MPP: Marie-France Lalonde - Ottawa-Orléans

Lord, we ask You to bless MPP Marie-France Lalonde  in the many duties she fulfills. Give her clarity and the ability to make good decisions. Lead her into opportunities that will be for the benefit of her constituents and the people of Ontario. Fill her heart with your grace and peace and may her family be aware of Your love and care for them. In Christ’s name. Amen.

Marie-France Lalonde represents the riding of Ottawa-Orléans. She was first elected to the Ontario legislature on June 12, 2014. She was also appointed as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure (Economic Development) and to the Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs.

For the past 17 years, Marie-France Lalonde has been caring for people in our community as a social worker and business owner. With a degree in social work from the University of Quebec in Hull, she put her leadership and skills to work in a career that began at the Children's Aid Society, followed by the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario and the Ottawa Hospital.

Throughout the last decade, Marie-France has continued her career in caring for people and became the co-owner and executive director of the Portobello Manor in Orléans. Her work won her the 2010 New Business of the Year award from the Orléans Chamber of Commerce. Currently, she is the Vice-President of CARP Ottawa, serves on the Community Advisory Committee for the Champlain Community Access Centre and is part of the working group on affordable housing for seniors with the United Way.

Her volunteerism and community leadership earned her a Leading Women Building Communities award from the government of Ontario.

Marie-France was  the Regional Director of Marketing and Sales in Eastern Canada for All Seniors Care Living Centres prior to being elected as an MPP.

Marie-France, her husband Alvaro and daughter Monica, have been proud to call Ottawa-Orléans home for the last 14 years.

http://mariefrancelalonde.onmpp.ca/Biography

MPP: Monte Kwinter - York Centre

Today oh Lord we pray for our Member of Provincial Parliament Monte Kwinter in the York Centre riding.  Heavenly Father we pray for Monte Kwinter, we ask Lord that You would bless him today. Lord we ask that you would give him strength and wisdom for his day.  I pray that he would trust you Lord and to cast all his cares upon You, You said Lord, if we need wisdom to ask You. We pray Oh Lord that You would direct his path today, that our M.P.P. would be strengthen and refreshed, he would trust in You, not be troubled. We ask these things in your precious Name Jesus, Amen.

First elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in 1985, Monte Kwinter was elected for the eighth time in 2011 as the Member of Provincial Parliament for York Centre, formerly known as Wilson Heights.

Monte has served as Minister of Consumer and Commercial Relations, Minister of Financial Institutions, Minister of Industry, Trade and Technology, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services and Solicitor General. He held a number of critic portfolios while in Opposition.

He currently serves as Chair of the Ontario Investment and Trade Advisory Council (OITAC) and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Economic Development and Innovation.

His long record of community service has included, Chairman of the Toronto Harbour Commission; Chairman of the Toronto Humane Society; Founding President of the Toronto Regional Council of B’Nai Brith; serving on the Board of Directors for the Canadian National Exhibition; Trustee for the Molson Indy Board; Chair of the International Advisory Board of the Bishkek International School of Management and Business.

Prior to public life, Monte operated a commercial real estate firm. He has also been Vice-President of the Ontario College of Art, Editorial Director of a publishing firm and an Industrial Designer.

Monte was born in Toronto and educated at the Ontario College of Art; Syracuse University; Massachusetts Institute of Technology; the Institute of Contemporary Art (Boston); and the University of Montreal. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, a Honourary Master of International Business degree and a Honourary Doctor of Laws degree.

He and his late wife, Wilma, have two sons and two daughters and ten grandchildren.

http://montekwinter.onmpp.ca/Biography

MPP: Sophie Kiwali - Kingston and the Islands

We pray today for our Member of Provincial Parliament Sophie Kiwala  for Kingston and the Islands.  Father in Heaven we lift up before your throne Sophie Kiwala, as she serves as M.P.P  in Kingston and the Islands. Give her everything she needs as she serves the people in Ontario. We thank you Lord that she sacrifices so much working in this position. We ask Lord that You would bless her today with health and strength.  I pray that she would trust you Lord and feel your presence. We pray you would bless her family Lord, protect them and keep them safe in your loving care. In the precious Name of Jesus, Amen.

Sophie Kiwali was elected MPP for Kingston and the Islands in June  2014 and subsequently appointed Parliamentary Assistant to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

Sophie is a tireless and compassionate community champion with strong experience in the public and private sectors.

Sophie has a long and positive history in public and stakeholder relations, having worked in federal politics for 7 years as the Hon. Peter Milliken’s Office Manager and later as his successor, Ted Hsu’s Chief of Staff. It was through these responsibilities that she developed a thorough and in-depth understanding of national, provincial and community issues, and familiarised herself with government protocol, procedures and processes.

Prior to her political career, Sophie spent seventeen years working in retail management and as an entrepreneur.  She spent five years living in Turkey and France studying English literature and French at Athabasca University part-time.  She volunteered for an ex-patriot women’s group to raise funds in Turkey to help build their first women’s shelter.  Upon returning to Canada from Europe, she started working in residential and commercial renovation, interior design, and rental property ownership.  During this time she went back to Queens University, studied political science and was offered the position at Peter Milliken's office.

Sophie has seen firsthand where government policies work, and understands how to get them right. She is well known in Kingston, has deep roots in community volunteering and has many connections across all socio-economic and political divides.  Her fiercely loyal and determined sense of justice, her integrity, warmth, sincerity and drive make her an ideal public servant.

http://sophiekiwala.onmpp.ca/Biography

MPP: Helena Jaczek - Oak Ridges Markham

Dear Father in Heaven, we are thankful for Helena Jaczek M.P.P. in the Oak Ridges-Markham riding.  We ask Lord that you would bless her and everything she puts her hand to.  May she feel your presence give her wisdom and understanding in all decisions she makes. Please encourage her each day as she continues to help meet the needs of her constituents in her riding.  Lord we pray and cover Jennifer in prayer, she is your daughter whom you love. Bless her today keep her family safe and may they know your peace. Amen.

Dr. Helena Jaczek was first elected as the Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for the riding of Oak Ridges - Markham in October 2007 and was re-elected in October 2011 and June 2014.

Helena currently serves as the Minister of Community and Social Services. She has previously served as the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Health and Long-Term Care and the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of the Environment and to the Minister of Health Promotion.

Helena has served as Caucus Chair and was a sitting member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts and the Standing Committee on Social Policy. She has also served on several other Standing Committees including Government Agencies, Finance and Economic affairs, Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on General Government.

To date, Helena is most proud of her work as a member of the Select Committee on Mental Health and Addictions, a non-partisan committee. This special Committee appointed by the then Premier of Ontario, Hon. Dalton McGuinty, held public hearings around the province and visited mental health and addictions facilities and several First Nations communities to better understand the Mental Health and Addictions program challenges facing Ontario. Their work and recommendations were presented in the report Navigating the Journey to Wellness and can be found online at http://www.ontla.on.ca.

At age 12,Helena came to Canada from England and later went on to receive her medical degree and Master of Health Sciences from the University of Toronto. She holds certification from the Canadian College of Family Physicians and Canadian College of Health Service Executives. Helena also has a Master of Business administration from the Schulich School of Business at York University.

After many years in general practice on staff at Women’s College Hospital in Toronto, Helena became the Medical Officer of Health and Commissioner of Health Services for The Regional Municipality of York. During her 18 years in this position, she had responsibility for public health, land ambulance and long-term care in a Region of over 1 million people.

Helena has been actively involved with numerous community organizations including the Ontario Great Lakes Renewal Foundation, the York Centre for Children, Youth and Families, the York Region District Health Council, Giant Steps Toronto and the Newmarket Stingrays Swim Club. She has volunteered with the Toronto Region Immigrant Employment Council and mentored foreign-trained professionals.

For her community service, Helena has been awarded the “Outstanding Alumni Mentor Award” from the University of Toronto’s Public Health Sciences Alumni association; the Distinguished Service Award from the Association of Local Public Health Agencies; the “In Celebration of Women” award for her Medical Leadership in York Region; the Canadian Institute of Planners Award for Planning Excellence in Environmental Planning.

Helena first moved to York Region in 1980 where she now lives with her partner Hershel. She is the mother of 2 adult children, Natasha and Nicholas.

http://helenajaczek.onmpp.ca/Biography

MPP: Mitzie Hunter - Scarborough-Guildwood

Father we lift up Mitzie Hunter to you today. We ask that you use her in the role as MPP for the  Scarborough-Guildwood riding. We ask that you give her wisdom in the decisions she makes while at Queens Park. We pray a blessing upon her family. Lord may you show your love to her like she has never experienced before. We ask this in the name of Jesus your Son, AMEN!

Mitzie Hunter is the Associate Minister of Finance, responsible for pension reform and the MPP for Scarborough-Guildwood.

Mitzie Hunter understands our community and the power of working together. A lifelong citybuilder, she is passionate about unlocking the city’s potential by ensuring fair and inclusive access to employment and prosperity

As the former CEO of the Greater Toronto CivicAction Alliance, Mitzie worked to solve some of our toughest social, economic and environmental challenges. She was also previously the CAO of the Toronto Community Housing Corporation, Vice-President with Goodwill Industries and a Regional Director at Bell Canada.

Mitzie and her family immigrated to Canada from Jamaica in 1975. She grew up in Scarborough, graduated from U of T (Scarborough Campus) with a BA, and recently completed her MBA from the Rotman School of Management.

As part of Kathleen Wynne’s team, Mitzie will bring people together to solve problems, and to create jobs and opportunity in our community

http://mitziehunter.onmpp.ca/Biography

MPP: Eric Hoskins - St. Paul's

Our Father in Heaven, today we pause to think about our M.P.P. Eric Hoskins in St Paul’s. Father we pray for this member and we ask that you would continue to lead and guide him in all his ways.  Lord we pray that he would trust in You, look to You for wisdom and understanding.  Bless our member today and give him what he needs to serve this position well.  Surround our member with wise council and give divine wisdom. Bless his wife Linda and their children,  In Jesus Precious Name, we ask these requests. Amen.

Dr. Eric Hoskins was first elected as the MPP for the Toronto riding of St. Paul’s in 2009. He was appointed as Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Employment in February 2013. He has previously served as Minister of Children and Youth Services and Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.

Eric is a renowned humanitarian, family doctor, husband and father – and a proud Ontarian with a long and dedicated record of public service.

After finishing his medical studies at McMaster University, and subsequently at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, Eric spent nearly a decade as a doctor and humanitarian in war-torn regions in Africa and around the world. Eric later served as the senior advisor to then Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy on such issues as human rights, child soldiers, peacekeeping and the landmines ban. Together with his wife Dr. Samantha Nutt, the two founded the international charity War Child Canada to help hundreds of thousands of children in war-affected regions across the globe.

Eric has been recognized for his humanitarian work and public service. In 2008, he was invested as an Officer of the Order of Canada. He has also received the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Cross, and has been awarded the United Nations Lester B. Pearson Peace Medal.

Eric and his wife Sam have a seven-year-old son, Rhys.

http://erichoskins.onmpp.ca/Biography

MPP: Randy Hillier - Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington

Father, we thank you for MPP Randy Hillier Thank you for his efforts to seek to improve the quality of life for Ontario residents. Continue to encourage him as he seeks to bring about changes that are important to him. May he also find the time to be revitalized and refreshed by his relationship with family and friends. In Christ’s name, Amen.

Randy is the proud father of 4 children, and is fortunate to have the love and support of his wife Jane for over 28 years. They have been long-time residents of Lanark County and currently reside near the Town of Perth.

Randy is an electrician by trade, and a former member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). He is also a former Project Manager in the Public Works division of the Federal Government.

He is one of the four founders of the Lanark Landowners Association, brought to life at a kitchen table in Lanark County to address the challenges and government over-regulation facing farmers and businesses in rural Ontario.

Within a few short years, the Landowners Association went province-wide with chapters in almost every county. Randy Hillier was nominated as the first President at the inaugural meeting of the Ontario Landowners Association and quickly became a strong advocate for the rights of rural communities across the province.

In 2007 Randy sought and won the Progressive Conservative nomination in the riding of Lanark, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington. He went on to win one of 3 new seats for the PC Party in the 2007 Provincial election. In 2011 he won re-election, earning more than 50% of all ballots cast.

Randy continues to hold the Liberal Government to account at Queen's Park for their indifference to the needs of rural Ontarians, the over-regulation that is stifling our businesses' ability to succeed, and the lack of respect for the taxpayers. He will continue this fight on behalf of taxpayers in every corner of this great province.

MPP: Ann Hoggarth - Barrie

Lord, we ask You to bless MPP Ann Hoggarth in the many duties she fulfills. Give her clarity and the ability to make good decisions. Lead her into opportunities that will be for the benefit of her constituents and the people of Ontario. Fill her heart with your grace and peace and may her family be aware of Your love and care for them. In Christ’s name, Amen.

Ann Hoggarth has over 25 years experience in the public education system. She is an elementary school teacher and a past president of the Simcoe County Elementary Teachers Federation.

Throughout her career, Ann’s commitment went beyond the classroom, she was a tireless advocate for her students, parents and education professionals. In 2001, Ann was the recipient of the Elementary Teacher’s Federation of Ontario President’s Award for her outstanding contributions.

As an active member in her community, Ann was the former president of the Barrie Skating Club, a position she held for 7 years. Working alongside Doug Leigh and city council, the Mariposa School of Skating was moved to its new home at the Allandale Recreation Centre. Ann was also involved in the community discussions that resulted in the successful completion of the Barrie Molson Centre.

Ann was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Award in 2003 for her hard work and dedication in the community and the education sector.

Ann lives and works in Barrie, she has two daughters and two grandchildren.

http://annhoggarth.onmpp.ca/Biography

MPP: Percy Hatfield - Windsor-Tecumseh

Father, we thank You for the strength that You have given to MPP Percy Hatfield strength of character, integrity and the ability to understand the complexities that he faces in his everyday life. We ask that You would further strengthen him and that he would clearly see the issues that stand before him as he makes decisions that will affect the people of Ontario. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Percy Hatfield is a respected community leader in Windsor-Tecumseh.

A well-known television and radio personality, Percy was the CBC’s municipal  affairs reporter in Windsor and he hosted his own popular TV segment, “Percy’s Political Panel.” After 30 years as a CBC broadcast journalist, he went from  covering city news to creating it.

Elected Councillor for Ward 7, Percy has taken the lead in working for results for the people of Windsor and Essex County. He was on the Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee bringing together Windsor and regional leaders to create jobs and economic opportunities.

He served on municipal decision-making committees to take on the issues that matter to people, including public health, housing, business improvement and culture.

He negotiated for Windsor and Essex County at the national level, serving three years on the board of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. At the provincial level, Percy became the first Councillor from the Windsor region to be elected Vice-President of the Association of the Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and served on the association’s Executive Committee. He was also Chair of the Large Urban Caucus in 2011.

Percy works hard to raise funds for local community groups like the Easter Seals, United Way and the Hospice. Together with his wife Gale, a school Trustee with the Greater Essex County District School Board, they support the “Do Good Divas” that recently donated more than $300,000 to local health care causes.

Percy, a self-described “army brat,” grew up on military bases across Canada. He is a proud and active member of the Riverside Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion for more than 25 years.

Percy and Gale have been married for 37 years. They have two adult children, Andrew and Lacey, and two grand-daughters, Paisley and Arwen.

MPP: Michael Harris - Kitchener-Conestoga

Lord, surround MPP Michael Harris 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. May they win favour and a good name with all people. Amen.

Michael was elected to the Ontario Legislature on Oct. 6, 2011, as the MPP for Kitchener-Conestoga – a diverse riding that includes the townships of Wilmot, Wellesley and Woolwich, as well as the southern section of Kitchener bordered by Highway 7/8.

Over the last year, Michael has been a tireless advocate of Waterloo Region, working with local officials to improve regional emergency dispatching; successfully calling for the Highway 7 expansion between Kitchener and Guelph and advocating for roundabout testing on G2 and G road exams in Waterloo Region as a way to equip the next generation of drivers for our changing roads.

Michael also serves as the PC Party Vice Chair of Community Outreach and the Progressive Conservative Environment Critic. In this role, Michael has fought for greater environmental protection using a market-based approach that empowers individuals, not government bureaucracy. He has called for bold reforms to overhaul the province’s recycling programs, which would unleash private-sector ingenuity and divert more hazardous materials and old electronics from Ontario’s landfills. 

Grounding Michael’s politics is a strong belief that government should remain accountable to the people it serves. Michael took a major step toward improving accountability in the Ontario government last year when he introduced his private member’s bill, Transparency in  Government Bills Act, which would require the government to assess the financial, social and environmental implications of its proposed laws and post its findings online for all Ontarians to view.

Born and raised on the family farm, Michael is a proud graduate of Conestoga College’s Business Management program and the Leadership Waterloo Region program. Prior to his election, Michael was a business development manager at Honeywell helping local businesses improve their sustainability and energy efficiency.

Michael has applied the same solutions-driven approach to his life-long interest in good government and public policy, including through his service on the Greater Kitchener Chamber of Commerce’s Energy and Environment Committee. Michael also spearheaded Kitchener City Council’s drive to expand public access to life-saving defibrillator technology throughout the community.

Michael enjoys volunteering in the community and has met many of his closest friends through volunteer service with local organizations including Compass Kitchener, the Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region, Anselma House, the Canadian Cancer Society, the United Way, the Juvenile Diabetes Walk to Cure Campaign, and the Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Michael, Sarah, Brayden, Murphy, Lincoln and their dog Eliot live in Kitchener’s Doon South.

MPP: Ernie Hardeman - Oxford

Thank You, Lord for MPP Ernie Hardeman and his service to the people of Ontario. We pray that Your hand would continue to guide his life and bless his work. Make him aware of those who genuinely need his help and enable him to contribute to their well-being. Give him the strength and endurance he needs and let him know that his efforts are appreciated.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Ernie Hardeman was first elected to the Ontario Legislature in June, 1995 and was appointed as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing until 1999. He was re-elected in June 1999 and was appointed by Premier Harris to Cabinet as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. He served in this position until February 2001. 

From March 2001 to May 2002, Mr. Hardeman held the office of Parliamentary Assistant to the Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance. In this capacity he was responsible for the SuperBuild program and sat on the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation as the government representative. In May 2002, Mr. Hardeman became Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Community, Family and Children’s Services.

On February 25, 2003 Mr. Hardeman’s long municipal background and rural knowledge was recognized by Premier Ernie Eves when he was asked to join Cabinet as the Associate Minister to Municipal Affairs (Rural).

Ernie was re-elected in June 2014 and is the longest serving MPP in Oxford’s history. Ernie is been a member of the Official Opposition, where he has served as the critic for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and is now critic for Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Prior to the 1995 election, Mr. Hardeman had a long career in municipal politics in Southwestern Ontario. He was first elected to the Township of South-West Oxford council in 1980 and, later, served as mayor from 1988 to 1994. Mr. Hardeman is also a former warden of Oxford County council and has served as chair of the Warden's Association of Ontario.

On the provincial scene, Mr. Hardeman served as chair of the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) in 1993 and 1994. He served on the board of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario for five years from 1989 to 1994 and, during that time, also served as chair of the A.M.O. 911 Committee and co-chair of the Municipalities in the Future Task Force.

Mr. Hardeman, who owned and operated Hardeman Feed Ltd. in Salford from 1966 to 1995, has served on many other local committees and community boards, including the Alexandra   Hospital Board of Trust in Ingersoll and the Woodingford Lodge Board of Trust in Woodstock. For 25 years Mr. Hardeman was a volunteer firefighter and retired in 1995 as Captain of the South-West Oxford Fire Department. He and his wife, Reta, have three sons and a daughter.

http://www.erniehardemanmpp.com/biography.html

MPP: Lisa Gretzky - Windsor West

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

Lisa was elected MPP for Windsor West in 2014 and currently serves as the NDP Education Critic.

A dedicated community advocate, Lisa Gretzky is an entrepreneur and a longtime defender and champion of public education.

Lisa’s passion for education led her to become a member of her children’s school advisory council and the co-chair of a playground committee that focused on planning to promote physical health and fundraising for new equipment.

She was elected twice as a School Trustee for the Greater Essex County Board, served over 36,000 students and helped to manage a budget of $290 million. Before her election, Lisa worked as an entrepreneur; she ran a special event and wedding planning business.

Lisa gives back to her community. She contributes to the Windsor Youth Centre and Windsor Women’s Shelter, and volunteers with Do Good Divas, an organization that raises money for healthcare initiatives, as well as Icing Smiles Canada, a group that makes cakes for chronically and terminally ill children.

A hard-working community leader, Lisa Gretzky fights to ensure that every child has an opportunity to learn. She believes parents have a meaningful role to play in shaping their children’s education.

She and her husband, Tyler, live in Windsor with their two children.

http://www.lisagretzkympp.ca/bio

MPP: Michael Gravelle - Thunder Bay - Superior North

Father, we are thankful for MPP Michael Gravelle. Continue to give him vision, direction and steps necessary to move Ontario forward. We pray that he would be a strength, support and encouragement to those he works with. Keep his family unified and protected. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Michael Gravelle represents the riding of Thunder Bay – Superior North. He was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 1995 representing the riding of Port Arthur and is currently serving his sixth consecutive term as M.P.P.

Gravelle was reappointed Minister of Northern Development and Mines in June 2014. He has served as the Minister of Natural Resources, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry, Government Caucus Chair and as a member of the Priorities and Planning Board.

Gravelle has long been a dedicated community member, with an accomplished political and public service record. He is co-founder of the North of Superior Film Association and has served on the boards of the Magnus Theatre Company and the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. In the 1970s, Gravelle served as special assistant to the Honourable Robert Andras, a senior minister in the Trudeau cabinet. He later served as communications officer for the leader of the Ontario Liberal Party and as a special assistant to the federal member for Thunder Bay-Nipigon. He also worked as a publicist for the CBC and as coordinator of Northern Development Councils for the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry.

http://news.ontario.ca/profiles/en/michael-gravelle

MPP: France Gélinas - Nickel Belt

Lord, we ask you to bless MPP France Gélinas in the many duties she fulfils. Give her clarity and the ability to make good decisions. Lead her into opportunities that will be for the benefit of her constituents and the people of Ontario. Fill her heart with your grace and peace and may her family be aware of Your love and care for them. In Christ’s name, Amen.

France Gélinas is a resident of the City of Greater Sudbury, a health care professional, and community leader. She and her spouse Keith Harris have three children and seven grand children.

France is a trained and licensed physiotherapist. She started her career in Sudbury at Laurentian Hospital, now part of Health Sciences North. After graduating from Laurentian University with a Masters in Business Administration, she became a health care administrator. During the last eleven years France worked as the Executive Director of the Community Health Centre in Sudbury. Under her leadership the Centre expanded to many small and rural communities in the North East, opened the Corner Clinic serving the homeless population and became the lead agency for the Sudbury Homelessness Network.

France has served in multiple voluntary roles. She was a member of the United Way’s Citizen Advisory Panel, President of the Sudbury and Manitoulin District Health Council, President of the Francophone Reference Group of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and President of the Association of Ontario Health Centres.  France is also a bush pilot, a competitive rower and an avid snow boarder.

http://www.francegelinas.ca/node/730

MPP: Jennifer French - Oshawa

Lord, we ask You to bless MPP Jennifer French in the many duties she fulfills. Give her clarity and the ability to make good decisions. Lead her into opportunities that will be for the benefit of her constituents and the people of Ontario. Fill her heart with your grace and peace and may her family be aware of Your love and care for them. In Christ’s name, Amen.  

As a dedicated educator, Jennifer has over ten years’ experience teaching in Ontario and abroad. She actively gives back to her community as an advocate for equity and social justice, and is invested in community theatre and the arts in Oshawa.

Jennifer also has a committed record fighting for workers’ rights. She has been a member of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) in Durham, and is actively involved with the Ontario Federation of Labour and the Durham Region Labour Council. In her role with her ETFO local team, Jennifer organized the far-reaching campaign against Bill 115 and coordinated with groups across the province to have the legislation repealed.

Jennifer works hard to ensure that people have access to good jobs, a strong publicly-funded education system, and a voice in their community. She is a strong advocate for the people of Oshawa and is committed to bringing meaningful change to her community.

http://www.jenniferfrench.ca/bio/

MPP: John Fraser - Ottawa South

Father, we thank You for the strength that You have given to MPP John Fraser strength of character, integrity and the ability to understand the complexities that he faces in his everyday life. We ask that You would further strengthen him and that he would clearly see the issues that stand before him as he makes decisions that will affect the people of Ontario. In the name of Jesus, Amen.


John Fraser is the Member of Provincial Parliament for Ottawa South. A life-long resident of Ottawa South, born and raised in Elmvale Acres and Alta Vista, John attended school here, began his career here and raised his family here.

John understands the challenges that businesses face, having spent 18 years managing small and medium sized local businesses before entering public service. For the last 14 years, John has served alongside Dalton McGuinty in Ottawa South, working to bring community-based solutions to the issues of importance to the people that live and work here. Among these are the expansion of the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre, the redevelopment of St. Patrick’s Home, programming for children’s mental health and youth addiction and the expansion of our community centres and programs.

Deeply committed to the community he has called home for over 50 years, John has been an active volunteer in a number of local organizations and initiatives. He spearheaded the Our Children, Our Hospital campaign to save the Cardiac Care Unit at CHEO and organized a fundraiser which raised $20,000 for the Heron Road Emergency Food Bank. For a number of years, he served as a palliative care volunteer at the General Campus of the Ottawa Hospital and as a coach to the Canterbury Mustangs Football Team.

John is married to his high school sweetheart, Linda, also a lifelong resident of Ottawa South and they have three grown children, Kïrsten, John Jr. and James.


http://johnfraser.onmpp.ca/Biography

MPP: Cindy Forster - Welland

Lord, surround MPP Cindy Forster today and in the coming days with Your wisdom and guidance. May her thoughts and plans be established by You. Give her 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 her constituency and how to meet them. Bless her family members and may love and faithfulness never leave them. May they win favor and a good name with all people. Amen.

Cindy Forster is the Member of Provincial Parliament for Welland. She was elected on October 6th, 2011.

A lifelong Welland resident, and Registered Nurse, Cindy is an expert in keeping her community healthy. Now serving as the MPP, Cindy has  been a mainstay in the Welland community for many years. She previously served as the Mayor of Welland, as a Niagara Regional Councillor, a Director of the Public Library Board, on the Welland Hydro Corporation and the Welland Economic Development Corporation.

As mayor, Cindy took to heart Welland’s tradition of standing up for itself by holding the line on municipal taxes, helping library workers achieve pay equity and attracting employers like Convergys to the city.

Cindy is excited to represent the riding of Welland at Queen’s Park and to make life more affordable for her constituents.

http://www.cindyforster.ca/bio/

MPP: Kevin Flynn - Oakville

Father, we thank you for MPP Kevin Flynn. Thank you for his efforts to seek to improve the quality of life for Ontario residents. Continue to encourage him as he seeks to bring about changes that are important to him. May he also find the time to be revitalized and refreshed by his relationship with family and friends. In Christ’s name, Amen.

Kevin Flynn is an outspoken advocate for the residents of Oakville. A small business-owner, Kevin served as an Oakville councillor for 18 years.

Dedicated to his community, Kevin has been president of Halton’s Children’s Aid Society, a Big Brothers mentor, a coach and an environmental advocate.

First elected to the Ontario legislature in 2003, Kevin has delivered Oakville a new, state-of-the-art hospital, new schools for Clearview and St. Thomas Aquinas and an expansion to the QEW.

His advocacy also helped stop plans for a power plant in Oakville, advocated for initiatives in Oakville that is resulting in cleaner air and is working on expanding the Greenbelt further into Oakville.

Kevin also served as Chair of the all-party Select Committee on Mental Health and Addictions that helped lead to the province bringing forward a comprehensive mental health and addictions strategy.

Currently, Kevin Flynn is the Chief Government Whip and the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Transportation and the Minister of Infrastructure.

Kevin and his wife, Janice, have one son, Nigel.

http://kevinflynn.onmpp.ca/Biography

MPP: Catherine Fife - Kitchener-Waterloo

Father, we thank You for the strength that You have given to MPP Catherine Fife; strength of character, integrity and the ability to understand the complexities that she faces in her everyday life. We ask that You would further strengthen her and that she would clearly see the issues that stand before him as she makes decisions that will affect the people of Ontario. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Catherine is in her first term as representative for Kitchener-Waterloo.

For the past decade, Catherine worked tirelessly on behalf of the families of Kitchener-Waterloo to help improve the quality and their access to education. She served as Trustee and Chair of the Waterloo Region District School Board, Vice President of the Canadian School Boards’ Association, and President of the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association. She met the challenge of these roles by successfully balancing a 675 million dollar budget for an organization serving 60,000 students and 5,500 staff.

Beyond these accomplishments, Catherine has made a real impact on the lives of children and parents across Waterloo Region. Through her leadership, an additional 1,600 new childcare spaces were created in the region at no additional cost to Waterloo Region taxpayers. The Waterloo Elementary Teachers and Wilfrid Laurier University’s Social Innovation Research Group have recognized Catherine’s work in Kitchener-Waterloo throughout the years.

Catherine and her husband Dale enjoy life in Kitchener-Waterloo, where they live with their two great kids, Aidan and Claire.

http://catherinefife.com/bio/ 

MPP: Victor Fedeli - Nipissing

Lord, surround MPP Victor Fedili 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. May they win favor and a good name with all people. Amen.


Victor Fedeli was born in North Bay on August 8, 1956. He is married to Patty (Kelly), another North Bay native. His mother Lena still lives in North Bay. His brother Peter, wife Elizabeth, and daughter Maggie also make North Bay their home. His sister Teresa and her family live in Montreal.

After 5 years at Scollard Hall, Vic attended Conestoga College in Kitchener (and later Nipissing University), worked at an advertising agency in London, and moved home in 1978 to open his own wildly-successful company, Fedeli Advertising.

Vic has a long and distinguished record of public service. On an international level, he has served as a Director of      Global Vision. He has been a Director of the Province's Northern Businesses Support System, and Ontario's Northern Development Council. Locally, he was elected to 10 terms on the North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce, serving as President in 1986. He sat on most of the City's boards and commissions, often as Chairman. The Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal was awarded to Vic in 2002,  and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. It was awarded to those persons who have made a significant contribution to Canada, to their community, and to their fellow Canadians.

When the Federal Government downsized CFB North Bay, the city turned to Vic to lead Air Base Property Corporation. He worked as the Dollar-A-Year Chairman for seven years, until his term expired in 2002. Successor Chairman, David Butti, presented Vic with 7 silver dollars; one for each year of volunteer service. He was named North Bay's Citizen of the Year in 1999, the same year he was awarded Rotary International's Paul Harris Fellowship in recognition of his community service.

In 2003, as a first-time candidate, Vic ran for Mayor and was elected with a 75% majority. He was re-elected in 2006, with a 2nd landslide victory.

In 2011, Vic ran as Ontario MPP for the riding of Nipissing, and won with a landslide.

http://www.fedeli.ca/bio.htm 

MPP: Brad Duguid - Scarborough Centre

Father, we thank You for the strength that You have given to MPP Brad Duguid strength of character, integrity and the ability to understand the complexities that he faces in his everyday life. We ask that You would further strengthen him and that he would clearly see the issues that stand before him as he makes decisions that will affect the people of Ontario. In the name of Jesus, Amen.


Brad Duguid has been a passionate advocate for the Scarborough community for many years through his work on City Council and now as the MPP for Scarborough Centre.

He served as a City Councillor for nine years, and was a strong voice for the residents of Scarborough and Toronto, serving in a number of key posts throughout that time. 

Brad was appointed as the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities in February of 2013. In this role, he is working closely with students and the post-secondary sector to build a globally competitive post-secondary education system to meet the needs of our students. He is also vigorously engaged in transforming Ontario’s training system to meet the demands of Ontario’s economy.   

Prior to this, Brad served as Ontario's Minister of Economic Development and Innovation, during which time he focused on creating jobs, promoting Ontario as a smart place to invest, building a culture of entrepreneurship and growing a strong, innovative economy.

Previously, as Ontario's Minister of Energy, Brad Duguid launched Ontario's Long-Term Energy Plan – an ambitious plan that builds on Ontario's commitment to a clean and reliable energy system – and the cleaner air, jobs and economic growth associated with it.

As Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Minister Duguid worked tirelessly to make Ontario a national leader in Aboriginal issues, while building stronger relationships with First Nation, Metis and Inuit communities. He launched PLAY – a program for aboriginal youth using participation in sports and activities to teach life-skills, which now serves over 1,000 young people.

Brad has lived in Scarborough most of his life. He graduated from the University of Toronto, Scarborough Campus. He continues to reside in Scarborough with his wife Crystal and two sons, Kennedy and Jordan.