Welcome to The Hawn Report, which is my online newsletter to keep Edmonton Centre constituents up-to-date on important legislation as well as the events and activities I have been participated in.

Events in Edmonton Centre

Last week Parliament was not sitting so I was able to attend numerous Remembrance Day activities and ceremonies in the riding.  I was able to attend a BBQ in honour of Veterans at the University of Alberta, spoke to Kindergarten Students about the importance of Remembrance Day at Stratford School, participated in McNally High School’s ceremony, and visited the Strathcona, Jasper Place and Kingsway Legions. As well, I attended a Remembrance Day ceremony at Churchill Retirement Centre, where I spoke and laid a wreath.

On Remembrance Day, I laid a wreath at a ceremony held at the Butterdome on the University of Alberta campus, which is our province’s largest Remembrance Day ceremony.   I also attended a service at the Meadowcroft Seniors Residence on November 11^th  and laid a wreath there.

I also had the pleasure of attending the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Awards Dinner and spoke at St. Josophat's Ukrainian Parish Hall about the role of our Canadian Forces Members in defending and preserving freedom.

I had a very enjoyable time at the “Take a Chance for Kids Event & Casino Night” and will be hosting some children for a tour of the 408 Squadron and taking them for dinner at the mess hall.  As well, I spoke at the National Congress of Chinese Canadians Edmonton Chapter Annual General Meeting.

It was a very busy week and I got to catch up with old friends and meet new ones.  I always enjoy getting out to events in our riding and speaking with as many constituents as possible.

New Legislation To End Sentence Discounts

Last week the Minister of Justice announced the introduction of legislation to end sentence discounts for multiple murders.

We cannot bring back those who have been callously murdered nor repair the hearts of those who have lost loved ones to murder. But we can ensure that those who commit the most serious crime of all, taking a life, will pay a more appropriate price.

Once this bill becomes law, multiple murderers will no longer get volume discounts.  The value of each life taken will be acknowledged, and Canadians will be better protected from the criminals who commit such heinous acts.

The new legislation would allow judges to impose consecutive parole ineligibility periods on individuals convicted of more than one first- or second-degree murder. Under the current system, individuals convicted of multiple murders serve their parole ineligibility periods concurrently.

First-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence with no eligibility for parole for 25 years. Second-degree murder carries a mandatory life sentence with no eligibility for parole for a minimum of 10 years up to a maximum of 25 years.

Cracking Down on Crime

Since elected, our government has taken several steps towards strengthening Canada’s Criminal Code and cracking down on crime, including tackling the ongoing problem of gangs, white collar crime and making sure criminals serve the time they deserve.

Our Government’s “Truth in Sentencing Act” eliminates the practice of 2-for-1 credit for time served.  This legislation received Royal Assent on October 23rd. Provincial and territorial Attorneys General across the country supported this Bill. Despite this widespread support by the provincial governments, the Ignatieff Liberals still tried to gut this important legislation in the unelected Senate. Whatever they say when the cameras are on, the Liberals are soft on crime.

Over the past few weeks our Government has tabled a number of new bills to make our streets safer and ensure the severity of the punishment fits the severity of the crime.  Our government’s actions will increase Canadians’ confidence in our justice system.

Christmas Open House

On a final note, I am inviting everyone to my Annual Christmas Open House that will be held on Saturday, December 12^th at the Crestwood Community League, which is located at 14325 – 96 Avenue from 2pm – 5pm.  If you have any questions or need directions please call 1-780-442-1888.

For more information about what activities and events I have attended please visit my website. http://www.lauriehawn.ca/default.asp?id=161&menuID=161

If my office can be of any assistance please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,
Laurie Hawn, MP
Edmonton Centre