Mr. Shayne Saskiw - MLA for Lac La Biche-St. Paul-Two Hills

Thank You Lord God for MLA Mr. Shayne Saskiw, and we appreciate the sensitivity he shows to the people of his constituency as he seeks to meet their varied needs.  We pray he would be directed in his daily schedule and appointments and that he would have time to get to know the people he serves.   May he be refreshed and energized today and may he know You are present with him.   Amen.

Shayne Saskiw was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Lac La Biche-St. Paul-Two Hills on April 23, 2012. He currently serves on the Select Special Ethics Commissioner Search Committee and the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing. Previously he served on the Standing Committee on Families and Communities and the Select Special Chief Electoral Officer Search Committee.

Mr. Saskiw was born and raised in the Two Hills area and grew up working on the family purebred cattle farm. Mr. Saskiw, being awarded the Dean’s Citation in Law, has a Bachelor of Laws with Distinction from the University of Alberta, winning the Silver Medal. He also holds a Bachelor of Commerce with Distinction.

Mr. Saskiw practices law with a specialization in tax litigation, having worked at a premiere tax law boutique firm and clerked at the Tax Court of Canada in Ottawa.

Mrs. Janice Sarich - MLA for Edmonton-Decore

Dear Heavenly Father we are thankful  as citizens of Canada for the ability to choose those who we want to represent us.  We pray for MLA Janice Sarich that she may continue to make excellent decisions for the constituents of Edmonton – Decore.  We also pray for her family that they may be kept safe and that she may have the time to spend with them.  May she know that the important work she is doing for our province is appreciated and we pray God that You give her Strength to serve for many years ahead.

Janice Sarich was elected to her second term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-Decore on April 23, 2012. She currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and the Standing Committee on Alberta´s Economic Future.

Previously she served as a member of the Standing Committee Private Bills and the Standing Committee on Families and Communities.

In addition to serving as an MLA during her first term, she was appointed to the position of parliamentary assistant to the Minister of Education on March 12, 2008. In addition, she served as a member of the Cabinet Policy Committee on Education, the Standing Committee on Private Bills and the Standing Committee on Education.

Prior to serving with the Legislative Assembly, Mrs. Sarich served as the Ward 2 Edmonton Catholic School Board trustee from 2001 to 2007. Before entering public service, Janice was president of her own business consulting company.

Born and raised in Edmonton, Mrs. Sarich has a bachelor’s degree in physical education and a master’s of education degree from the University of Alberta. She also holds project management and project leadership certificates from NAIT.

An avid volunteer, Mrs. Sarich has been involved with the following community organizations:

• Junior League of Edmonton Advisory Committee
• Catholic Social Services - Children and Youth Family-Based Services Advisory Committee
• Public Interest Alberta’s – Democracy Task Force
• Advisory Committee member to the John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights Symposium: A More Democratic Alberta: How Do We Get There?

Mrs. Sarich and her husband, Steve, have two children and live in Edmonton-Decore.

Mr. Peter Sandhu, MLA for Edmonton-Manning

Dear Lord, we thank You for Mr. Peter Sandhu and the good that he is doing in the region of Edmonton – Manning.  We pray that he will be in good health and that You would help him with the many everyday decisions he must make as an MLA.  We ask that You will protect him and guide him in the direction that will ensure the best decisions and policies are being made for all those living in our province.  Amen.

Mr. Sandhu was elected to his second term as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Edmonton-Manning on April 23, 2012. He currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund and the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship.

In addition to his regular duties as MLA, Mr. Sandhu previously served as a member of the following Standing Committees:

• Privileges, Elections, Standing Orders and Printing
• Alberta’s Economic Future
• Public Accounts
• Private Bills
• Finance

Prior to serving as a Member of the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Sandhu had significant experience as a businessman and community leader. He sits on the boards of several community-based organizations and has volunteered for the following organizations:

• East Indian Community Council
• Indo-Canadian Liaison Committee
• Sikh Federation of Edmonton (former president)
• Masters Games Kabaddi Committee

An active member of his community, Mr. Sandhu was the recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal, recognizing his contribution to the city and province, and was also an Alberta Centennial Ambassador in 2005.

Mr. Sandhu was born in Manawan, India in the Punjab Province. He immigrated to Canada in 1979, and married his wife Kamal in 1984. They have three children: Preetinder, Bhavneet and Inderdeep.

Mr. Bruce Rowe, MLA for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills

Dear Heavenly Father we are thankful for giving us a democratic government like the one we have here in Alberta and we pray for MLA Bruce Rowe that all of his decisions will affect Albertans in a positive way.  We ask Lord that You would give him joy in the work he does as he seeks to do it to the best of his ability.  We pray God that You would bless him and his family and that they would prosper in the pathway of life.  Amen.

Bruce Rowe was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills on April 23, 2012. He serves as the Official Opposition critic for Municipal Affairs. Mr. Rowe currently serves on the Standing Committee on Private Bills and the Standing Committee on Alberta´s Economic Future. Previously he served as deputy chair on the Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship.

Mr. Rowe was born and raised in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. After graduating from St. Louis high school, he became an electrician. Mr. Rowe owned and operated an electrical contracting company in Calgary for 35 years. He retired from the private sector in 2005, allowing him to focus his attention and energy on serving the people of Beiseker and all Albertans.

For 10 years Mr. Rowe was involved with the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association as a director and vice-president. He also served as a director with the Alberta Municipal Services Corporation for eight years.

Mr. Rowe served the village of Beiseker in a variety of public roles, including councillor, mayor and library board member in the last 10 years.

Mr. Rowe and his wife, Carol, are proud to call Beiseker home. They have two grown children and two grandchildren. In his spare time he likes to play golf and restore old cars. He also previously served in the Uncle at Large program for three years.

Mr. George Rogers, MLA for Leduc-Beaumont

Heavenly Father, we pray today for Mr. George Rogers, MLA for the constituency of Leduc  - Beaumont.  We ask God that You would be with him and all our legislators when they are in the chambers that they would work together for the success of our great province.  It is our prayer God that You would give Mr. Rogers wisdom and the ability to make good decisions.  Almighty Father bless him and his family with peace and with health.  Amen.

Deputy Speaker, Chair of Committees

George Rogers was elected to his third term as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Leduc-Beaumont April 23, 2012. He was elected Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees on May 23, 2012.

He currently serves on the following committees:

• Select Special Ethics Commissioner Search Committee (chair)
• Standing Committee on Legislative Offices
• Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future
• Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing

In addition, Mr. Rogers served as chair of the Cabinet Policy Committee for Public Health and Safety, deputy chair of the Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services and as a member of the following committees:

• Select Special Chief Electoral Officer Search Committee (chair)
• Select Special Information and Privacy Commissioner Search Committee
• Special Standing Committee on Members Services
• Standing Committee on Public Health and Safety
• Legislative Review Committee
• Select Special search committees for the Chief Electoral Officer and Ombudsman
• Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund
• Private Bills
• Managing Growth Pressures
• Select Special Auditor General Search Committee
• Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing
• Standing Committee on Legislative Offices
• Standing Committee on Public Safety and Services

Mr. Rogers moved to Leduc in 1975 and is a graduate of Leduc Composite High. In 1980, he obtained a Diploma in Accounting from NAIT, followed by a Certificate in Local Government Studies from the University of Alberta in 1988.

He has worked as an assistant controller for an oil company, served as assistant treasurer for the City of Leduc, and assistant town manager for the Town Of Redcliff.

In 1992, he moved back to Leduc and started a successful real estate career with Royal Lepage. In the fall of 1992, He ran successfully for city council, and was re-elected in 1995. In 1998 he was elected mayor, and was re-elected in 2001. He was a 10-year board member of The Alberta Urban Municipalities Association, and served as President from 2001 to 2003. He also served as a board member of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. For his work with the AUMA, Mr. Rogers was recognized by Alberta Venture Magazine as one of Alberta’s 50 Most Influential people in 2003. In 2012, Mr. Rogers was recognized by NAIT as one of the 50 outstanding grads of the past 50 years. He is the proud father of three adult children, and an avid community volunteer, who has been a member of the Leduc Lions Club for over 20 years.

Honourable Dave Rodney, MLA for Calgary-Lougheed

Dear Lord, we pray today for the Honorable Dave Rodney.  We thank You for leading and helping him to make good decisions and for the wisdom You have blessed him with.  It is our prayer that You will continue to guide him on the job and out in the community of Calgary – Lougheed.  We also pray for his family that You will bless them and keep them safe.  In Your name Father, Amen.

Associate Minister of Wellness (reporting to the Minister of Health)

Honourable Dave Rodney was elected to his third term as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for the constituency of Calgary-Lougheed on April 23, 2012. Premier Redford appointed Mr. Rodney to the provincial cabinet on May 8, 2012 as the new Associate Minister of Wellness for the province of Alberta. Dave has focused his activity on his constituency, but his government work has taken him across Canada, the US, Europe, and beyond.

In addition, Mr. Rodney has also served on the following agencies, boards, committees, and commissions:

• Alberta Energy Representative to the Council of State Governments--USA West & USA Midwest
• Agenda and Priorities Committee
• Cabinet Policy on Energy
• Standing Committee on Energy
• Cabinet Policy Committee on Community Services
• Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (chair)
• Calgary caucus (chair)
• Standing Committee on Legislative Offices (chair)
• Standing Committee on Community Services (chair)
• Public Accounts (deputy chair)
• International Development and Governance Advisory
• Cabinet Policy on Public Health and Safety
• Standing Committee on Public Health and Safety
• Cabinet Policy Committee on Managing Growth Pressures
• Charitable Casino Funds Re-distribution
• Community Spirit Program
• Provincial Grants Review
• Legislature Grounds Renewal
• Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services
• Southern Alberta Liaison to the Canadian Armed Forces
• Calgary Stampede Board of Directors
• Robert Bateman’s “Get To Know Your Wild Neighbours”
• Strategic Tourism Marketing Council
• National Public Health Goals Re-evaluation

Other past committee work includes:

• Futures Summit
• Youth parliament and model United Nations
• Mayor’s committee charter member: Turn Off the Violence and Peace Heroes

Mr. Rodney’s Legislature motions for the spring 2010 session:

Be it resolved the Legislative Assembly urge the government:

1. To reach an agreement with applicable levels of government regarding the south west portion of the Calgary ring road in 2010, with construction to begin in 2011.
2. To introduce hands-free mobile device legislation in order to reduce the instances of distracted driving.

In the Assembly Mr. Rodney has sponsored the following bills:

• Bill 201: Smoke-free Places Act, 2005
• Bill 21: Hotel Room Tax (Tourism Levy) Amendment Act, 2005
• Bill PR1: Burns Memorial Trust Amendment Act, 2006
• Bill 5: Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2007
• Bill 13: Access to the Future Amendment Act, 2007
• Bill 42: Insurance Amendment Act, 2007
• Bill 206: Alberta Personal Income Tax (Physical Activity Credit) Amendment Act, 2008 (awaiting proclamation)
• Bill 203: Alberta Get Outdoors weekend Act, 2011

Mr. Rodney’s accomplishments, education and work history:

• The first Canadian to have reached the summit of Mount Everest twice
• International keynote speaker and workshop facilitator, world-wide adventure guide
• Founder/President/CEO of SpiritQuest Enterprises Inc.,incorporated 1997
• Over 20 documentaries and books, including work with National Geographic, BBC and Oprah Winfrey
• A bachelor of arts with distinction (1987) and bachelor of education after degree (1988), University of Saskatchewan
• MRE with distinction, Newman college in Edmonton
• Thirteen years as an educator and administrator in Canada, Nepal and the West Indies
• Three terms as an Employment and Immigration Canada placement officer
• Co-founder of the Top of the World Society for Children with his wife, Jennifer

Mr. Rodney has been awarded many honours, including;

• Presidential Who’s Who of Leaders and Executives, 2011
• Honourary Chair: Duke of Edinburgh Award
• Honourary Chair: KidSport Calgary
• 100 Alumni of Influence, University of Saskatchewan, 2007
• Listed in Alberta’s 50 Most Influential People, Alberta Venture Magazine, 2005
• Humanitarian of the Year, University of Saskatchewan, 2004
• Houston WorldFest Awards gold medallion for best bio-documentary, Back to Everest The Dave Rodney Story,2004
• Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for community service,2002
• Rodney Ridge has been dedicated in his hometown (2002), where he is also in the Sports Hall of Fame
• Top 40 under 40,Calgary Magazine, 2001
• International award-winning business/education/media/public web program Adventure Everest Online´97
• Special achievement award, city of Calgary, 1997
• Pan-Canadian and Reader’s Digest national teacher of the year nominee (1990s)

Mr. Rodney lives with his wife, Jennifer, their two sons, and their puppy, MacGyver.

Premier Alison Redford

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You that You have blessed Alberta’s government with Premier Alison Redford and for the strength and wisdom You have given her to keep our province moving forward.  Continue to guide her in her decision making and may she be aware of Your peace during difficult days.  We ask that You would put Your almighty and merciful hand on our Premier.   In Your Name we pray,  Amen.

Premier of Alberta, President of Executive Council, Chair of Agenda and Priorities Committee

Alison Redford was elected leader of the Alberta Progressive Conservative Party on October 1, 2011 and sworn-in as Alberta’s 14th premier on October 7, 2011.

Alison was born on March 7, 1965 in Kitimat, British Columbia and grew up all over Canada and overseas before settling in Calgary as a teenager. She graduated from Bishop Carroll High School in Calgary and completed her post-secondary education at the University of Saskatchewan College Of Law in 1988. Alison and her husband, Glen Jermyn, have one daughter, Sarah.

Alison has been actively involved in both provincial and national politics since the 1980s. She served as Senior Policy Advisor to the Right Honourable Joe Clark when he was Secretary of State for External Affairs, and later worked in the Prime Minister’s Office. In this capacity, she organized a series of national consultations facilitating public input on federal white papers concerned with foreign affairs and defense. In Parliament, she was also the Principal Legislative Advisor to the Secretary of State for External Affairs.

Returning home to Calgary from Ottawa, Alison articled at Rooney Prentice. She then worked in a small partnership before opening her own law firm, gaining practical experience as a small business owner.

Throughout the 1990s, Alison worked as a technical advisor on constitutional and legal reform issues in Africa for the European Union, the Commonwealth Secretariat and both the Canadian and Australian governments. Her work in Africa focused on human rights litigation, education programs and policy reform initiatives.

In 2005, Alison was appointed by the Secretary-General of the United Nations as one of four International Election Commissioners to administer Afghanistan’s first parliamentary elections. She also served as an advisor to the Privy Council Office on Canada’s future involvement in Afghanistan.

Over the course of her career, Alison has also undertaken assignments in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Namibia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and the Philippines.

Before seeking elected office in Alberta, she managed a judicial training and legal reform project for the Ministry of Justice and the Supreme People’s Court in Vietnam.

Alison Redford was first elected MLA for the constituency of Calgary-Elbow on March 3, 2008 and named Minister of Justice and Attorney General on March 12, 2008. In this role, she led the Safe Communities Secretariat. In January 2010, she was also named political minister for Calgary.

As Premier, Alison Redford seeks to improve quality of life for all Albertans, while working to build a province that is prosperous, fair and inclusive.