Monday, December 22, 2014

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2014


NEWS

From December 22nd, 2014 through January 4th, 2015 this site will be taking a Christmas and New Year's break. We will resume publishing prayers for our MLA's on January 5th, 2015. However, that does not mean we will stop praying for Saskatchewan and our MLA's during this time. Below you will find our Christmas prayer for you to pray and think about over the next 9 days.

On January 1st, 2015 we will be publishing a New Year prayer that we ask you to take to heart and pray. So while we are not doing business as usual, we are still praying. Please join us over the holidays to take a moment and pray for Saskatchewan, it's MLA's, it's inhabitants and that the Saviour would take residence in all our hearts. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

CHRISTMAS PRAYER

Dear Lord. We thank You this Christmas that we again can look to the baby born in the manger and acknowledge that You, God, took on human form and came and lived among us. As we look at the events of that first Christmas, may we also be reminded that Your journey on earth would last 33 years and ended in Your death so that we can ALL be forgiven. But death would not have ultimate victory because three days later You took back Your own life and became the "first born among the dead."

As we enter Christmas, may it be a time for the MLA's of Saskatchewan to truly experience You. May You comfort those who have lost a loved one this past year and whose first Christmas without them will be a difficult one. 

Lord, we pray a blessing upon our province and all of its residents. May they come to the realization that You desire that they have peace and that true peace only comes by having You in their lives. May You heal the broken-hearted; may the poor know Your good news; may those who are blind be able to see; may those who are prisoners be shown the freedom in Jesus and may the oppressed be set free. 

Lord, this Christmas may Your light shine through us and may the world see it. In Jesus' name, we pray. AMEN!











Friday, December 19, 2014

MLA: HERB COX - THE BATTLEFORDS

Dear Lord, We bring MLA Herb Cox to You today and ask for Your blessing and protection on him. Thank You for his work in government as he represents his constituents. We pray that You will give him the wisdom and tenacity necessary to do every good work that You put in front of him. Give he and his family a wonderful Christmas season filled with joy and love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Herb was elected to the Saskatchewan Legislature in the 2011 provincial election for the constituency of The Battlefords.

Herb was born in Brandon, Manitoba. He attended school there and graduated from Brandon University in 1971 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. After graduation he moved to Saskatchewan and while employed with a financial institution he worked in Prince Albert, Saskatoon, Lloydminster, Swift Current, and North Battleford.

Prior to entering politics, Herb was a realtor in North Battleford since 1974, has strong roots in the community and has served with a number of organizations including: three terms as president, Battlefords Real Estate Board; four years as president, Saskatchewan Team Penning Association; two years as president, Canadian Team Penning Association; member of the Town of Battlefords industrial planning committee; and, sports chairman with the Zone Seven winter games.

In 2003, Herb served as a campaign manager with the Saskatchewan Party. He also ran as the candidate in The Battlefords in the 2007 provincial election. In that election, he came within 300 votes of becoming the MLA for the constituency.

Since his election in 2011, he has been appointed to the caucus management committee, the caucus committee for crowns and central agencies, and the legislature’s Public Accounts Committee. On September 24, 2014, Mr. Cox was appointed Government Whip.

Herb and his wife Linda are proud that their three children – a welder, a Chartered Accountant, and a pilot – all live and work in Saskatchewan.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

MLA: HON. KEN CHEVELDAYOFF - SASKATOON SILVER SPRINGS - GOVERNMENT HOUSE LEADER

Thank You, Lord, for the Honourable Ken Cheveldayoff. We ask that You will continue to bring blessings into his life. May You bring to pass that which he is prayerfully craving for his constituents, the people of Saskatchewan and his family.  May Your divine plan for his life always be clear to both he and his family. Grant him favour in both his professional and personal life. Amen.

Ken Cheveldayoff was first elected as MLA for Saskatoon Silver Springs in 2003, and re-elected in 2007 and 2011. As an opposition member he served as the critic for Post-Secondary Education and Finance. In government, Cheveldayoff served as Minister of Crown Corporations, Minister of Enterprise, Minister Responsible for SaskEnergy, and Minister Responsible for Trade. In 2010 Cheveldayoff he served as Minister of First Nations and Métis Relations, Minister Responsible for Sask. Gaming Corporation, and Minister Responsible for Northern Affairs. In 2012, Ken served as Minister of Environment, Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Watershed Authority and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Water Corporation. Currently Ken is the Government House Leader.

Cheveldayoff attended Carleton University in Ottawa, the University of Saskatchewan, and Newport University in Southern California, receiving a B.A. (Honours) in Economics and Political Science in 1988 and a Masters of Business Administration in 1996.

Prior to being elected Ken worked with Western Economic Diversification assisting individual businesses and industries to grow and expand. He has been an active member of the Saskatoon community through service with the Children's Health Foundation, the Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, the North Saskatoon Business Association, and the Provincial Exporters Association.

Minister Cheveldayoff is proud to represent his constituents and continues to be involved in numerous activities in Saskatoon and throughout the province.

He and his wife Trish are kept very busy with their son Carter and their daughter Paige.

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

MLA: DANIELLE CHARTIER - SASKATOON RIVERSDALE

Dear Lord, We bring MLA Danielle Chartier before You today and ask that You richly bless her this Christmas. Give her strength, wisdom and a double portion of compassion. We pray that You also grant her and her daughters an exciting and joyous Christmas season filled with wonderful memories. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

On September 21, 2009 Danielle Chartier was elected MLA for Saskatoon Riversdale in a by-election resulting from the retirement of former MLA, Lorne Calvert, and was re-elected in 2011. 

Danielle is a third-generation resident of the Saskatoon Riversdale constituency. Originally trained as a journalist, Danielle has worked as a reporter for daily newspapers in Moose Jaw and Saskatoon, as well as weekly newspapers and monthly magazines.

After obtaining a Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Regina, she worked for the Saskatchewan Department of Labour, Work and Family unit, for nearly three years. Currently, she is completing a master of public administration degree through the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy.

She has also worked on projects for a number of community organizations including the Saskatchewan Association for Community Living, Catholic Family Services of Saskatoon and the Children’s Discovery Museum on the Saskatchewan.

Danielle has two daughters.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

MLA: HON. JENNIFER CAMPEAU - SASKATOON FAIRVIEW - MINISTER OF CENTRAL SERVICES AND MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR SASKATCHEWAN TRANSPORTATION COMPANY

Eternal Lord, we thank You for the Honourable Jennifer Campeau and her work for the people of Saskatchewan. We ask that You continue to bless her with a deep understanding of the political and economic landscapes. Grant her a  peaceful and enjoyable Christmas season filled with relationships and good times. Bless her daughter Denaya and may the two of them enjoy health and prosperity throughout the new year. Amen.

Jennifer Campeau was first elected to the Saskatchewan legislature in the 2011 provincial election for the constituency of Saskatoon Fairview.

Prior to entering politics, Jennifer was an instructor at the University of Saskatchewan as well as a PhD student. Jennifer also holds a Masters of Business Administration from the Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan and a Business Management undergraduate degree from the University of Lethbridge.

Jennifer has been driven to pursue politics, serve her community and go to school but the greatest accomplishment has been her daughter, Denaya. Jennifer knows firsthand the importance in doing all she can to make the province of Saskatchewan a great place for our children.

On June 5, 2014, Jennifer was appointed Minister of Central Services and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Transportation Company.

Monday, December 15, 2014

MLA: HONOURABLE CAM BROTEN - SASKATOON MASSEY PLACE

Dear Lord, we pray that You bless and inspire MLA Cam Broten. Thank You for his work and devotion both to his constituents of Saskatoon Massey Place and to the province of Saskatchewan that he serves. We ask also that You give him insight, wisdom, collaborative strengths and vision for the work he does as leader of the opposition. Give he and his family a wonderful Christmas season and let their spiritual lives be meaningful and rich throughout the coming year. Amen

Cam Broten loves Saskatchewan and is dedicated to ensuring that our best days as a province are ahead. Cam’s roots in Saskatchewan run deep. He’s the son of a teacher and a social worker, and the grandson of a former Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), Hans Broten. His family lived in Regina, La Loche, Green Lake, and La Ronge before settling in Saskatoon.

As a father of three young daughters, Cam is committed to building a bright future for all Saskatchewan families.

Cam was elected in Saskatoon Massey Place in 2007 and re-elected in 2011. He was elected Leader of the Opposition in March 2013. He has been voted the best Saskatoon MLA by Planet S readers several times.

Prior to becoming an MLA, Cam worked as a health policy manager for the Saskatchewan Medical Association and a policy analyst with Saskatchewan Culture, Youth and Recreation. Cam earned an International Studies degree at the University of Saskatchewan and a Master’s degree in Political Science at Simon Fraser University.

Cam and his wife Ruth live in the Saskatoon Massey Place constituency with their daughters, Ingrid, Clara, and Gudrun, and their dog Oscar.

Friday, December 12, 2014

MLA: GREG BRKICH - ARM RIVER-WATROUS

Dear Lord, We thank You for MLA Greg Brkich. May he sense You throughout the Christmas season. Fill him with peace and joy as well as a driving passion to make the province better. We ask that his attention within government would be divinely directed. May you guide him to the projects that you would like him to undertake. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Greg Brkich was born and raised on the family farm in the Bladworth area where he still operates a grain and cattle operation. Greg has always been and remains a dedicated member of his rural community. Previous to his first election, Greg served six years on Bladworth village council. He is still an active long-serving member of the Bladworth Elks club. Greg was first elected on September 16, 1999 and re-elected in the 2003, 2007 and 2011 general elections.

During his terms in opposition Greg brought forward a private member's bill recognizing the enormous contribution to Saskatchewan of the late former Prime Minister John G. Diefenbaker. Greg’s duties have included senior critic for Regional Development and Co-operative Development and deputy critic for SaskWater and SPMC. He also served on the legislature’s Standing Committee on House Services. Greg was Vice-Chair of the caucus’ standing committee on private members’ bills and a member of the caucus’ standing committee on crown corporations.

As a government member Greg served as the Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committee of the Whole. He was also appointed Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture - Agriculture Programs Innovation initiative. Greg was also the Vice-Chair of the caucus’ standing policy committee on intergovernmental affairs and justice and was a member of the legislature's Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and Justice and the legislature’s Standing Committee on Private Bills. In 2012, Greg was appointed as Chair of the legislature's Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies and member of Treasury Board.

Thursday, December 11, 2014

MLA: FRED BRADSHAW - CARROT RIVER VALLEY

Jesus, we bring MLA Fred Bradshaw to You and ask that You bless him and his family throughout the Christmas season. Thank You for his work both provincially and locally in his constituency. Give him a keen ability throughout the coming legislative sessions to be able to sort out the facts from the rumours and conjecture. Protect him from harm and provide him opportunities to reach out to people within the province that could use help. In Your name, we pray!   Amen.

Fred was first elected to the legislature in the 2007 provincial election and was re-elected in 2011.
Fred was born at Arborfield in 1951 and moved to Carrot River in 1960 where he still lives. In 1976 he married a local girl, Terry Novogrodski. Fred and Terry have had three children, Lisa (deceased), Morgan, and Gina.

Fred has always been very involved in the community. He has participated in a number of venues, including the town council for Carrot River, fire department, Pasquia Park board, Arborfield Dehy board, Boy Scout leader, Carrot River United Church choir, plus other entities too numerous to list. Provincially, Fred is past president of the Saskatchewan Aerial Applicator Association and past director of the Canadian Aerial Applicators Association. Additionally, Fred served on the founding board of the Northeast Early Childhood Intervention program.

Fred has been appointed to the legislature’s Standing Committee on the Economy, the caucus’ policy committee on the economy and the government’s Red Tape Reduction committee.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

HON. BILL BOYD - KINDERSLEY - MINISTER OF THE ECONOMY, ENERGY AND RESOURCES; MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR THE GLOBAL TRANSPORTATION HUB AUTHORITY AND SASKATCHEWAN POWER CORPORATION

Dear Lord, Thank you for the Honourable Bill Boyd and his work here in Saskatchewan. We ask that You continue to bless his work in the legislature. We also ask during this Christmas season that he would find a personal place of tranquility and peace. May he deeply enjoy his spiritual as well as his personal life. Amen.

Bill Boyd is one of the founding members of the Saskatchewan Party and has been involved in Saskatchewan politics for more than two decades.

Bill was the MLA for the Kindersley constituency from 1991 until he stepped down in 2002. Originally elected in 1991 as a Progressive Conservative MLA, Bill became the leader of that party in 1994. He was re-elected in 1995. In 1997, he and three of his colleagues joined with four Liberal MLAs and founded the Saskatchewan Party. When Bill was re-elected in 1999, he was one of 26 MLAs elected under the Saskatchewan Party banner. He was once again elected in the Kindersley constituency in the 2007 and 2011 provincial elections.

Bill is currently the Minister of the Economy, Energy and Resources, Minister Responsible for The Global Transportation Hub Authority, and Saskatchewan Power Corporation.

Bill and his wife Lynn operate a pedigree seed farm near Eston. They have two adult children.

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

MLA: BOB BJORNERUD - MELVILLE-SALTCOATS

Lord Jesus, we pray today for MLA: Bob Bjornerud. We ask that You give him a supernatural capacity to seize the opportunities presented to him in order to bring economic and social development to his constituency. Grant him peace and spiritual depth throughout the Christmas season, and grant his family years of blessing and grace. In Your name Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Bob Bjornerud was born in Kelvington and was raised in Saltcoats. He began his career in mining with International Minerals and Chemicals in Esterhazy. Following this, Bob went into farming. 
At the local level, Bob served as a councilor in the Rural Municipality of Saltcoats for seven years and then as Reeve of the R.M. for another seven years. 

Bob was first elected to the Legislature in 1995 to represent the Saltcoats Constituency (now the Melville-Saltcoats constituency) as a member of the Liberal Party of Saskatchewan. As one of the founding members of the Saskatchewan Party, Bob served as the critic for Agriculture, Municipal Affairs, and also as the Opposition Whip. He was re-elected in 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011. 

Bob served as the Minister of Agriculture from 2007 to May 25, 2012. 

Bob has three children and six grandchildren. He resides east of Yorkton with his partner Joan.

Monday, December 8, 2014

MLA: BUCKLEY BELANGER - ATHABASCA

Dear Lord, we thank You for MLA: Buckley Belanger. Thank You for his work in the legislature over the last two decades. We pray that You will give him renewed strength and keep him safe. Give him a special ability to shoulder the stresses of political life. Bless his family with a wonderful holiday season and a special encounter with the peace of God. Amen.

Buckley Belanger was first elected to the Saskatchewan legislature in 1995 and re-elected in 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2011.

Today, Buckley is the NDP’s Deputy Whip, and serves as critic for Highways and Infrastructure, SaskEnergy, SaskWater, and the Water Security Agency. In the past, Buckley has served as minister in various portfolios including Northern Affairs, Environment, Community Resources, and Highways and Transportation.

Prior to entering provincial politics, Buckley served three terms as mayor of Ile-a-la Crosse from 1988 to 1994. He has also worked as a journalist with the aboriginal publication New Breed and a programmer, producer, and administrator with the Missinipi Broadcasting Corporation in La Ronge.

He and his wife Beckie have three daughters, Michelle, Kellie, and Taylor. 

Friday, December 5, 2014

MLA: HON. GORDON WYANT - SASKATOON NORTHWEST - MINISTER OF JUSTICE AND ATTORNEY GENERAL, MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR SASKBUILDS

Father, thank You for the Honourable Gordon Wyant and his faithful service to the people of Saskatchewan. We ask that You give him a double helping of wisdom in his roles as Attorney General, Minister of Justice and Minister Responsible for SaskBuilds. Give him the capacity to draw on all of the resources within himself as well as the teams of people around him. Bless he and his family with a warm and rich Christmas season and a deeply meaningful and spiritual New Year. Thank You Jesus that You hear our prayers. Amen!

Gordon Wyant was elected as the MLA for Saskatoon Northwest in an October 2010 by-election. He was then re-elected in the 2011 provincial election. After the 2011 election, Gordon was appointed Deputy House Leader and on May 25, 2012 Gordon was sworn in as Minister of Justice and Attorney General. In June 2014 Gordon was also appointed as Minister Responsible for SaskBuilds.

Born and raised in Saskatoon, Gordon was the first Canadian-born member of his family. His parents, originally from Europe, came to Saskatoon in the 1950s when his father was retained as the first Head of the Department of Anaesthesia at the newly opened University Hospital.

He completed his Bachelor of Arts degree with distinction in 1985, and graduated from the College of Law at the University of Saskatchewan in 1986. Shortly after convocation, Gordon began practicing law with the firm of McKercher LLP, where he practiced as a partner until his appointment as Attorney General. In 1987, Gordon received an award for highest standing in the 1987 Bar Admission course. He received his Queen's Counsel designation in 2009.

Since 2000, Gordon has also been an active public servant. He was elected as trustee for the Saskatoon Public School Board in 2000 and served as Chair for two years. He was elected city councillor for Ward 5 in 2003 and was re-elected in 2006 and 2009. 

Gordon and his wife Christine Hrudka have four children in their early twenties. In addition to his family, Gordon enjoys writing, skiing and motorcycling. He is also the proud recipient of the Sterling Writing Award for non-fiction, awarded in 1999.



Thursday, December 4, 2014

MLA: TRENT WOTHERSPOON - REGINA ROSEMONT

Father, We thank You for MLA: Trent Wotherspoon and pray that You bless Trent and his wife Stephanie with a meaningful and enjoyable holiday season. Lord, we ask that You give him wisdom and discretion in how to fulfill his role as critic to multiple portfolios. May You also give him insight and favour and may he be able to see the better options in the each of the decisions that he is required to make. We ask these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Trent was elected in 2007 and re-elected in 2011 for the constituency of Regina Rosemont. He is the Deputy Leader of the official opposition.

Trent serves as the opposition critic for Finance, Education, Municipal Relations, Urban Affairs, Economy, and the Global Transportation Hub. Trent also serves on a national committee of the CCAF, with an aim to strengthen governance and accountability.

Trent was born and raised in northwest Regina. He earned a Bachelor of Education at the U of R and has taken grad studies in education and undergrad studies in business.

Prior to politics, working with an interdisciplinary committee, Trent developed and managed within the community a nationally recognized program for youth offenders of highest-risk, that successfully increased educational attachment and reduced recidivism rates.

As an educator, Trent taught in high schools and led various new initiatives. Trent assisted in the creation of a new campus for adult students. Trent also led the development of a program for students displaying severe violent behaviours. Previously, Trent worked with a youth agency supporting at-risk youth. 

Trent has background in business as an entrepreneur, through business studies and as a past director with the Regina’s warehouse business improvement district.

Trent’s wife Stephanie is a teacher. Together, they are highly involved in the community through coaching and volunteerism, and by engaging in the many diverse cultural, arts and sporting events that enrich Regina and Saskatchewan. 

Trent enjoys the outdoors, particularly fishing, hunting, and canoeing; and sports, such as, hockey, football, rugby, water-sports, and running.

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

MLA: HON. NADINE WILSON - SASKATCHEWAN RIVERS - PROVINCIAL SECRETARY AND LEGISLATIVE SECRETARY TO THE PREMIER

Dear Lord, thank You for the Honourable Nadine Wilson and her commitment to Saskatchewan. We pray that You give her pride in her work and growing opportunities in the community.  Bless her with rich relationships and great impact with the work she does. Help her to prioritize effectively and see the challenges with a supernatural insight. Grant her strength and health throughout the winter months. In Your name, Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Nadine was first elected as the MLA for Saskatchewan Rivers in the 2007 provincial election and was re-elected in 2011. In 2009, she was appointed Legislative Secretary to the Minister Responsible for Immigration – New Citizen initiative. She has served as a member of the caucus’ standing policy committee on the economy and the standing policy committee on human services, deputy caucus Chair, and Chair of the legislature’s Standing Committee on Private Bills. Ms. Wilson is presently the Provincial Secretary and Legislative Secretary to the Premier.

Nadine studied social service work in Saskatoon, and she later became one of the first women to work as a corrections worker in the Men's Provincial Correctional Centre in Prince Albert. Her public service includes twice elected reeve of the rural municipality of Paddockwood before making the move to provincial service.

In addition to Nadine's legislative roles, she was named a BILLD Fellow in 2009 after completing the Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development program at the University of Wisconsin and has served as a mentor for the Saskatchewan Legislative Internship Program four times. Nadine is a graduate of the 2009 Pacific Northwest Economic Region Legislative Leadership Academy, and also serves as a member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

Nadine and her husband Doug have been married for over 30 years. Fourth generation cattle ranchers, they live north of Prince Albert. Their four children and six grandchildren all reside in Saskatchewan.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

MLA: RANDY WEEKES - BIGGAR

Heavenly Father, we lift up our prayers to You today for MLA: Randy Weekes asking that You bless him this winter. Continue to give him a growing capacity to help his constituents as well as giving him greater favour and influence in order that he may be able to help as many people of Saskatchewan as he possibly can. Grant him an enlarging optimistic vision along with wisdom, peace and health. Lord may You aslo give he and his wife Cindy a deep spiritual life. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Randy was first elected in 1999 as the MLA for Redberry Lake and re-elected in 2003, 2007, and 2011 as the MLA for Biggar. While in opposition, Randy served as critic for Highways and Transportation, Environment, and Labour, and deputy critic for Immigration and Information Services Corporation.

Randy has served as Deputy Chair of the legislature’s Standing Committee on the Economy and served on the Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies, Standing Committee on House Services, Standing Committee on Agriculture and the Standing Committee on Non-controversial Bills. Randy also served as Deputy House Leader, Government Whip, and as the Minister Responsible for Rural and Remote Health. On September 24, 2014, Mr. Weekes was appointed Deputy Government Whip.

Randy was born in Biggar and grew up on the nearby family farm. He studied at the University of Saskatchewan and received a diploma in Agriculture, before returning to farm and ranch with his family. Randy and his wife Cindy make their home near Biggar.

Monday, December 1, 2014

MLA: HONOURABLE BRAD WALL - SWIFT CURRENT- PREMIER

Lord Jesus, Thank you for our Premier, the Honourable Brad Wall, and for his continual efforts on behalf of the people of Saskatchewan. We pray that You will continue to give him wisdom, vision, passion, tenacity, and greater opportunities to showcase Saskatchewan and the potentials it offers. We ask that You protect and bless he and his family. Give them all an enjoyable and rich spiritual walk. May the province of Saskatchewan be an even greater place because of the fruits of his labours. Amen.

Brad Wall was first elected Premier of Saskatchewan in the November 2007 provincial election and his government was re-elected in the 2011 provincial election.

Prior to his career in politics, Premier Wall was active in his local business community and was involved in service work spanning local events, economic development and health care recruitment.

One of his earliest forays into politics was in the late 1980's as a founding member and western Co-Chair of the Alliance for the Future of Young Canadians. This was an organization dedicated to promoting free trade.

Brad Wall was born and raised in Swift Current, which is in Saskatchewan’s southwest. He still lives there with his wife, Tami, as well as two of their three children: Colter and Faith. Their daughter Megan is enrolled at the University of Saskatchewan.

He received his post secondary education at the University of Saskatchewan where he earned an honours degree in public administration.