Nov 11 - Veteran's Week and Remembrance Day were very busy for Laurie, as usual.  He appeared on Global TV Morning from the Alberta Aviation Museum, attended ceremonies at Archbishop Macdonald High School, Churchill Seniors Residence, Meadowcroft Seniors Residence and the major Edmonton event at the University of Alberta Burtterdome.  He also dropped by local Legions to spend more time with Veterans and members.  The Butterdome event was huge, with a standing room only crowd of over 5,000 people and representation from many serving military units, veterans and service organizations, cadets, and community groups.  Edmontontians clearly understand that we all owe a sincere debt of gratitude for those who have served and sacrificed in the past and to those who continue to serve and sacrifice today.

Marching into Archbishop Macdonald High School

Laying a wreath at the Butterdome

In the Alberta Aviation Museum F-86 Sabre with Global TV's Lorraine Mansbridge

Laying a wreath with veteran Ray Lane at Churchill Seniors Residence

Addressing the Butterdome crowd

 

Being piped into Meadowcroft Seniors Residence

Sep 2 – 6  - Laurie co-hosts CDMA VIII – Laurie teamed up with Minister of National Defence Peter MacKay in co-hosting the 8^th Conference of Defence Ministers of the Americas in Banff.  The Minister departed after Day 2, leaving Laurie to lead the process of dozens of bi-lateral meetings and the completion and signing of the Declaration of Banff.  Judy also acted as official hostess of the spousal program.  The CDMA was created to form a valuable forum of debate for the countries of the Western Hemisphere, increasing cooperation in the areas of security and defence issues.  The CDMA is the cornerstone of Canadian defence engagement in Latin America and the Caribbean.  Discussions at CDMA VIII centred on the preservation of institutional memory and cooperation in three areas – peacekeeping operations, assistance and cooperation during major national or regional events, and assistance and cooperation during natural disasters.  Thematic sessions were well-attended and thorough and the Declaration will provide effective guidance in the areas studied.  It was a very valuable experience for Laurie on the international stage.

Signed copies of the Declaration of Banff in English, French, Spanish and Portugese

Toasting with the Bolivian MND and host of CDMA IX in 2010

Group of Ministers

Greeting the Venezuelan delegate

The Lord Strathconas Horse (Royal Canadians) added some class and colour

Sharing a laugh with Minister Peter MacKay and U.S. Secretary of Defense Bill Gates