Yesterday, Sept. 25, Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, announced ten International Polar Year (IPY) projects that focus on research on human health and environmental impacts of climate change in the Canadian north. Minister Strahl said he was proud to announce new IPY research projects that will advance our understanding of the North, help us develop Northern resources in a sustainable manner, and improve the quality of life for Northerners and all Canadians.

A total of 44 Canadian research projects for IPY 2007-2008 funding by the government of Canada. Minister Strahl announced $17 Million in funding for ten projects studying the effects of climate change in the Canadian Arctic. The projects include: carbon, microbial, and plant community dynamics in Low-Arctic tundra; Climate change impact on Canadian Arctic Tundra; Constructed wetlands for treatment of wastewater in Arctic communities; Environmental change and traditional use of Old Crow Flats in Northern Canada; Impacts of a changing Arctic tree line; Impacts of oil and gas activity on peoples in the Arctic; Measuring the impact of global change on landscape and water systems in the high arctic; Monitoring the impact of global change on caribou and wild reindeer and their link to human communities; Northwest Territories ice patch study; And polar ecosystems in transition: an interdisciplinary investigation into the impacts of climate change on polar bears.

Over the course of the program 1,250 researchers will conduct Government of Canada funded IPY research in 67 communities and at research sites throughout Canada’s north. It will help stimulate prosperity for northern communities by delivering new skills and training, introducing new technologies, and identifying new economic opportunities.

Mr. Norlock Member of Parliament for Northumberland Quinte West added, “Canada’s government is taking an active leadership role in our North to ensure we can sustain and protect it for generations to come.”

On Friday, Sept 14, the US Department of Agriculture announced it will allow the import of older Canadian cattle and beef products as of November 2007. This includes imports of all cattle and beef products from animals born on or after March 1, 1999.

Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland Quinte West said, following the announcement, that this is welcome news to all Canadian beef and cattle producers and for the industry on both sides of the border. “We are confident that our trading partners will continue to recognize and respond positively to Canada’s commitment to animal health and food safety, and that soon Canadian cattle will once again be sold throughout the world.

“This is good news for Northumberland Quinte West cattle producers who have felt the negative effects of the US ban for a number of years.”

Canada’s government is pleased that decisions to strengthen animal health safeguards, such as the enhanced feed ban, are having a positive influence with other countries – allowing us to expand international trade opportunities abroad. Earlier this year the World Health Organization for Animal Health (OIE) officially recognized Canada as a Controlled BSE Risk country which clearly recognizes the effectiveness of Canada’s surveillance, mitigation, and eradication measures.

Today Minister of Veterans Affairs Greg Thompson and Minister of National Defence Peter McKay announced the government will offer a one-time, tax-free ex gratia payment of $20,000 to eligible recipients connected to the testing of unregistered US military herbicides, including Agent Orange, at CFB Gagetown.

“Canada’s government regrets that so many years have passed with this issue not being addressed,” said Minister Thompson, “and that so many Canadians waited and worried while their questions went unanswered.

To be eligible for the payment, individuals must have been diagnosed with a condition associated with Agent Orange, as determined by the US National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine. Individuals must also have worked or trained at CFB Gagetown, or lived in a community within five kilometers of CFB Gagetown when Agent Orange was tested in 1966 and 1967.

Minister McKay said, “Our government has always stood firm in doing what is right for Canadians and showing our dedication to Canada’s brave men and women in uniform.”

Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland Quinte West said today that by doing the right thing and respecting Canadians and our veterans, Canada’s government is building a stronger, safer, better Canada. “After years of neglect from previous governments, we promised during the 2006 election to address this issue of Canadians being exposed to Agent Orange at CFB Gagetown. This announcement delivers on this promise.”

Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland Quinte West said today, “Your government is committed to creating the best educated, most skilled and most flexible workforce in the world. That’s why, starting next year, we’re investing $800 Million more per year in post-secondary education… that’s a 40 per cent increase!

 “And now we want to know what you think about the student loan program.”

In Ottawa Minister Monty Solberg announced on Saturday that Canadians will have an opportunity to share their views on how best to modernize, simplify, and administer the Canada Student Loans Program. Online consultations are part of the review announced in Budget 2007 and will run until September 28, 2007.  Canadians from all territories and provinces are invited to participate online: log onto www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/public_consultations/index.shtml

Following the announcement of the consultation, Mr. Solberg, noted, “We’re providing the most scholarships ever granted to our graduate students through the Canada Graduate Scholarships Program, and helping Canadians save for their education by making Registered Education Saving Plans (RESPs) more attractive.

 “With the new textbook tax credit and now scholarship and bursary income if fully tax-exempt, students have even more opportunities to succeed.”

Dear Editor

Let me express my most sincere regrets to the 1,200 employees and their families, who received the news that GM in Oshawa has been forced, by economic conditions, to eliminate its third shift at its truck assembly plant in Oshawa.

I urge all who are thinking of buying a new or used car or truck to make a point of purchasing a vehicle made locally or in North America. By purchasing a North American vehicle we are supporting our fellow Canadians, neighbours, and friends: as many of the GM employees, who work to produce quality vehicles in Oshawa, live and raise their families here in Northumberland Quinte West.

I remind Canadians that only by supporting each other can we reach our potential and keep our economy strong.

Although the future of the automotive industry is generally positive, the news from GM in Oshawa is the result of a turndown in truck sales. North American auto manufacturers are all experiencing market adjustments and face global competitive pressures. Our measures in Budget 2007 to reduce corporate and personal taxes, when combined with long-term economic plan Advantage Canada, make Canada an even better place for auto investment. Your Federal Government will continue to assist the manufacturing sector which is so important to the country’s economy.

We will also assist, in every way possible, those who face financial difficulties because of this unfortunate layoff.

Yours truly
Rick Norlock,
Member of Parliament,
Northumberland Quinte West

Today the construction of this new $14.4 Million traffic control facility was started when General Thuen turned the first sod.

Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland Quinte West said today, “It was with great disappointment I learned mid-morning today of the closing of General Mills’ Trenton facility and the loss of 460 jobs scheduled for November 30 of this year.

“I can only imagine the effect this will have on the families of those who are scheduled to lose their jobs.

“As soon as I learned of the closing, I contacted Monte Solberg, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development to inform him of the closing and to begin the process of delivering all services that are available through Service Canada to those who will be losing their jobs. A team of Service Canada representatives have been assigned to assist General Mills Human Resources.

“I also met with the Mayor of Quinte West, John Williams, and his staff. During this meeting we made a conference call to the General Mills plant manager, Neil Dick, to inform him of the services that can and will be provided to all the employees who have received this unfortunate news. In addition I called the Human Resources Manager at the General Mills plant to assure her that Service Canada personnel will be contacting her immediately with the goal of assisting with the difficult transition.

“Service Canada will also be working with representatives of Employment Ontario.

Mr. Norlock concluded by noting, “I regret deeply the decision that was made by General Mills to close the plant, but I will be working with municipal and provincial leaders to help market this modern 165,000 square foot plant and its staff of 460 highly trained personnel. Our goal is that we can turn this unpleasant situation around and perhaps bring in an alternative company to buy the plant and rehire those about to lose their jobs.”

Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland Quinte West said today, that the Prime Minister’s cabinet adjustment will allow strong ministers to vary their experience for better government.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper yesterday announced a new Ministry that will keep the Government moving forward; delivering the change that Canadians voted for on January 23rd 2006.

The new Ministry includes the following appointments:

• National Defence – the Hon. Peter MacKay
• Foreign Affairs – the Hon. Maxime Bernier
• Industry – the Hon. Jim Prentice
• Indian Affairs – the Hon. Chuck Strahl
• Agriculture – the Hon. Gerry Ritz
• National Revenue – the Hon. Gordon O’Connor
• Heritage – the Hon. Josée Verner
• International Cooperation – the Hon. Bev Oda
• Secretary of State for Small Business and Tourism – the Hon. Diane Ablonczy

“We did what we said we were going to do and now it’s time to keep moving forward,” said the Prime Minister. “To seize the opportunities that lie before us; and rise to the challenges that confront us.”

The new ministry will maintain continuity on key files, allow strong ministers to vary their experience and position the right people in the right places to execute the next part of the government’s agenda.

Mr. Norlock added, “Canada’s government has spent the past 18 months doing what it said it would do: clean up government; strengthen national unity; put families at the heart of national decision-making; re-build the military; and replace environmental talk with environmental action.

“The new Ministry will help Canada’s government move forward and continue to build a stronger, safer, better Canada – for all of us.”

Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland Quinte West said today, “Our natural environment is one of our country’s greatest assets. Canada’s Government is committed to its protection.”

Environment Minister John Baird announced yesterday that Canada’s New Government will invest $214 million this year to clean up 279 contaminated sites and make environmental assessments of approximately 417 other locations across Canada. Mr. Baird said, “Our government remains committed to Canada’s environment and will spare no effort to clean up contaminated sites across the country and prevent further damage from occurring.”

Since coming to office, Canada’s government has delivered on the environment – taking real action by investing more than $9 Billion in initiatives to help Canadians preserve our environment, such as:

• The establishment of an environmental trust for provinces and territories
• ecoEnergy initiatives
• Programs to aid Canadians in the purchase of fuel efficient vehicles.
• Action on renewable fuels.
• Support for public transit

Mr. Norlock added, “Today’s investment clearly shows our Government is committed to cleaning up our environment, and is listening to Canadians about the importance of the environment.”

Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland Quinte West said today that thanks to the strong leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the present government, Canadians have more to spend, save, or invest.

Today the Minister of Finance released the Fiscal Monitor for April and May 2007. The Monitor once again highlighted the strong position of Canada’s economy.

During the last election Conservatives promised to lower taxes, pay down Canada’s national debt, and provide value-for-money with government services. Since taking office the government has delivered on all fronts:

• The economy is growing – to $1.45 Trillion
• More Canadians are working – unemployment is at a 33-year low
• Personal taxes are going down, the GST is lower, and Tax Freedom Day arrived four days earlier in 2007.
• The national debt is being paid - $22.4 Billion over the past two years.

Mr. Norlock added, “Under Canada’s present government, Canadians are paying less tax and building a stronger, safer, better Canada for all.”

Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland Quinte West said today that he welcomes the return of 429 Transport Squadron to CFB Trenton.

“The Bisons of 429 Squadron have played an important role in Canada’s defence since they were originally formed in 1942 and now, led by their new commander, Col. Lothian, they are poised to play a modern role as keepers of Canada’s new Strategic lift C-17 Globemasters. The first of the Globemasters is expected to touch down late on August 9, 2007, at CFB Trenton and will play an important part in moving Canadian forces and their equipment worldwide.”

The squadron was formed as a bomber squadron in November 1942. It was reestablished as a transport squadron flying the CC-115 Buffalo in 1967. In 1971 the squadron assumed training responsibilities and was returned to a transport role in 1981, but was consolidated with 426 squadron in 2005.

An initial squadron capability will be in place for the arrival of the first Globemaster, and will be reinforced by the arrival of the remaining three C17’s through October 2007 and April 2008. The refreshed “Bisons” will consist of approximately 200 members and includes pilots, loadmasters, and technicians.

Mr. Norlock concluded, “We welcome the Bison flightcrews and their families to Northumberland Quinte West and hope they will enjoy all the benefits of living in our community.”

Dear Editor
Re: Giving Parents Greater Choice in Child Care

The Federal Government made a commitment that one of our top-five priorities would be to support Canadian families and give them real choice in child care.

We are supporting the provinces and territories in creating child care spaces and, in Budget 2007, our government announced an additional $250 million commitment towards child care spaces. In fact each year the federal government will transfer $1.1 Billion to provinces and territories for early learning and child care.

I was pleased to note recently that Ontario is starting to spend the money Canada’s government has allocated.

Businesses will also benefit directly from our commitment to supporting child care spaces. A new investment tax credit, announced in Budget 2007, of up to 25 per cent will go to businesses that create new child care spaces in the workplace to for up to $10,000 per space created.

But our commitment does not end there. A year ago this month, we began delivering and parents started receiving $100 per month for every child under six. The Universal Child Care Benefit puts $2.4 billion in the hands of parents each year. This money goes directly to parents so they can decide the best way to balance home, work and other commitments because when it comes to raising children, we know that every family has its own needs.

In addition, we are creating a new $2,000 Child Tax Credit that will provide up to $310 for parents of children under age 18. We think parents know what is best for their families based on their own circumstances and our Child Care plan puts parents in charge.

In total, Canada’s New Government will provide nearly $5.6 Billion this year in support of early learning and child care through transfers, direct spending and tax measures.

We made a commitment to a plan that gives parents real choice in child care. Canadians voted for it, and we are delivering.

Rick Norlock M.P. Northumberland Quinte West

-30-

For more information contact: Tom Rittwage, Executive Assistant, Office of Rick Norlock, MP: 613-483-8181, or  Jim Lawrence, Communications, 613-397-1157

-30-

For more information contact: Tom Rittwage, Executive Assistant, Office of Rick Norlock, MP: 613-483-8181, or  Jim Lawrence, Communications, 613-397-1157

Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland Quinte West said following a recent meeting of the Eastern Ontario Conservative Caucus, that one of  the keys to rural jobs and prosperity in Northumberland Quinte West is to provide high-speed internet as an economic tool to all residents.

The Eastern Ontario Conservative Caucus met to support a strategy that would provide comprehensive, reliable, and affordable high-speed internet access to all residents of eastern Ontario.

Representatives of the Ministry of Industry attended the meeting to brief caucus members. MP’s also heard presentations from industry representatives and from the federally funded Eastern Ontario Broadband Network. The coalition was led by Doug Struthers, chair of the Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus.

Mr. Norlock added, “Our responsibility as legislators is to provide for the needs of our communities by working collaboratively with all levels of government and industry.  To that extent we are united in our support of a broad, regional application that does not set unrealistic timelines nor is politically motivated, but will meet the needs of our communities in a fair and equitable manner.”

Members of the Eastern Ontario Conservative Caucus will meet again with stakeholders and will be aggressively pursuing all options for funding and implementation of high-speed internet access for all those who live in eastern Ontario.

-30-

For more information contact: Tom Rittwage, Executive Assistant, Office of Rick Norlock, MP: 613-483-8181, or  Jim Lawrence, Communications, 613-397-1157

EcoENERGY for Biofuels is the next step in Canada’s New Government’s commitment to increase the production and use of cleaner, renewable fuels.

Last December, as promised, Canada’s government put in place a regulation requiring a five per cent (5%) average renewable content in gasoline by 2010.  We’ve also signalled our intention to develop a similar requirement of two per cent (2%) for diesel fuel and heating oil by 2012.

With the transportation sector accounting for more than a quarter of Canada’s greenhouse output, increasing the renewable content in our fuel is going to put a real dent in emissions.  In fact, it’s estimated that the reductions will be equivalent to removing almost one million vehicles.

Close to three billion litres of renewable fuels are going to be needed annually to meet the requirements of new regulations. As it currently stands, Canada produces less than 400 million litres a year.

By providing incentives for the production of biofuels, ecoENERGY for Biofuels, is going to help bridge the gap, and, in doing so, create an exciting new market for Canada’s 61,000 grain and oilseeds producers.

Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland Quinte West said, “By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating new biofuel markets for Canadian farmers, our government’s biofuel policy is good for the environment and good for the agricultural community here in Northumberland Quinte West and across the country.”

-30-

For more information contact: Tom Rittwage, Executive Assistant, Office of Rick Norlock, MP: 613-483-8181, or  Jim Lawrence, Communications, 613-397-1157