NDP To Reject Budget

An Ontario election appears likely this spring.

NDP leader Andrea Horwath says her party will not support passing of the Liberal budget.

Speaking to reporters at Queen's Park, Horwath says her decision is based on the scandals that have plagued the Liberals over the past several years.

Horwath believes the budget is about throwing money around simply to avoid the scandals.

Budget Announced

The Liberal government is out with its budget for 2014.

Finance Minister Charles Sousa delivered the document at the Ontario Legislature yesterday.

It calls for spending of more than $130-billion on a variety of programs.

That increases the deficit to $12.5 billion this year, but Sousa is promising to balance the books by 2017.

Area Liberals Happy With Budget

Provincial Liberals from northwestern Ontario are happy with the budget.

Municipal Affairs Minister Bill Mauro says the budget is great for people in northwestern Ontario.

Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle says it contains many perks for northwestern Ontario.

It includes previously announced funding for the Ring of Fire and dedicated to annual funding for municipalities to fix up roads and bridges.

The NDP must support the budget in order for it to pass, something Gravelle hopes takes place.

Opposition Reaction To Budget

Reaction from the opposition to the budget not surprising.

PC Finance Critic Vic Fedeli says the budget only increases spending and piles more onto an already historic provincial debt.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath, who remained quiet about the budget yesterday, is expected to comment at a news conference planned for this morning.

Budget Reaction

Plenty of reaction to the provincial budget.

The Ontario Public Service Employees Union wants the NDP to reject the budget and force an election.

President Warren Thomas says while some low-income wage earners will be helped, the budget aims to cuts jobs and wages of most public employees.

He's also objecting to the Liberal's plan to boost private financing to some public services and infrastructure projects.

Meantime, Unifor has come out in support of the Liberal budget.

It calls the budget "decent," noting that it provides some important investments in public services and infrastructure.

The union is hoping the NDP give its support.

The Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario says it while welcomes plans to expand the scope of nurses and other health care professional, the extra $11-billion for capital improvements and the pay increase to personal support workers in the home and community section, the budget fails to address the funding constraints hospital and other health facilities are now under.

Students feel they've been left out of the Ontario budget.

Canadian Federation of Students-Ontario says it sees nothing to improves access or affordability for the thousands of students struggling financially to attend college or university.

Chair Alastair Woods says it's clear that students don't register as a Liberal priority.

High Schools Prepare For New Program

Five high schools, including Fort Frances High, are preparing to be part of a new business and entrepreneurship pilot program aimed at aboriginal students.

 

Lucie Santoro of the Martin Aboriginal Education Initiative says it will be offered to grade 11 and 12 students.

 

Santoro says subjects focus on all aspects of business.

 

The program will begin this fall.

 

More Border Officers Hired

Watch for some new faces as you cross the border into the United States.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection is in the process of hiring two-thousand new officers.

They're to be deployed at 44 land, air and sea ports across the U.S.

Minnesota Bicycle-Friendly

MN Bike Trail Navigator

Minnesota is being applauded for its efforts to promote cycling in the state.

 

The League of American Bicyclists says Minnesota ranks number two among the most bicycle-friendly states in the nation.

 

The State includes thousands of miles of trails for biking, including 600 paved routes.

 

Minnesota also has a bike-sharing system in the Twin Cities which is expected to expand elsewhere in the future.

Camp Seeks More Campers

Supplied photo

More campers from northwestern Ontario are wanted by a camp specifically for children with cancer.

Camp Quality near Thunder Bay is offering its annual week-long camp in July.

Director Ashleigh Quarrell says a number of openings are now available.

There is no cost to attend, but eligible campers need to register by May 31.

Click this link to register.

No Change In Mill's Future

Resolute Forest Products says its plans for the mill in Fort Frances remain unchanged.

The company says it's still working to reposition the idle operation.

But in a conference call to investors Thursday, president Richard Garneau says that hasn't been so successful.

Garneau adds they have spent nearly $9-million on steps that keep the mill in idle-mode.

Layoffs Announced For Thunder Bay Mill

Twenty-five to thirty workers are being temporarily laid off at the Resolute Forest Products saw mill in Thunder Bay.

Spokesperson  Xavier Van Chau says it's because they have too much lumber caused by a lack of rail cars to ship it to market.

Van Chau adds that no students will be hired at the sawmill this summer because of the layoffs.

Weather Blamed For Resolute Losses

Resolute Forest Products says this past winter has had an impact on its bottom line.

The company says its operating loss now stands at $50-million.

It blames the winter weather which led to higher electricity costs, production disruptions and equipment failures, as well as disruptions in shipments.

Region At Low End Of Health Report

Ontario has a long way to go when it comes to the health of its residents.

 

That's according to the Canadian Index of Well Being's report on health.

 

Northwest Community Care Access Centre's Wendy Talbot says our region's health rates remain at the lower end of the scale.

 

The report calls on the Ontario Government to expand its Community Health Centres Network.

Rainy Lake Identified As Top Bass Lake

FFCBC photo

Rainy Lake is again being identified as one of the top lakes in America for bass fishing.

The publication Bassmaster pegs the lake at number 29, up 13 spots from its 2013 ranking.

While bordering with Ontario, the magazine says Rainy Lake is one of Minnesota's most storied fisheries, featuring world class scenery with smallmouth fishing to match.

The Lake was ranked 11th in a 2012 survey.

New Cell Tower Planned

A new cell tower is being proposed in downtown Fort Frances.

Tbaytel wants the 20 metre tower to improve service

Spokesperson Katie Crowe says they hope to have it in place by the fall.

The new tower is to be located behind the Royal Canadian Legion on Church Street.

Budget Day

It's budget day in Ontario.

The provincial Liberals have already released many key components, including new funding for roads, schools and developmental services.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell isn't expecting anything new to be announced, but says the big concern is where the money for the investments will come.

PC critic Norm Miller says it's a similar concern for him and doesn't like that the provincial credit card is being maxed out again to bring a rise to the deficit.

The Liberals will need at least one of the opposition parties to support the budget to avoid an election.

NDP Leader Undecided Yet On Budget

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath is playing the waiting game.

Horwath isn't making a commitment yet if her party will support the budget and avoid an election.

She says that decision will likely come from Ontarians she talks too and what they think of the Liberal government.

Horwath notes. though, that the Liberals have been plagued by waste and scandals and have "feathered the nest of their friends."

Corner Store Owners Opposing Tobacco Tax

The Ontario Convenience Stores Association is voicing its concern over a suggested tax hike on tobacco products.

It's expected to be including in today's provincial budget.

The organization worries it will only lead to an increase in contraband tobacco sales.

Dayton Happy With Past

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton is impressed how far his state has come.

In his annual State-of-the-State address, Dayton says Minnesota is in a better position than it was four years ago when he first came to power, but notes more can be done.

Dayton adds the need to invest more in area such as as jobs, education, health care and the environment.

Driver Dies Hitting Wash-Out

One person is dead after a vehicle drove into a washed out section of Highway 527 to Armstrong.

OPP says the vehicle burst into flamed after it drove into the hole about 70 kilometres south of the northwestern Ontario community.

The unnamed driver died at the scene.

New Electricity Rates In Place

New time-of-use electricity rates kick in today.

Both the off-peak and mid-peak rates increase by 0.3 cents per kilowatt hour.

That puts the lowest rate for electricity at 7.5 cents per kilowatt hour.

The highest rate, or on-peak, increases 0.6 cents to 13.5

New Rules In Place Over Tanning Beds

New rules pertaining to tanning beds in Ontario kick in today.

Youth under 18 are no longer be allowed to use tanning beds.

Tanning bed operators must also post signs about this restriction and warn of the dangers associated with the beds use.

Operators will be also required to ask for proof of age identification and will not be allowed to promote tanning services to youth under 18.

Riverside Dealing With Budget Shortfall

Riverside Health Care Facilities is projecting a budget shortfall for the coming year.

President Allan Katz says it's forced them to take some steps to offset the 662-thousand dollar deficit.

It includes deferring some travel and other discretionary spending.

Some non-urgent capital expenditures and the filling of some vacant positions will be held off as well.

Katz says given the current economic climate, they're not expecting to see additional dollars from the province.

Town Hands Over Housing Data

The town of Fort Frances is providing a consulting firm working with New Gold with some important community information.

The company is working on a housing strategy for New Gold in advance of the company opening its mine north of Barwick.

Mayor Roy Avis says the data contains available properties, housing lots and the infrastructure connecting to those areas.

Avis says the town's waving the nearly $5-thousand fee for the information as a good will jester, hoping there will be benefits as a result.

New Gold Hires Engineering Firm

A contract has been awarded for the managing of the engineering, procurement and construction of New Gold's planned mine.

AMEC is an international engineering firm that has worked with New Gold on other projects.

Under the new deal, AMEC will manage all detailed design and implementation activities through to pre-commissioning.

Construction is expected to begin next year with production beginning in late 2016.

Ontario Pension Plan To Be Annonced

It appears today's provincial budget will contain details of Ontario's planned retirement pension program.

Premier Kathleen Wynne suggests more needs to be done to help Ontario residents to save for their retirement.

P.C. leader Tim Hudak calls the pension proposal a payroll tax which could kill as many as 150 thousand jobs.

Extended Family Leave

Protection is now in place for employees requiring extended time off work to care for loved ones at home.

Provincial legislation that passed at Queen's Park Wednesday allows for up to eight week unpaid leave to persons who must care for a family member with a serious medical condition and up to 37 weeks to deal with a critically ill child.

Parents of a missing child can get up to 52 weeks and up to two years if a child if killed in a crime-related incident.

Headliner For Fort Frances Festival Announced

An iconic Canadian musician will be among performers at the Harmony of Nations Music Festival in Fort Frances.

Buffy Sainte-Marie will be the headliner for Saturday July 19.

She will also participate in public discussion in advance about a recently released bio-documentary of her life.

Meantime, a Minnesota bluegrass band is announcing it will be part Saturday's show as well.

The Woodpicks also promote on their website they will do a workshop as well.

Spring Bear Hunt Proceeds

The modified spring bear hunt will continue in Ontario.

A provincial court judge has dismissed requests from two animal rights groups to have a judicial review of the hunt, being brought back in some parts of Ontario.

The return of hunting of black bear starts today.

The provincial set up a pilot project in selected wildlife management units following municipal complaints about an increasing in incidents.

Search For Missing Teen

A 16-year-old girl from Manitoba is the subject of a search by RCMP and OPP.

Toni Rose Linklater was last seen April 14.

RCMP believe the girl may be in the Dryden area and hitch-hiking east.

Linklater is described as being 5'10", with long brown hair and a piercing on her right eye.

She was last seen wearing a black jacket and black tights.

Minnesota Looking At Bicycle Strategy

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is looking at improving areas for cycling across the State.

It now gathering public comment on a statewide bicycle system plan.

MNDot's Tim Mitchell says Minnesota is often recognized as one of the top bicycle-friendly states in the country, and the best way to continue improving is to learn from those use the system.

New First Training

The Heart and Stroke Foundation is launching a new training program to teach Canadians how to respond quickly to accidents and injuries, in addition to the life-saving skills of CPR and AED use.

The 16-hour standard first aid course offers a wide ranges of medical responses as well as managing an emergency scene.

The Foundation is currently training its instructor network to deliver the program.

More Time To File Taxes

If you haven't filed their taxes yet, don't sweat it.

You still have a few more day.

The last day in April is usually the deadline, but with a recent virus that impacted Canada Revenue Agency's online services, the deadline was moved to May 5.

Fort High Selected For Pilot Project

Fort Frances High School will be on of several schools to be involved in a new pilot program that helps Aboriginal students develop business and entrepreneurial skills.

The program is to start this fall and is aimed at grade 11 and 12 students.

Students will be mentored by established Aboriginal business owners.

Eligible students will also receive funding to start their businesses.

Feds Involved In Ring Of Fire

The Minister responsible for the Ring of Fire says the federal government remains committed to the massive mining project.

Both Premier Kathleen Wynne and Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle are challenging the feds to get more involved in the project.

Greg Rickford says they have always been at the table.

The province wants the feds to match a billion dollar commitment its providing for infrastructure to the massive mining area.

Property Handover Complete

A deal to takeover an Australian company's mining interests in the Nestor Falls and Rainy River areas is complete.

Conventry Resources is handing over control of four separate projects to Chalice Gold Mines.

The two Australian firms announced the deal last fall.

The four areas are at various stages of exploration.

Teen Pregnancies On Decrease In Minnesota

Some good news from a just-released report from Teenwise Minnesota.

It shows teen pregnancies and birth rates in the state have fallen to historic lows.

Director Jill Farris says the rates have been dropping steadily since the 1990's.

Farris attributes the declines to more young people using effective contraception and using it regularly and more teens waiting longer to become sexually active.

Calls Renewed For Gas Price Watchdog

Federal NDP are renewing their calls for a gas price watchdog.

It comes after a spike in gasoline prices in some part of the country just before Easter and again last week in some northwestern Ontario communities.

Consumer Affairs critic Glenn Thibeault says the watchdog would ensure fairness.

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.