Monday, November 30, 2015

MLA: Greg Lawrence - Moose Jaw Wakamow

Dear Lord. Today we bring Mr. Greg Lawrence to you and ask you to give him an exciting Christmas season. Give him deeper friendships, more meaningful opportunities, and richer spiritual experiences. Help him in his governmental work. May he be inspired by you to find that ever-challenging sweet spot between frugality and charity. Amen.


Greg Lawrence was elected to the Saskatchewan Legislature in the 2011 provincial election for the Moose Jaw Wakamow constituency. Greg currently is a member of the legislature’s Standing Committee on Human Services and is currently serving as Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Social Services with specific responsibilities in foster and child care.

Greg was born in Bienfait, Saskatchewan and was raised in the Estevan area spending many years working in the oil industry. He moved his family to Moose Jaw in 2003 after spending an incredible weekend there as a tourist. It was there he began his employment with SaskTel. Prior to entering politics, he was a customer service technician with SaskTel as well as the vice-president for the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Local 3, and also served as the union’s grievance coordinator.

Greg, who has been involved with politics since 2007, is particularly impressed by the government’s commitment to the Métis people of Saskatchewan.

He is the former President of the Southern Plains Métis Local 160, and former Deputy Commanding Officer of the #40 Royal Canadian Air Cadets in Moose Jaw. He spent many years volunteering at the YMCA teaching martial arts and also enjoyed coaching minor baseball.

Greg and his wife Marjorie have three sons and one foster son.

http://saskparty.com/index.php?pageid=MLAs&mla=Greg-Lawrence

Friday, November 27, 2015

A Prayer for Our Leaders

Here's a list to PRAY for Godly Leaders that would care about the things that you care about. I pray for all men and women having authority over us in any way.  Praying for thirteen Premiers of Canada, currently three are women. The longest-serving Premier is Brad Wall of Saskatchewan, who has held the position since November 21, 2007; the newest Premier is Rachel Notley of Alberta, who assumed office on May 24, 2015. The oldest Premier, Greg Selinger of Manitoba, was born in 1951; The youngest Premier, Brian Gallant of New Brunswick, was born in 1982. There are thirteen incumbent Premiers, of which six are from a Liberal Party, two are from a New Democratic Party, one is from a Progressive Conservative Party, one is from the Saskatchewan Party, one is from the Yukon Party, and two are non-partisan.

MLA: Hon. Ken Krawetz - Canora-Pelly - Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance

Thank you Lord for Ken Krawetz and his long history of exceptional service to the people of SK. Thank you for his vision, leadership and consistent example of dedication and commitment. Instil in him a renewed sense of resolve in his spiritual journey and bless Ken and his wife, Gail his children and grandchildren with many rich family times together. Amen.

Ken was elected as MLA for the Canora-Pelly constituency in 1995. In 1997, he and seven other MLAs formed the Saskatchewan Party, and Ken served as the interim leader till 1998. From 1997 to 1999, he served as the Leader of the Opposition.

Since 1998, Ken has served as Deputy Leader of the Saskatchewan Party. After his re-election in 2007, Ken was appointed as Deputy Premier and served as Minister of Education. In June 2010, while remaining Deputy Premier, he was appointed as the Minister of Finance.

Ken has lived in the Canora-Pelly area for all of his life. In 1972, he started his eleven year teaching career in Invermay. In 1983, he became a business owner and operated an insurance brokerage for ten years.

Ken’s long history of serving his community began when he was first elected to the Canora School Division Board of Education in 1985 and he served as chairperson for nine years. In 1988, he was elected to the Executive of Saskatchewan School Trustees Association and served as president in 1991-92 and past president from 1993-94.

Ken and Gail have two children. Their son Bryce and his wife Olivia reside in Yorkton with grandchildren Willow and Scarlett. Their daughter Lindsay and her partner Barney reside in Calgary.

http://www.kenkrawetz.ca/

Thursday, November 26, 2015

MLA: Delbert Kirsch - Batoche


Thank you Father, for Delbert Kirsch. Thank you for the many ways he has served this province and the knowledge he has gained through that service. Grant him wisdom and the ability to express himself with integrity in all situations. Allow Delbert and his wife, Valerie, opportunities to share in activities that would bring abundance and joy to their marriage. In your name, amen.

First elected in the 2003 provincial election and re-elected in 2007 and 2011, Delbert has enjoyed serving the people of the Batoche constituency. During his term in opposition, he served as the critic for Forestry and deputy critic for Northern Affairs and Industry & Commerce. He was also Deputy Chair of the legislature’s Standing Committee on the Economy. 

Following the formation of a Saskatchewan Party government in November 2007, Delbert served as the Chair of the legislature's Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and Justice. He was appointed Legislative Secretary to the Premier - Saskatchewan Heritage initiative and Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Corrections, Public Safety and Policing.

Delbert was also a member of the legislature’s Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and Justice and the Standing Committee on House Services. He was a member of the caucus’ standing policy committee on intergovernmental affairs and justice. He chaired the legislature’s Standing Committee on Private Bills and the Standing Committee on Crown and Central Agencies. He was also the Deputy Government House Leader.

Delbert and Valerie have three grown children.

http://saskparty.com/index.php?pageid=MLAs&mla=Delbert-Kirsch

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

MLA: Victoria Jurgens - Prince Albert Northcote


Lord, thank you for Victoria Jurgens and her desire to represent and serve her constituents well. Thank you for her passion to provide them with opportunities for inspiration and growth. Give her insight and clarity in her committee work to see what others may miss. Bless Victoria and her husband, Allan, with enjoyment of their various activities and with family.

Victoria Jurgens was first elected to the legislature in the 2011 provincial election for the Prince Albert Northcote Constituency. Victoria’s professional life is multi-faceted: she worked as a dietitian and public health nutritionist with the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region and with her husband, she co-owned and operated a small business that dealt with the forestry and agroforestry sectors. She holds an MBA from Athabasca University, as well as a B.Sc. in Nutrition and a B.A. (Honours) in Psychology, both from the University of Saskatchewan.

In 2009, the Dietitians of Canada recognized Victoria for her leadership as part of their Vision 2020 strategy. Victoria says the Prince Albert Northcote constituency is a vibrant one, rich with people, voices and ideas. “I want to help build on the positive enthusiasm of the people in my community and ensure that all residents have the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

Victoria serves as a member of the Legislation and Regulatory Review committee, and the caucus’ Economy committee. She also serves on the legislature’s Standing Committee on the Economy.

Victoria and her husband Allan have three children, one daughter-in-law and one granddaughter. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, weight training, reading, cooking, baking, and solving Sudoku puzzles.

When asked about what she loves most about Saskatchewan, she said: “The best thing about Saskatchewan is its people. Two close seconds are the beautiful skies and our acreage where we can get ‘away from it all’.”

http://mlajurgens.ca

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

MLA: D.F. (Yogi) Huyghebaert - Wood River


Thank you Lord for Yogi Huyghebaert and the unique experience he brings to the legislature. Thank you for the leadership he has demonstrated through his various portfolios over the years. Continue to give him great satisfaction in his association with 15 Wing Moose Jaw. Bless Yogi and his wife, Phyllis, with renewed enjoyment in their family and grandchildren. 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

Monday, November 23, 2015

MLA: Bill Hutchinson - Regina South

Father, thank you for Bill Hutchinson and the opportunity he has to serve. Thank you for his proven commitment to accessibility and to representing his community well. We ask that you would infuse him with renewed energy and bless him with a rich spiritual life. Provide Bill and his wife Jocelyn, with times of refreshing and fulfilment in their marriage.

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

Friday, November 20, 2015

MLA: Hon. 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 for heart to be moved towards all that is right and good. We pray for wisdom in upcoming decisions that affect her personally and those she cares about.  Thank you for wisdom in her work and service. We pray for her health and for a renewed passion in all she sets her hands too. 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

Thursday, November 19, 2015

MLA: Glen Hart - Last Mountain-Touchwood

Dear Lord, thank you for Glen Hart. Thank you for his years of service to the people. We ask for wisdom as he continues serving in the legislature and for a renewed passion for education. We thank you for his family and the joy that comes from grandchildren. We pray health and joy over him and all his family. 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/

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

MLA: Hon. Jeremy Harrison - Meadow Lake - Minister Responsible for Rouism Sasatchewan, Innovation and Trade and Immigration, Jobs, Skills, and Training

 Dear Lord we pray today for the Honourable Jeremy Harrison. Thank you for him and his ability to see what needs doing. We ask that you would give him the strength to do it and the wisdom to delegate when needed.  We pray for his marriage and family and that they would be strengthened and refreshed.  We pray for his health and well-being and those of his family. 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

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

MLA: David Forbes - Saskatoon Centre

Dear Lord, Thank you for David Forbes. We pray for a heart that is willing to do the tough stuff and capable hands. We thank you for David’s desire to see change for the better and to teach those who can continue to make that change. We pray for open doors and willing vessels. Please bless his wife Dawn and children, Cam, Alison, and Reilly with health and peace. 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

Monday, November 16, 2015

MLA: Wayne Elhard - Cypress Hills

Dear Lord,  Thank you for Wayne Elhard  and for the years he has dedicated to the legislature. We pray for a renewed strength in his service to the people of this province and vision for the future. We ask that you bless his family with health, joy and renewed passion in what they set their hands to. 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/

Friday, November 13, 2015

MLA: Doreen Eagles - Estevan

Dear Lord. We pray for Doreen Eagles today. We ask that you give her a sensitivity to the needs and challenges of Saskatchewan people that other leaders may be missing. Help her to elevate the concerns of deserving people to the ears that need to hear. Give her a sense of how her activities in government are making positive ripples and waves in the lives of other people. 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

Thursday, November 12, 2015

MLA: Hon. Dustin Ducan - Weyburn-Big Muddy - Minister of Health

Dear Lord. Thank you for The Honourable Dustin Duncan. We pray that you would give Dustin wisdom and compassion as well as growing capacity to lead and develop the people who serve under him. Give him vision for the province that extends for generations. We also pray that his spiritual life would be an exciting and meaningful part of his world. Bless him with a keen capacity for spiritual activities that bring him continually closer to you. Amen.

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

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

MLA: June Drause - Kelvington-Wadena

Dear Lord. We pray today for June Draude. We ask that you would encourage her. May she sense your loving presence in the morning and throughout the day. Give her continued favour both inside the legislature and outside in the greater community. May she be guided by your principles and bolstered by her faith. 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