Economic Action Plan 2013 Continues Focus on Jobs, Growth and Long-Term Prosperity

(Northumberland-Quinte West) March 21, 2013 – Rick Norlock, MP Northumberland-Quinte West welcomes the new federal budget - Economic Action Plan 2013 – and its continued focus on job creation, economic growth, and long-term prosperity as good news for Northumberland-Quinte West. The Plan, which will see Canada return to balanced budgets in 2015, keeps federal taxes at their lowest level in 50 years.

"While Canada has the best job creation record among all G-7 countries since the worst of the global recession with over 950,000 net new jobs, we recognize that the global economy remains very challenging," said MP Norlock. "In Economic Action Plan 2013, our Conservative government remains squarely focused on the number one priority of Canadians, with a forward-looking plan to help create jobs and grow the economy in Ontario and across Canada."

MP Norlock outlined that Economic Action Plan 2013 includes key measures to strengthen Canada's economy, including:

• Increased skills and training support, including the new $15,000 Canada Job Grant, to help more Canadians find high-quality, well-paying jobs;
• Tax breaks for manufacturers who buy new machinery and equipment to stay competitive, and an extended 'hiring credit' for small businesses who create jobs;
• A record $70 billion federal investment in infrastructure across Canada, including roads, bridges, subways, rail lines, and ports;
• Major investments in research and technology;
• New tax relief for Canadians who give to charity, adopt a child, or rely on homecare services;
• Elimination of 'import tax' tariffs on everyday items Canadian families buy, like baby clothing, sports gear, and exercise equipment;
• And much more.

Economic Action Plan 2013 also confirmed the Conservative government's continued all-time record support for hospitals, schools, and other important health and social services in Ontario. In fact, in 2013-14, federal transfer support to Ontario will be almost $9 billion higher than under the former federal Liberal government.

"We all remember the former Liberal government slashed transfers for health care and education. Our Conservative government rejects that shameful practice, and is protecting and growing transfers to help support the services that Ontario families depend on," said MP Norlock.

- 30 -

For more information, please contact:

Stephanie Campbell, Executive Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP Northumberland-Quinte West
613-483-8181

What People are Saying about Budget 2013

Budget Caucus Package

Budget web site - full details

Canadian Government Taking Action to End Violence Against Women

(Northumberland-Quinte West) March 7, 2013 -- 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, today called on constituents to celebrate International Women's Week and International Women's Day. Canada's 2013 theme is Working Together: Engaging Men to End Violence against Women. This year's International Women's Week theme is asking men to become part of the solution and speak out to end violence against women and girls.

"The Canadian Government is committed to eliminating violence against women and girls," Minister Ambrose added. "Our government has been working with communities to improve safety and security of women – funding hundreds of projects across Canada to end violence against women and girls."

"I encourage everyone across Northumberland-Quinte West to celebrate the women in our community this International Women's Week and to work together, with women, to prevent violence against women and girls in all its forms, wherever it occurs," said MP Norlock.

The Canadian Government is committed to supporting projects that yield concrete results for women and girls in Canada, while strengthening families and communities. 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, its highest level ever. Since 2007, more than $57 million in funding has been approved for projects that seek to address violence against women and girls.

International Women's Week takes place this year from March 3 to 9, with International Women's Day on March 8. For further information on International Women's Day and International Women's Week, please visit the Status of Women Canada web site at http://www.iwd.gc.ca.

- 30 -

For more information, please contact:
Stephanie Campbell, Executive Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP Northumberland-

Canada and Ontario Invest in Highway 401 Bridges

(PORT HOPE, ONTARIO) February 22, 2013 – Bridges along one of Ontario's busiest highways will soon be improved, thanks to $7.5 million in joint funding announced today by the governments of Canada and Ontario.

A new bridge underpass will be built at East Townline Road in Port Hope, and sandblasting and structural work will be performed on the Trent River Bridge in Trenton. Rehabilitation and replacement work on the two bridges will improve their structural integrity and lifespan. Both bridges are important links to tourist destinations and local businesses in the Port Hope and Trenton regions.

"Spanning one of Canada's most spectacular waterways, the Trent River Bridge is an essential link in this beautiful tourism and boating region," said Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland—Quinte West, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. "The 401 is an important economic corridor. These improvements will create jobs and support long-term economic growth in our communities."

"Our government is pleased to support these projects, which will increase the safety and efficiency of Highway 401," said Jeff Leal, Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough. "These projects also show how Ontario is managing provincial assets wisely by rehabilitating structures to keep them in a good state of repair rather than waiting until the time comes where total replacement is necessary."

These are two of 44 initiatives receiving funding through the Provincial-Territorial Base Fund, where the Government of Canada is providing $175 million to strengthen infrastructure in Ontario. Ontario is contributing $173 million to these initiatives.

Canada's Economic Action Plan promotes new opportunities for growth, job creation and long-term prosperity. Strengthening infrastructure across the country is an important part of this plan. Thanks to the Government of Canada's leadership and our strong economic and financial fundamentals, the Canadian economy has recovered from the global recession better than most other industrialized countries. Canada has been a leader among G-7 countries throughout the recovery with more than 900,000 net new jobs created since July 2009.

These investments also support Building Together, the Government of Ontario's long-term infrastructure plan to repair, rebuild and renew the province's roads and highways, bridges, public transit, schools and postsecondary institutions, hospitals and courthouses. Since 2003, Ontario has invested approximately $75 billion in infrastructure. Building modern, efficient infrastructure has created or preserved close to 100,000 jobs each year, on average, making Ontario's economy more productive and improving quality of life, now and in the future.

- 30 -

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

Harper Government Announces Clean Technology Projects Across Canada

MONTREAL February 15, 2013 - The Honourable Joe Oliver, Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, today was joined by the Honourable Peter Kent, Minister of the Environment, to announce an important investment to support 23 clean technology projects in communities from coast to coast to coast Funding for the projects, which totals $61.8 million in areas such as agriculture, transportation, mining and energy, is being provided through Sustainable Development Technology Canada's (SDTC) SD Tech Fund™.

"Our Government is doing its part to encourage innovation and the next wave of clean technologies to help protect our environment and create high-quality jobs," said Minister Oliver. "Investment in projects such as these demonstrates our leadership in driving a vibrant clean technology industry in Canada."

"Our Government's investments in clean technologies are supporting innovation, jobs and Canada's rapid transition toward a greener future," said Minister Kent. "These new projects can only strengthen our position as a global leader in clean technology - something all Canadians can be proud of."

Minister Oliver and Minister Kent met with representatives of some of the companies receiving funding today. They were joined by Dr. Vicky Sharpe, SDTC President and CEO.

"SDTC is proud to add these projects to its portfolio, now valued at more than $2 billion," said Dr. Sharpe. "When purchased and used by Canadian industry, these technologies will enable a variety of sectors to increase their share of global markets. As Canada works to diversify its export markets, working with new trading partners in emerging countries, these innovative technologies will help make Caadian natural resources and products more globally attractive and competitive."

Sustainable Development Technology Canada's SD Tech Fund™ has to date supported more than 245 projects and allocated $592 million.

- 30 -

Media may contact:
David Provencher
Press Secretary
Office of Canada's Minister of Natural Resources
613-996-2007

or

Media Relations
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
613-992-4447

Background Information

Health Canada Releases Revised Research Design for the Wind Turbine Noise and Health Study

(Northumberland-Quinte West) February 10, 2013 Rick Norlock, MP for Northumberland-Quinte West, on behalf of Health Canada, today announced Health Canada published a revised research design for the wind turbine noise and health study, which is being carried out in collaboration with Statistics Canada.

The proposed study design was posted on the Health Canada website in July 2012 for public comment and over 950 comments were received during the 60 day public consultation period. After an evaluation of feedback received during the consultation, the Expert Committee introduced changes to the research design including an assessment of infrasound and changes to the questionnaire administered by Statistics Canada. The Expert Committee includes specialists in areas including noise, health assessment, clinical medicine and epidemiology.

“Our Government is committed to protecting the health and safety of Canadians, and this study is in response to questions from residents living near wind farms about possible health effects of low frequency noise generated by wind turbines,” said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health. “The Expert Committee has carefully reviewed and evaluated the feedback received during the public consultation and has taken it into consideration when developing the revised research design.”

“Our Government’s focus is on putting the health and safety of Canadians first and this study will do just that by painting a more complete picture of the potential health impacts of industrial wind turbine noise. This is particularly important because the number of industrial wind turbines has been increasing across Canada,” said MP Norlock.

Study results are anticipated in late 2014. An initial target sample size of 2,000 dwellings will be selected from 8-12 wind turbine installation facilities in Canada. In addition to taking physical measurements from participants, such as blood pressure, investigators will conduct face-to-face interviews and take noise measurements inside and outside of some homes to validate sound modeling.

Health Canada has expertise in measuring noise and assessing the health impacts of noise because of its role in administering the Radiation Emitting Devices Act (REDA). As defined under REDA, noise is a form of radiation.

The revised research design is available on the Health Canada website at: www.hc-sc.gc.ca. A summary of the public comments received during the consultation period (organized by theme) and the responses from the Expert Committee are also available on the website.

- 30 -

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

Phasing Out the Penny - What It Means For You

(Northumberland-�Quinte West) February 1, 2013. Rick Norlock, MP for Northumberland-�Quinte West welcomes news from the Royal Canadian Mint to phase out the penny on February 4th, 2013.

Pennies sit idle in jars and coffee cans on our dressers and in our closets. They consume too much of our small business owners and retailers�time, for too little in return. And they cost too much for taxpayers - 1.6 cents per penny to be exact. As part of this penny-less reality, Canada will move to a new 'rounding' system - much like Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, and the many other countries that have long-ago and successfully eliminated their penny.

Taxpayers deserve better - and they are now getting better. As announced last year, the penny will be phased out starting February 4th when the Royal Canadian Mint will cease distributing them. With this, Canadian taxpayers will save $11 million each and every year as pennies are fully phased out.

How will 'rounding' work? Cash payments will need to adapt when pennies are not available. As time passes, businesses will simply not have pennies and, at the same time, customers will run out of pennies to pay with.

To deal with this, the Government is encouraging all businesses to round cash transactions. Moving to this 'rounding' system means that cash payments should be rounded symmetrically - a successful practice that has become normal in countries that have eliminated their pennies. Symmetrical rounding means that final cash amounts (i.e. after tax) and the change owed:

• ending in 1, 2, 6 and 7 cents are rounded down to the nearest 5 cent increment;
• ending in 3, 4, 8, and 9 cents are rounded up to the nearest 5 cent increment;
• ending in 0 cent and 5 cents remain unchanged.

It's important to remember that this will only affect payments in cash. That means debit cards, credit cards, payment cards and cheques will not be impacted at all and will continue to be settled to the exact cent. Finally, the penny will retain its value indefinitely - meaning consumers can use pennies for cash transactions with businesses that choose to accept them, or cash them in at their local bank or credit union.

Consumers and businesses with questions about rounding and looking for more information on the phasing out of the penny can turn to: www.fin.gc.ca/1cent/index-eng.asp or call toll �free 1-800-Canada (1-800-622-6232).

- �30 -

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

Canadian Government has officially launched Canada Summer Jobs 2013

(Northumberland-Quinte West) January 30, 2013 — The Canadian Government has officially launched Canada Summer Jobs 2013, which will create up to 36 000 job opportunities for students across the country.

Canada Summer Jobs benefits employers and students alike. Students gain tangible work experience and earn money for the upcoming school year.

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 from 15 to 30 years of age who are full-time students intending to return to their studies in the next school year.

“This is a wonderful investment for our youth; which in turn gives them hands-on job experience,” said MP Norlock. “I know many businesses in the riding utilize this program with valuable results.”

Beginning February 1, 2013, Canada Summer Jobs applications will be available for interested employers online at servicecanada.gc.ca/csj2013 and at Service Canada Centres. Employers will be able to complete and submit their applications online, by mail or in person. Applications must be submitted between February 1 and February 28, 2013

- 30 -

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

 

Background:
Canada Summer Jobs provides funding to not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers and small businesses with 50 or fewer employees to help create summer job opportunities for students.

Not-for-profit employers are eligible for up to 100 percent of the provincial/territorial minimum hourly wage and mandatory employment-related costs. Public-sector employers and small businesses with 50 or fewer employees are eligible for up to 50 percent of the provincial/territorial minimum hourly wage.

As of February 1, interested employers can apply online at servicecanada.gc.ca/csj2013.

Canada Summer Jobs is part of the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy (YES). YES is the Government of Canada’s commitment to helping youth make a successful transition to the workplace. With an annual budget of more than $300 million, YES helps youth, particularly those facing barriers to employment, obtain career information, develop employment skills, find jobs and stay employed.

Through Economic Action Plan 2012, the Government of Canada is providing an additional $50 million over two years to enhance YES through a new initiative that will connect young Canadians with jobs that are in high demand and help them develop tangible skills and gain work experience.

To learn more about Canada’s Youth Employment Strategy and other youth employment initiatives, visit Youth.gc.ca.

Department to provide credit protection for clients with information on missing hard drive

Ottawa, Ontario, January 25, 2013 — The Department of Human Resources and Skills Development (HRSDC) is responding to the concerns of Canadians and providing credit protection at no cost to Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) clients whose personal information was contained in a missing hard drive. 

In addition to the strong measures that the Minister recently directed the Department to implement, the Department has contracted with Equifax, a credit bureau, to provide the affected clients with credit and identity protection services for a period of up to six years. 

“While there is no evidence that information has been fraudulently accessed or used, I want to reassure Canadians that we are serious about protecting their personal information,” said Minister Finley.  “That is why we will provide potentially affected individuals with credit protection at no cost, which will flag their credit files and help detect any potential compromise of their personal information.”

While HRSDC has no evidence that any of the information has been accessed or used for fraudulent purposes, those clients who could potentially have been affected by this incident have the choice to request the credit protection services, and can contact the HRSDC call centre at 1-866-885-1866 within North America.  For calls from outside of North America, affected citizens can call 1-416-572-1113 and dial 0 to speak to an operator in order to reverse the charges. Callers with a hearing or speech impairment and who use a teletypewriter (TTY) can call at 1-800-263-5883. 

To protect privacy, the Department is asking that affected individuals call to provide their consent for their information to be shared with Equifax. The process will be simple and efficient.

A hard drive containing personal information on approximately 583,000 individuals who were Canada Student Loans clients from 2000-2006 has been deemed missing from an HSRDC office in Gatineau, Quebec, although the search is ongoing.  

Credit protection services will be arranged once clients make contact with the HRSDC call centre. 

HRSDC continues to take all efforts to reassure Canadians that rigorous new protocols are in place to protect their data.

– 30 -

 

Backgrounder

Services to be provided to affected Canadians by Equifax Canada

Equifax is a respected, global leader in credit management, and has the tools to help protect Canadians’ credit files and help detect any potential compromise of their personal information.  This company will be offering credit and identity protection services to potentially affected clients for a period of up to six years. 

More specifically:

• Equifax Canada will protect credit files with notations that information may have been exposed and alert messages will be placed on credit files. This notation will assist in preventing any misuse of personal information. The notation will stay on credit files for a period of six years unless clients choose to have it removed. This flag will alert credit grantors that data may have been compromised, and lenders will then take further steps to verify the person’s identity before granting credit.  

Why contracting with Equifax credit bureau?

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada contracted the services of this credit bureau so that credit and identity protection services could be offered to affected clients. 

At this time, HRSDC has no evidence that any of the information on the hard drive has been accessed or used for fraudulent purposes.

Who will benefit from these credit protection services?

This credit and identity protection will be made available to the approximately 583,000 Canadians whose information was on a missing HRSDC hard drive containing information on Canada Student Loans clients.

How to register to receive these credit protection services
The Department is providing guidance on how to begin receiving the credit protection services from Equifax and has posted information on its website - http://www.canlearn.ca/eng/main/spotlighton/privacy/index.shtml.  HRSDC is seeking the consent of those potentially affected prior to providing their personal information to Equifax for the purposes of providing credit protection to affected clients.
Those wishing to receive this credit protection first need to provide their consent by calling the HRSDC toll free number at 1-866-885-1866 within North America. For calls from outside of North America, affected citizens can call 1-416-572-1113 and dial 0 to speak to an operator in order to reverse the charges. Callers with a hearing or speech impairment and who use a teletypewriter (TTY) can call at 1-800-263-5883.

No negative impacts on affected Canadians’ credit ratings

Having a notation added to a credit file will not have a negative impact on clients’ credit ratings.

Cost to affected Canadians

These credit and identity protection services will be made available for free to all Canadians potentially affected by the missing HRSDC hard drive. 

What else is HRSDC doing about this situation?

The Minister has directed that the overall policy for security and storage of personal information at HRSDC be strengthened and improved. The highlights are:

• New, stricter protocols have been implemented. Portable hard drives are no longer permitted. Unapproved USB keys are not to be connected to the network;

• Immediate risk assessments of all portable security devices used in the Department’s work environment to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place; these assessments will continue on a regular, ongoing basis;

• Mandatory training for all employees regarding the proper handling of sensitive information, including personal information;

• Implementation of new data loss prevention technology, which can be configured to control or prevent the transfer of sensitive information;

• Disciplinary measures implemented for staff, up to and including termination, should the strict codes of privacy and security not be followed.

In addition, HRSDC has initiated a number of other concrete measures in response:

• SIN records on the Social Insurance Register have been annotated to indicate the SIN was involved in an incident of loss. The department will notify individuals for whom we have current contact information if there are any attempts to request changes to information on SIN records or to obtain a SIN card. The Government does not charge fees for monitoring Social Insurance Numbers.

• The matter has been referred to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) by the Office of the Minister.

• The Office of the Privacy Commissioner has also been informed of the incident.

• The Department is currently investigating the missing hard drive, and search efforts continue. 

At this time, HRSDC has no evidence that any of the information on the hard drive has been accessed or used for fraudulent purposes.

All details on this incident and how Canadians can protect their personal information are available at http://www.canlearn.ca/eng/main/spotlighton/privacy/adi.shtml

MP Rick Norlock Celebrates Local Benefits of the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund in Northumberland County

(Cobourg, ON) – As part of the Government’s Economic Action Plan 2012, Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West today announced $145,260 in federal funding toward improvements to Northumberland County Forest Trails.

“I am proud to see Northumberland County benefit from the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund,” said MP Norlock. “This investment will help create jobs and growth and will support the prosperity of the entire county for years to come.”

The national Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund provides $150 million over two years for repairs and improvements to existing public community infrastructure. The Fund is being delivered by regional development agencies across Canada, including FedDev Ontario.

“The Northumberland County Forest trails are a very important asset for the health and well-being of Northumberland County residents and as a tourist destination,” said Bill Pyatt, Chief Administrative Officer, Northumberland County. “The Community Infrastructure Improvement Funding will allow for major repairs and upgrades to the trail system and related infrastructure that will improve user experiences and safety.”
Through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund, the Government of Canada has committed to supporting communities and creating jobs through repairs and improvements to existing community facilities over the next two years.

- 30 -

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

Background

MP Rick Norlock Celebrates Local Benefits of the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund in Hamilton Township

(Cobourg, ON) January 22, 2013– As part of the Government’s Economic Action Plan 2012, Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West today announced $168, 000 in federal funding toward improvements at the Township of Hamilton Municipal office.

Across the country, community centres, cultural centres, ice rinks, swimming pools, and other community projects will soon be improved thanks to support from the Government of Canada’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).

“Our Government is committed to creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for Canadians through investments in our communities,” said MP Norlock. “By improving municipal facilities such as this one, we are helping to boost economic activity and maintain a high quality of life for residents of all ages.”

"On behalf of Council and the citizens of Hamilton Township, I am pleased to accept this funding from the FEDDEV Ontario Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund being announced today by our Member of Parliament,” said Mayor Mark Lovshin. “The funding program recognizes the importance of maintaining municipal infrastructure, and will allow our municipality to address much needed improvements that will assist in better serving our residents. With the funding we have received, the municipality will be able to address the preservation of archives and records of the community, thereby preserving the history of our community."

Through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund, the Government of Canada has committed to supporting communities and creating jobs through repairs and improvements to existing community facilities over the next two years.

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

 

Background:

Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund
The national Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund provides $150 million over two years for repairs and improvements to existing public community infrastructure. The Fund is being delivered by regional development agencies across Canada. FedDev Ontario is responsible for administering the program, drawing on its expertise in the delivery of infrastructure programs, while the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor) will use its knowledge of the region to manage communications activities related to the Fund in northern Ontario.

Organizations that are receiving funding include the following:

• local or regional governments or related agencies;
• provincial entities that provide municipal-type services to communities;
• First Nations governments, including band or tribal councils or their legally designated representatives; and
• not-for-profit organizations.

The Fund will benefit many types of community infrastructure, including community centres, cultural centres, parks, libraries, recreational facilities, tourism facilities, and other existing community infrastructure assets that have a local community impact.

All projects must be completed by March 31, 2014.

Protecting Canadians' Personal Information at HRSDC

Ottawa, Ontario, January 11, 2013 - The Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, has issued the following statement regarding the loss of an external hard drive from an HRSDC office in Gatineau, Quebec which contained personal information of 583,000 Canada Student Loans Program borrowers between 2000-2006 :

Full details are available in the attached backgrounder.

Starting Monday, January 14, 2013, at 8:00 a.m. EST, Canadians who are affected by this incident can call 1-866-885-1866 for more information. There will be staff available 8:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m. EST, 7 days a week.

 “I want all Canadians to know that I have expressed my disappointment to departmental officials at this unacceptable and avoidable incident in handling Canadians’ personal information. As a result, I have directed that departmental officials take a number of immediate actions to ensure that such an unnecessary situation does not happen again.

“The department will be making every effort to contact the individuals whose information was lost. This includes direct notification to those for whom we have current contact information. I am releasing all details on the breach publicly and we will be working with a number of external partners to ensure that Canadians are made aware of the data loss. The Department is continuing its investigation. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner has been consulted. My office has engaged the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on this matter, given its serious nature.

“I have requested that HRSDC employees across Canada receive comprehensive communications on the seriousness of these recent incidents and that they participate in mandatory training on a new security policy to ensure that similar situations do not occur again. Further, I have instructed that the new policy contain disciplinary measures that will be implemented for staff, up to and including termination, should the strict codes of privacy and security not be followed.

“On behalf of our Government, I want to reassure Canadians that we are serious about protecting their personal information. As Minister, I will ensure that every effort is taken so that HRSDC meets the expectations of Canadians in keeping their information safe and secure.”

- 30 -

Backgrounder

In late 2012, the department of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) informed the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of the loss of a USB key, which contained the personal information of over 5,000 Canadians.

• While reviewing this incident, departmental officials learned of a subsequent serious loss of Canadians’ personal information.
• Although the search is ongoing, an external hard drive has been deemed lost from an HRSDC office in Gatineau, Quebec.
• The Department is continuing its investigation. The Office of the Privacy Commissioner has been consulted. The office of the Minister has engaged the Royal Canadian Mounted Police on this matter, given its serious nature.

Details regarding loss of the hard drive

• A hard drive containing personal information on 583,000 Canada Student Loans borrowers dated from 2000-2006 has been deemed lost at an HSRDC office in Gatineau, Quebec, although the search is ongoing.
• The file contained information including student names, dates of birth, Social Insurance Numbers, addresses and student loan balances from recipients across the country (except Quebec, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories as they manage their own student loan programs).
• Personal contact information of 250 HRSDC employees was also on the hard drive.
• No banking or medical information was included on the drive.
• The client information was saved onto an external hard drive as a back-up storage option.

Timeline of events

• November 5, 2012: A HRSDC employee discovered that an external hard drive was missing. Search efforts began.
• November 28: The Departmental Security Officer was notified.
• December 6: Discovery that personal information of Canada Student Loans Program clients was on the hard drive.
• December 14: The Office of the Privacy Commissioner was notified.
• January 7: The incident was referred to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
• January 11: Canadian public was informed of the incident.

Process for inquiries and more information

HRSDC is sending letters to individuals affected, for whom we have current contact information, to advise them of the incident and what steps to take to help protect their personal information.

A toll-free number has been set-up at 1-866-885-1866 (or 416-572-1113 for those outside of North America) for individuals to verify if they are affected by this incident, and to ask additional questions regarding this issue. Hours of operation will be 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. (EST), 7 days a week, starting Monday, January 14, 2013, for as long as needed.

People with a hearing or speech impairment and using a teletypewriter (TTY) can call 1-800-263-5883. Hours of operation will be 8:00 a.m. -8:00 p.m. (EST), 7 days a week, starting Monday, January 14, 2013, for as long as needed.

All details on this incident and how Canadians can protect their personal information are available at http://www.canlearn.ca/eng/main/spotlighton/privacy/index.shtml

New HRSDC policy for storing secure information

The Minister has directed that the overall policy for security and storage of personal information at HRSDC be strengthened and improved. The highlights are:

• New, stricter protocols to be implemented immediately. Portable hard drives are no longer permitted. Unapproved USB keys are not to be connected to the network;
• Immediate risk assessments of all portable security devices used in the Department’s work environment to ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place; these assessments will continue on a regular, ongoing basis;
• Mandatory training for all employees regarding the proper handling of sensitive information, including personal information;
• Implement new data loss prevention technology, which can be configured to control or prevent the transfer of sensitive information;
• Disciplinary measures that will be implemented for staff, up to and including termination, should the strict codes of privacy and security not be followed.

Parks Canada Launches Public Consultations on User Fees

(Northumberland-Quinte West) Jan 14, 2013 – On Friday, Parks Canada launched public consultations on proposed fee adjustments which will end the five-year Parks Canada fee freeze currently in place. The revenue that is earned from user fees directly supports the quality services that visitors enjoy at national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas, including the Trent-Severn Waterway.

"Our government is asking for your input to ensure regular users, tourists and small-business owners alike will continue to experience their favourite historic sites at reasonable fee levels," said Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West. "It`s important to note that Fee proposals are subject to review by Parliament under the User Fees Act prior to being submitted for approval by the Minister under the Parks Canada Agency Act."

"I invite Canadians to visit the Parks Canada website (www.parkscanada.gc.ca) to have a look at our fee proposals," said Alan Latourelle, Chief Executive Officer for Parks Canada. "I believe that what we have proposed is a very reasonable approach to ensuring services and programs for visitors remain economically viable and of the high quality visitors expect, and that Canadians continue to have memorable and meaningful experiences when they visit their treasured places."

Parks Canada is proposing that future fee increases be limited to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in order to respond to annual inflationary operational costs. Most prices will be limited to an increase not exceeding the two-year cumulative percentage of the average CPI, which is 2.5%. This would occur in two-year intervals thereafter, beginning in 2013.

For the full Parks Canada news release and accompanying backgrounder please visit www.parkscanada.gc.ca under Media Room.

– 30–

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

MP Rick Norlock Celebrates Local Benefits of the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund in Brighton

(Brighton, ON) Jan 14, 2013 – As part of the Government’s Economic Action Plan 2012, Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West today announced $80,659 in federal funding toward improvements at King Edward Park in Brighton.

Across the country, community centres, cultural centres, ice rinks, swimming pools, and other community projects will soon be improved thanks to support from the Government of Canada’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).

“Our Government, through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund, is demonstrating its continued support for communities across Canada,” said MP Norlock. “Here in Brighton, these local projects will create jobs, growth and long-term prosperity in our community.”

"We are very grateful to receive this support from the Government of Canada," said Mayor Mark Walas. "King Edward Park, including the recently constructed splash pad, is a great community asset which is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. The upgrades will ensure that the park provides an accessible, safe, and user-friendly environment for recreational activities in this community."

Through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund, the Government of Canada has committed to supporting communities and creating jobs through repairs and improvements to existing community facilities over the next two years.

- 30 -

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

 

Backgrounder:
Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund
The national Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund provides $150 million over two years for repairs and improvements to existing public community infrastructure. The Fund is being delivered by regional development agencies across Canada. FedDev Ontario is responsible for administering the program, drawing on its expertise in the delivery of infrastructure programs, while the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor) will use its knowledge of the region to manage communications activities related to the Fund in northern Ontario.

Organizations that are receiving funding include the following:

• local or regional governments or related agencies;
• provincial entities that provide municipal-type services to communities;
• First Nations governments, including band or tribal councils or their legally designated representatives; and  not-for-profit organizations.

The Fund will benefit many types of community infrastructure, including community centres, cultural centres, parks, libraries, recreational facilities, tourism facilities, and other existing community infrastructure assets that have a local community impact.

All projects must be completed by March 31, 2014.

MP Rick Norlock Celebrates Local Benefits of the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund in Trent Hills

(Northumberland-Quinte West) – Across the country, community centres, cultural centres, ice rinks, swimming pools, and other community projects will soon be improved thanks to support from the Government of Canada’s Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF).

As part of the Government’s Economic Action Plan 2012, Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West today announced $185,295 in federal funding for the Restoration and Conversion of the Campbellford Cultural Centre, in the Municipality of Trent Hills.

“I am proud to see my community benefit from the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund,” said MP Norlock. “This investment will help create jobs and growth and will support the prosperity of Northumberland County and the Municipality of Trent Hills for years to come.”

Through the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund, the Government of Canada has committed to supporting communities and creating jobs through repairs and improvements to existing community facilities over the next two years.

- 30 -

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

Backgrounder:

Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund
The national Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund provides $150 million over two years for repairs and improvements to existing public community infrastructure. The Fund is being delivered by regional development agencies across Canada. The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) is delivering the Fund in Ontario with an allocation of up to $49.6 million over two years. FedDev Ontario is responsible for administering the program, drawing on its expertise in the delivery of infrastructure programs, while the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor) will use its knowledge of the region to manage communications activities related to the Fund in northern Ontario.
Organizations that are receiving funding include the following:

• local or regional governments or related agencies;
• provincial entities that provide municipal-type services to communities;
• First Nations governments, including band or tribal councils or their legally designated representatives; and
• not-for-profit organizations.

The Fund will benefit many types of community infrastructure, including community centres, cultural centres, parks, libraries, recreational facilities, tourism facilities, and other existing community infrastructure assets that have a local community impact.
All projects must be completed by March 31, 2014.

MP Rick Norlock gathers local input for upcoming Federal Budget

(Northumberland-Quinte West) Jan 4, 2013 - Rick Norlock, MP for Northumberland-Quinte West is asking local residents to make their voices heard in advance of the federal government’s upcoming budget.

“Our Conservative government is focused on the economy. That is why we have been hard at work implementing Economic Action Plan 2012 to help grow the economy and create jobs. Our Plan is keeping Canada on the right track, with over 820,000 net new jobs created since the end of the global recession – the best growth record among all G-7 countries,” said MP Norlock. “However, we all know challenges remain in the global economy – especially in the United States and Europe – and Canada can't become complacent.”

As such, MP Norlock announced that the federal government would be consulting with Canadians from across the country – including Northumberland-Quinte West – to find the best ways to strengthen Canada’s economy with pro-growth ideas as part of the next federal budget. At the same time, as part of their focus on returning to balanced budgets, the federal government is also inviting comments on how it can even further improve the effectiveness and efficiency of government spending.

Locally, MP Norlock will take part in pre-budget roundtable discussions with business, academic, and community leaders at the following locations:

• Tuesday January 8th at 1pm at the Campbellford Library
• Wednesday January 9th at 10am at 600 William St. in the County Boardroom, Cobourg
• Thursday January 10th at 1pm at the City of Quinte West Multi-Purpose Room

“I strongly believe talking directly to Canadians is the best way to get input in how to help fuel job and economic growth in Northumberland-Quinte West and across Canada,” remarked MP Norlock. “Indeed, in the past, many of the ideas brought forward in local pre-budget meetings have been reflected in the actual federal budget.”

In order to further ensure all Canadians can participate in the process, the federal government has also launched an online pre-budget consultation through the federal Finance Department website. All those interested in participating can find more information at www.fin.gc.ca.

- 30 -

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