AbitibiBowater is still reviewing the details of a one-billion dollar federal aid package for Canada's pulp and paper industry
Spokesperson Seth Kursman says its welcomed news and appears both the Fort Frances and Thunder Bay mills may qualify for some of that money.
He says the company still needs more details about the fund and how it will be administer.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Youth Coming Back Soon
A timetable has now been set to bring youth housed in a Thunder Bay facility back to the native youth detention centre in Fort Frances.
A spokesperson with the Ministry of Children and Youth Services now says arrangements are being made to have all six returned to the Ge-Da-Gi-Binez Youth Centre by the end of this month.
All of the centre's youth were removed following an altercation between five youth and two staff members on June 3rd.
Ministry and centre staff have been meeting since to review the incident.
A spokesperson with the Ministry of Children and Youth Services now says arrangements are being made to have all six returned to the Ge-Da-Gi-Binez Youth Centre by the end of this month.
All of the centre's youth were removed following an altercation between five youth and two staff members on June 3rd.
Ministry and centre staff have been meeting since to review the incident.
Police Looking for Owner of Found Money
Someone who made a clothing donation to a Thunder Bay Value Village discount store may have been more generous than they intended.
Police say several thousand dollars in cash was found mixed in with clothing donations made to the store last August
But where the money came from remains anybodys guess.
Police are hoping someone will come forward to claim the money.
Police say several thousand dollars in cash was found mixed in with clothing donations made to the store last August
But where the money came from remains anybodys guess.
Police are hoping someone will come forward to claim the money.
ehealth Changes
The chairman of the e-Health board has resigned, but opposition parties say Health Minister David Caplan should also go.
Doctor Alan Hudson follows C-E-O Sarah Kramer out the door after she received a $314thousand payout.
The departures come after the agency awarded millions of dollars in untendered consulting contracts.
Meantime, the premier says government ministries and agencies will no longer be allowed to award contracts to consultants without a competitive bidding process.
Premier Dalton McGuinty made the changes as he moved to quash a growing scandal at eHealth.
He says the agency should not have awarded $5 million in untendered consulting contracts.
Doctor Alan Hudson follows C-E-O Sarah Kramer out the door after she received a $314thousand payout.
The departures come after the agency awarded millions of dollars in untendered consulting contracts.
Meantime, the premier says government ministries and agencies will no longer be allowed to award contracts to consultants without a competitive bidding process.
Premier Dalton McGuinty made the changes as he moved to quash a growing scandal at eHealth.
He says the agency should not have awarded $5 million in untendered consulting contracts.
Admission Guidelines Change
The Ontario government is loosening the rules for students to be eligible to attend French schools.
The province has instructed French school boards to make their classes more ``welcoming'' to children whose grandparents' first language is French and to French-speaking new Canadians.
The education ministry says the move will streamline admission guidelines in Ontario's 12 French school boards.
The province has instructed French school boards to make their classes more ``welcoming'' to children whose grandparents' first language is French and to French-speaking new Canadians.
The education ministry says the move will streamline admission guidelines in Ontario's 12 French school boards.
Forest Fire Help to Alberta
More help from Ontario is heading west to battle forest fires.
About 118 Ministry of Natural Resources firefighters and support staff are expected to leave for northern Alberta today
With 175 personnel already in BC, spokesperson Debbie MacLean says this latest deployment won't leave resources thin in northwestern Ontario.
"We do still have fire crews at all bases," says MacLean. "In addition, we have the capability of bringing in what we call type 2 crews. We have already called them in and resources are adequate."
MacLean says the number of people being sent to Alberta could be also reduced if the forest fire situation changes.
Six new fires were reported yesterday in the West Fire Region with active ones burning in the Dryden, Sioux Lookout and Red Lake areas.
There are no active fires in the Fort Frances fire district.
About 118 Ministry of Natural Resources firefighters and support staff are expected to leave for northern Alberta today
With 175 personnel already in BC, spokesperson Debbie MacLean says this latest deployment won't leave resources thin in northwestern Ontario.
"We do still have fire crews at all bases," says MacLean. "In addition, we have the capability of bringing in what we call type 2 crews. We have already called them in and resources are adequate."
MacLean says the number of people being sent to Alberta could be also reduced if the forest fire situation changes.
Six new fires were reported yesterday in the West Fire Region with active ones burning in the Dryden, Sioux Lookout and Red Lake areas.
There are no active fires in the Fort Frances fire district.
Federal Aid Package Panned
N-D-P's forestry critic says a new aid package for Canada's forest industry doesn't address the issues impacting the industry.
Ottawa is providing the struggling pulp and paper industry with a billion dollars for capital improvements that increases productions and use of clean energy.
But Thunder Bay-Rainy River M-P John Rafferty says doubts it will help mills or their workers much.
"While this is welcomed and certainly the environmental measures at pulp and paper mills is good," says Rafferty, "but not everyone is going to be able to access that. This announcement doesn't create one forestry job, nor does it safe one forestry job."
Rafferty is also disappointed the government won't meet the "black liquor" subsidies provided to U-S mills.
Ottawa is providing the struggling pulp and paper industry with a billion dollars for capital improvements that increases productions and use of clean energy.
But Thunder Bay-Rainy River M-P John Rafferty says doubts it will help mills or their workers much.
"While this is welcomed and certainly the environmental measures at pulp and paper mills is good," says Rafferty, "but not everyone is going to be able to access that. This announcement doesn't create one forestry job, nor does it safe one forestry job."
Rafferty is also disappointed the government won't meet the "black liquor" subsidies provided to U-S mills.
Youth Detention Centre Still Empty
There is no word yet when youth moved to Thunder Bay will return to the native youth detention in Fort Frances.
The centre's six youth were sent to the city's facility following a June 3rd altercation between some of the youth detained at the Ge-Da-Gi-Binez Youth Centre and two staff members.
A spokesperson with the Ministry of Children and Youth Services says ministry and centre staff are still reviewing the incident and discussing a possible return of the youth.
But Anne Smith could not say when that would happen.
The centre's six youth were sent to the city's facility following a June 3rd altercation between some of the youth detained at the Ge-Da-Gi-Binez Youth Centre and two staff members.
A spokesperson with the Ministry of Children and Youth Services says ministry and centre staff are still reviewing the incident and discussing a possible return of the youth.
But Anne Smith could not say when that would happen.
Flu Numbers Up in Ontario
The numbers in northwestern Ontario has brought the province's total of H1N1 flu cases to over 2,200.
As of Tuesday, eighteen people with the virus were in hospital, although the province says a number of those people have underlying medical conditions.
Most of the people who were infected with the virus have recovered.
So far, two people in Ontario have died after contracting swine flu but both had chronic medical conditions.
As of Tuesday, eighteen people with the virus were in hospital, although the province says a number of those people have underlying medical conditions.
Most of the people who were infected with the virus have recovered.
So far, two people in Ontario have died after contracting swine flu but both had chronic medical conditions.
H1N1 Cases in Northwest Increase
The presence of the H1N1 flu virus in the far north has spiked the number of cases in northwestern Ontario.
The Northwestern Health Unit says there are now 26 confirmed cases of the flu.
Medical Officer of Health Doctor James Arthurs says the pandemic is having a big impact on remote First Nation communities.
"The leadership of first nations communities is also working with Health Canada," says Arthurs, "working with the public health agency of Canada and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care in Ontario to address the situation and identify any support from Ontario."
Arthurs says anti-viral medications are available in most remote communities to treat those who are effected.
But Arthurs say the Health Unit won't be revealing the communities impacted by the flu based on discussion with a number of agencies, including First Nations leaders.
The Northwestern Health Unit says there are now 26 confirmed cases of the flu.
Medical Officer of Health Doctor James Arthurs says the pandemic is having a big impact on remote First Nation communities.
"The leadership of first nations communities is also working with Health Canada," says Arthurs, "working with the public health agency of Canada and the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care in Ontario to address the situation and identify any support from Ontario."
Arthurs says anti-viral medications are available in most remote communities to treat those who are effected.
But Arthurs say the Health Unit won't be revealing the communities impacted by the flu based on discussion with a number of agencies, including First Nations leaders.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
MNR Enforcement Blitz Results Released
The Ministry of Natural Resources has released the results of a roadside check of anglers conducted last month.
The enforcement blitz held on the U-S Memorial Day resulted in 17 charges and five warnings.
Charges and warnings were issued for possessing an over limit of fish, making a false statement to a conservation officer, transporting fish taken unlawfully as they were in a restricted size range, unlawfully packaged fish which could not readily be counted, identified or measured and
a range of licence infractions, including fishing without a licence and failing to produce a licence.
As a result of a false statement made to a conservation officer at the road check, an investigation is underway, which may result in additional charges.
Almost 350 anglers were checked by Conservation and Treaty 3 police officers during the blitz.
The enforcement blitz held on the U-S Memorial Day resulted in 17 charges and five warnings.
Charges and warnings were issued for possessing an over limit of fish, making a false statement to a conservation officer, transporting fish taken unlawfully as they were in a restricted size range, unlawfully packaged fish which could not readily be counted, identified or measured and
a range of licence infractions, including fishing without a licence and failing to produce a licence.
As a result of a false statement made to a conservation officer at the road check, an investigation is underway, which may result in additional charges.
Almost 350 anglers were checked by Conservation and Treaty 3 police officers during the blitz.
New Fire Starts in Northwestern Ontario
Warm temperatures and dry conditions are pushing up the forest fire hazard in northwestern Ontario.
Yesterday, eight new fires confirmed in the Ministry of Natural Resources' West Fire Region.
Among them a small blaze 25 kilometres northeast of Mine Centre that started when a piece of industrial equipment caught fire.
Forestry workers on site helped to minimize the fire's spread which was smouldering by the time a Fire Ranger crew arrived.
Yesterday, eight new fires confirmed in the Ministry of Natural Resources' West Fire Region.
Among them a small blaze 25 kilometres northeast of Mine Centre that started when a piece of industrial equipment caught fire.
Forestry workers on site helped to minimize the fire's spread which was smouldering by the time a Fire Ranger crew arrived.
Highway Work Underway
The province hopes to create nearly five-thousand jobs across northern Ontario with $648 million dollars in road and highway projects.
Among projects taking place in the Rainy River district include the third phase of rehabilitation of the Noden Causeway.
Work on 21 kilometres of Highway 11, east of Fort Frances and another 15 kilometres near Atikokan are already taking place.
A 24 kilometre stretch of Highway 71 from the Highway 11 junction and 18 kilometres of Highway 502 from Highway 11 will also receive upgrades.
Among projects taking place in the Rainy River district include the third phase of rehabilitation of the Noden Causeway.
Work on 21 kilometres of Highway 11, east of Fort Frances and another 15 kilometres near Atikokan are already taking place.
A 24 kilometre stretch of Highway 71 from the Highway 11 junction and 18 kilometres of Highway 502 from Highway 11 will also receive upgrades.
Commercial Vehicle Blitz Underway
O-P-P across northwestern Ontario will be on the lookout for unsafe and aggressive commercial vehicle drivers over the next 24-hours.
'Operation Corridor' will focus on Highways 11 and 17.
Acting Traffic Manager for the Northwest Region Brent Anderson says even though Commercial carriers are among the safest drivers, an average of 50-charges are laid for various infractions during the 24-hour blitz.
'Operation Corridor' will focus on Highways 11 and 17.
Acting Traffic Manager for the Northwest Region Brent Anderson says even though Commercial carriers are among the safest drivers, an average of 50-charges are laid for various infractions during the 24-hour blitz.
Local Graduates Receive Nursing Degrees
It was also an historic night for five students at Confederation College's Convocation Ceremonies in Fort Frances.
They were among twenty across northwestern Ontario to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from Lakehead University through a community-based nursing program delivered at the College's regional campus.
Director at LU's School of Nursing Karen Poole says four-year pilot program was a huge success.
"What we've been able to do is bring the education to the students so they can stay, live in their own communities," says Poole, "practice nursing in their own communities. Now that they've finished the four years, they have jobs and we hope they can stay in the communities and contribute to the health of northwestern Ontario in that way. We are very pleased to have reached this point."
Students who enrolled in the program at the Rainy River district campus say the program has already helped them land jobs locally.
Both Lakehead University and Confederation College plan to evaluate the program with the hope of offering it again in 2010.
They were among twenty across northwestern Ontario to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from Lakehead University through a community-based nursing program delivered at the College's regional campus.
Director at LU's School of Nursing Karen Poole says four-year pilot program was a huge success.
"What we've been able to do is bring the education to the students so they can stay, live in their own communities," says Poole, "practice nursing in their own communities. Now that they've finished the four years, they have jobs and we hope they can stay in the communities and contribute to the health of northwestern Ontario in that way. We are very pleased to have reached this point."
Students who enrolled in the program at the Rainy River district campus say the program has already helped them land jobs locally.
Both Lakehead University and Confederation College plan to evaluate the program with the hope of offering it again in 2010.
Convocation Ceremonies Held in Fort Frances
It was a night of celebrations and recognition for the 2009 graduating class of Confederation College's Rainy River district campus.
Diplomas and certificates were awarded to nearly 50 students at Convocation ceremonies held at the Townsend Theatre
The college's Vice-President of Academic and Student Services Judi Maundrell offered congratulations to the students.
"Best wish for you as you leave the college, ready and able, to make a difference in your life and the life in other," said Maundrell. "Please ensure that you are of service to others anyway you can in your journey of life. We are proud to welcome you into the world of successful Confederation College alumni."
Bill Trochimchuck of the college's board of governors told the students it was a night to honour their success.
"The real intrigue and intoxication of personal success is the opportunity for you to write your own ending," said Trochimchuk. "Your academic achievement we celebrate today will help you do just that. Your Confederation College education is an investment in your personal success. You leave here today with the tools and the wisdom to achieve personal success."
Among the award winners was Melissa Wood of Fort Frances who earned the student leadership graduate award for her work as the campus' student president.
Diplomas and certificates were awarded to nearly 50 students at Convocation ceremonies held at the Townsend Theatre
The college's Vice-President of Academic and Student Services Judi Maundrell offered congratulations to the students.
"Best wish for you as you leave the college, ready and able, to make a difference in your life and the life in other," said Maundrell. "Please ensure that you are of service to others anyway you can in your journey of life. We are proud to welcome you into the world of successful Confederation College alumni."
Bill Trochimchuck of the college's board of governors told the students it was a night to honour their success.
"The real intrigue and intoxication of personal success is the opportunity for you to write your own ending," said Trochimchuk. "Your academic achievement we celebrate today will help you do just that. Your Confederation College education is an investment in your personal success. You leave here today with the tools and the wisdom to achieve personal success."
Among the award winners was Melissa Wood of Fort Frances who earned the student leadership graduate award for her work as the campus' student president.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Local College Student Graduate
It's graduation day for students at Confederation College's Fort Frances campus.
About 50 students will receive diplomas, including the very first group of graduates who will receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Convocation ceremonies take place at the Townsend Theatre beginning at 5:00 p.m.
About 50 students will receive diplomas, including the very first group of graduates who will receive a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Convocation ceremonies take place at the Townsend Theatre beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Aboriginal Mining Programs Expanded
Confederation College is receiving funding to help Aboriginal students in northern Ontario benefit from mineral exploration training programs.
Confederation College will get $250 thousand dollars to deliver additional training courses.
The funding will make possible courses in prospecting and staking, geophysical operations and diamond drilling.
Since 2006, Confederation College's basic line cutting course has produced 104 graduates from 12 First Nations in northwestern Ontario.
Confederation College will get $250 thousand dollars to deliver additional training courses.
The funding will make possible courses in prospecting and staking, geophysical operations and diamond drilling.
Since 2006, Confederation College's basic line cutting course has produced 104 graduates from 12 First Nations in northwestern Ontario.
DayCare Changes Likely Delayed
Premier Dalton McGuinty admits it will take longer than planned to implement so-called full-day learning for four-andfive-year-olds in Ontario.
McGuinty says the government has allocated $500 million over two years to start phasing in optional all-day junior kindergarten in2010.
The premier admits the plan likely won't be fully implemented in three years as recommended because of the faltering economy, and says he doesn't know how much it will cost.
When pressed, McGuinty said he didn't know the total cost, but admitted it would be `a lot of money.'
McGuinty also says teachers will have to work alongside early childhood education specialists, an idea teachers' unions have balked at in the past.
Charles Pascal, the government's early learning advisor,recommends that full-day learning programs for pre-schoolers start in lower-income neighbourhoods.
McGuinty says the government has allocated $500 million over two years to start phasing in optional all-day junior kindergarten in2010.
The premier admits the plan likely won't be fully implemented in three years as recommended because of the faltering economy, and says he doesn't know how much it will cost.
When pressed, McGuinty said he didn't know the total cost, but admitted it would be `a lot of money.'
McGuinty also says teachers will have to work alongside early childhood education specialists, an idea teachers' unions have balked at in the past.
Charles Pascal, the government's early learning advisor,recommends that full-day learning programs for pre-schoolers start in lower-income neighbourhoods.
More Help Sent to BC
The Ministry of Natural Resources is getting ready to ship out even more fire fighters out to battle wild fires in British Columbia.
A total of 114 fire rangers are scheduled to leave from Dryden and Sudbury today to join 64 fire fighters who left last week.
Fire ranger crews will be heading to Prince George for a two week stint.
A total of 114 fire rangers are scheduled to leave from Dryden and Sudbury today to join 64 fire fighters who left last week.
Fire ranger crews will be heading to Prince George for a two week stint.
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