MPP - Wayne Gates - Niagara Falls

Heavenly Father, I come to you on behalf of Wayne Gates, and his role in the government as he represents the people of Niagara Falls.  I ask that as he labours for you in representing all the peoples within his riding, that he will find that You have given him the strength and grace that he needs to meet and help those who call upon him.May he find the anointing that he needs at every moment in his career.  May Your blessing be upon him.  Amen.

A longtime resident of and advocate for the Niagara Region, Wayne Gates understands firsthand the challenges facing families.

In his past roles as a City Councillor and local union president, Wayne has worked tirelessly to create and keep local jobs by promoting a Buy Ontario policy. He will continue to be a relentless fighter at Queen’s Park for long-term solutions at the Fort Erie Race Track and to bring daily, year-round GO service to the region.

Wayne will fight hard for relief on home heating, hydro, and auto insurance rates. He will also promote smart and targeted investment in job creation rather than across-the-board corporate tax giveaways. He understands that while the government may make promises at election time, his job is to make sure Queen’s Park delivers.

You can count on Wayne Gates, an experienced fighter for his community, to get results.

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

MPP Jennifer French - Oshawa

Lord, we thank you for Jennifer's passion for her community and for the people around her.  We are especially thankful for her commitment to justice and equity and we ask that her passion for these things would increase!  Bless her life today.  Grant her good health, renewed strength and success in every way.  Amen.

Jennifer French is the MPP representing Oshawa, elected in 2014.

She was a dedicated educator, with over ten years’ experience teaching in Ontario and abroad.

As a committed advocate for workers’ rights, Jennifer is member of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) in Durham, the Ontario Federation of Labour, and the Durham Region Labour Council. Jennifer is a leader who delivers. In her role with her ETFO local team, she organized the far-reaching campaign against Bill 115 and coordinated with groups across the province to have the legislation repealed.

Jennifer actively gives back to her community as a member of the ‘We Are Oshawa’ community group, and is invested in community theatre and the arts. Through these initiatives, Jennifer makes a difference in community issues, including wage issues, fairness concerns, and protecting the Oshawa waterfront.

After travelling extensively, Jennifer has made Oshawa her home for the past eight years.

Jennifer works hard to ensure that people have fair access to jobs, a decently and fairly funded education, and a voice in their community. Students deserve bright futures and families deserve stability. Jennifer is a passionate advocate for social justice and equity issues.

Jennifer is a strong voice for the people of Oshawa and is committed to bringing meaningful change to her community.

MPP John Fraser - Ottawa South

As we pray for John Fraser today, we are reminded that You made him and have led him to this place of service.  Thank you for the gift of compassion and service that You have placed within him.  We ask that as he leads and serves today that he would experience your kindness and compassion both extended to him and flowing through him.  Be with him this day.  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.

MPP Cindy Forster - Welland

God in Heaven You have blessed us with gifted and talented leaders who bring with them a diversity of experience.  Our province is stronger because of them. We pray that You would strengthen Cindy as she gives herself to serving others. Grant her strength, health and great joy in her role as MPP and critic. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen.

A lifelong Welland resident, former Mayor, and Registered Nurse, Cindy Forster has been an activist in her community for two decades.

Cindy graduated from the Mack school of Nursing in 1973. While working as a staff nurse in the hospital sector in various programs, Cindy was a dedicated union activist with the Ontario Nurses’ Association (ONA). In 1990, Cindy joined the staff of ONA as a Labour Relations Officer representing registered nurses in all sectors of healthcare.

In 1994, Cindy became active in municipal politics. She served two terms as a municipal Councillor on Welland City Council. In 2000, she was elected Mayor for the City of Welland and, in 2006, was elected Welland’s representative to Niagara Regional Council. Cindy has sat on many boards and committees, including the boards of the local library, Hydro Commission, and Economic Development Corporation, as well as the community and social services and accessibility advisory committees, and was appointed as a member of the ALPHA Board. She has fought for worthy causes such as pay equity for women in the library and health sectors. As Vice Chair of Niagara Regional Housing for four years, she was involved in many new affordable housing initiatives for Niagara residents.

As a volunteer, she has been involved in many agencies, including Help a Child Smile, Hope Centre and Hope House, and AIDS Niagara.

She is currently the Member of Provincial Parliament for the Welland riding which includes Welland, Thorold, Port Colborne, Wainfleet, and west St. Catharines, and holds the role of critic for Municipal Affairs and Housing for Ontario’s New Democrats. She was also appointed as Deputy House Leader for the NDP caucus.

Hon. Kevin Flynn - Minister of Labour - Oakville

You have placed Kevin in a significant role within our province. We ask that as he oversees labour in Ontario that you would give him wisdom and understanding. Help him as he navigates the complexities of his ministry. Grant him success as he serves so that the workers of Ontario will prosper and be blessed. Watch over his life, let Your goodness and mercy follow him today. Amen.

Kevin Flynn was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 2003 as MPP for Oakville. He was re-elected in 2007, 2011 and 2014, making him the longest serving MPP in the Oakville riding.

Flynn is the Minister of Labour and a member of Treasury Board. He has served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Ministers of Infrastructure; Transportation; Training, Colleges and Universities; Education; Environment; Energy; Democratic Renewal; and Labour.

He was also Chair of the Standing Committee on Mental Health and Addictions.

Since becoming Minister of Labour, Flynn has extended workplace protection for firefighters by adding six cancers to the list of those presumed to be related to their work, and he has introduced legislation to increase fairness for vulnerable workers and tie the minimum wage to the rate of inflation.

Prior to his election in 2003, Flynn owned a successful Oakville-based business, while serving as an Oakville town and Halton Regional councilor for over 18 years and winning six consecutive elections. He has always been active in the community as a president of the Halton Children’s Aid Society, a mentor in the Big Brothers program and a coach of minor sports.

Flynn is steadfast in his determination to see Oakville preserve as much as possible of its remaining, precious green space, and, as a result of his environmental work, Flynn was awarded the 2007 Halton Conservation Award of Excellence.

With an MBA from Athabasca University, Flynn also understands bottom lines, the impact of high taxes on small business and the difficulties of operating a business in a changing economic climate.

Flynn and his wife Janice have lived in Oakville for more than 30 years and have one son, Nigel.

MPP Catherine Fife - Kitchener-Waterloo

Heavenly Father, we thank you for Catherine Fife today. Thank you for her gifts, her passions, her talents, her insight and her experience. We ask today that You would fill her with wisdom and joy. Help her as she serves her constituents. Give her creative ideas and solutions to the challenges they face. 

Bless her life in every way today!    Amen

Catherine Fife is a community leader and a tireless public servant.

Before her election to Queen’s Park in 2012, she spent a decade working on behalf of the families of Kitchener-Waterloo to improve quality and access in education. In her roles as Trustee, Chair of the Waterloo Region District School Board, Vice President of the Canadian School Boards’ Association, and President of the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association, she served more than 60,000 staff and students and successfully balanced a budget of $675 million.

Beyond these accomplishments, Catherine has made a real impact on the lives of children and parents across Waterloo Region. Through her leadership, an additional 1,600 new childcare spaces were created in the region at no additional cost to taxpayers. As a lifelong champion of education, Catherine understands the vital role early learning plays in creating a more equitable economy.

You can count on Catherine Fife to provide leadership that delivers.

Catherine and her husband, Dale, make their home in Kitchener-Waterloo, where they live with their two children, Aidan and Claire.

MPP - Victor Fedeli - Nipissing

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

Victor Anthony Fedeli was born in North Bay on August 8, 1956. He is married to Patty (Kelly), another North Bay native. 

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

During his 7 years as Mayor of the City of North Bay, Vic worked for $1 per year, as he donated his entire salary to charities. Over $350,000 in Mayoral salary was donated.

P.S. Vic is always seen in one of his trademark yellow ties!

MPP - Hon. Brad Duguid - Scarborough Centre

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

Brad Duguid currently serves as Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure and as the Minister responsible for the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. As Minister, his focus is on creating jobs, promoting Ontario as a smart place to invest, building a culture of entrepreneurship and growing a strong, innovative economy that is inclusive to people of all abilities. Prior to this post, he served in a number of cabinet roles, including Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, Minister of Economic Development and Innovation, Minster of Energy and Infrastructure, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister of Labour. These portfolios span the economic and social spectrum, instilling a cross-government approach to public policy and government priorities.

Some of Minister Duguid’s key achievements include ushering in the Attracting Investment and Creating Jobs Act, 2012, which established the Southwestern Ontario Development Fund and made permanent the Eastern Ontario Development Fund; launching Ontario’s very first Long-Term Energy Plan, which built on Ontario’s commitment to clean energy; and launching PLAY, program for aboriginal youth using participation in sports and activities to teach life-skills.

His involvement in politics began more than 25 years ago while working at Queen’s Park and on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. He also served municipally, as a city councillor in Scarborough and Toronto for nine years.

Minister Duguid lives in Scarborough with his wife, Crystal, and two sons, Kennedy and Jordan

MPP - Han Dong - Trinity Spadina

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

Han Dong has lived in Trinity-Spadina for over 13 years and has been an active member of this community.

Arriving in Toronto at age thirteen with his family from mainland China, Han’s parents instilled in him the importance of being active members of their new community in Toronto, as well as a firm belief that a commitment to family and hard work would be the guiding principles he would need to accomplish his dreams and aspirations.

Han carried these principles forward while excelling academically at Jarvis Collegiate and studying Economics and Political Science at the University of Toronto.

In his eight years working at Queen’s Park he has established himself as a trusted and experienced community organizer. He has heard and helped countless numbers of Ontarians to navigate complex issues in their dealings with the government.

In the community, Han served as a key advisor to the Canada Shanghai Business Association, and volunteered with the Philippine Independence Day Council, the Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival and numerous local Trinity-Spadina seniors’ resources centres.

Before his involvement in government, Han was a Marketing Director for Chianti Foods, responsible for planning, development and implementation of all of Chianti’s marketing strategies, communications, and public relations activities. After improving the company’s overall structure Han oversaw the development and implementation of the company’s overseas functions.

Han and Sophie are raising their children in Trinity-Spadina, where they attend local public schools

Premier Kathleen Wynne

Heavenly Father, we pray today for Premier Wynne and we ask that You would help her today as she gives leadership to our province.  Forgive us for the times we have been more critical than prayerful for her. Grant her your wisdom to lead well, grant her vision for a future that benefits all Ontarians and grant her strength for the journey before her.  Show her Your goodness and kindness in every part of her life today!  

In Jesus Name, Amen

Kathleen Wynne is Ontario’s 25th Premier. She was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 2003 as the MPP for Don Valley West, and she became the leader of the Ontario Liberal Party in January, 2013.

Kathleen has also served as Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Minister of Transportation, Minister of Education and Minister of Agriculture and Food. As the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Kathleen finalized a new funding agreement with the federal government to improve access to affordable housing.

Kathleen has served as a Public School Trustee in Toronto. She has led citizens’ groups in a number of grassroots community projects, and has played a major role as an organizer and facilitator. This experience has contributed to her results-based approach to life, government and community.

Kathleen has three adult children, Chris, Jessie and Maggie, and three grandchildren, Olivia, Claire and Hugh. She and her partner Jane have lived in North Toronto for more than 25 years.

MPP - Cheri - DiNovo - Parkdale - High Park

Dear Lord. Thank you for Cheri DiNovo. We ask today that you give her a renewed excitement and passion for the work of MPP for Parkdale-High Park. Help her to focus her energies and talents on the issues that will have the most impact on Ontario residents. Keep her safe as she travels to and from her riding. Amen.

Rev. Dr. Cheri DiNovo is the Member of Provincial Parliament of Parkdale – High Park.

First elected into the Ontario Legislature in a by-election in 2006, she was re-elected in 2007, 2011 and 2014. She is currently the NDP critic to LGBTQ Issues, GTA Issues and Urban Transportation.

Cheri is known for her 2006-2007 $10 minimum wage campaign, through which over a million Ontarians saw their income increase by 28% over three years, and as the “Queen of tri-party bills” for tabling the most bills in the Legislature that have all three parties’ support.  Cheri has also passed more Private Member’s Bills than any other opposition MPP on record.

Cheri was voted NOW Magazine’s Best MPP for 2015, her second time winning the title.  She has also twice been voted Runner-Up Best MPP.

In 2012, Cheri succeeded in getting Toby’s Act passed, an amendment to the Ontario Humans Rights Code to include gender identity and gender expression–the first of its kind in North America. She made history again in 2015 by successfully passing Bill 77, which prohibits “Conversion Therapy” for youth (therapy intended to prevent young people from identifying as LGBTQ [lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual or queer]).  This ground-breaking legislation also de-listed “conversion therapy” from OHIP.  Following DiNovo’s introduction of the Bill, President Barack Obama called for a ban of the practice in the United States, and Manitoba tabled legislation to ban the practice as well.  Cheri has also been honoured to be the Grand Marshal in Toronto’s celebrated World Pride Festival and the Barrie Pride Festival.

Cheri has proposed a bill to fast-track benefits for workers suffering from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) that has been included on the front page of the Toronto Star, and has stood up for cyclists with her 1-metre rule, which the government finally passed as part of their larger transport bill in 2015.

Cheri is an ordained United Church Minister who performed the first legalized same sex marriage. Cheri also founded Girls’ Government, a non-partisan initiative aimed at getting young girls engaged in the political process.  Cheri has also been a staunch advocate for Tibetans, Roma, Ukrainian and other immigrant communities in Parkdale-High Park and Ontario.

She is the winner of several major awards – the Lambda Literary Award in Washington, D.C. for spirituality and religion for her book Queerying Evangelism, the Award of Merit by the government of Ukraine for her work on Canada’s first tri-party bill recognizing the Holodomor as genocide and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2015 Inspire Awards for her lifelong work as an activist for equal rights.  Cheri has also received the Bicycling Leadership Award from the Share the Road Cycling Coalition, the Community Hero Awardfrom Jer’s Vision, the Rainbow Health Advocate Award from Rainbow Health Ontario, the History Maker Award from Brockville Pride and the PFLAG Ally Award, presented by Rosie O’Donnell.

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 endeavours 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.

Standing Up and Fighting for the Underdog:

• Closing the insurace loophole to protect innocent co-insureds who are victims of domestic violence;
• Reducing legal 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;
• Fighting to create School Safety Zones around local schools to protect our children;
• Supporting Stella's Place to help young people with mental health challenges;
• Making auto-insurance affordable for young people and new driviers and forgiveness for minor accidents;
• Fighting to end Genetic Discrimination to remove barriers to insurance, employment, and health research;
• Full-day kindergarten in all schools without local boundary changes;
• Promoting better healthcare for Sickle Cell and Thalassemia patients;
• Protecting vulnerable gas station workers from gas-and-dash thefts (Jayesh's Law);
• Protecting our vulnerable residents from bed bug infestations;
• Getting hand guns out of cars and off our streets.

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.

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 a 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.

MLA - 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

MLA - 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.

MPP - Teresa Armstrong - London-Fanshawe

Lord, let your helping hand be upon Teresa Armstrong. Help her with the many duties she carries out as an MPP for London-Fanshawe. In every area of her life, Lord Jesus, we ask that she will seek you for guidance and be committed to making good and godly decisions for the people of Ontario. Fill her life with those who will inspire and encourage her. Bless her family we pray. Amen.

First elected to represent the people of London-Fanshawe in 2011, Teresa Armstrong is a local leader and community advocate.

Teresa has given back to her community for many years. She was instrumental in the inception of the Argyle Resource Centre and served as one of its first chairs. She is also a past president of East London Lioness Club, a past board member of LUSO Centre, a volunteer with East London Optimist Club, and a member of the Argyle Community Association.

She has also worked alongside her husband, Bill Armstrong, City Councillor for Ward 2, for many years. Together they have volunteered and organized community events for seniors, Canada Day events, and community clean-ups at Lord Nelson and Forestview parks. Since being elected in 2011, Teresa has championed measures to improve education and worked with her colleagues in the Legislature to get results for the people of London-Fanshawe.

An experienced community advocate, you can count on Teresa Armstrong for leadership that delivers.

MPP - Granville Anderson - Durham

Father, as MPP for Durham, Granville Anderson, is a servant to the people of Ontario. We’re thankful for his service and bring him to you today asking for your touch on his life. Give him a longing to serve you with his whole heart and soul. May he catch a glimpse of your mercy and know that he is precious to You. May he recognize Jesus as Your one and only Son, the One who saves us from sin. Bless Mr. Anderson and his family with health. Amen.

Durham MPP Granville Anderson is in his first term at the provincial legislature, but he has a long history of community involvement.

Mr. Anderson has lived in this community for more than 25 years. Prior to the 2014 election, he was the owner and principle mediator at Anderson Mediation and Conflict Management.

First elected to the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB) as trustee in 2003, MPP Anderson was later appointed chairman of the board. In his time as trustee, MPP Anderson played an integral role in ensuring the board worked within its financial means to meet students’ needs and support student success.

As well, MPP Anderson has volunteered his time in the community in a variety of other roles. He served as Vice-President of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul; was, for several years, a coach in the Clarington Boys’ Baseball League; and is a member of Courtice Rotary.

Recently, MPP Anderson was named the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education. In this role MPP Anderson engages with partners on Ontario’s Well-Being Strategy for Education, works to improve support for children with special education needs, and works to close the achievement gap and improve graduation rates for underrepresented groups of students.   

Previously, MPP Anderson served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Child and Youth Services. In his role as Parliamentary Assistant, MPP Anderson worked toward the development of a provincial Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder strategy by engaging families and affected youth, listening to their challenges and helping gather solutions. His role also included participation in the five-year review of the Child and Family Services Act.

MPP Anderson was born in Jamaica and moved to Canada when he was 13. He has a diploma in Business Administration from Seneca College and a certificate in Mediation from the University of Windsor. He has two grown children whom he says inspire him to work harder every day in his role as MPP.

MPP - Laura Albanese - York South Weston

 

 Father, we bring Laura to your throne this morning, and ask that you make yourself real and personal to her. You alone know the inner working of our hearts, the things that cause us to stop and think about You. Cause Laura to remember You. Lord, you know the challenges Laura faces today. Gift her with wisdom and knowledge to make right decisions. May she seek to recognize and honour You in everything she does. Amen.

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

Laura was first elected as a member of the Ontario Liberal Party in the Ontario General Election of October 2007 and re-elected in 2011 then again in 2014.

She currently serves as Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, in addition to her role as an MPP.

Previous roles include: Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Finance; Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier; the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; the Minister of Labour; and the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.  

In the previous 40th Parliament, Laura's duties included Deputy Government Whip and Chair of the Select Committee on Developmental Services. She was also a sitting member of the Standing Committee on Government Agencies, Standing Committee on Estimates and the Cabinet Committee on Jobs and the Economy. Laura has also served on several other Standing Committees including Chair of Justice Policy, Vice Chair of Finance and Economic Affairs, Public Accounts, Legislative Assembly and the Select Committee on the Proposed Transaction of the TNX Group and the London Stock Exchange Group. For 5 years, she was also Chair of the Toronto Caucus.

Representing a demographically and culturally diverse riding, Laura has championed policies that promote local jobs, community safety, increased services for seniors, protecting day care subsidies, and has been active in improving local health care. Working closely with the community, Laura helped to secure funding for infrastructure upgrades of local schools and has helped deliver a local stop for the UP Express (previously known as the Air Rail Link) in Weston. She has worked to support local community issues such as the community’s successful efforts for a committment from the government on the electrification of the UP Express.

In representing issues and views important to her constituency, Laura has introduced Private Members’ Bills to:

• combat booze cans and after hours serving of alcohol,

• eliminate the deduction of Old Age Security from workers compensation benefits,

• support small businesses in construction by requiring a separate WSIB premium,

• improve information given to hospitals patients about services available in the community and other health care options, 

• a Motion calling on the Province to embrace electrification,

• a Motion calling for increased safety of residential neighbourhoods close to volatile fuels operations.

Before embarking on her career in politics, Laura enjoyed a career in broadcast journalism spanning over two decades. Throughout this time, Albanese played a central role in Italian language programming, holding key responsibilities with OMNI TV in a number of capacities. Laura was best known as Co-Anchor of OMNI News: Italian Edition, a one hour daily Italian language newscast.

Laura was born in Taranto, Italy. In her youth, she moved back and forth between Canada and Italy and has been influenced by both cultures. She permanently moved to Canada in 1981 and has lived in York South-Weston ever since. She is married and is the proud mother of two adult children.

MPP - Bill Walker - Bruce Grey Owen Sound

We pray for and ask you Lord to cover in prayer this member whom you love.

We ask You Lord to help him make strong,  godly decisions, that he would be bold for things that You are concerned and care about. I pray that he would acknowledge You and You would give him strength, wisdom, discernment and peace.  We pause today to pray because we care for our members that have authority over us, and we give thanks for our government too. So Lord keep our member healthy, bless his wife Michaela and their two sons, may they all feel your presence in their lives and Your Love. Asking these things in your precious name Jesus, Amen.

Bill is the Progressive Conservative MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound having been re-elected on June 12, 2014 for his second term with 47.6% of the vote.

Bill was first elected to the Ontario Legislature on Oct. 6, 2011, capturing 47 per cent of the popular vote to become the new member for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound.

Bill has served as the Progressive Conservative Critic for Children and Youth Services. Previously, he served as Deputy Health Critic for Rural and Northern Ontario. As Opposition critic, he was responsible for providing advice or criticism to ensure that government programs and legislation were achieving their intended purpose.

Prior to his election to serve in the 40th parliament, Bill worked as Operations Manager at Bruce Power, and was Executive Director at the Bruce Peninsula Health Services Foundation where he led a successful campaign to raise $3 million for the Lion’s Head and Wiarton Hospitals.

Bill was born and raised in Hepworth where he developed a strong sense of family values and a deep appreciation for our rural heritage. For this reason, Bill has long been active in Grey and Bruce, committing his time to social and economic causes. He has served on the popular Wiarton Willie Festival, Heart and Stroke Foundation and Bluewater Education Foundation.

Bill and his wife Michaela have two boys, Zach and Ben. In his spare time, Bill is a practicing amateur auctioneer and a minor sports coach for various local teams