My short video message of congratulations on National Aboriginal Day is intended to highlight the important role that our aboriginal peoples have played in our history and the important opportunities that exist for them to play an important role in our collective future. We need to work together openly and honestly to allow our aboriginal peoples to take full advantage of their educational and economic opportunities. In Canada, we have a rich heritage and a promising economic future that will benefit all Canadians, whether new arrival or centuries-old communities.

The post National Aboriginal Day appeared first on Hon. Laurie Hawn.

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.

The post Government of Canada Celebrates Community Infrastructure Milestone in Edmonton appeared first on Hon. Laurie Hawn.

Dear Friends,

Again this year, I’m participating in Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life Edmonton on Sunday, September 22, 2013. This year’s Walk will take place at Sir Winston Churchill Square.  I need your help to continue my record as the top individual fund raiser, despite being ganged up on (in a friendly way) by other folks.

You can help support me by making a quick and secure donation online. Please visit my personal donation page by clicking on the link below:

http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=3845907&LangPref=en-CA

Your support will help increase awareness about HIV/AIDS and provide essential services for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in our community.  This is scourge in communities around the world and your help will make a difference.

For more information on the Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life, or to register to Walk, please visit:

http://www.aidswalkforlife.ca

Thanks for your support!

Regards,

Laurie Hawn

The post Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life Edmonton appeared first on Hon. Laurie Hawn.

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

The post MP Laurie Hawn Encourages Applications for Federal Funding to Protect Recreational Fisheries appeared first on Hon. Laurie Hawn.

Edmonton, AB – Today, the Honourable Laurie Hawn, Member of Parliament for Edmonton Centre, worked with service specialists from CNIB to experience firsthand how vision rehabilitation can empower Canadians who are blind or partially sighted.

More than one million Canadians are living with blindness or partial sight, including approximately 100,000 in Alberta. Many people who are blind or partially sighted live independently and work or volunteer, but research shows they may experience two to five times as much difficulty with daily living than people who are sighted.

“Today I had a brief glimpse of what living with vision loss might be like,” said MP Laurie Hawn. “It’s reassuring to know that for the growing number of Canadians with vision loss, CNIB can help enable an independent, engaged and community-driven lifestyle.”

Using vision simulator glasses, MP Hawn was able to experience how challenging everyday tasks can be for people who are blind or partially sighted. He navigated an unknown office space with a white cane, and used special screen-reading software to access content on the internet.

MP Hawn was also introduced to some of the thousands of tools and devices that support users with vision loss. They range from simple devices like the white cane to complex software applications.

“We were pleased to have this opportunity to show Mr. Hawn some of the important ways CNIB can support Albertans in overcoming the challenges of sight loss and rediscovering their independence,” said Diane Bergeron, National Director, Government Relations and Advocacy, CNIB. “We truly appreciate his willingness to participate in this exercise.”

At the event, Mr. Hawn encouraged legislators, public servants, industry representatives and the general public to learn more about vision loss and the services CNIB provides. “I am happy I was able to raise awareness and gain a better understanding of the difficulties of the day to day life we so easily take for granted,” concluded MP Hawn.

The post Edmonton MP gains new perspective on vision loss and CNIB services appeared first on Hon. Laurie Hawn.

MP Laurie Hawn does his weekly video blog from Ottawa on May 9, 2013.

The post The Hawn Report VLOG – May 9 appeared first on Hon. Laurie Hawn.

MP Laurie Hawn does his weekly video blog from Parliament Hill in Ottawa. In this edition he discusses Budget 2013, fundraisers in Edmonton, recent funding announcements, and spending the upcoming weekend in Ottawa.

The post The Hawn Report VLOG – May 3 appeared first on Hon. Laurie Hawn.

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 Spruce Avenue Community Centre under the Canadian Government’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).

“Our Government is pleased to support infrastructure projects across the country, such as upgrades to the Spruce Avenue Community Centre in Edmonton,” said MP Hawn. “Investments like this are helping to meet the needs of Canadians, while also boosting economic activity.”

The Government’s investment of $13,046 will support improvements to the Spruce Avenue Community Centre, including upgrades to its lighting, entrance and restrooms. These renovations will enhance the accessibility of the Centre, which is used for a variety of community events and programming.

“Fostering healthy neighbourhoods is a priority for the City of Edmonton and we appreciate the federal government’s contribution to revitalizing this important community resource,” said Kim Krushell, Ward 2 Councillor for the City of Edmonton. “These renovations will ensure the Spruce Avenue Community Centre remains an accessible, thriving facility where present and future residents can gather and connect.”

“The Spruce Avenue Community League would like to express our thanks to the federal government for their support of our project,” said Verna Stainthorp, Secretary Treasurer of the Spruce Avenue Community League. “These funds will improve access at our community center for visitors with limited mobility, helping them to participate and join in activities and community events. This will no doubt enhance their quality of life, as well as benefit their families, caregivers and the community at large.”

In Economic Action Plan 2012, the Canadian 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.

“I am proud our government continues to support local communities through CIIF, which has provided important funding to a number of community leagues in Edmonton, and across the country,” 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 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.

-30-

The post Investing in the Spruce Avenue Community Centre in Edmonton appeared first on Hon. Laurie Hawn.

The post Supporting www.NeedHelpNow.ca appeared first on Hon. Laurie Hawn.

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.

The post Government Invests in Improvements to Edmonton’s Community Infrastructure appeared first on Hon. Laurie Hawn.