Casino Ballot Approved

It will now be up to the public to decide if Fort Frances council should further pursue the idea of a casino for the community.

 

Final wording of a question to appear on the ballot in this fall's municipal election received unanimous support from council last night.

 

There is still an appeal process to get through, but it is expected the question will remain as is for the October vote.

 

Town clerk Glenn Treflin says even if there are no elections for council, the question will stay in place.

Province Commits To Ring Of Fire Infrastructure

The provincial government is committing a billion dollars towards the Ring of Fire infrastructure development.

Mines Minister Michael Gravelle is challenging the federal government to do the same. 

The provincial commitment is to be included in this week's budget which would require NDP support in order to pass.

Parternships Needed

A strong commitment from the Grand Chief of Treaty 3 to work with area municipalities.

Warren White says i'ts vital for the entire region that everyone come together to help each other prosper.

White made his comments while speaking to delegates at last week's Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association conference.

Education Around Treaties Planned

Aboriginal Affairs photo

The provincial Liberals want students to better understand First Nations treaties.

 

Aboriginal Affairs Minister David Zimmer says a new school curriculum about treaties is being developed in partnership with First Nation Leaders that helps students learn about First Nation communities, cultures and perspectives.

 

The first step is a map being sent to every elementary and high school in the province.

 

Ontario is covered by 46 treaties and other agreements, including Treaty 3 covering this area and signed in 1873.

Premier Announces New Jobs Fund

Ontario's Liberals are revealing some of its plan aimed at attracting and maintaining business in the province.

Premier Kathleen Wynne says it include the creation of a new Jobs and Prosperity Fund.

It proposes to offer $2.5 billion in grants over the next 10 years.

More details are expected in Thursday's budget.

Province Seeks No Board Report In Talks With Union

The provincial government has asked for a "no board report" from the Ministry of Labour in its contract talks with the union representing government supervisory and administrative staff.

Approval could put members of the Association of Management, Administrative and Professional Crown Employees of Ontario in a legal strike or lockout position within a few weeks.

The union calls the move both irresponsible and puzzling, noting there hasn't been any meaningful bargaining since a strike vote in March.

Tbaytel For Good Campaign Returns

Tbaytel's latest "Tbaytel for Good" campaign is now underway.

The telecommunication's company is offering up a total of $15-thousand to organizations with the focus this time on the environment.

Group can now register their idea and lobby for votes until June 20.

The Border Skating Club in Fort Frances was the winner of the company's winter contest.

Makabi Inn Closed

Concerns for the safety of residents living at a downtown Fort Frances motel has forced its closure.

It came after a visit to the Makabi Inn Friday by the Fort Frances Fire and Rescue Service and the town's by-law department.

Fire Chief Frank Sheppard says flags were raised when they had been told some of the residents were using candles and other heating sources after power had been cut off.

The move led to about 25 people being housed elsewhere.

There's no word when or if the motel will be reopened.

Contract Talks With Resolute Underway

Contract talks between Resolute Forest Products and Unifor are underway.

The results of the negotiations, impacting nineteen collective agreements, are intended to serve as a pattern for talks with other pulp and paper companies in eastern Canada.

The talks are scheduled to continued all this week in Montreal.

TD Bank Welcoming Aboriginal Customers

TD Bank is releasing a report on their aboriginal customers.

The company says they want to be the bank of choice for First Nation families, businesses and communities.

The report highlights the relationship the bank has with aboriginal people as an employer, bank and philanthropic organization.

Province Wants More Money From Feds For Roads

Ontario says the federal government needs to ante up when it comes to road improvements.

The province is proposing the feds kick in $3 billion annually, matched dollar for dollar by Ontario.

Transportation Minister Glenn Murray says currently, the federal commitment is well below that and does little to improve infrastructure that's been neglected for many years.

Some smaller municipalities adds a federal program for upgrades excludes them because of their size.

NDP Offer Up Plan To Improve Highway Snow Plowing

Provincial NDP leader Andrea Horwath is out with her plan to improve area highways.

Horwath says it includes putting another two hundred pieces of snow removal equipment on the roads in the winter.

Horwath says the northern Ontario highways are a lifeline for northern residents.

She aims to have the plan in place by next winter.