Stratton Debate Tonight

Candidates in the Thunder Bay-Rainy River riding gather tonight in Stratton for the first of three debates this week.

NDP incumbent John Rafferty says he's he's ready to discuss the issues which his challengers.

"I do make sure I'm up to snuff on our platform in any number of areas," says Rafferty. "There can always be some odd questions your not prepared and you want to make sure you have the knowledge of your platform behind you."


Liberal Candidate Ken Boschoff says he's ready.

"You essentially be always prepared," says Boshcoff. "You should know your facts. You should know your policies and you should know why you're running. I feel I'm ready for the debate as if it is right now."







Conservative Candidate Maureen Comuzzi-Stehman says it's an opportunity to present her party's platform.

"I'm going with a strong message that our government is leading with," says Comuzzi-Stehman. "Our economy is coming out of the worse economic recession since World War II. Our government has a proven record. Our taxes are low. We're creating jobs and I'm sticking to that good message."



Green Party Candidate Ed Shields says the debates are something new for him.

"I'm a research scientist and not a politician," says Shields. "I'm not used to debating. I'm used to sitting and thinking and writing long papers so it's a whole new experience for me."

The debate in Stratton will be held at Our Lady of the Way School beginning at 7 p.m.

All questions will be posed by audience members.

There will also be an opportunity to meet the candidates prior and after the debate.

Harper Visits Thunder Bay

Prime Minister Harper is waking up in Thunder Bay this morning.

Last night, he rallied party faithful, saying electing a Conservative in the northwest is no long just a dream.

"You have taken us farther in this area than anyone thought possible even a few short years ago," says Harper, "winning our first seat here, in Kenora, in a hundred years in the last election."

Harper remains in Thunder Bay this morning for an announcement at the Regional Health Sciences Centre.

Rate Increase Approved

The Ontario Energy Board has approved a rate increase for the Fort Frances Power Corporation.

CEO Jorge Ruppenstein says the 3 per cent adjustment impacts items not under their control.

"About twenty per cent of your bill is actually the Fort Frances Power Corporation," says Ruppenstein. "Eight per cent is other stakeholders throughout the industry and we are the collection agency for all of these stakeholders."

Ruppenstein says the increase does not take into account a local rebate that's given annually to Fort Frances Power users.

CCAC Contract

The Ontario Nurses Association has a new contract with the Northwest Community Care Access Centre.

ONA President Linda Haslam-Stroud says the deal addresses wages, but their members with CCAC remain the lowest paid in the province.

"There has been some normative wage increases," says Haslam-Stroud, "but at least they're equivalent to another northern CCAC at one of the higher levels of the grid. There still a lot of work to do on wages."

Haslam-Stroud hopes to further address the wage issue in provincial negotiations.

Former Falls Mayor to be Honoured

A long time mayor of International Falls and World War II vet is to be recognized by the city.

City Administrator Rod Otterness says a seaplane base on Rainy River will be renamed in honour of Jack Murray.

"I can think of any more fitting than recognizing Jack Murray," says Otterness. "He clearly loves International Falls. He wears the town on his chest, literally, with his 'I Love International Falls' button."

Murray was a marine aviator during World War II in the Pacific, and held office for 28 years, 14 as mayor.

A formal dedication ceremony will be held at a later date.