Greyhound Canada says its encouraged by a decision from the federal and provincial governments to review bus service in the country.
Federal and provincial Ministers of Transportation agreed to forming a working group during a meeting last week.
In a release, Greyhound says it looks forward to working with governments on the review.
The bus company is poised to halt bus services in northwestern Ontario in December unless it receives some kind of support from the province.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Amber Alert Changes
Police agencies across Ontario now have new, clearer guidelines over when to issue an Amber Alert in the case of abducted children.
Ontario Provincial Police Inspector Dave Ross says the wording has been simplified to make it easier for police and the public to understand the guidelines for when to issue an alert that's broadcast on highway signs, radio and television stations and in text messages.
Ross says previously, police had to actually confirm an abduction had taken place before an Amber Alert was issued _ now they only have to believe there's been an abduction.
He says police now only have to believe a child is in danger to issue an alert, whereas before they had to believe the child was in danger of serious bodily harm or death.
And now police only need to have information about the child or the abductor or the suspect vehicle, instead of all three, to issue an alert.
Ross says the case of slain eight-year-old Victoria Stafford _ in which an Amber Alert was not issued _ was a catalyst to initiate the review into the Amber Alert system, but it wasn't the only factor that led to the review being called by police commissioner Julian Fantino.
Ontario Provincial Police Inspector Dave Ross says the wording has been simplified to make it easier for police and the public to understand the guidelines for when to issue an alert that's broadcast on highway signs, radio and television stations and in text messages.
Ross says previously, police had to actually confirm an abduction had taken place before an Amber Alert was issued _ now they only have to believe there's been an abduction.
He says police now only have to believe a child is in danger to issue an alert, whereas before they had to believe the child was in danger of serious bodily harm or death.
And now police only need to have information about the child or the abductor or the suspect vehicle, instead of all three, to issue an alert.
Ross says the case of slain eight-year-old Victoria Stafford _ in which an Amber Alert was not issued _ was a catalyst to initiate the review into the Amber Alert system, but it wasn't the only factor that led to the review being called by police commissioner Julian Fantino.
AbitibiBowater Contract Talks This Week
Contract talks between AbitibiBowater and the union representing its workers is set to begin this week.
Wages, job security and even a call for concessions may be up for discussion, but Communication, Energy and Paperworkers Union president Dave Coles says progress is not possible unless the government ensures a solution to the company's pension insolvency issue.
Abitibi's 20 Canadian pension plans are underfunded by almost one and a half million dollars.
AbitibiBowater declined to specifically comment on upcoming negotiations.
Wages, job security and even a call for concessions may be up for discussion, but Communication, Energy and Paperworkers Union president Dave Coles says progress is not possible unless the government ensures a solution to the company's pension insolvency issue.
Abitibi's 20 Canadian pension plans are underfunded by almost one and a half million dollars.
AbitibiBowater declined to specifically comment on upcoming negotiations.
Incident at Mill Sends Girl to Hospital
A 15-year-old girl was sent to hospital with serious injuries, including burns to her body, following an incident at the AbitibiBowater Fort Frances mill last night.
OPP says emergency crews were called to the mill around 10:30 p.m. where they found the girl in a fenced-off area near a power transformer.
Exactly how the girl became injured or why she was in the restricted area have not been revealed.
The Electrical Safety Authority and Ministry of Labour are assisting police with the investigation.
OPP says emergency crews were called to the mill around 10:30 p.m. where they found the girl in a fenced-off area near a power transformer.
Exactly how the girl became injured or why she was in the restricted area have not been revealed.
The Electrical Safety Authority and Ministry of Labour are assisting police with the investigation.
New Engineering Program in Place
A new agreement with colleges in Minnesota’s Iron Range area will see engineering students able to earn a four-year mechanical engineering degree from Minnesota State University by working in their prospective field.
Students will spend up to three days each week working with engineers at Iron Range businesses, and two days in a classroom at Mesabi Range Community and Technical College which has campuses in Eveleth and Virginia.
The Arrowhead University Consortium Iron Range Engineering program now has 15 students with as many as 25 expected next fall and includes participation from Rainy River Community College in International Falls.
Students will spend up to three days each week working with engineers at Iron Range businesses, and two days in a classroom at Mesabi Range Community and Technical College which has campuses in Eveleth and Virginia.
The Arrowhead University Consortium Iron Range Engineering program now has 15 students with as many as 25 expected next fall and includes participation from Rainy River Community College in International Falls.
Fort Frances Council Meeting Tonight
The town of Fort Frances is being asked to support a new regional tourism project spearheaded by the town of Atikokan.
The Path of the Voyageur Regional Initiative is among issues on the agenda for tonight's council meeting.
Town council is also expected to discuss the province's proposed changes to the Underserviced Area's Program which assists communities efforts to recruit new physicians.
The public portion of tonight's meeting begins at about 6:30 p.m.
The Path of the Voyageur Regional Initiative is among issues on the agenda for tonight's council meeting.
Town council is also expected to discuss the province's proposed changes to the Underserviced Area's Program which assists communities efforts to recruit new physicians.
The public portion of tonight's meeting begins at about 6:30 p.m.
Operation Shoe Box Continues
There is still time to participate in Operation Christmas Child.
The program allows people to fill a shoe box with items for children living in under developed countries.
The district's coordinator Della McQuaker says people wanting to help-out can do so by visiting anyone of a number of collection depots in the district.
They can be picked up at Northland Basics, the Bargain Store, Tompkins Hardware, Calvary Baptist Church in Emo or by calling Caroline Kreeger at 488-5714.
The week of November 16 has been set as collection for the shoe-boxes for shipping.
The program allows people to fill a shoe box with items for children living in under developed countries.
The district's coordinator Della McQuaker says people wanting to help-out can do so by visiting anyone of a number of collection depots in the district.
They can be picked up at Northland Basics, the Bargain Store, Tompkins Hardware, Calvary Baptist Church in Emo or by calling Caroline Kreeger at 488-5714.
The week of November 16 has been set as collection for the shoe-boxes for shipping.
Four Laning Considered
Manitoba's Transportation Department has begun to study the possibility of twinning the last remaining undivided stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway in Manitoba.
Premier Greg Selinger says twinning the portion of the highway from Falcon Lake to the Ontario boundary is not currently in the department's plan.
But he says the idea is being considered, especially since the Ontario and federal governments will soon be twinning the undivided portion to the east of the provincial boundary.
Premier Greg Selinger says twinning the portion of the highway from Falcon Lake to the Ontario boundary is not currently in the department's plan.
But he says the idea is being considered, especially since the Ontario and federal governments will soon be twinning the undivided portion to the east of the provincial boundary.
No Cuts Yet
Premier Dalton McGuinty says Ontario residents will have to wait until the March budget to hear the government's plans to deal with a record deficit.
McGuinty says he will not rush forward specifics about what cuts or changes may be coming.
He adds families are just starting to understand the impact of the recession on the economy and don't necessarily expect swift action.
McGuinty says he will not rush forward specifics about what cuts or changes may be coming.
He adds families are just starting to understand the impact of the recession on the economy and don't necessarily expect swift action.
H1N1 Flu in Ontario
Provincial health officials say there are clear signs the second wave of the H1N1 flu has arrived in Ontario.
Flu activity in Ontario is mounting, from an increasing number of confirmed cases to more people calling in sick to work.
The province's Chief medical officer of health Doctor Arlene King says more people are being hospitalized with complications from the flu.
Flu activity in Ontario is mounting, from an increasing number of confirmed cases to more people calling in sick to work.
The province's Chief medical officer of health Doctor Arlene King says more people are being hospitalized with complications from the flu.
RRFDC Helping Local Business
More than 80 district businesses are benefiting from loans offered through the Rainy River Futures Development Corporation.
Friday, staff held an open house as part of Community Futures Development Corporation Day.
Local Client Services Manager Geoff Gillon says there's been a recent change to how much money it can provide.
" Over the last year our lending limits have been increased to $250-thousand," says Gillon. "Prior to that they were at $150-thousand. So we're undergoing a bit of a change as to how we give out loans and the different type of loans because the bigger the loans you get the more due diligence you have to deal with them and the bigger the impact in the district."
Friday's event was held to raise awareness of services and programs offered by the local office.
Friday, staff held an open house as part of Community Futures Development Corporation Day.
Local Client Services Manager Geoff Gillon says there's been a recent change to how much money it can provide.
" Over the last year our lending limits have been increased to $250-thousand," says Gillon. "Prior to that they were at $150-thousand. So we're undergoing a bit of a change as to how we give out loans and the different type of loans because the bigger the loans you get the more due diligence you have to deal with them and the bigger the impact in the district."
Friday's event was held to raise awareness of services and programs offered by the local office.
Growth Plan Consultations Planned
The provincial government will hold ten consultation sessions on the Northern Growth Plan starting next month.
The plan, released Friday, contains a number of recommendations aimed at improving the region's economy.
Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle the proposed plan is very comprehensive.
"There's about 100 actionable recommendations that are in place," says Gravelle, "and our goal now is to move forward. We're very pleased the document is now available and it can get into the hands of northerners who were involved in the process. We invite all northerners to look at the document, see if it what reflects what they told us and then give us the blessing to move forward and put it into action."
Consultations will be held in Thunder Bay, Kenora and Sioux Lookout.
The plan, released Friday, contains a number of recommendations aimed at improving the region's economy.
Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle the proposed plan is very comprehensive.
"There's about 100 actionable recommendations that are in place," says Gravelle, "and our goal now is to move forward. We're very pleased the document is now available and it can get into the hands of northerners who were involved in the process. We invite all northerners to look at the document, see if it what reflects what they told us and then give us the blessing to move forward and put it into action."
Consultations will be held in Thunder Bay, Kenora and Sioux Lookout.
Hand-Held Devices Ban in Place
It's now illegal for Ontario drivers to use cellphones,BlackBerries and other hand-held electronic devices.
Drivers can't talk, text or email while behind the wheel, or use portable video games or DVD players.
Global positioning systems are allowed, so long as they're secured to the dashboard.
The only exception to the ban is a 911 call.
Police will be educating motorists for the first three months to stay off the phone instead of handing out tickets.
But drivers can still be charged under existing dangerous or careless driving laws.
Starting February 1st, drivers could face fines of up to $500 if they're caught violating the ban.
Drivers can't talk, text or email while behind the wheel, or use portable video games or DVD players.
Global positioning systems are allowed, so long as they're secured to the dashboard.
The only exception to the ban is a 911 call.
Police will be educating motorists for the first three months to stay off the phone instead of handing out tickets.
But drivers can still be charged under existing dangerous or careless driving laws.
Starting February 1st, drivers could face fines of up to $500 if they're caught violating the ban.
Air Service Plan Rejected
The U.S. department of transportation has rejected a proposal by Mesaba Airlines, and its parent company Delta, to provide air service to Falls International Airport under a federal subsidy program.
Mesaba's existing service won't be interrupted because of the decision, but the D-O-T is allowing it and other carriers to submit new proposals by November 18.
The department cited local concerns with scheduled flight times for rejecting the proposal.
Local officials say early morning and late evening flights would be more beneficial to local travellers than flights being offered in the middle of the afternoon.
Mesaba's existing service won't be interrupted because of the decision, but the D-O-T is allowing it and other carriers to submit new proposals by November 18.
The department cited local concerns with scheduled flight times for rejecting the proposal.
Local officials say early morning and late evening flights would be more beneficial to local travellers than flights being offered in the middle of the afternoon.
Growth Plan Released
The Ontario government has unveiled a 25-year plan to stimulate the province's northern economy.
The proposed Growth Plan for Northern Ontario aims to prepare the northern economy for changes ahead by strengthening the mining industry and creating regional economic zones.
It also calls for partnerships among various colleges, universities and businesses to support research and train northerners for careers in growing fields.
Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says the plan will rely on the resourcefulness and entrepreneurial spirit of northerners to create a plan that fits their needs.
The proposed Growth Plan for Northern Ontario aims to prepare the northern economy for changes ahead by strengthening the mining industry and creating regional economic zones.
It also calls for partnerships among various colleges, universities and businesses to support research and train northerners for careers in growing fields.
Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says the plan will rely on the resourcefulness and entrepreneurial spirit of northerners to create a plan that fits their needs.
Vandals Hit Local Trail
Authorities are investigation an act of vandalism at the Cranberry Peatlands Interpretive Trail that occurred this past weekend.
A park bench at the Alberton township trail was removed from a platform, demolished and then tossed in the pond.
The bench had been installed by members of the Rainy River Valley Field Naturalists.
A park bench at the Alberton township trail was removed from a platform, demolished and then tossed in the pond.
The bench had been installed by members of the Rainy River Valley Field Naturalists.
Busing Committee Struck
The federal and provincial government's have agreed to set up a special committee to look at busing issues right across Canada.
It comes as Greyhound continues to threaten to withdraw service in northwestern Ontario at the beginning of December.
Manitoba Transport Minister Ron Lemieux says Federal Transport Minister John Baird recognizes the troubles facing Greyhound and the importance to keep the bus service running throughout Canada.
But there remains no consensus on whether government should subsidize the intercity bus company.
It comes as Greyhound continues to threaten to withdraw service in northwestern Ontario at the beginning of December.
Manitoba Transport Minister Ron Lemieux says Federal Transport Minister John Baird recognizes the troubles facing Greyhound and the importance to keep the bus service running throughout Canada.
But there remains no consensus on whether government should subsidize the intercity bus company.
By-Laws Being Updated
The town of Fort Frances is doing its best to ensure its by-laws are up to date.
Speaking yesterday on B-93's Can't Miss Morning Show during Local Government Week,
Councillor Andrew Hallikas admits some of its by-laws are outdated.
"There are problems with the by-laws because they are so dated," says Hallikas, "and we find out about these problems because they're brought forward by members of the public when they encounter difficulty in getting something done. Times have changed, so many by-laws need to be looked at."
Councillor Ken Perry adds the town's by-law department has been doing a lot of public education this year to better inform residents of the rules.
Speaking yesterday on B-93's Can't Miss Morning Show during Local Government Week,
Councillor Andrew Hallikas admits some of its by-laws are outdated.
"There are problems with the by-laws because they are so dated," says Hallikas, "and we find out about these problems because they're brought forward by members of the public when they encounter difficulty in getting something done. Times have changed, so many by-laws need to be looked at."
Councillor Ken Perry adds the town's by-law department has been doing a lot of public education this year to better inform residents of the rules.
Muskies Play for Breast Cancer Awareness
Fort Frances Muskies girls hockey team will be on the ice this weekend for a battle of a different kind.
The Muskies are using their opening tournament to help raise awareness about breast cancer.
Erika Anderson says its important for the team help spread the message.
"It is important woman of all ages have a clinical breast examination by a trained professional each year," says Anderson. "The best protection is early detection and this message that we're trying to send along is to women of our age too."
Tonight, members of the Rainy River District Breast Health Network will be at the Memorial Sport Centre distributing information and buttons to those who attend.
The Muskies are using their opening tournament to help raise awareness about breast cancer.
Erika Anderson says its important for the team help spread the message.
"It is important woman of all ages have a clinical breast examination by a trained professional each year," says Anderson. "The best protection is early detection and this message that we're trying to send along is to women of our age too."
Tonight, members of the Rainy River District Breast Health Network will be at the Memorial Sport Centre distributing information and buttons to those who attend.
H1N1 Flu Clinics to Be Announced
The Northwestern Health Unit says it will be releasing more details of its H1N1 flu shot program for the region next week.
Both the federal and provincial government's are making the vaccine available beginning Monday.
But an official with the local health unit says the vaccine is being shipped to its main office in Kenora and will still have to distributed to other communities before it can be administered to the public.
Dates and times for local clinics are expected to be known early next week.
Both the federal and provincial government's are making the vaccine available beginning Monday.
But an official with the local health unit says the vaccine is being shipped to its main office in Kenora and will still have to distributed to other communities before it can be administered to the public.
Dates and times for local clinics are expected to be known early next week.
Hampton's Reaction to Deficit
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton says residents should brace themselves for service cuts after the province announced yesterday a projected $24.7 billion deficit this fiscal year.
Hampton says the McGuinty government has already started to make cuts to save money.
"Some very big cuts are already happening," says Hampton, "and bigger cuts are on their way which are going to have detrimental effects on some of the people in our communities who are having the toughest time"
Hampton says the government has only itself to blame in a huge drop in corporate tax revenue because the premier has been cutting business taxes for the past couple of years.
Hampton says the McGuinty government has already started to make cuts to save money.
"Some very big cuts are already happening," says Hampton, "and bigger cuts are on their way which are going to have detrimental effects on some of the people in our communities who are having the toughest time"
Hampton says the government has only itself to blame in a huge drop in corporate tax revenue because the premier has been cutting business taxes for the past couple of years.
Toxins Dumped into Rainy River
An environmental group is pointing fingers at industry for dumping hundred of pounds of toxic chemicals into the Rainy River.
The findings were part of a report released by Environment Minnesota that looked at how the amount of chemical flowing into state waterways.
Spokesperson Samatha Chadwick says in 2007, more than 26-thousand pounds of chemicals from Minnesota-based companies went into the Rainy River.
"Divided out into specifically into different types of harmful chemicals there were 557 cancer causing chemicals dumped into the Rainy River and 37 pounds of developmental or reproductive toxins," says Chadwick.
Chadwick says the data was collected by the U-S Environment Protection Agency, but its report doesn't indicate if companies are meeting federal and state guidelines.
The findings were part of a report released by Environment Minnesota that looked at how the amount of chemical flowing into state waterways.
Spokesperson Samatha Chadwick says in 2007, more than 26-thousand pounds of chemicals from Minnesota-based companies went into the Rainy River.
"Divided out into specifically into different types of harmful chemicals there were 557 cancer causing chemicals dumped into the Rainy River and 37 pounds of developmental or reproductive toxins," says Chadwick.
Chadwick says the data was collected by the U-S Environment Protection Agency, but its report doesn't indicate if companies are meeting federal and state guidelines.
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