Construction Set to Begin on Eastern Ontario's Broadband Mega-Network
August 31st, 2010 Northumberland and Quinte West, Ontario - Rick Norlock, MP is proud to confirm that construction is set to begin early September, 2010 for Ontario's largest rural broadband network. This high-speed delivery infrastructure will expand internet services to approximately one million residents and businesses located throughout Eastern Ontario. Bell Aliant and Bell Canada have been awarded the contract to complete infrastructure of this project.
Canada's Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Chuck Strahl, as well as the Honourable Carol Mitchell, Ontario's Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs were present today with the Eastern Ontario Warden's Caucus Inc. (EOWC) to announce steps forward of the broadband network to be built in Eastern Ontario. The EOWC is made up of 13 upper and single-tier municipalities within Eastern Ontario, as well as separated municipalities of First Nations communities.
"Affordable and accessible internet service in today's world is integral to the day to day operations of small businesses and families throughout Northumberland-Quinte West, said MP Rick Norlock. "Today's announcement is further progress in our promise to local families and businesses whose standard of living in rural Ontario will improve through their connection to global economies and communities. Through the hard work and cooperation of several organizations today's announcement has been possible, these include; the Northumberland Community Futures and Development Corporation, the Eastern Ontario Warden's Caucus, as well as all levels of government."
To learn more, please see the official press release, and photo.
The EOWC Broadband Plan and construction schedule is available, as well as information regarding Canada's Economic Action Plan, and information about Ontario's Rural Broadband Progress
Rick Norlock, MP delivers funding for local culture and heritage with the 20th Annual Trenton Scottish Irish Festival
Quinte West, August 24th, 2010 - Today at City Hall in Quinte West Ontario, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West, Rick Norlock delivered news of funding from the ‘Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Funding' program through Canadian Heritage. For the 20th Anniversary of the Trenton Scottish Irish Festival, $6,900.00 will be delivered locally in funding from the federal government.
The 2010 Trenton Scottish Irish Festival presents its 20th annual festival in the City of Quinte West on September 10 and 11th. Festival activities will include musical and dance performances by local artists, local pipe and drum bands, local historical talks, and a display of artwork by local artisans.
“I am proud to be part of a government that celebrates and values diversity on a community level, while promoting local tourism," said MP Rick Norlock. "Congratulations on the 20th anniversary of the Trenton Scottish Irish Festival, this is truly a great opportunity for neighbours and visitors throughout Quinte West to discover local arts, culture, heritage, and share their Celtic pride.”
L to R: Rick Norlock, MP Northumberland-Quinte West; Sarah Tummon, City of Quinte West; Ike MacDonald, Trenton Scottish Irish Festival; and Councillor Bob Wannamaker, City of Quinte West.
“We are so pleased to have received funding from the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage Program. It is with support like this, that we are able to put on a bigger and better event for the Trenton Scottish Irish Festival’s 20th Anniversary. Celtic Arts and Heritage are both very important to the Festival and we look forward to showcasing this in our new ‘Celtic Heritage Place’, “said Beth Cleaton, Chair of the Trenton Scottish Irish Festival.
The Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Funding Program promotes opportunities for Canadians to experience a collection of local culture and heritage. Canadians can express cultural diversity while boosting local tourism and economic growth. For more information please visit the Canadian Heritage website: www.pch.gc.ca/eng/1267799042836
For more information on the Trenton Scottish Irish Festival please visit: www.trentonscottishirish.com/
Government of Canada helps Cobourg youth prepare for jobs
COBOURG, ONTARIO, July 26, 2010 - Local youth who face barriers to employment will get job preparation training and work experience through the Government of Canada's support for an employment project. 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.
"In today's environment, it is more important than ever that youth develop the skills they need to participate and succeed in the job market," said MP Norlock. "By supporting this project, we are helping Northumberland youth develop the skills, knowledge and work experience they need to reach their full potential."
The Community Training and Development Centre will receive $187,829 in federal Skills Link funding to support its youth employment project, which will help 28 youth facing employment barriers develop life and job skills to ease their transition to work or return to school. Skills Link focuses on helping youth facing barriers to employment, such as single parents, Aboriginal youth, young persons with disabilities, recent immigrants, youth living in rural and remote areas, and youth who have dropped out of high school.
"Young people today often have a difficult time accessing the local labour market," said Ms. Madelaine Currelly, Community Education Officer, The Community Training and Development Centre. "This project helps local youth explore careers and acquire networking skills, while connecting them to the creative economy."
At right Madelaine Currelly
with Rick Norlock.
At right below, Rick Norlock
with a Skills Link Youth Group
Through the 2010 "Jobs and Growth Budget," the Government of Canada committed an additional $60 million to the Skills Link and Career Focus programs. This additional one-time investment will enable more young Canadians to gain the experience and skills they need to successfully participate in the labour market while the economy recovers.
Skills Link is part of the Government of Canada's strategy to create the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world. The Government underscored its commitment to this strategy in Canada's Economic Action Plan. A key component of the Plan is to create more and better opportunities for Canadian workers through skills development. To learn more about Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
The Skills Link program is delivered by Service Canada, which provides one-stop personalized services for Government of Canada programs, services and benefits. For more information about this program, visit www.servicecanada.gc.ca, call 1 800 O Canada or drop by your local Service Canada Centre.
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