Feb 18 - United Way Awards of Distinction - Laurie joined a large crowd at the Westin Hotel to honour those who have made a difference in our community through their efforts with the United Way in 2009.  It is the dedication of these people that allows Edmontonians with various challenges to enjoy a better quality of life.

Feb 18 - Aviation Business Mixer - Laurie joined members of the local aviation community at Blatchford Field for a business mixer and to discuss the future of aviation in Edmonton.  Naturally, there was a lot of discussion about the future of the Edmonton City Centre Airport.

Feb 18 - Edmonton Waste Management Facility - Laurie joined MPs Brent Rathgeber and Tim Uppal to tour this facility near Sherwood Park.  The handling of waste has come a very long way and the level of recycling is very impressive.  This will take great pressure off of land-fill sites.

Feb 16 - Lockheed Martin - Laurie travelled to Dallas - Fort Worth to visit Lockheed Martin Corporation and to get a close look at the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.  The F-35 is the front-runner to replace our aging fleet of CF-18 fighters in the 2017 time-frame.  As the first Canadian pilot checked out on ther CF-18 and with many hours on that aircraft, Laurie was anxious to see how far technology has come.  Technology has come a very long way and, after an hour in the simulator, Laurie pronounced himself ready for solo - well, maybe not.

F-35 and F-18 in formation

Feb 16 - Your MP becomes a Grampa! - Laurie and Judy were absolutely thrilled to become grandparents with the arrival in Coquitlam, BC, of Tyler James Davidson, 6 lb 6.5 oz.  Mother and son doing fine and grandparents over the moon.

Am I cute or what!

Feb 14 - Chinese Lunar New Year - It was time for fireworks, lion dances and the Money God as Laurie joined hundreds of Edmonton's Chinese community for the celebration of the Year of the Tiger.  After bringing greetings in Cantonese, Laurie joined Mayor Mandel, MLA Janice Sarich and many others in distributing "money" packets for good luck followed by an excellent lunch at the Yorkton Pacific Mall.

Greetings in Cantonese

Gung Hey Fat Choy!

Feb 12 - CFB Shilo Rec Centre - Laurie joined local MP Merv Tweed in officially opening a new $17 million recreation centre at CFB Shilo, east of Brandon.  The new facility will make it easier for our servicemen and women to maintain peak physical condition and to do rehabilitation from injuries.  The facility is also open to the public.

With MP Merv Tweed, local dignitaries and the key to the rec centre

Feb 12 - University of Brandon - Laurie travelled to Brandon, Manitoba to speak to a class at the University of Brandon about our mission in Afghanistan.  The students had excellent questions and appreciated Laurie's insights from his many visits to our troops.

Feb 11 - McQueen Seniors Torch Relay - McQueen seniors got into the Olympic spirit with their own torch relay.  Residents carried the torch through the hallways and everyone received a certificate and a medal.  Laurie ran a leg and enjoyed the spirit of the games that was building rapidly.

With some of the torch bearers

Feb 10 - Canadian Mental Health Association Gala - Laurie and Judy joined several dozen others at the Bistecca Italian Steakhouse to raise awareness and connect with others involved in the research into and treatment of mental illness.

With Executive Director Ione Challborn

Feb 10 - Assembly at Stratford School - Students at Stratford initiated a program to raise funds for releif of Haiti.  Grade 5, 6 and 9 students each picked a different method of fund raising and all were successful.  Laurie brought greetings and congratulations to a school assembly and helped bring the total raised by the students to $2,500, which will be matched by the federal government.  Generosity knows no age limits.

With some of the Stratford School student leaders

Feb 10 - National Institute of Nano-Technology - Laurie spent the morning touring and getting an update at NINT, one of the many excellent research and development facilities at the University of Alberta.  The level of R&D being done here in many areas is absolutely world-leading, and Edmonton is attracting leading researchers from around the world.

In a lab with Dr. Nils Petersen

Feb 10 - Provincial Budget Breakfast - Laurie joined a sell-out crowd at the Sutton Place Hotel to listen to the Hon. Ted Morton discuss the newly released Alberta Provincial Budget.  Like all provinces, Alberta is facing fiscal challenges and it was good to hear their plans from the architect.

Feb 9 - Allard Chair in Business Luncheon - Laurie joined the large crowd and several other speakers at the Sutton Place Hotel to bring greetings and to honour this year's recipient of the Allard Chair in Business.  Liz O'Neill has been a leader in the not-for-profit sector that is so important to the quality of life in Canada, especially for those who may have special challenges.  Liz is very worthy of this significant recognition.

Liz O'Neill, 2010 Allard Chair for Business

Feb 8 - Alberta Caucus - Laurie joined the other members of the Alberta Conservative Caucus in Calgary for a meeting with the Prime Minister.  There were frank discussions about the upcoming budget and the challenges over the longer term.  It's always great to get the PM's ear.Feb 7 - Service for Haiti - Laurie and Judy joined the congregation at the People's Church to memorialize those lost in Haiti and to hear stories of personal loss and grief.  Laurie brought greetings in French and everyone was moved by the event.

Feb 7 - Alberta Wheelchair Provincial Curling Championships - Laurie went to Jasper Place Curling Club to watch the action and to hand out the trophies.  The competition was fierce and boiled down to another Edmonton - Calgary "Battle of Alberta".  Calgary won this one, but everyone enjoyed the friendly competition.

With the winning rink from Calgary.

Feb 7 - Edmontonians Helping Haiti - Laurie and Judy joined hundreds of Edmontonians who dropped in at La Piazza Dasee on Gateway Blvd to enjoy food and music and to raise money for releif to Haiti.  It was a real example of local businesses teaming up with Edmontonians to help out a worthy cause.

Judy shopping for bargains.

Feb 6 - Chamber Ball - One of the social highlights of the year is always the annual Chamber of Commerce Ball, and Laurie and Judy joined the huge crowd at the Edmonton Expo Centre to celebrate a year of accomplishment by the Chamber under the leadership of Joanne Beaton.  The event also saw the swearing in of the new Chamber Chairman, Carmen McNary.

Feb 6 - Lebanese Memorial Service - Laurie brought greetings and condolences to a service in memory of the people, mostly of Lebanese origin, who lost their lives in the crash of an Ethiopian airliner off the coast of Lebanon.  Tragedy plays no favourites.

Feb 6 - Lunar New Year - Laurie joined a large crowd at West Edmonton Mall to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Tiger.  This is a colourful and exciting event every year as Edmonton's thriving Chinese community comes out in force to share their culture.  Laurie brought greetings in his best Cantonese.

Greetings in Cantonese

Feb 5 - New Citizens - Laurie helped swear in about 85 new Canadians in two ceremonies under the authority of Judge Sonia Bitar.  This is one of the really fun parts of the job and they are always very happy and proud occasions.

Happy new Canadians

Feb 4 - Business Roundtable - Laurie spent a couple of hours with members of the Kingsway Business Association discussing the upcoming federal budget and the way ahead over the longer term.  It was an excellent exchange of infomation and it is very important that feedback from the folks actually making the economy work is taken into consideration.

Feb 3 - Constituency Day - Taking more time with individual constituents to listen to their personal concerns.

Jan 31 - Meeting with Haitian Community - Laurie and fellow MPs Brent Rathgeber and Peter Goldring and members of their staffs met with Edmonton's Haitian community at the Shiloh Baptist Church.  All three MPs addressed issues relative to the recent catastrophic earthquake in Haiti and ways that the government and MP offices can assist with the many issues arising.  The crowd appreciated Laurie speaking French for most of his parts of the discussion and a lot of individual cases were brought to light and initial guidance given.  People who have individual concerns should contact their MP's office as soon as possible.

Addressing the crowd in French




With MP Brent Rathgeber and leaders of the Haitian community

Jan 31 - Chinese fund raiser for Haiti - Laurie and Judy attended and brought greetings in Cantonese and English to a large crowd at the Dynasty Century Palace Restaurant Edmonton's Chinese community dug deep to support relief efforts in Haiti.  An excellent multi-course meal, a silent auction and sponsored karaoke raised tens of thousands of dollars for the worthy cause of helping out Haitians in their hour of need.  When catastrophe strikes around the world, Canada and Canadians respond.  Well done!

Bringing greetings in Cantonese 

Jan 30 - Art Gallery of Alberta Official Opening - Laurie and Judy attended, along with hundreds of Edmontonians, the official ribbon cutting and grand opening of the Art Gallery of Alberta.  This remarkable facility will be the signature edifice of Edmonton and Western Canada and will attract thousands of people to enjoy world-class art and programs.

The Lieutenant Governor and others cutting the ribbon




A signature piece of architecture

Jan 30 - Laurier Heights RInC Funding - Laurie took great pleasure in announcing funding for the Laurier Heights Community League in the amount of $275,362 for rebuilding skating rinks and tennis courts.  The money is part of the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program to create jobs and to enhance the quality of life of our communities.

Sharing the moment with Community League President Ray Jacobson

Jan 30 - Chinese New Year - Laurie brought greetings in Cantonese to the Jing Ying Martial Arts Association to their annual Chinese New Year celebration.  A great meal and entertaining Lion Dance and kung fu demonstration helped to celebrate the Year of the Tiger.

Jan 29 - Economic Consultations - Laurie met with members of Edmonton's Downtown Business Association to discuss economic issues facing Canada.  The discussions were wide-ranging and fruitful as all aspects of business and the economy were addressed with an eye on the futuure and the best way forward as Canada's recovery from the world-wide recession continues.

Jan 29 - Riel Institute Graduation - Laurie gave remarks at the graduation of 15 students at the Riel Institute.  The mission statement for the institute is to create an environment where all Aboriginal Students have the opportunity of Education and Training to enhance their employment.

Addressing the students and the crowd.

Jan 29 - Art Gallery of Alberta Gala - Laurie and Judy were excited to attend the Gala with a Twist to celebrate the completion of the iconic Art Gallery of Alberta.  Close to a thousand people enjoyed an evening of great food, viewing exhibits and listening to music, including a virtuoso piano solo by Senator Tommy Banks.  The new AGA will certainly be a conversation piece and will help put Edmonton on the tourist map.

Some of the crowd and the curves



Proud to be a sponsor

Jan 28 - Telus Walk to Cure Diabetes Breakfast - Laurie joined a couple of hundred Edmontonians in support of Diabetes Research at this annual event at the Royal Glenora Club.  Diabetes is one of the most costly and destructive of diseases and it is estimated that dealing with it will cost the healthcare system $20 Billion by 2020.  Sobering thought, indeed.

Laurie with JDRF's youth ambassador Faith Jensen, JDRF-Funded Researcher Dr. James Shapiro, and JDRF Edmonton's Regional Manager Barb Armstrong

Jan 28 - Mayfair School Assembly - Laurie joined staff, students and parents for their assembly to pass out awards for good work to students from pre-school to Grade 6.  The enthusiasm and charm of youngsters is always a refreshing interlude in a world where too many people take themselves too seriously.

Presenting pins and flags to Grade 1 students.

Jan 28 - Grant MacEwan Book Club Committee - Laurie joined a panel to discuss the book The Cellist of Sarajevo by Canadian author Steven Galloway.  The book is a novel based on the siege of Sarajevo in the early 1990s and is a study in human spirit in the midst of war.  The real-life Cellist of Sarajevo is a man named Vedran Smailovic and he played his cello for 22 days in full view of and defiance of snipers to mourn the loss of 22 Sarajevans in a bomb attack on a marketplace.  The discussion also centred on Canada's experience with post traumatic stress disorder and the care that is being given to our veterans of Afghanistan.

With other particpants

 
Vedran Smailovic - The Cellist of Sarajevo

Jan 28 - EPSB Skills Centre Grand Opening - Laurie attended the grand opening of the Edmonton Public School Board and Northern Alberta Institute of Technology partnership at Amiskwaciy Academy.  The program will provides apprenticeship training in a number of skilled trades.

Jan 28 - Telus / U of A Special Partnership - Laurie attended the kickoff of this special partnership agreement to enhance advanced education.

Jan 22 - 27 - Ottawa - Laurie spent several days in Ottawa dealing with issues and a backlog of work there.

Jan 21 - Constituency Day - Another day spent with individual and small groups of constituents dealing with their specific issues.

Jan 20 - Clover Bar Energy Centre - Laurie toured the new Capital Power generating station at Clover Bar.  It is an impressive facility that will deliver on-demand power to the grid with a much smaller carbon footprint and drastically reduced use of water.  It's another example of delivering what Albertans need and doing it in an environmentally responsible manner.

With Capital Power President Brian Vaasjo and MLA Drayton Valley - Calmar Diana McQueen

Jan 20 - Tour of CASA House - Laurie toured the new CASA House in Sherwood Park and was extermely impressed with the facility, the staff and the programs.  CASA House offers a voluntary residential treatment program for 12 to 18 year old adolescents.  The program focuses on treating adolescents who have not responded to previous interventions and now require a higher degree of intensive treatment.

CASA House

Jan 19 - Business Mixer - Laurie joined members of the Chamber of Commerce and members of Edmonton's military community at a business mixer held at the Jefferson Armoury. 

Jan 19 - Reception for new City Manager - Laurie joined a sizable crowd at the Shaw Conference Centre to welcome Simon Farbrother to his new role as Edmonton's City Manager.  Simon returned to Alberta after serving as the City Manager of Waterloo, Ontario and is currently International Vice President of the International City-County Managers Association.  The City Manager reports directly to City Council. He heads a staff of more than 10,000 who deliver all of Edmonton’s municipal services. He manages a combined operating and capital budget of nearly $3 billion.

Jan 16 - Operation Red Nose Volunteer Breakfast - Laurie brought greetings and supplied prize draws for the breakfast to thank volunteers for Operation Red Nose.  Op Red Nose gives people rides home when they have imbibed during the Christmas holiday season.  The Spirit Keeper Youth Society was the sponsor organization for this volunteer-driven effort to make our streets safer.  Congratulations and thanks to all for doing such a great job.

Speaking to the group

Jan 15 - Welcome Home General Vance - Laurie and Judy attended and brought greetings to a dinner to welcome back from his tour in Afghanistan, Brigadier-General Jon Vance.  General Vance commanded Canada's efforts in Afghanistan and provided some excellent insight into the  progress and the challenges of that important mission.

Jan 14 - RInC Funding - Laurie announced funding of $230,000 under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program for the Central MacDougall Community League.  The money will be used to complete a new recreational facility for the residents of this historic Edmonton community.

Making the announcement with members of the Central MacDougall Community League

Jan 14 - Town Hall - Laurie held his first Town Hall for 2010.  A lively crowd of about 100 people came out to discuss issues.  For the most part, discussion was civil despite the emotional nature of some issues; and it is always good to see people get involved.

Addressing the issues

Jan 13 - U of A Conservative Club - Laurie spent two hours at the University of Alberta with members of the U of A Conservative Club being available to discuss issues with students.

 
With Kevin and Heather

Jan 13 - Olympic Torch Relay - Laurie was thrilled to represent the Federal Government at the Olympic Torch Relay ceremony at Sir Winston Churchill Square.  A jam-packed crowd of about 15,000 was totally energized by the spirit of the Olympics and gave a rousing Edmonton welcome to the Olympic torch being carried by two-time Olympian Doreen Ryan.  It was  a magical evening with performances by local artists, fireworks and the star of the show - the Olympic Torch.  Go! Canada Go!

 
Torch Bearer Doreen Ryan, then and now.

 
Doreen Ryan about to light the cauldron 

Addressing the huge crowd

Presenting a commemorative plaque to Mayor Mandel 
 

Jan 12 - Laurie made a presentation to residents of Summit Village on his journey to Nijmegen, The Netherlands, to complete the multi-marathon march there this past summer.  Many of the residents of Summit Village are of Dutch descent and they enjoyed the many pictures and stories from their homeland.

 
With event organizer George Abma

Jan 12 - Tears to Laughter - Laurie and Judy attended this evening of comedy at the Winspear Centre in support of the Franklin Foundation.  This organization was started by Master Corporal (retired) Paul Franklin after he lost both legs above the knee in Afghanistan.   With a mission statement of "Improving the lives of amputees," the Franklin-Northern Alberta Amputee Program (NAAP), with the support of the University of Alberta, is the first regional program established to enhance rehabilitation knowledge and care of people with amputation.

With Paul Franklin, standing tall

Jan 11 - U of A Occupational Performance Analysis Unit - Laurie toured and held discussions with this forward-thinking organization that is advancing reserach and treatment in occupational therapy.  Their efforts will benefit all Canadians facing the challenge of unexpected physical and psychological limitations.  This includes members of the Canadian Forces.

Jan 11 - Edmonton Northlands Expo Centre -  Laurie attended to reception before the official opening of the Northlands Expo Centre.  This new 500,000 square foot facility is the largest convention space in Western Canada and will attract hundreds of events every year. 

Jan 9 - A sad day - This was a very sad day for Canada as two of our fallen were buried with full military honours in Sherwood Park.  Sergeant George Miok and Corporal Zach McCormack were laid to rest after making the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan.  The citizens of Sherwood Park did themselves proud as they lined the route and showed great respect for two Canadian heroes.  Lest we forget.

Jan 8 - Wounded soldiers return - Laurie went to the International Airport to welcome home four of our soldiers wounded in Afghanistan.  All were hurting from their wounds and from the loss of their comrades, but all were glad to be back with family and friends.  Welcome home.

Jan 8 - Kids Up Front - Laurie helped to host a group of young people supported by Kids Up Front Foundation at the Edmonton Garrison and 408 Tactical Helicopter Squadron.  Everyone enjoyed lunch with the soldiers and the tour of the squadron that provides an important element of Canada's military capability.  Kids Up Front Foundation is a charitable organization that provides access to arts, culture, sport and recreation for children who otherwise do not have the opportunity.

Enjoying lunch

Checking out the Griffon

Trying out night vision goggles