Poppy Campaign Subject to HST

The annual Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Campaign is kicking off.

But Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says part of the money Canadians give to purchase a poppy will be now used to offset the HST on the Legions sales.

Rafferty says its like taking money from veterans.

"When you put that money in the box or give money to Legions I think it's really quite unfair that Canadians will now know that 13 per cent of the money they're giving simply goes back to the Government," says Rafferty.

Legions use the poppies as a way to remember fallen soldiers and as a fundraiser for their local chapters.

New Digs for VALA

(Mayor Roy Avis joins with officials with the Valley Adult Learning Association in an official opening of their new Fort Frances office)

The Valley Adult Learning Association has some new surroundings.

Administrator Barb Duguay says the move of its Fort Frances office to 241 Second Street gives them more visibility.

"We have so much to offer here," says Duguay. "A lot of the programs and services we offer are free to the public. We're funding by the Ministry of Training, Universities and Colleges and they want local literacy programs to get out there. Be more visible. Promote their programs."

Duguay says an increased of space has also allowed for an upgrade of their computer lab and more residents to access programs.

Substance Abuse Prevention Team Continues

(Rainy River District Substance Abuse Team photo)

Local officials say its important the Rainy River District Substance Abuse Prevention Team be allowed to continue.

The group announced earlier this week funding from government that keeps the group operating until next March.

Coordinator Hugh Dennis says it continues their work of making residents, especially youth, aware of the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse.

"I think this district should be very proud of the effort that people in the Health Unit, the Substance Abuse Team and the school, we've put into this effort," says Dennis. "Collectively we're trying to make a difference and I think we are."

Some of the funds have been used to purchase new equipment to support the group's work.

New Border Protection Legislation

Ottawa has introduced legislation to make it easier for Canadian and U-S authorities to tackle smugglers and other criminals on shared waterways such as Rainy Lake and Lake of the Woods.

The legislation would allow specially designated Canadian and American personnel to work together aboard vessels, and continue to pursue and arrest suspects regardless of the international boundary line.

Storm Leaves Mess

A massive storm meteorologists say had a barometric reading like a hurricane is adding snow to the mix as it hangs around the U-S Midwest and central Canada.

The storm packed winds of up to 130 kilometres per hour stateside, and spawned a few tornadoes.

Snow is falling in the Dakotas and Minnesota, as well as southeastern Saskatchewan and western Manitoba.

Heavy rain and high winds also blew through much of Ontario yesterday, leading to fallen trees and power failures from Thunder Bay down to Toronto.

Tories Hopeful

Progressive Conservatives see hopeful signs for next year's Ontario election from Rob Ford's mayoral victory in Toronto Monday.

The small 'c' conservative cruised to victory over former deputy premier George Smitherman.

Opposition Leader Tim Hudak says people across Ontario are hungry for a change, a view echoed by NDP Leader Andrea Horwath.

Tourism Meeting in Dryden

Tourism officials and campowners are gathering today in Dryden for the Northern Ontario Tourist Outfitters Association annual conference.

Today, they'll get an update on the new tourism zones and discuss the benefits of a Tourism License for Ontario.

Tomorrow the continuous issue of Americans with minor offences being denied access to Canada will highlight the talks.