WRITER PROFILE

Laurie joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1964 and received his wings in 1967. His many roles included commanding a CF-18 Tactical Fighter Squadron. He retired as a Lieutenant-Colonel after 30 years in the Air Force, and eventually entered politics. In a decisive election victory in 2006, Laurie became the representative for Edmonton Centre, served on many Committees and as Parliamentary Secretary to Peter MacKay.
Articles by this writer
I have been very critical of the 100% politically motivated plan to buy 18 “interim” Super Hornets for some time and the story only gets worse. We could fill the fabricated “capability gap” with much cheaper options.
The Bomber Command Memorial has an especially meaningful Canadian contribution. A long overdue memorial was unveiled by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in London, England.
The Parliamentary Standing Committee on National Defence visits Atlantic Canada to review SAR needs.
MP from Edmonton Centre joins members of the 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group as they trek from Victoria, BC to Churchill, Manitoba.
A visit to Afghanistan with the Minister of National Defence, Peter MacKay, and the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Rick Hillier, was another eye-opening experience as I toured Canada’s AOR... it has changed a bit over the last 12 months, and it is clear to me that progress is being made in that part of the world.
Time to set sail with HMCS Algonquin as Canada faces the necessary task of rebuilding and revitalizing the Navy.
The MP from Edmonton Center visits Canadians committed to the 36-country, United Nations International Security Assistance Force under NATO Command. Also joining General Hillier’s Afghanistan posse, are MPs Jay Hill and John Baird, comedians Rick Mercer and Mary Walsh, broadcaster Max Keeping; singer songwriter Damhnait Doyle; and a band called Jonas.