Sep 30 - Edmonton Vietnamese Mid-Autumn Festival - Laurie brought greetings in the Vietnamese language to a large crowd at Edmonton's City Hall.  The event is an important one in the Vietnamese calendar and celebrates the riches of Vietnamese culture and their contributions to our community.

 

 Sep 30 - Afghanistan Town Hall - Laurie was a featured speaker at a Town Hall meeting under the leadership of the Hon. Rona Ambrose and organized to bring a more balanced awareness of Canada's mission in Afghanistan.  Besides Laurie and Rona, speakers from the Canadian Forces, the Canadian International Development Agency, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade briefed a large crowd and took questions on all aspects of the mission.  Those in attendance came away with a better understanding of the positive aspects of the mission, as well as the sacrifice that has been made.

Cutting the cake with Linda Sloan, Rod Matheson, Stephen Mandel, Allan Bolstad, Karen Liebovici and Kevin Taft.

 

Kibbitzing with other attendees Mandel, Sloan, Liebovici and Taft.  Laurie is the best-dressed.

 

Sep 29 - Alberta Native Friendship Centre Association AGM Banquet - Laurie brought greetings and enjoyed dinner with people from aboriginal communities around Alberta.  The theme of "Common Ground" provided a great starting point for discussions about working together to solve mutual problems.  Laurie was unexpectedly honoured with the presentation of a jacket by the Metis Cultural Dance Society.

Sep 28 - Lois Hole Campus Alberta Digital Library - Laurie attended the opening of this innovative and unique capability that puts Alberta at the forefront of digital library technology in North America.  The University of Alberta Library will be digitally linked with the libraries of 35 other post-secondary institutions in the province. 

Sep 28 - 2008 Economic Outlook Luncheon - Laurie attended lunch and listened with interest to the economic forecast of Don Drummond, Chief Economist of the Toronto Dominion Bank.  Mr. Drummond provided valuable insight into the economic future of Canada.  Ron Gilbertson of Edmonton Economic Development put the situation into perspective for Alberta.

Sep 28 - Starbucks Grand Opening - Another Starbucks has opened in Edmonton and all proceeds went to support of HIV Edmonton.  Laurie was happy to attend and add another few Star-bucks to the cause to go with the over $2,500 that he raised during the 2007 Walk for Life.

Sep 28 - Ten Years of Rahim - Laurie and Judy joined hundreds of people including several current and former MPs to celebrate the ten-year anniversary of Rahim Jaffer's election to Parliament.  It was a fun evening, full of reminiscences, embarrassing pictures, music and dance

Laurie, Judy, MP Helena Geurgis, MP Rahim JafferSep 28 - Chinese National Day Celebration - Laurie and Judy attended a dinner and performances in honour of the Chinese National Day.  Laurie brought greetings in the Cantonese language and stressed the contributions that Chinese immigrants have made to Canada

Sep 25 - New U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission - Laurie spent an enjoyable and informative evening at the residence of the U.S. Ambassador David Wilkins in discussion with the new Deputy Chief of Mission in Ottawa and U.S. Consuls General from all areas in Canada.

 Sep 24 - Consumer's Choice Awards - Laurie and Judy had the pleasure of attending this annual event at the Mayfield Dinner Theatre to honour those Edmonton businesses which have been singled out by their most demanding judges - their customers.  Laurie brought greetings and presented awards to many winners. 

Sep 23 - HIV / AIDS Walk for Life - Once again, Laurie provided strong support to this event to raise awareness and funds for research and treatment of HIV / AIDS.  Tens of thousands of Canadians from all communities and demographics suffer from this scourge.  Laurie was a Bronze Sponsor and personally raised over $2,500 in pledges.

On the move.

Addressing the walkers.

Sep 23 - Edmonton Chinese Gardens - Laurie enjoyed a Chinese feast and brought greetings to his celebration in honour of the grand opening of Phase One of the Chinese Cultural Gardens in Louise McKinney Park.  The Gardens will promote understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture and the strong ties that Edmonton has to China.

Accepting a plaque with Hon Gene Zwozdeski from Wing Choy.

Addressing the guests.

Sep 22 - Parkinson’s SuperWalk - Laurie participated in this annual walk to raise funds for research and treatment of Parkinson’s Disease.  One in every 300 Canadians suffer from Parkinson’s and we need to do all we can to combat this disease.

With fellow walker Nolan Crouse, mayoral candidate in St. Albert.

Sep 22 - Word! Gala - Laurie and Judy attended a night of poetry, music and dance as part of the celebration of Edmonton as the Cultural Capital of Canada.  Poets and artist from across Canada and internationally joined an appreciative crowd at the Muttart Theatre of Grant MacEwan College.

Sep 22 - Safeway Cares - Laurie joined staff from the Oliver Square Safeway in presenting a cheque for over $39,000 to the Edmonton Firefighters for their battle against muscular dystrophy.  Laurie had earlier spent time at Safeway helping to raise that money and all the staff deserve a big attaboy/girl.

Nice cheque for a great cause.

Sep 22 - More door knocking.

Staying in touch on the doorstep.

Sep 21 - Meals on Wheels Gala - Laurie joined this annual fund raiser for this important Edmonton program and was auctioned off for a lunch date. 

With Auctioneer Bridget Ryan and lunch date buyer Paul Mennier, both of City TV

Sep 21 - Sunflower Luncheon - Laurie joined guests at a luncheon to celebrate the achievements and programs of the Pilgrims Hospice Society, which brings comfort to people nearing the ends of their lives.

Sep 21 - U of A Celebration of Excellence - Laurie joined Hon Rona Ambrose and MP Mike Lake on the platform to present awards to University of Alberta students and faculty members who have achieved excellence in a wide variety of studies and teaching pursuits.  These people make the University of Alberta one of the premier advanced educational institutions in Canada.

Hon Rona Ambrose, Laurie, U of A President Indira Samarasekera, MP Mike Lake

Sep 20 - United Way Kickoff - Laurie and MP Mike Lake joined 1,000 people at the Northlands Agricom to kick off this years United Way Campaign.  This year's target of $20.7 million is ambitious, but will be achieved through the generosity of Edmontonians.

Sep 19 - Canadian Club - Laurie attended the lunch meeting of the Canadian Club of Edmonton (to which he belongs) and enjoyed the address by Karen Percy-Lowe about  preserving our lakes and rivers.

Sep 19 - Edmonton Sizzlers Reception - Laurie attended this event which honours twenty successful Edmontonians under thirty years of age.  These 20 under 30 entrepreneurs are exactly the kind of people who make Edmonton business and industry such a success.  Well done to all!

With guests Bernie Robitaille and well-known Edmontonian John Berry

Sep 18 - More door knocking.

Sep 18 - Opening Alberta Skies - Laurie joined a large group at the Edmonton City Centre Airport to welcome three new regional air carriers which are beginning operations connecting Edmonton to northern communities.

Aircraft of two of the new carriers.

Sep 18 - NAIT Grand Opening - Laurie joined other levels of government, business and NAIT officials in opening the new NAIT Petro-Canada Centre for Millwright Technology and the NAIT Spartan Centre for Instrumentation Technology.  The Government of Canada contributed $3.8 million for equipment in the new centres.

Laurie addresses the crowd as Hon. Doug Horner, Mayor Stephen Mandel and NAIT President Sam Shaw look on.

Sep 15 - Community League Anniversaries - Laurie helped the Mayfield Community League celebrate its 50th Anniversary and joined the Grovernor Community League in recognition of a century of community involvement.  Community leagues are the social backbone of neighbourhoods and contribute greatly to the quality of life of Edmontonians.

Laurie presenting Louisa Petty with a certificate commemorating 100 years of the Grovenor Community League

Sep 14 - 30th Anniversary of French Immersion - A celebration of 30 years of French Immersion took place in St. Albert and Laurie brought greetings along with several other dignitaries.  Graduates of that first class told their stories and the large crowd enjoyed musical and dance entertainment.

Sep 13 - Meeting with Edmonton Canadian Bar Association - Laurie joined MPs Mike Lake and Rahim Jaffer in discussions with Edmonton members of the Canadian Bar Association.  The main topic was immigration and the issues surrounding temporary foreign worker programs.

Sep 12 - Success-by-Six Golf Tournament - Laurie braved the cold and rain to sponsor a hole and play in this annual tournament hosted by Hon. David Hancock.  The proceeds of the tournament go to programs to ensure that children are ready to learn by the time they reach Grade One.

With Hon. Gene Zwozdeski and Toyota Prius hole-in-one prize that Laurie sponsored (but didn't win)

Sep 11 - Rajotte Barbecue - Laurie attended the annual barbecue hosted by MP James Rajotte and took the occasion to address the crowd about the mission in Afghanistan.

Former MP Ian McClelland, Laurie, Alyson Boychuk, MP Helena Geurgis, MP James Rajotte, MP Rahim Jaffer.

Sep 11 - Troops return - Laurie joined members of Edmonton Salutes at the Edmonton International Airport and welcomed home from Afghanistan members of the Lord Strathconas Horse (Royal Canadians) and soldiers from other units.  Job well done!

Sep 11 - Tour of Metal Fabricators - Laurie toured their facility and learned more about the heavy metal business and discussed some of the manpower challenges facing Alberta industry.  The visit also reinforced the importance of apprenticeship programs to develop a skilled work force.

With NAIT graduate Jodi Iio

Sep 10 - Laurel Awards - Laurie attended this annual event that recognizes people and organizations from the non-profit sector who have made significant contributions to life in Edmonton.

Sep 10 - more door knocking.

Sep 9 - Women of Valour - Laurie brought greetings to the Edmonton Women of Valour Gala and congratulations to six honourees, including the Hon. Anne McLellan.

Laurie and Judy with Woman of Valour Hon. Anne McLellan.

Sep 9 - Evening with Rick Mercer - Laurie and Judy attended a fund raising event at the Windspear Centre in support of the Northern Alberta Amputee Program (NAAP) and featuring Rick Mercer.  The real stars of the show were Master Corporal Paul Franklin, his wife Audra and son Simon.  MCpl Franklin lost both legs above the knee in Afghanistan and has been an inspiration for his determination to get on with life and make a positive contribution to others in similar circumstances.

Laurie and Judy with Rick Mercer

With the Franklins and Paul's book - The Long way Home.

Sep 9 - Open Minds Walk - Laurie put in 5 KM, cooked burgers and brought greetings to the Annual Open Minds Walk to raise funds for research and treatment of schizophrenia and other mental illness.

Bringing greetings.

Burger chef at work.

Sep 8 - Battle of Britain Dinner - Edmonton's annual Battle of Britain took place at the LCol Philip l. Debney Armoury.  The evening was blessed with the presence of several WWII veteran aviators.

Laurie with With WWII Spitfire Pilot Flt Lt George Aitkens and his wife Deirdre

Sep 6 - Visit by new MND - Laurie accompanied Minister of National Defence Hon. Peter MacKay on his first visit to the Edmonton Garrison.  Minister MacKay got a good look at the facilities and equipment and met many of the soldiers and families that have done such a  great job and made Edmonton so proud.

Discussing the finer points of a Leopard tank with Minister MacKay and soldiers.

Sep 5 - Funding for Edmonton Transit - Laurie made the announcement of funding for new projects for Edmonton Transit to enhance rail and transit security under Transit-Secure, the Government of Canada's $80-million passenger rail and urban transit security contribution program. Laurie also announced the call for applications for the fourth and final round of funding under the program.

With City and Edmonton Transit officials

Aug 25 - 31 - Laurie sets sail in HMCS Algonquin - see feature

Aug 25 - Boilermakers Show and Shine - Laurie indulged his love of cars with a visit to the 1st Annual Charity Show and Shine sponsored by Boilermakers Local 146.  There were many fine examples of automotive history to admire.

Aug 20 - Laurie hit the streets for another evening of door knocking to stay in contact with constituents.

Laurie and Mr. Lam on his doorstep

Aug 19 - Dragon Boat Festival - The annual Edmonton Dragon Boat Festival was another rousing success and Laurie brought greetings and handed out the prizes.

Aug 17 - Red Friday Rally - Edmontonians turned out by the hundreds to pay tribute to our men and women serving overseas and their families.  Laurie was one of several speakers and he highlighted the great work that is going on in Afghanistan and the personal strength of our soldiers and their families.

Family and friends of Private Joel Wiebe, killed in Afghanistan

Aug 4 - Vacation Time - Laurie and Judy stayed on the Island to enjoy some time off with lobster and golf.

With the Prime Minister and MP Mike Lake in our NASCAR sponsor shirts.

Judy Hawn and Laureen Harper.

Aug 01 - 03 - National Caucus Meeting - Nearly all Conservative Party of Canada MPs and Senators gathered at the birthplace of Confederation in Charlottetown for the annual summer caucus meeting.  It was an excellent opportunity to discuss our legislative program and to spend time in a beautiful part of Canada.  Laurie and Judy stayed on for a week to enjoy some actual vacation time.

July 27 - Lord Strathcona Sendoff -  Laurie joined the Lieutenant Governor and many others at a ceremony and barbecue marking the departure of "C" Squadron Lord Strathcona's Horse (Royal Canadians) to their duties as part of TF 3-07 in Afghanistan.  The "Strats" were ready to join in continuing the progress that has been made in bringing stability to Afghanistan.

Explaining the finer points of Army gear to the Honourable Norman Kwong.

July 27 - Garrison Change of Command - Laurie was on hand with the Lieutenant Governor and many other dignitaries as command of the Edmonton Garrison passed to Lieutenant Colonel Gary Blenkinsop.  Members from all branches of the Canadian Forces under LCol Blenkinsop's command provide logistic and administrative support to operational units at the Edmonton Garrison.

Everyone in step.