Bill C-261: An Act Respecting a National Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Heritage Day Tabled in the House of Commons

June 28, 2011 Ottawa, Ontario – On June 24, 2011, Conservative MP Rick Norlock moved for leave to introduce Bill C-261: An Act Respecting a National Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Heritage Day, which was seconded by Larry Miller, MP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound.

"It is a pleasure to introduce this important legislation once again in the House of Commons," said Rick Norlock. "Canadians from across this country share a love of the outdoors and for conservation efforts. Hunting, Trapping and Fishing are some the oldest historical practices in Canada. These practices have helped sustain generations of Canadians throughout our country and indeed, these practices are also linked to the exploration and geographical boundaries of our great nation. Today, these historical practices also help sustain the First Nations and Inuit communities of the North."

Bill C-261 would designate the third Saturday in September in each and every year as, "National Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Heritage Day". The bill needs to pass two votes in the House of Commons, including being studied by the Heritage Committee, and be approved by the Senate of Canada before becoming law.

"This bill will give Canadians a day to honour those who have contributed so greatly to our society, history and economy."

Rick Norlock introduced a similar bill in the 40th Parliament however, Bill C-465 died on the order paper in the Senate after the Governor General dissolved Parliament and called the May 2nd election. For more information please visit this link.

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Erica Meekes, Executive Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP Northumberland-Quinte West
(613) 483-8181 / Norlor1@parl.gc.ca

Jake Enwright, Legislative Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP Northumberland-Quinte West
(613) 992-4998 / Norlor0@parl.gc.ca

Government of Canada Considers Improvements to the Marihuana Medical Access Program

June 17th, 2011 OTTAWA – Earlier today, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, announced that the Government of Canada will consider changes to improve the Marihuana Medical Access Program. Canadians are invited to provide comments until July 21st, 2011 in a public consultative process for proposed changes. Input will be considered in the development of new regulations, which Canadians will again have an opportunity to comment on when regulations appear in Canada Gazette, Part I, in 2012.

"Our Government is very concerned that the current Marihuana Medical Access Program is open to abuse and exploitation by criminal elements," said Minister Aglukkaq. "That is why we are proposing improvements to the program that will reduce the risk of abuse and keep our children and communities safe, while significantly improving the way program participant's access marihuana for medical purposes."

"As a result of input from Canadians, and specifically Port Hope citizens who have been vocal about their concerns, the Minister of Health will be considering serious changes to the Marihuana Medical Access Program," said Rick Norlock, MP for Northumberland-Quinte West. "Proposed changes will consider the safety of Canadian communities, while making access to medical marihuana less complicated for those who are seriously ill. I encourage everyone to participate in the public consultation process launched today."

It is important to note that the legalization or decriminalization of marihuana is not a part of these improvements. Marihuana will continue to be regulated as a controlled substance under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Until improvements to the program are in place, the process for applying for an authorization to possess and/or a license to produce marihuana for medical purposes under the Marihuana Medical Access Regulations will remain the same. To view the Consultation document: "Proposed Changes to Health Canada's Marihuana Medical Access Program," please click here.

Canadian Courts have established that individuals who have demonstrated a medical need for marihuana have a right under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms to possess and access a legal supply of marihuana. In recognition of a need for a process to provide seriously ill Canadians with access to marihuana for medical purposes, the Government introduced the Marihuana Medical Access Regulations in 2001. Activities including possession, production and trafficking of marihuana other than as authorized under the regulations remain illegal.

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Media Enquiries: Erica Meekes, Executive Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP for Northumberland-Quinte West
(613) 483-8181

Public Enquiries:
(613) 957-2991
1-866 225-0709

Rick Norlock re-appointed Chair of the Government's Eastern and Northern Ontario Caucus

June 13th, 2011, Ottawa, ON. - Conservative National Caucus Chair, Guy Lauzon M.P., has re-appointed Rick Norlock, MP for Northumberland-Quinte West as Chair for the Eastern and Northern Ontario Caucus.

"I am proud to continue as Chair of the Eastern and Northern Ontario Caucus for our government. We have shared success with the Eastern Ontario Warden's Caucus for initiatives like broadband internet access, and I look forward to developing further solutions for the concerns of eastern and northern Ontarians," said Rick Norlock. "Northern and Eastern Ontario also share challenges for unemployment, and I anticipate continuing work with caucus members to find solutions that will grow employment."

Rick Norlock is a third term Member of Parliament who has also served for several years in Northern Ontario as a member of the Ontario Provincial Police. The Eastern and Northern Ontario Caucus is composed of twenty one members, including ridings from Port Hope to Quebec, and the riding of Kenora.

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For more information please contact:
Erica Meekes
Rick Norlock, MP
(613) 483-8181
Rick.norlock.c1@parl.gc.ca

THE NEXT PHASE OF CANADA'S ECONOMIC ACTION PLAN

June 5th, 2011 Northumberland-Quinte West - Minister of Finance Jim Flaherty delivered the Next Phase of Canada's Economic Action plan yesterday. Rick Norlock MP applauds the delivery of Budget 2011, noting the positive benefits it will bring to Ontario families, seniors and job-creating businesses.

"The people of Canada spoke one month ago, electing a majority Conservative government and signaling their support for a principled and stable government," said Rick Norlock, MP for Northumberland-Quinte West. "Budget 2011 continues to reflect the requests made by Canadians during public consultations, but it is also a strong step in the right direction during a challenging and promising time. The Eastern Ontario Development Program (EODP) will receive an impressive $20 million extension, providing needed support across Northumberland and Quinte West. We will also remain on track to balance the budget by 2015-16."

The next phase of our Conservative Government's Plan keeps taxes low to promote jobs and economic growth, while supporting Ontario families and seniors. It includes further support focusing on four areas of job creation; strengthening our families and communities; investing in the economy of tomorrow; while preserving Canada's current fiscal advantage.

Indeed, under the Conservative Government in 2011-12, Ontario will see record high major federal transfers totaling $17.7 billion – an increase of nearly $7 billion from the former government. What's more, Ontario will see growing transfer support for health care ($10.7 billion – a nearly 40% increase) and social services (over $4.5 billion – a 40% increase). The increased support will help hospitals, schools, and other critical services in the province.

For more information on Budget 2011 please visit: www.budget.gc.ca

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Erica Meekes, Executive Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP Northumberland-Quinte West
(613) 483-8181 / Rick.Norlock.c1@parl.gc.ca

For all Canadians: Stability, Prosperity and Security

June 3rd, 2011 Ottawa, ON - Earlier this afternoon, His Excellency, the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General, delivered the Government’s Speech from the Throne, opening the 1st session of the 41st Parliament. The next steps of this Government’s agenda are outlined in today’s Speech from the Throne, emphasizing a message of stability, prosperity and security for all Canadians and their families.

“When our country was pulled into the greatest economic recession since the Great Depression, this government remained poised and began our low tax plan for jobs and growth. The economy will continue to be your Government’s priority, and our focus will be the completion of Canada’s economic recovery,” said Rick Norlock, MP Northumberland-Quinte West.

Canadians chose a steady, capable and strong national Conservative Government that will improve Canadian’s financial security, bring jobs to our communities, invest in our system of healthcare, defend the rights of law abiding citizens, and promote Canadian values of democracy, human rights, and justice on the international stage.

On Monday, June 6th, 2011 we welcome the introduction of the Next Phase of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. A low tax plan for jobs and growth has been the hallmark of this government’s approach to ensure Canada remains internationally positioned as a top-performing advanced economy.

Your Government will be guided by the priorities of Canadians, by being:

• Here for jobs and growth;
• Here to eliminate the deficit;
• Here for hard-working families;
• Here to stand on guard for Canada;
• Here for law-abiding Canadians;
• Here for communities and industries;
• Here for integrity and accountability.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper your government will continue to deliver on a commitment to be there for all Canadians, individuals and families in every Canadian region, working together to grow and improve our country.

To view the speech in its entirety download here.

For more information please visit this site.

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For more information please contact:
Erica Meekes, Executive Assistant
Rick Norlock MP, Northumberland-Quinte West
(613) 483-8181