Friday, July 31, 2015

MLA: D.F. (YOGI) HUYGHEBAERT - WOOD RIVER


Dear Lord. Thank you for Yogi Huyghebaert. Thank you for his positive attitude and the great effects he has on the people around him. May he be able to fully express the best parts of himself, both professionally and personally. Give him an epic cause that both stretches and inspires him. We also ask that you bless he and his family with a great summer. Amen.

Lieutenant-Colonel D.F. (Yogi) Huyghebaert was born in Lafleche, Saskatchewan. He enrolled in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1961 and was selected for pilot training. receiving his wings in 1968. Following pilot training, Yogi was posted to 421 Strike/Attack Squadron in Germany as a squadron pilot. Later in his military career, Yogi served as a member of the embassy staff in Washington, D.C. to consult with the United States on newly acquired CF-18 aircraft.

Yogi flew with the famous Snowbirds Squadron for two tours. In 1974/1975, he flew as number nine solo pilot and in 1985/1986, he was the Snowbirds' team leader. In 1987, Her Excellency Jeanne Sauvé invested Yogi with the Order of Military Merit. 

Yogi has served as the MLA for Wood River since being elected in 2000. He has served as the Chair of the Legislature's Standing Committee on the Economy and Chair of the caucus' Standing Policy Committee on the Economy. In November 2008, the Premier appointed Yogi to be the Government of Saskatchewan's main contact with the Department of National Defense and Canadian Forces. Yogi served as the Minister of Corrections, Public Safety and Policing from May of 2009 to May 25, 2012.

In January 2011, Mr. Huyghebaert was appointed Honorary Colonel of 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School at 15 Wing Moose Jaw. 
Yogi and his wife Phyllis now reside on a small ranch in Glentworth. They have two sons and six grandchildren. 

http://www.mlawoodriver.ca/index.php

Thursday, July 30, 2015

MLA: BILL HUTCHINSON - REGINA SOUTH


Dear Lord. We pray today for Bill Hutchinson and his wife Jocelyn. We pray that they would have a wonderful summer. Give Bill insight and a calling for the season of life he is in. May he be an example to the rest of us for how a good man lives a great life. Bless his political and personal life with progress and variety. Amen.

Bill Hutchinson is an architect whose record of community service includes four terms on Regina City Council. As the councillor for Ward 2, Bill earned a reputation for being accessible to residents of the ward, and for providing them with effective representation on council.

Bill also has an extensive record of community volunteerism. He has been associated with the Regina Family YMCA, the Canadian Mental Health Association, Regina Exhibition Association, SIAST, Tourism Regina, the University of Regina Senate, Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation, Agribition, and the Royal Red.

Bill was first elected to the legislature as the MLA for Regina South in the 2007 provincial election and was re-elected in 2011. He served as the Minister of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport and Minister Responsible for the Provincial Capital Commission. He has also served as the Minister of First Nations and Métis Relations, the Minister Responsible for Northern Affairs and the Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation, and the Minister for Municipal Affairs.

Bill and his wife Jocelyn live in south Regina, where they have resided for more than 25 years.

http://www.billhutchinson.ca

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

MLA: HONOURABLE NANCY HEPPNER - MARTENSVILLE - MINISTER OF HIGHWAYS AND INFRASTRUCTURE AND MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR SASKATCHEWAN GAMING CORPORATION


Dear Lord. Thank you for the honourable Nancy Heppner. We pray that she would directly encounter the people in the province that most desperately need her help. May she be moved by their plight, and empowered to change their circumstances. Help her to accelerate the important changes that are in the works. We also pray that she would enjoy the summer and find the time to recharge her spiritual batteries with you. Amen.

Nancy’s interest in politics was sparked while door knocking for her father Ben in 1995. In 2001, she began working as the constituency assistant for Carol Skelton, MP for Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar. She later moved to Ottawa to continue to work for Carol Skelton as her legislative assistant on Parliament Hill. Nancy worked for Leader of the Official Opposition (Stephen Harper) as question period coordinator and remained there until 2005.

Following her work on the 2006 federal election, Nancy became a part of the issues management team for the Right Honourable Stephen Harper in the Prime Minister's Office. Nancy subsequently served as director of communications for the Minister of Canadian Heritage before returning home to Saskatchewan.

Nancy was first elected to the legislature in the Martensville constituency in a by-election in March of 2007. She was re-elected in the 2007 provincial election and again in 2011. From 2007 to 2010, she served as Minister of Environment and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Water Corporation, Saskatchewan Watershed Authority, and Water Appeal Board.

Nancy has served as Minister of Central Services, Minister Responsible for the Public Service Commission, Minister Responsible for the Lean Initiative, and Vice-Chair of Treasury Board. In June 2014, Nancy was appointed as Minister of Highways and Infrastructure and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation.

http://www.nancyheppner.com/index.php

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

MLA: GLEN HART - LAST MOUNTAIN-TOUCHWOOD


Dear Lord. Thank you for Glen Hart. We thank you for his integrity. Give him tenacity to push through the challenges faced in government. Help him to stand firm in convictions, while sincerely listening, understanding, and addressing other perspectives. Give him a spiritual life that acts as a bedrock that the rest of his life is built upon. Amen.

Glen was first elected to represent the Last Mountain-Touchwood constituency for the Saskatchewan Party in 1999. He was re-elected in 2003, 2007, and again in 2011. During his two terms in opposition, Glen’s shadow cabinet duties included Post-Secondary Education, Highways and Transportation, Environment, Labour, Deputy for Aboriginal Affairs and Deputy for Culture, Youth and Recreation.

Following the 2007 election, Glen served as Chair of the legislature’s Standing Committee on Human Services and Deputy Chair of the legislature’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts, as well as member of caucus’ standing policy committee on human services. Glen is currently Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and Co-Chair of the legislation and regulation review committee. He continues to serve on the legislature’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts and caucus’ standing policy committee on human services along with duties on the legislature’s Standing Committee on Private Bills.

Glen and his wife Marlene have three children and ten grandchildren.

http://www.glenhart.ca/

Monday, July 27, 2015

MLA: JEREMY HARRISON - MEADOW LAKE - MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR TOURISM SASKATCHEWAN, INNOVATION AND TRADE AND IMMIGRATION, JOBS, SKILLS AND TRAINING


Dear Lord. We pray today for the Honourable Jeremy Harrison. We ask you to translate his visions for the province into tangible actions and improvements. Help him to identify the best of what is already successful to protect and bring that into the future while simultaneously generating and improving on new initiatives. We also pray that you give he and his family a wonderful summer filled with sunshine and barbecues. Amen.

Jeremy Harrison was elected to the Saskatchewan legislature in November 2007 in the constituency of Meadow Lake. Upon his election, he became the youngest Canadian ever to have been elected to both the House of Commons (2004) and a provincial Legislative Assembly.

He first served as Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Resources, Northern Resources and Oil Sands Development until he was appointed to Cabinet on May 29, 2009. He served successfully for over a year as the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Deputy Government House Leader. He also served as Minister of Enterprise Saskatchewan, Minister Responsible for Trade, and as Government House Leader. In June 2014, Jeremy was appointed as Minister Responsible for Tourism Saskatchewan, Innovation, and Trade, and Immigration, Jobs, Skills and Training.

Jeremy has an undergraduate degree in Political Science and Canadian History, a Master’s degree in Public Administration and a Juris Doctor (Law) degree.

Jeremy is currently a member of the legislature’s Board of Internal Economy, member of the rail transportation innovation cabinet committee, and Chair of the government’s Red Tape Reduction committee.

Jeremy and his wife Alaina, a school teacher, have one son, MacGregor and one daughter, Finnley.

http://www.jeremyharrison.ca

Friday, July 24, 2015

MLA: HONOURABLE DONNA HARPAUER - HUMBOLDT - MINISTER OF SOCIAL SERVICES AND MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR SASKATCHEWAN HOUSING CORPORATION AND STATUS OF WOMEN


Dear Lord. Thank you for the Honourable Donna Harpauer. Thank you for her long commitment to the people of Saskatchewan and to the ministries that she has overseen. We pray today that she would have a forward thinking passion with the knowledge that her best days are in front of her. Elevate her passion for good government and empower her to continually nudge the people around her towards excellence. Amen.

Donna Harpauer was first elected to the Legislature representing the former Watrous constituency in 1999, Donna was re-elected in the new Humboldt constituency in 2003, 2007, and 2011.

Donna was raised on a small farm near Guernsey, Saskatchewan. She completed high school at Lanigan Central High and attended Kelsey Institute in Saskatoon where she received her medical laboratory technologist certificate. Donna interned at University Hospital in Saskatoon, and worked full time in the microbiology lab from 1978 to 1983. Later she married and farmed in the LeRoy area and raised three daughters. Donna is the proud grandmother of four grandchildren.

During her time in opposition, she served as the critic for Highways, Agriculture, Investment Saskatchewan, Crown Investments Corporation, SaskPower, and SaskEnergy. She was also the deputy critic of Highways and Transportation and a member of the legislature's Board of Internal Economy.

Donna has previously served as Minister of Social Services, Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, Minister of Education, Provincial Secretary, Minister of Crown Investments Corporation, Saskatchewan Government Insurance, and Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority. Ms. Harpauer returned to Social Services on June 5, 2014 when she was appointed Minister of Social Services and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation and Status of Women.

http://www.donnaharpauer.ca/

Thursday, July 23, 2015

MLA: DAVID FORBES - SASKATOON CENTRE


Dear Lord. We pray for David Forbes. We ask you to give him the kind of summer that lives in his memories forever. Give him a greater passion in his governmental work. Bless his family and provide a deeper spiritual journey in his life. Amen.

Before entering politics, David Forbes taught in both Saskatoon and rural Saskatchewan.

David received a Bachelor of Education from the University of Regina and a masters degree in Education Administration from the University of Saskatchewan. He was also active within the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation and the Saskatoon Teachers’ Association. David has been a strong volunteer for his local community association, the Saskatchewan SaskTel Jazz Festival and as a coach of youth football and softball.

He was first elected to the Saskatchewan legislature in a by-election in 2001 and re-elected in 2003, 2007, and 2011. In the previous NDP government David served as Minister of Environment and Labour. In the Saskatchewan NDP caucus, he currently serves as caucus chair and as the critic for Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, Social Services, housing, community-based organizations, Workers Compensation Board, diversity, equity, and human rights. He is also the associate critic for Education.

David and his spouse Dawn Martin have three children, Cam, Alison, and Reilly.

http://www.davidforbesmla.ca

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

MLA: WAYNE ELHARD - CYPRESS HILLS


Dear Lord. Thank you for Wayne Elhard. We thank you for his commitment to Saskatchewan and the people within his constituency. We ask that you grant him special favour with the people that need to be convinced. Put individuals in his path both inside and outside the government that can take this province to the next level in it’s development. Grant him wisdom and insight into how to effectively leverage relationships in order to benefit this province more. We also pray that he would have a meaningful time this summer with his family and friends. Amen.

Wayne was the first Saskatchewan Party MLA elected to the legislature in a by-election in June of 1999. He was re-elected in the 1999 provincial election, and again in 2003, 2007, and 2011. Wayne has been a member of the legislature’s Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and Justice and the caucus’ standing policy committee on intergovernmental affairs and justice.

Wayne has previously served as Minister of Highways and Infrastructure and Minister Responsible for the Public Service Commission. He served as the first chairman of the Global Transportation Hub, a large distribution and logistics project just west of Regina.

In June 2010, Wayne was tasked with coordinating the long-term infrastructure needs of the province as Legislative Secretary to the Premier, Ready for Growth Provincial Infrastructure initiative. As a result of that undertaking, Sask. Builds was created on the Board of which Wayne sits as an appointed member. Mr. Elhard was re-appointed as Provincial Secretary on November 30, 2011, and held that position until June 2014. Wayne is currently Legislative Secretary for International and Diplomatic Engagement.

Wayne and his wife, Marilyn, continue to call Eastend home. They have two children: Jonathan and his family live in Red Deer, Alberta; and Brooklyn is attending university in Ontario.

http://www.wayneelhard.ca/

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

MLA: DOREEN EAGLES - ESTEVAN


Dear Lord. We pray today for Doreen Eagles and ask you to grant her an epic summer filled with memory making moments and beautiful sunsets. We ask you to encourage her in the government work she does. Help her to effectively represent her constituency while simultaneously doing her committee work and social events. Give her opportunities to advance the causes that are most dear to her heart. Amen. 

Doreen was born in Midale, SK and grew up in the Macoun-Estevan area. Upon the completion of her education, Doreen and her husband Vic ran the family farm and raised two children, Terry and Trisha.

Doreen was first elected to represent the Estevan riding in the 1999 provincial general election. She was re-elected in 2003, 2007, and 2011. During her terms in opposition, Doreen served as caucus Whip and held a number of critic portfolios.

In the government caucus, Doreen serves as caucus Chair and was appointed as the caucus liaison to cabinet. She has been a member of the caucus’ human services standing policy committee and of two legislative committees: the Standing Committee on Human Services and the Standing Committee on Privileges. Doreen also sits on the Board of Internal Economy.

After a courageous battle with cancer, Doreen’s husband Vic passed away on August 25, 2008. Vic was Doreen’s biggest supporter. He was also Doreen and the family’s hero, especially their grandchildren: Beau, Bailee, Shelby and Tristan.

http://saskparty.com/index.php?pageid=MLAs&mla=Doreen-Eagles

Monday, July 20, 2015

MLA: HONOURABLE DUSTIN DUNCAN - WEYBURN-BIG MUDDY - MINISTER OF HEALTH


Dear Lord. Please bless and keep the Honourable Dustin Duncan throughout the summer. Give he and his wife an abundance of wonderful summer days together. We ask that you would give him a deep understanding of the role he is now in, and the nuances of the realities around him. Make him a sophisticated and wise voice in his work in government. 

Dustin Duncan was first elected as MLA for the constituency of Weyburn – Big Muddy in a by-election in June 2006 at the age of 26. Dustin was re-elected in the 2007 and 2011 provincial elections.

On May 25, 2012 Dustin was appointed Minister of Health. Prior to this he served as Minister of Environment, Minister Responsible for SaskEnergy and SaskWater. He was first appointed to Cabinet in May 2009 as Minister of Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport. Prior to being named to Cabinet, Dustin served as Chair of the legislature’s Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies.

Dustin and his wife Amanda, a musician, were both born, raised and educated in the Weyburn area. They make their home on a farm east of Weyburn - the same land Dustin’s great-grandparents farmed nearly a century ago.

http://saskparty.com/index.php?pageid=MLAs&mla=Dustin-Duncan

Friday, July 17, 2015

MLA: JUNE DRAUDE - KELVINGTON-WADENA


Dear Lord. We thank you today for June Draude. We ask you to give her a renewed fascination with the opportunities you put in front of her. Help her to serve you by serving the people of Saskatchewan and her local constituents. We also ask you to give her a renewed spiritual focus that takes her deeper into relationship with you. Amen.

June was first elected to the legislature in 1995 and re-elected in 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2011 representing the Kelvington-Wadena constituency. In 1997 she became one of the original eight founding members of the Saskatchewan Party.

June has served as the Minister of Social Services, Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, Minister Responsible for Crown Investments Corporation, Information Technology Office, Information Services Corporation, Saskatchewan Government Insurance, First Nations and Métis Affairs, and Minister Responsible for Public Service Commission. She has also served as Provincial Secretary and has sat on the province’s Treasury board.

During her terms in opposition, she served in a number of areas including critic for First Nations and Métis Affairs, Chair of the legislature’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts, and was a member of the legislature’s Special Committee to Prevent the Abuse and Exploitation of Children through the Sex Trade.

http://www.junedraude.ca/index.php?docID=26

Thursday, July 16, 2015

MLA: LARRY DOKE - CUT KNIFE-TURTLEFORD


Dear Lord. Thank you for Larry Doke. Thank you for his interest in political life and his commitment to Saskatchewan people. We ask you to give him more opportunities to invest his energies in helpful projects. May he have a clear understanding of the best ways to get a return on investment for his time and attention. Bless him throughout the summer with enjoyable adventures and beautiful starry nights around a campfire. Amen.

Larry Doke was first elected to the Saskatchewan Legislature in the 2011 provincial election for the constituency of Cut Knife-Turtleford.

Larry currently resides in the resort village of Metinota where he served as councillor for the area since 2000. As well, he was recently the director of the West Yellowhead Waste Resource Authority, chair of the Jackfish Lake West Water Utility, and Waste Water Utility.

Before moving to Metinota, Larry was the owner/operator of Fairview Dodge in North Battleford. While Larry was a successful business owner he took time to be involved in the North Battleford community by sitting as a board member of the local Chamber of Commerce, spending 12 years on the Parks and Recreation board, 14 years on the board of the North Battleford Golf and Country Club, and two years as its president.

Larry has been involved with the Saskatchewan Party since its inception and ran as a candidate in the 2003 provincial election in The Battlefords constituency. He has also been involved with other Saskatchewan Party campaign teams throughout the years.

Larry is a member of Treasury Board, member of Investment Board, member of the caucus’ policy committee on the Economy and the legislature’s Standing Committee on the Economy. He is also currently serving on the Agriculture and Natural Resources committee for the Midwestern Legislative Conference of the Council of State Governments.
Larry and wife Valerie have two children and five grandchildren. Larry enjoys restoring muscle cars, golfing, fishing, and volunteering in the Metinota community.

http://saskparty.com/index.php?pageid=MLAs&mla=Larry-Doke

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

MLA: HONOURABLE KEVIN DOHERTY - REGINA NORTHEAST - MINISTER OF ADVANCED EDUCATION AND MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR SASKATCHEWAN TELECOMMUNICATIONS


Dear Lord. Today we pray for the Honourable Kevin Doherty. We ask you to give him twenty new opportunities this summer to serve and lead. May he find his work this summer to be a pleasure to engage in. Give him resilience and optimism to coast through what other people would find a struggle. Bless his spiritual life and grant him health and meaningful relationships. Amen.

Kevin was first elected to the Saskatchewan Legislature in November 2011 for the constituency of Regina Northeast. Soon after, Kevin was appointed to serve as a member of Treasury Board. Born in Rose Valley, Kevin Doherty’s parents Lenora and Mike still live on the family farm.

In June, 2014, Kevin was appointed as Minister of Advanced Education and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Telecommunications. He has served as Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport.

After graduating from Rose Valley High School, Kevin earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Saskatchewan in 1985.

In his professional life, he has worked as a division director for Investors Group (he was formely a certified financial planner), the director of government relations for Bayer Healthcare, as well as the manager of provincial relations for Glaxo Wellcome. Recently, Kevin served as the vice-president of corporate relations for SaskPower.

Kevin has a strong and diverse track record of community involvement. His service includes former president of the University of Saskatchewan Students’ Union; former member of the University of Saskatchewan board of governors; former vice-chair of the Hospitals of Regina Foundation; former member of the Regina Chamber of Commerce board of directors; and former president of the Saskatchewan Special Olympics.

Kevin enjoys spending time at the cabin in northern Saskatchewan, travelling, golfing, reading, motorcycling, and snowmobiling.

http://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/government-structure/cabinet/honourable-kevin-doherty

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

MLA: HONOURABLE MARK DOCHERTY - REGINA CORONATION PARK - MINISTER OF PARKS, CULTURE AND SPORT AND MINISTER RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PROVINCIAL CAPITAL COMMISSION


Dear Lord. Thank you for the Honourable Mark Docherty. We pray that you would alert him to areas that need his direct attention. May he have an uncanny ability to intuitively sense where to focus his inquiry, and a capacity to ask just the right question to cut through the haze and get to the heart of the matter. Give him a great summer that is both refreshing and inspiring. Amen.

Mark was first elected to the Saskatchewan legislature as the MLA for Regina Coronation Park in 2011.

In June 2014, he was appointed as Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport and Minister Responsible for the Provincial Capital Commission. Mark previously served as the Legislative Secretary for disabilities and was a member of the human services caucus policy and standing committees, the committee on priorities and planning and served on the Cabinet committee for creative industries. 

Mark has worked in a number of different roles including, director of immigration settlement, director of Dales House, supervisor for health, team leader at Paul Dojack Youth Centre and as clinical director of Leading Thunderbird Lodge; a youth treatment centre for File Hills Qu’Appelle Tribal Council.

Additionally, Mark is a founding board member of Street Culture Kidz Project and has served on the board of the North Central Community Association.

Mark has earned three degrees – a Bachelor of Science through Saskatchewan Indian Federated College, a Bachelor of Human Justice from University of Regina, majoring in human rights and a Masters of Social Work, also from U of R. His interest in education has led Mark to teach Kawacatoose LPN students and youth care workers for SIAST and several courses at the University of Regina.

Mark has also represented Saskatchewan at the provincial and national levels in team handball, rugby, and lacrosse. He has competed in triathlons around the world and is a three-time finisher of the Hawaii Ironman Triathlon World Championships.

http://www.skcaucus.com/members.php?member=Mark-Docherty

Monday, July 13, 2015

MLA: HONOURABLE DAN D'AUTREMONT - CANNINGTON - SPEAKER OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY


Dear Lord. We pray today for the Honourable Dan D’Autremont. We ask you to give Dan a wonderful summer with his friends and family. Give him meaningful memories, spiritual insight, and deep soulful conversations. Help him in his professional challenges to fulfil his duties and thrive in his role. Give him ample opportunities to encourage and challenge other MLAs to up their game and deliver even more excellence to the people of Saskatchewan. Amen.

Mr. D'Autremont is the Legislative Assembly’s presiding officer, the Speaker. He was first elected to the legislature in 1991 and re-elected in 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2011 representing the Cannington constituency. He is one of the “original eight” founding members of the Saskatchewan Party in 1997.

During his tenure in opposition, Dan served as critic for Highways, Education, Energy and Mines, Health, Saskatchewan Telecommunications, Information Technology Office, Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority and Saskatchewan Government Insurance. While critic for Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority Dan also worked closely with the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority and First Nations. He served as the chair of the Saskatchewan Party caucus’crown corporations committee and Vice-chair of the legislature’s Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies.

Since the Saskatchewan Party formed government in 2007, Dan has served as Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, Minister for Government Services and Minister Responsible for Information Technology Office. Most recently, he served as Government House Leader, Co-chair of the legislation and regulation review (cabinet) committee, member of the Board of Internal Economy, member of the Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies, member of the caucus’ standing policy committee on crowns and central agencies, member of the Public Accounts Committee, member of the Privileges Committee and member of the House Services Committee.

He was elected to serve as Speaker of the Legislative Assembly on December 5, 2011.

Dan and his wife, Heather, were married for 30 years and have three children: Nicholas, Amanda and Kelly. After a courageous battle with cancer, Heather passed away on July 13, 2012.  Family, friends and politics are Dan’s top priorities, but he also enjoys hunting, shooting, reading, computers, gaming with his children and supporting the Air Cadet league.