Federal Budget Reaction

Get ready for a May election.

The Harper government is poised to fall within days, with all three opposition parties planning to vote against the federal budget.

NDP Leader Jack Layton says the Conservatives latest fiscal plan was a disappointment.

Defeat of the government will likely occur this week.

Locally, Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty is standing behind his leader in not supporting the budget.

Rafferty says he wasn't impressed.

"I'm not going to support this budget in its present form," says Rafferty. "It's our job to press the government to ensure we have a budget that's good for all Canadians, and in my case, the people of northern Ontario."

Kenora's MP is questioning the NDP's motives.

Greg Rickford believes the Conservative Government struck a perfect balance in the budget.

Budget Tidbits for Northern Ontario

There are some budget goodies that could benefit this area.

The federal government's proposing an incentive program for doctors and nurses practicing in rural and remotes areas.

It's willing to forgive up to $40-thousand in student loans for doctors and $20-thousand for nurses to work in under serviced areas.

Funding for FedNor remains the same, but Industry Canada and Human Resources and Skills Development Canada face large cuts to their budgets.

The federal government also proposes to extend until May 2012 the existing waiver of gun registry license fees at a cost of $21- million.

Community Safety Zone Developed

A new Community Safety Zone in Fort Frances could be in place this year.

The zone will stretch along Kings Highway from Legion Park to McIrvine Road.

OPP Constable Anne McCoy says along with ongoing education, it will improve pedestrian safety.

"That will encompass a very high pedestrian population," says McCoy. "It encompasses two elementary schools as well as the High School and the Confederation College areas. As well, the pedestrian walkway in the area of McDonalds and A & W."

The zone must still be approved by the province before appropriate signage is placed.

It's need was first identified over two years ago by a project involving students from J.W. Walker School.

Exploration Deal

Two mining companies doing work in the Atikokan area have finalized a joint venture agreement.

The deal between Osisko Mining and Sparton Resources allows Osisko to take over partial interest in 7,5000 hectares of mining claims held by Sparton.

Osisko will spent a million dollars exploring the property that straddles its Hammond Reeve gold project.

Leon Back in Canada

Thunder Bay's Adam Leon is back in Canada.

He's the former Confederation College student who caused an international scare two years ago for stealing a Cessna and flying into American airspace without permission.

RCMP have escorted him back after his time in a Missouri jail.

He's appearing in a Thunder Bay court room today on theft charges.