Mar 22 – Visit by Chief Rabbi of Israel – Laurie and Judy were invited to a gala evening at Beth Israel Synagogue to celebrate the visit to Edmonton of Ashkenazi Chief rabbi of Israel Yona Metzger Shl’ita.  This is the first visit to Canada by a Chief Rabbi of Israel and Edmonton was the only stop – a coup for the Beth Israel Congregation.  Rabbi Metzger spoke eloquently about the challenges facing Israel and his support of cooperation in the peace process.  Laurie brought greetings from Parliament and the Prime Minister and reaffirmed our government’s support for Israeli security and the peace process.

With Rabbi Yonah Metzger.

Addressing the Beth Israel Congregation.

Mar 21 – Funding for Wicihitowin – Laurie represented the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and joined Alberta Minister Gene Zwozdesky and Mayor Stephen Mandel in bringing funding to the Wicihitowin Circle of Shared Responsibility and Stewardship.  “Wicihitowin” is Cree meaning “helping each other”.  WICIHITOWIN is an urban Aboriginal organization in Edmonton. It is designed to create new ways for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people, organizations and governments to work together and implement solutions to address the most pressing community issues.  The federal share of the new funding is $185,000.

Bringing greetings in Cree and English.

 
With Minister Gene Zwozdesky, Mayor Stephen Mandel, MLA Doug Elniski, Councilor Ron Hayter and Jan Sinclair of Wicihitowin.

Mar 20 – New Canadian citizens – Laurie joined Citizenship Judge Sonia Bitar and RCMP Sergeant (Retired) Jim Medley in welcoming 82 new Canadian citizens from dozens of countries around the world.

New Canadians from South Africa.

Mar 20 – TEC Edmonton Funding Announcement – Laurie joined the Honourable Lynn Yelich, Minister for Western Economic Diversification, as she brought great news to the TEC Centre of $50 million in additional funding.  The TEC Centre does an excellent job of helping young technology companies bring their products to the market through commercialization of research and development.

With the Honourable Lynn Yelich.

Mar 19 – Mac and Cheese Lunch – Laurie was part of a large crowd at the Shaw Conference Centre for the 14^th Annual Mac and Cheese Lunch, sponsored by the Inner City Agencies Foundation (ICAF).  ICAF provides a network of services to alleviate poverty-related problems and to help people improve the quality of their lives.  The crowd heard the moving story of Rhonda, who pulled herself up from a life of crime and drug abuse to become a productive and law-abiding citizen, again.  The Keynote Speaker, Patrick LaForge of the Edmonton Oilers, did his usual fine job of entertaining the audience and making them think.

Mar 19 – Shumka turns 50 – Laurie and Judy joined Premier Ed Stelmach, his wife Marie and a full house at the Edmonton Jubilee Auditorium for the 50^th Anniversary performance of the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers.  Shumka is a world-class dance company that consistently brings its unique Canadian Ukrainian art form to diverse and appreciative audiences at home and abroad.  They are truly spectacular.

Now that’s spectacular!

 
The Stelmachs, the Hawns and Shumka.

Mar 18 – 418 Squadron 65^th Anniversary – Laurie brought certificates from the Prime Minister and himself to the Alberta Aviation Museum to mark the 65^th Anniversary of the adoption of 418 Squadron Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) by the City of Edmonton, in 1944.  418 Squadron was the highest scoring Canadian squadron in both air-to-air and air-to-ground operations by day and by night during World War 2.  The “City of Edmonton” Squadron went on to a distinguished peacetime period of service in a variety of roles until disbandment in 1994.

With Councilor Ron Hayter, MLA Doug Elniski and veterans of 418 “City of Edmonton” Squadron in front of one of their World War 2 aircraft, the DeHavilland Mosquito – “The Wooden Wonder”.

Mar 18 – Women Building Futures – Laurie joined the Honourable Helena Geurgis, Minister of State for the Status of Women as she announced funding of $80,000 for Women Building Futures (WBF).  WBF recruits and trains women in the trades and offers them an opportunity achieve their full potential in areas that were once considered non-traditional for women.  Women can, in fact, do anything and WBF is proof positive of that fact.

Introducing Hon. Helena Guergis.

See if you can pick out the real trades people….. I thought so.

Mar 17 – International Women’s Day – Laurie brought greetings as part of the program put on by Changing Together to commemorate the Annual International Women’s Day and Week and the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.  A number of speeches, success stories, dance performances and one-act plays made for an enjoyable and informative program.  Founded in 1984, Changing Together is a nonprofit, charitable organization operated by immigrant women for immigrant women. Their mission is to help Edmonton and area immigrant women and their families overcome personal and systemic barriers that keep them from participating fully in Canadian Society.

A beautiful dance from India.

Bringing greetings and addressing women’s and immigrant issues.

Mar 17 – Citizenship Court – Laurie made another of his many appearances in Edmonton’s Citizenship Court to welcome 82 new Canadians from 31 different countries.  As usual, Laurie welcomed them all in their own languages and most seemed to actually understand.

With Judge Sonia Bitar and some happy new Canadians.

Mar 16 – Constituency Day – Laurie and his staff spent the day meeting with constituents to try to help resolve issues in a wide variety of areas.

Mar 15 – Inner City Roast Beef Dinner – Laurie was one of many celebrity servers who made sure that plates were full of great food for inner city residents who need a helping hand.  About 800 were served and everyone enjoyed seconds and took away doggie bags.   It’s always a good time to lend a helping hand.

With Rory Glaves of the Edmonton Rush – “Will that be buns or Timbits?”

Mar 15 – Harmony Lunch – Laurie and Judy brought greetings to the 12^th Annual Harmony Lunch at the Ramada on Kingsway.  The event is a medium to promote multicultural understanding and to note the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.  The crowd of over 500 enjoyed an excellent buffet and remarks from Edmonton Police Chief Mike Boyd.

Mar 15 – Edmonton Worship Centre – Laurie joined the Sunday service of the Edmonton Worship Centre on Stony Plain Road and also presented them a framed print in honour of their opening. 

Presenting picture to Pastor Peter Stewart.

Mar 15 – CF Infrastructure funding – Laurie joined Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Peter MacKay, at the Edmonton Garrison to announce $40 million in funding for the Edmonton Garrison, CFB Wainwright and 4 Wing Cold Lake.  These projects will create hundreds of jobs for Albertans and provide important infrastructure upgrades to help the three bases conduct their missions.

Congratulating MND on delivering the goods.

Mar 14 – MND visits the Glenrose – Laurie accompanied Minister of National Defence, the Honourable Peter MacKay, on a visit to the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital.  The Minister had a real eye-opening introduction to all the programs and services that the Glenrose supplies to Canadians, in general, and Canadian Forces members, in particular.  The Glenrose is the model Canadian institution for physical and mental rehabilitation and they have been a critical part of recovery programs for CF members returning from Afghanistan. 

Sharing a laugh with Master Corporal Paul Franklin, one of Laurie’s personal heroes.

 
We love getting flowers from pretty ladies.

Mar 13 – Alzheimer’s Benefit Dinner of Nations – Laurie and Judy attended and brought greetings to this annual fund raiser at the Crowne Plaza.  It was an excellent evening for a very good cause and the audience heard three touching personal stories about dealing with Alzheimer’s.  This disease and related dementias affect approximately 500,000 Canadians (about 1 in 11) and disproportionately affects women (75%).

 
Bringing greetings.

Mar 7 – NAIT Cruise – Laurie and Judy attended the 21^st (and last) Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Annual Fund Raising Cruise.  This year, the “cruise” set sail for Madagascar, with all the decorations and food being themed to that country.  The NAIT Cruises have raised millions of dollars in support of NAIT’s programs.  The results can be seen, for example, in the number of international medals won every year by NAIT’s culinary arts school.  For several years, Laurie has helped to sponsor a day trip to Exercise Maple Flag in Cold Lake - a live auction item that has raised tens of thousands of dollars.  This year, Laurie was also able to help sponsor an overnight trip for four on one of the Canadian Navy’s patrol frigates.  The Canadian Forces is always happy to show Canadians the great work that they do on behalf of our country and in support of operations around the world. 

Laurie and MC / Auctioneer Danny Hooper

Mar 6 – Red Carpet Affair – Laurie attended this annual gala event at the Shaw Conference Centre in support of the Canadian Paraplegic Association (Alberta). The Edmonton Red Carpet Affair raises significant funds to support the CPA’s important work of ensuring a high quality of life for Albertans with spinal cord injuries and other mobility challenges. The Red Carpet Affair also allows the organization to publicly recognize their many donors, sponsors, volunteers and community partners.  Hundreds of people enjoyed an excellent meal and were treated to an inspiring after dinner speech by Chantal Petitclerc, the most decorated Olympic athlete in Canada’s history.

With Chantal Petitclerc, Winner of the 2009 Christopher Reeves Award

Feb 28 – Door knocking – Laurie and some volunteers hit the bricks on frigid Saturday afternoon to take the pulse of constituents in Poll 53.  People seemed to appreciate the dedication of anyone who would brave the elements to come and speak to them on their doorsteps.

Feb 27 – INAC Business Awards Ceremony – Laurie and Judy joined the Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State for Small Business at this annual awards banquet to recognize leading businesses and entrepreneurs from Alberta’s aboriginal communities.  On behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs, Laurie brought greetings in English, Cree and Michif (Metis dialect) to a large audience and presented two awards.  The event does an excellent job of highlighting the companies and individuals who are making  a positive difference in our province.

Getting his tongue around Cree.

Eagle Feather Award Winner

Feb 23 – 100^th Anniversary of Powered Flight in Canada – It has been 100 years since the Silver Dart flew in Baddeck, Nova  Scotia with John A.D. McCurdy at the controls.  This was the first powered flight in Canada and the British Empire.  It travelled 800 metres at an altitude of 10 metres and a speed of 64 kilometres per hour.  How times have changed!  All year across Canada, celebrations will commemorate this event and those that followed.  Laurie delivered a Member’s Statement in the House (see Laurie in the House elsewhere on the website), spoke at a large event at the Canadian Aviation Museum and escorted the Governor General on a tour of the aviation exhibits.  He will also attend numerous other events throughout the year.

Addressing the crowd.

With the GG and one his favourite aircraft, the CF-104 Starfighter.

“There I was …… “

Feb 18 – Presentation to 700 Wing AFAC – Laurie attended the monthly meeting of 700 Wing of the Air Force Association of Canada and presented a briefing on our mission in Afghanistan.  As always, the briefing was well received and opened a few eyes.

With (left to right) 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron Honourary Colonel Bart West, 700 Wing President Alex Richards and fighter pilot veteran Bob Morgan.

Feb 18 – Citizenship Ceremony – Laurie helped to welcome nearly 90 new Canadians in one of the many citizenship ceremonies that he has attended.  It is always gratifying to see the joy on the faces of people as their wait for citizenship to our great country is finally realized.

Welcoming new citizens in about 20 different languages.

 
One very happy and colourful new Canadian.

 
Taking the oath.

 
A new young Canadian.

 
Recognizing Josephine Pallard for many years of work with immigrant women.

Feb 18 – Funding for young Albertans – Laurie announced funding of $219,671 to The Action for Healthy Communities Society of Edmonton (AHC).  AHC is a registered non-profit community development organization whose key work involves supporting marginalized community members to develop Community Initiatives. AHC began work in 1995, supporting only central Edmontonians, but expanded in 2007 to include all of greater Edmonton.  The AHC vision is "a vibrant central Edmonton full of active citizens committed to using their skills, knowledge, culture, and values to work with others in addressing community health issues and building stronger communities".

Delivering the goods.

Chatting with the media.

Discussing the program with clients.

Feb 15 – 17 - Exercise Western Spirit – Laurie became a Canadian Ranger for a couple of days, as he joined them for part of Exercise Western Spirit.  This exercise takes the Rangers from Victoria to Kitimat by warship and thence to Churchill, Manitoba by snowmobile.  Laurie flew to Fort Chipewyan to spend the night on a gymnasium floor in a sleeping bag.  The next day, it was up early to get checked out on an Arctic Cat snowmobile and to set off across Lake Athabasca.  Laurie had never driven snowmobile before but, after dumping it on the first snow bank he came to, he caught on.  180 kilometres later the team arrived at Uranium City.  The trip across the lake was fast and bumpy and Laurie discovered where are his kidneys and every muscle in his arms, shoulders and neck.  The Rangers are an organization of about 4,200 personnel, 2,600 of whom live and work south of the Arctic Circle in remote communities across the country.  1,600 live north of 60 and all Rangers are active in areas such as ground search and rescue and many other projects in and around their communities.  Rangers are credited with about 65 lives saved every year.  They are essentially reservists and come from all walks of life.  Laurie came away with an appreciation for their resourcefulness and dedication.  Just one more example of Canadians serving Canadians in a mostly unsung manner.

Home sweet home.

 
Man and Machine.

With Commanding Officer Major Tim Byers and Ranger Andrew.

 
At the Saskatchewan border (Can’t you see it?).

 
Some of the obstacles we faced

 
Arrival in Uranium City.

 
Chariot back to civilization.

Feb 14 – Door Knocking – Laurie hit the streets, again, and began what will be a regular series of days spent meeting Edmonton Centre constituents at their doors.  It’s just one of the many ways that Laurie stays in touch, and the chocolate Valentines kisses were a special touch.

Feb 12 – Countdown to 2010 – Laurie joined a large group on the Hill to start the countdown to the Vancouver Olympics.  Senator and Olympic hero Nancy Green, along with Silver Medalist Liz Manley, Gold Medalist Gaeten Boucher and current Olympic athletes were on hand to inspire the crowd.

Olympic Medalist Liz Manley.

 
Flag-waving MPs.

Feb 7 – Sarnia Visit – Laurie travelled to Sarnia to speak to the Annual General Meeting of Sarnia-Lambton MP Pat Davidson.  The topic was our mission in Afghanistan and the large crowd appreciated the information imparted.  One woman spotted her son in one of the pictures of Laurie serving Christmas dinner to the troops.

With Sarnia Lambton MP Pat Davidson (left) and MLA Robert Bailey (right).

Looking authentic.

One more crack at Cantonese.

Jan 31 – Robbie Burns with the RCMP – Laurie and Judy joined members of ‘K’ Division RCMP for their annual Robbie Burns Dinner.  Laurie delivered the Toast to the Lassies and everyone had a grand wee time in the spirit of the Immortal memory of the Bard.  Haggis was, of course, the culinary highlight of the evening.

Addressing the Haggis.

Jan 31 – More Gung Het Fat Choy ! – Laurie and Judy had  a great time joining Edmonton’s Chinese community for their Year of the Ox celebration on 97^th Street.  Lots of fire crackers, doling out hundreds of lucky money packets, Lion and Dragon Dances and an excellent dim sum made for a very enjoyable day with a wonderfully colourful  part of our community.

They seem to like Laurie’s Cantonese.

With the Money God.

97^th Street merchants in the spirit

 
And a Gung Hey Fat Choy to you.

Jan 26 / 27 – Parliament Reconvenes – The second session of the 40^th Parliament kicked off with a Speech from the Throne and Budget 2009.  Laurie resumed his duties as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence.

Jan 24 – Gung Hey Fat Choy! – Laurie and Judy attended two celebrations to mark the Chinese Lunar New Year and the Year of the Ox.  Laurie brought greetings in Cantonese and English to a large event at West Edmonton mall and an evening dinner with the Canadian Ging Wu Kung-Fu Martial Arts Association.  Lion dance performances and dynamic kung-fu demonstrations were enjoyed by all.

Doing his best Cantonese to the amusement of those behind who actually speak the language.

Jan 23 – Edmonton Chamber of Commerce Ball – Laurie and Judy attended and brought greetings from the federal government to this annual gala.  The outgoing Chair of the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, Patrick LaForge was honoured for his excellent service and incoming Chair, Joanne Beaton, was sworn in by Mayor Mandel.  The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest and most active in Canada and does a tremendous job of promoting and fostering Edmonton’s business interests.  The evening was topped off with a performance by actor / singer Kevin Costner and his band.

Jan 22 – Anti-Drug Funding Announcement – Representing the Minister of Health, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Laurie announced funding of $176, 460 for The New Dawn Rising project—a joint initiative of the Alberta Native Friendship Centres, their National Office, and the National Agency for the Campaign Against Drug Abuse.  This program will result in a culture-based addictions prevention program for young urban Aboriginal people living in Alberta.  In addition, Laurie announced $50,000 funding for the Supports for Gang Prevention and Intervention Program.  This program is run by the Native Counselling Services of Alberta and provides advice and support to community and government partners in their efforts to help at-risk Aboriginal youth involved with street gangs, drugs, and violence, as well as their families.

Making the announcement

Jan 15 – Glenn Anderson Salute – Laurie and Judy attended a Salute to Glenn Anderson, who spent 15 years as a star in the National Hockey League, most of it with the Edmonton Oilers.  Glenn was the go-to guy in the Oilers’ playoff battles on the way to five Stanley Cups, winding up fifth all-time in playoff scoring.  Glenn has also done great work with the Cross Cancer Institute and other charities.  His number is being retired by the Oilers as he enters the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Oiler GM Kevin Lowe roasting Glenn Anderson

Jan 13 – 14 – Laurie visits Cold Lake – Laurie traveled to Cold Lake to deliver a briefing on Canada’s mission in Afghanistan, at the invitation of Westlock-St. Paul MP Brian Storseth.  In his capacity as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence, Laurie also took the opportunity to visit 4 Wing Cold Lake, to discuss issues of interest with senior personnel.  The visit was rounded off with a training flight in a CF-18 with 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron - it’s like riding  a bicycle.

Laurie and Major Dave “Idaho” Moar after “slipping the surly bonds of earth”

Jan 10 – 287 Spitfire Squadron 25^th Anniversary – Laurie was Guest of Honour at the 25^th Anniversary Celebration for 287 Spitfire Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets.  It was  a pleasure to meet some old friends and to address the cadets and their families.  The Cadet Program (Air, Sea and Army) is the best youth program in the country and has been developing good citizens for well over a century.

Laurie and Squadron CO Captain Terry Plant

Jan 6 – Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton – Laurie visited SAGE. and learned more about the programs and challenges of the organization.     SAGE  is a full service not-for-profit seniors’ organization whose mandate is to build and maintain a broad range of programs and services that enhance the quality of life for seniors and their families in the greater Edmonton area. With over 37 years of experience, SAGE is regarded as a major provider of innovative seniors’ services in the capital region.

Jan 6 – Our House Addiction Recovery Centre – Laurie visited their new facility in the west-end and was very impressed with the development of their capacity and programs.  Our House is an Addiction Recovery Centre, whose sole purpose is to provide an environment where individuals with addictions can embark on a recovery process directed towards a meaningful, productive lifestyle.  They fulfill their mission through a residential program for men eighteen years and over; recovery-directed programs for men and women; and education initiatives in the community.

Jan 3 – Edmonton Viets Year of the Ox Celebration – Laurie and Judy enjoyed a meal and fellowship at the Mirama Restaurant as the Edmonton’s Vietnamese community celebrated the Chinese New Year.

Dec 31 – New Years Eve on Churchill Square – Laurie and Judy joined thousands of Edmontonians to ring in the New Year on a frigid night on Churchill Square.  Great music and spectacular fireworks helped to thaw the atmosphere and everyone enjoyed the arrival of 2009.

Laurie addresses the crowd with Edmonton-Meadowlark MLA Raj Sherman while frozen organizer Giuseppe Albi looks for a heater.

Dec 21 – Jewish Annual Menorah Lighting – Laurie and Judy attended and brought greetings at the Alberta Legislature for this annual event to mark the beginning of the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah.  A large crowd of all faiths gathered for short speeches inside and then braved a very cold night to witness the lighting of the first candle of the menorah on the grounds of the Legislature.

Traditional gift from Rabbi Ari.

Dec 19 – New Years Downtown Media Kickoff – Laurie brought greetings to City Hall to help kick off the annual New Year’s celebrations that Edmontonians enjoy is the days leading up to and including New Year’s Eve.

Kicking it off.

Dec 19 – More Funding – At the STARS Air Ambulance hangar at the City centre Airport, Laurie announced a $50,000 investment towards a new database launched by the Aviation Alberta Association. The funding will create more opportunities for local aerospace and aviation industries to market their services to international markets.

Delivering the $$.

Dec 18 – HMCS Edmonton Change of Command – Laurie traveled to CFB Esquimalt in Victoria, BC, to help officiate at the Change of Command for HMCS Edmonton.  In a parade ceremony, command was passed from Commander Evans to Lieutenant Commander Montgomery.  A reception followed on the bridge of the Edmonton, where Laurie delivered a congratulatory message from Mayor Stephen Mandel.

With Commander Evans (lt) and Lieutenant Commander Montgomery (rt).

Dec 17 – 408 Squadron send-off – Laurie travelled to the Edmonton Garrison to bid farewell to a contingent of airmen and airwomen from 408 tactical Helicopter Squadron as they embarked for the mission in Afghanistan.  408 Squadron will support the operation with their Griffon helicopters by providing armed escort for our new Chinook medium lift helicopters and utility support in other areas.

Dec 16 – Prosper Place – Laurie spent a good part of the afternoon visiting the Prosper Place Clubhouse, which is a member driven, restorative environment for people with a history of mental illness.  The members are making good use of a new facility to make a difference in the lives of many Edmontonians.

With staff and members of Prosper Place Clubhouse.

Dec 15 – 19 – Christmas Cakes with seniors – Laurie visited several of the seniors residences in the constituency to share some Christmas cheer and sent cakes to all the others.  It is one of the many opportunities Laurie takes to spend time with these very important people who have done so much to build our country.

Sharing some thoughts.

Dec 14 – 15 Service Battalion plays Santa Claus – Laurie joined members of Edmonton’s 15 Service Battalion as they paid their annual visit to bring Christmas cheer (and significant donations) to the Youth Emergency Shelter Society.  YESS provides long and short-term residential programs for youth under 19 yrs with no viable living alternative; provides outreach, support line, family mediation, life skills training, referrals, school presentations, day program, etc.  The convoy then travelled on to the Kipnes Centre for Veterans to bring greetings (and more donations) to veterans, families and staff.  The Kipnes Centre for Veterans Day Program provides services to adults aged 55 and older and living in the community, who have physical, emotional and/or social limitations that require a structured support program. 

Santa and his helpers.