Canadian government launches call for proposals for projects led and inspired by seniors

(Northumberland-Quinte West) 24 May 2013 – Rick Norlock, MP Northumberland-Quinte West advises local organizations and individuals to investigate the application process for projects that will help seniors use their leadership abilities, energy and skills to continue to make a difference in their communities through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).

The 2013-2014 NHSP call for proposals for community-based projects was launched May 23, 2013 by the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors).

"Our government recognizes the importance of supporting organizations that are dedicated to improving the lives of seniors," said Minister of State Wong. "Initiatives such as the New Horizons for Seniors Program help seniors to lead and participate in community activities that strengthen their well-being and quality of life."

NHSP community-based project funding enables seniors to share their knowledge, skills and experiences with others and helps communities increase their capacity to address local issues. Organizations may receive up to $25,000 in grant funding per year and must address one or more of the program's five objectives: volunteering, mentoring, expanding awareness of elder abuse, social participation and capital assistance.

The application deadline will be July 5, 2013, in all provinces and territories except Quebec, which will close on September 6, 2013, to coincide with a provincial call for proposals.

For more information and to apply for funding, visit seniors.gc.ca.

Government initiatives such as the NHSP help to ensure that seniors maintain their personal health and well-being. Economic Action Plan 2013 proposes to better safeguard the well-being of seniors in a variety of areas, including financial services, financial literacy and health.

MP Rick Norlock Congratulates Northumberland County on their Successful Bid for the 2014 Ontario ParaSport Games

(Northumberland County) May 22, 2013 - Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West congratulates everyone involved in the preparation of the winning bid to host the 2014 Ontario ParaSport Games.

"The 2014 Ontario ParaSport Games will shine a spotlight on every corner of Northumberland County," said MP Norlock. "I would like to thank everyone who worked so diligently to ensure the success of this bid and for bringing the 2014 Games to Northumberland."

The Ontario ParaSport Games offers an annual venue for Ontario's best para-athletes to compete at the provincial level. The 2014 Games are expected to attract well over 480 participants as well as their coaches, supporters and countless tourists to the area.

"The ParaSport Games aligns perfectly with Northumberland County's Disability Strategy and will certainly enhance both the tourism and economic development of the area," said MP Norlock. "Congratulations again to everyone on the Games Bid Committee, including Paul Macklin, Chair; Dan Borowec; Paul Allen; Isaac Bouckley; Ashley Haynes; Rhonda Cunningham and the rest of the committee members. I am sure everyone will join me in taking part either in a volunteer or spectator capacity next May."

For further information, visit: investnorthumberland.ca

Government of Canada invests in projects to support Canadian seniors

(Colborne, ON) May 17, 2013 - Seniors throughout Northumberland County will soon have new opportunities to volunteer, mentor younger generations and help raise awareness of elder abuse thanks to funding through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).

Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors).

"With assistance from initiatives such as the New Horizons for Seniors Program, we are helping to ensure that seniors maintain a high quality of life and continue as active, participating members of their communities," said MP Norlock.

Community Care Northumberland will receive $24, 500 to coordinate the Junior Seniors Program, which will incorporate a New Wellness program in Brighton, promote volunteerism among seniors and support the social interaction and inclusion of seniors. This is an innovative pilot project beginning in Brighton, Ontario with the potential to be implemented County-wide.

"With the growth of our seniors population in Northumberland County, Community Care Northumberland has recognized the need for additional Wellness programming that would interest this younger senior demographic that has coined itself 'Junior Seniors' " said Trish Baird, Executive Director of Community Care Northumberland. "We would not be able to pilot this program without the funding provided by the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program."

Since its beginning, the New Horizons for Seniors Program has funded more than 12,200 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada. This year, the Government of Canada will provide more than $33 million in funding for approximately 1,750 community projects.

Background

Government of Canada invests in projects to support Canadian seniors

(Brighton, ON) May 16, 2013 - Seniors in Brighton, Ontario will soon have new opportunities to volunteer, mentor younger generations and help raise awareness of elder abuse thanks to funding through the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP).

Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors).

"Our government recognizes the diversity of skills, knowledge and experience that seniors contribute to our society and the economy," said MP Norlock. "Through initiatives such as the New Horizons for Seniors Program, we are helping to ensure that seniors maintain a high quality of life and continue as active, participating members of their communities."

The Brighton Arts Council (BAC) will receive $25, 000 to go toward supporting social participation of Seniors by hosting events, art classes and workshops for targeted at this key demographic.

"This grant is a nod from MP Rick Norlock and the Government of Canada, recognizing the dedication of all members of the Brighton Arts Council since it was formed in 2005," said BAC President Ron Waddling. "A significant percentage of our membership falls into the very active senior category, from those newly unencumbered by careers to the more seasoned retirees. We look at these members as a valuable resource in our community, as creative neighbours who embrace yet another opportunity in life, and as mentors who will share their passion for all disciplines of art with those who perhaps have yet to realize their creative potential."

Since its beginning, the New Horizons for Seniors Program has funded more than 12,200 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada. This year, the Government of Canada will provide more than $33 million in funding for approximately 1,750 community projects.

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MP Rick Norlock Announces Updates for the Hastings Swing Bridge

(HASTINGS, ON) May 15, 2013 - Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West, announced updates for the replacement of the Hastings Swing Bridge during a meeting at the Hastings Legion on Wednesday May 15, 2013.

In April 2012, MP Rick Norlock announced that the bridge would be replaced - not repaired - and that the completion date would be targeted for early 2014. Due to contracting issues, the Hastings Swing Bridge build has been delayed by one year and is now projected for 2015.

This delay occurred as a result of design contract bids over the allocated funding leading to the need for Parks Canada to re-issue the design tender as per Treasury Board Regulation. MP Rick Norlock committed to the residents of Hastings that he will continue to advocate on their behalf to ensure the new bridge build will be conducted as previously announced.

The infrastructure replacement will serve the community of Hastings well into the future. A full bridge replacement delivers a better bridge for Canadians and better life cycle value with an anticipated lifespan of 50+ years. Parks Canada is the lead on the construction of the swing bridge and will work with the local community and stakeholders to ensure open and proactive communications for the duration of this project.

MP Rick Norlock Announces Funding for Alderville First Nation Solar Racking Project

(Alderville, FN) May 15, 2013 – Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West, today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development , announced funding for the Alderville Solar Racking Project.

This project, through the Skills and Partnership Fund will provide $373, 004.00 to assist in the delivery of in-class training and on the job experience to Aboriginal people living in the Alderville First Nation community.

"Our Government received a strong mandate to support skills and development training. The Alderville Solar Racking Project is a good example of bringing together key industry players and a sound business case to create long-term employment opportunities," said MP Norlock. "I am pleased to see the use of partners as well as an innovative green energy strategy to solidify this project."

This Skills and Partnership Fund project will provide Aboriginal participants with skills development within demand driven occupations identified and linked to the Alderville Solar Racking Project.

"This welding project means that Alderville First Nation will have upwards of 18 or more highly skilled and qualified welders and solar-racking installers that will be able to work on any project anywhere,"said James Marsden, Chief, Alderville First Nation.
The Solar Racking Project is unique as it will provide participants with hands on experience and skilled employment opportunities available through the Alderville First Nation 5 Mega Watt Solar Farm. Alderville is the first 100%-owned First Nation solar farm in Ontario and is on track to becoming a Centre for Excellence for solar power generation.