Deborah Drever - MLA for Calgary-Bow

Lord, we are thankful today for our public servants and recognize today Ms. Deborah Drever. Encourage her as she seeks to bring changes that will improve the quality of life for the residents of Calgary-Bow and bring about changes for all the people of Alberta. May she experience your peace, health and well-being to continue to serve in her important role in our Legislature. Amen

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

Drever currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Private Bills, the Standing Committee on Families and Communities and the Standing Committee on Legislative Offices.

She previously served as a member of the Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee.

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

Also active within the local community, Drever has volunteered with a variety of not-for-profit organizations around Calgary since the age of eight. Drever 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. Drever has also canvassed for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Diabetes Association and the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

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

Mr. Thomas Dang - MLA for Edmonton-South West

Father in Heaven we are thankful today for Mr. Thomas Dang and his commitment to public life. We pray that the knowledge and experience gained in other sectors of society would prove to be an asset to him as he serves the people of Edmonton-South West. Keep him in good health and may he rest well at night and be energized for the day. 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 the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund, the Special Standing Committee on Members' Serves and 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, we pray that you would surround MLA Lorne Dach today and in the coming days with your guidance and wisdom. Continue to make him aware of the needs of the Edmonton-McClung Constituency and may his thoughts and plans be established by you. We pray that you would give him favor and a good repore with all those he comes in contact with today. Amen

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

He currently serves as deputy chair 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

Lord, we are praying together today for MLA Scott Cyr. Give him clarity and the ability to make wise decisions in the many duties he fulfills on his watch and care and for the people of this province. Lead and guide him to opportunities that would best benefit Albertans. We pray that you would bless Mr. Cyr and his family with health and peace. 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 chair of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and as a member of the Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund. Previously Mr. Cyr served as a member of the Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee and the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.

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

Father in Heaven, it is with gratitude we come in prayer for Ms.  Estafania Cortes-Vargas and for the service she gives to the people of Strathcona – Sherwood Park. We are certain that previous service has helped shape her to be the person she is today and we are grateful for that experience. Give her energy for the road ahead and wisdom to make the best choices for the people of the province. Bless her and her family, and give them grace and understanding when Ms. Cortes-Vargas’s schedule gets busy. We ask all this in Jesus name, Amen

Strathcona-Sherwood Park MLA, Estefania Cortes-Vargas, was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta on May 5, 2015. Prior to this, she worked as an educational assistant for Edmonton Public Schools for over four years and was enrolled in the social work program at MacEwan University.

When she was just six years old, Estefania and her family immigrated to Canada from Colombia and settled in Sherwood Park. She has been an active volunteer in the community, supporting nonprofit organizations such as the Multicultural Health Brokers Co-operative and coaching for a tae kwon do program that serves families with children with disabilities.

Currently Member Cortes-Vargas serves as deputy chair of the Special Standing Committee on Members' Services. She was also a member of the Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee.

She previously served a member of the Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee.

On March 8, 2016, she was named government caucus whip, making her the youngest government whip in Alberta to date and most likely in Canada.

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

Heavenly Father we pray for MLA Mr. Nathan Cooper in the community of Olds – Didsbury – Threehills and we ask that you would bless him today. Lord, give him strength and wisdom. Lord, you said if we need wisdom to just ask you. We pray for you to guide his thoughts as he makes decisions today and may he experience joy in serving. Amen.

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 Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing and the Special Standing Committee on Members' Services.

Mr. Cooper previously served as a member of Standing Committee on Legislative Offices.

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

Father in Heaven, we thank you for Mr. Craig Coolahan. We are grateful for the position he holds in our province and the active involvement in the constituency of Calgary-Klein. For his responsibilities today, fill him with your clarity, insight and wisdom. Bless the team around him with a sense of purpose as well. Continue to protect and grant health and strength to MLA Coolahan. 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 chair of the Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund and as a member of the standing committees on Alberta’s Economic Future and Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing. He previously 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.

Michael Connolly - MLA for Calgary-Hawkwood

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

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

Connolly currently serves as deputy chair of the Standing Committee on Private Bills and is a member of the Standing Committee on Alberta's Economic Future. He previously served as a member of the Standing Committee on Legislative Offices and the Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee.

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

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

Mr. Greg Clark - MLA for Calgary-Elbow

Lord God, we are thankful for MLA Mr. Greg Clark and the abilities he brings to the responsibilities he carries. Thank you as well for the passion he has for serving his constituency of Calgary-Elbow. May he experience satisfaction and fulfillment as he gets involved in community events, meets individuals and families and acquaints himself with their needs. 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 was previously 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.

In 2006 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 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 and a bachelor of arts in political science.

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

Honourable Joe Ceci - MLA for Calgary-Fort

We pray today for Hon Mr. Joe Ceci as he represents Calgary-Fort. Give him everything he needs and requires for the tasks ahead of him as he serves in the Premiers cabinet. We are grateful for the sacrifices he has made working in this position and pray for health and strength. We pray that he would sense your presence as he goes about his work today as Minister of Finance. Bless him and keep him in your loving care. 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.

Jon Carson - MLA for Edmonton-Meadowlark

Father, we thank you for Mr. Carson and his commitment to the people of Alberta through his service as MLA for Edmonton-Meadowlark). We ask that you grant him much grace, wisdom, and courage to always stand for what is true and just. We pray that you would extend safety and divine protection over him in all his travels. Amen

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

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

Carson 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 the election Carson was employed as an electrician.

Honourable Oneil Carlier - MLA for Whitecourt-Ste. Anne

Father God, Thank you for your call upon Hon. Mr. Oneil Carlier and your hand upon his life as he directs significant decisions in regard to agriculture and forestry for this province. We pray for continuous guidance in the matters that cross his desk and that he is daily encouraged in his faithful service. Bless him with health and vitality. Amen

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry

Deputy Government House Leader

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 geo-technical 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

Heavenly Father, we pray together today for Hon. Mr. Deron Bilous and for the significant role he carries out in our legislature as Minister of Economic Development and Trade and serves in the community of Edmonton-Beverly-Clarview. We ask that you grant him a clear understanding of all the issues that cross his desk, as well as the grace and courage to always do what is right. Bless him with good times of refreshing and recreation. Amen

Minister of Economic Development and Trade

Deputy Government House Leader

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.

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.

Prior to his election in 2012, Mr. Bilous taught and mentored students at Edmonton's Inner City High School and was active in his community of Beverly Heights.

Between 1995 and 2005, Mr. Bilous was involved in a number of projects with the Canada World Youth program, a volunteer youth program focusing on international development. His work with Canada World Youth took him to Quebec, Tunisia and China.

Mr. Bilous lives in the Beverly area in northeast Edmonton with his wife Rose and his stepchildren.

Mr. Drew Barnes - MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat

Father in Heaven, we pray for Mr. Drew Barnes today and ask that you would be with him as he faces making decisions that require your guidance. Grant him wisdom, grace and courage each day as he continues to serve the people of Alberta as a member of the legislative assembly and in the constituency of Cypress-Medicine Hat. 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.

Ms. Erin Babcock - MLA for Stony Plain

Heavenly Father, we pray for MLA Ms. Erin Babcock  today, that you would guide and keep her in your peace. We pray that she would find all the time she needs today to do what is required as she serves the people of Stony Plain. We pray that she would continue to be a woman of integrity, a leader in Alberta for the good of all Albertans. Bless her and her family with quality time together. Amen

Erin Babcock was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Stony Plain on May 5, 2015.

She currently serves as the deputy chair of the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing, as a member of the Standing Committee on Private Bills and as a member of the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship.

Ms. Babcock is a licensed practical nurse and has worked in the health care system since 2006 in Saskatchewan and Alberta, working with individuals with mental and physical disabilities. She relocated to Edmonton to further her education at NorQuest College and has since worked in a unit specializing in working with acute stroke patients and acute geriatric patients.

Ms. Babcock is an active community volunteer and leader, having previously served on the board of directors for the Special Olympics in Kindersley, Saskatchewan.

Mr. Wayne Anderson - MLA for Highwood

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

Wayne Anderson was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for the constituency of Highwood on May 5, 2015.

He currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Private Bills. Mr. Anderson previously served as a member of the Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee.

Prior to entering politics, Mr. Anderson spent over 25 years in the information technology industry, holding positions in business development and management for major corporations. He also worked as an auto mechanic and a welder for CP Rail yards.

He attended the University of Winnipeg bachelor of science program and was actively involved in student and local politics. He held the positions of student council treasurer and president and participated on the board of regents and the university senate.

Mr. Anderson and his family reside on an acreage in the community of Davisburg in De Winton, Alberta.

Honourable Shaye Anderson - MLA for Leduc-Beaumont

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

Shaye Anderson was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Leduc-Beaumont on May 5, 2015. On January 19, 2017 he was sworn in as Minister of Municipal Affairs.

He formerly served as deputy chair of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and as a member of the standing committees on Alberta’s Economic Future, Private Bills and Resource Stewardship.

Mr. Anderson attended post-secondary studies in British Columbia, from where he originally hails. He obtained a diploma in physical education from Malaspina University-College, now known as Vancouver Island University, and also attended the University of Victoria’s Faculty of Education.

For over 10 years Mr. Anderson has worked as a telecommunications technician; his employers include Telus Communications, Vista Telecom Networks and Shaw Cable. In 2015 Mr. Anderson was the recipient of Telus Communications’ Customer First champion award.

Mr. Anderson has been involved with the Telecommunications Workers Union and United Steelworkers local 1944 as a shop steward and vice-president.

An avid sportsman, Mr. Anderson plays competitive fastball and rugby; he also helps coach his two sons’ soccer and baseball teams.

He and his wife, Kelly, have two sons, Declan and Maddoc.

Mrs. Leela Sharon Aheer - MLA for Chestermere-Rocky View

Heavenly Father, we come in the name of Jesus to ask you to be with MLA Ms. Leela Aheer today as she works for the people of Chestermere-Rockyview. May she find all the strength, wisdom, and creative ideas that she needs to face the challenges of the day. We ask for your heavenly guidance and protection for Ms. Aheer and those who are important to her in her life. Amen

Leela Sharon Aheer was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Chestermere-Rocky View on May 5, 2015.

She currently serves as a member of the Standing committee on Families and Communities and previously served as a member of the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship.

Mrs. Aheer has been a proud small-business owner since 1998. She has successfully operated a number of small businesses, each employing several people, including the Aheer Studio of Performance and Chestermere's WestCreek Auto Wash.

Mrs. Aheer studied political science at the University of Calgary for several years before obtaining a bachelor's degree in music from the University of Manitoba. She is a professional musician and is classically trained in all styles. She plays the flute and teaches voice, piano and guitar. Mrs. Aheer has won various awards at the Calgary Kiwanis music festival and has nine songs published to her credit. With her group Minerva she collaborated on a CD entitled Follow Me, which received a national release in Canada. She is fluent in French and also sings and instructs voice in French, Italian, German, Spanish, Punjabi, Hindi and Telugu. She and her students have won awards and scholarships for voice and musical theatre.

Mrs. Aheer is an active volunteer, especially in areas of music and the arts. She is known to lend her time and energy to more than 50 events per year and has received numerous accolades for her efforts, including the volunteer of the year award from the town of Chestermere in 2013. Mrs. Aheer is a dedicated advocate for individuals with special needs and regularly spends her time volunteering at hospitals and other care facilities.

Mrs. Aheer along with her family – husband, Malkeet, and two children, Akesh and Sehran – reside in Chestermere.