Candidates Debate in Stratton

A couple of hundred people attended an all-candidates debate in Stratton last night.

All four candidates in Thunder Bay-Rainy River outlined their platforms and answered questions from the audience.

NDP incumbent John Rafferty used the debate to criticize the Conservatives rule the past five years.

"Steven Harper, five years ago, become Prime Minister promising to do things different," says Rafferty. "Promising not to do as the Liberals had done. Promising not to end scandal-ridden like the Liberals had. We know what's happened."

Conservative candidate Maureen Comuzzi-Stehman says her election to Ottawa would mean a strong voice at the government table.

"I will ensure our region has a strong voice in government," says Comuzzi-Stehmann, "and I will champion growth for northwestern Ontario."

Liberal candidate Ken Boshcoff says he can continue to be an even more effective representative than he was when we was MP four years ago.

"Since that time, I believe not only have I learned a few things," says Boshcoff, "but my experience in all of those capacities will all me to be an ever more effective member of Parliament."

Green Party candidate Ed Shields says voting Green can be beneficial to the Rainy River district.

"Your vote for the Green can made a difference in creating a greener, more sustainable environment," says Shields. "Not only for yourself, but for the whole area."

Gun control, agricultural programs and the Bloc Quebois were among topics discuss by the candidates.

Candidates in Fort Frances Tonight

All four Thunder Bay-Rainy River candidates will discuss the issues tonight at the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce sponsored debate

It's at the Civic Centre starting at 7 p.m.

Candidates will answer questions posed by a local panel.

Mining Opportunities

The head of the Iron Mine Association of Minnesota sees Canadian opportunities in the growing mining industry in northeastern Minnesota.

Craig Pagel says several new mines are expected in the coming years and companies are always looking for new technologies, no matter where they come from.

"What's important that if you develop a technology or the ability of some certain type of construction that's wanted you can go anywhere in the world," says Pagel. "I think that's what's going to be beneficial for both sides."

Pagel was in Fort Frances yesterday to speak to members of the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce.

Tug of War Given Name

The tug of war between International Falls and Fort Frances has been given an official name.

Falls city administrator Rod Otternesss says it will be called the International Tug of War - Pulling for Peace.

"We really want this event to be an event that carries the sense of a sporting rather than just a fun event," says Otterness, "so that the participants, as they are pulling for peace, are also pulling for bragging rights for the next year."

Otterness says they're hoping to brand the name on items such as gloves and water bottles for participants.

President Not Visiting

President Barack Obama is sending his regrets.

Obama's staff has officially informed the city of International Falls that the President will not attend this summer's festivities surrounding the official opening of the new Voyageur's National Park headquarters and the Irvin N. Anderson Amphitheatre.

Mayor Shawn Mason says they're still hopeful a White House representative will be able to attend.