In 2009, I was named the Top Walker in the HIV Edmonton AIDS Walk for Life. I donated my prize to Annabelle Wright, who has walked in 16 of 18 AIDS Walks for Life. Annabelle and her friend Nancy Critchley spent an amazing weekend in NYC in May 2010.
This year I have been challenged by another walker for some friendly competition. My goal for this year's walk is $4000.00.
Please click on the link below to donate to help me in this challenge for this wonderful cause.
Ottawa, ON- Laurie Hawn, MP for Edmonton Centre will leave for Holland tonight with members of the Canadian Forces (CF) to participate in the 94th Annual Four Day Marches.
“I’m honoured to go in support of our troops and to pay respect to the history and traditions of the Canadian Forces,” said MP Hawn. “As well, I want to go to commemorate the 65th Anniversary of the liberation of Holland during World War Two.”
The Four Day Marches were first established in 1909 by the Dutch King as a means to promote leadership, stamina, and teamwork within the Dutch Army. Since then, the marches have broadened to include civilians and have grown in numbers such that today some 45,000 civilians and military participate. It has grown into the biggest marching event in the world.
In preparation for the strenuous four day, 180 km march, MP Hawn started training in March and since then has walked over 1000 kms through the streets of Edmonton and Ottawa. He has lost approximately 30 lbs. over his training period and is in great shape for the event.
“I am proud to march with the 200 Canadian Forces Members who have trained hard in preparation for this event,” said MP Hawn. “The satisfaction of completing this grueling test of endurance is worth all the time and effort that goes into preparing for it. The highlight of the four days will be during the victory march, where over a million people will shower flowers and gratitude on Canada for our efforts during World War Two.”
In addition of attending the Four Day Marches in Holland, MP Hawn and the entire contingent of the CF will be going to Vimy Ridge on Sunday, July 18, 2010. They will be paying respect for those who lost and sacrificed their lives in the battle of Vimy Ridge.
For those wanting to follow MP Hawn’s travels, there will be daily updates on his Twitter and Facebook pages.
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For more information or to schedule an interview with Mr. Hawn, please contact Drew Ostash at (613) 992-4524.
Ottawa, ON- Laurie Hawn, MP for Edmonton Centre swore an oath to fulfill the necessary security requirements yesterday, to carry out his commitment as the Government representative chosen to serve on the Afghanistan document committee.
“It’s a tremendous honour and privilege to be selected by the Prime Minster to carry out such an important task for our country,” said MP Hawn. “I look forward to the opportunity to bring some resolution to this issue.”
A panel, consisting of three judges, will act as arbiters, advising a three-member committee of MPs on how to disclose "relevant and necessary" information to the public in a manner that does not jeopardize national security. The rulings of the judicial panel on the disclosure of documents will be "final and unreviewable."
Mr. Hawn sits on the Standing Committee on National Defence (SCOND) and the Special Committee on the Mission in Afghanistan. Mr. Hawn has been to Afghanistan six times since being elected as an MP and was appointed as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence. Prior to being elected as an MP, Hawn served for 31 years in the Air Force, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel.
Tens of thousands of uncensored pages relating to Canada's handling of Afghan detainees will be examined by the security-cleared committee of MPs in the upcoming weeks and months.
“While a great deal of my time will be dedicated to closely reviewing these documents, I can assure my constituents that I will continue to attend as many weekend events as possible this summer,” said MP Hawn.
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For more information or to schedule an interview with Mr. Hawn, please contact Drew Ostash at (613) 992-4524.
It’s a great pleasure for me, as your Member of Parliament, to bring Canada Day greetings to the people of Edmonton Centre.
In these uncertain times, remember that we still live in the best country in the world and we can look forward to a prosperous and secure future, if we work together.
Let’s give thanks today to those Canadians who have brought us this far and to those who are serving Canada aboard, and their families.
From my family to yours, please have a great Canada Day and a safe and happy summer.
Ottawa, ON- Yesterday, the Senate of Canada adopted at Third Reading Bill C-268, An Act to amend the Criminal Code (minimum sentence for offences involving trafficking of persons under the age of eighteen years). The legislation will now be sent to the Governor General of Canada for Royal Assent.
Bill C-268 will amend Canada’s Criminal Code to introduce a new human trafficking offence specifically addressing child traffickers. The new law will provide a minimum sentence of five years imprisonment for anyone convicted of trafficking a minor in Canada and a minimum of six years imprisonment for cases with aggravating factors.
Bill C-268 was introduced on January 29, 2009, by Joy Smith, Conservative Member of Parliament for Kildonan – St. Paul, Bill C-268 has attracted broad national support. On September 30, 2009, Bill C-268 was adopted by the House of Commons with the bi-partisan support of Conservative and Liberal MPs and most NDP MPs. On October 1, 2009, Bill C-268 was first introduced into the Senate and was sponsored by Senator Yonah Martin.
“With the passage of Bill C-268, it sends a clear message that child traffickers will receive sentences that reflect the severity of this grave offence,” said MP Hawn.
The demand for Bill C-268 arose from a number of human trafficking convictions involving minors where the offender received insignificant sentences. For example, Michael Lennox Mark was convicted on November 10, 2008, for selling a 17- year-old girl for sex. He received a two- year sentence but only spent a week in jail following after his conviction due to the credit of pre-trial custody.
“Human trafficking violates victims’ human rights and offends the most basic values of a free and democratic society,” states MP Hawn. “The passage of this legislation will send a strong message that those who participate in these crimes will be dealt with accordingly.”
Today, Minister Toews, Senator Boisvenu and Senator Carignan announced legislation to end the early release of criminals and increase offender accountability, while strengthening the rights of victims.
Our Government agrees with Canadians – the corrections and conditional release system should put public safety first. The punishment should fit the crime, and the rights of criminals should not come ahead of the rights of victims and law-abiding citizens.
The proposed legislation would abolish the current system of Accelerated Parole Review, which allows white-collar criminals and others convicted of “non-violent offenses” to obtain day parole after serving one-sixth of their sentence and full parole after serving one-third.
The proposed amendments would also:
make the protection of society the paramount principle of the system
enshrine in law the right of victims to participate in parole board hearings, and keep victims better informed about the behaviour and handling of offenders
move toward a system of earned parole, by increasing offender responsibility and accountability and strengthening the disciplinary system
authorize police to arrest an offender breaking release conditions, without having to obtain a warrant
emphasize the importance of considering the seriousness of an offence, in National Parole Board decision-making.
Our government is taking further action to keep our streets and communities safe, and to strengthen Canadians’ faith in our justice and corrections systems.
Statistics Canada reported this morning that 24,700 new jobs were created in May, the fifth straight month of job gains. The unemployment rate is 8.1%.
Canada’s continued job creation is further proof that Canada’s Economic Action Plan is working. May represents the eighth month of job gains in the past ten months. In fact, since July of last year Canada has created almost 310,000 new jobs.
Earlier this week, Statistics Canada announced Canada’s economy grew 6.1 % in the 1st quarter of 2010, representing the strongest quarterly rate of economic growth in a decade. With numbers like this, it is not surprising that the influential magazine The Economist recently called Canada an “economic star”, and the OECD said Canada’s economy “shines.”
It is encouraging to see Canada’s economy on the right track. Nonetheless, the global recovery remains fragile. That’s why we need to fully implement Canada’s Economic Action Plan
Edmonton, AB - Laurie Hawn, MP for Edmonton Centre, returned to Canada today from a week-long trip to Afghanistan with the Special Committee on the Canadian Mission in Afghanistan.
MP Hawn met with Canadian and Afghan soldiers as well as members from the Afghan National Police. He visited Sarpoza prison and Forward Operating Base Panjwai. In addition, the Committee held meetings with the Kandahar Government, Afghan MPs and Ministers.
“There was a strong message of progress and cautious optimism with a clear desire for Canada to stay in some capacity,” said MP Hawn.
MP Hawn was also in Kabul during the Peace Jirga. The Afghan peace conference has called on the government to take formal steps toward negotiating with insurgents. Around 1,500 delegates from across the country backed resolutions intended to lay groundwork for peace talks between the government and the Taliban and other militant groups.
Although there were reports of Taliban attacks, “they were greatly exaggerated and it was handled by Afghan forces with no serious threat,” said MP Hawn.
"The troops are doing terrific work and are making a real difference in the lives of the Afghan people. I know that Canadians are proud of the role that our troops are doing in Afghanistan, whether it is assisting in building schools and hospitals or providing security for their recent elections. The Committee worked very well and there will be some interesting discussion in days ahead,” said MP Hawn.
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For more information or to schedule an interview with Mr. Hawn, please contact Jordan Fraser at (613) 992-4524.
Edmonton, Alberta – The St. Catherine Community School Association is moving forward with the redevelopment of St. Catherine Playground thanks to the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job-creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
“Investing in the St. Catherine Playground will not only provide our families with an improved recreational area, but will also create immediate jobs in our community,” said Laurie Hawn, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.
Federal funding will help improve this downtown Edmonton playground, including the installation of new play structures and equipment as well as park beautification and landscaping. Once completed, the new playground will provide the community with a modern recreational area for children and families to enjoy.
The Government of Alberta is also contributing funding to assist with the upgrades to the play area through its lottery-funded Community Facility Enhancement Program. This program reinvests revenues generated from Alberta’s provincial lotteries to help empower local citizens and community organizations as they respond to local needs.
“The newly designed, barrier-free play area will give more Albertans the opportunity to be active with families and friends,” said Lindsay Blackett, Minister of Culture and Community Spirit. “I want to thank all those involved in this project for their commitment to strong and vibrant communities.”
Federal funding of $144,022 is provided through the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. Additional funding of $238,550 is provided through the Province of Alberta’s Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP), while the City of Edmonton contributed $75,000 towards the project costs.
“This investment through the Neighbourhood Park Development Program is one way the City of Edmonton works with our partners to make neighbourhoods more people-friendly, and helps create spaces where people can actively play and connect with each other,” said Lyall Brenneis, Acting General Manager of the Asset Management and Public Works Department, on behalf of Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel.
“On Behalf of the School Parent Council I would like to extend a huge thank you for your support for our playground here at St. Catherine,” said Kelleen Chopp-Lemay, Chairperson for the St. Catherine Community School Association. “This Playground is going to be a wonderful addition to our school and community and will bring many hours of play and physical activity to all of our students/children.”
The Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program will invest $500 million in recreational facilities across Canada over a two-year period. In total, Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) has approved 718 RInC projects that will use all of the funding available in the West. These projects are helping provide a temporary economic stimulus that will help reduce the impacts of the global recession while renewing, upgrading and expanding recreational infrastructure in Canadian communities.
Visit the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program in the West, or Canada's Economic Action Plan for more information
Statistics Canada reported this morning that a record 108,700 new jobs were created in April, lowering the unemployment rate to 8.1%. This is the largest monthly job gain on record.
Today’s numbers show yet again that Canada’s Economic Action Plan is working. In fact, since July of last year Canada has created some 285,000 new jobs. And the latest edition of the influential magazine The Economist calls Canada an “economic star.” While these numbers are encouraging, the global recovery remains fragile. It is for this reason that jobs and growth remain our government’s top priority.
OTTAWA, April 22, 2010 – The Honourable Rob Nicholson, P.C., Q.C., M.P. for Niagara Falls, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, and the Honourable Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu, Senator, today announced the re-introduction of legislation to end the use of house arrest for property and other serious crimes by serious and violent offenders.
“Our Government shares the common-sense belief of Canadians, that the punishment should fit the crime – especially when it comes to serious and violent offences," said Minister Nicholson. "This legislation would make it clear to the courts that those who commit serious property and violent offences will serve jail time, and house arrest will no longer be an option.”
In 2006, the Government introduced legislation to eliminate the use of conditional sentences for any offence for which there was a maximum sentence of 10 years. During the parliamentary process, that legislation was amended, removing some of the serious offences that were proposed for ineligibility. As a result, offenders convicted of some serious property and violent offences – including among other things, aggravated assault, human trafficking, luring a child, street racing causing death, arson, fraud, counterfeiting, and extortion – remain eligible for conditional sentences, including house arrest.
"Our government is taking further action to crack down on crime and to protect the safety and security of our communities," said Senator Boisvenu. “The proposed legislation would ensure that house arrest is no longer used for offences that pose a significant risk to law-abiding citizens.”
"The current legislation has not sufficiently restricted access to conditional sentences for offenders who commit serious and violent offences, including repeat offenders,” said Heidi Illingworth, Executive Director of the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime. “Victims feel distress when they see offenders, not only those responsible for their own victimization, but also those who commit other serious crimes, sentenced to ‘house arrest.’ This proposed change will address concerns that some victims and survivors of violent crime have expressed to our organization."
"Chronic and violent offenders rotate in and out of the correctional and judicial systems, creating a sense of frustration among police personnel and fostering uncertainty and fear in our communities," stated Charles Momy, President of the Canadian Police Association. "This is a positive step to address the revolving door justice system and instil meaningful and proportionate consequences for serious and violent crimes."
An online version of the legislation will be available at www.parl.gc.ca
April 15, 2010 – Laurie Hawn, MP for Edmonton Centre and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence is supportive of the Retire Your Ride program to help Canadians recycle their older, higher polluting vehicles and make sustainable transportation choices, leading to reduced air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
“I encourage owners of vehicles 1995 or older to look at this program. The Retire Your Ride program offers incentive rewards to people who wish to take their older vehicles off the road,” said MP Hawn.
In Alberta, people who wish to sign up for the program are entitled to receive either $300 cash, 12 months of transit passes for Edmonton Transit Systems, up to a $490.00 discount off the purchase of a bicycle, or savings with Auto Manufacturers on a new vehicle.
The Government of Canada has committed $92 million over four years to the Retire Your Ride program. The program is delivered in all ten provinces by Summerhill Impact, formerly the Clean Air Foundation, through a network of not-for-profit organizations. In 2009, more than more than 55,000 vehicles were registered under the Retire Your Ride program.
April 15, 2010 – Laurie Hawn, MP for Edmonton Centre and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence signed the book of condolence for Lech Kaczyñski, President of Poland and his wife, First Lady Maria Kaczyñska, many senior state officials, members of the Polish delegation and the plane crew, at the Polish Embassy in Ottawa today.
“Last week’s loss is devastating to Poland, to Canada, and to the world. President Kaczynski was a distinguished statesman who play a key role in the Solidarity movement, and was widely admired in Canada as a leader dedicated to advancing freedom and human dignity,” said MP Hawn.
The victims of the plane crash included prominent members of the Polish Armed Forces: Lieutenant General Andrzej B³asik, Commander of Air Forces; Major General Tadeusz Buk, Commander of Land Forces; Vice Admiral Andrzej Karweta, Commander of Navy; Brigadier General Kazimierz Gilarski, Commander of the Warsaw Garrison; Brigadier General Stanis³aw Komornicki, Chancellor of the Order Virtuti Militari; Lieutenant General Bronis³aw Kwiatkowski, Commander of the Polish Armed Forces Operational Command; Major General W³odzimierz Potasiñski, Commander of the Polish Special Forces; Stanis³aw Komorowski, Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of National Defence; and Tadeusz P³oski, Field Bishop of the Polish Army, the secretary of the Bishop Jan Osiñski, Colonel of the Polish Army.
The Book of Condolences will be open to the public to sign until April 16, 2010 at the Embassy of Poland at 443 Daly Avenue in Ottawa, Ontario.
April 13, 2010 – Laurie Hawn, MP for Edmonton Centre and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence has joined the call to wear pink as a statement against bullying for the 3rd Annual Pink Shirt Day: Bullying Stops Here awareness campaign on Wednesday, April 14, 2010.
“My staff and I will proudly wear pink in order to bring awareness to stop bullying,” said MP Hawn. “I encourage Canadians to go through their wardrobes and wear something pink to signify that bullying will not be tolerated anywhere.”
For 2010, Boys & Girls Clubs across Canada will be participating in Pink Shirt Day and they anticipate adding more partners to make this the biggest anti-bullying awareness day in North America.
“I will be sure to take a picture tomorrow of our own efforts and will post it on Facebook and Twitter to spread the word about this worthy initiative,” said MP Hawn.
Statistics Canada reported this morning that employment in Canada increased by close to 18,000 new jobs in March. The unemployment rate remains at 8.2%.
Today’s numbers show yet again that Canada’s Economic Action Plan is working. March represents the sixth month of job gains in the past eight months.
Since July 2009, Canada has created almost 180,000 new jobs.
Today’s news follows a report earlier this week from the OECD that predicted Canada’s economic growth will lead the G-7 this year by a wide margin.
However the recovery remains fragile.
That is why our Government put forward a Jobs and Growth Budget which will fully implement the second year of Canada’s Economic Action Plan and roll out the remaining job-creating stimulus projects across the country.
March 29, 2010 – The Government of Canada’s eight-year term limit legislation is the first step in bringing democratic legitimacy to Canada’s Senate, said Laurie Hawn, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre.
“Today’s re-introduction of eight year term limits for Senators demonstrates our Government’s commitment to Senate reform,” said MP Hawn. “It is unacceptable to Canadians that un-elected Senators can hold a term of up to 45 years.”
This afternoon Minister of State for Democratic Reform, Steven Fletcher, re-introduced legislation that would limit the terms of Senators to one non-renewable term of eight years. Currently, if Senators are appointed at the minimum appointed age of 30 and serve until the retirement age of 75 years they will hold a term of 45 years.
All Senators appointed after the October 2008 general election will have a term of eight years once this Bill receives Royal Assent.
“Our Government reaffirmed its commitment to Senate Reform in the 2010 Throne Speech,” said MP Hawn “We will continue to push for further reform to ensure the Senate reflects a 21st century democratic institution.”
Edmonton, Alberta – Laurie Hawn, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre & Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced today federal funding to strengthen economic opportunities in Edmonton, Alberta. Funding for this investment is being provided under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada (RInC) program, a major job creating investment from Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
“This critical investment will help put Canadians to work, encourage greater participation in physical activity and use of recreational facilities, and ensure that communities across Canada have access to the essential infrastructure we need today and in the future,” said Laurie Hawn, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre. “Our Government, through the RInC program, is providing a timely, targeted stimulus to the economy and helping reduce the impacts of the global recession.”
The Elmwood Community League was awarded $294,667 to redevelop the John Devoldere Memorial Park. This funding will help towards various project activities which include deconstruction and replacement of a skating rink, converting a wading pool into a spray deck, redevelopment of a playground, parking lot repairs and landscaping
“Elmwood Community League would like to thank Western Economic Diversification and Laurie Hawn for their approval and support of our RInC application. Our community is thrilled with the generosity that the federal government has shown us. Without this much needed support, our project in its entirety would not have been possible. These funds will enable our community to replace a dated park which no longer meets current safety regulations; retrofit a wading pool with a hygienic modern spray deck as well as removing and re-building decrepit tennis courts and outdoor skating rink.” says Nicole Akhemak, President of the Elmwood Community League. “The youth of our community will have a safe, new and vibrant play space, as well; other generations will have an enjoyable space to enjoy with family, friends and neighbours. This project will help rejuvenate our neighbourhood and help rekindle community spirit and pride!”
The RInC program will invest $500 million in recreational facilities across Canada over a two-year period. It will provide a temporary economic stimulus that will help reduce the impacts of the global recession while renewing, upgrading and expanding recreational infrastructure in Canadian communities.
RInC is part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada’s multi-faceted stimulus plan that will ensure a quick recovery from the current economic downturn. Western Economic Diversification Canada is delivering the initiative in the four western provinces.
For information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
Welcome to The Hawn Report -- my online newsletter to keep Edmonton Centre constituents up-to-date on important legislation as well as the events and activities I have participated in.
Events and Activities
Once again my schedule has been jam-packed with events and activities. The most exciting news of 2010 thus far was that my first grandchild was born. Judy and I were absolutely thrilled to become the grandparents of Tyler James Davidson, born into the world this February 16th at 6 lb 6.5 oz.
It was time for fireworks, lion dances and the Money God as I joined hundreds of Edmonton's Chinese community for the celebration of the Year of the Tiger. After bringing greetings in Cantonese, I joined Mayor Mandel, MLA Janice Sarich and many others in distributing "money" packets for good luck followed. The event was followed by an excellent lunch at the Yorkton Pacific Mall.
I also attended an assembly at Stratford School, where the students initiated a program to raise funds for the Haiti relief effort. Students from grades five, six, and nine each picked a different method of fund raising and all were successful. I brought greetings and congratulations to a school assembly and helped bring the total raised by the students to $2,500, which will be matched by the federal government. Generosity knows no age limits.
I went to the United Way Awards of Distinction ceremony, where a large crowd gathered at the Westin Hotel to honour those who have made a difference in our community through their efforts with the United Way in 2009. It is the dedication of these people that allows Edmontonians with various challenges to enjoy a better quality of life.
In addition, there were two more Recreational Infrastructure (RInC) announcements for Edmonton Centre. Edmonton has received historic investments over the past few years to help our local economy. I had the pleasure of making both announcements for the Westmount Fitness Centre and the Glenora Community League. The RInC program will help the Westmount Fitness Centre with $70,476 that will repair existing external and internal infrastructure. The work includes repairs and renovations to the outside siding, roof, sidewalk, inside flooring, mechanics and gyms. The Glenora Community League is receiving $73,777 to improve the Glenora Park by replacing the existing playground equipment and replacing the wading pool with a spray park. The functionality of the park will be enhanced by adding additional furniture and landscaping.
Social Media
This month I decided to undertake a few initiatives to communicate more directly with my online constituents. I launched a Facebook page so those on Facebook can view pictures, see announcements, and stay informed with what’s happening. And I am also now on Twitter at, http://twitter.com/mplauriehawn, in order to engage in the conversation happening there and keep people up to date on the day to day in Ottawa and in Edmonton. And check in on my website at, http://www.lauriehawn.ca/blog.asp?menuID=164, to see the Hawn Report VLOG (Video Blog) where I will give highlights of the week.
Budget 2010
The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, tabled a budget plan that builds on Canada’s economic recovery with action to create jobs and stimulate growth, sustains our country’s economic advantages and charts the way forward to budget balance.
Our Government has held hundreds of consultations with Canadian workers and businesses across the country. Canadians remain concerned about jobs and the economy.
In keeping with Canadians’ priorities, the budget plan completes our Economic Action Plan – stimulus measures to create jobs now. It takes additional steps to protect existing jobs and create new ones, and it looks ahead to secure Canada’s long-term growth. We will not raise taxes or cut major transfers to persons and other levels of government.
Our Jobs and Growth Budget continues a plan that is working. It will help solidify Canada’s economic recovery and sustain our economic advantage now and for the future. Our Government intends to be a partner in our economic recovery, not an obstacle to growth.
The budget highlights three key objectives:
•· First, it confirms $19 billion in new federal stimulus under Year Two of Canada’s Economic Action Plan to create and protect jobs.
•· Second, Budget 2010 invests in a limited number of new, targeted initiatives to build jobs and growth for the economy of tomorrow, harness Canadian innovation, and make Canada a destination of choice for new business investment.
•· Third, it outlined a three-point plan for returning to budget balance once the economy has recovered. This includes ending the temporary stimulus measures as promised, restraining growth in spending through targeted measures and additional restraint through a in-depth review of government’s administrative functions and overhead costs.
Alberta will continue to receive increased federal support through Budget 2010. Total transfers will hit $4.2 billion in 2010-11, an increase of $88 million from last year and almost $1.8 billion from under the old Liberal government.
This long-term support helps ensure Alberta has the resources needed to provide essential public services including health care, post-secondary education and other social services.
For more information and how Canada’s Economic Plan benefits them, people are encouraged to visit www.budget.gc.ca
Unemployment rate: February Labour Force Survey
Statistics Canada reported this month that employment in Canada increased by nearly 21,000 jobs in February, lowering the unemployment rate from 8.3% to 8.2%.
Today’s numbers are further proof that Canada’s Economic Action Plan is working. February marks the fifth month of job gains in the past seven months.
Since July 2009, Canada has created almost 160,000 new jobs. While Canada is weathering current global economic challenges better than nearly every other industrialized country, our recovery remains fragile. The Prime Minister has repeatedly said that our government won’t be satisfied until those Canadians who have lost jobs are working again.
Vancouver 2010 Olympics
Like many of you, I watched our Canadian athletes on television participating at the Olympics. Records tumbled as Canada’s Winter Olympic athletes amazed us with their skill and courage and showed the world the strength of Canadian athletics. We set an outright record for most gold medals won – 14 – in an Olympic Winter Games. Canada won by far the most gold medals by a host Winter Games nation. We won our first ever Olympic gold medal on home soil and we were the first North American nation to win gold in the ice dance competition.
We remember especially those Canadian athletes who overcame profound personal loss to fight their way on to the podium. The commitment, dedication, spirit and success of our athletes inspired the nation and will undoubtedly motivate young Canadians to follow in their footsteps. I join with all Canadians in expressing our pride and admiration for our athletes.
I know that our Paralympic athletes will make us just as proud. Go Canada go!
For more information about what activities and events I have attended, please visit my website. http://www.lauriehawn.ca/
If I can be of any assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Laurie is busy representing the consituents of Edmonton Centre this fall, and is participating in a diverse array of community and government events. Click here, to check out Laurie's Fall photo blog!
