MPP: Monte Kwinter - York Centre

Father, we pray today for Monte Kwinter, MPP for Yorke Centre. May He sense your presence and seek your wisdom. You give us wisdom that doesn’t come from the rulers of this age but a heavenly wisdom that’s pure. (I Corinthians 2:6) I pray that Mr. Kwinter will call on you for help. You are the great Helper and have never declined to help anyone who asked. We pray that Mr. Kwinter will do his best for the people he represents but may he always remember that he represents you first. Bless him with the physical and mental strength needed to accomplish his daily tasks. 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

Lord, as we think about the needs of our province today, we bring Sophie Kiwala, MPP for Kingston and the Islands, to you. We thank you for her passion for Ontarians who struggle at the fringes of our society. May the help she offers be an extension of the help you offer to all. It’s impossible for any human to meet the needs of all people. May Ms. Kiwala look to you for the grace, kindness and patience that she needs to fulfil her duties. May she and all members of our legislature remember the words of Peter the apostle: “We must obey God rather than man.” This is the secret to true service. 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: Sylvia Jones - Dufferin-Caledon

Father, we pray for continued strength for Sylvia to carry out her many duties, both in the legislature and in her family life. Bless her as she seeks to make a difference for the less fortunate. May she seek you daily and be assured that you are always with her and that you support her when she makes decisions that please you. Let your word come to her mind when she needs godly direction. We lift her name to your throne believing that your grace will saturate her life and make her a blessing to many. Amen. 

Sylvia Jones is currently serving her second term as Dufferin-Caledon's Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP). The riding of Dufferin-Caledon includes the County of Dufferin and the Town of Caledon. The area is home to many towns and villages including Bolton, Orangeville, Shelburne and Grand Valley among others.

Sylvia had the privilege of being elected to the Ontario Legislature on October 10, 2007 and currently serves as the Progressive Conservative (PC) Caucus Chair. Previously, Sylvia has held the roles of Critic for the Ministries of Community and Social Services, Children and Youth Services, Government Services, and Attorney General, as well as the PC as well as Deputy House Leader.
As the MPP for Dufferin-Caledon, Sylvia actively stands up and responds to the needs of her riding. She champions such causes as improved access to health care services, improving transportation corridors and transparency within government, to name a few.
Sylvia's experience at Queen's Park, and her excellent working relationships with municipal councillors, local organizations, and businesses throughout the riding, have developed over many years. Her extensive knowledge of the issues and what is important to the residents of Dufferin-Caledon make her an asset to the riding and to her constituents.

Sylvia has lived in Orangeville for over 25 years with her husband, David. They are proud parents of two children. Sylvia enjoys hiking and skiing on the community’s extensive trail system, and attending community events throughout the region.

http://www.sylviajonesmpp.ca/M

MPP: Helena Jaczek - Oak Ridges Markham

Lord, we bring to you Helena Jaczek, MPP for Oak Ridges, Markham. We thank you for her dedication to serving the people of her riding. We know that you’ve called her to oversee decisions that affect Ontarians. May she carry out her duties conscious of the fact that you are with her helping her to make difficult but godly choices. We pray that her desire will always be to honour you in her role as MPP. Let goodness and kindness flow from her life to all those she serves. Bless her family and those close to her. 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

Oh Father, we bring Mitzie Hunter to you today. May she know the peace that comes only from Jesus Christ. May she long for godliness. Bless her with good health and wisdom in making difficult decisions. Send godly people across her path and make them a blessing to her. Make her aware that your kind and gentle arms are always open to her. May she be conscious that the decisions she makes for the province of Ontario affect many people, not only in the present but for long into the future. You are watching, O Lord, to see whether we choose your ways or the ways of the world. May Mitzie long for your ways. 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

Lord, you have invited people everywhere to call on you saying that you would answer by showing them great and mighty things. May Eric Hoskins have a deep desire to call on you and to obey you. Guide him in making decision related to his riding of St. Paul’s. Bless him as he intercedes for the people in his riding. May he be conscious that his duty is to you first. Bless Eric with all the support he needs to successfully carry out his pledge to the people of Ontario. 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: Ann Hoggarth - Barrie

Heavenly Father, we come to you on behalf of Ann Hoggarth. Only you know the concerns that lay heavily on her. You have intimate knowledge of everything that causes us to worry. In Jesus’ Name, may she become acutely aware that you love her and that you alone are her Redeemer. May she sense your love today and every day. Bless her with the ability to make difficult decisions. Answer her when she calls on you for help. Make her a blessing to the people of Ontario. 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: Randy Hillier - Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington

Our Lord in Heaven, because Your name is exalted above all names in Heaven and on earth, we call on you to minister to Randy Hillier, MPP for Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox-Addington. As he has presented himself to serve the people of Ontario, which is an impossible task without your help, we pray that He will call on you and find you to be the ultimate Helper. Bless him with health in body, soul and spirit. May he know how precious He is to you and sense your presence and guidance in his daily tasks. 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: Percy Hatfield - Windsor-Tecumseh

We are so grateful for members like Percy Hatfield that said yes, I will serve the people of Ontario.  Thank you Lord for this member, we pray favour for him, bless him, give him all the wisdom and knowledge that he needs to serve in the Ontario government today. Help him to be a man of integrity, to serve well, to depend  on You, in the difficult and hard decisions.  We pray for discernment  between truth and falsehood that it would be clear. Give our member the boldness and strength of character to always stand for righteousness, and protect the family. Father in heaven we pray that you would lead Percy and guide him in all his ways, refresh him, give wisdom for his decisions, and the courage to make the right ones in Your sight. We commit him and his family, his children and grand children in your loving care. In Jesus precious name.

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

It is such a privilege to pray for our member Michael Harris today. 

We pray that this leader will experience your presence as we pray, that he will know You and hear Your voice, he will walk honourably, he will take brave stands for righteousness. Lord,  let wisdom enter his heart,  if he lacks wisdom, Lord we pray, he would acknowledge You, and You will direct his path and direction.  Lord we pray You would cause him to be a man of integrity and honesty. Lord surround him open his ears to receive godly counsel, give him favour.   Father our member works very hard as he represents the people of Kitchener - Conestoga. We pray for his family, keep his marriage strong, bless his wife, and children, and his team keep them all  in your loving care. Bless Michael as he dedicates his life unselfishly and serves with passion. Lord we pray that the upright will dwell in our government in Ontario, today. In Jesus precious name. 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 servants like Ernie Hardeman, for his dedication to work hard for the people of Ontario. Lord we pray that Ernie will depend on you, ask you for wisdom in decisions, as he labours to protect the families and people in the province of Ontario. Help him as he plows through all the challenges in these difficult times, give him the passion, grant him favour and added strength as he serves to help meet the needs of the people of Ontario. Give him the boldness to always do the best and right thing for the hard working citizens.  We pray that your servant Ernie as he works hard and long, refresh him with new vision and passion. I pray he will trust in You Lord, know that You are cheering him on,  bless him, his staff, team and especially his family,  protect his family, his children and be ever mindful of his responsibility to care and serve each citizen in Ontario. We ask these things in your Name Jesus. 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

Our Father  in Heaven, we pray today for Lisa Gretzky, Member of Provincial Parliament For Windsor. Lord, Lisa has decided to serve the people in the Province of Ontario. I know you decided to use our hands, our mouths and our prayers. Today I pray for our member, Lord we pray for this leader we lift her up in prayer.  We ask Lord that you would give her wisdom, help her to see the needs in Ontario through your eyes, things that matter to You.  Lisa has a passion for education, cares about healthcare, serves tirelessly for issues of her constituents. Father,  help her give her boldness to do the right thing. We pray Lord for her marriage keep it strong, we ask for protectiascot her children, and  keep them in your loving care. Father we  pray that she would hear your voice in the middle of all her busyness,  responsibilities and  duties.  Bless her today we pray  in Jesus Name. 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

Dear Lord, we pray for our MPP Michael Gravelle as he serves Min. Of Northern Development and Mines and also works for the people of northwestern Ontario in Thunder Bay and area. Father we pray for Michael as he serves as Minister bless him in every way. Give him peace today, fill him with wisdom, give him understanding, guide him as he commits himself to serve his constituents in NWO.  He has served the people of Ontario for many years, give him a boldness and fresh vision in his role. Help him make the right choices to protect families, workers in all fields and occupations, and local businesses. We appreciate those that serve and those that work tirelessly to make life in Northern Ontario more affordable.  Father we pray that you would help him, comfort him and bless him,  make his family aware of your love and care for them as well.  We pray these things in Jesus name 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.

MPP: France Gélinas - Nickel Belt

Today we thank our member for serving, her sacrifice and dedication. We are grateful for her experience as she works hard for her constituents.  We pray that you would bless her and keep her. Lord I pray that she would experience Your love for her, know that all her work is not invain. Help her with her daily responsibilites, schedules and endless appointments and meetings.  If the Bible says that the “fear of The Lord"  is the beginning of wisdom. Reveal that truth and fill her with good counsel and wisdom.  Father we pray for our dear member for her team and staff, we pray for  health,  for strength to serve, bless and protect her family, husband, children and her grandchildren, keep them in Your loving care.  We pray and ask all these things in Jesus precious 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: Wayne Gates - Niagara Falls

Father in Heaven, we thank you today for Wayne Gates our MPP that serves in Niagara Falls. Father we pray for him today, encourage him, strengthen him, bless him, refresh him, and give him what he needs to serve in his riding.Help him today as he endeavours to make a difference for the citizens he is responsible to.  We pray Lord that our member would trust in You Lord and you would direct his path, help him lead with honesty and integrity for the people of Ontario.  It is a privilege to pray for our leaders, and we do it as our responsibility to help, uplift encourage and bless them.  So Father thank you for Wayne bless his staff and especially his family and those around him that care for him.  In the precious name of Jesus we ask these things. Amen.



Wayne Gates is the Member of Provincial Parliament for the riding of Niagara Falls, which includes Niagara Falls, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Fort Erie.  He has the unique distinction of being elected twice in less than six months, first by winning a by-election in February of 2014 and then again in the General Election four months later.

Prior to his election Wayne served as a City Councillor in the city of Niagara Falls. Before entering politics Wayne proudly represented the membership of Unifor 199 as their local union president for over a decade. During this time Wayne was instrumental in standing up for the rights of workers and making sure that everyone he represented had access to decent, well-paying and safe jobs.

Wayne and his wife Rita live in Niagara Falls. They are the proud parents of three daughters and grandparents of five grandchildren. They all make their home in the Niagara Region.

A community advocate, an experienced worker, and a long-time community activist, Wayne is determined to fight to make life more affordable for the people of Niagara.

http://waynegates.com/bio/

MPP: Jennifer French - Oshawa

Today we pray for our MPP Jennifer French in Oshawa. We pray that You Lord would strengthern her as she endeavours to work on behalf of her constituents in her riding.  We ask that You give her wisdom, understanding and the passion that is needed daily,  to continue her hard work to help those access jobs in their community.  Father I pray that she would know and feel your presence as she makes decisions,  in meetings, in all the busyness of her schedule - give her peace.  Bless her staff, bring along people beside her to help her with all the daily demands. Father we pray that you would keep her safe and healthy, and bless her and make her family aware of your love and care for them as well.   We pray these things in Jesus 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/

We pray for  MPP John Fraser today.  We take a moment to lift up our Member before your throne. John a  long time resident of Ottawa cares about the people in his riding and the people in Northern Ontario. We pray that he will be surrounded by Godly counsel, that Your truth will be clear to him. Praying that in all decisions and discussions would reflect that truth.  Lord I pray that he would be submissive to the law and rulers, be that example to others around him, that he would help lead this province with honesty and integrity. As a father of three children, I pray  that our member will lead by example, he would always trust in You for the best understanding to direction for his path and choices. Father bless his staff and team, keep his marriage strong, keep his children safe and may they all feel your love Lord. In Jesus precious Name we ask these things. 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

Dear Father in Heaven, today we pray for our our dear leader in Welland, life long resident MPP Cindy Forster. Father we pray that you would bless her, as she works tirelessly for her community and region that she loves and cares for dearly.  I ask that you would bless her team, staff and family keep them all in your loving care, I pray they would feel your presence over this special holiday season.  I pray that she would always lead with honesty and integrity, that she would stand upright and care about things You oh Lord, care about. Lord we ask that you strengthen her today and give her peace and time to recharge and refresh.  We ask these things in your holy name of Jesus,  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.
o represent the riding of Welland at Queen’s Park and to make life more affordable for her constituents.

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

MPP: Dipka Damerla - Mississauga East-Cooksville

Dear Lord, thank you for Dipika Damerla. We ask today that she would be optimistic about the future and that her optimism would fuel a renewed drive in her professional work. As Minister Responsible for Seniors Affair help her to  serve well. May she continually help her constituents and the people that she has been tasked with representing. Empower her to bring divergent groups together in order to find mutually beneficial compromises. Amen.

Dipika is the Member of Provincial Parliament for Mississauga East-Cooksville.

Dipika’s interest in politics began as a result of her career as a television news reporter. As a reporter she built a strong reputation for reporting on political and social issues.  In addition to working in journalism,  she has a strong background in business.

She has an MBA from the Rotman School of Business at the University of Toronto.  Before being elected as the MPP for Mississauga East-Cooksville, she worked as a Senior Policy Advisor to the Ontario Minister of Economic Development and Trade.  In this role, she focused on bringing jobs to Ontario during one of the worst recessions to hit the province.  
Dipika is currently the Associate Minister of Health and Long-Term Care (Long-Term Care and Wellness).  She has served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, the Minister Responsible for the 2015 Pan/Parapan Games, the Minister of Community and Social Services, and the Minister of Infrastructure.

Her extensive community involvement includes Carassauga, and hosting a classical music show on CIUT 89.5 FM community radio.

As a long time resident of Mississauga, Dipika leads a typical suburban life balancing spending quality time with her daughter as she juggles work and staying in touch with her constituents.  She loves to travel.  One of the highlights has been driving past the Arctic Circle and travelling to Tuktoyatuk in the Northwest Territories.  The majesty and vastness of the arctic has left her with a profound love and respect for the North.  She looks forward to going back many times to savour its beauty and culture.

Dipika is guided by the ideal that in life “it is not enough to be good, you have to do good.”

http://dipikadamerla.onmpp.ca/Biography

MPP: Grant Crack - Glengarry-Prescott-Russell

Grant and his family have lived in Alexandria since 1973, and he was first elected as Mayor of Alexandria in 1994.

His 11 years as Mayor of Alexandria then North Glengarry have provided him with a well-rounded base of knowledge and experience regarding the needs of our communities both rural and urban. Grant is a well respected community leader, a consensus builder and a strong supporter of community based organizations and the hard working volunteers who make our communities so vibrant and strong.

Dear Lord. Today we bring Grant Crack before you and seek your blessing in his life and profession. In his role as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs help him on all fronts to be constantly choosing the high road and giving good leadership to our province. Let his example inspire other MPP's , not only in the way that they perform their professional duties, but also how they live out their personal lives. Amen.    

He understands the challenges faced by our residents and taxpayers and has worked hard to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and effectively.

As Mayor, he remained focused on finding solutions to the challenging issues faced by businesses, taxpayers, residents and by the Mayors and Councillors throughout Glengarry-Prescott-Russell. Under his leadership, the North Glengarry Council secured over $2.8 million for the engineering phase of the Regional Water Supply Project for Maxville and Alexandria, $800,000 for the construction of the Indoor Sports Complex (Soccer Dome), and helped make the $150,000.00 concrete skate park project in Alexandria a reality.

He was elected as MPP for Glengarry-Prescott-Russell on October 6th 2011, and is currently the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Agriculture and Food, to the Minister of Rural Affairs and to the Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs. Both his children attended local francophone schools and he promotes and understands the need for communication in both official languages.

Grant has two children: Chloe who is 26 years old and Calvin 20 years old;  and three grandchildren:  his grandson Alexi is 5 years old, granddaughter Maeve is 1 year of age and grandson Mason is 5 months old.

Grant lives just outside Alexandria with his spouse Kelly and her daughter Leah who is 7 years old.

http://grantcrack.onmpp.ca/Biography