Jun 10 - Heel and Wheel - Laurie and Judy did 8 kilometeres each and brought greetings to this annual fundraiser to help find a cure for Crohn's and Colitis Disease. Hundreds of thousands of people suffer from inflammatory bowel disorders and there are more cases in Canada than anywhere else in the world. M&M Meatshops and many other sponsors were there to support over 100 runners / walkers raise over $55,000 for an excellent cause.

Jun 8 - Multicultural Health Brokers Fundraiser - Laurie and Judy joined about 500 guests at the Century Palace Restaurant to help raise funds for multicultural healthcare projects in Edmonton. Many cultural groups were represented and a ten-course meal was accompanied by lots of entertainment and dancing.

 

Jun 6 - Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame Induction - Laurie celebrated the 63rd anniversary of D-Day by attending the annual ceremony to induct worthy candidates into the Canadian Aviation Hall of Fame. Craig Dobbin (Canadian Helicopters Corporation) and Fred Hitchens (airforce historian) were inducted posthumously and Stanley Deluce (Air Ontario) was inducted in person. Canada's National Air Museum served as the perfect venue for this event where Laurie met many old friends with whom he had served.

 

Jun 3 - Seniors Healthy Active Living Week - Laurie spent time with friends at the Churchill Seniors Residence as they celebrated being active and healthy. The effort to stay active into our golden years is important to staying young at heart and enjoying all that life has to offer.


Jun 3 - Eberhart 50th Wedding Anniversary - Laurie was happy to join Peter and Eileen Eberhart in celebration of their Golden Wedding Anniversary with dozens of friends and family from near and far.


Jun 2 - 25th Anniversary Visayas Mindanao Association - Laurie brought greetings in Tagalog and English to this celebration of a quarter century of the association which promotes participation by Philippine- Canadians in the economy and culture of Canada.


Jun 2 - Laurier Heights Building Society - Laurie and Judy helped raise money for a new community league facility with Laurie acting as auctioneer for a New York Rangers game jersey autographed by Mark Messier.


Jun 2 - Crystal Kids - Laurie brought greetings and acted as Reviewing Officer for the Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) Mounted Troop at this day long event to raise money in support of children's programs. It was a hot, sunny day with antique cars, lots of food, a street dance, and a great performance by the Lord Strathconas.


Jun 2 - Spring Sprint - Laurie walked and brought greetings to this annual fundraiser for brain tumour research. It was a special treat to walk with a young survivor named Ryan Whetter, who turned out to be a friend of a fighter pilot who had served under Laurie's command about fifteen years ago.

Jun 1 - CASA Spring Celebration - Laurie attended and brought greetings to this annual event which raises money for children's mental health services. One-in-five children suffer from some form of mental illness and fifty percent of that occurs before age six.

May 27 - Super Cities Walk for MS - Laurie brought greetings and pledges to this annual event in support of finding a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.  He joined Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach and well over two thousand Edmontonians on a beautiful day and put in a brisk walk of ten kilometres.

Picture - Laurie bringing greetings with CTV's Erin Isfeld and event chair Mona.

 

May 26 - Edmonton Consular Ball - Laurie and Judy the annual ball organized by Edmonton's consular community with representatives from 27 countries.  This distinguished group of people promote trade, cultural activities and better international understanding.

Picture - Laurie and Judy with the Honourary Swedish Consul Christina Williams (blue dress near centre) and guests of the Swedish contingent.

May 26 - Remembering Scott Thorkelson - Laurie and Judy attended the Celebration of Life for recently deceased former Member of Parliament for Stathcona Scott Thorkelson.  Scott served the people of Edmonton in Parliament from 1988 - 1993 and is fondly remembered as a thoughtful and dedicated individual who left us much too young at only 49 years.  The lesson is to live each day well, because we never know how many we have left.

May 26 - Edmonton Symphony Salutes the Troops - Laurie and Judy attended a special performance put on by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra at the Winspear Centre as a salute to families from the Edmonton Garrison.

May 26 - Edmonton Safe Parents AGM - Laurie dropped in and had discussions with members of the Edmonton Safe Parents organization, which is Block Parents re-named.  Safe Parents helps make Edmonton neighbourhoods safe for families.

May 26 - Re-use Fair - Laurie dropped in and brought a contribution to the annual Brittania-Youngstown Community League Re-Use Fair.  This event and dozens of others in Edmonton give people a chance to drop off household items and supplies that they have no further use for but which may help a variety of organizations carry out their programs.  A permanent re-use drop-off facility will open soon near Edmonton's CN Tower.

May 25 - Calgary Military Museums Society Dinner - Laurie Joined Prime Minister Harper, the Minister of National Defence, and several Calgary MPs at a fund raising dinner in support of the military museum in Calgary.  The Prime Minister delivered inspiring remarks on the mission in Afghanistan and showcased two Medal of Military Valour winners from the most recent troop rotation.

 

 

May 24 - Asia Pacific Gateway Dollars for Edmonton - Laurie participated with the Hon. Rona Ambrose and other Edmonton MPs in announcing $75 million in new funding for an intermodal facility south of Edmonton to link with the Asia-Pacific Gateway project.  This project will make Edmonton a key link in a rail, road, air and sea transportation network that will enhance trade and which has enormous economic potential for the Edmonton region.  This is tax dollars being put to very good use for Edmonton, for Alberta and for Canada.

MPs James Rajotte, Mike Lake, Rona Ambrose and Laurie Hawn pointing to a bright economic future for Edmonton

May 24 - Edmonton MPs reach out to Vegreville - Laurie and four other Edmonton MPs travelled to Vegreville to visit the Alberta Research Council facility and to attend a luncheon with constituents from the Vegreville-Wainright riding.  MPs were very impressed with the activity of the ARC in the area of biofuel technology and enjoyed visiting with the constituents of local MP Leon Benoit.

May 24 - Welcome home for "B" Squadron - Laurie attended a parade at the Edmonton Garrison to welcome home and award medals to members of "B" Squadron of the Lord Stathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians).  The "Strats" operate the Leopard tanks in support of Canada's vital mission in Afghanistan and "B" Squadron distinguished itself in many operations.  Laurie also met several soldiers with whom he had spent last Christmas at the front in Kandahar Province.

May 23 - Maple Flag Day - Laurie escorted a group of Edmonton business people for a day at 4 Wing Cold Lake to tour the base and watch Exercise Maple Flag.  The trip was an auction item at NAIT's Annual Fund raising Cruise and helped raise money for the school.  Maple Flag is an annual multi-national exercise that is very important to Canada's participation in air operations and is also a strong supporter of the local economy.  The visitors were highly impressed with the technology and the people that they met.

Above:  Mac Millar, Dan Klemke, Allan Flemming, Kate Freeman, Ian Reid, Rod Ruston, Laurie and 410 Squadron CF-18 Hornet.

May 22 - Aboriginal Youth Funding - Laurie visited the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society and announced $489,731 to fund the Wind Dancers Youth Pre-employment Program.  This funding through Skills Link will help aboriginal youth wishing to return to school by facilitating their completion of a school preparatory program  at Norquest College.

May 13 - Forzani's Mother's Day Run - Laurie, Judy and Robb participated in this annual event in support of the Stollery Childrens Hospital. It was a beautiful day to honour mothers and to support a worthy cause.


May 12 - Edmontonchina.com 3rd Anniversary - Laurie was a special guest and interviewee for an event in front of a live audience of 300 and an internet audience of 25,000. This web service is very valuable in keeping immigrants from the Chinese community in Canada in touch with opportunities and services. It also provides advice and research for people in China planning to emigrate.



May 12 - Edmonton Society of Christian Education Fundraiser - Laurie did a stint as an auctioneer for the event to help raise funds for a new school. It was a good example of community coming together to take charge of their own future.


May 12 - NAIT Convocation - Laurie was part of the platform party for the Annual Convocation for NAIT graduates. He brought greetings and enjoyed sharing this special day of accomplishment with graduates.

May 12 - Crohn's & Colitis Barbecue - Laurie helped raise money for this worthy cause by flipping burgers at the Oliver Square M&M Meat Shoppe.


May 11 - Canada Day Poster Challenge - Laurie helped present awards to the four age-group finalists in the 2007 Canada Day Poster Challenge. Some excellent artistic talent was on display and family and friends were all justifiably proud of the artists' accomplishments.


May 11 - Meadowlark Seniors Residence Java Club - Laurie joined residents for specialty coffees and sweet treats and continued his established practice of being accessible to constituents.


May 11 - Urban Aboriginal Strategies Funding Announcement - Laurie and Hon Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians announced over $68 million in fudning for the Urban Aboriginal Strategy. The event took place at Edmonton's City Hall and included Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel and many leaders from the aboriginal community. Laurie was praised highly by Minister Prentice and Mayor Mandel for his effective advocacy in this important area.


May 11 - Westmount School Pancake Breakfast - Laurie attended the annual pancake breakfast, enjoying some of Smitty's finest breakfast fare. It was also an opportunity to talk to students and staff.


May 8 - Fraser Institute "Canada Strong and Free" Dinner - Laurie attended this event which highlighted speeches by Preston Manning, Mike Harris, Afghanistan Ambassador Omar Sabad, and Care Canada President and CEO Dr. John Watson. Laurie shared a table with Iraq's Ambassador to Canada Mr. Howar Ziad.

May 6 - Laurie completes his first half-marathon - To celebrate his imminent 60th birthday, Laurie completed his first half-marathon at the annual event in Vancouver. It was a family event, with Judy, daughter Jennifer and a number of friends joining Laurie for the Sunday stroll.

May 4 - Art Gallery of Alberta tour - Laurie joined Hon. Bev Oda and other Edmonton MPs to tour the new and temporary home of the Art Gallery of Alberta. They viewed the world-class collection of the aggery and discussed plans for the new Art Gallery of Alberta planned for completion in 2009.

 

May 4 - Edmonton Jewish Federation - Laurie joined Hon. Stockwell Day and Hon. Rona Ambrose at a meeting of the Edmonton Jewish Federation. Many issues were discussed including security challenges in the face of local and international terrorism.

May 3 - Alberta Economic Developers Seminar - Laurie brought greetings and was the Keynote Speaker on behalf of the Hon. Rona Ambrose at this annual seminar. Laurie had been involved in the Leduc Nisku Economic Development Authority as an Ambassador a number of years ago.

May 3 - Esquao Awards - Laurie brought greetings and presented awards at the 12th Annual Esquao Awards Gala, "honouring the strength and beauty of all aboriginal women". Over 800 people were in attendance from across Canada at this celebration of accomplishment and leadership. Laurie's comments in the Cree language were very well received.

May 3 - Venture Prize Luncheon - Laurie brought greetings and presented an award at the Annual Venture Prize Awards Luncheon. Laurie was a judge at the first Venture Prize competition five years ago.

Apr 29 - Walk for Darfur - Laurie and his son Robb joined about 300 people who walked 15 kilometres from South Edmonton Common to Churchill Square to draw attention to the plight of the people of Darfur. Many of the walkers had participated in a nine-day walk all the way from Calgary. They are to be congratulated for their dedication, and Canada will continue to work with the international community to try to resolve this very serious situation.

Above:  Laurie and his son Robb at the "Walk for Darfur"

Apr 29 - Meeting with Chinese community leaders - Laurie held a lunch meeting with a number of leaders from the Chinese community, including Consul General Wu Xin Jian. Several topics were discussed, centering on the importance of the contributions by Chinese immigrants to Edmonton's economic strength and culture.


Apr 28 - Grant MacEwan Community College Mad Hatter's Gala - Laurie and Judy attended this annual gala with well over 600 people to help raise money for bursaries for students at Grant MacEwan Community College. Laurie and Hon. Dave Hancock, Alberta Health Minister, fetched a price of $15,000 as hosts for an Edmonton Oiler game when the Oilers trade their golf clubs back in for hockey sticks next fall.

Apr 28 - Canada Day Care Package Campaign - Laurie contributed 160 decks of playing cards from the House of Commons, Senate and the Library of Parliament for packages being assembled for Edmonton soldiers in Afghanistan. The packages will be delivered on July 1st and will include many items that will bring enjoyment to the courageous Canadians who are doing so much good for the Afghan people.



Apr 28 - Aboriginal Veterans AGM - Laurie brought greetings to the Aboriginal Veterans Annual General Meeting at Amiskwaciy Academy. Laurie was presented with a piece of art entitled "Dream Warrior" in appreciation of his efforts on aboriginal veterans' behalf. He also had the opportunity to meet cadets from the Hobbema RCMP Cadet Corps. This is a great programme that involves nearly 1,000 aboriginal youth and which serves as a model for what can be done.


Apr 28 - 50th Wedding Anniversary - Laurie was very happy to join the celebration for the 50th wedding anniversary for Clarence and Ella Draves of Meadowcroft Seniors Residence. Family and friends from all over Alberta and beyond joined in the celebration.


Apr 28 - International Day of Mourning for workers killed on or attributable to the job - Laurie attended two events to mark this solemn occasion. The first was at Local 488 Pipefitter's Dispatch Hall. The second event at City Hall included representatives from all levels of government, as well as labour organizations and people affected by personal loss. Governments, companies and workers need to continue to work together to regulate and educate in order to maximize health, wellness and safety in the workplace.

23 Apr - Victims of Crime Symposium - Laurie spent half a day at the Ottawa symposium for Victims of Crime. Justice Minister Rob Nicholson announced Canada's new Victims Ombudsman, Steve Sullivan. Laurie sat in on sessions dealing with the experiences of victims and was moved by their stories of personal trial and courage.

 

 

22 Apr - Memory Walk - Laurie spent the morning at Fort Edmonton Park and participated in the 5 km Memory Walk for Alzheimers. He also delivered $600 in pledged donations for this worthy cause and met many people who were walking for a loved one.

21 Apr - New Canadians - Laurie continued his program of welcoming new Canadians when he participated in the swearing in ceremony for 50 new citizens from 12 countries. It was a proud day for everyone.


21 Apr - Kids with Cancer - Laurie spent the day with five young heroes and their families. These five boys, aged 12 to 18, are suffering from cancer. This was a day organized by NAIT and sponsored by some generous citizens, to give the boys a day they will remember. They got tours of all the facilities at Edmonton City Centre Airport. The flew the aircraft flight simulator at NAIT and experienced the thrill of actual flight with instructors from the Edmonton Flying Club. Later, they helped NAIT's culinary arts staff prepare a gourmet meal. Laurie brought out his old flying suits and helmet for the young aviators to try on and went flying in a Cessna 172 with his new buddy, Eduardo Rodrigues. In the evening, Laurie helped pin wings on their proud chests and shared some of his experience of earning his Air Force wings forty years ago.


20 Apr - Walk in my Shoes - Laurie and Judy attended the Walk in my Shoes Annual Fund Raiser in support of the Edmonton Pilgrim's Hospice Society. The Hospice assists families when a loved one is diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.

13 Apr - Support for Alberta Arts - Laurie and Minister Rona Ambrose announced $282,000 in funding for Alberta Arts at the Edmonton Community Foundation. This money will support eight organizations in delivering arts programs that make Alberta and Edmonton such great places to live.

 

 

13 Apr - Talking Youth Justice - Laurie spent an hour with 150 students from Westminster School talking about youth justice issues. The students had earlier written letters about their concerns and Laurie thought that it was important to share a dialogue with them directly.

13 Apr - Women Building Futures - Laurie and Minister Rona Ambrose announced $331,292 in funding for a great project to build a facility for Women Building Futures to encourage women in the trades. This announcement brought to over $1.2 million the amount devoted to this project by Canada's New Government.

12 Apr - Alberta Premier's Dinner - Laurie and 1800 other people attended the Annual Alberta Premier's Dinner at the Shaw Conference Centre. Premier Stelmach addressed the plans and priorities of his new administration and praised the cooperation between his government and the federal government.

12 Apr - Touring Gilead Therapeutics - Laurie and other members of the Edmonton Caucus toured Gilead Therapeutics, a leading player in the area of medications for HIV / AIDS, influenza and Hepatitis.  Edmonton continues to be home to some very advanced facilities.

Edmonton MPs and staff of Gilead Therapeutics

12 Apr - Servus Credit Union Opening - Laurie cut the ribbon at the grand opening of Servus Credit Union's new Business Centre on Kingsway Avenue.  Servus Credit Union is  astrong and growing member of Alberta's financial sector.

11 Apr - Laurie attended the University of Alberta Annual Report to the Community at the Hotel Macdonald.  The U of A remains a cornerstone of the advance education and business development future of Alberta and Canada.

11 Apr - Health Announcements - Laurie and Rahim Jaffer made several announcements totalling close to $1 million for various Edmonton-based organizations to support their operations in various areas of healthcare and social programs.

10 Apr - Meeting with Edmonton business - Laurie and other members of the Edmonton Caucus met with about two dozen Edmonton business leaders to discuss issues relating to Edmonton's future prosperity.

10 Apr - An afternoon with Health Minister Tony Clement - Laurie escorted Health Minister Tony Clement on a visit to the Capital Health Authority and Stollery Childrens' Hospital.  In depth discussions were held on the tremendous progress and innovation being experienced in Edmonton and how that strength can be applied to other areas in Canada.

09 Apr - Honouring the Legacy - Laurie represented the Government of Canada at the ceremony outside Edmonton's City Hall to honour the memory of those who fought and died at the Battle of Vimy Ridge ninety years ago.  It is said by many that Canada "became a nation" at Vimy Ridge.  We shall remember them.

02 Apr - Laurie announces funding for northern airports - On April 2nd, Laurie renewed his acquaintance with Iqaluit in the Territory of Nunavut, when he respresented the Minister of Transport for a funding announcement.  Laurie announced the commitment of over $11 milllion for improvements to airports at Rankin Inlet and Taloyoak.  These improvements will make operations safer and more effective and are part of Canada's New Government's commitment to Canada's north.  The last time Laurie was in Iqaluit, he was at the controls of  a CF-18 fighter.

Laurie delivering the good news.


Laurie and Associate Deputy Minister Methusulah Kunuk of the Nunavut Territorial Government

04 Apr - Laurie Hosts Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Monte Solberg - The Honourable Monte Solberg visited Edmonton to make a number of announcements and to visit various locations in Edmonton Centre.  The first stop was to Waiward Steel to award the first $1,000 apprenticeship cheque to one of Waiward's employees. That was followed by a tour of Service Canada where many of the challenges facing new Canadians are being addressed.  The next stop was to the facility used by YOUCAN, an organization to equip and inspire youth and others to peacefully resolve conflict and develop healthy relationships in their communities.  Minister Solberg announced new funding of over $366,000.  The final stop of the day was to the Hope Terrace Affordable Housing Complex, where Laurie and Minister Solberg discussed affordable housing issues and toured this very successful project.

Laurie and Monte presenting cheque to Waiward employee.

Laurie and Monte getting briefed at Service Canada


Laurie and Monte preparing lunch for YOUCAN youth


Laurie and Monte being briefed on Playdoh