MLA Hon Deron Bilous, Edmonton-Beverly-Clareview

Heavenly Father, we are so thankful for leaders like Deron who have given themselves freely to community service for the sake of others.  We know that this kind of concern and care for others is something near to Your heart.  As he fulfills the crucial role of Minister for Economic Development within the province, we pray that you would help him do so with excellence and that you would give him great success.  Surround him with strong and creative people who will partner with him towards this very important task. Let Your blessing be on his life, relationships, family and work.  In Jesus’ name, Amen

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 also previously served as Deputy Government House Leader.  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.

MLA Drew Barnes, Cypress Medicine Hat

Thank you Lord for Drew, and his family. Reading his bio, I'm amazed by all of the experience he has, and the success he's enjoyed as an entrepreneur. Help Drew to be able to take all his experience and turn it into wisdom and effective Leadership for his constituency. I pray that the zest and passion that he clearly has for life, not just in the business realm, but also in the community - would continue to flourish and energize him as he serves Cypress Medicine-Hat.

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 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.