Budget 2010: Leading the Way on Jobs and Growth

Ottawa ON. March 6th, 2009 - Yesterday, the Honourable James Flaherty delivered the Conservative Government's ambitious new federal budget with a focus on job creation, growth, and a disciplined long-term plan to balance our budget and support Canada's economic recovery.

"Our Government has presented a jobs and growth budget," said MP Rick Norlock. "We are completing Year Two of our Economic Action Plan to create and protect jobs now. We are also taking new, targeted measures to fuel jobs of the future. Our forward-looking action will secure Canada's economic growth for today and tomorrow.

The budget confirms $19 billion in new federal stimulus funding for year two of Canada's Economic Action Plan which will create and protect jobs throughout Ontario. Budget 2010 invests in a limited number of new, targeted initiatives; to build jobs and growth for the economy of tomorrow; to harness Canadian innovation; and to make Canada a destination of choice for new business investment. Finally, this budget outlines a three-point plan for returning to budget balance once the economy has recovered. This plan includes; ending temporary stimulus measures as promised; restraining growth in spending through targeted measures; and additional restraint through an in-depth review of administrative function and overhead costs.

Our Conservative Government has been clear that we will not raise taxes or reduce transfers to Provinces in the years ahead, like previous Government's have. Budget 2010 confirms our strong support for provinces. Total transfers to Ontario alone will hit $18.8 billion in 2010-11, an increase of $801 million from last year and $6.9 billion. The Conservative Government will increase key transfers like; $972 million through Equalization; $9.9 billion through the Canada Health Transfer, an increase of $243 million from last year; and $4.3 billion in social transfers, an increase of over $1.2 billion since 2005-2006 (33.6%). This long-term support helps ensure Ontario has the resources needed to provide essential public services including health care, post-secondary education and other social services.

For more information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, please visit www.budget.gc.ca.

Speech from the Throne March 3rd, 2010

Ottawa ON. March 4, 2009 - Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, delivered the Government's Speech from the Throne yesterday. This Speech from the Throne opens the Third Session of Canada's 40th Parliament and outlines the broad agenda of the Government of Canada.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the Government’s agenda remains focused on completing Canada’s Economic Action Plan, protecting incomes, creating jobs, easing credit markets, and helping workers and communities get back on their feet. The Government will continue to prioritize job creation and economic growth.

“Canada is ready to come out of this recession powered by one of the strongest economies of the industrialized world,” said Rick Norlock, MP. “A return to fiscal balance will be achieved by winding down stimulus spending and restraining federal program spending while protecting growth transfers that provide direct relief to Canadians through pensions, health care and education.”

Canadians have voiced their opinions, that the second year of Canada’s Economic Action Plan should be fully implemented, but that our Government should also focus on tomorrow’s challenges. Our Government recognizes that too many Canadians are still looking for work, and we will continue to work on job creation and job protection by helping Canadians entering today’s job market make the transition to the workforce. We will also remain focused on building the jobs and industries of the future, by investing in Canadians’ skills and education, keeping taxes low, opening markets to Canadian goods and services and creating the conditions for continued success of industries that are the foundation of Canada’s prosperity.

One aspect of economic growth and job creation is a need for greater competition. For innovation to thrive we need greater foreign investment in Canada. Canadian companies in other parts of the world are thriving on the ability to invest in other countries, and businesses should have the same option here. For consumers this will provide greater choice, lower prices and better quality telecom and satellite services- the very things that will propel our economy. Foreign takeovers will also be considered if the deal represents a net benefit to Canada, and if national security is not compromised.

This afternoon the Minister of Finance will present this year’s budget in the House of Commons. The focus of this Budget will be on Jobs and Growth and Deficit Reduction. The budget will focus on the implementation of the second year of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, while also beginning to look further down the road at tomorrow’s challenges.

For the complete speech please visit www.speech.gc.ca

Justice and Public Safety Roundtable

Wednesday February 17th 2010

Cobourg Police Station Noon to 1:45pm

Notes

Chair: Rick Norlock,  MP,  Minister for Justice Rob Nicholson

Opening remarks from Rick Norlock following an introduction by attendees.

Minister Nicholson brings opening remarks; the justice agenda is a priority with the current government. Additionally, these roundtables provide Rick Norlock with authority when addressing these issues (public safety, crime and justice) in government. Key issues our Government is focussed on include; identity theft; raising the age of consent to 16; 3 for 1 time, no reduction in time served for delay, making Canadian laws reflective of new technology; and provisions for auto theft.

Full Detailed notes from the meeting are available here (pdf).

The Government of Canada takes another important step in the Port Hope Area Initiative

PORT HOPE, Ontario, March 1, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada and the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources Canada, Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West, today announced an agreement valued at close to $21 million for the detailed design of a long-term management facility to contain historic low-level radioactive waste in Port Hope, Ontario. The contract was awarded to the joint venture of MMM Group Limited/Conestoga-Rovers and Associates Limited of Thornhill, Ontario.

In addition to the detailed design of the long-term waste management facility, the joint venture of MMM Group Limited/Conestoga-Rovers and Associates Limited will also design the associated supporting infrastructure and plan the remediation of numerous sites throughout the Municipality. This contract also includes the provision of building oversight services during the construction phase of the Port Hope Area Initiative. Design work will begin immediately and construction is expected to begin in 2011.