MLA Dr. Richard Starke, Vermillion-Lloydminster

Today Father in heaven we thank you for MLA Dr. Richard Starke and the leadership gift that he uses to serve others. We speak encouragement upon MLA Starke today and ask that You would fill him up when he feels depleted. Give him the ears to hear and the eyes to see all that You would want him to. Grant him much wisdom. We bless MLA Starke today and thank You that he and his wife are protected – in Jesus name.

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 Alberta’s Economic Future.

Dr. Starke previously served as a member of the Select Special Ethics and Accountability Committee and the Standing Committee on Privileges and Elections, Standing Orders and Printing. He has also served as a member of the Treasury Board and the Standing Policy Committees on Health and Seniors, and Environment and Energy.

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.

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, and two annoyingly affectionate cats.

MLA Mark Smith, Drayton Valley - Devon

Jesus, thank you for Mark. I pray that as he works for the constituents of Drayton Valley-Devon you would give him strength, Lord, whether he is in session in the legislature or working in the constituency, he would know your presence and your leading. I pray you would bless his family as he is required to take time away from them, and that you would give him strength to carry out his role with integrity. Thank you for him, in Jesus' name 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 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.

Hon Lori Sigurdson, Edmonton-Riverview

Dear Lord God we bring before you Honorable Lori Sigurdson, I ask you to bless every step she takes, to give her great understanding and knowledge as she governs over the West
Edmonton Riverview area. Father help her to make wise decisions for the seniors and housing. I declare that many ideas will be brought to her memory from the very throne of heaven as she chooses to govern.   

The Honourable Lori Sigurdson was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the constituency of Edmonton-Riverview, on May 5, 2015. She currently serves as the Minister of Seniors and Housing, a position she has held since February 2, 2016. Prior to this, she served as Minister of Innovation and Advanced Education as well as Minister of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour.

During her 25-year career as a social worker, she worked in many fields of practice, such as child welfare, mental health, community development, and social policy. She also shared her knowledge and experience with students as an instructor of social work at the University of Calgary, MacEwan University, and NorQuest College.

A mother of three sons, Ms. Sigurdson is committed to community service. She has served as the Vice President of Public Interest Alberta, and has been involved with the Parkland Institute, the Greater Edmonton Alliance, the Mayor’s Task Force for the Elimination of Poverty, Ritchie United church, and the Alberta College of Social Workers.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Alberta as well as Bachelor and Master of Social Work Degrees from the University of Calgary.

MLA David Shepherd, Edmonton-Centre

Jesus, today we specifically lift up MLA David Shepherd to You in prayer. We thank You for the unique perspective that MLA Shepherd brings to the governance of our province. We thank you that he hears and sees what others may not and we ask that You would let his voice be heard when he shares those things that are important in moving our province ahead in the right direction. We bless MLA Shephard today and speak Your protection over him.

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 Auditor General Search Committee. He also serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Families and Communities.

Mr. Shepherd previously served as chair of the Select Special Ombudsman and Public Interest Commissioner Search Committee.

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.