Queen's Park Resumes

Ontario politicians head back to work today as the clock counts down to the fall election.

The opposition parties are expected to sharpen their attacks on the governing Liberals, who will seek a third term on October 6.

Opposition Leader Tim Hudak says his Conservatives want to make sure families get relief from rising household costs.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says her party wants to talk about jobs, eroding health care services and how voters are struggling to pay the bills.

But Premier Dalton McGuinty says he's not interested in getting down and dirty, because voters want him to attack things like wait times and an aging electricity system.

Buyers Identified

The buyers of AbitibiBowater's hydroelectric assets in Ontario have been disclosed.

In a regulatory filing, the company identifies Infra H2O GP Partners, Infra H2O LP Partners and BluEarth Renewables forming a consortium that is purchasing 75 per cent interest in A-C-H Limited which holds AbitibiBowater's assets in Ontario.

They include the hydro dam in Fort Frances.

AbitibiBowater Posts Results

AbitibiBowater has posted its strongest operating performance in four years.

The company reports $19-million U.S. in operating income in the fourth quarter of 2010 when it emerged from creditor protection.

A strong contribution from market pulp helped.

Agent Orange Probe Expanded

Government officials say Ontario has widened its probe of Agent Orange spraying to include all areas of the province.

The Ministry of Natural Resources is reportedly planning to release details of its toxic chemical spraying operations this week.

A report last week revealed Agent Orange was used to strip Crown land in Northern Ontario during the 1950's, 60's and 70's.

Coordinator Hired

A regional tourism initiative, spearheaded by the town of Atikokan, is about its next step.

A full-time coordinator has been hired help work on the Path of the Voyageur initiative.

Councillor Marlene Davidson says part of the work will be to develop a strategic plan.

"we're going to be looking at determining at least a couple of themes that are predominate in the area," says Davidson. "Not just the Voyageur theme, like the history, but also other themes like hunting and fishing, and all kinds of tournaments."

Davidson says the coordinator will also promote the themed tourism route to area communities.

More Interest in Workshops Wanted

Eleven area organizations received certificates for completing a workshop to help them deal with domestic violence in the workplace legislation.

The Rainy River District Women's Shelter of Hope put on the workshops last fall.

Executive Director Donna Kroocmo hopes to attract more interest this year.

"Where hoping for more organizations in attendance," says Kroocmo, "and for the organizations today that received the Level 1 or Level 2 certificate that next year they can bump that up to a Level 2 or Level 3."

Kroocmo says the workshops help businesses and organizations recognize the signs of abuse and how to take action.