he represents the people of his constituency and serves in the significant role of Speaker of the House.  We pray for him to experience renewed strength and joy as he serves in his many responsibilities and seeks to meet the needs of Albertans.  Give him wisdom and insight to know what he should attend to today to be most effective.  May he find opportunity to spend time doing recreational activities and time with family and good friends.  Amen. 

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

We are thankful today for MLA Glenn van Dijken and the role he has in our legislature and as he serves the constituents of Barrhead -  Morinville – Westlock.  We pray for You to guide him to new opportunities, new doors and new relationships to continue to be effective in the leadership he carries out.  Bless him today with peace.  Amen.

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 deputy chair of the Standing Committee on Alberta's Economic Future. He also serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Legislative Offices, the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing and the Select Special Ombudsman and Public Interest Commissioner Search Committee.

Mr. van Dijken previously served as 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

Heavenly Father, we are thankful for Dr. Bob Turner, and his involvement on committees and boards making significant decisions for his community of Edmonton – Whitemud and our province.  We are grateful for his experience and that it will be an asset to solving complex community and provincial issues.  Bless him and his family.  Amen. 

 

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

We give thanks today for MLA Wes Taylor Father God and for his commitment to the constituents of Battle River – Wainwright.  We pray for diligence to fulfil what he has in mind to accomplish for his community and province.  We pray for strength and health for him as well as protection for him and his family.  Amen. 

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

Lord God, today we pray for MLA Ms. Heather Sweet.  We pray for health, strength and Your wisdom as she serves the residents of her community in Edmonton – Manning.  We ask that You would bless her relationship with staff and colleagues and may they be unified as they make plans to move our province forward.  We pray also for a good balance in her busy schedule and personal life.  Protect her and her family.  Amen. 

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

Thank You Father in Heaven, for MLA David Swann.  We pray that You will inspire him with creative solutions for the many challenges he faces on a daily basis.  As he meets with the constituents of Calgary – Mountain View may he be filled with compassion and wisdom to meet diverse needs.  Bless him with good health and daily strength.  Amen.

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.

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

• Select Special Ethics and Accountability
• 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

Heavenly Father, our prayer is for MLA Graham Sucha as he oversees the people of Calgary – Shaw.  May he sense Your direction as he helps our government here in Alberta plan and strategize for an economy that will continue to grow in strength and towards a promising future.  May he and his colleagues be a strong and unified force.  Bless him with health and well-being as he carries out his role in our legislature.  Amen

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 the 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 the Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee.

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 God, our prayer is for MLA Rick Strankman as he attends to the constituency of Drumheller – Stettler.  Give him strength today for his busy schedule and guide him as he sits on the committee’s and boards he has been assigned to.  We pray that You would order his day and bring to him the people and the resources that are needed to put plans in motion.  May he have joy in serving.  Amen. 

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 honoured 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

Dear God, we are grateful for MLA Mr. Pat Stier as he serves the people of Livingstone – Macleod.  We are grateful as well for the insight he has gained through his travels and listening and interacting with Key people and advisors.  Continue to give him wisdom as he seeks to meet the needs of people from rural settings.  May he experience Your peace and calm in all the busyness of his day.  Amen. 

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

We pray for MLA Dr. Richard Starke for Vermillion – Lloydminister.  Grant him expertise and wisdom as he serves Alberta and bless him for his commitment and long standing service in his community.  Give him direction on the issues he faces and for decisions that need to be made today.  Give him times of rest, relaxation and rejuvenation with his family and friends.  Amen.

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.

Dr. Starke previously served as a member of the Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee, 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

Father we thank You for MLA Mr. Mark Smith and his compassionate heart for those he serves in the communities of Drayton Valley and Devon.  Renew his strength and vision for the work You have called him to do and as he goes about the day, may he sense that You walk with him.  We pray for a strong heart to run the race before him.  Watch over and protect him.  Amen. 

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 deputy chair 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

Lord, guide and bless Honourable Ms. Lori Sigurdson and give her an awareness of the needs and issues facing our province as it relates to her ministry, Seniors and Housing.  Empower her with wisdom in every decision she makes in meetings with other cabinet members as she serves our Premier.  Bless her with fresh strength, vitality and joy.  Amen.

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

Lord, we pray for MLA Mr. David Shepherd and we pray that You will guide and direct every decision he makes as he serves in our provinces capital in Edmonton – Centre.  Empower him with great wisdom and compassion in his role.  Lord, help him to sense Your love and care for him.  In Jesus Name, Amen.

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 the Select Special Ombudsman and Public Interest Commissioner Search Committee. He also serves as a member of 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

We pray that You will give her discernment, strength and wisdom to be the voice of the people in her constituency.  Grant her favor with the many people she represents and give her a clear vision for how to make a positive difference for those who genuinely need her help.  May she walk everyday in a place of Your blessing.  May Your wisdom guide her so that she may accomplish even more for our province.  Grant her safety in her travels.  Amen.  

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 and as a member of the Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services and the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future. She previously served on 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

Father, we lift up Mr. David Schneider to You as we ask that You would be with him and guide him as he represents the people as MLA for Little Bow.  We recognize the work he’s done in the past and are thankful for the tireless work that he has been doing with colleagues to see that Alberta becomes strong and progressive.  Grant him wisdom and insight into the issues he faces each day, Amen.

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

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

He previously served as deputy chair of the Standing Committee on Alberta's Economic Future.

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

Father God, thank You for Honourable Mr. Marlin Schmidt and the commitment that he has made to the people of his riding in Edmonton – Gold Bar.  Lord, we pray that You would give him new vision and new strategies to help him accomplish much for his constituents and the province of Alberta.  As he looks into the issues that come before him, we pray that You would bring clarity and understanding and unique solutions.  Walk with him, give him wisdom and guide his decisions for our Province daily.  Bless him in all that he does for his people.  Cover and protect him as he travels and meets with others.  May his constituency be blessed by his leadership and may Your will Lord be done by the tireless works of our MLA’s across Alberta.  In Your Name, Amen. 

Minister of Advanced Education

Marlin Schmidt was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, on May 5, 2015. He represents the constituency of Edmonton-Gold Bar. Since February 2, 2016, Hon. Schmidt has also served as Minister of Advanced Education. Hon. Schmidt sits on three Government committees: the Legislative Review Committee, the Social Policy Committee and the Climate Leadership Policy Committee.

Hon. Schmidt’s background prior to serving in the Legislature was in site remediation and hydrogeology. From 2008 to 2015 he worked for Alberta Environment as a soil and groundwater contamination specialist.

Hon. Schmidt has a master of science degree in applied environmental Geo-sciences (Eberhard Karls Universität in Tübingen, Germany) and a bachelor of science degree (Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario).