Books of Condolence to Jack Layton's Family to be Opened at Rick Norlock`s Constituency Offices

Cobourg Ontario – August 24, 2011 – Books of condolence will be opened at the Cobourg and Trenton offices of Rick Norlock Thursday morning, following the death of the Honourable Jack Layton, P.C., M.P., Leader of the Official Opposition.

"These books of condolence will give the people of Northumberland – Quinte West an opportunity to pay their respects to the Honourable Jack Layton, Leader of the Official Opposition and his family," said Rick Norlock. "Following the funeral on Saturday afternoon, both books of condolence will be sent to the Layton family.

"Once again on behalf of the people of Northumberland – Quinte West, I salute Mr. Layton`s contribution to public life and would like to express my condolences to the Layton family."

Books of condolence will be open to the public starting at 10am on Thursday August 25th, until 5pm Friday August 26th. To sign one of the books, members of the public should visit Rick Norlock's constituency office at 277 Division Street Unit 2, in Cobourg, or 103B Dundas Street West, in Trenton.

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For more information, please contact:
Jake Enwright, Legislative Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP
Northumberland – Quinte West
(613) 240-6853

Canada Restores Historic Identities of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army, and the Royal Canadian Air Force

August 16, 2011

Northumberland-Quinte West - Today, Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West, welcomed the announcement made by the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, that the Government of Canada has restored the use of the historic designations of the three former military services: the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), the Canadian Army (CA), and the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).

"I am very proud that our government has restored this important link between our serving military members and the veterans who served in defence of Canada so courageously in the past," said Rick Norlock, MP for Northumberland-Quinte West. "Through today's announcement, we are celebrating the rich history, the incredible dedication, and the selfless sacrifice of Canadian Forces members past and present."

"Restoring these historic identities is an important way of reconnecting today's men and women in uniform with the proud history and traditions they carry with them as members of the Canadian Forces." said Minister Mackay. "A country forgets its past at its own peril. From Vimy Ridge to the Battle of the Atlantic and from Korea to the defence of Europe during the Cold War, the proud legacy of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army, and the Royal Canadian Air Force will once again serve as a timeless link between our veterans and serving soldiers, sailors and air personnel."

On February 1, 1968, the government of the day amended the National Defence Act to unify the Canadian Forces. In that process, the identities of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army and the Royal Canadian Air Force ceased to be used and were replaced by Maritime Command, Land Force Command, and Air Command. This decision restores the original historic identities while retaining the organizational benefits of unification.

By reinstating the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Army, and the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Government is restoring a central component of Canada's military heritage. Dating back to the first half of the 20th century, these were the names of the services that fought and emerged victorious from the First World War, the Second World War, from Korea, and also contributed to deterrence and defence in Europe and North America from the early days of the Cold War. With this decision, these historic identities will return to official use, reminding us of the Canadian tradition of service and sacrifice that today's men and women in uniform proudly continue.

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

Rick Norlock Announces Funding for Warkworth Legion

Warkworth, ON, August 14th, 2011 - On behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and the Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State (Seniors), Member of Parliament Rick Norlock for Northumberland-Quinte West, today announced federal support for the Warkworth Legion, Branch 380. The Warkworth Legion will receive $24,986 for facility renovations and equipment replacement, under the New Horizons for Seniors Program.

"Canada has been shaped by the tireless efforts of our seniors and would not be the country it is without their dedication," 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 Warkworth Legion, through participation and active living."

MP Rick Norlock Announces Funding for Hastings Waterfront Festival

August 10th, 2011 Hastings, ON - Today, on behalf of the Minister of Canadian Heritage James Moore, MP Rick Norlock for Northumberland-Quinte West was pleased to announce $17,500 in funding from the 'Local Arts and Heritage Festivals' program for the 5th annual Hastings Waterfront Festival. The festival will take place from August 19th to 20th, 2011.

More Support Available, for Canadians making Home Improvements

July 13th, 2011, Northumberland Quinte-West. Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West, is pleased to see the renewal of the popular ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program, an initiative helping Canadians save on home improvements and energy costs while improving the environment.

"Constituents across my riding have conveyed their support for this program, and have asked for a renewal so they may continue making energy efficient, and cost effective upgrades to their homes," said MP Rick Norlock. "Not only does the popular ecoENERGY Retrofit program help Canadians save money and improve their homes, but also creates thousands of jobs while protecting our environment."

From July 13, 2011, until March 31, 2012, homeowners may be eligible to receive reimbursements of up to $5,000 to make their homes more energy-efficient. The program could help up to 250,000 Canadian homeowners improve their homes' energy efficiency and generate as much as $4 billion in economic activity across Canada.

Prior to Budget 2011, the Harper Government provided retrofit incentives to over half a million Canadians. Homeowners who participated in the program saved an average of 20 percent on their energy bills.

For more information, visit www.ecoaction.gc.ca/homes or call 1-800-O-Canada (800-622- 6232). TTY: 1-800-926-9105. Grant amounts are listed in the "Grant Table for ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes."

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

VOLUNTEER AWARDS CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

JULY 13TH, 2011, NORTHUMBERLAND-QUINTE WEST - This week Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada Diane Finley announced the call for nominations for the Prime Minister's Volunteer Awards. These awards will recognize outstanding and committed Canadians who continue to volunteer their time, expertise and energy into communities across Canada.

Nominations for the Prime Minister's Volunteer Awards, first announced this spring, are open now until September 9th, 2011. Submissions can be made on-line or through written nomination papers. 17 awards will be given in total, 3 for each region in the categories listed, and 2 national awards for Lifetime Achievement and Emerging Leaders:

• Community Leader (for individuals, or groups);
• Business Leader (for businesses);
• Social Innovator (for not-for-profit organizations).

"Millions of Canadians continue to volunteer their time, resources and energy for the benefit of their communities and these sacrifices help build a better Canada," said Rick Norlock, MP for Northumberland-Quinte West. "I am proud that this government will recognize the tireless efforts of individuals; businesses and not-for-profit organizations that make real change in their communities."

Nominations are open to any Canadian, business or not-for-profit organizations who have donated their time, energy or expertise - not including political activities. More information is available at www.pm.gc.ca/awards. Download brochure here.

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

Funding delivered for 8th Annual Shelter Valley Folk Festival

Cobourg, ON July 13th, 2011 - MP Rick Norlock, on behalf of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages Minister James Moore, today announced funding from the 'Canada Arts Presentation Fund'. The Shelter Valley Folk Festival arts organization will receive $50, 000, and funding will be delivered over two fiscal years.

The Shelter Valley Folk Festival celebrates its 8th festival on September 2nd to the 4th 2011. The outdoor festival takes place on the site of the Henkel Family Lavender Farm, near Grafton, in the rural region of Northumberland County. Each year the festival will feature at least 20 artists performing folk, roots and world music for general audiences including children. The programming includes established and emerging artists from Ontario and across Canada plus international musicians. In addition to offering three daytime workshop stages, and its evening main stage, SVFF includes a family activities area, local artisans and harvest food vendors. SVFF also presents a series of outreach events at other times during the year.

The Government of Canada Supports Seniors

July 11th, 2011. Northumberland Quinte-West- Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland Quinte-West supports improvements for more than 680,000 of Canada's lowest income seniors, who will soon benefit from the most significant increase to the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) in a quarter century.

"Canada's seniors have worked hard to build a better country for future generations and the Government of Canada has taken significant action to improve their quality of life," said Rick Norlock, MP for Northumberland Quinte-West. "In Budget 2011, the Next Phase of Canada's Economic Action Plan, we have increased financial support for low-income seniors and enhanced the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP)."

As of July of this year, seniors with little or no income other than the Old Age Security (OAS) benefit and the GIS now receive additional benefits up to $600 per year for single seniors and up to $840 per year for couples.

The increase to the GIS represents a $300 million investment per year and is the third GIS increase in the last five years. OAS benefits, including the GIS, help seniors meet their immediate, basic needs and maintain a minimum standard of living in retirement. MP Norlock also highlighted that Budget 2011 is providing an additional $10 million over two years for the NHSP. The NHSP helps seniors use their leadership, energy and skills to benefit communities across Canada. A call for proposals for this program is now open. Please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/seniors for details.

Since 2006, the Government of Canada has taken action on many issues important to seniors including:

• providing Canadians with close to $72 billion this year through Canada's public pension system;
• providing $2.3 billion annually in additional tax relief to seniors and pensioners through measures such as pension income splitting and increasing the Age Credit;
• providing $400 million over two years under Budget 2009 for the construction of housing units for low-income seniors;
• supporting positive and active aging through the collaborative Age Friendly Communities Initiative, Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults, and falls prevention initiatives;
• appointing a Minister of State (Seniors) — someone who can bring the concerns of older Canadians to the Cabinet table and stand up on their behalf;
• establishing October 1st as National Seniors Day to recognize the significant and ongoing contributions seniors make to families, communities, workplaces and society;
• creating the National Seniors Council in 2007 to provide advice to the federal government on matters related to the well-being and quality of life of seniors; and
• investing $13 million over three years in support of the Federal Elder Abuse Initiative (FEAI), which successfully concluded on March 31, 2011. Building on the momentum created through the FEAI, which featured an awareness campaign, the Government of Canada remains active in addressing elder abuse through the New Horizons for Seniors Program.

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For further information (media only):
Ann Matejicka
Director of Communications
Office of Minister Diane Finley
819-994-2482

Media Relations Office
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
819-994-5559

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

New Infrastructure for 8 Wing Trenton

July 7th, 2011 CFB Trenton, ON - The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, announced contract awards totaling more than $52 million for two infrastructure projects during a visit to 8 Wing Trenton, ON. this week.

The projects include the construction of a maintenance hangar for the new CC-130J Hercules and the construction of a new facility for the air cadet glider school. Hangar 2, a two-bay hangar, will cost $44.2 million, measure 11,582 square metres and hold two CC-130J aircraft. Its completion is estimated for spring 2013. The $8.5 million air cadet glider school facility will be used for aircraft maintenance and storage and contain classrooms for instruction. It will measure 4,924 square metres and should be finished by summer 2012.

"Since 2007, the Government has invested nearly a billion dollars in infrastructure at 8 Wing Trenton," said Minister MacKay. "This is a clear indication of the Wing's importance to the Canadian Forces, now and into the future."