MPP - John Vanthof - Timiskaming - Cochrane

Let us pray today for our member inTem-Cochrane. With all his experience and knowledge that he brings, Lord we pray that you would bless,  refresh and renew his passion to serve. Lord give him wisdom from heaven, Father I pray that he would know You, depend on You for guidance in decisions, that he would acknowledge You and direct your path.  Pour Your Spirit upon him and make Your word and truth known. Lord as he serves , take care of his family, may they all feel your love and  keep them in Your loving care.  We thank you for his commitment to make a difference in his area that he loves so much.  Bless him Lord today we pray! Amen.

John Vanthof is a longtime community leader and representative of the agricultural community.

John’s public service career started with his election to the Timiskaming Dairy Producer Committee on which he has served for over twenty years, including several as Chairman. In 2004, John was elected for a term to the Board of Dairy Farmers of Ontario. He was Director when Thornloe Cheese was threatened with closure, and played a key role in its rebirth.

John also served on municipal council for twelve years, but he is most widely recognized for his 10-year term as President of the Timiskaming Federation of Agriculture. During that time, the Federation represented the agricultural community in some key issues, most notably the Adams Mine Landfill debate. The critical analysis of the Ministry of Environment’s approval, commissioned by the Federation, was one of the catalysts that stopped the project.

John has long given back to his community. He was a member of the Board of Directors for the 2009 International Plowing Match. He also sat on the Board of the Englehart and District Hospital and the fundraising committee for the Englehart Family Health Clinic, and was vice-chair of the Timiskaming Foundation.

You can count on John Vanthof, an experienced public representative with a track record of getting results, to provide leadership that delivers.

John and his wife, Ria, owned and operated a dairy and crop farm outside of Earlton from 1984 until 2012 and have four children. John’s hobbies include riding his motorcycle and avoiding rocks on Lake Wendigo.

MPP - Daiene Vernile - Kitchener

Father in heaven today to pray for Daiene Vernile  in the  riding Kitchener Centre. She has chosen and was selected to serve bring all her gifts and talents to care for people in Kitchener. Father strengthen her, renew and refresh her and she endeavours to make a difference in people's lives where she serves.  We pray for continued health for her, her staff and family. We pray and ask You Lord to bless your daughter today - with everything she needs, in all her busyiness give her wisdom from heaven, ears to hear Your voice and the knowledge of your wonderful love. In  Precious Jesus name we ask these things. Amen.

Daiene Vernile is an award winning Kitchener broadcast journalist who covered your issues for three decades on CTV’s Provincewide.

A compassionate listener and insightful interviewer, Daiene (pronounced Diane) investigated many subjects, including social, cultural, educational, economic, healthcare and other concerns.  Now she’s committing herself to directly helping you and advancing local matters at the front line of public service.

For thirty years, Daiene has been an active volunteer and community supporter.  She is a strong advocate on women’s issues, passionate champion for social justice, and hands-on volunteer for poverty reduction – including ten years at the St. John’s Kitchen helping prepare meals.    

Daiene is among Wilfrid Laurier University’s “100 Alumni of Achievement” who inspire lives of leadership and purpose.  She began her career as a Queens Park legislature reporter, expanded her  journalism skills in Texas, and returned home to Ontario, spearheading one of Canada’s longest running public affairs programs.   

With husband John, she spent three decades in Kitchener and welcomed firstborn Andrew while refurbishing a century old home in the downtown.  The household grew to include Curtis and Claire in the Forest Hill neighbourhood.  Today, with the family grown, Daiene is re-dedicating her energy to helping people across the community through this form of public service. 

MPP - Lisa Thompson - Huron-Bruce

Thank you Lord for the privilege to pray today for our MPP Lisa Thompson.Help her with her work, give her fresh vision and passion. Father we pray that as she serves the people of Ontario in the Huron Bruce area, give her wisdom and insight to help meet needs of her constituents.  Father I pray that he hear and ears would be attentive to godly counsel. Bless her family and her staff as they work tirelessly. Father I pray that Lisa would know You and hear Your voice, feel Your presence and call upon You in time of need.  Give her everything she needs in her position, strength,  knowledge and wisdom from heaven.  We pray in Jesus name. Amen.

Lisa Thompson is a lifelong resident of Huron-Bruce, born in East Wawanosh. Lisa has always been an active member of her community. She has served as Chair of the Ontario 4-H Foundation as well as a Trustee; Chair of the International Goat Symposium, and also Vice-Chair of Ontario Agri-Food Education Inc. One of her proudest accomplishments was leading the growth of Teeswater’s Ontario Dairy Goat Cooperative, from a regional to provincial organization, and into a multi-million dollar business venture. And interestingly enough - she also found time to join Team Farmall in 2007 and this group of Farmall enthusiasts found time to prove - tractors really can dance!! 

Lisa was re-elected to the Ontario Legislative Assesmbly in 2014 as the provincial representative for the Riding of Huron-Bruce. As MPP, Lisa brings – with pride – her rural roots to Queen’s Park advocating for Huron-Bruce. Lisa also serves as Critic for the environment.  She participated in a non-partisan Lung Health Caucus and she also served on the Justice Standing Committee as well as the Agencies, Boards& Commissions Standing Committee.

Lisa and her husband Dennis live outside of Teeswater on the Schiestel Family century farm and proudly support their family and community at every chance. 

MPP - Lisa Thompson - Huron - Bruce

Thank you Lord for the privilege to pray today for our MPP Lisa Thompson.Help her with her work, give her fresh vision and passion. Father we pray that as she serves the people of Ontario in the Huron Bruce area, give her wisdom and insight to help meet needs of her constituents.  Father I pray that he hear and ears would be attentive to godly counsel.

Bless her family and her staff as they work tirelessly. Father I pray that Lisa would know You and hear Your voice, feel Your presence and call upon You in time of need.  Give her everything she needs in her position, strength,  knowledge and wisdom from heaven.  We pray in Jesus name. Amen.

Lisa Thompson is a lifelong resident of Huron-Bruce, born in East Wawanosh. Lisa has always been an active member of her community. She has served as Chair of the Ontario 4-H Foundation as well as a Trustee; Chair of the International Goat Symposium, and also Vice-Chair of Ontario Agri-Food Education Inc. One of her proudest accomplishments was leading the growth of Teeswater’s Ontario Dairy Goat Cooperative, from a regional to provincial organization, and into a multi-million dollar business venture. And interestingly enough - she also found time to join Team Farmall in 2007 and this group of Farmall enthusiasts found time to prove - tractors really can dance!! 

Lisa was re-elected to the Ontario Legislative Assesmbly in 2014 as the provincial representative for the Riding of Huron-Bruce. As MPP, Lisa brings – with pride – her rural roots to Queen’s Park advocating for Huron-Bruce. Lisa also serves as Critic for the environment.  She participated in a non-partisan Lung Health Caucus and she also served on the Justice Standing Committee as well as the Agencies, Boards& Commissions Standing Committee.

Lisa and her husband Dennis live outside of Teeswater on the Schiestel Family century farm and proudly support their family and community at every chance.

MPP - Vic Dhillon - Brampton West

Dear Lord. We pray today for the Vic Dhillon. Thank you for his diligence in legislative work as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs 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.

Vic Dhillon is a compassionate advocate for our community who understands that we need a strong economy to support the public services that you depend on.

Vic was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 2003. Since that time, he has successfully fought to protect transient workers at risk of exploitation; support small business owners; and build economic ties internationally so that we can better fund our schools, hospitals and services for seniors.

Prior to joining government, Vic established a family-owned business.  He knows how to stick to a budget, and he understands what small business owners need – and their important role in job creation in our community.

Compassionate at heart, Vic has worked tirelessly to help those who are less fortunate in our community. He successfully led many non-profit fundraising campaigns for the local food bank, the Korean War Memorial, and a leading local group that helps regions after natural disasters (such as the ice storm in eastern Ontario, the earthquake in Pakistan and the tsunami in Asia). Vic has also been credited by some local residents as being instrumental in saving the Knight’s Table, a non-profit diner that provides meals for Brampton’s poor and homeless.

Vic has lived in Brampton for most of his life. He and his wife, Shaminder, are raising their children here. They have two sons, Robin and Sajjan, and a daughter named Taj.

Vic Dhillon was re-elected in the riding of Brampton West in October 2011. He was first elected in 2003. Dhillon has served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Transportation, the Minister of Government Services and the Minister Responsible for Seniors. He has also served on the Health, Education and Social Policy Committee. Prior to his election, he was executive assistant to Colleen Beaumier, MP for Brampton West-Mississauga. He also helped establish a family-owned business in Mississauga.

An active member of his community, Dhillon has taken a leading role in a number of fundraising campaigns, including the Knight’s Table food bank, the Korean War Memorial and collecting much-needed supplies for the devastating ice storm in eastern Ontario, the tsunami in Asia and the earthquake in Pakistan.

Dhillon has lived in Brampton for most of his life. He holds a Business Administration degree from Lakehead University and is a Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development Fellow. He and his wife, Shaminder, have two sons, Robin and Sajjan, and a daughter, Taj.

MPP - Bob Delany - Mississauga Streetsville

Dear Lord. Today we bring Bob Delaney before you and seek your blessing in his life and profession. In his role as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy, 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.

Bob Delaney has served as the Member of Provincial Parliament serving the western Mississauga neighbourhoods of Lisgar, Meadowvale and Streetsville for 13 years. He was re-elected for his fourth term on June 12, 2014. Bob previously won the elections of 2011, 2007 and 2003. Bob lives in the Churchill Meadows neighbourhood of Mississauga. He has been a resident of Mississauga for 32 years.

At the Legislature, Bob serves as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Energy. Bob has previously been Ontario’s Chief Government Whip; and also a Parliamentary Assistant to the Ministers of Education; Revenue; Tourism; Research and Innovation and the Ontario Seniors Secretariat. Bob has served on, or chaired, five of the government’s standing committees: Finance and Economic Affairs; Justice Policy; Regulations and Private Bills; Estimates; and the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly.Bob was born and raised in Montreal, and has also lived and worked in Metro Toronto and in Vancouver. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in physics from Concordia University in Montreal. He earned a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Simon Fraser University in British Columbia. He has also received his accreditation from the Canadian Public Relations Society.

In the private sector prior to his election, Bob worked in corporate communications, consulting and marketing roles. Bob became an accomplished web developer in the 1990s, and keeps his hand in the art of .Net coding with this web site. He is a co-author, with friend Sanjiv Purba of Mississauga, of the bookHigh Value IT Consulting, published by Osborne McGraw Hill in March, 2003. As a consultant, he wrote and delivered the Professional Account Developmentprogram, aimed at teaching managerial, professional and technical people the skills needed for business development in knowledge-based businesses.

Bob Delaney has long taken a close personal interest in working with communities of new Canadians. He served on the Board of the Peel Multicultural Council in the 1990s, and as a volunteer with the Inter-Cultural Neighbourhood Social Services in Mississauga.Bob taught evening courses in Business Statistics, Internet Marketing and Planning and Budgeting in the School of Business Studies in the Faculty of Continuing Education at Ryerson University in Toronto. He continues his personal interest in education, especially science and math education, as an MPP, with his visits to local elementary and high schools.

In his spare time, Bob is an accomplished photographer and writer. Bob still plays hockey, and is a lifelong goaltender. This current hockey season is Bob’s 56th year playing hockey. Bob plays for the Ontario Legislature’s team, the Ontario Legiskaters, and frequently accepts invitations to play hockey with local teams and other groups.

MPP - Dipika 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 Damerla was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 2011 as the Member of Provincial Parliament for Mississauga East-Cooksville and was re-elected in 2014.

Dipika currently serves as the Minister of Seniors Affairs. She was previously Associate Minister of Health and Long-Term Care with responsibility for Long-Term Care and Wellness.  

Before becoming a Minister, she served as Parliamentary Assistant (PA) in a number of portfolios, including PA to the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, the Minister Responsible for the Pan/Parapan Games, the Minister of Community and Social Services, and the Minister of Infrastructure.

Prior to entering politics, Dipika worked in corporate banking and has a MBA in Finance from the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto.

A proud mother and long-time resident of Mississauga, Ontario, Dipika leads a typical suburban life balancing work and family.

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

MPP - Grant Crack - Glengarry-Prescott - Russell

Gracious Lord, thank you for Grant Crack who offers his abilities for the people of his riding and for the people of Ontario.  Thank you for the role he fills in this present Governing party.  May you give him wisdom as he deliberates over the needs of the people whom he represents in his current roles.  I ask that he would know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are helping him.  May his life be blessed and may he be a blessing to those he comes in contact with each week.  Bless his family today I pray. Amen. 

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.

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, re-elected on June 12th 2014, and is currently the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education.

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.

MPP - Hon. Michael Coteau - Don Valley East

Heavenly Father, we come to you on behalf of Michael Coteau, Minister of Children and Youth Services and Minister responsible for Anti-Racism.  Lord, will you give him extra strength, extra wisdom and extra guidance as he endeavors in these two areas of great interest and value to our Province.  Will you touch him as he deliberates over matters of great importance to family life here in Ontario.  Will you bless everything he does, and will you bless his family as he gives leadership as head of his home.  Amen. 

Michael Coteau was elected in 2011 as the MPP for Don Valley East. He currently serves as Minister of Children and Youth Services, as well as Minister Responsible for Anti-Racism. Previously, he was Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, as well as Minister Responsible for the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games, and before that, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.

Prior to entering the provincial government, Michael was elected as a school board 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 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 instructor and curriculum developer before becoming a community organizer for a United Way agency in Scarborough. 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. He and his wife Lori live in Toronto with their two daughters, Maren and Myla

MPP - Mike Colle - Eglinton - Lawrence

Dear Lord, I bring before you Mr. Mike Colle, who offers himself as a Member in the Standing Committee on Justice Policy, Asst. to the Minister of Labour, member of the Standing Committee on General Government, and as Deputy Government Whip.  All of these roles need his astute attention, his keen knowledge and his heart of justice.  Thank you for the calling you have put on his life, and we pray that at this time you will give leadership skills, and a sense of Your Divine Presence as he works for the best of his riding and the people of Ontario.  Amen. 

Mike Colle has just been elected for the 6th time as MPP for Eglinton-Lawrence. He was first elected as an MPP in 1995. Mike has been the local MPP for Eglinton-Lawrence for 22 years.

 Mike Colle has served the people of Eglinton-Lawrence where he has lived, worked, 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 Councillor and a Metropolitan Toronto Councillor where he served as TTC Commissioner and was Chair of the TTC from 1988 to 1994. Mike taught High School history at St. Michael’s College School and coached their senior football team for 18 years.

 Successful Private Members Bills & Initiatives: 

• Improved care and awareness for Pregnancy and Infant Loss across the province; ensuring mothers and their babies get the health care and support they need and deserve;
• Modernized Animal Protection Legislation in Ontario;
• Protecting the Oak Ridges Moraine and creation of Ontario's Greenbelt;
• Establishing May as Jewish Heritage Month in Ontario (Jewish Heritage Month Act);
• Protecting Caregivers and Nannies from Exploitation (Caregiver and Foreign Worker Recruitment Act);
• Legislation for Portable Heart Defibrillators (AED) in Public Places (Portable Heart Defibrillator Act);
• Recognizing and Regulating Traditional Chinese Medicine (Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Act);
• Introduced Resolution Proclaiming June 4th Tom Longboat Day in Ontario (Tom Longboat Day Act);
• Installing Red Light Cameras at Dangerous Intersections (Red Light Cameras Act);
• Elimination of Mandatory Retirement for people reaching 65;
• Delivering Funding for Baycrest Research Centre for Aging and the Brain and Cafe Europa, which was established for Holocaust Survivors;
• Expanded Community Policing in Schools and High Risk Areas;
• Led the Community in the Fight to Save the Eglinton Theatre;
• Started construction of the Eglinton Subway as TTC Chair in 1990;
• Pushed successfully for restarting and building of the Eglinton Crosstown;
• Shop Local Campaigns for Dufferin, Marlee, and Eglinton Avenues;
• Established Eglinton 20/20 to plan Eglinton Avenue for the future;
• Helped secure $16 Million to keep our public pools open in the City of Toronto.

Recent Efforts by MPP Colle to Help the Underdog:

• Closing the insurace loophole to protect innocent co-insureds who are victims of domestic violence;
• Capping contingency fees paid to personal injury lawyers to ensure that accident victims in Ontario are able to keep as much of their settlement money as possible;
• Advocating for increased safety measures in school zones across Ontario through his Private Member's Bill 90 and Bill 65 introduced by the government;
• Advocating for youth mental health supports and care across the province;
• Making auto-insurance affordable for young people and new driviers and forgiveness for minor accidents;
• Spearheading the campaign to save historic Postal Station "K" at Yonge and Montgomery;
• Fighting to end Genetic Discrimination for employment and insurance purposes;
• Creating the Marlee-Ville Festival, showcasing shopping and community revitalisation;
• Full-day kindergarten in all schools without boundary changes;
• Ensuring the Eglinton-Crosstown Subway gets built and does not get cancelled, again;
• Fighting to improve Sickle Cell and Thalassemia Care;
• Leading Shop Canadian, Shop Eglinton, and Shop Dufferin campaigns to encourage local shopping;
• Protecting gas station workers from Gas-and-Dash thefts (Jayesh's Law);
• Protecting our vulnerable residents from bed bug infestations;
• Banning hand guns in cars and bars;
• Supporting clean, renewable energy jobs through wind, solar, and conservation investment;
• Banning credit scoring for home-owners' insurance;
• Comprehensive Cycling Plan.

Currently, Mike is the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Labour and a Member of the Standing Committee on General Government and the Standing Committee on Justice Policy.

 

Mike and his wife Sharon have four children and six grandchildren. Mike is a life long marathon runner, with a personal best time of 3:29. On October 16th, 2016, Mike proudly completed the 42km Soctiabank Waterfront Marathon!

MPP - Steve Clark - Leeds Grenville

God in Heaven, as Mr. Steve Clark endeavors to serve and represent his riding in Leeds – Grenville, I would ask that he would sense Your working in his life, giving him the stamina to continue and be all that you have called him to be.  May he know your power at work in the many situations that he faces as he fulfills the roles to which he is called, being the critic for Ethics and Accountability, the Deputy Opposition House Leader and Deputy Leader of the Opposition.  May his family know your peace and love as he labors in these positions.  Amen.

Steve Clark was first elected MPP for Leeds-Grenville in a March, 4, 2010, byelection. It was a landslide victory by a 66 per cent margin.

He was subsequently re-elected in the October 6, 2011 provincial election with 64 per cent of the vote, the second-highest margin in Ontario. In the past session of the Ontario Legislative Assembly, Steve served as the Ontario PC Caucus Deputy House Leader and Critic for Community Safety and Correctional Services.

Steve gained attention across Canada in 1982 when, at the age of 22 and just out of university, he was elected Mayor of the City of Brockville. This gained him the title of Youngest Mayor of Canada and a notation in the Who’s Who of Canada. Steve served three terms as mayor and, during his tenure, was also the President of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.

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 - Hon. Bob Chiarelli - Ottawa - West Nepean

Heavenly Father, we come to you on behalf of Hon. Bob Chiarelli, asking that you would strengthen him in the roles he fulfills in the Parliament of Ontario.  As he deliberates over infrastructure  and energy situations, I pray that you will give clarity of thought, compassion of heart and mind, and determination to see the best accomplished for the people of Ontario.  Bless his relationships with his family and may his life be a blessing to others.  Amen.


A well known figure in Ottawa, Bob Chiarelli was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario on March 4, 2010 in a byelection in the riding of Ottawa West-Nepean. Bob was previously MPP for the riding of Ottawa West from 1987 to 1997, and he served as the parliamentary assistant to the Chair of the Management Board in 1987-88. Bob was appointed Minister of Infrastructure in August 2010, in addition to this role he was appointed Minister of Transportation in October 2011. He served as the Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation until he was appointed as the Minister of Energy in February 2013. MPP Chiarelli currently serves as Minister of Infrastructure.

Bob also served as the Regional Chair of Ottawa-Carleton and was later elected 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.

Bob Chiarelli has been a passionate 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.

During his break from political life, Bob remained actively committed to his community, serving as Vice-Chair of the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health, Member of the Board of Peace Camp Ottawa, and as a fundraising volunteer with Citizen Advocacy. He was also a Senior Fellow in the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa.

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

MPP - Hon. Michael Chan - Markham - Unionville

Lord we pray for Hon.  Michael Chan MPP for Markham-Unionville. In his role as Minister of International Trade, we pray that you would open up many doors for him to go and sign agreements that the Ontario Economy will do well so its people will do well. In his role as Cabinet Minister help him to give advice that will help the Ontario Government to govern well. We ask this all in Jesus Name. Amen.

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 International Trade, leading Ontario’s first stand-alone Ministry of International Trade that reflects the province’s commitment to create jobs and growth through strong global trade partnerships.  He also serves as a member of the Priorities, Delivery and Growth Cabinet Committee, the Jobs and Economic Policy Cabinet Committee, and the Highly Skilled Workforce Ministers' Table.

Michael has also contributed as a member of the Treasury Board/Management Board of Cabinet, the Education, Skills and Economic Policy Cabinet Committee, the Economic, Environmental and Resources Policy Cabinet Committee, the Legislation and Regulations Cabinet 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.

MPP - Sarah Campbell - Kenora - Rainy River

Lord we pray for Sarah Campbell MPP for Kenora-Rainy River. In her large Northern Ontario Riding there are a lot of people that have great needs. We ask that you would help her to work with the government that the people in her riding would be better off. In her riding Lord we know that there are a lot of First Nation people and we pray that should would be an instrument of reconciliation. We pray for protection as she travels back and forth across the large riding of hers and to and from Queens Park. We ask this all in Jesus name. Amen.

Sarah Campbell is a community advocate with a proven track record of helping to make life more affordable in the North.

Born in Atikokan to a family of forest industry workers, she is known for her advocacy on energy issues and efforts to raise consumer awareness about expensive electricity contracts. In 2013, she introduced the Energy Consumer Protection Amendment Act, aiming to ban fixed-rate energy contracts that exploit residential consumers. This year, Sarah introduced a motion designed to improve winter road maintenance 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, 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.

You can count on Sarah Campbell, with her record of fighting to make Northern life more affordable, to get results.

MPP -Patrick Brown - Simcoe North

Lord we pray for Patrick Brown MPP for Simcoe North. In his role of as leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario and Opposition Leader for the Province of Ontario we ask that you would help him to lead his party well that together with our other political parties that Ontario would govern in a way that its people would prosper and be blessed. We pray for protection as he travels all over our province. We pray for strength when his weary and to bring people across his path to help him lead his party. We ask this in Jesus name. 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.

Patrick Brown’s family has had deep roots in Simcoe County for the past 75 years since his grandparents moved to Angus in 1945. Growing up, many of Patrick’s best memories came from playing hockey in Guthrie, cross-country skiing with his dad in Oro-Medonte, or spending time at the family farm in Midland. 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.

Patrick’s interest in politics began at a young age, serving two terms as President of the Progressive Conservative Youth Federation (PCYF). He was then first elected to Barrie City Council in 2000 and was re-elected in 2003 with 72% of the vote. In 2006, he defeated 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. 

Patrick is also one of only 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. As a Member of Parliament for the last nine years Patrick has worked tirelessly on issues important to residents of Simcoe County, including access to health care, mental health, and cleaning up Lake Simcoe.

Patrick’s dedication to enhancing healthcare access has seen him help raise nearly $2 million dollars for the Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie and various other charities across the region, including Autism Ontario, ALS Canada, Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County, Hospice Simcoe, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, as well as the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre.

MPP - Jim Bradley - St. Catharines

Lord we pray for James Bradley MPP for St Catharines.  We thank you Lord for his willingness to serve the people of his riding as an MPP and Chief Government Whip and Deputy Government House Leader. Lord we pray that you would grant him favour as he works with MPP’s in his party and other parties. Help him to function well in his roles so that the government may be blessed from his gifts, talents and abilities. We ask this in Jesus name. 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.

MPP - Gilles Bisson - Timmins - James Bay

Lord we  pray for  Gilles Bisson MPP for  Timmins-James Bay. We ask for your hand of protection over him as he travels his large riding in Northern Ontario. We pray for wisdom and unity as he functions in his role as House Leader that he may work with the other parties to help the Ontario Legislature to function properly that Ontario may be prosper and be blessed. Lord we pray a blessing on his family for their willingness to be a part from Gilles for long periods while he serves the people of his riding. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen

First elected in 1990, Gilles has championed many causes and developed a reputation for being a tireless and hard-working MPP. Working with various community members and stakeholders, he has been successful in championing and getting results on issues like funding for various community projects and advocating on behalf of the forestry and mining sectors, as well as being a strong advocate on First Nations issues.

Gilles and his staff are known as tireless advocates for the constituents of Timmins-James Bay. Whether helping constituents to navigate a WSIB or ODSP issue, securing a funding application for a community group or a municipality, or bringing important concerns into the Legislature, Gilles and his staff have a reputation for always going the extra mile.

An experienced fighter for the North, you can count on Gilles Bisson to fight for you and to make sure Queen’s Park listens.

Gilles and his wife, Murielle, have been married for 37 years. They have two daughters, Julie and Nathalie, and are proud grandparents of three grandchildren, Nathaniel, Victoria and Elissa, all living in Timmins.

MPP - Robert Bailey - Sarnia - Lambton

Father, thank you the work that Robert Bailey does, not only for his constituents in Sarnia-Lambton, but for all people of Ontario. We pray that you will give him many opportunities to be a voice for those who need an advocate. Bless his efforts to guard the rights of Ontarians. We pray for health, strength and peace for him and his family. 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.

MPP - Ted Arnott - Wellington - Halton Hills

Lord, we thank you for Ted Arnott and his long service to the constituents of Halton Hills. Continue to bless his efforts and renew his strength. We ask your blessing on his personal life and on his family. Be near to them. Bless Ted with godly wisdom. Cause him to thirst for the things of God and to sense your great love for him. Amen. 

Ted Arnott puts his constituents first.

Trusted, experienced, and dedicated, he is a persistent and effective advocate for our communities and our shared values in Wellington-Halton Hills.

When an issue arises, he listens and takes action.  That's been his record since he was first elected in 1990 at the age of 27.  Now in his 24^th year in the Ontario Legislature, he is one of the longest serving MPPs at Queen's Park.

During his time in office, he has always been prepared to work cooperatively with MPPs from other parties in order to make progress for the people in his riding.  In November 2013, he worked with a Liberal and an NDP MPP to bring forward a Private Member’s Bill to establish January 21 as Lincoln Alexander Day in Ontario.  The Bill passed Second and Third Reading in the same day, which required the unanimous consent of all MPPs.

He and his staff know what to do to get things done.  They care.

Supporting our local health services, Ted was relentless in successfully pushing for hospital capital projects in Centre Wellington and Georgetown. Through the years, he has consistently fought for our fair share of provincial funding for needed infrastructure projects.

Ted believes in our students, and knows Ontario's long term future is dependent on creating a culture of excellence and continuous improvement in our schools.

He also makes the interests of seniors, farm families, and small business people his priorities.

Going back to his maiden speech in the House in 1990, he has always insisted government must live within its means and control its spending, so as to prevent taxes and the debt from always going up.

In today's uncertain economy, he knows government must focus on encouraging companies to invest here and create the new jobs we need.

Today, Ted serves as one of the assistant Speakers in the Legislature, and as the Ontario PC Critic to the Minister of Research and Innovation, as well as to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, the Hon. Kathleen Wynne.

He is well known for his efforts over the years on behalf of volunteer firefighters.  In 2009, the Firefighters' Association of Ontario made him an honorary member.

In 2011, the Association of Ontario Road Supervisors gave Ted an honorary membership in their organization, in recognition of his significant contribution to the Certified Road Supervisors public works professional accreditation program.

Ted was born in Fergus, but grew up in Arthur, where his family was in the heavy construction business. 

At the age of 16, along with two friends, he received recognition from the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, for rendering "assistance which was instrumental in saving the life of a drowning man." OPP Commissioner Harold H. Graham presented him a certificate which today hangs on the wall at Ted's Queen's Park office.

In the 1980s, Ted studied at Wilfrid Laurier University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Diploma in Business Administration.  Like most students, he worked part time and summers at a variety of jobs: as a construction laborer, a factory worker, and a retail store clerk.

Upon leaving university, he worked full time as an assistant to Jack Johnson, the long serving MPP for Wellington.  For Ted, this political apprenticeship taught him a meaningful lesson: that decency, honesty, and hard work can help to define success in elected public service.

In 2004, Wilfrid Laurier University named him as one of their alumni who is "making a difference around the world."

Ted lives in Fergus, with his wife Lisa, who teaches Core French at James McQueen Public School. They have three teenage sons, and they attend St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Fergus.

He believes in the promise of the future for Ontario, and that by working together, our best days are yet to come.