Long Waits for Patients Questioned

Some Atikokan seniors are expressing concern with the time it's taking to see a physician in that community.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton raised the issue in the Legislature last week.

Hampton says some seniors informed him that they've being told the wait to see a doctor can be as long as fourteen weeks.

"I think what people in Atikokan are asking is 'is this the new standard in Ontario?" says Hampton. "I think that where we have to hear from the Minister of Health. Is this the new standard."

Hampton says some residents have gone as far travelling to Thunder Bay access a doctor.

Gas Prices "Out of Control"

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty believes gas prices in northwestern Ontario are out of control.

In the House of Commons Friday, Rafferty says removal of the HST would help bring them down.

"Gas costs $1.34 in Atikokan and Thunder Bay today," says Rafferty. "The price would be at least 6.5 cents less were it not for the new federal HST charge."

Rafferty says studies suggest the recent increase in prices is netting the federal government almost $7-million each week

Gilbert Selected Tory Candidate

The Progressive Conservatives have tapped retired Lakehead University President Fred Gilbert to run against MPP Bill Mauro in Thunder Bay-Atikokan in the next provincial election.

Gilbert feels the region can be represented better in Queen’s Park.

"The primary issue for me is helping to ensure that northern Ontario has a stronger voice," says Gilbert. "I think in the last while there's been a definite neglect of the interests of northern Ontario and I'd like to change that."

Gilbert was nominated to the represent the riding during an Association meeting over the weekend.

Energy Savings at Robert Moore

(Tim Pagee of Union Gas (l) presents a cheque to Raymond Roy, Manager of Plant Operations and Maintenance, Rainy River District School Board - supplied photo)

The Rainy River District School Board says careful planning and the installation of some energy efficient equipment is helping keep energy costs down at the new Robert Moore School in Fort Frances.

Manager of Plant Operations Raymond Roy says a $12-thousand grant from Union Gas allowed the board to install the latest in heating and ventilation systems when the school was built.

"The upgrade cost to install the energy efficient equipment was about $39,000," says Roy. "We got a $12,000 grant to cover that off and we're saving at least $8,000 a year in energy so it's a pay back of about four years."

Roy says savings equate to about 33-thousand cubic metres of natural gas.

Blood Donor Clinic Set

Canadian Blood Services is gearing up for another blood donor clinic in Fort Frances.

It will happen April 12 and 13 at the Fort Frances High School.

Spokesperson Harvey Heather they're hoping to attract more than 300 donors.

"The need for blood is always ongoing," says Heather, "and we want to keep an optimal blood supply. It's looking good right now. That can change very quickly, though."

You can book an appointment by calling 1-888-2-Donate - that's 1-888-236-6283