MPP Sam Oosterhoff, Niagara West-Glanbrook

What a privilege to pray for our MPPs and our Government of Ontario.  Father you said that, to bring our petitions, prayers with intercession  and thanksgiving be made for all people to pray for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. Therefore today we lift up this member before your throne, and we pray for your servant and our MPP Sam Oosterhoff.  We pray for favour, peace, strength and wisdom beyond his years  as he serves in his party and works tirelessly for the people in his riding.  Guide him in all his ways, give him boldness and the courage to make the right decisions. We pray for his team and staff, bless him and his family in every way.  We pray and ask all these things in Jesus precious name. Amen

Sam Oosterhoff is the Member of Provincial Parliament for the riding of Niagara West—Glanbrook. His election to the Ontario Legislature in November of 2016 made history, and headlines across Canada, as he became the youngest ever Member of Provincial Parliament.

Having grown up in the Niagara Peninsula, Sam has always had a deep appreciation for the value of hard work. Growing up, he spent countless hours working on the family farm, and later working in the private sector in demolition and excavating. After getting involved in conservative politics early on, he worked on the federal Conservative campaign in the 2015 federal election, before moving to Ottawa to work as a Legislative Assistant and policy analyst for a Conservative Member of Parliament.

While working on Parliament Hill, Sam solidified his passion for service and community, and had the opportunity to develop legislation, with particular emphasis on cutting red tape and scrutinizing government regulations.

In the fall of 2016, a by-election was called for Sam's home riding of Niagara West—Glanbrook. While simultaneously studying Political Science at Brock University and working a part-time job, Sam organized and successfully fought an underdog campaign for the Progressive Conservative nomination against established veteran politicians, before winning a high-profile victory in the by-election. He increased the PC Party of Ontario's margin of victory by 13% over the previous election result in the riding.

Since his election, Sam has been working hard to represent the interests, priorities, and concerns of Niagara West – Glanbrook’s families and job creators. He has particularly focused on transportation infrastructure, healthcare, and jobs in the Niagara/Hamilton region. Sam is also working to energize a new generation of politically active Ontario youth who want to work for the good of the entire province.

Born and raised in Vineland, Sam is a strong supporter of municipal rights and the unique industries that make the Niagara region great, from soft-fruit producers, to family farms, to the dozens of local manufacturers that provide stable, well-paying jobs.

MPP Rick Nicholls, Chatham-Kent-Essex

LORD, surround MPP Rick Nicholls today and in the coming days with Your wisdom and guidance. May his thoughts and plans be established by You. Give him the ability to discern what is of real value. May he be filled with compassion and be aware of the needs of the people in his constituency and how to meet them. Bless his family members and may love and faithfulness never leave them. May they win favour and a good name with all people. Amen

 

Rick Nicholls was born and raised in Chatham. He worked at Navistar and Union Gas before starting his own training development company, which he successfully ran for 25 years. During that time, he taught and trained in a wide variety of business sectors and was twice invited to address the Canadian Embassy to the United Nations.  As MPP he served as the Deputy Labour Critic and did not shy away from bringing up tough issues at Queen's Park.  He is excited to help build a better future for the province so our children can live and work in Ontario.

MPP Taras Natyshak, Essex

Lord, we thank you for Taras willingness to serve in public office. We pray that You would give great wisdom as he provides knowledge that is needed in these strategic areas. Give him the ability to communicate as needed to provide insight. May he have the strength of character to act with grace and candor. Bless his family for their willingness to share him with the province of Ontario and specifically, his community. May he consult You for direction.  We ask these things in the Name of Jesus Christ.

Taras Natyshak is a passionate community leader and public servant. Born and raised in Essex County, he has made extensive contributions to the region as a volunteer, healthcare champion, and labour advocate. Elected to the Legislature in 2011, he has fought for occupational health and safety reform and advocated for a national agricultural policy designed to protect family farms from the pressures of globalization.He has also served on the boards of the Windsor Workers’ Action and Sexual Assault Crisis centres, and volunteered with the United Way and the Canadian Paraplegic Association. He has served as the NDP’s critic for labour, infrastructure, community safety and corrections, and co-chaired the Legislature’s Estimates Committee.

Taras pursued political science and labour studies at the University of Windsor. He and his wife, Jennifer, have been married for 10 years and make their home in Belle River with their two children.