Rick Norlock

[National Seniors Day, October 2nd, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, we celebrated National Seniors Day, an occasion to honour those who make our country the best in the world.

Recently, our office held a successful seniors information day in co-operation with Trenton Seniors Club 105. We were fortunate to have the Minister of State for Seniors join us. The purpose of this event was to inform seniors, as well as caregivers and families, of some of the many services available that cater specifically to the needs of our seniors.

Our riding of Northumberland--Quinte West has been honoured with many new horizons for seniors fund applications over the past year.

Initiatives, like the new horizons for seniors program, are helping to ensure that seniors stay active, engaged and informed to continue as participating members of their communities.

I would like to take this time to personally recognize all of the seniors in Northumberland--Quinte West, as well as across this great country, and extend personal thanks for their many invaluable contributions.

[Public Safety, September 25th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, today a lawsuit is being filed by a former prisoner claiming that the Government of Canada violated his human rights by not providing him with clean needles to inject illegal substances while he is in prison.

My constituents are concerned not only that convicted violent prisoners are doing drugs but that they want to have their needles paid for by the Canadian taxpayers.

Can the Minister of Public Safety please comment on whether he will establish a needle exchange program for prisoners and what he is doing to stop illegal drugs in our prisons?

[Jobs, Growth and Long-term Prosperity Act, June 12th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, I have a couple of questions for my hon. friend from Sault Ste. Marie.

We listened across the way just a short while ago about how huge this budget is and the tremendous size. The member was holding up a book and said it was bigger than a telephone book. I wonder if the member might make a comment on that.

Also, I wonder if he could tell us a bit more about the innovation centres and the tremendous investment that this government, through this budget, would make and has made in the past through research and development, the engine that will drive this economy well into the future.

[International Trade, June 8th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, the NDP members continue to make it clear that they are anti-free traders. Shamefully, they continue to oppose our government's free trade agreement with Panama, a strategic hub. Surprisingly, the anti-free trade NDP and the member for Dartmouth—Cole Harbour called free trade agreements job destroying.

Could the parliamentary secretary share with the House how, unlike the NDP, our government's pro-trade plan is creating opportunities for Canadians?

[Protecting Canada's Immigration System Act, June 8th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member has explained in layman's terms exactly what this change in immigration policy is, but one of the concerns out there is the situation surrounding detention. There has been a lot of misinformation, most of it emanating from the other side of this chamber, but there is some misinterpretation from members of the public because of that. I wonder if the parliamentary secretary could expand on some of the issues surrounding the detention part of the bill.

[Town of Cobourg, June 1st, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House today to recognize and celebrate the 175th anniversary of the town of Cobourg.

Founded in 1837, Cobourg has served as an economic hub for the surrounding region and will continue to be a leading community in eastern Ontario. Cobourg has a rich historical heritage. In fact, the town was home to the first post-Confederation life-saving marine rescue centre, established by the Government of Canada in 1882.

This year also marks the 200th anniversary of a battle fought near the town during the War of 1812. Furthermore, Cobourg is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the appointment of Canada's first judge advocate general, Major-General Henry Smith, whose burial site was recently discovered in Cobourg.

I ask all members of the House join me in saluting and paying tribute to the hard-working people of Cobourg as they celebrate this historical and significant year.

Happy anniversary Cobourg.

[Business of Supply, May 9th, 2012]

Mr. Chair, perhaps the minister could talk about how improvements, such as the $4 million announcement he made at CFB Borden and improvements at CFB Trenton, will improve the lives of our men and women in uniform and their families, and what they do with regard to safety and success.

[Business of Supply, May 9th, 2012]

Mr. Chair, I think I'll preclude a statement and go right to a couple of questions for the Minister of National Defence.

The first question has to do with the Canada first defence strategy.

There are six core missions for the Canadian Forces, which include conducting daily domestic and continental operations, as well as in the Arctic through Norad and supporting civilian authorities. I wonder if the minister could expand on examples of the Canadian Forces' delivery of excellence at home.

[Jobs, Growth and Long-term Prosperity Act, May 4th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, I would like the hon. member to expand on what it means to debate the issue of proper environmental assessment. How is this going to help increase investment in our country so that we are able to export to the rest of the world and create jobs right here in Canada?

[Jobs, Growth and Long-term Prosperity Act, May 4th, 2012]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to talk to my colleague more about what this budget means for the development of our resources, both in western Canada and right across this country of ours. He talked about the—