PC's React To NOMA Debate Decision

The PC party says it's unfortunate that organizers of the northern Ontario leaders election debate did not pick a date that was good for everyone.

Tim Hudak won't be in Thunder Bay Monday because of scheduling conflicts.

The Tory candidate for Thunder Bay-Atikokan Harold Wilson says he's not upset that the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association will proceed without the leader.

Monday's debate will feature NDP leader Andrea Horwath and Liberal Premier Kathleen Wynne.

Campbell Criticizes PC Leader For Being A No Show At Debate

The MPP for Kenora-Rainy River is accusing the Progressive Conservatives of making northern Ontario an afterthought in their plans.

The NDP's Sarah Campbell says it's illustrated by leader Tim Hudak's decision not to partake in next week's leaders debate in Thunder Bay.

The Tories say it's because of scheduling conflicts.

Campbell says it's disrespectful to northerners for the leader not to make time to participate.

Nickle Slams New Rules For Camp Owners

Kenora-Rainy River PC candidate Randy Nickle is calling for a stop to unnecessary red tape burdens on local camp owners.

Nickle says the province has ordered all employees at tourist lodges to wear life jackets when near water.

Nickle calls it unnecessary and another example of how impractical government regulations are getting in the way of small local businesses.

Leaders Campaign

The NDP wants to keep schools open for community groups to access after hours and on weekend.

NDP leader Andrea Horwath is pledging $60-million as part of an "Open Schools" fund.

Horwath says it will help school boards offset their costs of making school available after hours and allow community groups to run programs at low or no cost to users.

PC Leader Tim Hudak is predicting a comeback in Ontario's manufacturing industry through his Million Jobs Plan.

Hudak says through a combination of lower taxes, affordable energy and reduced red tape, the number of blue collar workers in the province will increase.

Hudak claims Ontario has lost 300-thousand manufacturing jobs under the Liberals who at the same time added 300-thousand new government workers.

Premier Kathleen Wynne says the choices in front for voters in this provincial election are stark.

Wynne feels her Liberals have laid out a very comprehensive plan that looks at all aspects of society.

Wynne says it compares with the PC's plan that will undercut the economy while the NDP is putting out one-off ideas.


For the leaders today, both Horwath and the Premier speak in Toronto.

Hudak campaigns in Ottawa.

New Zamboni Planned

A new electric zamboni is being considered for Kerry Park in International Falls.

It would replace an existing one that runs on propane.

International Falls Rec commission rep Bill Mason says it's necessary to ensure they meet air quality requirements at the arena.

Mason says they are currently in the process of raising the $122-thousand needed for the unit.

Cash Draw Tickets Half Sold

Riverside Foundation for Health Care says tickets for its Canada Day Cash Lottery are over half sold.

The grand prize is $10-thousand with several early bird prizes up for grabs.

Joe Kniesz of Fort Frances picked up the first prize - a fishing package courtesy of Manitou Station Fishing Lodge.

Greens Request Participation In Leaders Debate

If the leader of the PC Party can't make it to a Northern Ontario debate, Mike Schreiner of the Greens is more than willing to take Tim Hudak's seat.

Schreiner he just wants the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association to gives its ok.



He says he's written a letter to NOMA asking to participate.

Riding Debates Planned

Candidates in Kenora-Rainy River will be debating the issues among each other soon.

A debate has been confirmed for June 3 in Kenora.

The Rainy River Federation of Agriculture says it's in the process of setting up one in Stratton for May 29.

There's no word if a debate will take place in Fort Frances this election.

The Chamber of Commerce has in the past set that up, but won't be involved this year.

Man Rescued In Quetico Park

A harrowing experience for a canoeist in Quetico Provincial Park.

OPP say the man's canoe had drifted away Monday afternoon after he stopped at an island on Kawnipi Lake, leaving him stranded.

He was able to sent a message back to a Minnesota tourist outfitter who notified authorities.

Poor weather delayed rescue efforts until Tuesday morning when the man was found safe and sound.

Officers also helped get the man's canoe back.

Visitor Restrictions Lifted

Visitor restrictions at Rainycrest Long Term Care have been lifted.

The measures went into place two weeks ago following an outbreak of a gastrointestinal illness at Fort Frances senior facility.