Dec 20 - Laurie hosts Christmas Open House - A steady stream of constituents enjoyed coffee, spiced apple cider and many fattening goodies as Laurie and the Constituency Office staff hosted our first annual Christmas Open House. We even had a few surprise visitors, like old friend Deborah Grey, who did NOT arrive on her Honda Gold Wing.

Dec 20 - Laurie supports those in need - At the Christmas Open House, Laurie was able to pass on the the Jasper Place Health and Wellness Centre, the generosity of some constituents by presenting a cheque to the founder of the centre, Murray Soroka.

Above: Laurie and Murray Soroka from the Jasper Health and Wellness Centre

Dec 20 - Laurie visits Rosedale Manor - Laurie continued his regular visits by sharing cake and Christmas greetings with the residents of Rosedale Manor. Laurie also presented residents with the gift of a limited edition print of Edmonton by artist Randal Kabatoff.

Dec 20 - Laurie pitches in for Meals on Wheels - Laurie spent a couple of hours preparing meals with friends from 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron, Edmonton Firefighters, other MPs, MLAs, media personalities and even Lieutenant Governor Normie Kwong and Mary Kwong. Christmas spirit ran high and everyone was glad to help out in even a small way.

Dec 19 - Laurie attends Edmonton Christmas Bureau Breakfast - Laurie and almost 800 people jammed into the ballroom at the Westin Hotel for the 15th Annual Christmas Bureau Breakfast. Hundreds of thousands of dollars were raised to help bring a merrier Christmas to Edmontonians in need.

Dec 19 - Laurie and Hon Jim Prentice announce funding for the Metis Nation of Alberta - Laurie assisted the Hon Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs and Interlocutor for Metis Affairs in announcing a grant of nearly $700,000 to assist in education, employment and cultural pursuits of the Metis Nation of Alberta. This money will go a long way to helping members of the Metis Nation prosper and grow.

Dec 19 - Laurie presents funds to Community Heritage Foundation - Laurie announced funding in the amount of $45,000 to be used by the Edmonton Community Heritage Foundation for promoting the cultural education of aboriginal young people. The announcement took place at the Prince Charles School and Laurie enjoyed a demonstration of some of the internet technology being developed.

Above: Laurie and Adriana Davies (Community Heritage) and Don Williams (Edmonton Public School Board)


Above: Laurie and young students checking out the internet

Dec 20 - Laurie hosts Christmas Open House - A steady stream of constituents enjoyed coffee, spiced apple cider and many fattening goodies as Laurie and the Constituency Office staff hosted our first annual Christmas Open House. We even had a few surprise visitors, like old friend Deborah Grey, who did NOT arrive on her Honda Gold Wing.

Dec 20 - Laurie hosts Christmas Open House - A steady stream of constituents enjoyed coffee, spiced apple cider and many fattening goodies as Laurie and the Constituency Office staff hosted our first annual Christmas Open House. We even had a few surprise visitors, like old friend Deborah Grey, who did NOT arrive on her Honda Gold Wing.

Dec 03 - Laurie supports our troops - Laurie and thousands of Edmontonians attended a ceremony at Rexall Place to show support for our troops and to watch as several hundred soldiers received well-deserved medals for their service in the cause of peace in Afghanistan.

Dec 03 - Mass for Pierre Amine Gemayel - Laurie attended a mass to pay respects to the memory of Pierre Amine Gemayel, the prominent and recently assassinated Lebanese Christian politician. Mr. Gemayel had been critical of Syria's support to terrorist elements within Lebanon and his loss will be felt deeply by the Lebanese people.

Dec 02 - Alberta PC Leadership Election - Laurie voted and was a very interested spectator at the Alberta Progressive Conservative Leadership Election. The leadership of the Alberta PCs and the Premiership of Alberta was won by underdog Ed Stelmach. Laurie sincerely congratulates Ed and his wife Marie and wishes them both all the best in their new positions.


Dec 02 - Concerned Parents - Laurie held consultations with a group of nine concerned parents from the Crestwood area who are very concerned about the increase in youth violence which culminated in the stabbing death of a young member of their community. Options were explored and the essence of an action plan discussed. Laurie is very strong supporter of action in all areas of crime prevention and justice and is working hard to help pass the twelve related government bills that are being stalled by opposition parties.

Dec 02 - Festival of Trees Breakfast - Laurie attended and brought greetings to Santa's Festival of Trees Breakfast at the Shaw Conference Centre.  Hundreds of parents and children enjoyed a pancake breakfast, live entertainment, prize draws and the colourful displays.  Laurie even managed to stay between the lines in colouring a picture for the Global Television host. 

Dec 01 - Laurie attended an open house for the UN International Day of Disabled Persons at the offices of EMPLOYabilities Edmonton.

Dec 01 - Laurie and Judy attended the annual mess dinner for the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, whose members were part of the Canadian force in Afghanistan in the most recent rotation. Reservists play an important role in the missions of the Canadian Forces and Laurie maintains strong ties to Reserve organizations.

Dec 01 - International Day of Disabled Persons - Laurie brought greetings and addressed this annual event at City Hall. Laurie has been an active supporter of the cause and uses the call centre run by EMPLOYabilities Edmonton. He spoke about those with disabilities who have inspired him by their courage, tenacity and accomplishment.

Dec 01 - Start of Christmas Cake Season - Laurie visited Meadowcroft Seniors Centre for cake and coffee with residents. He also presented a limited edition print of a painting by Edmonton artist Randall Kabatoff, showing Edmonton's downtown as it exists today and Fort Edmonton from the late 19th century.

Nov 17 - Laurie announces funding for Wireless City Initiative - Laurie joined Hon George VanderBurg, Alberta Acting Minister of Innovation and Science,  Myron Borys of Edmonton Economic Development Corporation and Richard Belzil of Calgary Technology Inc. to announce $648,177 in Western Economic Diversification funding for Phase 2 of Alberta's Wireless City Initiative.   This leading-edge technology will allow Edmonton small and medium enterprises to develop new products and reach new markets.

 

Nov 17 - Laurie attended a luncheon at the Edmonton Petroleum Club with about 150 other supporters of Hon Dave Hancock in his campaign to become the next Premier of Alberta.

Above: Laurie and WWII Spitfire pilot and prisoner-of-war Justice Doug Matheson at the Edmonton Petroleum Club

Nov 16 - Laurie held another in a regular series of Constituency Days and held twelve appointments with individuals or groups seeking his assistance.  Our aim is to be as accessible as possible, so that people can have the opportunity to talk to their MP face-to-face on issues of importance to them.

Nov 16 - Laurie and Judy attended a Gala Event at the Edmonton Garrison to raise money in support of Fisher House.  The Fisher House™ program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America's military families with a home away from home, so that they may be with their loved ones who are recovering from injuries.  There are currently 23 Fisher Houses in operation and Canadian soldiers and their families have been utilizing the facility at Landstuhl, Germany, through the generosity of our American friends.

Nov 11 - This Remembrance Day, Laurie visited many different events in honour of our brave men and women in uniform who have risked their lives for Canadians' rights and freedoms.  This year's Remembrance Day is especially important given the good work our troops are doing in Afghanistan.

Nov 10 - Laurie lays a wreath at the Churchill Residence - Laurie attended the Remembrance Day service at the Churchill Seniors Residence and met many friends.  He spoke, laid a wreath and enjoyed music and fellowship.

Nov 10 - Laurie drops in on the Aboriginal Youth and Family Well Being Society - Laurie paid a surprise visit to the Society's open house and silent auction.  He had some excellent discussions with volunteers about the problems faced by aboriginal youth and their families in getting the youth a proper educational start on life. 

Oct 13 - Laurie visited 15 Wing Moose Jaw and attended the final 431 Squaron Snowbirds show of the 2006 season.  Later that evening Laurie was the Guest Speaker for the annual season-ending mess dinner.  Many friendships were renewed and the Snowbirds performed brilliantly, as usual.

Oct 12 - Laurie attended a breakfast at the Alberta Research Council addressing the challenges facing Canada's manufacturing sector. The meeting was organized by Edmonton Leduc MP James Rajotte and was also attended by MP Colin Carrie, Patrliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry. Local business leaders shared their views of the past and the future.

Oct 12 - Constituency Day - Laurie again made himself available for individual constituents to visit and discuss personal issues.

Oct 12 - Laurie brought greetings and remarks to the Annual Edmonton Downtown Business Association Luncheon. This organization is very active and highly effective in promoting business development in Alberta's capital city.

Oct 10 - Laurie addresses Passages to Canada - Laurie and prominent Edmontonian Mr. Tin Yip spent time at Ross Sheppard High School talking to students about immigration and citizenship issues.

 

Sept 23 - Laurie attends SuperWalk for Parkinson's - Laurie attended the annual SuperWalk for Parkninson's at Rundle Park and brought greetings to hundreds of walkers and volunteers.  The day was rainy and cool , but spirits were high as Edmontonians made their usual strong showing in a worthy cause.

 

Sept 28 - Laurie meets and congratulates Anna Hopkins of Edmonton on her winning of a Millennium Scholarship Foundation Award.

Above: Laurie and Anna Hopkins.

Sept 24 - Laurie participated in Edmonton's 15th Annual HIV/AIDS Walk for Life.  Laurie raised over $4500 for the cause and was the top fundraiser at this year's walk.  All proceeds went to HIV Edmonton for HIV education, prevention, and treatment.  Laurie was encouraged by the turnout and asks all Edmontonians to support this worthy cause. 

Above: Laurie receiving the award for top fundraiser at Edmonton's 15th Annual HIV/Aids Walk for Life



Above: Laurie at the HIV/AIDS Walk for Life with Paul Mennier