Partnership Renewed

Fort Frances High School has some new shop equipment resulting from a partnership between the Rainy River District School Board and Confederation College.

It was obtained by the College with a $130-thousand provincial grant.

President Pat Lang says it helps the high school and provides the College with a chance to offer new programming through its Rainy River campus.

"It supports the School-College work initiative," says Lang. "It supported a construction program, a multi-skills program and it supports trades and technology."

College and School Board officials also joined yesterday at the high school to reconfirm a long-standing partnership between the two.

Agent Orange Panel Coming

An independent panel into Ontario's use of Agent Orange is expected to be up and running by the end of the week.

Natural Resources Minister Linda Jeffrey says she'll soon name the head of the panel

Close to 650 calls have flooded provincial hotlines in the wake of recent revelations Agent Orange was used in Ontario for more than three decades.

Call Smart Metres a Failures

The opposition is calling the one billion dollar smart meter program in Ontario a complete failure.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says smart meters are not saving energy or money, and calls them "cruel and unusual punishment" for hydro users.

Energy Minister Brad Duguid says on average, consumers are saving "modestly" with smart meters, but admits the majority are paying more.

Mafia Crackdown

The Italian mafia is the target of a major crackdown by police today, with 41 suspects being sought in Italy, as well as in Canada.

Italian police are hunting for members of the crime syndicate 'ndrangheta that has become one of the world's biggest cocaine traffickers.

The syndicate is reported to have ties to Thunder Bay.

Let the Bragging Begin

Two Rainy River district communities are among those to be nominated to the World Fishing Network's Ultimate Fishing Town Contest.

Nestor Falls, who finished second in voting last year and Fort Frances will be among communities the public can vote.

Other communities can still get on board.

They have until April 8 to make submissions.

Long Waits for Patients Questioned

Some Atikokan seniors are expressing concern with the time it's taking to see a physician in that community.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton raised the issue in the Legislature last week.

Hampton says some seniors informed him that they've being told the wait to see a doctor can be as long as fourteen weeks.

"I think what people in Atikokan are asking is 'is this the new standard in Ontario?" says Hampton. "I think that where we have to hear from the Minister of Health. Is this the new standard."

Hampton says some residents have gone as far travelling to Thunder Bay access a doctor.

Gas Prices "Out of Control"

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty believes gas prices in northwestern Ontario are out of control.

In the House of Commons Friday, Rafferty says removal of the HST would help bring them down.

"Gas costs $1.34 in Atikokan and Thunder Bay today," says Rafferty. "The price would be at least 6.5 cents less were it not for the new federal HST charge."

Rafferty says studies suggest the recent increase in prices is netting the federal government almost $7-million each week

Gilbert Selected Tory Candidate

The Progressive Conservatives have tapped retired Lakehead University President Fred Gilbert to run against MPP Bill Mauro in Thunder Bay-Atikokan in the next provincial election.

Gilbert feels the region can be represented better in Queen’s Park.

"The primary issue for me is helping to ensure that northern Ontario has a stronger voice," says Gilbert. "I think in the last while there's been a definite neglect of the interests of northern Ontario and I'd like to change that."

Gilbert was nominated to the represent the riding during an Association meeting over the weekend.

Energy Savings at Robert Moore

(Tim Pagee of Union Gas (l) presents a cheque to Raymond Roy, Manager of Plant Operations and Maintenance, Rainy River District School Board - supplied photo)

The Rainy River District School Board says careful planning and the installation of some energy efficient equipment is helping keep energy costs down at the new Robert Moore School in Fort Frances.

Manager of Plant Operations Raymond Roy says a $12-thousand grant from Union Gas allowed the board to install the latest in heating and ventilation systems when the school was built.

"The upgrade cost to install the energy efficient equipment was about $39,000," says Roy. "We got a $12,000 grant to cover that off and we're saving at least $8,000 a year in energy so it's a pay back of about four years."

Roy says savings equate to about 33-thousand cubic metres of natural gas.

Blood Donor Clinic Set

Canadian Blood Services is gearing up for another blood donor clinic in Fort Frances.

It will happen April 12 and 13 at the Fort Frances High School.

Spokesperson Harvey Heather they're hoping to attract more than 300 donors.

"The need for blood is always ongoing," says Heather, "and we want to keep an optimal blood supply. It's looking good right now. That can change very quickly, though."

You can book an appointment by calling 1-888-2-Donate - that's 1-888-236-6283

Research Project Launched

(Northwest Catholic District School Board photo)


An Atikokan elementary school will be involved in a province-wide research project looking at the early learning program.

Education Director with the Northwest Catholic District School Board Mary Catherine Kelly says the full-day kindergarten program at St. Patrick's School is among those to be studied.

"The purpose of the research is to see how things are rolling out," says Kelly," so that we can share the stories of early-learning for the first two years and we can track on a longitudinal basis how the results are affecting student achievement."

Kelly says, for her, the program which began this school year, has been a huge success for the board, students, teachers and parents.

Growth Plan Released Today

The long-awaited Northern Growth Plan is being released today.

Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says the document is an economic vision for northern Ontario for the next 25 years.

"And we are going to be looking at ways that we can guide investment decisions from southern Ontario, based on what northerners have told us," says Gravelle. "This has been a three-year consultation period. We’ve talked to thousands of northerners. They’ve given their advice to us."

Simultaneous announcements will be made this morning in Thunder Bay, Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury.

Third Reading for Bill C-501

It's a important day for Thunder Bay-Rainy River M-P John Rafferty.

An amended version his Bill C-501 to protect workers severance and termination pay when a company enters bankruptcy proceedings, goes to a third reading.

Rafferty is cautiously optimistic about it advancing to the Senate.

"I've spoken with representatives from the other three parties," says Rafferty. "They've all indicated to me they are supportive, but as often happens on the hill you can't always count on that."

The Bill had also intended to protect pensions, but those sections were eliminated at the committee level.

NDP Trying to Save Northern Ontario in Brier

The federal NDP wants to save Northern Ontario and its place on the national curling stage.

Sports Critic Glenn Thibeault of Sudbury says they're trying to stop the Canadian Curling Association from eliminating the region's place at the Brier and giving it to the defending champion.

"We want the governing body to recognize keeping Northern Ontario in the Brier is an important piece for us," says Thibeault. "We have a petition for people to sign, both on line and on paper."

Thibeault says the region's vastness and uniqueness support the need for a separate Northern Ontario entry.

Carnival Kicks Off

Nestor Falls kicks of its annual Winter Carnival today.

Events include judging of the ice and snow sculptures, a youth scavanger hunt and a dance.

Organizer Howard Dodds says they also have some incentive to attend.

"Anybody that buys a ticket for that dance gets a chance to win the all participant's draw prize," says Dodds. "This year that is a LG 42 inch Plasma TV."

Tomorrow there's a fish derby, Poker Derby and a cribbage tournament.

"Lame Duck" Legislation Sought

The chair of the Rainy River District School Board says it's time school boards be included in "lame duck" legislation.

It restrict the decision making by municipal councils if most elected officials aren't returning in an election year.

Mike Lewis says it would have prevented the previous board from making the decision that's led to Fort Frances trustee David Kircher being found to have breached the trustee code of conduct.

"It was legal," says Lewis, "but I don't think it was ethical. Particularly since only two trustees (knew) they were the only two returning to the board because it was after the election. If this was a municipal council they would not have been allowed to do that because it's a lame duck."

Lewis says he's written several Ministries and all three Party Leaders requesting the changing.

Full Day Kindergarten Expanded

(Rainy River District School Board photo)

The provincial government is providing funding to both the Rainy River District School Board and the Northwest Catholic District School Board to expand full-day kindergarten.

The funding has been earmarked for Robert Moore School in Fort Frances and Sacred Heart School in Sioux Lookout.

Classes at Sacred Heart will begin in the fall of 2012.

The public board had previously decided to move up the start of the Robert Moore program to this fall by covering the start-up costs itself before provincial funding kicks in.

Detachment Opens

Treaty Three Police Service has opened its new detachment in the Rainy River District.

Police Chief Conrad Delaronde says the move from offices in Emo to Couchiching First Nations adds more visibility to the communities they directly serve.

"We're not the the police service of jurisdiction of Emo," says Delaronde. "We weren't part of the community, so to speak, to serve our communities and provide that policing service out of there. It will have a significant impact in our ability and the people taking ownership of the Police Service building. They actually own it and we're the occupants."

Twenty officers policing First Nations between Seine River and Big Grassy work out of the detachment.

Booze Law Changes

Police are raising concerns over plans to relax Ontario's liquor laws.

The changes include allowing people to wander freely at festivals with a beer in hand, and permitting booze to be served at weddings and charity fundraisers until 2 a-m.

But some chiefs of police say that could encourage underage drinking, create a logistical nightmare for officers and unsafe environments for families.

Canadian Red Cross Month

March has been designated Canadian Red Cross Month.

It kicked off yesterday with a flag-raising ceremony in Fort Frances.

Communication Services Coordinator Ammie Gumany says they're putting out a call for more volunteer assistance.

"We're still in desperate need of volunteers especially for the Disaster Management Assistance program," says Gumany. "We need a certain number of individuals to make up a team. We're also looking to recruit and that training is free."

Those interested can contact the Dryden and District branch of the Red Cross.

Kircher Found in Violation of Code of Conduct

Fort Frances public school board trustee David Kircher has been found to have breached the trustee code of conduct.

In a 4-2 vote, Rainy River District School Board trustees approved the motion last night related to Kircher's release of information pertaining to a November in-camera session by the previous board.

Chair Mike Lewis, who voted against the motion, says Kircher has fourteen days to respond.

"At the next board meeting, April 5, we can then vote to confirm or reject the motion that was passed tonight," says Lewis. "If it's confirmed, then a recommendation will be for a consequence."

Kircher was surprised by the outcome, but insists no wrongdoing.

School Board Seeks Pepsi Dollars

Three school-based environmental projects are among the finalists in the latest Pepsi Refresh Everything Contest.

Angela Petsnick of the Rainy River District School Board says one seeks $25-thousand for area schools to produce films about the environment.

"Each school will be able to create a green film with a film maker," says Petsnick. "We have done this in the past with J.W. Walker School but we would like to try and do this with all of the schools in the district."

Other projects include creating an outdoor classroom and starting a vermicompost project both at Fort Frances High School.

The public can vote for the submissions by clicking this link to the Pepsi Refresh Everything website.

Atikokan Metis Council Installed

(John Rafferty photo)

The Atikokan Metis Council is now officially part of the Ontario Metis Nation of Ontario.

The council, formed over a year ago, had been given interim status before a chartering ceremony could be held on weekend.

President Marlene Davidson says it's an important designation for the Metis people in the Atikokan area.

"That means we have all the backing of the Metis Nation of Ontario," says Davidson, and can take part in any of the projects going on and have the support of the Metis Nation."

Davidson says more than 60 families have registered as being Metis with the Council so far.

Peaceful Borders Day

Fort Frances and International Falls are asking U.S. President Obama to declare July 2 International Peaceful Borders Day.

International Falls City Administrator Rod Otterness says it's part of the ongoing effort to increase national exposure of the annual tug-of-war between the two border communities.

"The exciting and positive events that we're able to engage in on a daily basis with our friends in Fort Frances does reflect upon the broader meaning of just how lucky both the United States and Canada area," says Otterness.

Otterness says he'd like Canadian Prime Minister Harper to sign a similar declaration

More Downtime Planned

More downtime is planned for workers at the AbitibiBowater mill in Fort Frances.

The company says both the paper and kraft mills will be halted for fourteen days beginning March 28 because of poor market conditions.

More than 500 employees will be effected.

The news comes as about 230 employees are in the middle of a shutdown of the mill's paper machines that is to end March 7.

Mining Company Acquires More Land

Another mining company is beefing up its assets in the Rainy River district.

Mineral Mountain is acquiring 1,100 hectares from Whetstone Minerals.

The property is located 70 kilometres northeast of the Rainy River gold deposit and next to the former Straw Lake Beach Gold Mine.

The mine, now owned by Mineral Mountain, operated between 1938 and 1945.

Trudeau to Visit Fort Frances

Margaret Trudeau is coming to Fort Frances.

Sandy Skirten of the Canadian Mental Health Association says the ex-wife of the late Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau will be speaking at the Townshend Theatre April 14.

"She'll be discussing her live story, living with bipolar," says Skirten. "Some of the journeys she's had throughout her live. This is also part of the celebration of the Fort Frances branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association, our thirtieth anniversary."

Skirten says getting Trudeau to visit was something the local branch has been working on for many years.

Task Force Releases Interim Report

A Task Force looking at the management of Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake has released an interim report.

Canadian Secretary Kelli Saunders says the group, formed by the International Joint Commission, is putting forward some ideas gathered from the first six months of its work.

"(It includes) some of our initial thoughts on governance structures that might work for this watershed which is our ultimate goal," says Saunders. "(It's) to start getting some feedback from people before we get to the end of our mandate."

Saunders says a series of public meetings to discuss the report will be held in early April.

Food Box Program Expands

(Clover Valley Farmer's Market photo)

Clover Valley Farmer's Market is looking to introduce a smaller box to its popular food box program.

Donna Lowey, a food purchaser for the program, says it's a response to public demand.

"We've had lots of customers say 'we've love to get your box, but there's just one or two us and there's way to much food'," says Lowey. "We are going to launch a box that's suitable for singles or a couple."

Lowey says the $15 box could be in place this month.

The larger $25 box will continue to be offered.

Five Arrested in OPP Drug Busts

Five Rainy River district residents face drug charges following separate drug busts last month.

In one case, Provincial Police seized over $37-thousand worth of drugs, including 36 marijuana plants, a quantity of marijuana bud and a quantity of prescription pills from two homes in LaVallee township and Chapple township last Thursday.

A 26-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man from LaVallee township each face production charges.

A 27-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman, from Potts Township, face charges of possession and Insecure storage of a firearm.

In a separate incident, an area man will appear in a Fort Frances court room next month on possession charges.

He was arrested on February 15 in Couchiching First Nations with several Oxycontin pills in his possession.

OPP says the man did not have a prescription for the drugs.

Trucker Charged

An area trucker has been charged for having an insecure load after a load of logs spilled in Fort Frances' downtown Saturday morning.

The incident at the corners of Central Avenue and Scott Street forced the closure of roads in the area for several hours.

No one was injured.

Agent Orange Probe Widened

The Ontario government is asking Ottawa to see if Agent Orange was widely used in the rest of the country.

The province says it is already clear that the chemical mixture linked to certain types of cancer was widely used in Ontario for more than three decades.

Natural Resources Minister Linda Jeffrey says they are also looking at its use by Ontario Hydro, municipalities and farmers.

Minnesota Deficit Lowered

A new economic forecast shows Minnesota's budget deficit has improved.

It now stands at $5-billion.

The budget forecast says federal tax cuts are behind the short-term improvement.

Moose Permits Cut

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources confirms it will issue only half the number of moose permits in 2011 that it did last year.

A total of 105 bull moose permits will be issued for the two-week hunt in October.

The reduction is related to declining moose populations.

Forest Tenure Act Introduced

The Provincial Government is taking the necessary steps towards changing the way area forests are managed.

The Liberals introduced their Ontario Forest Tenure Modernization Act in the legislature last week.

Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says he welcomes the opposition's comments.

"Always constructed debate surrounds something as historic as this," says Gravelle. "This is a recommendation to move to a modernized and somewhat different forest tenure model. I have no doubt that my critics have some suggestions how this can be improved. I look forward to that."

Gravelle says the legislation will come up for second reading soon.

Area Politicians at OGRA/ROMA

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association continues to fight for an improved transmission line.

NOMA is speaking with the Energy Minister at this week's Ontario Good Roads and Rural Ontario Municipal Conference in Toronto.

President Ron Nelson says there will be some topics that require multiple ministries.

"The Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines and Natural Resources, we have the topics of the northern growth plan, energy and the caribou habitat," says Nelson.

NOMA will also be speaking with the Social Services Minister about housing.

Atikokan Visitors Arrive

Sixteen students and two teachers from Ahousat First Nation, British Columbia, are now in Atikokan.

Their arrival Sunday is part of an student exchange with Atikokan High School.

Atikokan Teacher Peter Burton says plenty of activities have been lined up for their visitors.

"For them they're pretty excited to have the opportunity to get into some winter activities," says Burton. "We're going to have some cross country skiing, snow shoeing, downhill skiing and curling. One premier day is going to be on Tuesday. We're going to head north of town and we're going to have a full day of dog sledding and ice fishing."

A community event at the Atikokan Legion is also planned for Wednesday.

Old Bag Lunch Back

Riverside Foundation for Health Care is back its Old Bags Lunch fundraiser.

The event, though, is being renamed "Mama needs a new (or gently) used Bag Lunch.

Director Nicke Baird says donations are now being accepted.

"We're looking for more bag donations for the different categories this year," says Baird, "which are evening purses, everyday purses, designer backs, kids bags, beach bags and also local designer bags from local artists."

Donations can be dropped off in the garage at 911 Frenette, 525 Scott or the Foundation Office in Fort Frances or by calling 274-4803.

Atikokan Singer Nominated

An Atikokan singer has been nominated for an Independent Music Award.

Sunday Wilde is up for Blues song of the year for her song "That Man Drives Me Mad."

The winners will be announced later this month.

She's also eligible for the Fan Favourite award.

The public can cast ballots until July 11 by linking to the Independent Music Awards website.

OPP to Meet with Town Council

Ontario Provincial Police plan to make a presentation to Fort Frances town councillors to help them understand policing costs and the level of service provided.

Speaking at this morning Police Service Board meeting, Acting Inspector Steve Shouldice has offered to bring in the person in charge of contracting policing to help answer the town's questions.

It came as the board reviewed a town resolution asking for clarification on the OPP's manpower requirements.

Shouldice says the 20 officers assigned to Fort Frances is based on calls for service.

Loverboy Concert Update

Ticket sales for this summer's Loverboy concert in International Falls are reportedly going well.

City councillor Tim McBride is anticipating a sell out.

"We printed 3,000 tickets," says McBride. "Our goal is to sell 2,300 because we know we can put them in the bowl and on the outside a little bit. Comfortably and visibly we feel we can put in 3,000 in the peripheral of the Amphitheatre."

The Canadian rock band will be performing July 2 to help open the new Irvin N. Anderson Amphitheatre.

Abuse Study Launched

A study is underway to look at the needs of victims of abuse in the Rainy River district.

Donna Kroocmo of the Rainy River District Shelter of Hope says they hope to better understand the extent of abuse and the issues behind it.

"we know there's problems of drug abuse, domestic violence and dating violence," says Kroocmo. "Those are the things we traditionally deal with women's abuse issues. But we've expanded now because we know each generational cycle of abuse could also result in drug addiction, alcohol addition and violence in the home and we want to address of of it."

The findings are to be released at the end of March.

Osisko Announces Results

Osisko Mining says the initial results of a drilling program at its Hammond Reef gold project, north of Atikokan, are encouraging.

The company has released the findings from 41 of 324 holes drilled last fall.

All but four intersected significant mineralization.

Further drilling is planned this year with eighteen drills on site.

Student Survey

A survey of Ontario high school students shows the majority think sex-ed classes should include all sexualities, but cellphones have no place in the classroom.

More than 26-hundred students from 69 of the province's 72 school boards took part in the survey organized by the Ontario Student Trustees' Association.

Zane Schwartz, a student trustee who led the project, says students are the best measure of how education policies play out in the classroom.

Pay Freeze Lifted

The city of International Falls is lifting a pay freeze imposed on some of its city workers.

City Administrator Rod Otterness says its removal comes with a wage increase this year.

"City council recognizes that at some point it's important to bring compensation up to appropriate levels," says Otterness. "After two years, beginning with this year, those employee groups will be getting a 2 per cent pay increase."

The increase impacts firefighters, police officers and non-unionized staff.

Smoking Crackdown

The town of Fort Frances is planning to crack-down on smokers who fail to comply with the town's smoking by-law at the Memorial Sports Centre.

Smokers must be at least 9 metres from entrances before they can light up.

CAO Mark McCaig says too many aren't complying.

"If you're inclined to smoke within that distance that's contravening the bylaw, bylaw enforcement officers will be enforcing the bylaw in the next little while," says McCaig, "and it does carry with it a substantial fine."

McCaig says the problem with smokers is more pronounced during weekend tournaments.

New Booze Laws Panned

Opposition leaders say they're not convinced the government is serious about modernizing liquor laws.

The government says it will study a number of changes, such as allowing people to wander freely with drinks at festivals and events.

The opposition says the move is a ploy to distract voters in the lead-up to the October election.

Forest Tenure Legislation Introduced

The Ontario government has introduced legislation that would establish new governance models for managing and harvesting Ontario's forests.

Forestry Minister Michael Gravelle is hoping that overhauling the province's forest tenure system will create more competition and new jobs in the sector.

If passed, the bill would establish local forest management agencies to manage Crown forests and oversee timber sales.

Soldi Ventures Starts Drilling

BC Based Soldi Ventures has started its drilling program in the Rainy River district.

The company's exploring areas around Cameron Lake near Nestor Falls and in the west end of the district.

Both areas are believed to be rich in gold mineralization.

Moose Permits to be Cut

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources say it will likely cut the number of moose hunting permits in half for this fall's moose season.

That follows the latest moose population survey, which shows moose numbers continuing to decline in northeastern Minnesota.

The DNR is expected to issue just over one hundred permits for the bulls-only moose season.

Former CFOB Employee Honoured

A former CFOB employee is being honored by the Radio Television News Directors Association.

Jim Smalley is receiving a lifetime achievement award from the organization.

Smalley started his career in Dryden before moving to Fort Frances in 1973 where he was an on-air host and read news.

He worked in Regina for the past 40 years.

Hydro Rates to Increase

Hard-pressed electricity ratepayers in Ontario should brace for more price increases.

The Ontario Energy Board says utilities can raise rates to cover $18-million in fines and court costs they had to pay after the courts ruled they were charging too high an interest rate on late payments.

The energy board is also expected to rule shortly on a request from Ontario Power Generation for a 6.2 per cent increase in electricity rates effective March 1.

Canada Day Group Needs People

The committee tasked with organizing Canada Day festivities in Fort Frances is again facing a manpower shortage

The group has a few individuals taking on specific roles, such as entertainment and fireworks, but several members from last year have stepped down and the committee is currently without a chair.

A meeting is planned for next Tuesday at the 52 Canadians Meeting room in hopes of attracting more help.

Residents Fight for Sidewalk

A group of Fort Frances residents wants the town to reconsider plans to remove a section of sidewalk on their street.

Marlene Deschamps says the north sidewalk on Third Street East between Portage and Mowat Avenues is vital to pedestrian traffic in the area.

"Foot traffic on this street is not light, it's heavy," says Deschamps. "It's convenient for exiting the underpass because you only have a sidewalk on the west side and the natural when you leave you walk on the north side of the sidewalk. You don't cross the street."

Deschamps says the sidewalk was also part of a local improvement project paid for by area residents.

Former Library Being Sold Off

The former Fort Frances Library building will be put up for sale by the town.

Town councillors approved last night an administration report that the town seek expressions of interest for the vacant building.

The town purchased the building from the Fort Frances Library Board for a dollar last fall.

Union Gas Replacement Work to Resume

(Union Gas photo)

Union Gas will resume its work in May to replace its aging infrastructure in Fort Frances.

Construction Manager Luke Skaarup says part of the work this year includes the abandonment of old underground natural gas pipe.

"Basically cut the main into sections," says Skaarup. "The sections will be every block or no more than 150 metres. Purge all of the gas out of it, cap it with wooden plugs, back fill and compact it."
Union Gas has already installed several kilometres of pipe and hundreds of new gas metres.

Head Librarian Honoured by Town

Another honour for Ontario's Public Librarian of the Year.

Fort Frances' Head Librarian Margaret Sedgwick was recognized by town council last night.

Mayor Roy Avis presented a plaque on behalf of the town last night.

"You're dedication to the town of Fort Frances is sincerely appreciated," said Avis. "On behalf of the town, thank you very much. You've done a wonderful job and we're seeing excellent results."

Sedgwick received the W.J. Robertson Medallion from the Ontario Public Library Boards' Association earlier this month.

Queen's Park Resumes

Ontario politicians head back to work today as the clock counts down to the fall election.

The opposition parties are expected to sharpen their attacks on the governing Liberals, who will seek a third term on October 6.

Opposition Leader Tim Hudak says his Conservatives want to make sure families get relief from rising household costs.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says her party wants to talk about jobs, eroding health care services and how voters are struggling to pay the bills.

But Premier Dalton McGuinty says he's not interested in getting down and dirty, because voters want him to attack things like wait times and an aging electricity system.

Buyers Identified

The buyers of AbitibiBowater's hydroelectric assets in Ontario have been disclosed.

In a regulatory filing, the company identifies Infra H2O GP Partners, Infra H2O LP Partners and BluEarth Renewables forming a consortium that is purchasing 75 per cent interest in A-C-H Limited which holds AbitibiBowater's assets in Ontario.

They include the hydro dam in Fort Frances.

AbitibiBowater Posts Results

AbitibiBowater has posted its strongest operating performance in four years.

The company reports $19-million U.S. in operating income in the fourth quarter of 2010 when it emerged from creditor protection.

A strong contribution from market pulp helped.

Agent Orange Probe Expanded

Government officials say Ontario has widened its probe of Agent Orange spraying to include all areas of the province.

The Ministry of Natural Resources is reportedly planning to release details of its toxic chemical spraying operations this week.

A report last week revealed Agent Orange was used to strip Crown land in Northern Ontario during the 1950's, 60's and 70's.

Coordinator Hired

A regional tourism initiative, spearheaded by the town of Atikokan, is about its next step.

A full-time coordinator has been hired help work on the Path of the Voyageur initiative.

Councillor Marlene Davidson says part of the work will be to develop a strategic plan.

"we're going to be looking at determining at least a couple of themes that are predominate in the area," says Davidson. "Not just the Voyageur theme, like the history, but also other themes like hunting and fishing, and all kinds of tournaments."

Davidson says the coordinator will also promote the themed tourism route to area communities.

More Interest in Workshops Wanted

Eleven area organizations received certificates for completing a workshop to help them deal with domestic violence in the workplace legislation.

The Rainy River District Women's Shelter of Hope put on the workshops last fall.

Executive Director Donna Kroocmo hopes to attract more interest this year.

"Where hoping for more organizations in attendance," says Kroocmo, "and for the organizations today that received the Level 1 or Level 2 certificate that next year they can bump that up to a Level 2 or Level 3."

Kroocmo says the workshops help businesses and organizations recognize the signs of abuse and how to take action.

Premier Responds to Agent Orange Report

Premier Dalton McGuinty is trying to reassure retired government forestry workers.

It comes after a report that says they may have been exposed to the cancer causing chemical Agent Orange during their work years.

McGuinty says the government is interested in getting information.

"If anybody feels their health has been compromised as a result of working with that particular compound, it's something we no longer use obviously," says McGuinty, "they should contact the MNR so we can begin to build up a data bank and assess what we're looking at here."

Speaking in Thunder Bay, the Premier says he was only recently made aware of the issue.

Premier Attract Protesters

Premier Dalton McGuinty's appearance to Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro's nomination meeting last night drew some protesters.

Sandra Snider of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union says their pickets were a stand against the Province's tax cuts.

"Their tax cuts mean service cuts," says Snider. "You cut revenue you have to cut services somewhere. All we know is that when you take $23-million dollars out of the provincial budget, you have to get revenue from somewhere."

Mauro defends the cuts.

"It's important to remind people that our corporate tax cuts are important now as we come out of the recession to attract business and job growth back to the province," says Mauro. "It's also important to remind people that there is no reduction in services."

Mauro was unopposed in his bid to carry the Liberal banner in the upcoming provincial election.