Press Releases
April to June 2010
Rick Norlock delivers funding for the 7th Annual Shelter Valley Folk Festival
Cobourg, On. June 30th, 2010 - Today in Cobourg, at the summer office for the Shelter Valley Folk Festival, Member of Parliament Rick Norlock delivered news of funding from the 'Arts Presentation Canada Program' through Canadian Heritage. The Shelter Valley Folk Festival will receive $20,000 in funding.
The 7th annual Shelter Valley Folk Festival (Labour Day weekend September 3 - 5) will take place at the site of Henkel Farm, near Grafton, featuring over 20 artists performing folk, roots and world music entertainment for all audiences. Performances will showcase established and emerging national talent, plus local and international performers as well. The family friendly festival will host daytime workshop stages and an evening main stage, along with a Juried Art, Wellness and Sustainable Living village, plus local Harvest Foods.
"The Shelter Valley Folk Festival has quickly built its reputation as a first-class family friendly and sustainable celebration of folk talent," said Rick Norlock. "The Shelter Valley Folk Festival continues to attract visitors far beyond Northumberland County, and I am proud to be a part of a Government that recognizes the value this festival brings to both the arts and our local community."
SVFF Executive Director Jan Cody with Chair Elizabeth Scriven were also on hand. Cody added "APC support is wonderful and along with our fundraising and ticket sales, makes all that we do year round in Northumberland - such as Community Concerts and our Artists in the Schools program - possible.
Front row from left to right is: Emma Lang; Jan Cody, SVFF Executive Director; Holly Brooks, Summer Student.
Back row: Rick Norlock, MP and Elizabeth Scriven, SVFFChair
The Arts Presentation Canada Program promotes local culture through its support for the performance of local talent, and by providing the opportunity for communities to enjoy festivals such as the Shelter Valley Folk Festival, that enrich local heritage.
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For more information please contact:
Erica Meekes, Executive Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP. Northumberland-Quinte West
(613) 483-8181
Shelter Valley Folk Festival: (905) 355-1244 or www.sheltervalley.com
Warkworth Veteran Honoured
June 28, 2010 Warkworth, ON - On Friday, June 18, The Royal Canadian Legion, Warkworth Branch 380 held its annual Honours and Awards ceremony.
MP for Northumberland Quinte West Rick Norlock, a strong supporter of veterans, attended the ceremony to pay special tribute to James Smooker, a WWII veteran. MP Rick Norlock is a resident of the Warkworth community and James Smooker is well known to him. He wanted to personally acknowledge and present James with a Congratulatory Certificate on behalf of the Government of Canada in recognition of his service to Canada and the community. Mr. Smooker was also presented with his 65-year long service pin by Deputy Zone Commander, David Coulter.
"Next year the Warkworth Legion will be celebrating its 65th anniversary. We are privileged to have James as a member. He is our past and present history. His father insisted he join the legion, and to this day he attends our general meetings, actively pays tribute to his fallen comrades and provides me with valuable advice" says Joyce Nickerson, President of the Warkworth Legion.
"I am very pleased to be able to take part in today's recognition of the first class service of Mr. James Smooker," said Rick Norlock. "Many brave men and women deserve our deepest appreciation and respect for the sacrifices they have made and continue to make for our freedom and our country. Today's celebration is an opportunity to reflect on the commitment made by the brave Canadians who enlisted in times of peace and war; we must honor the sacrifices they and their families have made and give thanks for their dedication.
Anyone interested in joining the Warkworth Legion or looking to book an event should contact 705-924-2007 for more information.
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For more information, please contact:
Joyce Nickerson
President
613-966-7179
Erica Meekes
Executive Assistant, MP Rick Norlock
(613) 483-8181
Hastings Waterfront Festival Welcomes Visitors to Celebrate Antique Boats, Local Artisans, & Musicians
June 25, 2010 Hastings, ON - Today, the Hastings Waterfront Festival Committee along with the Government of Canada are pleased to announce $8,100 in funding from the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage program to help enhance this already successful tourism event in its fourth year.
The Hastings Waterfront Festival will welcome thousands of visitors on August 20th & 21st, 2010 to the Hastings Village Marina to enjoy a celebration of local art, music, and a stunning display of antique and classic boats, cars and motorcycles. The festival will kick off on Friday night, August 20th, with a waterfront bbq and concert featuring the 2008 Collingwood Elvis Fest Grand Champion John Cigan. On Saturday, beautifully restored boats from the Trent Severn Antique & Classic Boat Association will arrive at the Marina, antique cars and motorcycles will be on display, over 15 local artisans will be displaying and demonstrating their craft, and food and local musicians will fill the day. New to the festival this year is the Hastings Art Contest. Artists from around the region have been invited to submit art that profiles views and scenes of the village of Hastings. All submissions will be judged at the Festival and cash prizes will be awarded to the top entries. Festival goers will also have the opportunity to purchase the Art Contest submissions following the judging on Saturday afternoon. The full festival details can be found at www.hastingsfestival.ca
Rick Norlock, MP Northumberland - Quinte West attended today's announcement on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages James Moore. "I am pleased to be part of a Government that strengthens communities through local celebrations of arts and heritage, like the Hastings Waterfront Festival," said MP, Rick Norlock. "By partnering with communities to share in activities that celebrate local history and culture, we are fulfilling our commitment tot the arts and bringing together neighbors and visitors alike to celebrate our Canadian identity,"
"We are really excited to see the Hastings Waterfront Festival continue to grow and attract new visitors each year," comments Erin Farley, Festival Chair, "The support of our partners and the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage program has been a tremendous boost to expand the festival and showcase the village of Hastings and surrounding area."
The Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program was created by the Government of Canada to help celebrate a community, its past and its present. The Program will increase opportunities, through festivals or other events and activities, for local artists and artisans to be involved in their community and for local groups to commemorate their local history and heritage.
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For more information please contact:
Brenda Otto
Municipality of Trent Hills
705-653-1900 ext 239
Erica Meekes, Executive Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP Northumberland- Quinte West
(613) 483-8181
CANADA AND ONTARIO INVEST IN PARKS AND TRAILS IN BRIGHTON
Funding will create jobs, boost local economy
June 24, 2010
BRIGHTON, ONTARIO – Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West and Lou Rinaldi, Member of Provincial Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West, today announced stimulus funding that will benefit local workers and the local economy in Brighton, and improve local infrastructure for years to come. Today’s investment of $100,000 in joint federal and provincial funding will construct a new picnic shelter at Presqu’ile Park fitted with running water, electricity, food preparation and washing areas.
"I am happy to see that both levels of Government are working together for the benefit of our constituents in Brighton. Improvements can be made to the Presqu'ile Park Picnic Shelter with a Federal contribution of $50, 000," said Rick Norlock, MP. "Our Government is strengthening its ongoing commitment to stimulate job creation and develop local business in communities across Canada."
“Today’s Provincial investment will enhance this recreation facility for visitors for years to come,” said Lou Rinaldi, MPP. “Presqu’ile Provincial Park is a crown jewel in Ontario’s public park system, and I’m pleased that we are reinforcing our commitment to both infrastructure and park services in Ontario.”
Total estimated eligible project costs are $100,000. The governments of Canada and Ontario are each providing up to $50,000.
The Government of Canada contribution for this project is being provided through the $4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, a key component of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, which invests in construction-ready infrastructure projects that can be completed by March 31, 2011.
The contribution from the Government of Ontario will be from the two-year, $32.5 billion infrastructure commitment laid out in the 2009 Ontario Budget – Confronting the Challenge: Building Our Economic Future.
During these challenging economic times, the governments of Canada and Ontario have taken steps to get shovels in the ground and funding into targeted infrastructure projects across the province.
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LEARN MORE
Learn about the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
Learn about the Government of Canada’s Infrastructure Stimulus Fund investments.
Learn how the Government of Ontario is helping to build and revitalize infrastructure across the province.
Contacts:
MP Rick Norlock’s Office: 1-800-461-6742
MPP Lou Rinaldi’s Office: 1-800-263-3980
Disponible en français
Canada’s Economic Action Plan Invests in Job Creation for Students in Northumberland-Quinte West
Northumberland-Quinte West, On., June 3rd, 2010 —More Northumberland and Quinte West students will have an opportunity to gain valuable work experience and earn money for the upcoming school year thanks to a Government of Canada initiative.
“Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, our government is increasing funding to Canada Summer Jobs, to create jobs for students and help them develop their skills,” said Rick Norlock, MP. “Our government is happy to give a hand-up to students who are eager for a tangible work experience and who would like to contribute to their local community and economy.”
Canada’s Economic Action Plan increased funding by $10 million in 2009, and is again providing an additional $10 million in 2010, for Canada Summer Jobs. The initiative provides funding to not-for-profit organizations, public sector employers and small businesses with 50 or fewer employees to create summer jobs and opportunities for students. It benefits the needs of the employer, the students and their communities.
The Government of Canada is committed to helping students in Northumberland-Quinte West. This year, through the Canada Summer Jobs initiative, approximately 65 agreements will be signed and about 105 summer jobs will be created for local students. “Our government is helping Canada’s youth succeed now and in the future,” said Rick Norlock, MP.
Further information on youth employment opportunities can be found at www.youth.gc.ca.
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For further information:
Erica Meekes, Executive Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP Northumberland-Quinte West
(613) 483-8181
Bill C-465: An Act respecting a National Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Heritage Day Passed Second Reading in the House of Commons
OTTAWA, June 3rd 2010 - On June 1st, 2010 in the House of Commons, Rick Norlock, MP for Northumberland-Quinte West debated his private member’s bill, Bill C-465 at second reading. [Full text here.]
The simple enactment of designating the 23rd day of September of every year as a “National Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Heritage Day” was well received and was given full support from all parties during the debate.
“It may be emotional for some people. It certainly is for this member, whose family hunts and fishes just up the way. I echo the Speech from the Throne in stating that our values as Canadians are rooted in our history. Hunting, trapping and fishing were an integral part of the life of Canada's aboriginal peoples and first settlers. Hunting, trapping and the availability of fish defined where people settled.” Rick Norlock, MP Northumberland-Quinte West, CPC.
“We owe our thanks to the ongoing efforts of hunters, trappers and anglers and what they continue to accomplish for all of us, and it is due to these people that the conservation of land, water, forests and the species living there have been so successful in Canada. These individuals recognize the natural balance that must be maintained through science-based sustainable use of fish and wildlife.” Garry Breitkreuz, MP Yorkton-Melville, CPC.
“…as co-chair of the non-partisan parliamentary outdoor caucus and as MP representing the Yukon riding, it gives me great pleasure to speak in support of Bill C-465…” Larry Bagnell, MP Yukon, Liberal.
“Mr. Speaker, the Bloc Québécois supports this bill which establishes a National Heritage Day on hunting, trapping and fishing.” Carole Lavallée, MP Saint-Bruno-Saint-Hubert, BQ.
“I am happy to support the bill and show my support for the thousands of Canadians, including many Sudburians, who relish the end of summer and approaching fall and the start of hunting season.” Glenn Thibeault, MP Sudbury, NDP.
Bill C-465 passed second reading and is now referred to the Canadian Heritage Committee where it will be debated on and then sent back to the House for its third reading.
For a full copy of Mr. Norlock’s speech, please visit www.ricknorlock.ca.
We would like to thank the following organizations and individuals for their continued support and efforts towards this bill:
Alberta Fish and Game Club Association, British Columbia Wild Life Federation, Delta Waterfowl Foundation, Friends of Fur, Canadian Outdoors Network, Ducks Unlimited Canada, Fur Institute of Canada, Hunting for Tomorrow Foundation, La Fédération Québécoise des Chasseurs et Pêcheurs, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, Outdoors Caucus, Prince Edward Island Wildlife Federation, Newfoundland and Labrador Wildlife Federation, Robert Sopuck, Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, Wild Life Habitat Canada
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For more information please contact:
Mark Eltom
Legislative Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP
Northumberland-Quinte West
(613) 992-4998
The Government of Canada Supports Improvements to Seniors Programs in Hastings
Quinte West, Ontario, May 21st, 2010 Member of Parliament Rick Norlock for Northumberland-Quinte West, today announced federal support for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 106 in Hastings under the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 106 will receive $22, 412 for a project to renovate the facility's upstairs area, as well as install gas furnaces so that seniors can continue to participate in social activities such as cards, darts, snooker, award and honour dinners.
Rick Norlock made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State (Seniors).
"The contributions seniors have made are a hallmark in the shaping of our great country," said MP Rick Norlock. "Your Government recognizes that the knowledge and life experiences of seniors, like members of the Hastings Royal Canadian Legion, are assets to our community. It is important that our seniors continue in active roles, sharing knowledge and bridging generations to transfer skills to our younger generations."
The investment highlighted today falls under the Community Participation and Leadership component of the New Horizons for Seniors Program, which encourages seniors to continue to play an important role in their communities by helping those in need, providing leadership, and sharing their knowledge and skills with others.
With two additional components of the New Horizons for Seniors Program-Capital Assistance and Elder Abuse Awareness-the overall budget of the Program is now $35 million per year. Since its beginning, the New Horizons for Seniors Program has funded over 5,500 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada. For more information about the Program, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors.
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Erica Meekes, office of Rick Norlock, MP: (613) 483-8181 / Norlor1@parl.gc.ca
The Government of Canada Supports Improvements to Seniors Programs in Quinte West
Quinte West, Ontario, May 18th, 2010 - Member of Parliament Rick Norlock for Northumberland-Quinte West, today announced federal support for the Old Church Theatre in Quinte West under the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program. The Old Church Theatre will receive $23,583 for a project to renovate the facility and replace equipment, including; windows; wood door and chairs; and the purchase of a public address system for seniors to continue participating in socializing, events and movie evenings.
Rick Norlock made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, and the Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State (Seniors).
“Seniors have worked tirelessly to build and shape Canada to the country it is today,” said MP Rick Norlock. “Investments like the New Horizons for Seniors Program are well deserved. This program will contribute to the maintenance of spaces where seniors may continue to interact and play a role in their local communities, like the Old Church Theatre, through participation and active living.”
The investment highlighted today falls under the Community Participation and Leadership component of the New Horizons for Seniors Program, which encourages seniors to continue to play an important role in their communities by helping those in need, providing leadership, and sharing their knowledge and skills with others.
With two additional components of the New Horizons for Seniors Program—Capital Assistance and Elder Abuse Awareness—the overall budget of the Program is now $35 million per year. Since its beginning, the New Horizons for Seniors Program has funded over 5,500 projects in hundreds of communities across Canada. For more information about the Program, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors.
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Erica Meekes, office of Rick Norlock, MP: (613) 483-8181 / Norlor1@parl.gc.ca
Limpact International Ltd. to Receive Economic Action Plan Funding
FedDev Ontario supporting southern Ontario economic recovery
Cobourg, Ontario, May 10th 2010 - Rick Norlock, MP for Northumberland-Quinte West, today announced that Limpact International Ltd. will receive an interest free loan of more than $1,000,000 through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario). Limpact International was locally founded over 30 years ago, and is a longstanding manufacturer and exporter of custom products for the zinc and copper electrolytic metals refining industry. The proposed project will promote business diversification through the development of a completely integrated robotic assembly line for the production of cathode plates used in zinc refining.
"The money made available from FedDev Ontario through this loan, will help us immensely in financing the investment required to improve our manufacturing process. The resulting increase in our competitiveness in the industry will ultimately make it possible to reach our goal of doubling our sales through expansion of our market share - Resulting in 42 new employees added to our workforce in the next 3 years. This program gives us a distinct advantage, enabling us to invest in improvements now, to ensure future growth opportunities are attainable," said Denis Deziel Plant Manager - Limpact International.
This project will be funded through the Community Adjustment Fund, a two-year, $1-billion national program aimed at addressing the short-term economic needs of communities hit hardest by the global economic recession. The approved project must meet the terms and conditions set out in the contribution agreement.
FedDev Ontario was created as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan to support economic and community development, innovation, and economic diversification, with contributions to communities, businesses and non-profit organizations in southern Ontario. To learn more about FedDev Ontario and the Community Adjustment Fund, please visit the web site at www.feddevontario.gc.ca, or call 1-866-593-5505. For additional information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.
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Erica Meekes, office of Rick Norlock, MP: (613) 483-8181 / Norlor1@parl.gc.ca
Government of Canada approves Rail Crossing improvements in Cramahe Townshiop and the Town of Cobourg
April 26th, 2010 Northumberland Quinte West, On.- Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West today announced $587,725 to upgrade rail grade crossings in the Township of Cramahe and the Town of Cobourg.
In Cramahe Township the Bellamy Road crossing will receive an addition of; gates; flashing light signals; a bell and gate crossing predictors; as well as improvements to the width of the road and grades to the crossing. At Brook Road North in the Town of Cobourg road markings and signage will be installed.
"Improving rail crossing safety is an important measure that our government announced as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan," said Rick Norlock. "I'm pleased to announce an investment of $587 725 from an $11 million program into Northumberland Quinte West to upgrade high-priority rail intersection crossings in Cramahe Township at Bellamy Road and the Town of Cobourg at Brook North Road. The Windsor-Quebec corridor is the busiest in the country, and Northumberland Quinte West is being well represented by our Government."
This year, the Government of Canada is providing close to $11 million to upgrade 155 high-priority rail grade crossings across the country. This measure is another important commitment under Canada's Economic Action Plan.
In the photo from left to right are:
Marc Coombs, Mayor of Cramahe Township; Moira Chatterson, Cramahe Township, Cori Arthur, Northumberland Tourism; Rick Norlock, MP Northumberland Quinte West; Peter Nielson, Manager of Roads Operation Northumberland County; and Deputy Mayor Jim Williams of Cramahe Township.
In 2009, there was a 36 per cent decrease from the previous year in the number of crossing fatalities and serious injuries in Canada.
Almost half of all railway-related deaths and injuries result from accidents at crossings, which is why the Government of Canada works closely with railway companies and road authorities to identify grade crossings that require safety improvements. The Government also partners with organizations to implement safety awareness programs, including the Operation Lifesaver program.
For more information on the Grade Crossing Improvement Program, please visit:
www.tc.gc.ca/eng/railsafety/publications-46.htm.
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For more information please contact:
Erica Meekes, Executive Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP Northumberland-Quinte West
Norlor1@parl.gc.ca, (613) 483-8181
Rick Norlock Announces Carbon Neutral Office on Earth Day
Northumberland-Quinte West, April 22nd, 2010 — Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland Quinte West, today announced that his office will become carbon neutral under the Tree Canada protocol. Tree Canada, a not for profit enterprise since 1992, has calculated the carbon emissions for the office of Rick Norlock as required for carbon offset. Considerations include electricity and transportation among others, and one carbon offset approximately equals one metric ton of carbon dioxide.
"Today on Earth Day it is especially important to consider the human impact our environment absorbs. Not only must we acknowledge a lifestyle of 'reduce, reuse and recycle', but also of contributing to a sustainable and viable way of life for future generations," said Rick Norlock. "I am pleased to announce today that my office will be the first carbon neutral MP office under the Tree Canada protocol. As a conservationist and avid outdoorsman the environment continues to be both a personal commitment and a priority of the Government of Canada."
Tree Canada has introduced Rick in their latest e-newsletter, Mistik: "Tree Canada congratulates MP Rick Norlock (Northumberland-Quinte West, Ont.) for his commitment to the environment. Norlock is the first carbon neutral MP under Tree Canada's new protocol. Our protocol, released this past fall, provides greater assurance on the amount of CO2 our trees are sequestered. Tree Canada calculated the amount of CO2 his office produces and it will take 170 trees to absorb this amount over 20 years. The trees will be planted this spring. We hope other MPs will follow suit and continue working with us to provide clean air for their constituents."
All trees required for the office of Rick Norlock to become carbon neutral will be planted later this year. To view the Tree Canada Mistik e-newsletter please visit: http://www.treecanada.ca/mistik/vol-9/#9e. For more information about Tree Canada, please visit http://www.treecanada.ca.
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For further information (media only):
Erica Meekes
Executive Assistant Office of MP Rick Norlock
(613) 483-8181
National Day of Mourning for President of Poland
OTTAWA, April 20th 2010.
Thousands of Polish Canadians are still mourning the tragic death of their President Lech Kaczynski, the First Lady and the many political, military and civil society leaders who were tragically killed on April 10th in a plane crash en route to an event commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Katyn Massacre.
"The enduring strength of the Polish people is rooted in their unflagging faith in God, their unshakeable commitment to family, and their unbroken capacity for forgiveness," said the Prime Minister. "The people of Poland can also draw strength from the million-strong community of Canadians of Polish descent. When Poland grieves, Canada grieves."
Prime Minister Stephen Harper will send the Books of Condolences, the Canadian flag that flew on the Peace Tower and the Polish flag that flew on Parliament Hill last Thursday, the national Day of Mourning, onward to the Polish people.
Rick attended the memorial service with Stephen Harper and other Members of Parliament in Mississauga on Thursday April the 15th. The mass honoured Lech Kaczynski, President of Poland; his wife Maria Kaczynska and the many senior Polish political, military and civil leaders killed on Saturday April 10th.
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For more information please contact:
Erica Meekes, Executive Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP Northumberland-Quinte West
Norlor1@parl.gc.ca, (613) 483-8181
CANADA AND ONTARIO IMPROVE HIGHWAY INFRASTRUCTURE IN NORTHUMBERLAND - QUINTE WEST
Funding will create jobs, boost local economy
April 19, 2010
COLBORNE, ONTARIO - Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West, and Lou Rinaldi, Member of Provincial Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West, today announced stimulus funding that will benefit the local economy and improve local infrastructure for years to come. Today's investment of $1.5 million in joint federal and provincial funding will rehabilitate the Herley Road bridge to improve safety.
"Renewed highways will promote tourism and business throughout Northumberland-Quinte West, improving our quality of life and economic environment," said Rick Norlock. "The Provincial and Federal Government has partnered on 43 projects to improve roads across the province, this will create jobs and ensure that people can travel and do business throughout our community. Quality infrastructure is integral to our economic prosperity."
"Investing in infrastructure improves quality of life for all Ontarians by creating jobs and supporting stronger communities, and this investment is one of 43 across Ontario that will do just that," said Rinaldi. "Investing in Ontario's infrastructure is part of our new five-year 'Open Ontario' Plan to build on our foundation for new growth and jobs. These are high value investments that will continue to pay dividends to Ontarians for many years."
Total eligible project costs are $1.5 million. The governments of Canada and Ontario are each providing up to $750,000. This funding announcement is for one of 43 highway, bridge and local road projects announced on April 7, 2010 by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty.
The Government of Canada's contribution for this project is being provided through the
$4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, a key component of Canada's Economic Action Plan, which invests in construction-ready infrastructure projects that must be completed by March 31, 2011.
Ontario's portion of the funding is part of the $32-billion infrastructure stimulus funding announced in the 2009 budget.
Today's announcement represents contributions from both the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario. Since 2007, the governments of Canada and Ontario have committed more than $13 billion in funding to more than 6,400 infrastructure projects across the province to stimulate the economy and create jobs.
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LEARN MORE
Learn about the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
Learn about the Government of Canada’s Infrastructure Stimulus Fund investments.
Learn how the Government of Ontario is helping to build and revitalize infrastructure across the province.
Contacts:
MP Rick Norlock's Office: 1-800-461-6742
MPP Lou Rinaldi's Office: 1-800-263-3980
Disponible en français
CANADA AND ONTARIO IMPROVE HIGHWAY INFRASTRUCTURE IN NORTHUMBERLAND - QUINTE WEST
Funding will create jobs, boost local economy
April 19, 2010
QUINTE WEST, ONTARIO - Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West, and Lou Rinaldi, Member of Provincial Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West, today announced stimulus funding that will benefit the local economy and improve local infrastructure for years to come. Today's investment of $600,000 in joint federal and provincial funding will rehabilitate the Stockdale Road bridge through resurfacing and repairs.
"Our government has partnered with the Province of Ontario investing in 43 projects across the province like the one today in Quinte West," said Rick Norlock. "These investments are being made by the Provincial and Federal Government because we understand that strong highway infrastructure directly impacts the long term economic development of our communities, making travel for business and recreation safer across Ontario."
Total eligible project costs are $600,000. The governments of Canada and Ontario are each providing up to $300,000. This funding announcement is for one of 43 highway, bridge and local road projects announced on April 7, 2010 by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty.
The Government of Canada's contribution for this project is being provided through the
$4-billion Infrastructure Stimulus Fund, a key component of Canada's Economic Action Plan, which invests in construction-ready infrastructure projects that must be completed by March 31, 2011.
Ontario's portion of the funding is part of the $32-billion infrastructure stimulus funding announced in the 2009 budget.
Today's announcement represents contributions from both the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario. Since 2007, the governments of Canada and Ontario have committed more than $13 billion in funding to more than 6,400 infrastructure projects across the province to stimulate the economy and create jobs.
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LEARN MORE
Learn about the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.
Learn about the Government of Canada’s Infrastructure Stimulus Fund investments.
Learn how the Government of Ontario is helping to build and revitalize infrastructure across the province.
Contacts:
MP Rick Norlock's Office: 1-800-461-6742
MPP Lou Rinaldi's Office: 1-800-263-3980
Disponible en français
Federal Government Supports Military Families through Improved Access to EI Parental Benefits
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, April 12, 2010 — On behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, Mr. Pierre Poilievre, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, recently announced that the Government will improve access to Employment Insurance (EI) parental benefits for military families.
“Canadian Forces members put their lives on the line for our country, and our government is proud to stand behind them, to assist them and their families,” said Mr. Poilievre. “Canada has an obligation to ensure that these men and women have access to the programs and services they need. Extending the eligibility window for these benefits is the fair and right thing to do.”
“Our Government continues work to ensure fairness in the EI program,” said Rick Norlock. “These adjustments will better accommodate labour market changes, in turn helping our Military families who work hard to balance professional and family responsibilities.”
This new measure would extend the EI parental benefit window for Canadian Forces members who are ordered to return to duty while on parental leave or whose parental leave is deferred as a result of a military requirement. The measure would extend the period in which they are eligible by another 52 weeks.
Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the federal government is helping those hardest hit by the economic downturn by providing longer EI benefits, more efficient service and support for training, while protecting jobs through Work-Sharing agreements. The Government has also frozen EI premiums for 2010 at the same rate as 2009.
Most recently, the Government extended EI maternity, parental, sickness and compassionate care benefits, collectively referred to as special benefits, to self‑employed Canadians on a voluntary basis.
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For more information please contact:
Erica Meekes, Executive Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP Northumberland-Quinte West
Norlor1@parl.gc.ca, (613) 483-8181
Rick Norlock, MP announces $16,000 to promote French language in Quinte West
April 6th, 2010 Quinte West - Today Rick Norlock, MP Northumberland Quinte-West announced federal funding in the amount of $16,000 for Franco-Phare - an organization serving the French speaking community of Quinte West and surrounding area.
"This grant from Heritage Canada is another great opportunity for the francophone community to participate in many programs that we offer.
“I am proud to be a part of a government that supports the network Franco-phare has built between our French and English communities,” said Rick Norlock.
“Diversity and bilingualism are increasingly important and Franco-phare provides our community with an opportunity to learn and share in French culture.”
Heritage Canada has designated this funding to Franco-Phare through the Official Languages "Cooperation with the Community Sector" fund. "Cooperation with the Community Sector‟ assists the development of healthy long term relationships with communities and their organizations to promote diversity, innovation and distinction.
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Contact:
Erica Meekes
Executive Assistant
Office of Rick Norlock M.P.
Northumberland Quinte West
613-483-8181
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