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During his nine years and nine months in Parliament, Mr. Hawn will have performed in a variety of roles. He spent 3 ½ years as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence; chaired the Special Parliamentary Committee on the Clean Air Act; served on the Standing Committees on National Defence, Veterans Affairs, Public Safety and National Security, Health, Procedures and House Affairs, and Ethics. Mr. Hawn also led the Government side on the Special Parliamentary Committee on the Mission in Afghanistan and the Ad Hoc Committee on Taliban Detainees. Mr. Hawn was appointed to the Queen’s Privy Council of Canada in 2010, and that led to appointments previously reserved for cabinet ministers, including Treasury Board and two Treasury Board Cabinet Sub-Committees. Mr. Hawn also served as the Canadian Co-Chair of the Canada-U.S. Permanent Joint Board on Defence, reporting directly to the Prime Minister on a wide variety of issues affecting the overall defence and security of North America.

“I have been extremely honoured and proud to serve the people of Edmonton Centre and our Government for nearly ten years. I appreciate the confidence that the Prime Minister has shown in me and I have immensely enjoyed being part of a great team of dedicated Canadians, who have brought positive change to Canada.”

Mr. Hawn has made it clear that he will serve out the remainder of his term and is dedicated to serving his constituents until October 2015. He also had praise for all Parliamentarians. “Everyone who comes to this place, regardless of party affiliation, comes to make a positive difference to Canada and all deserve credit and respect, despite our differences.”

Mr. Hawn, a thirty-year Air Force veteran, cited his involvement with the Canadian Armed Forces and his many visits to Afghanistan, including five Christmases with the troops, as highlights of his time in Parliament. “Our men and women in uniform have brought great benefit to people around the world and great credit to Canada. They deserve our gratitude and support while they serve and after they retire.”

Mr. Hawn, who will be 68 at the next election, said that it was simply time to move on and spend more time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

“My wife, Judy, and I will have been working for a century between us and she will have taken a back seat to my careers for 47 years. It is time that I put her and our family in the front seat. You simply can’t do this job without family support. I do look forward to continuing to serve my community in other ways, and sincerely thank the people of Edmonton Centre for their trust and support, as well as my staff, Board and volunteers for their hard work and loyalty.”

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Edmonton, AB – Today, the Honourable Laurie Hawn, PC, CD, MP for Edmonton Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification (WD), joined the Downtown Edmonton Community League to celebrate the grand opening of their newly renovated facility, which received support under the federal government’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).

“It is with investments in projects such as this that we are helping boost economic activity and maintain a high quality of life for Canadians. This is by no means the largest investment our Government has made in Edmonton, but in collaboration with Edmonton’s community spirit, and tremendous sense of volunteerism, we can work together to continue building this great city,” said MP Laurie Hawn.

Economic Action Plan 2012 promised further support to help communities across the country modernize their infrastructure. Our Government committed $150 million over two years to improve existing community infrastructure accessible for use by the public, such as community centres, recreational buildings, local arenas, cultural and other community facilities.

“I am proud to take part in the grand opening of this beautiful facility, which is a tremendous benefit to our community, bringing families and residents together,” concluded MP Hawn.

Since 2006, the Government of Canada, through WD, has invested in job-creating small- and medium-sized businesses, aerospace, marine and defence companies and supported innovative entrepreneurs in pursuing emerging markets. By continuing to promote new economic opportunities, WD is helping to create jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.

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Edmonton, AB – On behalf of the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs, the Honourable Laurie Hawn, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, today joined members of Unit 21 of the Korea Veterans Association of Canada to mark the 60^th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice and to honour Canada’s Korean War Veterans.

“Today, we mark the 60^th anniversary of the Armistice that ended the active fighting in the Korean War, a monumental event on the world stage,” said Minister Fantino. “Our Government is proud to recognize the contributions of the brave Canadians who triumphed over difficult odds in the name of democracy, peace and the rule of law.”

From 1950 to 1953, more than 26,000 Canadians served in Korea—working to restore peace and stability to the area. On July 27, 1953, the Korean War Armistice was signed, ending three years of hostilities. Some 7,000 Canadians continued to serve there between the signing of the Armistice and the end of 1955, with some Canadian troops remaining until 1957. In total, 516 brave young Canadians made the ultimate sacrifice during the Korean War.

“We are here today to honour the selfless service and sacrifice of the men and women in uniform who served during the Korean War,” said Member of Parliament Hawn. “Canada’s role in the Korean War is an important part of our history.”

2013 is the Year of the Korean War Veteran—Canada proudly remembers the heroes of the Korean War and their brave fight to uphold freedom, democracy and the rule of law. For more information on Canada’s role in the Korean War, visit veterans.gc.ca.

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OTTAWA, ON – The Honourable Laurie Hawn PC, CD, MP on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, is encouraging local angling, fishing and conservation groups to get their applications in for the newly established Recreational Fisheries Conservation Partnership Program (RFCPP). As outlined in Economic Action Plan 2013, Fisheries and Oceans Canada will make $10 million available over two years to support conservation activities through partnerships with local groups who will undertake a variety of projects to restore and protect recreational fisheries habitat.

“Edmonton has countless amateur anglers who enjoy fishing in Alberta’s lakes and rivers. I am pleased our Government is providing assistance to enhance and restore fish habitat that will only heighten their experience,” said MP Hawn.

According to the 2010 Survey of Recreational Fishing in Canada, more than 3.3 million adult anglers participated in recreational fishing activities in Canada. These activities contributed a total of $8.3 billion to various local economies in Canadian provinces and territories.

Activities that directly restore recreational fisheries habitat are eligible for RFCPP funding.  For example, the program can fund projects that mitigate streamside practices to improve the quality of recreational fisheries habitat, enhance habitat, manage the areas bordering streams, lakes and wetlands, and enhance connectivity (e.g., barrier removal, enhancing fishways).

The program will consider requests for funding of up to $250,000 per project per year.  Applications can be submitted for new projects as well as projects already up and running that could benefit from additional funding.  In recognition of the importance of a partnership approach, at least 50% of project funding must come from a source other than the federal, provincial, territorial and/or municipal governments.

The Government is now accepting applications for projects to be undertaken over the next two years. Additional information about the program and application forms are available on the Department’s website at: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/habitat/rfcpp-ppcpr/index-eng.asp

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Edmonton, AB – On behalf of the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister for La Francophonie, and the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, the Honourable Tim Uppal, Minister of State for Democratic Reform and Member of Parliament for Edmonton–Sherwood Park, and the Honourable Laurie Hawn, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, today announced a Government of Canada investment of $5 million to support the construction of a permanent Visitor Centre at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France. Construction of the Centre is expected to be completed by April 2017, the 100^th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

“Our nation paid dearly at Vimy Ridge,” said Minister Blaney. “Brave Canadians made an incredible sacrifice that Easter Monday morning in April 1917. Our impressive victory that day was not only felt on the battlefield, but it also helped change the course of the war and define our country. Our Government is proud to be working with the Vimy Foundation to establish a permanent Visitor Centre at the Canadian National Vimy Memorial. Our mutual goal is to educate all Canadians—and friends of Canada—of the sacrifices and achievements of Canadians during the First World War.”

“Our Government is committed to encouraging Canadians, young and old, to remember and honour those who have served our country,” said Minister Uppal. “The establishment of a permanent Visitor Centre at Vimy Ridge will help all Canadians—and friends of Canada—who visit those sacred grounds to come away with a renewed sense of honour and respect for the great efforts and sacrifices made during the First World War.”

The construction of a permanent Visitor Centre at Vimy will be realized through financial support from the Government of Canada and the Vimy Foundation. The Vimy Foundation will raise funds through donations from the private sector and individual Canadians. The Vimy Foundation is a registered Canadian charity with the mission to preserve and promote Canada’s First World War legacy as symbolized with the victory at Vimy Ridge in April 1917.

“Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our Government is committed to building a lasting legacy to honour the sacrifices of Canadian Veterans who helped to shape our nation” said Minister Flaherty, while visiting the Canadian National Vimy Memorial in France. “The construction of a permanent Visitor Centre at Vimy honours our commitment to commemorate the courage and sacrifices of Canadians in the First World War.”

“I think often of the sacrifices of fellow Canadians on Vimy Ridge that morning so long ago,” said the Honourable Laurie Hawn, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre. “Our Government is proud—I am proud—of the efforts to create a permanent place where visitors to Vimy can appreciate the significance of that sacred place to each and every Canadian.”

“Today is a big day for all Canadians,” said Christopher Sweeney, Chair of the Vimy Foundation’s 2017 Committee. “We look forward to working with the federal government and other stakeholders, both in Canada and France, in the lead up to the centennial of Vimy Ridge in 2017. The opening of this education centre will be the highlight of national and international celebrations of what we, as Canadians, accomplished together at Vimy almost 100 years ago. Lest we forget.”

The 100^th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge is part of the Road to 2017, a Government of Canada initiative that begins in 2014. The aim of the initiative is to commemorate significant milestones that helped shape Canada, leading up to our nation’s 150^th birthday in 2017. One of these milestones was the Canadian victory at Vimy Ridge in April 1917, which is thought to have been a key turning point in defining the young country as a nation. The battle came at a heavy cost: 100,000 Canadians who fought there suffered approximately 11,000 casualties, nearly 3,600 of them fatal.

To learn more about the Vimy Foundation, please visit vimyfoundation.ca. For more information about the Battle of Vimy Ridge and the Canadian National Vimy Memorial, please visit veterans.gc.ca.

2013 is the Year of the Korean War Veteran—Canada proudly remembers the heroes of the Korean War and their brave fight to uphold freedom, democracy and the rule of law. For more information on Canada’s role in the Korean War, visit veterans.gc.ca.

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Ottawa, ON – Today, the Hon. Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance unveiled the next phase of Economic Action Plan 2013, a plan for jobs, growth and long term prosperity to the House of Commons. Budget 2013 commits to returning to a budgetary surplus by 2015 without raising taxes on Canadians.

Skills training and job creation are the central theme of Budget 2013. The Government is introducing the Canada Job Grant that will transform the way Canadians receive training by potentially providing $15,000 or more per person. This Grant will work by matching funds with provincial governments and employers to ensure Canadians are able to access the training they need to get jobs in high-demand fields.  Once implemented it is expected to provide nearly 130,000 Canadians each year with access to training.

“Particularly in Alberta it is essential our young people and those who are looking to upgrade their skills get the necessary support so we can create jobs and grow our economy,” said MP Hawn.

Budget 2013 also announced measures to create more opportunities for apprentices. To further reduce barriers to accreditation in the skilled trades in Canada the Government will work with provinces to harmonize requirements for apprentices. Additionally the Government will examine the use of practical hands-on tests as a method of assessment in targeted skilled trades. This will ensure more apprentices complete their training and encourage mobility across the country to areas in high demand for skilled workers.

“I cannot stress enough the importance of connecting Albertans with available jobs. We need to ensure local businesses can find the right people and the talent they need to expand their businesses and create jobs,” said MP Hawn.

Budget 2013 offers a new Building Canada Plan, which provides long-term, predictable funding for infrastructure such as roads, bridges and public transit. Budget 2013 builds on our record investments and the new Building Canada Plan will be the largest investment in job-creating infrastructure in Canadian history.

The new Building Canada plan has three main components:

Community Improvement Fund – $32.2 billion consisting of an indexed Gas Tax Fund and the increased GST Rebate for Municipalities to build roads, public transit, recreational facilities and other community infrastructure across Canada.

New Building Canada Fund – $14 billion in support of major economic infrastructure projects that have a national and regional significance.

Renewed P3 Canada Fund – $1.25 billion to continue finding innovative ways to build infrastructure projects faster and provide better value for Canadian taxpayers through public-private partnerships.

In addition, over the next 10 years, our Government will invest $6 billion in existing infrastructure funding and $17 billion to build, operate and maintain federal public infrastructure. Overall, the new Building Canada plan includes $70 billion in federal infrastructure funding over 10 years, the largest federal investment in job-creating infrastructure in Canadian history.

“I am very proud of this budget as we are investing in skills training and new infrastructure but we are also on track to return to surplus by 2015.  It is important we continue to remain focused on creating jobs and implement the next phase of our Economic Action Plan,” concluded MP Hawn.

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Edmonton, AB – Some of the world’s most accomplished and promising minds working in diverse scientific disciplines will receive significant support from the Harper Government, through the Canada Research Chairs program, to pursue world-class research at postsecondary institutions across Canada. The Honourable Laurie Hawn, Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Centre, today announced $5.8 million to support eight Canada Research Chairs in Alberta as part of the national announcement made by the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology).

“Our government is committed to attracting and retaining the world’s best and brightest researchers, supporting innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening our economy,” said Mr. Hawn. “By investing in programs such as the Canada Research Chairs, we are fostering cutting-edge research and the generation of new innovations for the marketplace, for the benefit of Canadians.”

The Canada Research Chairs program has positioned Canada as an international leader and destination of choice in research and development. In total, the Harper Government will provide $90.6 million in support to 120 newly awarded and renewed Canada Research Chairs. The research, which will be conducted at 39 Canadian institutions, has potential benefits for Canadians and their families, business, practitioners and policy-makers. Of this total, 19 researchers have been recruited from abroad, including 10 Canadians returning to work in their home country—demonstrating the success of the program in attracting and supporting research excellence in Canada.

The Canada Research Chairs program invests approximately $300 million per year toward research in engineering and the natural sciences, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

Today’s event featured Dr. Tian Tang, the Canada Research Chair in Nano-biomolecular Hybrid Materials at the University of Alberta. Dr. Tang and her team are working to better understand how nano-sized organic and inorganic materials interact. Their research will help future scientists and innovators develop nano-sized machines that could be useful in electronics, computing, manufacturing and health. This research will help establish Canada’s leadership in this field, which is expected to be one of the most commercially important and fastest-growing areas of heath and engineering in the 21st century.

“The Canada Research Chairs program continues to support and attract many of the world’s top researchers to Canadian postsecondary institutions,” said Chad Gaffield, President of the Social sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and Chair of the Canada esearch Chairs Steering Committee. “With the support of federal research nvestments announced today, chairholders will enhance our understanding of ritical issues in ways that will improve our quality of life and strengthen anada’s international competitiveness.”

Since 2006, the Government of Canada has invested nearly $8 billion in initiatives supporting science, technology and the growth of innovative firms in Canada, including $5 billion for advanced research, education and training; $2 billion for post-secondary infrastructure; and $1 billion for applied research and financing.  This funding has helped to make Canada a world leader in post-secondary education research and to create the knowledge and highly skilled workforce that are required for a prosperous economy.

As outlined by the Prime Minister, the Harper Government remains focused on what Canadians care most about: their families, the safety of our streets and communities, pride in being a citizen of this country and personal financial security.

A complete list of chairholders is available on the Canada Research Chairs website (www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/chairholders-titulaires/index-eng.aspx).

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Edmonton, AB – Today, the Honourable Laurie Hawn, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced support for upgrades to the Edmonton West Zone Soccer Association under the Harper Government’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).

“Organizations like the Edmonton West Zone Soccer Association provide valuable community sports programs,” said MP Hawn. “Today’s investment by our Government will support improvements to the Association’s facility here in Edmonton while creating jobs and economic growth.”

The Harper Government’s investment of $14,125 will support the replacement of the Edmonton West Zone Soccer Association’s roof. This renovation will extend the life-span of the facility and increase its safety, securing the Association’s ability to provide community soccer programs for years to come.

“Edmonton West Zone Soccer Association appreciates the investment that the Government of Canada is making in support of youth soccer in Edmonton,” said June McNeil, President of the Edmonton West Zone Soccer Association. “CIIF has provided funding for urgent repairs to our office building. This support for minor soccer helps keep soccer affordable for youth in west Edmonton. Over 4,000 youth west end soccer players will benefit from the repairs made to our administrative building.”

In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Harper Government announced further support to help communities across the country modernize their infrastructure. Our Government committed $150 million over two years for the Fund. The Fund supports projects that look to improve existing community infrastructure accessible for use by the public, such as community centres, recreational buildings, local arenas, cultural and other community facilities.

Since 2006, the Harper Government, through WD, has invested in job-creating small and medium-sized businesses, aerospace, marine and defence industries, and supported innovative entrepreneurs in pursuing emerging markets. By continuing to promote new economic opportunities, WD is helping to create jobs, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.

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Edmonton, AB – In Alberta, 350 Aboriginal people will be trained for high-demand jobs in the energy sector, thanks to investments from the Governments of Canada and Alberta, and other partners. The announcement was made today by the Honourable Laurie Hawn, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Robin Campbell, Alberta Minister of Aboriginal Relations.

Governments, industry, trade unions, training organizations and Aboriginal communities are investing close to $7 million in this training initiative that is designed to address Alberta’s critical skills shortages and build better futures for Aboriginal people.

“Our government’s top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity,” said Mr. Hawn. “It’s important that Canadians have the skills and training they need to succeed. That’s why, through the Skills and Partnership Fund, our government works with partners to ensure Aboriginal people can take full advantage of economic opportunities.”

Through the Skills and Partnership Fund, the Government of Canada is contributing over $1.9 million to the Trade Winds to Success Training Society to provide Aboriginal people with training and work experience in various energy-related occupations, in particular in Alberta’s oil and gas sector. These include jobs such as boilermakers, carpenters, electricians, welders and pipefitters.

The Government of Alberta will also invest $1.6 million in the project through the through the Ministries of Human Services and Aboriginal Relations.

“The Alberta Government is a proud partner of the Trade Winds to Success Training Society, which has helped more than 500 Aboriginal Albertans build brighter futures for themselves and their families since 2005,” said Minister Campbell. “We are committed to working with Aboriginal communities to ensure they can take advantage of the opportunities available in our province and reach their full potential.”

“The Board of Directors, Trade Winds to Success Training Society staff and, most importantly, the Aboriginal people we serve, would like to thank the federal and provincial governments for their financial support through the Skills and Partnership Fund,” said Deborah Munroe, Executive Director, Trade Winds to Success Training Society. “This funding will allow us to continue doing what we do best—putting Aboriginal people to work in the trades.”

There are 10 other partners, including the Oteenow Employment & Training Society,
Community Futures Treaty Seven, ConocoPhillips and the Alberta Carpenters Training Centre that are making significant investments in this initiative.

The Skills and Partnership Fund is part of the Government of Canada’s approach to help First Nations, Métis and Inuit get training and work experience to secure meaningful long-term employment.

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