Liberals Promising Doctor House Calls

Ontario's Liberals are kicking off the last week before the provincial election campaign begins in earnest by courting seniors.

Health Minister Deb Matthews says the Liberals are promising to bring back doctor house calls for seniors if elected October 6th.

The Liberals say their promise will apply to anyone who has trouble getting to their doctor's office.

Both the NDP and Progressive Conservatives call the $60-million program an election gimmick.

Hudak to Hit the Road

The Progressive Conservatives are expected to launch what they're calling their "campaign for change'' later today.

Leader Tim Hudak will be joined by his caucus and candidates in Toronto to announce he's hitting the road as he tries to convince Ontarians he should be the next premier.

The election campaign officially begins next Wednesday.

Pace Car Program Promoted

Drivers in the Rainy River district are wanted to set the pace this fall.

Safe Communities Rainy River District is asking motorists be part of its Pace Car Program.

Administrative Coordinator Grace Silander says it simply asks them to sign an oath to drive slow in school zones.

It's an effort that initially started in December.

College Bargaining Talks

Talks continue to try to head off a September 1st strike by support workers at Ontario's community colleges, including Confederation College.

Three days of bargaining will begin today.

Tourism Report Reviewed

A consultant's report on the new northern Ontario tourism plan is out.

Members of various tourism organizations are taking time to review the document and will be meeting for two days starting today in Sudbury.

Forest Fires Activity Continues

Eleven new forest fires in northwestern Ontario were reported yesterday, but the Ministry of Natural Resources says it's making good process on the fifty-plus still burning.

Fire Information Officer Debbie MacLean says it's allowed them to release some of the out-of-province fire crews from active duty.

Maclean says this has been the most destructive fire season in 50 years, with more than 622-thousand hectares of forest burned.

Four of the fires still active are at the southern part of Quetico Provincial Park but are posing no real threat.

NDP Back to Work

After a week of grieving the loss of their leader and saying goodbye at Saturday's state funeral in Toronto, New Democrats are turning to the job at hand.

NDP director Brad Lavigne says party members will honour Jack Layton's legacy by rolling up their sleeves and getting down to work first thing this morning.

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty and his partner Pam Cain were among those attending Saturday's funeral.