Gun Bill Killed

The long-gun registry has survived a critical vote but just barely.

MPs last night voted 153 to 151 in favour of a Liberal motion that essentially killed a Conservative bill to scrap the program.

Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty says he'll be polling his constituents to find out what they want him to do next.

Rafferty was one of a handful of New Democrats who wanted to see the registry scrapped.

Kenora MP Greg Rickford expects the decision will now becoming a huge election issue in the ridings of MP's who voted to kill the bill.

Far North Concerns

Ontario's Environmental Commissioner says ineffective oversight from the Ontario government is allowing mining companies to illegally construct mining camps and airstrips in the Far North.

Gord Miller says a lack of Ministry of Natural Resources presence in the region is allowing the activities to happen.

"There's so much activity in the Far north," says Miller, "and the MNR just doesn't have the resources to stay on top of its responsibilities which is to look after our land and make sure the rules are followed."

Natural Resources Minister Linda Jeffrey calls the commissioner's assessment a ``stretch,'' noting her ministry has great staff in the north.

Drug Policy Implemented

Rainy River First Nation has implemented a new employee drug program.

Band officials says its aimed at helping those who struggle with subtance abuse, while ensure that all of their employees are safe and healthy.

It includes making drug testing as a condition of employment for new employees.

The policy went into place last Friday.

Children's Fair Coming

A fair, showcasing children's services in the Rainy River district, is making a return next month.

The October 5 event at J.W. Walker School in Fort Frances is being put on by the Coming Together for Kids Coalition.

Chair Miranda Sigurdson of the Northwestern Health Unit says they're hoping for a variety of agencies to participate.

"Any agencies, groups, service clubs that provide services to children we're inviting them to come out to the children services fair," says Sigurdson, "to showcase what they have to offer to people with children in the area."

Anne Ainsworth, an early literacy specialist from Kenora, will also be on hand to provide workshops for parents that encourage literacy skills for children through music and reading.

The last fair of its kind was held in 2006.

Murder Charges

Two teenage girls are facing second-degree murder charges in the death of a 16-year-old girl in Thunder Bay.

The two accused - aged 14 and 15 - remain in custody and will appear in youth court next week.

Police arrested the two hours after the body of a girl from Sachigo Lake First Nation was discovered near a paved walking path Tuesday.

Her name has not been released.

Commissioner Critical of Government

Ontario's environmental commissioner says the government isn't following through on any of its environmental promises.

In his annual report released Wednesday, Gord Miller says environmental legislation the government has passed is being undermined by its inaction.

Miller says Great Lakes pollution is getting worse because the Ministry of the Environment's municipal wastewater discharge rules haven't kept up with the rising population in southern Ontario.

He also suggests Ontario's air quality standards are not "airtight'' and so whole sectors of industry are exempt from tougher rules.

Stolen Truck Found

A southern Ontario man faces charges after a stolen truck from the Fort Frances area was located south of Wawa.

OPP learned the truck was stolen while responding to a call from another motorist about a vehicle driving erratically and almost causing an accident.

The vehicle was later stopped without incident and the 29-year-old man was arrested.

Thunder Bay Murder

An autopsy will be done tomorrow in Toronto on the body of a 16-year-old girl, who is Thunder Bay's latest murder victim.

The girl, whose name has not been released, is from Sachigo Lake First Nation.

Her body was found yesterday near a trail running through a wooded area.

NOSM Talks Scheduled

It's back to the bargaining table as negotiations are now planned in the Northern Ontario School of Medicine dispute.

The school and OPSEU have agreed to continue bargaining for a first contract at the end of this month.

Two days have been set aside in Sudbury for this latest set of talks.

The 150 support workers have been on strike since August 16.

Chili Cook-Off Planned

Planning for the next Great Canadian Chili Cook-off is underway.

The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce event will be held October 20 and is now accepting teams.

You can call the Chamber at 274-5773 to register

It's also looking for cakes for its cake roulette event.