Rick Norlock supports local culture and Canadian talent at Westben Arts Festival Theatre

Campbellford, December 18th, 2009 - Today at Westben Arts Festival Theatre, in Campbellford Ontario, Member of Parliament Rick Norlock delivered news of funding from the 'Arts Presentation Canada' program through Canadian Heritage. Over the next two years, Westben will receive $96,600 in funding from the federal government.

Westben Arts Festival Theatre Inc. presents its 11th annual Concerts at the Barn Festival for 2010-2011 from June 25th to August 8th, 2010; and for 2011-2012 (12th annual) from July 2nd to August 7th, 2011. The 2010 Festival will include over 30 music performances and outreach activities, featuring 100 professional artists. Performances predominantly happen in Westben's Barn; a 400 seat timber framed barn-theatre, and will range from soloists to symphony orchestras performing classical, opera, jazz, world music, and original music. In addition to its Arts Presentation Canada eligible activities, Westben presents three choruses and master classes in concert, pre-festival events, and fundraising performances for charitable organizations.

Auto Recyclers Donate to Belleville and Trenton Hospital Foundations

December 14th, 2009

QUINTE WEST ON - Rick Norlock MP and Daryl Kramp MP presented the Belleville and Trenton Hospital Foundations each with a cheque for $5,000 on behalf of the Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association (OARA) on Monday. Members of the association have agreed to pay an extra $20 per vehicle they acquire through the Retire Your Ride vehicle recycling program, with those proceeds going to a wide variety of charities throughout the province.

MP Rick Norlock Welcomes next phase of Community Adjustment Fund for Southern Ontario

FedDev Ontario working with communities to create jobs and build stronger economies

Northumberland Quinte West, ON - December 16, 2009 - The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) is now accepting applications under the second phase of the Community Adjustment Fund (CAF) for projects aimed at stimulating local economies and strengthening the competitiveness of southern Ontario communities.

MP Rick Norlock welcomed the announcement made by the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, that as of December 15, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are able to submit applications under the second intake of CAF funding.

"Our government is working with communities to create new opportunities and new jobs," said MP Rick Norlock. "This new intake process will ensure the people and businesses in the communities of Northumberland Quinte West will be able to build a brighter future."

In addition to SMEs, municipalities, not-for-profits, Aboriginal organizations, colleges and universities are all eligible to submit projects.

The Community Adjustment Fund will support projects in and around resource-based and manufacturing communities depending on a single industry. The fund will invest in projects that create immediate job opportunities for communities. It will focus not only on economic development, but innovation and diversification.

Overall funding for the second intake process is $127.8 million in 2010-11.

Applications for funding in 2010-11 will be accepted from December 15, 2009, to January 18, 2010.

For additional details on program eligibility, please see the backgrounder. To download an application, please visit the FedDev Ontario website at www.southernontario.gc.ca.

CAF is one of a series of initiatives, unveiled as part of the Economic Action Plan, to help communities address the short-term challenges from the economic downturn and prepare them for long-term growth.

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Contact:

Erica Meekes
Executive Assistant
Office of Rick Norlock M.P.
Northumberland Quinte West
613-483-8181

Canada's Economic Action Plan Funds The Lower Trent Trail in Quinte West

Quinte West, December 14, 2009 - Rick Norlock, MP Northumberland Quinte West and Rick Antaya for the National Trails Coalition (NTC), today announced that The Lower Trent Trail in Quinte West will benefit from $84,800 in funding which will create jobs and revitalize the trail.

"Under the strong leadership of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the Government of Canada is providing $42,400 to develop the Lower Trent Trail said Rick Norlock "As part of Canada's Economic Action Plan, we are boosting local economies by creating jobs, getting shovels in the ground, and enhancing trails for outdoors enthusiasts." This project is being supported through the Government of Canada's $25 million investment in recreational trails, part of the Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan. The Government of Canada's investment will be matched by the NTC and their provincial, territorial, municipal or private funding partners.

Government of Canada improves Accessibility in the Township of Hamilton

December 5th, 2009 - Rick Norlock, MP for Northumberland Quinte West, announced today the Township of Hamilton will receive an investment of $50 000 for the Bewdley Arena.

Government of Canada improves Accessibility in the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand

December 5th, 2009 - Rick Norlock, MP for Northumberland Quinte West, announced today the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand will receive an investment of $50 000 for the Alnwick Civic Centre and Haldimand Memorial Arena.

These funds are part of a commitment to meet the needs of the public; improving the accessibility of spaces will allow greater access to services that can develop and maximize individual potential. The investment to the Alnwick Civic Centre and Haldimand Memorial Arena will improve accessibility; allowing for the installment of automatic doors, a ramp for wheelchair accessibility and accessible washroom facilities.

"The Government of Canada is committed to supporting people with disabilities and their families," said Minister Finley. "Through the Enabling Accessibility Fund and other initiatives, our government is helping people with disabilities by improving access to facilities, activities and services."

"I am very pleased to be a part of a Government that recognizes the needs of the public and has made a commitment to improve access for all Canadians allowing everyone equal access to facilities that provide essential services and develop potential," said MP Rick Norlock. "Additionally, during the economic downturn this investment will be a boon to the local economy through dollars spent on renovations."

This project is part of a $5.8 million investment made through Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, through the Enabling Accessibility Fund supporting 169 projects at the community level. Overall, a three year commitment of $45 million will expand opportunities for people with disabilities and improve accessibility across Canada.

Approved projects must meet the terms and conditions set out in their funding agreements. A complete list of approved projects is available online at www.rhdcc-hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/disability_issues/eaf/call2009/index.shtml, December 3rd, 2009.

The Enabling Accessibility is just one in a series of initiatives introduced in the Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan designed to prepare our communities for long-term growth. For more information on Canada's Economic Action Plan, please visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

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Contact:

Erica Meekes
Executive Assistant
Office of Rick Norlock M.P.
Northumberland Quinte West
613-483-8181

Governments of Canada and Ontario Celebrate New Affordable Housing in Quinte West

November 30, 2009, Quinte West, Ontario - Funding of $2. 4 million for 20 new affordable housing rental -units for seniors living on low income was announced today in Quinte West (Trenton Ward).

Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and Lou Rinaldi, Member of Provincial Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West and Parliamentary Assistant to the Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario's Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, along with Ron Emond, Warden, County of Hastings and John Williams, Mayor, Quinte West, made the announcement.

"The Government of Canada is helping Canadians during these tough economic times and giving hope to seniors who need quality, affordable housing that meets their needs," said MP Norlock. "This investment is possible through Canada's Economic Action Plan, the federal government's plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession. For Ontario, this includes a $1.2 billion joint investment."
"New housing initiatives add significant support to the McGuinty government's Poverty Reduction Strategy," said MPP Rinaldi. "We will continue to work with our municipal partners to ensure more units are built during the life of this program."

"The support of both the federal and provincial governments is crucial to our collective attempts to find housing that is affordable for those in search of an adequate, affordable home," said Warden Emond. "With over 1300 households still on our affordable housing wait list the challenge is great but with today's announcement we are making a real difference here in the City of Quinte West.

"Quinte West looks forward to the 20 new affordable rental units," said Mayor Williams. "This will allow seniors living on fixed incomes, to live here in the City, closer to family and friends."

The Government of Canada wants to ensure that Canadians on fixed incomes can live with independence and dignity and remain in their communities, close to family and friends. Canada's Economic Action Plan provides $400 million, over two years, to build new rental housing for low-income seniors. Overall, the Economic Action Plan includes $2 billion for new and existing social housing, plus up to $2 billion in loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

Canada's Economic Action Plan builds on the Government of Canada's commitment in 2008 of more than $1.9 billion, over the next five years, to improve and build new affordable housing and help the homeless.

Today's announcement celebrated the funding for 20 new affordable rental units at Riverview Residence, 135/137 Ontario Street in Trenton. The project is sponsored by the County of Hastings.

Ontario is moving quickly to implement this additional funding. The province has already approved more than $172 million for construction-ready projects, which will improve access to affordable housing for low-income families, seniors and persons with disabilities across the province. It will also create jobs and strengthen local economies. To find out more about affordable housing in Ontario, visit www.mah.gov.on.ca.

More information on this and other measures in Canada's Economic Action Plan can be found at www.actionplan.gc.ca. To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan.

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Contact:

Erica Meekes
Executive Assistant
Office of Rick Norlock M.P.
Northumberland Quinte West
613-483-8181

Governments of Canada and Ontario Celebrate New Affordable Housing in Northumberland County

November 30, 2009 - Port Hope, Ontario - Funding of $2.16 million for 18 new affordable housing rental units for seniors and persons with disabilities living on low income was announced today in Port Hope.

Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and Lou Rinaldi, Member of Provincial Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West and Parliamentary Assistant to the Honourable Jim Watson, Ontario's Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, along with Linda Thompson, Mayor of the Municipality of Port Hope and Warden of Northumberland County made the announcement.

"The Government of Canada is helping Canadians during these tough economic times and giving hope to seniors and persons with disabilities who need quality, affordable housing that meets their needs," said MP Norlock. "This investment is possible through Canada's Economic Action Plan, the federal government's plan to stimulate the economy and create jobs during the global recession. For Ontario, this includes a $1.2 billion joint investment."

"New housing initiatives add significant support to the McGuinty government's Poverty Reduction Strategy," said MPP Rinaldi. "The first wave of funding will lead to construction by this fall and we will continue to work with our municipal partners to ensure more units are built during the life of this program."

"Northumberland County has a 4 to 5 year waiting list for affordable housing, this project will significantly increase accommodation opportunities, especially for those with disabilities who face even greater challenges in securing safe, appropriate housing," said Linda Thompson, Northumberland County Warden. "The Dr. Powers project builds on a healthy community model and allows adaptive reuse of a building that is no longer used but will now address a vital need in our community."

The Government of Canada wants to ensure that Canadians on fixed incomes can live with independence and dignity and remain in their communities, close to family and friends. Canada's Economic Action Plan provides $400 million, over two years, to build new rental housing for low-income seniors. Overall, the Economic Action Plan includes $2 billion for new and existing social housing, plus up to $2 billion in loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure.

Canada's Economic Action Plan builds on the Government of Canada's commitment in 2008 of more than $1.9 billion, over the next five years, to improve and build new affordable housing and help the homeless.

Today's announcement celebrates funding for 18 units at 64 Ward Street. The project is sponsored by TVM Group - Port Hope Inc.

Ontario is moving quickly to implement this additional funding. The province has already approved more than $172 million for construction-ready projects, which will improve access to affordable housing for low-income families, seniors and persons with disabilities across the province. It will also create jobs and strengthen local economies. To find out more about affordable housing in Ontario, visit www.mah.gov.on.ca.

More information on this and other measures in Canada's Economic Action Plan can be found at www.actionplan.gc.ca. To find out more about how the Government of Canada and CMHC are working to build stronger homes and communities for all Canadians, call CMHC at 1-800-668-2642 or visit www.cmhc.ca/housingactionplan.

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Contact:

Erica Meekes
Executive Assistant
Office of Rick Norlock M.P.
Northumberland Quinte West
613-483-8181

Rick Norlock Introduces his Private Member's Bill in the House of Commons

OTTAWA, October 26th 2009. In the House of Commons today, Rick Norlock introduced his private members' bill: An Act Respecting a National Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Heritage Day. This enactment designates the 23rd of September of every year as a "National Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Heritage Day".

"Hunting, trapping and fishing are a significant part of Canada's national heritage. This bill acknowledges the historical role that these activities had in the development of our nation and the enjoyment and participation of these traditional activities by millions of Canadians and the significant contribution that these activities make to the national economy".

Hunting, trapping and fishing are part of Canada's national heritage. These activities have made a significant contribution to the development of our nation by traversing and mapping the prairies, forests, streams and rivers from coast to coast.

Today, the millions of Canadians that participate in and enjoy the many aspects of these activities also make significant contributions to wildlife and habitat conservation projects across Canada. Hunters, trappers and fishermen recognize the need for conservation and billions of dollars have been raised for conservation projects through the sale of tags, licenses, stamps, tourism, and many other programs. These funds help protect our wildlife and natural habitat, in addition to the countless hours spent by these Canadians volunteering in conservation efforts across Canada.

Similar legislation exists in the USA and Alberta which recognizes the contributions that these activities make to the cultural social and economic heritage. Manitoba has also had its first hunting appreciation day this year. The legislation in the USA and Alberta recognizes the important role these activities have in the conservation, protection and restoration of natural wildlife habitat.

Mr. Norlock's private member's bill will be up for debate in the House of Commons early 2010.

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, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, La Fédération Québécoise des Chasseurs et Pêcheurs, Outdoors Caucus, Prince Edward Island Wildlife Federation, Newfoundland and Labrador Wildlife Federation, Robert Sopuck, Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation, Wild Life Habitat Canada

RUSSIA AND CANADA PARTNER IN GROUND-BREAKING NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS

October 20, 2009

MOSCOW, Russian Federation - Canada and Russia are creating ground-breaking new opportunities for agricultural trade and cooperation between the two countries. Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz announced progress on a number of agricultural issues from Moscow today. Minister Ritz's mission builds on the Joint Statement on Agriculture Cooperation signed in 2007 and Minister of International Trade Stockwell Day's mission to Russia in June.

"Canada and Russia have a long history of agricultural cooperation and today we strengthened that relationship by creating ground-breaking new opportunities for Russian and Canadian farmers," said Minister Ritz, after his meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Victor Zubkov. "Canadian and Russian farmers want to make their living from the marketplace and these agreements will make a difference on the bottom line."

"Russian beef imports continue to be among the biggest in the world, and I am proud to be a part of a Government that is working with a market of this size to strengthen the Canadian beef industry" said Rick Norlock. Russia and Canada have agreed to a certificate to open market access for Canadian bone-in beef from animals under 30 months of age. The certificate finalized an agreement-in-principle negotiated during Minister Day's June mission. Russia and Canada built on that success by agreeing to market access for Canadian boneless beef from animals over 30 months of age. Canada and Russia also agreed to have technical officials work within this calendar year to move toward giving Russian importers access to Canadian beef offal. "I am pleased that my visit to Russia this summer and our representations there on behalf of Canada's beef industry have paid off," said Minister Day. "This will be a great opportunity for our producers to increase their exports to Russia, one of the world's largest beef importers."

The Canada Beef Export Federation (CBEF) estimates the value of under-30-month beef and over-30-month boneless beef will be worth up to $32 million. CBEF also estimates fully reopening the Russian market to Canadian offal will be worth up to $10 million.

Russia is expanding its sheep and goat production and opening market access for high quality Canadian small ruminant breeding stock. The Canadian Sheep Federation estimates the Russian market will be worth up to $8 million over three years. Russian officials also committed to send a technical team to work with Canadian officials and industry to complete meat plant approvals within this calendar year.

The Canadian industry participated in the Moscow Golden Autumn Agricultural Fair and finalized key agreements with Russian industry to provide high-quality beef breeding stock and technical training. Hawkeye Land & Livestock Ltd. of Canada signed a deal to ship up to 10,000 head of pure-bred beef breeding stock to the Russian-owned Northern Agro Industrial Company. Another Canadian company, Alta Exports International, signed another agreement with Inter-Regional Beef Breeding Cattle Development Fund, to support the establishment of a beef-breeding training centre to make sure Russian buyers can maximize production from Canadian breeding stock.

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For more information, media may contact:

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972

Meagan Murdoch
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059

Erica Meekes
Executive Assistant
Office of Rick Norlock MP
Northumberland Quinte West
(613) 483-8181

PROGRAM AVAILABLE FOR CANADIAN PORK PRODUCERS

October 5th, 2009 - Canadian pork producers can start applying for government-backed loans as of October 5th, 2009. Applications will also be available for the Hog Farm Transition Program next week.

"Our government is working to help Canadian Pork Producers meet the challenges they are currently facing in the Pork Industry," said Rick Norlock. "I am proud to be part of a government that continues to recognize and meet the needs of those affected by this economic downturn."

"We've worked in lock-step with the Canadian Pork Council to make sure the details of these important programs hit the target for producers at the farm gate," said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. "We know the Canadian pork industry can be profitable and that's why we're offering government-backed loans to help them weather the current economic storm. But we also know the industry needs to restructure and we're working with the Canadian Pork Council to deliver funding for those who need to transition to another sector."

"These programs work hand-in-hand and they are flexible to meet producers' individual needs," said Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of State (Agriculture). "In the end, putting Farmers First means letting farmers choose the program that works best for them."

Starting Monday, October 5, 2009, many financial institutions, including Farm Credit Canada, will be ready to work with pork producers to develop long -term business plans and deliver government-backed loans. Producers can check www.agr.gc.ca/HILLRP to find out which institutions are currently participating. The commercially based loans will be negotiated for each specific farm operation and based on viable business plans. By using government backed loans, Canadian pork producers will have better access to credit and the opportunity to restructure for the long term.

The Government of Canada and the Canadian Pork Council are also partnering to deliver $75 million through the Hog Farm Transition Program. The Canadian Pork Council will have registration forms for the program available to producers on October 8, 2009. The program will be retroactive to April 1, 2009, therefore, producers who depopulate their barns prior to applying for the program will still be eligible.

Applications will be based on a tendering process that allows producers to bid for the amount of funding they require to take their barnsout of operation for at least three years. Producers will be able to visit the Canadian Pork Council's web site www.cpc-ccp.com for the most up-to-date information and registration forms on October 8, 2009.

"These are important programs; one will allow producers to access credit they need to manage through the current difficulties while the other will provide assistance to set aside production," said Jurgen Preugschas, Chair of the Canadian Pork Council. "We have been working in collaboration with Minister Ritz to ensure that these programs address the needs of producers."

These programs are in addition to the $17-million International Pork Marketing Fund the Government of Canada is investing for market research, promotion and access initiatives to find new customers for Canadian pork products.

For more information on these programs, visit: www.agr.gc.ca/HILLRP or call 1-877-842- 5601.

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Contact:

Erica Meekes
Executive Assistant
Office of Rick Norlock M.P.
Northumberland Quinte West
613-483-8181

MP RICK NORLOCK WELCOMES NEW SOUTHERN ONTARIO DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Harper Government delivers job creation and strengthened economy for vital region

October 2nd, 2009 - FedDev Ontario is now accepting applications under the Southern Ontario Development Program (SODP) for projects that will stimulate local economies and enhance the growth and competitiveness of Southern Ontario businesses and communities.

MP Rick Norlock, welcomed the announcement by the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, that eligible small- and medium-sized businesses, municipalities, not-for-profits, Aboriginal organizations, colleges and universities can now submit applications for the new program.

"Our government is delivering on our commitment to create jobs and strengthen the economy," said MP Rick Norlock. "This new program will support people, communities and businesses in Northumberland Quinte West promote long-term growth in southern Ontario."

The SODP takes into account consultations with community leaders and economic development stakeholders throughout the Southern Ontario Region. It will build upon the assets and strengths of communities to create an environment where businesses can thrive, and maximize the potential of Southern Ontario with a focus on economic development, innovation and diversification.

Overall funding for the SODP is $100 million in 2009-10; with $40 million available for this intake process.

Applications to access funding in 2009-10 will be accepted from October 2, 2009, to December 1, 2009.

FedDev Ontario will favour projects that can be started quickly and completed by March 31, 2010. Applications will be assessed based on merit and against SODP criteria and will be reviewed as they are received by the Agency. The Agency, at a later date, may further refine the criteria for future calls for proposals.

Priority will be given to organizations or enterprises located in communities in Southern Ontario with populations of 500,000 or less, as well as to communities whose economies are less diversified and/or are reliant on a limited number of employers.

For additional details on program eligibility, please see the SODP Backgrounder.

To download an application form, please visit www.southernontario.gc.ca.

The Southern Ontario Development Program was established to promote economic development, economic diversification, job creation and sustainable communities in Southern Ontario. The SODP is just one in a series of initiatives introduced in the Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan designed to address the short-term effects of the economic decline on communities across Canada, while preparing our communities for long-term growth.

For more information on the Agency, please see the FedDev Ontario Backgrounder.

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Contact:

Erica Meekes
Executive Assistant
Office of Rick Norlock M.P.
Northumberland Quinte West
613-483-8181