MP NEWS RELEASE: Armstrong Applauds Tax Credit for Volunteer Firefighters
March 22, 2011
OTTAWA, ON - Cumberland Colchester Musquodoboit Valley MP Scott Armstrong applauded measures taken today by the Conservative Government to implement a $3,000 tax credit for volunteer firefighters across Canada.
These important measures were presented in the 2011-2012 Federal Budget. In order to pass, however, the Budget needs the support of at least one of the opposition parties. Without opposition support, the tax credit would not take effect and Canadians would be sent to the polls for the 4th election in 6 years.
"This tax credit is something I have fought very hard for, and something I'm very pleased to see in this budget. It is recognition on the part of this government of the importance of volunteer firefighters to rural communities" said Armstrong. "I call on the Liberals and NDP to join the government and support this important initiative by voting for the budget".
In particular, Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff has sent letters to volunteer fire departments across Canada saying he is supportive of the tax credit. Voting against the budget would represent a vote against every volunteer fighter in the country and will reinforce the message that the Liberal Leader says one thing when campaigning and does another when it comes time to vote.
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GOVERNMENT OF CANADA SUPPORTS REVITALIZATION OF DOWNTOWN AMHERST
March 20, 2011
AMHERST, NS – The Town of Amherst is boosting economic development capacity and community pride through the creation of a revitalized downtown core, with support from the Government of Canada.
“The economy is our government’s top priority,” said Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. “Our investment today supports the development of a more vibrant, economically sustainable downtown Amherst. Community residents will benefit from more social and cultural activities, enhanced tourism and job creation.”
The investment supports the implementation of Phase II of the Downtown Amherst Action Plan, which includes the creation of additional outdoor space, improved flow of vehicle and pedestrian traffic, aesthetic improvements and two new welcoming entrances to the downtown core.
“The Downtown Centre First Project is the centrepiece of Amherst's strategic priorities which Council established two years ago" said Rob Small, Mayor of the Town of Amherst. “This project will enable us to continue our downtown revitalization, supporting the overall development of Amherst as a regional service centre and enhancing community pride and spirit in the process."
The Government of Canada’s $1,050,000 investment is in addition to the Town of Amherst’s $2,550,000 contribution to the project.
The Government of Canada’s investment is provided through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) which focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in rural communities.
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GOVERNMENTS OF CANADA AND NOVA SCOTIA SUPPORT FUNDY SIGNAGE PROGRAM
March 20, 2011
AMHERST, NS – Communities throughout the Bay of Fundy region are building upon the fame of one of the world’s great natural wonders to stimulate local tourism through a comprehensive signage program supported by the governments of Canada and Nova Scotia.
“The economy is our government’s top priority,” said Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. “Our investment supports communities along the Fundy Coast whose development and growth is supported, in part, by the tourism sector and the promotion of local products and services.”
"The government of Nova Scotia is pleased to invest in this important initiative, which will support the tourism industry and economic growth of communities along the Fundy Coast,” said Percy Paris, Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism. “The Bay of Fundy is a top natural wonder and we encourage all Canadians to show their support and vote, either online or by text."
The investments support the development of a signage program for the Bay of Fundy, which will include way-finding, identification, directional and welcome signage for communities and attractions throughout the area. The program will be managed by the Cumberland Regional Economic Development Association (CREDA). The Bay of Fundy is Canada’s official finalist in the “New Seven Wonders of the World” competition.
“Our communities are focused on establishing the Fundy Shore as a premier tourism destination,” said Rhonda Kelly, Executive Director of CREDA. “This project will support us in achieving this goal by giving the Bay a sense of presence and an indication to visitors of its level of importance.”
In addition to ACOA’s $23,000 investment and Nova Scotia Economic and Rural Development and Tourism (NSERDT)’s $29,000 investment, local regional development agencies are contributing $8,850 in cash and in-kind support.
The Government of Canada’s investment is provided through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF) which focuses on investments that lead to long-term employment and economic capacity building in rural communities.
People can support the Bay of Fundy bid with a text message from a mobile phone. Simply text the word FUNDY to 77077. Text voting is available across Canada and each text vote costs $0.25. People can also vote online at votemyfundy.com.
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NOVA SCOTIA AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE OPENS FIRST NATIONAL CHRISTMAS TREE RESEARCH CENTRE
March 12, 2011
BIBLE HILL, NS - The first, national Christmas Tree Research Centre dedicated to providing support and research to the Atlantic Christmas tree industry will officially open at 10:00 a.m. this Saturday, March 12, 2011 at Nova Scotia Agricultural College in Bible Hill.
“Our government is pleased to support the Christmas Tree Research Centre at Nova Scotia Agricultural College,” said Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit MP Scott Armstrong, who will speak at the opening on behalf of ACOA Minister Keith Ashfield. “Investment in innovative research and development is essential to the creation of new economic opportunities for Atlantic Canada.”
NSAC received nearly $2.4 million from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA’s) Atlantic Innovation Fund over a five-year period to aid in the development of SMART Christmas trees or “A” grade trees with all the desirable attributes and technologies to control needle drop.
Driven by a commitment to rural sustainability, this $6 million research program, led by Dr. Raj Lada will research products and technologies to enhance needle retention as well as produce a “SMART Balsam”, which epitomizes an ideal tree - full, sturdy architecture, unique fragrance, blue-green needles, free of pests with the ability to retain its needles for up to three months or more.
Christmas tree growing and exporting is a $100 million industry in Atlantic Canada employing 20,000 people. Lada has also established the Atlantic Christmas Tree Research and Development Consortium to open communication and discussion among researchers in various universities, those working in the industry and Atlantic provincial government departments.
“This is great news for Atlantic Canada’s Christmas tree industry and it will make us a world leader in balsam fir Christmas tree research,” said Agriculture Minister John MacDonell. “We are pleased to support the Centre and the research work that will take place for an industry that creates good jobs and grows the economy in rural Nova Scotia.”
Lada has been awarded several grants and research support through national, regional and provincial funding agencies including the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency – Atlantic Innovation Fund, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, AgriFutures – Advancing Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food, NB Growing Forward, Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, Christmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia and Smart Christmas Tree Research Cooperatives Limited.
“I am truly humbled by this experience and by the support of NSAC and various funding agencies, industry partners and provincial governments of Atlantic Canada,” said Dr. Raj Lada, founding director of the Centre. “I am honoured to lead the CRC in contributing to the knowledge and innovation chain in promoting rural biowealth,” he added.
The Christmas Tree Research Centre aims to enhance Atlantic Canada’s knowledge-based bio¬economy through the development of science-driven, innovative technologies and products for increasing the sustainability of Atlantic Canada’s Christmas trees and Greenery industry.
NSAC is a specialized university that cultivates learning and research, focusing on improving and sustaining our environment for the health and well-being of society.
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GOVERNMENT OF CANADA SUPPORTS ENHANCEMENTS
TO GLOOSCAP HERITAGE CENTRE IN MILLBROOK
TO GLOOSCAP HERITAGE CENTRE IN MILLBROOK
March 11, 2011
TRURO, NS – The Glooscap Heritage Society will upgrade the Glooscap Learning Annex at the Heritage Centre in the Truro Power Centre and expand the programming available to visitors with assistance from the Government of Canada.
“It is important to make people aware of our rich Mi’kmaq heritage in Nova Scotia and the work planned for the Glooscap Heritage Centre will give visitors a greater understanding of the life and culture of our First Peoples,” said Scott Armstrong, MP for Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. “The Glooscap Heritage Centre has become an important tourist attraction in Truro and the proposed enhancements will enrich the experience of visitors to the region.”
The Heritage Society will add landscape features and interpretive gardens, including plants and trees significant to the Mi’kmaq culture. A nearby annex building will be renovated and redesigned to enable the Centre to provide workshops on drumming, language, art and aboriginal theatre.
The Government of Canada’s investment of $86,000 is being provided through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF). The Glooscap Heritage Society will contribute $86,458 to the project. Other contributors include the Colchester Regional Development Agency ($1,000) and Home Depot ($5,000).
“This project will help attract more visitors to the Centre and extend their length of stay.” said Joyce Mingo, Executive Director of the Centre. “Once completed, staff will offer interpretive tours of gardens highlighting various species and their connection to the people, the land and the natural environment. As well this expansion will allow the public access to live Aboriginal theatre in the annex.”
The Glooscap Heritage Centre opened in June, 2006, and features artifacts and displays representative of Mi’kmaq culture and traditions.
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GOVERNMENT OF CANADA TO REBUILD ADVOCATE HARBOUR SEAWALL
February 24, 2011
ADVOCATE HARBOUR, NS – The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, joined Member of Parliament Scott Armstrong in announcing the Government of Canada’s support in the rebuilding of the seawall in Advocate Harbour, Nova Scotia.
“This is an investment in the future of this community,” said Minister Shea. “Rebuilding the seawall will protect local infrastructure, agricultural land and private property.”
A portion of the seawall is located on shoreline property owned by the Canadian Coast Guard, which operates a navigational aid at the extreme end of the property. A 2008 storm resulted in significant damage to the western end of the barrier. Concerns were raised by local residents that the damage to the seawall could result in damage to the community.
“The people of Advocate Harbour depend on the fishing industry and tourism. This harbour is vital to the community and the people who live or visit here and I am proud to be here to announce our Government’s support,” said Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland- Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley.
In 2010, Canadian Coast Guard partnered with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency to fund a study into the work required to stabilize the seawall. The second phase of this study is currently underway. Plans to rebuild the seawall will be based on the findings of that study.
The rebuilding project will begin later this year. As the work gets underway, Fisheries and Oceans Canada will begin negotiations to transfer ownership of the property to other interested parties, with the exception of a small section of land needed for the navigational aid.
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GOVERNMENT OF CANADA HELPS THOSE WHO ARE HOMELESS, OR AT RISK OF HOMELESSNESS, IN AMHERST
February 22, 2011
AMHERST, NS — Women and children in need in the Amherst area will benefit from an improved transitional housing facility, thanks to support from the Government of Canada. Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland—Colchester—Musquodoboit Valley, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
Our government is giving a hand-up to Canadians with housing needs, and is helping those seeking to break free from the cycle of homelessness and poverty,” said Mr. Armstrong. “Through this investment, we can make improvements to local facilities and provide our most vulnerable citizens with the help they need, in a safe and secure environment.”
"Autumn House is very grateful to the Federal Government's Homelessness Partnering Strategy for the monies received through this grant," said Terry Cove, Executive Director, Cumberland County Transition Association. "Our budget for maintenance is limited and we rely on grants such as this and community support in order to operate. With the grant moneywe plan to enhance security at the shelter, increase heating efficiencies and do repairs to the siding on the building."
Homelessness Partnering Strategy funding of close to $20,000 is being used by the Cumberland County Transition House Association to enhance the safety and security of its transitional facility, Autumn House, and to complete minor renovations. Autumn House offers services to women and their children who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, including shelter and counseling.
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HRSDC News Release: THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA HELPS TRURO YOUTH PREPARE FOR THE JOB MARKET
February 18, 2011
TRURO, NS -- Local youth who face barriers to employment will get job preparation training and work experience through the Government of Canada’s support for an employment project. Mr. Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland–Colchester–Musquodoboit Valley, made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
“For many young Canadians, making the transition to the job market is a challenge, especially in today’s environment,” said Mr. Armstrong. “That’s why our government is creating opportunities for youth to succeed through support for initiatives like this youth employment project.”
With assistance from the federal Skills Link program, the Community Enhancement Association will help eight youth develop the skills and experience needed to find a job or the confidence to return to school.
The project participants will attend life and employability workshops that focus on topics such as communication and problem solving, in order to develop their job skills.
Skills Link helps youth facing barriers to employment, such as single parents, Aboriginal youth, youth with disabilities, recent immigrants, youth living in rural and remote areas, and youth who have dropped out of high school.
The Community Enhancement Association will receive over $60,000 in federal Skills Link funding to support its youth employment project.
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HOEPPNER TO JOIN ARMSTRONG FOR MEET & GREET FEB. 18TH
February 14, 2011
STEWIACKE, NS -- Cumberland Colchester Musquodoboit Valley MP Scott Armstrong is pleased welcome Candice Hoeppner, MP for Portage Lisgar to Stewiacke on Friday, February 18th.
Ms. Hoeppner was the driving force behind Bill C-391 which sought to eliminate the Long Gun Registry. Unfortunately, the Liberals, NDP, and Bloc Quebecois combined forces to defeat the Bill. Despite this setback, Ms. Hoeppner and Mr. Armstrong still continue our fight to repeal this harmful, expensive, and inefficient legislation.
Please join them at Whistler's Pub in Stewiacke this coming Friday at 12pm for an informal Meet & Greet. This will be an excellent opportunity to share your thoughts with Ms. Hoeppner on her continued efforts to stand up for hunters, farmers, and all rural Canadians.
Ms. Hoeppner was the driving force behind Bill C-391 which sought to eliminate the Long Gun Registry. Unfortunately, the Liberals, NDP, and Bloc Quebecois combined forces to defeat the Bill. Despite this setback, Ms. Hoeppner and Mr. Armstrong still continue our fight to repeal this harmful, expensive, and inefficient legislation.
Please join them at Whistler's Pub in Stewiacke this coming Friday at 12pm for an informal Meet & Greet. This will be an excellent opportunity to share your thoughts with Ms. Hoeppner on her continued efforts to stand up for hunters, farmers, and all rural Canadians.
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AGE OF SAIL HERITAGE CENTRE EXPANDS WITH HELP FROM THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA
January 25, 2011
PORT GREVILLE, NS – The Government of Canada is supporting Phase One of the restoration and expansion of the Age of Sail Heritage Centre in Port Greville, Nova Scotia.
“Our government is proud to invest in this heritage preservation project,” said Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. “Through this investment, this cultural landmark can better share the rich history of the area and demonstrate the significance of shipbuilding to the communities surrounding the Bay of Fundy.”
The project, which is managed by the Cumberland Regional Economic Development Association (CREDA), is the first step in a multi-year plan to expand and renovate the 150-year-old facility and construct the two-story Wind, Waves and Tides exhibit building. The Government of Canada’s funding in this phase will allow for the completion of the lower level of the building providing space for exhibit displays, storage of artifacts, genealogy research, workshops, and community gatherings.
The Government of Canada made their $98,192 investment through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund, while additional funding has come from the Municipality of County of Cumberland ($24,000), the Greville Bay Shipbuilding Museum Society ($24,000), and CREDA ($7,480).
“The cultural legacy presented at the Age of Sail Heritage Centre is one of the many assets visitors to this area can experience,” said Rhonda Kelly, Executive Director of the Cumberland Regional Economic Development Association. “It’s an accurate depiction of life during the early shipbuilding era and brings to life the history of the trade.”
“This facility has a major role to play in preserving and illustrating this area’s rich history,” said Ohra Colins, President of the Greville Bay Shipbuilding Museum Society. “With this expansion, we will be able to offer visitors an enhanced, memorable experience as well as provide new programs and a new venue to enhance community activities. Our sincere appreciation for this funding goes to everyone involved and we will do you proud.
“The expansion and preservation is an opportunity to protect and preserve our rich ship-building past,” said John Kellegrew, Deputy Warden of the Municipality of the County of Cumberland. “The Municipality of County of Cumberland is proud to support this important project.”
The Age of Sail Heritage Centre is operated by the Greville Bay Shipbuilding Museum Society, and is dedicated to preserving the lumbering and shipbuilding history of the Parrsboro Shore through the collection of artifacts and archives.
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HARPER GOVERNMENT STRENGTHENS CANADA'S KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY
January 21, 2011
TRURO, NS - Canada will strengthen its position as a leading destination for the world’s top research talent, thanks to a new investment that will provide universities across the province with new facilities and equipment. The announcement was made by Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland –Colchester- Musquodoboit Valley on behalf of the Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology), today at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College.
“Supporting science is key to Canada’s future economic growth,” said Mr. Armstrong “Our government’s commitment to helping universities attract and retain world-leading research talent will lead to discoveries that improve the quality of life of Canadians and create new jobs.”
In Nova Scotia a total of $1.9 million will be invested. T he universities receiving funds are Cape Breton University for two projects, Dalhousie University for nine projects, here at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College for three projects, Saint Mary’s University for one project, and St. Francis Xavier University for one project.
These investments provide researchers across Canada with the tools necessary to carry out a range of frontier research.
The Leaders Opportunity Fund supports Canada’s quickly evolving research environment by giving Canadian universities the flexibility they need to attract and retain the world’s finest researchers at a time of intense international competition.
The Canada Foundation for Innovation’s Board of Directors approved a total investment of $61,291,274 following a rigorous and independent merit-review process. This amount included $47,147,134 awarded under the Leaders Opportunity Fund, and another $14,144,140 awarded under the Infrastructure Operating Fund, a complementary program designed to contribute to the incremental operating and maintenance costs of infrastructure projects funded by the Foundation.
For a complete list of CFI-funded projects, visit www.innovation.ca.
For Canadian research success stories, visit the CFI’s online magazine, www.innovationcanada.ca.
The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) is an independent corporation created by the Government of Canada to fund research infrastructure. The CFI’s mandate is to strengthen the capacity of Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions to carry out world-class research and technology development that benefits Canadians. Since its creation in 1997, the CFI has committed $5.3 billion in support of more than 6,800 projects at 131 research institutions in 65 municipalities across Canada.
“Supporting science is key to Canada’s future economic growth,” said Mr. Armstrong “Our government’s commitment to helping universities attract and retain world-leading research talent will lead to discoveries that improve the quality of life of Canadians and create new jobs.”
In Nova Scotia a total of $1.9 million will be invested. T he universities receiving funds are Cape Breton University for two projects, Dalhousie University for nine projects, here at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College for three projects, Saint Mary’s University for one project, and St. Francis Xavier University for one project.
These investments provide researchers across Canada with the tools necessary to carry out a range of frontier research.
The Leaders Opportunity Fund supports Canada’s quickly evolving research environment by giving Canadian universities the flexibility they need to attract and retain the world’s finest researchers at a time of intense international competition.
The Canada Foundation for Innovation’s Board of Directors approved a total investment of $61,291,274 following a rigorous and independent merit-review process. This amount included $47,147,134 awarded under the Leaders Opportunity Fund, and another $14,144,140 awarded under the Infrastructure Operating Fund, a complementary program designed to contribute to the incremental operating and maintenance costs of infrastructure projects funded by the Foundation.
For a complete list of CFI-funded projects, visit www.innovation.ca.
For Canadian research success stories, visit the CFI’s online magazine, www.innovationcanada.ca.
The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) is an independent corporation created by the Government of Canada to fund research infrastructure. The CFI’s mandate is to strengthen the capacity of Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions to carry out world-class research and technology development that benefits Canadians. Since its creation in 1997, the CFI has committed $5.3 billion in support of more than 6,800 projects at 131 research institutions in 65 municipalities across Canada.
ACOA News Release: GOVERNMENT OF CANADA SUPPORTS THE RESTORATION OF THINKERS’ LODGE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
January 20, 2011
PUGWASH, NS – The Government of Canada is making a major investment in Phase Two of the restoration of Thinkers’ Lodge National Historic Site in Pugwash, Nova Scotia and in the development of key strategic plans to guide the development of the site.
“Our government is pleased to support the Cumberland Regional Economic Development Association (CREDA) in its work to preserve Thinkers’ Lodge National Historic Site,” said Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. “Thinkers’ Lodge is known as the birthplace of the Pugwash movement, a transnational organization that led the movement for a nuclear free world, and for which it received the 1995 Nobel Prize for Peace. Our government is honoured to help in the restoration of this treasured historic site.”
The project is the second phase of an extensive restoration project to bring Thinkers’ Lodge back to its original status as a significant heritage property and a beacon for world peace. The multi-year project involves the interior restoration of Thinkers’ Lodge building and enhancement of the grounds, and will include the development of an interpretative master plan, business plan and marketing strategy.
The project is receiving $750,000 from ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund. The other funding partners involved include Nova Scotia Tourism, Culture and Heritage ($30,000); the Municipality of the County of Cumberland ($50,000); the Cumberland Regional Economic Development Association ($121,000); and the Pugwash Park Commission $50,000).
"The Nova Scotia government is proud to support Thinkers' Lodge National Historic Site, a unique and inspirational place offering a living history experience for those who seek to build a better world for future generations," said Percy Paris, Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism. "The interpretive plan will allow Cyrus Eaton's fascinating story to be told in an engaging and informative way that will attract visitors to the region."
"This is a great day for Thinkers’ Lodge National Historic Site, for the Village of Pugwash and Cumberland County and for the international movement toward a world free of Nuclear Weapons," said John Eaton, Chair of the Pugwash Park Commission.
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MP ARMSTRONG HOSTS CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
Date: Monday December 20, 2010
Time: 4:30 - 7:30pm
Location: Constituency Office - 18 Willow Street, Suite 101
Please join Scott as we celebrate a great 2010 for the riding of Cumberland Colchester Musquodoboit Valley, and as we celebrate in the spirit of the season. Hope to see you all there!
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PRISON EXPANSION SUPPORTS COMMITMENT TO BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES AND SAFER STREETS
December 10, 2010
TRURO, NS – Today, Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley, on behalf of the Honourable Vic Toews, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety, announced the Government of Canada is investing in the expansion of Nova Institution for Women to better provide for the protection, safety and security of Canadians.
“Our Government is proud to be on the right side of this issue — the side of law-abiding citizens, the side of victims who want justice, and the side that understands the cost of a safe and secure society is an investment worth making,” said Mr. Armstrong. “The expansion of Nova Institution reaffirms our commitment to Canadians’ safety, and ensuring that criminals serve sentences that better reflect the severity of their crimes. Our investment also ensures that access to correctional programs while criminals are paying their debt to society remains consistent.”
This $2.5-million expansion will involve the construction of 18 new accommodation spaces at Nova Institution for Women. These investments will include expanded accommodations for women with significant cognitive limitations or mental health needs. It is anticipated that the new living units will be completed in 2012-13.
“In the previous system, a violent criminal sentenced to nine years in prison could potentially be on our streets in as few as three years if he or she spent two years awaiting trial. This possibility is not acceptable to Canadians,” said Mr. Armstrong. “We are acting to ensure that criminals pay their debt – their full debt – to society.”
It is anticipated that over the coming years, the Correctional Service of Canada will be adding over 2,700 beds to men’s and women’s facilities across Canada.
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21st Anniversary of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
December 2, 2010
On December 6, 2010, we mark the 21st anniversary of the Montréal massacre, in which 14 young women were targeted and murdered because of their gender. Our Government remains committed to ending violence against women.
Statistics reveal the grim truth that women and girls are most often the victims of violence and assault. Here is a snapshot of the numbers in any given year:
- close to 200 women or girls are killed in acts of gender-based violence;
- there are 146 female victims of homicide in Canada, 45 of whom are victims of spousal homicide;
- 83 percent 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.
At this time of year, as commemorative dates focus our attention on issues of violence against women, may we reflect on these facts and rededicate ourselves to ending the violence.
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PM ANNOUNCES SUPPORT FOR NEW CENTRAL NOVA SCOTIA CIVIC CENTRE
January 21, 2010
TRURO, NS – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced federal support for the Central Nova Scotia Civic Centre in Truro as part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan. The facility will house an NHL-sized rink and will benefit the local economy while promoting physical fitness in the area. The Government of Nova Scotia, the Town of Truro and the Municipality of the County of Colchester will also be contributing partners.
“We are supporting infrastructure projects across Canada that promote stronger, healthier communities,” said Prime Minister Harper. “This new Civic Centre will create short- and long-term jobs and result in a more physically active community.”
The facility will serve residents across the region. It includes a three-lane walking track, an aquatic centre with an eight-lane competitive pool, a leisure pool, a fitness centre and other multipurpose spaces.
The Government’s Economic Action Plan included almost $12 billion in new infrastructure funding to stimulate the economy and lay the foundation for long-term economic growth.
To learn more about Canada’s Economic Action Plan, visit http://www.actionplan.gc.ca/eng/index.asp.
For more information on infrastructure investments, visit http://www.creatingjobs.gc.ca.
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PAWSITIVE DIRECTIONS CANINE PROGRAM WILL CONTINUE
December 04, 2009
OTTAWA, ON – Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley, made the following statement following the Correctional Service of Canada’s decision that the Pawsitive Directions Canine Program at the Nova Institute for Women will continue.
“This Government is committed to listening to the concerns of Canadians, and delivering results. I would like to thank everyone who expressed concern over the potential loss of the Pawsitive Directions Canine Program at the Nova Institute for Women.
This morning, I raised this issue directly with the Office of Hon. Peter Van Loan, Minister of Public Safety. The Minister took a personal interest, and immediately asked the Correctional Service of Canada to do whatever possible to ensure that the program continues.
I am pleased to say the Correctional Service of Canada has confirmed its commitment to maintaining the service provided by this important program.”
PROVINCIAL JAIL MUST REMAIN IN CUMBERLAND COUNTY
December 02, 2009
OTTAWA, ON – The Nova Scotia NDP government’s decision to put on hold the construction of a new provincial jail does not sit well with Scott Armstrong, MP for Cumberland Colchester Musquodoboit Valley.
“Premier Dexter’s decision to put this on hold after the announced construction in Cumberland by the former government does a disservice to the residents of the County,”Armstrong noted. He added the county has had a provincial jail since the Amherst facility’s construction in 1890 and it should continue to have a facility and the jobs that go with it.
“The Provincial NDP government has only been in office since June and already they are taking services out of Cumberland County,” said Armstrong, who heard many complaints about the situation from Cumberland County residents during the November by-election. “This provincial jail would employ 70 people and would have a positive economic spin-off for the entire county.”
Nova Scotia’s Justice Minister Ross Landry has used economics as a justification for the decision to build one 100-cell jail between Truro and Antigonish and not two new smaller jails for the province as had been announced by the former government. Armstrong charges that the decision may have more to do with politics than economics.
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“It will not be lost upon the constituents of Cumberland County that one of the provincial constituencies located in the proposed new area for construction is that of the justice minister. Regardless of where this facility is eventually built, the fact remains the NDP government made the pledge to honour the previous governments’ commitments if elected. This decision violates the spirit of that pledge ”
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