Press Releases

January - March 2012

Jobs, Growth and Long-Term Prosperity Focus of Economic Action Plan 2012

(Northumberland-Quinte West March 29, 2012) - Rick Norlock, MP Northumberland-Quinte West is welcoming Economic Action Plan 2012's focus on creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity; while keeping taxes low and returning Canada to balanced budgets over the medium term is good news for Ontario.

"In Economic Action Plan 2012, your government is squarely focused on what matters to Canadians - jobs and economic growth," said MP Norlock. "While Canada has created over 610,000 net new jobs since July 2009, the global economy remains fragile and too many Canadians are still looking for work. That's why we're moving forward with a positive plan to bolster the long-term economic growth of Ontario and all of Canada."

Northumberland-Quinte West will benefit from a number of initiatives outlined in the budget, including:

  • Commitment to safely clean up and store historical low-level radioactive waste in Port Hope; Economic Action Plan 2012 proposes $8 million over two years to help compensate property owners and municipalities for potential losses related to remediation efforts associated with the low-level waste;
  • Commitment to support the men and women of our armed forces by providing financial support to employers of reservists to offset costs such as the hiring and training of replacement workers or increasing overtime hours for existing employees;
  • Continued commitment for Canada's farmers and farm communities with new initiatives including a new Agricultural Framework Agreement, marketing freedom and strengthening confidence in the food safety system.

Ontario will also benefit from Economic Action Plan 2012 through:

  • The introduction of a First Nation Education Act and have it in place by September 2014. Economic Action Plan 2012 also announces that the Government will better align its on-reserve Income Assistance program with provincial systems through improved compliance with program requirements, and work with First Nations to encourage those who can work to access training and improve the incentives for labour market participation;
  • A new long-term plan for public infrastructure; the Government is working with provinces, territories, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, and other stakeholders to explore broad directions and priorities for a new plan. Over the next two years, the Government will spend nearly $12 billion to support provincial, territorial, and municipal infrastructure through existing initiatives, as well as 150 million in investment to support repairs and improvements to existing community facilities;
  • A proposal to invest $205 million to extend the temporary Hiring Credit for Small Business for one year. A credit of up to $1,000 against a small employer's increase in its 2012 EI premiums over those paid in 2011 would be provided.

Economic Action Plan 2012 takes significant steps to:

  • Encourage entrepreneurship, innovation, and world-class research with over $1.1 billion in significant investments for research and development, $500 million for venture capital, support for increased public and private research collaboration, and much more.
  • Improve conditions for business investments with responsible resource development streamlined for "one project, one review" expanding trade to open new markets, keeping taxes low, and more.
  • Invest in training, infrastructure and opportunity for Canadians by investing in programs to help youth, Canadians with disabilities, aboriginals, and workers over 50 get into the workforce; reforming the EI system to better promote job creation and remove disincentives to work; investing millions in renewing local community infrastructure; and more.
  • Help families and communities by increasing food safety monitoring; better protecting species at risk; assisting victims of crime, improving water quality for First Nations communities; helping Canadians with disabilities save for their future, and more.
  • Ensure vital social programs and services will be there for Canadians over the next generation by making gradual, responsible adjustments to Old Age Security; bringing pension plans for public sector employees and Parliamentarians in line with those Canadians working in the private sector; closing tax loopholes; and more.

Economic Action Plan 2012 also demonstrates the Conservative government's strong support for Ontario through record federal transfer support for hospitals, schools, and other critical services. Totaling $19.2 billion in 2012-13, the transfer support represents an increase of nearly $8.4 billion (or 77%) from the former Liberal government.

During less serious economic downturns other governments have made significant cuts to health, social and cultural transfers. The Conservative Government is continuing to support services and programs that Ontario families's need," noted MP Norlock.

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For more information, contact:
Stephanie Campbell
Executive Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP
Northumberland-Quinte West
613-483-8181

Maximizing Public Engagement in Northumberland - Quinte West

(Northumberland -Quinte West, ON - March 27, 2012) Rick Norlock, MP for Northumberland-Quinte West, recently participated in an online blog discussion regarding the economic benefits of Canadian Forces Base Trenton and the impact the base has on the community and surrounding region.

"When I was first elected to the House of Commons in 2006, I campaigned on a promise that I would maximize public engagement in Northumberland - Quinte West," said Rick Norlock. "Whether it was by moving my offices to main street, hosting a telephone town hall for thousands of constituents or participating in this online blog hosted through Loyalist College, I will continue to make myself accessible to the citizens of Northumberland - Quinte West."

The online blog was hosted by second year Loyalist College journalism student Stephanie Crosier, who is a reporter with -Nets News, located at Loyalist College. Rick Norlock was also joined by Trenton Mayor John Williamson, Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis and Quinte Economic Development Committee Chief Executive Officer Chris King.

"I feel the event went very well," said Stephanie Crosier. "Overall the consensus is that without CFB Trenton the community would be a very different place. Without the base there would be fewer jobs and fewer citizens, two factors which have benefitted the community over the past few years."

"It is assuring to see young students such as Ms. Crosier taking an interest in the community and doing so through such new and innovative means. Ms. Crosier did an excellent and professional job monitoring the online discussion and I look forward to remaining accessible to -Nets News and all journalism students at Loyalist College" said Rick Norlock.

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For more information please contact:
Stephanie Campbell
Executive Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP
Northumberland-Quinte West
613-483-8181
Or
Jake Enwright
Legislative Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP
Northumberland-Quinte West
613-992-4998

MP Norlock Announces Funding for Bay of Quinte

(TRENTON, ONTARIO March 22, 2012) — On behalf of the Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of the Environment, MP Rick Norlock, Northumberland Quinte-West, announced Great Lakes Sustainability funding for several projects within the Bay of Quinte area.

"This substantial funding will go a long way in addressing many areas of concern within the Bay of Quinte," said MP Norlock. "I value and admire the considerable work undertaken by Lower Trent Region Conservation Authority, Quinte Conservation Association and the City of Quinte West; these extensive projects will create a solid foundation for future Great Lakes Sustainability initiatives."

left to right: Glenda Rogers, Lower Trent Region Conservation Authority; Quinte West Councilor Jim Harrison and MP Rick Norlock

The projects will specifically address fish and wildlife habitat, phosphorous management, blue-green algae monitoring and restoration initiatives via endeavours with the City of Quinte West, Lower Trent Region Conservation Authority and the Quinte Conservation Association.

"The City of Quinte West is very pleased to partner with the Government of Canada," said Mayor John Williams. Mayor Williams, Councilor Jim Harrison and Director of Public Works and Environmental Services Mr. Chris Angelo further stated that the funding received from the Great Lakes Sustainability Fund will help establish the planning and design base work for improved and expanded wastewater treatment for the Trenton and Frankford service areas.

The total amount of funding through The Great Lakes Sustainability Fund (GLSF) for the Bay of Quinte area is $485, 000; with the City of Quinte West receiving $60, 500, Lower Trent Region Conservation Authority: $344, 500 and the Bay of Quinte Conservation Association: $80, 000.

"The Government of Canada is committed to supporting environmental sustainability as well as the forward-thinking grassroots projects demonstrated by Lower Trent, Quinte Conservation and the City of Quinte West," said MP Norlock. "The resources and support received alongside the funds announced today highlight the scope and breadth of this commitment."

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For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Campbell
Executive Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP
Northumberland-Quinte West
613-483-8181

MINISTER KENT TOURS THE HASTINGS BRIDGE

(HASTINGS, ONTARIO, March 21) - Today Rick Norlock, MP for Northumberland Quinte-West, was joined by the Minister for the Environment, the Honourable Peter Kent, Mayor Hector McMillan and Councillor Bob Crate in Trent Hills to tour the Hastings swing bridge.

MP Rick Norlock, Councillor Bob Crate, Trent Hills Mayor Hector MacMillan and the Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of the Environment

"The community is honoured that the Minister would take time out of his busy schedule to visit the Hastings swing bridge," said Rick Norlock. "I would like to express my gratitude for the Minister's visit today as well as his dedication to assisting the hardworking people of Hastings."

The Hastings swing bridge is slated for temporary closure later this year in order for essential repairs to be completed on the bridge. Since that time, members of all levels of government have been working with the community to address the concern that a temporary closure will have a negative impact on the community.

"Rick asked me, as the Minister responsible for Parks Canada, to visit Hastings for a first‐hand look at the swing‐bridge and to talk to town fathers about the range of issues facing residents and businesses in the community," said Minister Kent. "Our talks were constructive and, after returning to Ottawa for some number crunching, I hope to come up with a solution that will address all concerns in the next couple of
weeks."

Recently, the community has been developing an action plan to mitigate any negative affects the closure will have on the community. Ideas range from hosting a local fair to using volunteers to help seniors access and cross the pedestrian walkway.

"I am so proud of the community and its citizens ‐ they have shown a great deal of optimism in these challenging times. I can assure the good people of Hastings, as well as all constituents impacted by this bridge closure, that the federal government will continue to explore all possible options for alleviating any negative affects the bridge closure will have on Hastings and the surrounding region," said Rick Norlock.

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For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Campbell
Executive Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP
Northumberland-Quinte West
613-483-8181

Government of Canada Announces Support for Women Living in Northumberland-Quinte West

(Cobourg, ON, March 19, 2012) - On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West announced new funding for a community-based project to address the issue of women's economic security in Northumberland-Quinte West.

left to right: MP Rick Norlock; Helga Tilk, Northumberland County Manager of Employment and Support Services; Madelaine Currelly, CEO of Community Training and Development Centre; Mark Darroch, Northumberland County Director of Community Social Services; Dan Borowec, Director of Economic Development and Tourism and Greg Watton, owner of Watton Employment Services and CERP.

"The Community Training and Development Centre is an important local organization and this project will enhance their capacity to help women in our community," said MP Rick Norlock. "Our government is pleased to support exciting projects like this that strengthen the participation of women in the social and economic life of both Northumberland-Quinte West and our country."

The Community Training and Development Centre is receiving $296, 205.00 from the Government of Canada for a project to help meet the specific challenges faced by women living in this community.

This project aligns with Canada's theme for International Women's Day and Week: Strong Women, Strong Canada - Women in Rural, Remote and Northern Communities: Key to Canada's Economic Prosperity. This theme promotes greater recognition of women and girls who live in communities beyond our urban centres.

The Government of Canada is committed to supporting projects that yield concrete results for women and girls in Canada while strengthening families, communities and the country. Through Status of Women Canada, the government's support for community-based projects has nearly doubled since 2006-2007, from $10.8 million to close to $19 million each year, its highest level ever.

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For more information, contact:
Stephanie Campbell
Executive Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP
Northumberland-Quinte West
613-483-8181

A Statement Concerning the Hastings Helpers

(OTTAWA, ONTARIO) March 16, 2012 — Today during a statement in the House of Commons, Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland – Quinte West, saluted the community of Hastings and the Hastings Helpers for their dedication to their fellow citizens.

"Faced with the difficult task of dealing with a bridge closure in their community, the good folks of Hastings have worked together to establish the Hastings Helpers group," said Rick Norlock. "During difficult times, cooperation and optimism are vital to the continued prosperity of any community. I would like to personally thank the Hastings Helpers for their dedication to their fellow citizens."

The Hastings Helpers are a grassroots community organization launched by resident Tonya McColl-Smith, to develop ways of assisting community members affected by the closure of the swing bridge.

During the statement MP Rick Norlock compared the community and its volunteers to those recognized in a famous quote by Margret Mead.

"Margaret Mead once said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." No community or its people understand the value of those wise words more than the hard-working community of Hastings."

Here is the text of Mr. Norlock`s statement as found in the transcripts of the House of Commons.

Mr. Rick Norlock (Northumberland-Quinte West, CPC):
Mr. Speaker, Margaret Mead once said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has". No community or its people understand the value of these words more than the hard-working people of the village of Hastings in Northumberland-Quinte West.

Faced with the difficult task of dealing with a bridge closure in their community, the good folks of Hastings have worked together to establish the Hastings Helpers group. The Hastings Helpers are a grassroots community organization launched by resident, Tonya McColl-Smith, to develop ways of assisting community members affected by the closure of the swing bridge.

During difficult times, co-operation and optimism are vital to the continued prosperity of any community. I would like to personally thank the Hastings Helpers for their dedication to their fellow citizens and I invite all members of the House to join me in saluting the good people of Hastings and the Hastings Helpers as they move forward in these challenging times.

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For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Campbell
Executive Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP
Northumberland-Quinte West
613-483-8181

Or

Jake Enwright
Legislative Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP
Northumberland – Quinte West
613-992-4998

Government of Canada Announces Support for Women Living in Northumberland-Quinte West

Cobourg March 7, 2012 - On behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women, Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West will officially announce new funding for a community-based project to address the issue of women's economic security in Northumberland-Quinte West.

The official announcement will take place on Monday, March 19 at 2pm at the Community Training and Development Centre, 300 Alexandria Dr., Cobourg, ON.

"The Community Training and Development Centre is an important local organization and this project will enhance their capacity to help women in our community," said MP Rick Norlock. "Our government is pleased to support exciting projects like this that strengthen the participation of women in the social and economic life of both Northumberland-Quinte West and our country."

This project aligns with Canada's theme for International Women's Day and Week: Strong Women, Strong Canada - Women in Rural, Remote and Northern Communities: Key to Canada's Economic Prosperity. This theme promotes greater recognition of women and girls who live in communities beyond our urban centres.

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For more information, contact:
Stephanie Campbell
Executive Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP
Northumberland-Quinte West
613-483-8181

Harper Government Supports Revitalization of the Ojibway Language

(ROSENEATH, Ontario, February 23, 2012) – Members of the Alderville First Nation will have access to Ojibway language‐learning opportunities thanks to an investment from the Government of Canada. This was announced today by Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland–Quinte West, on behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

(left to right) -- MP Rick Norlock and Chief James Marsden chat about the Funding announcement.

Funding will enable the Alderville First Nation to undertake a master‐ apprentice program with weekly sessions between a fluent Elder and an apprentice and to hold language sessions for parents and their children, as well as weekly language classes for adults and young people. They will also produce and distribute CDs and DVDs that help Ojibway learners increase their ability to pronounce the language by using visual learning associations.

"Our Government received a strong mandate from Canadians to invest in important projects that support the preservation and revitalization of Aboriginal cultures and languages," said Minister Moore. "By supporting opportunities for members of the Alderville First Nation to learn the Ojibway language, our Government is delivering on its commitment to strengthen our communities and support our culture and heritage."

"For a language to thrive, it is essential that it be seen and heard within communities. This is not always possible without positive measures undertaken by a community to preserve and revitalize its language," said Mr. Norlock. "Alderville First Nation is doing just that, and our Government is proud to support this initiative that is giving the community the chance to reconnect with their language and heritage."

The Government of Canada has provided funding of $24,652 through the Aboriginal Languages Initiative (ALI) of Canadian Heritage's Aboriginal Peoples' Program. The objective of ALI is to support community‐based language projects that contribute to the revitalization and preservation of Aboriginal languages and increase their use in community settings.

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For more information, contact:
Stephanie Campbell
Executive Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP
Northumberland‐Quinte West
613‐483‐8181

Harper Government Announces Funding for War Memorial in Brighton, Ontario

(Brighton, ON) February 22, 2012 – Today, the Honourable Steven Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs, and Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland‐Quinte West, announced up to $50,000 in support for a project in Brighton, Ontario, to honour Veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This funding, provided through the Community War Memorial Program, will support the construction of the Brighton War and Peacekeeping Memorial.

left to right - Brian MacKenzie, Legion President; Mayor Mark Walas; The Honourable Stephen Blaney, Minister of Veterans Affairs; MP Rick Norlock; Barbara Graham; Don Halcrow

"Our community war memorials serve as lasting reminders of the achievements and
contributions of those who served their country and made the supreme sacrifice for their fellow citizens,"said Mr. Norlock. "I applaud the community of Brighton for providing a special place, such as the Brighton War and Peacekeeping Memorial, to come together as proud Canadians to honour our Veterans."

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #100 and the Council of the Municipality of Brighton will construct the Brighton War and Peacekeeping Memorial to commemorate the local citizens of Brighton who served in the First World War, the Second World War, the Korean War and peacekeeping missions. The project involves replacing the existing monument that is damaged beyond repair. Planned construction work includes building a new cenotaph, replacing the main walkway and building two new walkways to the sidewalk. New benches, replacement flagpoles and lighting will be installed at the site.

Through the Community War Memorial Program, the Government of Canada is fulfilling its commitment to further commemorate the courage and sacrifices of our Veterans and members of our armed forces by partnering with community groups and local organizations to build new cenotaphs and monuments.

Applications to the Community War Memorial Program can be submitted at any time during the year and are reviewed on a quarterly basis. Interested non‐profit groups and other organizations may be eligible for funding to build new memorials or to make major additions to existing ones.

For more information, visit veterans.gc.ca.

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For more information, contact:
Stephanie Campbell
Executive Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP
Northumberland‐Quinte West
613‐483‐8181

MP Rick Norlock invites local employers to apply for Canada Summer Jobs 2012 Creating jobs, strengthening communities

Northumberland-Quinte West Feb 1, 2012 - Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West, encourages employers to apply for funding through the Canada Summer Jobs program to help create jobs for students this summer.

Employers can apply online at www.servicecanada.gc.ca/csj2012 or print an application from the website. They can also get an application by visiting any Service Canada Centre. Applications must be submitted between February 1 and February 29, 2012.

"Our government's top priority is job creation and economic growth," said MP Rick Norlock. "Through Canada Summer Jobs, we are helping employers in Northumberland-Quinte West create much-needed summer job opportunities for students, while strengthening our community's economy."

To help employers complete their application, the Canada Summer Jobs Applicant Guide is available online, by calling 1-800-935-5555, or by visiting any Service Canada Centre.

Funding will be available for not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers and small businesses to create high-quality summer job opportunities for young people aged 15 to 30 years who are full-time students intending to return to their studies in the next school year.

In 2011, the Government of Canada permanently increased the annual budget for Canada Summer Jobs by $10 million. The increased funding is helping more students gain the skills and experience they need to be successful, both now and in the future.

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For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Campbell
Executive Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP
Northumberland-Quinte West
613-483-8181

Government of Canada Supports Innovative Start-up Businesses in Northumberland County

Cobourg, January 18, 2012 Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland – Quinte West, today announced up to $529,200 in Government of Canada funding that will allow the Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation to provide graduates and students in the fields of science, engineering, technology, and math (STEM) with the skills and support they need to launch innovative new businesses in Northumberland County.

“Our government recognizes the importance of investing in the ideas of graduates and graduate students and providing them with the skills necessary to become successful entrepreneurs,” said MP Norlock.  “This funding for the Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation will help bring innovative, market-driven ideas to life, contributing to the growth of the southern Ontario economy.”

The funding is being provided through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario’s Scientists and Engineers in Business initiative, designed to assist graduates and graduate students in STEM fields in developing their business skills and launching or expanding their business ventures in southern Ontario.

Northumberland CFDC is a not-for-profit organization with a mandate to stimulate community economic development, diversity and job opportunities in Northumberland County. Through this project, the CFDC will provide business skills development training, direct financing for start-up businesses, and ongoing advisory services to local entrepreneurs.

“We believe that one of the clearest pathways to economic prosperity lies in the mobilization of science and technology and the commercialization of research and innovation,” said Hugh Parker, incoming Chair of the Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation.  “Working with many partners, we are proud to be involved with FedDev Ontario’s Scientists and Engineers in Business initiative. We are targeting the launch of 22 new firms in Northumberland County that will have strong growth potential in a highly competitive global marketplace.”

Possible areas for the new ventures include clean energy, social media, software development, engineering, information technology solutions, agribusiness, green chemistry, manufacturing, and laboratory and technical services.

For more information on the Scientists and Engineers in Business initiative, please refer to the website.

Created in 2009, FedDev Ontario supports the southern Ontario economy by building on the region’s strengths and creating opportunities for jobs and economic growth. The Agency has launched a number of initiatives to create a Southern Ontario Advantage and place the region in a strong position to compete in the global economy. These initiatives are designed to encourage partnerships and support projects that help the region’s businesses and communities become more competitive, innovative and diversified. To learn more, visit www.feddevontario.gc.ca or call 1-866-593-5505.

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For more information, contact:
Stephanie Campbell
Executive Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP
Northumberland-Quinte West
613-483-8181

Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
519-571-6879 

Government of Canada Announces Funding for Implementation Phase of the Port Hope Area Initiative

PORT HOPE, ONTARIO - Jan 13, 2012 - MP Rick Norlock, Northumberland-Quinte West, was joined by The Honourable Joe Oliver, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, to announce that the Government of Canada is investing $1.28 billion over 10 years to clean up low-level radioactive waste in the Port Hope area." We expect the work of the Port Hope Area Initiative to create hundreds of direct and indirect jobs in a wide range of fields, including engineering, construction, trucking and support services," said Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West. "It will also involve necessary infrastructure developments and improvements that will benefit the region for many years to come."

L-R: Port Hope Councillor Rick Austin, Port Hope Mayor Linda Thompson, The Honourable Joe Oliver - Minister of Natural Resources, Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster, MP Rick Norlock - NQW and Christine Fahey, Project Director PHAI.

The PHAI is composed of two major projects, the Port Hope Project and the Port Granby Project. Each project involves the construction of a new long-term waste management facility and supporting infrastructure, the cleanup and restoration of contaminated sites, and monitoring and maintaining the facilities for the long term.

"This investment underscores the Government's long-standing commitment to clean up historic low-level radioactive waste in the Port Hope area," said Minister Oliver.

"We will continue to work closely with the communities to resolve the waste issue and create new opportunities for development and economic growth in this region."

The PHAI is being undertaken as a joint initiative of Natural Resources Canada, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited and Public Works and Government Services Canada.

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For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Campbell
Executive Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP
Northumberland-Quinte West
613-483-8181

MP Rick Norlock gathers local input for upcoming Federal Budget

Local community forum asks residents for their ideas to grow area and Canadian economy

Northumberland Quinte West - Jan 6, 2012. MP Rick Norlock is asking local residents to make their voices heard in advance of the Harper government's upcoming federal budget. "We have been working hard to implement Canada's Economic Action Plan and its job creating measures. Already, the Plan has been a big boost to the economy. Indeed, Canada has created nearly 600,000 net new jobs in recent years - the best record for all G7 countries," said MP Rick Norlock. "However, the global economy remains challenging - especially in the United States and Europe. That's why we need to stay squarely focused on jobs and economic growth."

As a result, the federal government is consulting widely with Canadians across the country for ideas on how best to create jobs and grow the economy in the next budget, while keeping taxes low and returning to balanced budgets in the medium term.

MP Norlock will take part in a pre-budget roundtable discussion with business, academic, and community leaders from across Northumberland Quinte West.

"I am a strong believer that the best ideas to help the economy in Northumberland Quinte West and across Canada is the result of talking to people directly about what works and getting their input," remarked MP Rick Norlock. "Indeed, many of the ideas we heard in these pre-budget meetings in past years have been directly reflected in the actual federal budget."

Please note the following time and dates for the upcoming consultations:

Tuesday, January 10th Multipurpose Room, Quinte West Municipal Building, Trenton 10 - 11:30am

Wednesday, January 11th County Boardroom, 600 William Street, Cobourg 10 - 11:30am

Thursday, January 12th Oddfellow's Hall, Campbellford 9 - 10:30am

Budget 2012 will build on the Next Phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan by focusing on supporting Canada's economic recovery, promoting job creation and economic growth, and the Government's plan to return to balanced budgets. In this context we would appreciate your views on:

  • Are there measures in the Next Phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan that should be revised to better promote job creation and economic growth? Should any be extended? Are there areas where funding should be shifted to meet changed priorities?
  • Budget 2011 outlined a plan to return to balance that included a strategic and operating review of Government spending of taxpayers' dollars (whose results will be reported on in Budget 2012). In what areas should we look for more efficient and effective spending? How can we better respect taxpayer dollars by ensuring they are not wasted on duplication, inefficient operating expenses, or programs that have outlived their usefulness?
  • What should Canada's priorities be for the short and long term to encourage private sector growth and leadership in the economy?
  • The global economic recovery is slowing. While Canada is still doing better than most, we are still vulnerable to shocks from beyond our borders. Are there measures we can take to protect our economic recovery in the face of international events?

In order to ensure that all Canadians can participate in pre-budget consultations, the Harper government has also launched an online pre-budget consultation at www.fin.gc.ca.

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For more information please contact:
Stephanie Campbell
Executive Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP
Northumberland?Quinte West
613-483-8181

Government of Canada Supports Innovative Research and Development in Northumberland

[Cobourg, ON, January 5, 2012] - Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), today announced an investment in ARXX Building Products Inc. from the National Research Council Canada's Industrial Research Assistance Program.

The funding supports the hiring of an engineering graduate who will assist ARXX with Research and Development and other green initiatives.

"Our government is investing in science and technology to create good jobs, strengthen the economy and improve Canadians' quality of life," said MP Rick Norlock. "We are supporting Canadian firms that successfully develop innovative technologies and helping businesses bring those new ideas into the marketplace."

The Next Phase of the Economic Action Plan provided new resources of $80 million over three years to the Industrial Research Assistance Program to support collaborative projects between colleges and small- and medium-sized businesses to accelerate their adoption of information and communications technologies.

This $30, 000 contribution will assist the Cobourg-based company with funds to hire and further develop the skills of engineering graduate Jaret MacDonald, which will in turn, assist ARXX with the growth potential of their unique and forward-thinking business model.

ARXX is the leading supplier of Insulating Concrete Forms (ICFs) for green, energy-efficient residential and commercial construction. ARXX ICFs provide a reinforced concrete wall building envelope solution that provides high-energy efficiency and significantly lowers operating costs. ARXX ICFs have been used in over 105,000 projects including numerous LEED projects, homes, schools, hotels and more.
About National Research Council Canada and its Industrial Research Assistance Program

The Industrial Research Assistance Program provides a range of both technical and business-oriented advisory services along with necessary financial support to qualified innovative small and medium-sized enterprises in Canada.

The program is delivered by a field staff of professionals in more than 100 communities across Canada. The National Research Council Canada is committed to working with small and medium-sized enterprises while they realize their full potential, turning knowledge and innovation into strategic opportunities, jobs and prosperity for all Canadians.

For more information (media only), please visit the Industrial Research Assistance Program's website (www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/ibp/irap.html)

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For more information please contact:
Stephanie Campbell
Executive Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP
Northumberland-Quinte West
613-483-8181

Services available to Constituents at Rick's Offices
  • Passport
  • Canadian Citizenship
  • Student loan
  • Social Insurance Card
  • Employment Insurance Benefits
  • Canadian Pension Plan and Old Age Security benefits
  • Guaranteed Income Supplement
  • Children and Family benefits
  • Replace lost ID cards
  • Obtain congratulatory message(s).

Rick's Office &
Contact Info

277 Division Street, Unit 2
Cobourg, ON, K9A 3R2
Phone: (905) 372-8757

103B Dundas st. W.
Trenton, ON, K8V 3P4
Phone: (613) 392-3382

Ottawa
Phone: (613) 992-8585
Email: rick@ricknorlock.ca or Norlock.R@parl.gc.ca

Hours: 10:00 to 5:00
Also Port Hope, Brighton by appointment.

Full details here.