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.

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.

“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

WhiteM26@mymail.macewan.ca

EDMONTON – Conservative MP Laurie Hawn officially launched his re-election campaign in Edmonton-Centre Sunday, four weeks before Canada goes to the polls in the upcoming federal election.

Around 100 supporters crammed into Hawn’s campaign office at 14315 – 118 Ave., where he briefly rallied his attendees and urged voters to replace the Conservative’s wobbly minority with a stable majority this election.

While Hawn won by almost 10,000 votes in the 2008 election, he said this year’s race is too tight to be taken lightly.

“When you take something for granted, someone takes it – period,” said Hawn.

He will be running against NDP candidate Lewis Cardinal and Liberal candidate Mary Macdonald, in one of the few Alberta constituencies where the threat of a non-Conservative win seems possible.

A former pilot in the Canadian Air Force, Hawn also defended his government’s decision to purchase a fleet of 65 new F-35 fighter jets to replace Canada’s aging CF-18’s.

“We simply have to give our troops the best equipment they can have,” he said. “We can’t send them to fight in Afghanistan in Volkswagens and Jeeps.”

He reiterated that the payment for the jets will be phased-in over the next few years, rather than all at once. The equipment will cost a reported $29.5 billion – $12 billion more than the government’s original estimation.

The most urgent message of the afternoon, said Hawn, was to tell voters of all political stripes to exercise their right to vote.

“Many Canadians will cross an ocean to fight for democracy,” said Hawn. “Some here won’t cross the street (to vote).”

Edmonton-Spruce Grove MP Rona Ambrose came to support Hawn at the campaign launch, as well as Ward 7 city councillor Tony Caterina, who sides with the federal conservatives when it comes to fiscal restraint.

“Absolutely, I’m here not only as a friend (of Hawn) but as an Edmontonian and a taxpayer,” said Caterina. “I agree on their stance on lower, contained spending.”

One 77-year-old Edmonton-Centre resident, Neil Reid, said he’ll vote for Hawn because of the recent Conservative pitch to give families a tax break by splitting their incomes.

“It’s a huge benefit to my children and my grandchildren,” said Reid, who frequently accompanies Hawn door-knocking and speaking to locals.

Hawn said his main goal in the campaign is to give voters a consistent majority government. Another minority means another election in a matter of years, he said.

“Frankly, we’re all getting sick of this after four years,” said Hawn.

“I’ll leave the decision to voters if they want a stable government for the next four years.”

snyderj4@mymail.macewan.ca