Deannne Crother MLA - St. James

Dear Lord, Be with, protect and provide for Hon. Deanne. Father guide her thoughts and may she see clearly the direction she needs to take for the sake of her constituency. May her family not lack in any form. In Jesus name.

Deanne brings to the legislature a passion for making St. James an even better, more affordable place for families. As the new MLA for St. James, she looks forward to working as part of Greg Selinger’s team to keep providing the community with hard working and effective representation.

Deanne is a teacher who appreciates the importance of education to today’s families and communities. She specializes in literacy and English as an additional language. For the past five years, she has worked with adults who have lost their jobs to improve their literacy skills before re-entering the job market. Prior to this, she worked as an adult literacy instructor to help them obtain their GED diplomas while improving their reading, writing and math skills.

Deanne’s volunteer activities include helping women new to Canada by teaching English and helping them adjust to life in Manitoba.

http://todaysndp.ca/mla/deanne-crothers

Hon Dave Chomiak MLA - Kildonan

Dear Lord, We ask that your grace be made available as Honourable Dave Chomiak makes decisions that affects his family and constituency.We also ask that you bless him, his family and riding.

Minister of mineral resources
Minister charged with the administration of the Gaming Control Act

Dave Chomiak was born in Winnipeg's North End and resides in the West Kildonan area.

He has been the MLA for Kildonan since 1990. Most recently, he was appointed the Minister of Mineral Resources by Premier Greg Selinger on October 18, 2013.
Prior to that Mr. Chomiak was a lawyer in private practice. He also served as Executive Assistant to former premier Ed Schreyer.

Dave Chomiak has served on the boards of the Hoosli Ukrainian Male Choir, Ed Schreyer's Canadian Shield Foundation, and the Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre. He has been active in the Rusalka Dance Ensemble and the Big Brothers Association of Manitoba.

While in Opposition, Mr. Chomiak served as the New Democratic Party Critic for Health and the Critic for Education and Justice. As part of the Doer government he served as Minister of Health from 1999 to 2004, when he was appointed to the Energy, Science and Technology portfolio. In 2006, he was named Minister of Justice and Attorney General. He worked in this post until 2009. Then Premier Selinger appointed Mr. Chomiak the Minister of Innovation, Energy, and Mines, where he served for four years.

Hon. Kevin Chief MLA - Point Douglas

Dear Lord, We ask because You know of Hon. Kevin's appointment, Lord may what You desire for the area he represents come to fruition through his leadership. May Your spirit and love cover him so he may in-turn work through love for his constituency. In Jesus Name.

Minister of Jobs and the Economy
Minister responsible for the City of Winnipeg

Kevin is a proud life-long resident of Winnipeg’s North End and was elected Member of the Legislative Assembly for Point Douglas on October 4, 2011. He was appointed Minister of Children and Youth Opportunities in 2012, and Minister responsible for the City of Winnipeg by Premier Greg Selinger on October 18, 2013.
Kevin attended Strathcona Elementary School, Isaac Newton Junior High and Tec Voc High School. He graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a Bachelor Degree with a major in Justice and Law Enforcement and a minor in Physical Activity and Sport Study. He is currently working on his Masters of Education.

Kevin is a dedicated and dynamic community leader, involved with numerous boards and committees from local to national levels. He is also a sought-after speaker on the topic of the importance of education and leadership development for youth. He received the Manitoba Premier’s Volunteer Service Award in 2009 and was awarded the Future Leaders of Manitoba Award for Community Service in 2010. He is also a recipient of the Manitoba Hydro Spirit of the Earth Award.

Kevin has held many professional positions in the areas of youth development and education, including Coordinator of the Innovative Learning Centre at the University of Winnipeg, Director of the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre and Community Networker with the River East Transcona School Division. He has served as a board and committee member for many local and national organizations.

An accomplished athlete, Kevin is a two-time First Team Great Canadian Athletic Conference All Star and a three-time member of the All Manitoba Team for the Manitoba High School Athletic Association. An active member of a square dance troupe, Kevin regularly performs throughout Manitoba.

Kevin and his wife Melanie were married in July 2009. They are raising their son Hayden, born in 2010, in the Point Douglas area.

www.kevinchief.ca

Hon. Drew Caldwell MLA - Brandon East

God Thankyou for the time that Drew has given to you, in helping those less fortunate. Help people to come alongside him with hands of service, hearts of love and compassion and financial aid where needed. In Jesus name.

Minister of Municipal Government

"I’m proud to work for Brandon East to deliver funding for new infrastructure, health care, education and our neighbourhoods – so we can keep Brandon moving forward. I am equally proud that Brandon East is always open to help all people in times of need."

Drew is a strong representative for Brandon, working for improved health care, great schools, affordable housing and more opportunities for young people. He has served as Minister of Education, Training and Youth, and Minister of Family Services and Housing. He is currently the legislative assistant to Premier Greg Selinger.

Before his election to the Manitoba Legislature, Drew was a three-term city councilor for the historic downtown Rosser Ward in Brandon. He was first elected to Brandon City Council in 1992, re-elected in 1995 and acclaimed in 1998. He was a founding director of the Brandon Regional Health Authority. Drew also served elected terms on the Board of Directors of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities, the Manitoba Association of Urban Municipalities and the Union of Manitoba Municipalities.

http://todaysndp.ca/mla/drew-caldwell

Stuart Briese MLA - Agassiz

God please direct Stuart in all that he does. Help him to honor you with his time and give him wisdom to be able to accomplish the things you have for him to do. In Jesus name amen.


Stu has been the MLA for Ste. Rose since May 2007 and will be the Progressive Conservative candidate for the new Agassiz Constituency in the October 4, 2011 provincial Election.

Stu has four grown children and one grandchild. He owned and operated a mixed farm in the Neepawa area for many years.

Stu served on the RM of Langford council for 20 years and served as director, vice president and president of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities. He also served three years as a director on the board of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

Stu has been critic for Family Services and the critic for Local Government and Emergency Measures Organization. He has also served as critic for Advanced Education. Stu is also Deputy Caucus Chair.

http://www.pcmanitoba.com/stuart_briese_mla

Erna Braun MLA - Rossmere

God please come alongside Erna as she works with children in various capacities. I pray that she spends time with you so she can know what you want her to instill in the families in the community she represents. Thank you for her love for  children and her years committed to you through the church community. In Jesus name.

Minister of Labour and Immigration

Erna was first elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Rossmere in 2007. She was appointed Minister of Labour and Immigration by Premier Greg Selinger on October 18, 2013.

A long-time resident of North Kildonan, Erna attended Springfield Heights School and River East Collegiate. The North Kildonan Community Club was a centre of activity where Erna played on the girls’ softball team, attended many teen dances and skated on the ice rinks in the winter.

Erna attended the University of Manitoba where she received a Bachelor of Home Economics. In her final year, she worked with a women’s community group helping them learn to sew for their children. This sparked an interest in teaching and she enrolled in the Faculty of Education, where she earned her Teaching Certificate, followed by a Bachelor of Education.

Erna’s teaching career has spanned 34 years, with 31 spent in the Winnipeg School Division. Erna has taught Home Economics – Clothing, Child Development, Family Studies and Nutrition. Her last teaching assignment was at the Adolescent Parent Centre, an alternative program in which young mothers are able to complete their high school education.

An active member of the teaching profession, she served on the executives of the Manitoba Home Economics Teachers’ Association and The Winnipeg Teachers’ Association (WTA). Erna was elected WTA President in 1989-90 and 2005-2007. She also served on the Provincial Executive of The Manitoba Teachers’ Society during the late 1990s. Erna was also recognized for her work on curriculum and was seconded for three years in the mid-1990s to the Department of Education as Curriculum Consultant for Home Economics and Skills for Independent Living.

Erna is a member of the First Mennonite Church. She has had a long-standing commitment to her church, having been a Sunday School teacher in the past. Currently, Erna is a member of the women’s group “Evergreen Circle” as well as the Ministerial Council as Head Deacon.

Erna served as NDP caucus chair from June 2008 until 2011. She also chaired the Special Committee for Senate Reform of the Legislative Assembly.

http://www.yourmanitoba.ca/caucus2010/mla?constituency=Rossmere

Hon. Sharon Blady MLA - Kirkfield Park

God please be with Sharon as she gives of herself to help make the future of our children better. Multiply her time so she can give her own kids the time and love they need. Help her with her commitments to the community at large. In Jesus name.

Minister of Health

Sharon was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Kirkfield Park on May 22, 2007 and was re-elected on October 4, 2011. She was appointed Minister of Healthy Living and Seniors by Premier Greg Selinger on October 18, 2013.

Sharon has deep roots in the community, where she attended Buchanan Elementary, Hedges Junior High and Silver Heights Collegiate. She is proud to be raising her two boys in the neighbourhood, where they have attended École Bannatyne, Golden Gate and Silver Heights/Sturgeon Heights Collegiate.

Sharon has taken on various additional roles since being elected. She served on several government committees, including as president of the Manitoba section of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie (L’assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie). She was also an Energy Committee member for the Midwestern Legislators' Conference.

Prior to her election, Sharon was an educator, decolonization scholar and published author, focusing on the art, history and gender relations of First Peoples in Canada and working for social justice for women and Aboriginal peoples. Sharon has over 15 years’ experience teaching at post-secondary institutions across Canada, including teaching in the Joint Baccalaureate Nursing Program and the Inner City Social Work Program at the University of Manitoba. She also designed and taught introductory courses for the Gender and Women’s Studies Program at Brandon University.

Sharon brings her experience as an activist and a mother to her role as MLA for Kirkfield Park. With her involvement on parent councils and the Block Parent program, as well as with social justice and environmental groups like the University of Manitoba Recycling and Environmental Group and the Western Canada Wilderness Committee, she has brought energy and commitment to providing a better future for our children, our community, and our planet.

http://yourmanitoba.ca/caucus2010/mla?constituency=Kirkfield%20Park

Hon. Peter Bjornson MLA - Gimli

God please direct Peter in his work with the community of Gimli. Thank you for his work with the education of our youth. Help him to make decisions that are honouring to you. Be with him as he helps young people train to find their skill-set and passion in their life's work. In Jesus name.

Minister of Education and Advanced Learning

“I care about what you care about. Making life affordable, creating opportunities and making sure services are there when you need them.”

Peter Bjornson was elected in the June 2003 general election, re-elected in 2007, and again in 2011. He was appointed the Minister of Education, Citizenship and Youth by Premier Gary Doer in 2003 and re-appointed after the 2007 election. In November 2009, he became Minister of Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade under Premier Greg Selinger. Finally, on October 18, 2013, he was appointed Minister of Housing and Community Development.

A teacher by profession, Peter devoted 13 years of his life to his students before entering politics. Peter's involvement at the scholastic level has included coaching volleyball and basketball, assisting with student council, and participating in the drug and alcohol policy, school improvement, and discipline committees. A teacher advocate and member of the Evergreen Teachers' Association Executive, Peter served as president in 1996.

Peter has also served as a councilor for the Town of Gimli where he gained valuable experience in local governance. During his term from 1998 to 2002, Gimli saw many improvements made and initiatives undertaken such as upgrades to recreational facilities and other infrastructure projects, including the harbour park development and a new public works facility. During his term, Peter was a key player in the historic municipal merger between the Town and RM of Gimli. There was also a reduction in municipal taxes during his time on council. A young entrepreneur, Peter ran a successful small business for 15 years.

During his six years as Minister of Education, Peter substantially advanced Inclusive Education and Aboriginal Academic Achievement initiatives and initiated the Education for Sustainable Development grant program. He also increased funding for a number of important programs and put forth many innovations in curriculum and resource supports, including Safe Schools, Assessment for Learning, mandatory physical education and nutrition policies, amongst many others.

Peter was raised in a household where community service wasn't unique or exceptional, but expected. He has served on the Gimli and District Restitution and Reconciliation Committee for Youth Justice and was president of the Kinsmen Club of Gimli. Peter was also co-chair for two Kinsmen projects that raised capital funds for a new health centre. Furthermore, Peter has represented the town of Gimli on the Gimli Recreation Society, the Icelandic Festival Committee, the Gimli Youth Advisory Board, the Western Canada Summer Games, the Gimli Fire Committee, the Gimli Harbour Committee and the Canada Day Committee. He also served as chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Committee.

Peter's innovative teaching methods, curiosity, and desire for excellence have been recognized through numerous awards such as the Queen's Jubilee Medal, the Governor General's Award for Excellence in Teaching Canadian History (2000 & 2003) and the Prime Minister's Award in 2001. Peter's awareness of history and its impact on our province as well as events that may shape our future make him an excellent MLA to represent the constituency of Gimli.

http://www.yourmanitoba.ca/caucus2010/mla?constituency=Gimli

Steve Ashton MLA - Thompson

God be with Steve as he works with such a variety of initiatives, that he will have an effect with the health care industry as well as proper policing for native communities. Give him favor in people's eyes, and yours. In Jesus name.

Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation
Minister responsible for Emergency Measures

Steve was first elected to the Manitoba Legislature in 1981. He has been re-elected eight consecutive times. Before Premier Greg Selinger appointed Steve as the Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation, he served as the Minister of Conservation, the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister responsible for Emergency Measures, and in November 2003 he was named Minister of Water Stewardship, a department solely committed to water issues and the first such department to be created in Canada.
Steve is also the minister responsible for Emergency Measures, and has worked hard to protect homes and communities from last year’s historic flooding.

http://www.steveashton.ca/About

Rob Altemeyer MLA - Wolseley

God please be with Rob as he protects our environment. Help him find ways, through his training, to keep this world healthy and strong in thanks to you, for this beautiful gift of life on this earth we have been given. In Jesus name

BIOGRAPHY

Rob was first elected 2003 and re-elected in 2007. He is honoured to represent the diverse and dynamic neighbourhoods of West Broadway, St. Matthew’s, Armstrong Point, Spence and Wolseley. Rob’s priorities at the legislature reflect the priorities of his constituents, including green initiatives and poverty reduction.
Rob’s extensive background working on environmental issues led Premier Selinger to appoint Rob as the Legislative Assistant to both the Minister of Housing and Community Development and the Minister of Conservation. Rob also serves as a Deputy Chair to the Committee of the Whole in the Legislative Chamber.

http://todaysndp.ca/mla/rob-altemeyer

Jon Gerrard MLA - River Heights

Heavenly Father we thank you for the Honorable member from River Heights, Jon Gerrard. He has a passion to serve his constituents. We ask that as he serves that there would come a deep conviction and awareness that you have place him in this role for a purpose that is bigger than himself. Reveal your love to him and give him the mercy and grace he needs to lead with your heart. In the name of Jesus we ask, Amen

BIOGRAPHY

Jon Gerrard’s diverse career offers a multitude of strengths to his leadership position. As a scientist and researcher, medicine has been a dominant thread in his career. Gerrard’s lifelong passion for politics encouraged a career change where yet again, he has daily opportunities  to make a difference.
Jon was born in 1947. Dr. Gerrard obtained a BA in Economics from the University of Saskatchewan (1967), MD from McGill University, Montreal (1971), and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. In 1976, Dr. Gerrard received his Certificate in Pediatrics from the American Academy of Pediatrics. He became a fellow of the Royal College of Canada (pediatrics) in 1982.

Gerrard is an internationally recognized researcher and physician. He has a rich publication history that explores medicine, science and the environment. From 1985 to 1992, Gerrard led a multidisciplinary team in the care and treatment of Manitoba children with cancer as head of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Children’s Hospital in Winnipeg.

Jon Gerrard’s political career began when he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Portage-Interlake. While on Parliament Hill his positions as Secretary of State for Science and Technology (1993 – 1997) and Western Economic Diversification (1996 – 1997) provided him with opportunities to promote research, technology, economic growth, job opportunities and a better future for Canadians. Dr. Gerrard made the switch to provincial politics in September of 1999, when he was elected MLA for River Heights.
Gerrard has been a strong voice for the Liberal perspective in the legislature. His unique perspective, creative problem solving skills, down to business approach and extraordinary work ethic make him an exceptional and responsive MLA.

A diverse background including science and technology, health care and education, economics and the environment is an invaluable resource to bring to the office of the leader. Jon’s understanding and experience of Manitoba’s rural and urban life and knowledge of politics and government management in cabinet and federal arenas set him apart.

http://jongerrardmla.ca/

Hon. James Allum MLA - Fort Garry - Riverview

God please guide James as he stands for the people of Fort Garry/Riverview area. Help them to feel that they are represented with respect and care of their needs and see your plans come to fruition in these areas. In Jesus name.

Minister of Justice and Attorney General
Minister responsible for Constitutional Affairs
Minister charged with the administration of the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation Act

James was elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Fort Garry-Riverview on October 4, 2011 following a fifteen-year career with the City of Winnipeg. He was appointed Minister of Education and Advanced Learning by Premier Greg Selinger on October 18, 2013.

James moved to Winnipeg in 1996 to work at the City of Winnipeg Archives, which houses one of the finest municipal archival collections in Canada. In 2001, James joined the CAO (Chief Administrative Officer) Secretariat where he served in a variety of positions including Corporate Projects Officer, Executive Assistant and Policy Advisor to the CAO, Acting Environmental Coordinator, and Senior Consultant in Strategic Management. His last post was as the Manager of Aboriginal Initiatives in the Office of the CAO.

James completed a BA and MA at Trent University in Peterborough, where he won the Governor General’s Gold Medal for Academic Achievement in 1988. He holds a PhD in Canadian and Environmental History from Queen’s University. In addition to writing the first PhD thesis in Environmental History at Queen’s, he has published a variety of articles and book reviews over the years.

James is active in the local academic, educational, heritage and political communities. He taught part-time in the Department of History at the University of Winnipeg from 1999 to 2006 and served as Chair of the Manitoba Heritage Council from 2002 to 2006. In 2008, he was named Chair of the Council on Post-secondary Education for the Province of Manitoba.

He is a former board member of the Riverview Community Club and convener for Riverview in the Pembina Trail Hockey Association. He is also the founder of the Connecting Communities Project, which encourages mutual aid and support between neighbourhoods in Winnipeg. A well-known advocate for active transportation and green commuting, James is also an avid sports fan and participant with an intense interest in hockey, baseball, football, and golf. He and his wife Susan have three adult children and are proud to call Winnipeg home.

http://www.yourmanitoba.ca/caucus2010/mla?constituency=Fort%20Garry%20-%20Riverview

Nancy Allan MLA - St. Vital

God I pray for Nancy as she is working with daycares, drug-rehab programs and even motion picture industries. She has such a vast set of responsibilities that need to be guided by your hand. Help her to care about honouring you and have grace for those who need it, while implementing programs that also need strict guidelines. In Jesus name.

• First elected in 1999
• Served in cabinet from 2003 to 2013
• Avid supporter of education, entrepreneurship and environmental issues

Nancy Allan was first elected to the Manitoba Legislature in 1999 as the MLA for St. Vital and re-elected in 2003, 2007 and 2011. In November 2003, she was appointed the Minister of Labour and Immigration, Minister responsible for Multiculturalism, the Workers Compensation Board, and Status of Women. In November 2009, Nancy was appointed the Minister of Education under Premier Greg Selinger where she served until 2013.
Prior to 2003, she was a member of the Legislative Assembly Management Commission and participated on the Task Force for Graduated Drivers Licenses. Nancy also served as the Legislative Assistant to the Minister of Education and Youth, and to the Minister of Culture, Heritage and Tourism.

Nancy served as a school trustee in the Norwood School Division and as Chair of the St. Boniface School Division Finance Committee. She was on the Amalgamation Steering Committee for the Norwood and St. Boniface School Divisions, which amalgamated in 1998.
Prior to being elected, she managed Nancy Allan Associates, which provided fund development and strategic planning services to small businesses and non-profit organizations. Her experience as a business owner and expertise in the non-profit sector gave her the opportunity to work with many community organizations.

Nancy was the Director of Development for the Canadian Diabetes Association and also served as the Executive Director of the Manitoba Motion Picture Industries Association. She was Chair of the Board of the Winnipeg International Children's Festival and received a Premier's Volunteer Service Award for her commitment to this organization. She also taught two Continuing Education courses at the University of Winnipeg on fund development.

In her community, Nancy has fostered relationships with daycares, tenant associations, seniors, youth, business organizations and the intersectoral social agencies. She has also implemented and supported a Drug Awareness Working Group, which works in the community to develop youth programming. Nancy is involved with environmental issues within the community and is proud of the work done by Save Our Seine and Bishop Grandin Greenway.

Nancy and her husband have two children.

http://todaysndp.ca/mla/nancy-allan