Mr. Rick Strankman - MLA for Drumheller-Stettler

Father in Heaven it is with gratitude we come in prayer for Mr. Rick Strankman and for the season of service he has given to the people of Drumheller – Stettler.  We know that previous experience has shaped him to be the person he is today and we are grateful for that experience.  Give him energy for the road ahead and wisdom to make the best choices for the people of this province.  Bless him and family and give them understanding when his schedule get busy.  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 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

Heavenly Father we pray for MLA Mr. Pat Stier in the constituency of Livingstone – MacLeod and we ask that You would bless him today.  Lord give him strength and wisdom for 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.

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 as 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

Father in Heaven, we thank You for MLA Dr. Richard Starke.  We are grateful as well for his position in our province and active involvement in the constituency of Vermillion – Lloydminster.  For His responsibilities today, fill him with Your clarity, insight and wisdom and bless his team with even a greater sense of purpose.  Continue to protect and grant health and well-being to Dr. Starke.   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. 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

Lord as we pray today for MLA Mark Smith in Drayton Valley – Devon, 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 discerning voice giving him a clear understanding in all his ways.  We pray Father for protection over him and his family.   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 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 postsecondary 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 God, we thank You for the Honourable Ms. Lori Sigurdson and the abilities she brings to the responsibilities she carries.  Thank You as well for the passion she has for serving as Minister of Advanced Education and the development of training and skills in the labour force here in Alberta.  May she experience satisfaction and fulfilment as she involves herself in local events, meets individuals and families and seeks to acquaint herself with their needs.   Amen. 

Minister of Advanced Education

Minister of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour

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.

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

We pray today for our MLA David Shepherd as he serves in Edmonton – Centre.  Give him everything he needs and requires for the tasks ahead of him.  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.  Bless Mr. Shepherd’s family and protect and keep them safe in Your care.  In Your Name Jesus.  Amen.

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

He currently serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Legislative Offices 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 Heavenly Father, Mrs. Kim Schreiner has committed herself to being a part of the government team leading our Province.  As You know, her position requires time, wisdom, courage and travel.  We pray that You would grant her an awareness of Your involvement in her life as you are involved in all the affairs of your creation.  We pray also that You grant her the wisdom and courage to make the decisions facing her daily and also to be able to manage her time well as she faces multiple priorities.  Also, Lord, grant her safety in all her travels. Thank you. In Jesus Name, 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 a Member of the Standing Committee on Alberta’s Economic Future, and the Special Standing Committee on Members’ Services.

Prior to her serving with the Legislative Assembly, Mrs. Schreiner had a long standing career in the health sector working with seniors and individuals with mental and physical disabilities since 1989. During this time she occupied the position of Chief Union Steward and advocated for occupational health and safety within the local Alberta Union of Provincial Employees. Additionally, she provided guidance pertaining to resident advisory committees and family councils.

Born in Abitibi, Quebec, she has called Red Deer home for over 30 years. As an active member in her community, Mrs. Schreiner has volunteered much of her time and abilities to various organizations. She was a strong advocate within the educational system ensuring the continuation of the hot lunch and reading programs.

 Additionally, for over 20 years Mrs. Schreiner has volunteered with The Kidney Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society and the Canadian Diabetes Association.