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

December 20, 2010 - Quinte West, ON – The Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario, and the County of Hastings celebrated the official opening of 20 affordable rental units at Riverview Residence. The development is supported by $2.4 million in funding through the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program. 

Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland — Quinte West, on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), and Lou Rinaldi, Member of Provincial Parliament for Northumberland — Quinte West, on behalf of the Honourable Rick Bartolucci, Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, along with Jo-Anne Albert, Warden, Hastings County, made the announcement. 

“Our Government is committed to giving a hand-up to those who need it most here in Quinte West, Trenton Ward and across Ontario,” said MP Norlock. “We are proud to have invested in these new units for seniors living on low income, helping to provide safe, affordable housing for years to come.”

“These 20 rental units will provide seniors in our community with a safe and affordable place to call home,” said MPP Rinaldi.  “This is part of the Open Ontario plan to build stronger communities across the province, and Riverview Residence is an important measure of our success in working with our partners to support our most vulnerable citizens.”

“The County is very excited to have additional housing for seniors built in Quinte West, Trenton Ward and is particularly excited with the fact that this new building will be owned by the Hastings Local Housing Corporation,” said Warden Albert. “The County intends to offer these new units at full rent-geared-to-income rates which increases the depth of affordability for tenants. Hastings County is proud to partner in the development of these new homes for low income seniors.” 

Riverview Residence, a 20-unit project located at 139 Ontario Street in Quinte West, Trenton Ward received $2.4 million funded through the two-year extension of the Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program. The federal and provincial funding is complimented by the County of Hastings commitment to offer these units at full rent-geared-to-income rates.

The Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement comprises a commitment of $301 million from each of the two senior levels of government. In total, the federal, provincial and municipal governments will invest at least $734 million in the program, which will provide affordable housing for up to 20,000 households in Ontario.

In 2008, the Government of Canada committed more than $1.9 billion over five years to improve and build new affordable housing and to help the homeless. Canada's Economic Action Plan builds on this with an additional one-time investment of more than $2 billion over two years for the construction of new and the renovation of existing social housing, plus up to $2 billion in low-cost loans to municipalities for housing-related infrastructure. Combined for Ontario, this means a further $1.2 billion joint investment under the amended Canada-Ontario Affordable Housing Program Agreement. The federal and provincial governments are contributing equally to this overall investment.

In 2009, Ontario allocated a combined federal and provincial investment of $704 million for the renovation of social housing, and $540 million for the creation of new affordable housing. This investment is part of the Open Ontario plan, and is creating an estimated 23,000 jobs over the course of the program, while strengthening local economies across the province. To date, Ontario has approved more than $521 million for construction-ready projects, which will provide affordable housing for low-income families, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, and $539.60 million for repairs benefiting some 175,389 social housing units.

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.  For more information on Canada’s Economic Action Plan, call 1-800-O Canada or visit www.actionplan.gc.ca.

More information about affordable housing in Ontario can be found at www.ontario.ca/housing.

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Media contacts:

For more information, visit:

ww.cmhc.ca
www.ontario.ca/housing

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA SUPPORTS SMALL BUSINESSES IN NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY

Dec. 20th, 2010, Northumberland County, Ontario — Small businesses throughout Northumberland will benefit from a new $634, 285 investment in the Northumberland Community Futures Development Corporation, announced today by Rick Norlock, MP for Northumberland-Quinte West, on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (FedDev Ontario). 

This funding announcement will impact an expected 160 jobs, in addition to 126 jobs (34 new, 92 maintained) that have been affected by an earlier investment this year of $500, 000 through the CAF I initiative.  The total federal government CAF contribution, in the past 12 months, is $1, 134, 285, assisting the growth of Northumberland CFDC’s investment fund to almost $4 million dollars.  These funds are integral to small and medium business growth, by providing critical capital in the form of repayable loans.

Statement in the House of Commons about Port Hope

Northumberland- Quinte West, December 10, 2010 - Member of Parliament Rick Norlock spoke in the House of Commons during Question Period yesterday, with regard to recent troubling media attention received in Port Hope.

Please find the body of his message following, and a taping of this speech here.

"Mr. Speaker, over the past few weeks, anti-nuclear activist Dr. Helen Calidcott has been touring Eastern Ontario and speaking out about the danger that low-level radioactive waste poses to the community of Port Hope.

Mr. Speaker, in these difficult economic times, unsubstantiated and sensationalist comments are wholly irresponsible. The hard working people of Port Hope deserve more respect than Dr. Calidcott has given them in the past month.

Mr. Speaker, the reality is that Port Hope remains a safe and healthy community in which to live, raise a family and work. The reckless comments of one individual will never change this reality, nor will it deter the hard working people of Port Hope.

I am committed to standing up for the citizens of Port Hope and to speaking out against the irresponsible negative media coverage this story has received, both locally and nationally.

Thank you Mr. Speaker."

Rick Norlock, MP Northumberland- Quinte West, QP December 9th, 2010

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

Royal Canadian Mint will Commemorate the Highway of Heroes

Ottawa, Ontario, December 8, 2010 - In keeping with its proud tradition of issuing coins honouring Canada's veterans and Remembrance, the Royal Canadian Mint, today advised members of the Northumberland County Council that a collector coin commemorating the celebrated "Highway of Heroes" and Canada's fallen in Afghanistan will once again illustrate these themes in 2011.

Further to their intention to introduce this coin at a future date, the Mint are pleased to assure supporters of the "Highway of Heroes" that their tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice during Canada's military mission in Afghanistan will be immortalized by the Mint in 2011. This will open yet another window on the milestones, people, places and events which shape Canada's rich and diverse identity, and which the Mint consistently celebrates on its coins.

"I am grateful to the Mint, Minister Rob Merrifield, and Northumberland County Council for their attention to this project," said MP Rick Norlock. "I am pleased to have been able to assist in the coordination of this effort, with the Mint, to honour our men and women in uniform. Also, we will recognize the fine citizens of Northumberland - Quinte West who honour the repatriation of our men and women that have made the ultimate sacrifice."

The Mint will report on the status of this project to the Northumberland County Council in the next four to five months and we look forward to the addition of this collector coin to a long line of Royal Canadian Mint coins honouring the men and women who proudly serve the Canadian Forces.

About the Royal Canadian Mint

The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown Corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada's circulation coins. An ISO 9001-2008 certified company, the Mint is recognized as one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, offering a wide range of specialized, high quality coinage products and related services on an international scale. For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca.

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For more information, please contact:
Christine Aquino
Director, Communications
Telephone: (613) 993-9999
aquino@mint.ca

Erica Meekes
Office of Rick Norlock, MP
Norlor1@parl.gc.ca / (613) 483-8181

Bill C-465: An Act respecting a National Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Heritage Day
Passes Third Reading in the House of Commons

Ottawa December 7th, 2010 — On November 30th, 2010 Rick Norlock’s Private Members Bill, Bill C-465: An Act respecting a National Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Heritage Day, was passed at third reading in the House of Commons.

“Bill C-465 has been widely supported throughout the House of Commons and I am tremendously happy to see the progress made,” said Rick Norlock. “If passed in the Senate, Bill C-465 will recognize the 3rd Saturday in September as National Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Day; a day that will recognize the role that hunting, fishing and trapping have contributed to our history, economy and efforts in conservation.”

“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 will now be up for debate and three readings in the Senate for further study and approval.

For a full copy of Rick Norlock’s bill, please visit:

http://www2.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Docid=4170094&file=4

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

Or

Jake Enwright
Legislative Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP
Northumberland-Quinte West
(613) 992-4998

National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women

December 2nd, 2010, Northumberland-Quinte West - As the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women approaches, this December 6th, we take this day to commemorate the 21st anniversary of the École Polytechnique Massacre when 14 women were murdered because of their gender.

We are reminded of the somber reality; that women and girls are too often the victims of violence and assault. A snapshot of the statistics in any given year includes:

• nearly 200 women or girls are killed in acts of gender-based violence;
• 146 female victims of homicide in Canada, 45 of whom are victims of spousal homicide;
• 83% of victims of police-reported spousal violence are women;
• victims of sexual assault are almost six times more likely to be female; and
• there are more than 100,000 admissions of women and children to Canada's shelters for abused women.

While commemorative dates focus our attention on violence against women we should consider these facts and rededicate ourselves to ending violence against women. Our government, with direction from Rona Ambrose Minister of State (Status of Women), remains committed to ending violence against women. Our government has taken significant steps to protect the safety and wellbeing of girls and women, including:

• appealing an Ontario Court of Appeal decision that would relax Ontario's prostitution laws;
• enacting three specific Criminal Code offences regarding trafficking in persons;
• launching a $10 million strategy to help address the disturbing number of missing and murdered Aboriginal women;
• introduction of new, easier options for vulnerable adult victims and witnesses who have experienced violence to testify in court;
• ending the 'house arrest' option for offences causing serious personal injury;
• strengthening peace bond provisions for those previously convicted of sexual offences against children, to restrict certain activities;
• building on the Budget 2006 investment in the Federal Victims Strategy, providing 6.6 million over two years in Budget 2010 to enhance support to victims of crime; and
• launching a Citizenship Guide that articulates the Canadian principles of the equal and fair treatment of women and girls.

Our government has nearly doubled the funding for Status of Women, which has helped many more community projects get underway. Since 2007, we have approved more than $30.4 million in Status of Women funding for projects to end violence against women and girls.

Please visit the Status of Women website for further information at: http://www.swc-cfc.gc.ca/abu-ans/min/index-eng.html

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For more information please contact:
Erica Meekes
Executive Assistant
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, November 26th, 2010 - Member of Parliament Rick Norlock for Northumberland-Quinte West, today announced federal support for the Trenton Senior Citizen’s Club 105 under the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Seniors Program. Trenton Senior Citizen’s Club 105 will receive $25, 000 to repair the roof, as well as replace the dishwasher so that seniors can continue to participate in programs and activities such as breakfasts, BBQ’s and crafts.

Rick Norlock Voices Continued Support for Port Hope

Port Hope, On, November 18, 2010 - Rick Norlock, MP for Northumberland-Quinte West has issued the following statement in support of the Port Hope community.

"Port Hope remains a safe and healthy community in which to live, raise a family and work. Our Government is committed to the health and safety of all Canadians. The Port Hope Area Initiative to clean up low-level radioactive waste, and oversight of the CNSC to ensure the project is carried our according to the highest safety standards, are part of that commitment. This project finally moving forward is a tangible sign of this government's commitment to uphold a longstanding promise to the people of Port Hope and area.

In these difficult economic times unsubstantiated and sensationalist comments are wholly irresponsible. The jobs, and economic fortunes, of hard working Canadians in Port Hope deserve more consideration and respect than they have received.
I will continue to speak out for the greater majority of Port Hope citizens who wish to be allowed to earn a living without the unfair and unwarranted barrage of negative media, both local and national. As your Member of Parliament I want to assure the residents of Port Hope and area that I will continue to work with the Mayor and Council, to champion the hardworking people of Port Hope."

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

Rick Norlock Delivers Arts Funding for Warkworth Maple Syrup Festival

Trent Hills, ON, November 15th, 2010 - Today at the Warkworth Town Hall Centre for the Arts, Member of Parliament Rick Norlock delivered news of funding from the "Local Arts and Heritage Festivals" program through Heritage Canada, on behalf of Canadian Heritage Minister James Moore. To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Warkworth Maple Syrup Festival, $17,200 is being granted for special events, taking place just before the festival of March 12th & 13th, 2011.

"Our Government is proud to support the Warkworth Maple Syrup Festival," said Minister Moore. "By partnering with communities to support activities that celebrate our shared history and our rich cultural diversity, we are fulfilling our commitment to strengthen our communities and support arts, culture and heritage."

Government of Canada and VIA Rail Unveil New Cobourg Station Design

Total Investment of $27M in Four New Ontario Stations

November 12, 2010 COBOURG, ONTARIO – Northumberland-Quinte West Member of Parliament Rick Norlock, Mayor Peter Delanty, and Yves Desjardins-Siciliano, General Counsel and Secretary of VIA Rail Canada, unveiled the design for VIA’s enhanced and expanded Cobourg passenger rail station today. Representing an estimated investment of $7 million, the project will receive $1 million in funding from the Government of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. This investment will provide modern, attractive facilities for passengers, with capacity to meet potential future growth. "The new station will bring lasting economic benefits to the people of Cobourg and neighbouring communities," MP Rick Norlock said. "It reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to improve passenger rail services in Cobourg and all of Canada."

Earlier this week, the Government of Canada and VIA unveiled designs for three other new Ontario stations, in Windsor, Belleville and Brockville. With today’s unveiling in Cobourg, the four stations represent a combined investment of some $27 million.
"Cobourg has benefited from passenger rail service for well over 150 years," Mayor Delanty added. "Beyond the immediate job benefits for our community, this project will strengthen that relationship – providing better access to and from Cobourg, with service that is both efficient and environmentally sustainable for the future."
The design for the enhanced passenger station, developed in consultation with the community, will preserve the existing heritage station, while upgrading facilities and adding a new "island" boarding platform, connected by an overhead footbridge complex serviced by elevators and stairs. The new facilities will harmonize with the current heritage architecture. Mr. Desjardins-Siciliano said that "VIA is proud to work with Cobourg to build on that heritage. We are ensuring that Cobourg will enjoy the best possible quality of service as passenger volumes grow in the future, and VIA continues to add faster, more efficient, more reliable and frequent train services throughout the Ontario-Quebec corridor."

With construction scheduled to begin this year, the enhanced station is designed to integrate with current and planned infrastructure improvements, including a $300 million project to expand and improve track between Montreal and Toronto.
"The station design reflects VIA’s commitment to deliver the best possible travel experience for our customers," Mr. Desjardins-Siciliano said. "That is critical as we continue to enhance our service to meet the needs of people who look to passenger rail for transportation that is safe, convenient, reliable, and environmentally sustainable."

The Ontario-Quebec corridor is critical to VIA’s success. As a result of the capital investment by the Government of Canada, VIA is completely revamping services while becoming more efficient and improving its environmental footprint and operational performance.

MP Rick Norlock Voices his Continued Support for the Port Hope Area Initiative

November 12th, 2010 - Port Hope, ON. Rick Norlock, as Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West, would like to confirm his continuing support for the work the Port Hope Area Initiative. The Port Hope Area Initiative and the Federal Government share a concern for Port Hope to remain a healthy community. Health studies affirm that Port Hope is as healthy as any other community in Ontario and Canada.

"The Government of Canada has made a commitment to the people of Port Hope and I will ensure this promise will be fulfilled," said Rick Norlock, MP. "There is a long-term solution in place to implement the clean up of historic low-level radioactive waste in Port Hope as part of the Government of Canada's commitment to a cleaner environment. Port Hope continues to be as healthy as any other community in Ontario and Canada."

"Concerned readers should know that Port Hope residents are as healthy as the rest of the Canadian population. This is demonstrated by scientific studies conducted over several decades by reputable and independent bodies. Dr. Caldicott's allegations of medical corruption are simply outrageous." - Michael Binder, President Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (complete letter to the editor can be found here).

Recent announcements illustrating the commitment to the low-level radioactive waste management project in Port Hope include:

• Appointment of a panel of local residents to observe a trial resurvey and remediation program (September 30th, 2010);
• Recent contribution of more than $20 million by the Federal Government for the detailed design of a long-term management and containment facility in Port Hope (March 1st, 2010);
• Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) requests additional information from Cameco about Conversion Facility emissions in Port Hope (July 15th, 2010);
• CNSC issues a Waste Nuclear Substance License for the Long-Term Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Project in Port Hope (October 16th, 2009).

The Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Office (LLRWMO) continues to ensure, within Port Hope, that all Low-Level radioactive waste problems of federal responsibility will be resolved. The LLRWMO will continue to address public needs for information concerning low-level radioactive waste.

The Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI) exists to develop and execute a long-term management solution for the historic low-level radioactive waste within the Port Hope and Clarington Municipalities.

Please find more information at the following sites:

• The Low Level Radioactive Waste Management Office
• The Port Hope Area Initiative (PHAI)
• The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) - And here Port Hope: Commission Tribunal Information

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For more information please contact: Erica Meekes, Executive Assistant (613) 483-8181 Norlor1@parl.gc.ca

Veterans Affairs Canada - Fall 2010

November 4, 2010

Over our first five Budgets, this Conservative government has increased spending on Veterans programs by over $2.5 billion. The current Government has achieved the following for our Veterans:

• re-stored the 1995 cuts to Allied Veterans and extended these vital federal benefits and services to Allied Vets from the Korean War and some family members. (at an estimated cost of $120.3 million over five years).
• $139.1 million (over five years) to extend the Veterans Independence Program to thousands of Veterans widows - those who need it the most and can least afford the program to remain independent in their own homes.
• Implemented the New Veterans Charter, which represents the most sweeping changes to the way we care for our Veterans in 60 years. In addition to maintaining full financial supports for our modern-day Veterans, the New Veterans Charter breaks new ground by also focussing on the wellness of our veterans and their families. Approximately 20,000 veterans have received New Veterans Charter benefits as of December 31, 2009.
• Provided approximately $57.2 million of ex-gratia payments to fulfill our pledge to address the decades-old issue of Agent Orange tests at CFB Gagetown.
• $52.5 million in new spending to establish a "legacy of care" centered around five new initiatives to care for injured soldiers, sea and air personnel.
• Working jointly with the Department of National Defence, our Conservative Government has opened Integrated Personnel Support Centres on 19 CF Bases and Wings as part of a national network dedicated to the care of ill and injured CF personnel, former personnel, their families and the families of the deceased. Among other things, these centres offer "one-stop" services for DND and Veterans Affairs Canada to help to eliminate the transitional gap for those leaving the military to return to civilian life.
• The Veterans Affairs network of Operational Stress Injury (OSI) Clinics now consists of 10 specialized clinics, (the Department of National Defence (DND) operates another five clinics.) of which 9 are out-patient clinics located in Fredericton, Quebec City, Montreal, Ottawa, London, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. The tenth is the ground-breaking Residential Treatment Clinic for Operational Stress Injuries (OSIs) at Ste. Anne's Hospital (in Montreal) that provides intensive care to those Veterans suffering from the most severe cases of Operational Stress Injuries (OSIs).

For more information, download the full details here.

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Contact:

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

Supporting Canada’s National Symbol of Remembrance

Ottawa, ON, October 28th, 2010 - Minister of Finance, the Honourable Jim Flaherty and Minister of Veteran’s Affairs the Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, announced that this Government will permanently remove the GST from all Remembrance Day poppies and provide a full rebate on poppies already purchased for this year’s campaign (retroactive to January 1st 2010). Before today, the Royal Canadian Legion was required to pay GST when purchasing poppies from private sector suppliers. Your Government recognizes the good work Legions are doing across Canada, to honour the men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. This Government will provide tax relief so Legions can continue to honour our past and present Canadian Forces.

"Many Veterans have served, and many Canadian Forces personnel continue to serve, our country bravely," said Rick Norlock, MP Northumberland-Quinte West. "Your Government is pleased to provide this GST relief in support of the Remembrance Day Poppy Campaign; it is a small gesture to honour the enormous sacrifices that have been made."

Lest we forget.

Further information is available from the Department of Finance Canada: www.fin.gc.ca/n10/10-101-eng.asp

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For More Information
Please Contact:
Erica Meekes, Executive Assistant Rick Norlock
MP Northumberland-Quinte West
(613) 483-8181

Government of Canada supports accessibility for all Canadians

Northumberland-Quinte West, October 28th, 2010 - Organizations can now apply for funding for projects that will create or enhance accessibility for people with disabilities through the Government of Canada's Enabling Accessibility Fund.
Rick Norlock, Member of Parliament for Northumberland-Quinte West, today invited organizations to apply for contribution funding of $500,000 to $3 million through a call for proposals for mid-sized projects. These projects may include retrofits, renovations or new construction of facilities within Canada that help organizations better serve people with disabilities.

"We recognize the abilities of all Canadians, and celebrate the progress we have made as a society towards the full inclusion of people with disabilities," said Rick Norlock, MP. "Through the Enabling Accessibility Fund, the Government of Canada is improving access to facilities, activities and services and enabling all Canadians to participate fully in society."

Organizations can submit proposals until January 13, 2011, under the Fund's Mid-sized Projects component.

To find out how to apply for funding or for more information about the Fund, please visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca/disability or call 1-866-268-2502.

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For further information:
Michelle Bakos
Press Secretary
Office of Minister 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

Canada's Economic Action Plan - Creating Jobs and Economic Growth

Ottawa, October 27th 2010 - Canada's Auditor General, Sheila Fraser, has released her latest report in Ottawa. The first chapter of her report examines the design and implementation of Canada's Economic Action Plan.

"The Auditor General's report is welcome positive news on Canada's Economic Action Plan and confirms your government's commitment to recovery," said Rick Norlock, MP. "In 2010 only, more than $11 000 000 has been brought back to Northumberland and Quinte West, improving our communities and infrastructure while boosting the local economy. This excludes heavy investments to be made at CFB Trenton that will further stimulate economic growth. Nearly 310 000 jobs have been created since last year, Canada's Economic Action Plan is working."

Canada's Economic Action Plan was designed and delivered by our government to protect hard working Canadian families and workers from the worst global recession since the Second World War. To improve the effectiveness and efficiency of stimulus spending no time was wasted to fund and begin projects, this has ensured job and economic growth vital to our recovery.

Your Government will not see a repeat of the Liberal sponsorship scandal, where millions of dollars were funnelled into Liberal-friendly firms without consideration of value for taxpayer dollar. The Auditor General has confirmed that your Government has been successful, reporting that the Government acted quickly and effectively in the design and implementation of the Economic Action Plan.

This report is positive feedback on the Government's performance, however it is important to remember that the economy remains fragile and that recovery is tenuous. Many families in Canada continue to struggle to make ends meet. Your Government will continue to focus on creating jobs and supporting Canadian families.

For detailed information regarding local funding please visit the following site: http://www.ricknorlock.ca/Assets/downloads/FallHouseholder2010.pdf

For information on Canada's Economic Action Plan please visit:
http://www.actionplan.gc.ca/eng/index.asp

To view the Auditor General's full report please visit:
http://www.oag-bvg.gc.ca/internet/English/parl_oag_201010_e_34282.html

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Contact:

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

Bill C-465: An Act respecting a National Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Heritage Day Approved by the Standing Committee, Canadian Heritage

Ottawa October 20th, 2010 — On October 19th, 2010 the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage approved the Private Members Bill of Rick Norlock, MP Northumberland-Quinte West, Bill C-465: An Act respecting a National Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Heritage Day.

"Several small amendments to the Bill have been made that will improve the overall scope and clarity," said Rick Norlock, MP Northumberland-Quinte West. "Bill C-465 recognizes the tremendous contribution that hunting, fishing and trapping have had on our national history, economy and conservation efforts. Canadians deserve an opportunity to value the great heritage of our country. If passed, the 3rd Saturday in September will be known as National Hunting, Trapping and Fishing Day."

"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 will be ordered back to the House of Commons for 3rd reading. If approved by the House of Commons, the Bill will be ordered to the Senate for further study and approval.

For a full copy of Rick Norlock’s bill, please visit this site.

Rick Norlock’s website can be found at: 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:
Erica Meekes
Executive Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP
Northumberland-Quinte West
(613) 483-8181

Or

Jake Enwright
Legislative Assistant
Rick Norlock, MP
Northumberland-Quinte West
(613) 992-4998

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA LAUNCHES NEW PROGRAM TO HELP GRADUATES START INNOVATIVE BUSINESSES

Economic Action Plan Invests in Southern Ontario Future Leaders

October 14th 2010, St. Catharines, Ontario - Science and engineering graduates with innovative, market-driven ideas will benefit from a new program to build their business skills. The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario) announced the new Scientists and Engineers in Business initiative at an event this week at Brock University in St. Catharines.

"I am proud to be part of a government that continues working for small businesses and our graduates who are seeking gainful employment in their field," said Rick Norlock. "This program will provide an advantage to many small businesses locally who could benefit from an intern or recent graduate that fits the program parameters, as well as our local graduates from the mentioned disciplines."

"Our government recognizes the importance of investing in the ideas of recent graduates and graduate students and providing them with the skills necessary to become successful entrepreneurs," said Minister Goodyear. "By providing the necessary tools, we will create jobs and fuel business innovation and growth in southern Ontario."

Scientists and Engineers in Business will provide up to $50 million over four years to not-for-profit organizations and post-secondary institutions to help build the entrepreneurial skills of recent graduates and graduate students in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields who have developed fresh ideas for business start-ups, and support them as they bring their ideas to market, launch or expand their businesses.

"This is a strategic program that complements other initiatives aimed at accelerating a knowledge-based economy in central Canada," said Brock University President Jack Lightstone. "By helping recent graduates overcome economic barriers, more competitive products, processes and services will make it onto the market."

Scientists and Engineers in Business is a direct result of feedback from business leaders, academics and community leaders across the region, who suggested FedDev Ontario take a leadership role in building a link between technical knowledge and business skills to help foster innovation. For more information on this initiative, please refer to the backgrounder.

"Our government understands that science powers commerce. To remain at the forefront of the global economy, we will continue to invest in the people, labs, facilities and ideas that will produce tomorrow's breakthroughs," said Rick Dykstra, Member of Parliament for St.Catharines.

FedDev Ontario was created as part of Canada's Economic Action Plan to support businesses and communities in southern Ontario. Now in its second year of operation, the Agency is launching a number of initiatives to create a Southern Ontario Advantage and place the region in a strong position to compete in the global economy. These initiatives are designed to support businesses and other organizations through partnerships and investments in skills and training; innovation; research and development; and increased productivity. To learn more, please visit www.feddevontario.gc.ca or call 1-866-593-5505.

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For more information, contact:
Gary Toft
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Gary Goodyear
613-943-7599

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