Far North Act Defended

Premier Dalton McGuinty is defending his decision to move ahead with northern land development legislation over the objections of First Nations leaders.

He says there's been "extensive consultation'' over the Far North Act, which is slated for a third and final reading in the legislature tomorrow.

The bill would lock up to 42 per cent of Ontario's land mass from development, protecting 225,000 square kilometres of boreal forest.

But several aboriginal chiefs say the bill robs them of their treaty rights and doesn't give them a say in how their lands will be developed.

Nestor Falls Reaches Out for Support

Nestor Falls is hoping district-wide support will help it to become Canada's Ultimate Fishing Town.

Nestor Falls is second in the World Fishing Network's contest behind Port Alberni, British Columbia.

Maureen Hanson of Hanson's Hideaway Lodge says they're asking for more votes to help win the 25-thousand dollars up for grabs.

"If we're going to pass the leader, we have to have to sustain this volume of voting," says Hanson, "and possibly increase it as much as we can.

Voting through WFN's website ends September 28.

Northern Networks Trade Conference Begins

More than 125 delegates from across northwestern Ontario, Minnesota and Wisconsin are gathering today in Fort Frances for the start of the Northern Network's Trade Conference.

Geoff Gillon of the Rainy River Future Development Corporation the conference is now into its sixteenth year.

"It started as a trade conference," says Gillon. "It's now more of a community economic development conference. We bring the leaders together from across the region. It's the one thing we do with our Minnesota and Wisconsin partners on an annual bases to keep the lines of community open and keep looking for opportunities across that border."

The event begins with tours of the area this afternoon with Graham Rush, senior Trade commissioner at the Consulate General of Canada in Minneapolis addressing delegate tonight.

Mayor Looks Ahead

The mayor of Fort Frances is welcoming another opportunity to lead the community for another four years.

Roy Avis, along with the other members of council were acclaimed for another term.

Avis says he's happy to be working with the same councillors once again.

"I think we've done a good job," says Avis. "I think council as a whole has done a tremendous job. We work very well together. We all have our own opinions and we come up with good governance for this community. As far as I'm concerned, we can look forward to a good four year."

Avis says by avoiding an election, council can concentrate on bringing forth a new budget for 2011.

Gun Registry Vote

Federal NDP Leader Jack Layton says enough votes will be coming from his party to potentially save the long-gun registry.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty, though, is not changing his position on the registry.

His office confirmed that he would not change his vote.

NOMA Opposing Far North Act

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is reaffirming its opposition to the Far North Act.

The bill proposes to protect nearly 50 per cent of the Far North's land mass from future development.

NOMA president Anne Krassilowsky says those limits are not based on science and could have a negative impact on the entire region.

Agency Upgrades

Two agencies in Atikokan are getting some financial help with upgrades to its facilities.

Atikokan and District Association for Development Services and Rainy River District Women's Shelter of Home are among four northwestern Ontario groups to share in $68-thousand from the province.

Anti-Tobacco Strategy Funding Received

The township of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls is receiving funding from a provincial anti-tobacco strategy.

The community, along with its Healthy Living Coalition, will use the 500-dollars toward its Triple P race which involves biking, running and canoeing.

The inaugural event was held in July at Bass Lake Park.

Concert Series Underway

The Border Concert Series in International Falls is kicking off its season.

Five different shows are planned for the Backus Auditorium.

Paul Folin, who helps bring the performers to the area, says all five can been seen for one affordable price.

"Those prices are $45 US or $50 Cdn for adults," says Folin. "Ten dollars (US) and fifteen dollars (Cdn) for students. For a whole family its $95 (US) and $105 Canadian. It's an incredible bargain."

The Redhead Express, originally out of Alaska, kicks the series off September 28.