Lord today we lift up Hon Don McRae – we pray for wisdom, discernment and peace for him. We ask in Jesus name that you unfold the plans you have for his riding. We ask for your protection on his marriage and daughters as he is away and serving your people. May you give him strength to make the tough decisions each day to further your Kingdom. Amen
Don McRae was elected on May 12, 2009 as MLA for the riding of Comox Valley. From June 2013 to January 2015 he served as Minister of Social Development and Social Innovation. He had previously served as Minister of Education, Minister of Agriculture, and Convener of the Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs.
Don also served as Convener of the Select Standing Committee on Aboriginal Affairs and was a member of the Select Standing Committee on Children and Youth, the Select Standing Committee on Health and the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services.
Don was born and raised in the Comox Valley. For 14 years he taught at GP Vanier Secondary School. Aside from teaching Social Studies, Military History, and Psychology, he has also served as a rugby coach, athletic director, department chair, and Staff Leadership Committee Chair.
Don has served as a Courtenay City Councillor for seven years. During his time on council, he has served as a municipal director for both the Comox Strathcona Regional District and the newly restructured Comox Valley Regional District. He has also been a member of the Comox Strathcona Hospital Board, vice-chair of the Comox Valley Sewer and Water Committees, and numerous community organizations and boards. In 2008, he was also appointed by Premier Campbell to the Citizen’s Conservation Council.
He is an avid jogger and enjoys hiking and fly fishing. Don has been married to his wife Deanne for 14 years and they have two daughters, Gracie and Chloe.