Members from the remote northern community of Attawapiskat First Nation staged a peaceful protest outside the DeBeers Canada Office in Toronto Wednesday.
Chief Theresa Hall says they are concerned that the wealth generated by diamond exploration and mining on their traditional land is not being shared.
Hall says they have tried to address the issue with the mining company and both levels of government but stresses their patience is running out.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Rate Increase Requested
Some hydro users in the Rainy River district may have to dig deeper into their pockets over the next couple of years.
Hydro One is asking the Ontario Energy Board to approve a rate increase of 9.5 percent in 2010 and another 13.3 per cent a year later.
Board Spokesperson Vanda Wall says the new rates could be in place early next year.
"They're seeking approval for the rates to be effective January 1, 2010 and January 1,2011," says Wall, "however the review process and the board's decision won't likely be complete until early in the new year. Until the board's actually makes its decision, we won't know until when the rates will take effect.
Wall says if approved, the impact on customers will vary.
Hydro One is asking the Ontario Energy Board to approve a rate increase of 9.5 percent in 2010 and another 13.3 per cent a year later.
Board Spokesperson Vanda Wall says the new rates could be in place early next year.
"They're seeking approval for the rates to be effective January 1, 2010 and January 1,2011," says Wall, "however the review process and the board's decision won't likely be complete until early in the new year. Until the board's actually makes its decision, we won't know until when the rates will take effect.
Wall says if approved, the impact on customers will vary.
Anglers Fined
An enforcement blitz along the Winnipeg River has led to 13 charges and 39 warnings issued by Ministry of Natural Resources Conservation Officers.
More than 260 anglers were checked in the two week blitz that ended early last week.
Most of the charges laid related to anglers having an overlimit of walleye, fishing without a license, or transporting fish that could not be measured and identified.
More than 260 anglers were checked in the two week blitz that ended early last week.
Most of the charges laid related to anglers having an overlimit of walleye, fishing without a license, or transporting fish that could not be measured and identified.
Driver's Examiners Threaten Strike Action
A strike by Ontario's driving examiners has been averted, at least for another day, while negotiations continue.
Members of the United Steelworkers local 9511 initially planned to strike this morning, but have now been told to ``report to work as scheduled.''
But president James Young says if a tentative deal is not reached by 2 tomorrow morning, workers will walk off the job.
The union represents employees at 55 of Ontario's full DriveTest locations, including those at the centre in Fort Frances.
Members of the United Steelworkers local 9511 initially planned to strike this morning, but have now been told to ``report to work as scheduled.''
But president James Young says if a tentative deal is not reached by 2 tomorrow morning, workers will walk off the job.
The union represents employees at 55 of Ontario's full DriveTest locations, including those at the centre in Fort Frances.
Gillon's Celebrates Merger
An official ceremony yesterday for the coming together of Gillon's Insurance and Cousineau Brokers.
The two Fort Frances-based insurance companies joined forces at the beginning of this year, but waited to officially recognize the merger following the completion of renovations to its Church Street office.
Gillon's president Duane Cridland says the transition has been a smooth one.
"It's been wonderful," says Cridland. "There were a few months prior to the official announcement that a lot of the groundwork was done with Larry (Cousineau) and that made the transition so much smoother. He had a wonderful outlook as to how this would look moving forward and its worked out well."
Cridland says it did mean the need to remodel the Church Street office to accommodate the additional staff.
Fundraising Walk to Continue
A fundraising walk started eight years ago by a Fort Frances man will continue this year.
Tom Bruyere died suddenly late last month, but Riverside Foundation for Health Care, along with Bruyere's family and friends felt it important his efforts continue.
Foundation Director Teresa Hazel says this year the walk will be called Tom Bruyere Memorial 20-Mile Walk for Dialysis.
"When he first started we didn't have dialysis here," says Hazel. "Once we had it here, it was important to him that it stay locally, it be used locally and be used by local residents. So we're going to keep that in mind with this walk."
Bruyere helped raise over 100-thousand dollars for dialysis in the Rainy River district through the walks.
This year's event will occur September 18.
Anyone can participate in the walk by either making a pledge or collecting their own pledges and walking whatever distance they can along 20-mile route.
"We’re encouraging people to start at the 20-mile marker or join us anywhere along the route."
North Air Taxi is providing a complimentary limo service to bring the walkers to the starting point, which is 20 miles west of Fort Frances on the River Road. Pick-up will be at North American Lumber at 7:15 AM.
The walk will end at North American Lumber where hot dogs and refreshments will be served courtesy of The Place Fine Foods.
Richard Visser will walk this year in memory of his wife, Metta and now his friend Tom who were both strong advocates for Dialysis in the Rainy River district.
“I enjoyed walking with Tom. He helped bring a lot of awareness about the need for Dialysis in the Rainy River district,” says Visser.
All proceeds from the walk will be used locally and put toward the Renal Dialysis Program at La Verendrye Hospital. Riverside Foundation for Health Care will issue charitable receipts for all donations and pledges of $20 or more. All those who make pledges and/or participate in the walk will be eligible to win prizes.
Tom Bruyere died suddenly late last month, but Riverside Foundation for Health Care, along with Bruyere's family and friends felt it important his efforts continue.
Foundation Director Teresa Hazel says this year the walk will be called Tom Bruyere Memorial 20-Mile Walk for Dialysis.
"When he first started we didn't have dialysis here," says Hazel. "Once we had it here, it was important to him that it stay locally, it be used locally and be used by local residents. So we're going to keep that in mind with this walk."
Bruyere helped raise over 100-thousand dollars for dialysis in the Rainy River district through the walks.
This year's event will occur September 18.
Anyone can participate in the walk by either making a pledge or collecting their own pledges and walking whatever distance they can along 20-mile route.
"We’re encouraging people to start at the 20-mile marker or join us anywhere along the route."
North Air Taxi is providing a complimentary limo service to bring the walkers to the starting point, which is 20 miles west of Fort Frances on the River Road. Pick-up will be at North American Lumber at 7:15 AM.
The walk will end at North American Lumber where hot dogs and refreshments will be served courtesy of The Place Fine Foods.
Richard Visser will walk this year in memory of his wife, Metta and now his friend Tom who were both strong advocates for Dialysis in the Rainy River district.
“I enjoyed walking with Tom. He helped bring a lot of awareness about the need for Dialysis in the Rainy River district,” says Visser.
All proceeds from the walk will be used locally and put toward the Renal Dialysis Program at La Verendrye Hospital. Riverside Foundation for Health Care will issue charitable receipts for all donations and pledges of $20 or more. All those who make pledges and/or participate in the walk will be eligible to win prizes.
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