2009-05-07
10:13:23
The economy will be the focus of a meeting of the Northwestern Ontario Associated Chambers of Commerce today in Thunder Bay.
President Barry Streib says the sessions will offer valuable, informative discussions on regional issues.
The conference will include delegates and corporate members representing about two-thousand businesses in the region.
Also on the agenda will be presentations by M.P.'s John Rafferty and Bruce Hyer and AbitibiBowater.
2009-05-07
10:12:11
AbitibiBowater has received court approval for $100 million dollars in government-backed debtor funding for its Canadian subsidiary.
A Quebec Superior Court judge ruled yesterday that the funding for Abitibi-Consolidated is required to help the paper and lumber producer to restore stability as it attempts to hammer out a restructuring plan.
A potential duel between the judge and the Quebec government was averted when Premier Jean Charest's cabinet agreed to remove a contentious clause imposing its own monitor in case of default and the loan isn't repaid by November 1.
2009-05-07
10:08:45
Riverside Health Care Facilities is trying to improve its compliance level of provincial hand hygiene standards in local hospitals.
Ministry of Health statistics show the number of health care workers in Rainy River, Emo and Fort Frances who did comply with the standard was much lower than the provincial average.
Infection Control Practitioner Jodi Jewell says they're are working to improve those numbers.
"We're rolling out education pertaining to the hand hygiene point of care, being that washing your hands at the patient environment before any aseptic practices," says Jewell. "We're also putting hand sanitizers at the bedside in each hospital."
Jewell says staff are washing their hands before and after making contact with patients, but the Ministry criteria calls for them to use the hand sanitizers.
2009-05-07
10:05:10
Ken Boshcoff is looking to running again in the next federal election.
Boschoff, who was MP for the Thunder Bay-Rainy River Riding for four years, was defeated in last fall's election by NDP member John Rafferty. He says he's now planning to seek the liberal nomination once again.
"I think that my experience that I realize has really accumulated over the past number of years can be very helpful to helping northwestern Ontario rebuild," says Boshcoff." Now that I have the fire and the desire to keep serving, that's what I really want to do."
Boschoff feels another election is looming, and wants to be prepared well in advance by declaring his intentions at this time.
2009-05-07
10:03:45
Rainy River District School Board now have a better idea as to how much money the Ministry of Education will provide for the construction of the new Robert Moore School.
Almost $11.5 million is an increase from the Ministry's initial commitment of $9.8 million. Education Director Jack McMaster says changes to the plan by the Ministry forced the need for additional dollars.
However, the money received does not include the cost of demolishing the existing school.
2009-05-07
09:57:16
The Ministry of Education says the Rainy River District School Board is well managed.
An operational review conducted found the board has a clear articulate plan for student success, effective budget management and a strong leadership team that communicates effectively and shares a common objective.
Education Director Jack McMaster says he welcomes the findings.
"We see huge value in the report," says McMaster. "It tells us we're doing a very good job in all aspects of the board. It also shows us where we can get better."
The review was one of 72 conducted across the province in January. Four functional areas were reviewed: Governance and School Board Administration; Financial Management; Human Resources Management and School Staffing/Allocation; and School Operations and Facilities Management.
The report also highlighted a number of leading practices established by the Board, and makes recommendations for key opportunities for improvement. The Board is noted for key leading practices in Governance and School Board Administration.
Chair of the Board Dan Belluz was involved in the thorough review. He too was pleased with the outcome as it confirms his belief that this Board is functioning as expected in the Education Act.
“Our trustees understand their role and work together to ensure that the Rainy River District School Board has the appropriate policies to enhance student success," says Belluz. "This review confirms our actions and encourages us to continue to support our staff in our desire to improve learning outcomes for students.”
One area of improvement from the report was that the Board should consider consolidating the business functions (such as human resources, finance and facilities) into the board system plan. This would enable the departments to link their respective operational plans to the annual plan, and align operational goals with an overarching strategic direction.
This is the third audit that the Board has undergone in a three year period, volunteering to pilot the first Operational Review two years ago. The Board also requested that it be one of the first Transportation Reviews, receiving, as a result, an additional $200,000 annually to meet transportation needs.
Randy Thoms – News & Sports Director
