MPP: Michael Coteau - Don Valley East

Dear Lord, thank you for the Honourable Michael Coteau. We pray today that he would have a very effective year in his ministerial role. Help him to understand the current situations and to lead his staff effectively in the way that they respond to emerging situations. We ask that he would steward the  Children and  Youth Services Ministry effectively and conscientiously. We also ask that he would have a rich and rewarding personal life. Amen.

Michael Coteau was elected in 2011 as the MPP for Don Valley East and previously served as the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Previously, Michael was elected as a school trustee for the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) in 2003, 2006 and 2010.

As a trustee, Michael advocated for student nutrition, community use of space and the use of educational technology. He initiated the Community Use of Schools motion that drastically cut user fees and made the schools more accessible to groups that offer programs for children. He helped introduce nutritional changes in schools that supported healthy food programs and increased awareness of student hunger.

Michael worked as an ESL teacher and curriculum developer before becoming a community organizer for a United Way agency in Scarborough where he organized the Malvern Youth Cabinet, the Law and Order Youth Group and the Malvern Photo Club.

He was also the Marketing Manager for ABC Life Literacy, where he was responsible for the organizing of the Family Literacy Day across Canada, and was Executive Director of Alpha Plus, a national literacy organization mandated to support adult education through the use of technology.

Michael grew up in Don Valley East and attended Don Mills Middle School and Victoria Park Collegiate Institute. He holds degrees from Carleton University in both Political Science and Canadian History. Michael and his wife Lori live in Toronto with their two beautiful daughters, Maren and Myla.

http://michaelcoteau.onmpp.ca/Biography

MPP: Mike Colle - Eglington-Lawrence

Dear Lord, thank you for Mike Colle. We ask today for your steady hand to guide his time within political life which can often be chaotic and challenging. We ask that you would give him great wisdom and strength in his role as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Labour, may he be a great asset to the Minister.  We ask that you build up and greatly use Arthur for significant improvements to the lives of Ontario Residents. Protect his family and him as he travels the province. Amen.

Mike Colle has served the people of Eglinton-Lawrence where he lives, works, and has raised his family, as a teacher, city councillor, TTC Chairman and MPP. Prior to being elected as an MPP in 1995, Mike served as a City of York councilor and a Metropolitan Toronto councilor where he served as TTC commissioner and was chair of the TTC from 1988 to 1994. He also taught high school history at St. Michael’s College School, where he coached the senior football team for 18 years.  

Mike and his wife Sharon live in the Eglinton-Lawrence riding. They have four children and six grandchildren. Mike is a life long marathon runner, with a personal best time of 3:29 and continues to run the Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon on a regular basis. 

http://mikecolle.onmpp.ca/Biography 

MPP: Steve Clark - Leeds-Grenville

Dear Lord. We pray today for Steve Clark. We ask that he would guide him during his time in Opposition as an MPP and that he would find his work deeply rewarding and meaningful. We ask that he would also experience the internal peace that comes from knowing that he is helping people. May his family and his friends be a large part of the quality of character that he brings to his work. Amen.

Steve also worked in the media and Internet development for 14 years with the Brockville Recorder and Times newspaper and RipNet. Following this, Steve served as the executive assistant for the highly respected long-serving Leeds-Grenville MPP Bob Runciman.
Prior to his election as Leeds-Grenville MPP, Steve was the Chief Administrative Officer for the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands.

Steve believes in being a strong leader in his community. He was the founding chairman of the 2007 Leeds-Grenville International Plowing Match and Country Festival. A proponent of education and physical fitness, Steve also helped raise $1.3M for the Thousand Islands Secondary School Track Facility, one of the largest fundraising accomplishments for a public educational institution to date in this region. This state-of-the-art facility now attracts thousands of athletes to the community each year and played host to this year’s OFSAA championships.

Steve also boasts over a quarter of a century of community volunteerism. Some of the many groups and committees he has served with are St. Lawrence Lodge, the Brockville Braves hockey club and the Brockville and Area YMCA. He is also a Past President of the Rotary Club of the 1000 Islands, a position from which he had to retire when he was elected MPP.

Steve is married to Deanna. Together they are the proud parents of a blended family of five: Mitchell, Caitlin, Jordan, Alex and Meghan

MPP: Bob Chiarelli - Ottawa West-Nepean

Dear Lord, thank you for Bob Chiarelli and his desire to serve the people of Ontario. We ask that you give him renewed energy and dedication in his responsibilities and passions as the Minister of Infrastructure . Help Bob to understand the needs that are unmet in his community and bless him and his family with joy. Amen.    



Bob Chiarelli was elected MPP for Ottawa West-Nepean in a March 2010 by-election and was appointed Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure in August of that year. After the 2011 election, Bob added the Ministry of Transportation to his list of responsibilities. Bob previously served as the MPP for Ottawa West from 1987-1997; during which time he served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Chair of Management Board. Bob Chiarelli has served as the Minister of Energy since February 2013.

Elected three times at the municipal level, Bob served as the Regional Chair of Ottawa-Carleton and was later elected the first Mayor of the amalgamated City of Ottawa. He has been a champion of public transit, including clean light-rail expansion, and helped build over $150 million in new recreational and health care infrastructure in Ottawa neighbourhoods. A strong financial manager, Bob ensured Ottawa maintained its Triple-A fiscal rating under his leadership.

As MPP, Bob works passionately to support local needs, including significant investments at Queensway-Carleton Hospital, Algonquin College, an expanded Centrepointe Theatre, upgrades to Bell and Merivale Arenas and a renovated Baseline Transit Station.

Bob Chiarelli has been a community advocate all his life. Born and raised in Ottawa's Little Italy as the youngest of seven children, Bob earned his law degree at the University of Ottawa and set up a community-based legal practice. Always actively involved in his community, Bob worked to modernize the refugee claim process and give low-income Ottawa residents better access to affordable housing.

Bob and his spouse, Randi Hansen, live in Ottawa. He enjoys spending time with his six adult children and two grandchildren.

http://www.bobchiarelli.com/Biography

MPP: Hon. Michael Chan - Markham-Unionville

Dear Lord. We pray today for the Honourable Michael Chan. Thank you for his diligence in legislative work as Minister of  International Trade as well as his commitment to improve himself and add value to those he serves. We pray that you bless him with meaningful opportunities to make significant and positive changes in the lives of the Ontario people. May he have the wisdom and professional capacity to know how to leverage and influence government policy to benefit the most people while minimizing the unintended consequences of legislation.  Amen.

Michael Chan was first elected to the Ontario Legislature in a February 2007 by-election and was re-elected in the general elections of 2007, 2011 and 2014.

Since first being elected, Michael has served continuously in the Ontario Cabinet as the Minister of Revenue, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport and Minister Responsible for the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games.  Michael currently serves as the Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade.

Michael also has also served as a member of the Treasury Board/Management Board of Cabinet, the Jobs and Economic Policy Committee, the Economic, Environmental and Resources Policy Committee, the Legislation and Regulations Committee and the Cabinet Committee on Poverty Reduction.

Prior to embarking on his political career, Michael owned and operated an insurance brokerage in Markham.  He was a member of the Markham Board of Trade and has sat on the Advisory Council for the Ontario Medal for Police Bravery. Michael is also an honorary president of the Toronto Chinese Senior Health and Recreation Association.

Michael keeps himself very active, working diligently on behalf of his constituents in one the most diverse and fastest-growing communities in Canada.  Each year, he hosts a Community BBQ & Food Drive and a Community Holiday Reception & Food Drive.  Michael also participates throughout the year in many riding events including multicultural and service organization celebrations, school visits, tree plantings, and festivals.

Michael continues to be a strong advocate at Queen’s Park for accessible healthcare and has delivered on the Markham Stouffville Hospital expansion/re-development.  He has been instrumental in delivering on the construction of the VIVA Rapidway, new parking facilities at the Centennial and Unionville GO Stations, and two new Markham Family Health Teams.

Michael originally emigrated from Hong Kong more than forty years ago. He has lived in Markham since 1995 with his wife, Elaine, and their two sons.

http://michaelchan.onmpp.ca/Biography

MPP: Sarah Campbell - Kenora-Rainy River

Dear Lord. Thank you for Sarah Campbell. We ask today that you give her a renewed excitement and passion for the work of MPP for Kenora-Rainey River. Help her to focus her energies and talents on the issues that will have the most impact on Ontario residents. Keep her safe as she travels to and from her Northern Ontario riding. Amen.

Sarah Campbell represents the electoral district of Kenora-Rainy River as a member of the Ontario New Democratic Party caucus; her critic role is Aboriginal Affairs.

A local leader born in Atikokan to a family of forest industry workers, Sarah Campbell is well known for her advocacy on energy issues, the fight against increased hydro prices, increased access to healthcare, and her recent work to improve winter road maintenance throughout Northwestern Ontario. In 2013, she introduced the Energy Consumer Protection Amendment Act, aiming to ban fixed-rate energy contracts that exploit residential consumers, and protect families from unfair and expensive electricity contracts.  This year, Sarah Campbell introduced a motion to establish a select committee of Ontario Legislature to review winter highway maintenance contracts and improve highway safety in advance of the 2015 winter season.

Educated at Lakehead University, she spent the summers of her youth working at the Thunder Bay Crown Attorney’s Office, the Ear Falls Sawmill, and the Lac Seul Onaway Lodge. Until she was elected in 2011, she represented Oxdrift on the Kenora District Services Board (KDSB) and on the District of Kenora Unincorporated Ratepayers Association (DoKURA). She is also the past Chair of Hoshizaki House.

She has a proven track record of fighting to make life more affordable in the north. As Constituency Assistant and Outreach Coordinator for former NDP leader Howard Hampton, Sarah organized local residents against the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) and rising hydro prices.

She currently lives in Oxdrift with her family.

http://sarah4nwo.ca/?page_id=581

MPP: Hon. Patrick Brown - Simcoe North

Dear Lord. Thank you for Patrick Brown. Thank you for his focus and courage. We ask today that you bless him with more responsibility and the backbone to rise to the challenge. Help him to see the reality of the situation through the haze of hearsay and gossip that can choke out the truth. Bless him with deep relationships with his family and closest friends. In his role as Leader of the Official Opposition, help him to help our government, govern well.  Amen

Patrick Brown was elected Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario on May 9, 2015.  He ran on a platform of Party renewal, promising to grow the Party to over 100,000 members from every walk of life and every corner of the province.  A bigger Party, firmly rooted in every neighbourhood of every community in Ontario, is key to reconnecting the PC Party with the people of the province before the next provincial election.

Also critical, is reshaping the Party to give members a stronger voice in setting its priorities; and growing, training and nurturing a powerful, province-wide network of candidates, riding associations, volunteers and activists ready to compete and win in 107 ridings whenever the next election is called.

One of three children in a close family, Patrick often credits his parents with teaching him the values and principles – including his work ethic – that have guided his career.  His interest in politics began while growing up in Toronto.  He served as a Vice President on the executive of the PC Party of Ontario and also served two terms as President of the Progressive Conservative Youth Federation (PCYF).

Patrick was first elected to Barrie City Council in 2000 and was re-elected in 2003 with 72% of the vote.  In 2006, he beat an incumbent Liberal cabinet minister in the federal election and became the Member of Parliament for Barrie.  He was re-elected in 2008 and 2011, each time increasing his share of the vote.

In 2011, Patrick was named Chair of the GTA and Central Ontario Caucus. This role allowed him to grow strong relationships with business and community leaders across Ontario.  He was also Chairman of the Canada-India Parliamentary Association and has made 15 trips to India, building relations with one of the world’s fastest growing economies.

Patrick has worked hard to build partnerships with people, groups, corporations, governments and organizations – both at home and abroad – establishing connections that allow him to better serve his constituents and to rebuild Ontario as Premier.  As a result, Patrick was named an honorary citizen of Gujarat by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, then Chief Minister of Gujarat. Patrick is also one of two honorary firefighters in the Province of Ontario, a testament to his commitment to working with the men and women who keep Ontarians safe.

An alumni of St. Michael's College School in Toronto, Patrick studied political science at the University of Toronto before earning his LL.B from the University of Windsor. Prior to his first election, Patrick ran a law practice in downtown Barrie. Functional in French, Patrick also attended l’Université du Québec à Trois Rivières for extensive French studies.

As a marathon runner and an avid hockey and tennis player, Patrick has combined his passion for sports and public service to make Canada and Ontario a better place to live and work.  Patrick’s dedication to enhancing healthcare access has seen him help raise nearly $2 million dollars for the Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie and charities, including JDRF, Autism Ontario, ALS Canada, Busby Street Centre, Talk is Free Theatre, and The Bill Wilkins Scholarship.

http://www.ontariopc.com/Leader

MPP: Hon. James Bradley - St. Catherines

Gracious Lord and Father of all, we bring James Bradley before you this day, asking that you would fill his heart with all the strength peace and direction that he needs as he fulfills the roles you have called him to.  May this be a time when he sees Your Hand at work in his life as he gives direction in our Province.  May your blessing be his portion as he meets and helps those he represents, and may his home be a place of peace.  Amen.

Jim Bradley was first elected to represent St. Catharines in the Ontario legislature in 1977, and has had the honour of holding several cabinet positions. He is currently the Chair of Cabinet and Deputy Government House Leader.

During his previous stint as Minister of the Environment, he was an innovative leader in cleaning up pollution, and bringing the Blue Box recycling to millions of homes. As Minister of Transportation, Jim brought in legislation to toughen penalties against drunk driving, and he expanded public transit across Ontario.

Before his election to the legislature, Jim was a teacher with the Lincoln County Board of Education and has served as a member of the St. Catharines City Council.

As MPP for St. Catharines, Jim has been instrumental in securing infrastructure projects that are creating thousands of local jobs and transforming our local health, education and transportation systems. Jim has worked to get for St. Catharines the new state-of-the-art hospital and Walker Family Cancer Centre, six-laning the QEW, widening the 406, bringing GO trains and buses to Niagara, the Downtown Performing Arts Centre and the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, and the Cairns Family Health and Bioscience Research Complex at Brock University.

Jim Bradley has a strong record of working on behalf of constituents, whether voicing their concerns at Queens Park, or delivering important infrastructure investments that are creating jobs in our community and helping our local economy turn the corner. Jim has established a reputation of delivering results for St. Catharines.

http://jimbradley.onmpp.ca/Biography

MPP: Gilles Bisson - Timmins-James Bay

Today Lord, we pray for Gilles Bisson, the third Party House Leader and ask for grace, peace and wisdom in all that he does.  The territory of land that he represents is large, and we know that it is very diverse.  Will you please give him strength, stamina, and a heart for his people.  May he find that his heart is a reflection of your Heart Lord.  May you bring about blessings to he, his family and the people he represents. Amen.

Gilles Bisson was first elected in 1990, and subsequently re-elected in 1995, 1999, 2003, 2007 & 2011.

Since he was first elected in 1990, Gilles has championed many causes and developed a reputation for being a tireless working MPP. He was instrumental in exposing the water crisis in First Nation communities like Kashechewan, and has fought to save forestry and mining jobs in the north.

Gilles and his staff are known as tireless advocates for the constituents of Timmins - James Bay. Be it helping constituents with navigating an issue through WSIB or ODSP, or securing a funding application for a community group or a municipality. Gilles and his staff are known as going the extra mile on their behalf.

Gilles happily married to Murielle Bisson, is a proud father of two grown daughters Julie Bisson/Gardner and Natalie Bisson/Wakeford and grandfather to Nathaniel, Victoria and Elissa.

http://www.gillesbisson.ca/bio/

MPP: Toby Barrett - Haldimand-Norfolk

Lord of all Creation, we give thanks again today for people in leadership in our government, and specifically today for Toby Barrett as he is a part of the Standing committee on Finance and Economic Affairs.  With the turbulence in the arena of finances today around the world, we as for guidance and help in determining the way for our Province.  May you bless his home, family and constituency this day.  Amen.

First elected to the Ontario Legislature in June 1995, Toby was re-elected in 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2011. Toby captured 61 per cent of the vote in both the 2007 and 2011 provincial elections.

Over the years, Toby has chaired a number of legislative committees and served in portfolios focussing on agriculture, environment, natural resources and social services.

Currently, Toby is the Official Opposition Critic to the Minister of Consumer Services. For seven years Toby was a member of the Finance Committee and is presently a member of the Public Accounts Committee. Barrett was the first Conservative to be elected Caucus Chair after the 2007 election.
Toby has a Masters of Science degree from the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC) and a degree in Economics from the University of Guelph.
A former teacher of high school Agriculture and Environmental Science, Toby is a partner in his family farm near Port Dover, and for 20 years worked for the Ontario Addiction Research Foundation.
                                                  
In 1993, Toby was awarded the Canada 125 medal for outstanding community service.
Toby is a life-long resident of Haldimand-Norfolk. He and his wife Cari live on the family farm and have three children – Shawn, Brett and Brittany. Before starting his career, Toby traveled in over 50 countries and has an abiding interest in antique cars, trucks and tractors.

http://www.tobybarrett.com/about.html

MPP: Chris Ballard - Newmarket-Aurora

Oh Father, we thank you for the land in which we live.  A land of plenty, and yet there are those who live in extreme poverty.  Today we pray for the Minister of Housing and the one giving leadership to the Poverty Reduction Strategy for the present Parliament. Thank you for the promise of help in times of need, and we pray that your wisdom and your help would be the strength that Hon. Chris Ballard depends upon in these trying times.  May you bless his leadership and cause suffering to cease.  Amen!

Chris began his journalism career as a reporter with the Newmarket Era and Aurora Banner and The Orillia Packet and Times, and went on to write for daily media, including Canadian Press and The Toronto Star.
He then moved on to work in Communications with the Scarborough Board of Education.
Chris took his skills and abilities and put them to work for Consumers with both the Consumers' Association of Canada and the Consumers Council of Canada where he was a strong advocate for consumer issues in this country.

Chris has had the opportunity to mentor young people as a professor at Centennial College, and working on behalf of seniors with the Ontario Long Term Care Association.

As a volunteer, Chris stood with teachers during the turbulent times in the 1990s, where he worked to build ties among parents, teachers and school administrators by helping to establish a very successful Parents Council at his children's public school.

As an elected Councillor for Aurora, Chris has championed issues such as revitalizing the downtown core, transparency in decision-making, fiscal responsibility, the environment and the importance of local cultural development.

Chris has co-owned and run a business for the past 25 years.

Chris Ballard was born and raised in King City. He and his wife Audrey have raised their three children in Aurora.


http://chrisballard.onmpp.ca/Biography

MPP: Yvan Baker - Etobicoke Centre

God of all wisdom, authority and power, we bring Yvan Baker to you today.  His role in parliament has many variations, and in all of these, we pray that Your wisdom would be his portion.  Thank you for his leadership roles, and may You continue to bring about Your kingdom through his life.  May he be blessed by Your Hand.  Amen.

Yvan Baker is a business advisor, teacher and community leader.

Yvan most recently operated his own business, working as a management consultant to help Canadian companies grow and solve their strategic challenges. Previously, Yvan was a consultant with The Boston Consulting Group in Toronto and New York. He has consulted to clients that include Fortune 500 companies in a variety of sectors. Yvan has consulted in industries such as retail, energy, financial services and telecommunications.

Yvan also teaches Master of Business Administration students at York University.

For years, Yvan has worked to foster opportunity for those less fortunate and to build stronger, more prosperous communities. Yvan has volunteered for a variety of charitable and humanitarian organizations, including Leave Out Violence as Board Director; the Emerging Leaders Network where he worked with civic leaders on projects promoting  Toronto's economic and social prosperity; and Global Grassroots where he supported emerging women leaders in Rwanda on projects that address issues such as lack of access to water, domestic violence and health education. Yvan has also served our constituency as an Executive Assistant to a former MP for Etobicoke Centre.

In recognition of his service to the community Yvan was awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Yvan holds an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College and a BBA from the Schulich Schoool of Business at York University.

Yvan was raised in Etobicoke where he has lived for over 25 years. He is a proud native and resident of Etobicoke Centre.

Yvan was elected as MPP for Etobicoke Centre in June 2014. Subsequently Yvan was appointed as Parliamentary Assistant to the President of the Treasury Board.

http://yvanbaker.onmpp.ca/Biography

God Our Father, we bring Robert Bailey before you this day, and ask that you will help and strengthen him today in the tasks that he is called to.  May you give him wisdom in dealing with the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly, and may his leadership shine through in every area of his life.  Bless his family, his home, his community and the riding he serves.  Amen.

Bob Bailey was born and raised in Petrolia, Ontario, just southeast of Sarnia, in the heart of the riding of Sarnia-Lambton. The Bailey family has a long history in this part of Ontario. Bob has been married to his wife Elizabeth for 43 years and together they raised three children and have two grandchildren.

Prior to serving the hard-working people of Sarnia-Lambton as an MPP, Bob was an employee of NOVA Chemicals’ at both the Corunna Plant and St. Clair River Site. During his 30 years of service he held several positions including most recently as Contract and Construction Coordinator.

Upon his election to the Ontario Legislative Assembly in 2007 as the MPP for Sarnia Lambton, MPP Bailey was appointed to the Official Opposition’s Labour Critic Portfolio, and selected to serve on the Standing Committee for General Government. Shortly thereafter, he accepted a position as the Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee on Estimates. In 2009, MPP Bailey was appointed as the Official Opposition’s Critic for Apprenticeships and Training, and Chair of the PC Caucus’ Rural Taskforce. In 2011, MPP Bailey took responsibility for the Corrections portfolio to help spearhead the fight to save the Sarnia Jail from closure by the Provincial Government. That same year, PC Leader Tim Hudak appointed Bob as the Deputy-Whip of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition at Queen’s Park, a role he still holds today. In October, 2013, MPP Bailey added the Natural Resources (Oil, Gas & Aggregates) Critic role to his responsibilities at Queen’s Park. MPP Bailey views the Natural Resources Critic role as an opportunity to promote the tremendous opportunity for economic growth and job creation in Ontario through the proper handling and development of the natural resources both in Ontario, and across Canada.

MPP Bailey brings small town values of hard-work, commitment and common sense to the Ontario Legislature. MPP Bailey uses his experience and understanding of the work that the people of Sarnia-Lambton excel at to promote the region at Queen’s Park. He strives to keep the conversation and decision-making at Queen’s Park balanced, informed and fair. MPP Bailey is deeply invested in achieving government accountability for Ontario’s taxpayers and believes that Ontarians should only pay for the size of government that they can comfortably afford.



http://bobbaileympp.com/about-bob/

Our Heavenly Father, as we think of Ted Arnott today, we give thanks for his life and ministry as a part of the present Parliament.  We ask for wisdom as he gives responsible leadership to the Opposition in the area of Labour as a Critic. May this New Year bring about a new sense of peace and direction, and may his family and friends be blessed, as well as our Province through the work he does. Amen.

As MPP for Wellington-Halton Hills, Ted is trusted, experienced and dedicated. He is a persistent and effective advocate for our communities and the values we share.


He strongly supports our local health care services and schools. He pushes for the infrastructure projects we need. He looks out for farm families. He supports small business, and he knows we must do more to create jobs. 


Ted listens and then takes action. That’s what he’s done since 1990, when he was first elected to the Ontario Legislature at age 27. Quickly earning a reputation as a decent and hard-working representative, he was re-elected in 1995, 1999, 2003, and again in 2007. 
Today, Ted services as a Presiding Officer (assistant Speaker) in the Legislative Assembly. He also serves as the PC Critic to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs.


Ted believes in our communities’ capacity to do good works and achieve great goals. He believes that government must be a partner, not an obstacle, in achieving these ambitions. Community conservatism--that’s Ted’s philosophy. 


http://www.tedarnottmpp.com/site/biography.html

MPP: Teresa Armstrong - London-Fanshawe

Lord as we bring our representative Teresa Armstrong before you today, we simply ask for direction and knowledge and strength in all that she deals with as the Deputy Third Party Whip in the House of Commons.  Thank you for placing her where she is, and today we give you thanks for her and her ministry.  May you bless her abundantly in this New Year. Amen.

Teresa Armstrong is the Member of Provincial Parliament for London-Fanshawe. She was elected on October 6th, 2011

Teresa has been actively involved in her community for many years. She was instrumental in the inception of the Argyle Resource Centre and served as one of its first chairpersons. She is also a past president of East London Lioness Club, a past board member of LUSO Centre, a volunteer with East London Optimist Club, a member of Argyle Community Association and she is a previous co-chair of the Argyle Indoor Pool Committee.

Politics is not a new venture for Teresa. She has worked alongside and supported her husband Bill Armstrong, City Councillor, Ward 2 for many years. Throughout the years Teresa has worked with Bill volunteering and organizing community events such as senior’s Christmas parties, Canada Day events and community clean ups at Lord Nelson and Forestview Parks.

Teresa’s experience as an insurance broker, working with the public and her countless hours of volunteering have allowed her to develop the leadership skills necessary to effectively represent the people of London Fanshawe. At a time when Ontario needs change, Teresa offers a positive change and a focus on putting people first.

Teresa lives with her husband Bill and their two children.

MPP: Granville Anderson - Durham

Lord today we bring before you Granville Anderson, the Member for Durham region.  These are trying days in light of all the things that are happening around us, and we pray for wisdom and strength for Mr. Anderson as he works in the area of Assisting the Minister of Education.  Lord will you give direction and peace in his life as he endeavors to do his best in these changing times.  Bless his home and family I pray.  Amen. 

Granville is a business owner, school trustee, and community leader whose private sector experience will help him create local jobs, grow our economy, and attract business and government investment.

As the owner of a local mediation firm, Granville has helped people throughout our community to find real and lasting solutions to challenges they faced.

He has also served as Vice-Chair and Chair of the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board, Vice-President of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Courtice Chapter, a coach with the Clarington Boys’ Baseball League, and is a member of Rotary Club of Courtice. 

Granville has been a school board trustee, responsible for balancing the Board’s $180 million dollar budget and initiating programs that led to student success.
He has called Clarington home for over 25 years. 

http://granvilleanderson.onmpp.ca/Biography

Gracious Heavenly Father, as we begin a New Year we pray for Laura Albanese the Member of Parliament for York-South Weston.  We pray for guidance in her role as Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.  We ask for a special blessing in her life today, and that her life would be a blessing to those who are influenced by her role in the Ontario Parliament.  Please bless “her going out and her coming in”, in the name of the Father we pray!  Amen.

Laura Albanese is the Member of Provincial Parliament for the riding of York South-Weston i­n the northwestern part of Toronto. Laura is proud to serve as a voice for the community of York South-Weston where she lives, works and has raised her family. She is dedicated ­­to improving the quality of life in her community and across Ontario.

Laura was first elected as a member of the Ontario Liberal Party in the Ontario General Election of October 2007 and re-elected in 2011.

She currently serves as the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance. She has previously served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Minister of Labour, and the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. 


http://lauraalbanese.onmpp.ca/Biography

MPP: Monique Taylor - Hamilton Mountain

Heavenly Father we thank you for the blessing of freedom we enjoy in this nation and province. Forgive us for taking our freedoms for granted. We ask today that your blessing would be upon Monique Taylor and the riding of Hamilton Mountain. We pray that she would know your strength, wisdom and provision. Amen.

Monique Taylor is the Member of Provincial Parliament for the riding of Hamilton Mountain. She was elected on October 6th, 2011.

Prior to her election, Monique worked as an assistant to Scott Duvall, City Councillor for Ward 7 on Hamilton Mountain.  This work, in addition to her own personal experiences, brought Monique face to face with the issues, challenges, and struggles faced by the people of Hamilton.

During this time, Monique was also a key member of the campaign to save the McMaster Emergency room.

Monique has always focused her work on ways in which the provincial government needs to step up for the people of Hamilton and Ontario, a focus that continues in her work at Queen’s Park.

A graduate of the Toronto School of Business, an experienced hospitality worker, and a long-time community activist, Monique Taylor is determined to fight to make life more affordable for the people of Hamilton.

Monique is a Member, Standing Committee on Justice Policy and Critic, Children and Youth Services. She has been Vice-Chair, Standing Committee on Estimates; Member, Select Committee on Developmental Services; and Member, Standing Committee on Government Agencies.

She is a member of the New Democratic Party of Ontario.

MPP: Jagmeet Signh - Bramalea-Gore-Malton

Father, may Jagmeet Singh become aware of your presence, not only in the details of his life, but in the world around him. Cause him to look up. Allow him to notice the marvels of your universe. Alert him to the fact that you are near to him. Fill him with a desire to please you in his personal life and in his public life. Bless him with wisdom to make good decisions. Thank you for his labour for the people he represents. Amen.

MPP Singh was elected in the riding of Bramalea-Gore-Malton in the 2011 provincial election. Prior to joining public office he was a criminal defense lawyer in the Brampton and Mississauga area. He has always been a strong voice for vulnerable people and vocal on a number of human rights issues.

As an MPP, Jagmeet Singh championed the demand for a province-wide reduction of auto insurance rates and is raising awareness about the precarious employment conditions created by temporary job agencies. He also believes in the importance of cultural awareness as a tool for understanding and acceptance. In December 2013, his bill to recognize April as Sikh Heritage Month in the province of Ontario received Royal Assent.

MPP Singh was one of the Toronto Star’s 12 people to watch in politics and named as one of the 75 most powerful people in the 2013 Queen’s Park Briefing Power List.

Jagmeet Singh has been named in TorontoLife magazine as one of the five youngest rising stars, featured in the top 10 best dressed of 2013 and most recently one of the 10 style icons featured in the 50th anniversary of Yorkdale Mall.

http://www.jagmeetsingh.ca/bio

MPP: Laurie Scott - Halliburton/Kawartha Lakes/Brock

As Laurie Scott endeavors to effectively represent her riding, Father, may she be mindful that she also represents the One who places people in positions of power and responsibility. May she sense your presence in her life, guiding her and giving her courage, helping her to use her talents as she serves others. May her relationship with you become one of obedience and joy. Amen.

Laurie’s roots in Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock go deep. She was born and raised in Kinmount and attended local schools. Laurie’s father Bill proudly represented local families as their Member of Parliament for 28 years, and Laurie credits her father for instilling within her the ideal of public service and the importance of giving back to your community.

After graduating from Loyalist College, Laurie worked as a Registered Nurse in Toronto and on international contracts before returning to the Ross Memorial Hospital in Lindsay.  During this time Laurie also became increasingly active in her community through volunteer work and has remained a director on the Kinmount Fair Board.

In 2003 Laurie chose to follow in her father’s footsteps and seek election as her community’s next MPP. Laurie was successful in her election bid and her hard work in the riding saw her re-elected in 2011 and 2014. 

Over her years as MPP, Laurie has served as Critic for Training, and Universities; Environment; Health Promotion; Research and Innovation; Natural Resources and Women’s Issues.

Laurie currently serves as Tourism and Culture Critic and Women’s Directorate Critic.

When she is not working, Laurie enjoys outdoor sports. She is also an animal lover and enjoys riding horses and helping her two teenage nieces in their riding competitions.

http://lauriescottmpp.com/biography

MPP: Peggy Sattler - London West

Father, as your Spirit touches the hearts and lives of millions around the world, remember Peggy Sattler. Bless her life and others through her. Fill her mind with a desire to please you in her decisions and actions. Continue to give her courage to stand up for those who depend on her voice. Help her to trust You and to always acknowledge that Your ways are the best and most wholesome, for Peggy, her family and for the people of Ontario. Amen.

Peggy Sattler has worked to bring people together to get results in London for more than 13 years.

Her commitment to public education led to her election as a school Trustee for the Thames Valley District School Board. While on the board, Peggy worked with fellow trustees, staff, teachers, students and parents to tackle the challenges facing the education system and to make education central to London communities. As former School Board Chair, she was also accountable for balancing a $660 million budget. In her role as Western Region Vice-

President of the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association, Peggy earned the respect of elected officials across party lines for her dedication to public education and for her work to put students first across the province.

As Director of Policy at a national research firm located in London West, Peggy’s research on workplace training and post-secondary education is helping local decision makers plan for job creation. To tackle unemployment in London, Peggy has worked with the Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board and the London Economic Development Corporation on an innovative local labour market information project to connect employers to job seekers in London. She played a key role in the establishment of the Ability First coalition, an award-winning initiative to engage London employers in hiring people with disabilities.

Peggy knows how government works, with almost a decade of experience working at the provincial and federal levels of government. She advocated on behalf of Ontario consumers at the Ministry of Consumer and Commercial Relations and brought local issues to the House of Commons as staff member to former Ottawa mayor and Member of Parliament Marion Dewar.

Peggy Sattler is a leader who brings people together to solve local problems.

She is married to Neil Bradford and together they are raising their children Jon and Emily in London

http://peggysattler.ca/bio/