Conservative MP Laurie Hawn secures Edmonton – Centre
By Mathew White
EDMONTON — Conservative MP Laurie Hawn once again clenched the Edmonton – Centre riding in Monday’s federal election.
“Folks, it just doesn’t get any better than this,” said Hawn.
This is Hawn’s third time winning Edmonton – Centre. In what was predicted to be a tight race, Hawn beat out second-place NDP candidate Lewis Cardinal by more than 8000 votes and third-place Liberal candidate Mary MacDonald by more than 10,000 votes.
- Conservative MP Laurie Hawn stands with his 15-month old grandson Tyler Davidson at Hawn’s campaign headquarters at 14315-118 Ave., after winning the Edmonton – Centre riding in the federal election on Monday, May 2, 2011. Photograph by Mathew White.
Arriving at his campaign headquarters just after 9 p.m., Hawn was greeted by a massive applause from more than 100 supporters and volunteers. After taking time to thank the people behind his campaign, Hawn couldn’t help but relish in the moment.
“I honestly believe life will be better on Parliament Hill, not just for Conservatives in a majority… Conservatives and a majority, God I like the sound of that,” said Hawn to a roaring crowd.
Hawn said he was glad Canada now has two distinct parties, but more importantly, a stable government for at least the next four years.
“I think Oct. 20, 2015, will be the next scheduled election, and man, that is just nirvana.”
But Hawn wasn’t the only one caught up in the moment. Cheers and hollers could be heard from the back room throughout the night as the Conservatives moved closer and closer to a majority government.
“I’m delighted with every win coming in,” said Peter Watson, Hawn’s campaign manager.
In addition to thanking his staff, Hawn was also quick to thank each of the other parties, giving special mention to the success of the NDP. Despite winning by a great margin in the past two elections, he said his opponents have always provided a competitive race.
- Liberal candidate Mary MacDonald congratulates Conservative MP Laurie Hawn at his campaign headquarters at 14315-118 Ave. after Hawn secured the Edmonton – Centre riding in the federal election on Monday, May 2, 2011. Photograph by Mathew White.
“Edmonton – Centre is always a closely contested riding and we’ve had some great battles here.”
Hawn finished his speech by once again thanking everyone who helped him get to this position and said the future will be positive.
“It has been a tremendous honour and privilege to serve in Parliament, to represent the people of Edmonton – Centre and I’m so looking forward to the next four years of doing that.”
In the Edmonton – Spruce Grove riding, Rona Ambrose was more than able to retain her position, beating the second-place NDP candidate Catherine Chaulk-Stokes by more than 30,000 votes.
Other Edmonton riding results:
Edmonton – Leduc: James Rajotte
Edmonton – Mill Woods – Beaumont: Mike Lake
Edmonton – Sherwood Park: Tim Uppal
Edmonton – St. Albert: Brent Rathgeber
Edmonton – Strathcona: Linda Duncan
Edmonton – East: Peter Goldring
Federal Results:
Conservative: 167 seats
NDP: 102 seats
Liberal: 34 seats
Bloc Quebecois: Four seats
Green: One seat
