MLA: Cameron Friesen - Morden-Winkler

Father we thank you for MLA Cameron Friesen and for the work he does for our province. We pray that he would be overwhelmed by your love and goodness and that he would be encouraged daily as he continues to serve his community. We pray that you would bless him and his family with peace and joy and unity as they journey together. And that he would continue to prosper through every step, and every decision he makes. In Jesus name, Amen.

After being elected as MLA for Morden—Winkler, Cameron assumed the role of Critic for Education.  Under the new PC Leader Brian Pallister, Cameron moves to the role of Health Critic. 

Cameron was previously Executive Assistant to the Member of Parliament for Portage—Lisgar, working with local stakeholders to enhance and grow the Morden—Winkler region. He was liaison to local government, business and industry, and resolved issues for employees and employers, new Canadians, seniors, community organizations and farmers.

Cameron’s twelve-year teaching career included positions in Winnipeg, Steinbach and Morden school divisions. He built solid programs through a commitment to fundamentals like measurable outcomes and meaningful assessment of learners, gaining the respect of students, peers and the community, and earning a reputation as a hardworking educator and advocate for music education in the public school system.

Cameron is dedicated to life-long learning; he holds degrees from CMBC, University of British Columbia and University of Manitoba and has completed courses in the management and administration program at University of Winnipeg.

Cameron was born and raised in Morden. He and Shelley have been married for 20 years. Their love of the area and commitment to community and family brought them back home ten years ago, where they are now proudly raising their three children.

www.cameronfriesen.ca

MLA: Wayne Ewasko - Lac Du Bonnet

God I thank you for MLA Wayne Ewasko. I pray Lord, that you would surround him today and in the coming days with Your wisdom and guidance. May his thoughts and plans be established by You. Give him the ability to discern what is of real value. May he be filled with compassion and be aware of the needs of the people in his constituency and how to meet them. Bless his family members. And may he win favor and a good name with all people. Amen.

Wayne has grown up in the Brokenhead area on a small farm South West of Beausejour. He graduated from Edward Schreyer School in Beausejour, went on to the University of Manitoba and obtained his Bach. Of Education degree, Post Baccalaureate degree in Education and is currently working towards his Masters.  

Wayne married his Highschool sweetheart Tracey and they have two wonderful sons, Brayden and Jarvis.  

Wayne has owned a business for 24 years and has been teaching for the past 15 years in Sunrise School Division where he is currently a Guidance Counsellor. He has earned many professional Certificates over the past several years, Manitoba Emergency Evacuation Certificate as well as the Assist Suicide Prevention Training to name a couple. Wayne also received the Teacher of Distinction Award from Brandon University in 2008

HE has volunteered on many Divisional, Provincial and community committees/organizations. He has served as the President of the Beausejour Curling Club, PD Chair for the Agassiz School Division, Public Relations Chair for the Community Resource Center Network for Change, Youth Director for the Beausejour Knights of Columbus for the past 8 years organizing many youth activities within the area.

Wayne has supported the development of grassroots learning initiatives in our community. The Edward Schreyer Credit Union which was the second ever school run financial institution in Manitoba & still stands as a model for other schools. ESS also has the first ever Curling Academy Curricula in Manitoba that Wayne played an integral part in its’ development and inception with partnerships with Curl Manitoba and the Beausejour Curling Club. The 2010/11 school year saw 70 students study curling because of this initiative and partnership.

He had coached many local sport teams over the years; Curling, Hockey, Baseball, Soccer and Lacrosse.

Wayne’s hobbies and interests include; curling, golf, swimming, fishing, camping and spending time with his family and friends.

MLA: Ralph Eichler - Lakeside

Ralph was elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly in June, 2003.

He is a long time resident of the Lakeside area with strong ties to the community and local businesses.

Ralph believes that building a healthy and sustainable rural economy is essential. He foresees future prosperity in Lakeside with a thriving agricultural economy, expanding tourist industry and improved infrastructure.

For eight years, Ralph served as the Administrator of the Interlake School Division and remains committed to building opportunities for youth. He believes that with strong leadership, accountability and vision, we will see community growth and stability in Manitoba.

Ralph’s dedication to the people of the Lakeside constituency is instantly recognizable by his continual involvement in community service. He volunteers his time to many community organizations in various capacities.

Father, thank you for MLA Ralph Eichler.  I ask you to bless him and surround him with people to encourage and bless him in his role.  Fill him Father, with your wisdom, and your love.  Thank you Father.  Amen.

He was an active member of a variety of organizations including the Teulon and Area Lions Club and the Stonewall Royal Canadian Legion Branch 52. Ralph and his family are active members of their local church.

In the past, Ralph served as Board Director of the Prairie Implements Manufacturers’ Association (PIMA), Board Chairman of Neicom Developments, an original Director of the Teulon Green Acres Park Board, President of the Interlake Riding Club, supporter of the Handivan Committee, Treasurer of the Teulon Kinsmen Club, member of the Interlake Community Foundation Board and Treasurer of the Teulon Golf and Country Club.

Ralph understands the struggles of livestock producers, having raised both purebred Simmentals and a commercial herd. He is the past owner/operator of Prairie Farm and Ranch Supply, a major manufacturer and importer/exporter of livestock handling equipment. While a business owner, he successfully initiated the global marketing of an innovative Manitoba agricultural invention called “The Stockdoctor”. He currently owns Ray’s Auction Service.

Ralph was elected, by his peers, on January 16, 2010 as a Director to the State Agriculture Rural Leaders (SARL) Board representing Canada, USA and Mexico. Ralph attends, on a regular basis, the Legislative Agriculture Chairs Summit. Here, he works together with senior US state agriculture legislators, Canadian provincial Ministers, and elected officials to discuss and develop agriculture policy and to exchange best practices.

Ralph and his wife Gail have two sons, a daughter and son-in-law, and three grandchildren.

http://www.ralpheichler.com/

MLA: Hon. Greg Dewar- Greg Dewar

Father God, we thank You for the Hon. Greg Dewar and ask that you bless him as he serves his constituency of Selkirk.  May he receive wisdom and strength today as he makes decisions and conducts business.  And Father we pray that You would guide him and lead him as he steps into the many opportunities of decision making.  Bless him and his family with your grace and peace. – In Jesus Name, Amen 

Greg Dewar brings a wide range of experience to the table. He was born in Selkirk and raised in Cloverdale, in a farming family. He has worked on the family farm, as a steelworker and as a businessman in Selkirk. He is the grandson of Ben Massey, a past mayor of Selkirk. Greg has a BA in history.

Greg was elected as the MLA for the Selkirk in 1990 and was re-elected in 1995, 1999, 2003 and 2007. He has served as the government whip and has been a member of the caucus executive, the House Strategy committee and the Legislative Assembly Management Committee. In November 2009 Premier Selinger appointed him the Legislative Assistant to the Minister of Finance. He is also Vice-Chair of the Public Accounts Committee.

http://todaysndp.ca/mla/greg-dewar

MLA: Myrna Dreidger - Charleswood

Thank-you, Father for MLA Myrna Driedger and her strong voice as a critic for Health and Status of Women in Manitoba’s legislative assembly.  Empowering women and the protection of children are important to Ms. Driedger.  I pray Proverbs 31 over her:  “She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks, her lamp does not go out at night, she opens her arms to the poor and extends her hand to the needy….Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.  May she be clothed with strength and dignity, able to speak with wisdom.  May faithful instruction be on her tongue.”  Bless her with peace and joy in all areas of her life. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Myrna’s path in life is rooted in her strong desire to make a difference. Having served as a nurse, a leader in the area of missing and exploited children, and as an elected Member of the Legislative Assembly in Manitoba, Myrna’s many roles have reflected this calling to help make her community a better place.

Myrna is currently the Health Critic of the PC Party of Manitoba as well as the Critic for the Status of Women. She has also held a number of diverse critic roles in the past including that of Deputy Leader, Critic for Finance, Child & Family Services, and Education. During her time in government, she was the Legislative Assistant to the Minister of Health.

In 2011, Myrna was elected Chair of the Canadian Region of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians (CWP) by her peers from across the country. In September, 2012, Myrna was also elected the Vice-Chair CWP International. CWP works for better representation of women in legislatures throughout Canada and the Commonwealth.

Before entering public life, Myrna had a successful and rewarding career as a registered nurse with experience in general duty, nursing education, medical and nursing research, patient education, and nursing administration. Her nursing experience has led her to have a passionate voice for a better health care system.

As President and Executive Director of Child Find Manitoba, Myrna was a leading advocate for the protection of children. Her fierce determination and leadership were the driving force behind the early development of Child Find Manitoba, which is now recognized across Canada as a central player in child protection issues.

Myrna’s professional achievements have earned her recognition on the “Canadian Who’s Who” list as well as the “Who’s Who of Canadian Women”. For service to her community, Myrna was presented the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal.

Not afraid to take on a challenge, Myrna is a strong voice for health, education, justice, and economic issues, and is a champion of youth, seniors’ and women’s issues. Her persistence, as well as her strong belief in the power and ability of women, led to the establishment of the Nellie McClung Foundation and the memorial on the grounds of the Manitoba Legislature.

Myrna and her husband, Hal live in Charleswood with their two sons, Rhys and Curtis. She enjoys cooking, gardening, photography, and the occasional round of golf.

http://www.myrnadriedger.com/

MLA: Cliff Cullen - Spruce Woods

God, thank-you for MLA Cliff Cullen and for the plans and purposes that You have set for him.  As he works hard to serve his community I pray that You would grant him endurance and encouragement.  Surround him with people who will spur him on.  Grant him wisdom and discretion in times of conflict and opposition and peace that passes earthly understanding.  Bless and protect his family too, dear Lord, may their love and devotion to each other be ever increasing.  In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Cliff is the Caucus representative for the Manitoba Legislative Internship Program.

Cliff Cullen was born and raised on a grain and cattle farm near Wawanesa and graduated from the University of Manitoba with a diploma in agriculture. He was first elected MLA for Spruce Woods in 2004 and was re-elected in 2007 and 2011. 

He has been involved in his community for many years, serving as captain of the volunteer fire department and volunteering on various community boards such as the Glenboro Community Development Corporation, Community Round Table, Glenboro Curling Club and the Glenboro United Church.

Cliff is an ardent activist for the environment. He has held the position of president of the Manitoba Weed Supervisors Association and the provincial manager of the Association for a Clean Rural Environment.

Cliff and his wife Marilyn, a Grade 5 & 6 teacher at the Glenboro School, have three sons: Braydon, Addison and Colby. 

www.cliffcullen.ca