The Ontario Association of Food Banks says there's been a record increase in the number of people turning to food banks in the province since last fall.
The group says the economic downturn has made this its most difficult year, with the number of people served reaching historic highs.
There's been a 19 per cent spike in the number of people turning to food banks since last year _ compared with an increase of 11 percent in 2008 and 10 per cent during the 90s recession.
In all, the association says 375,000 Ontario residents use food banks each month, even though one third of people in those households are employed.
Many food banks have not been able to meet the increased demand,with one in four reducing the amount of food distributed in their hampers.
The group is calling on the province to review its social assistance rules and create a farm donation tax credit for producers who support local food banks.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
More Donations Sought
A call for donations for the remote community of Pikangikum First Nation continues in the Rainy River district.
Family and Children's Services Rainy River says support for the campaign has been strong, but many more items are needed.
In particular, the local agency is seeking Enfamil formula with iron, diapers (size 4-6), baby and toddler clothes, children's boots, mitts, hats and snowsuits, and non-perishable food items.
Items can be dropped off at depots set up at grocery stores in Rainy River, Emo and Fort Frances or at FACS offices.
Family and Children's Services Rainy River says support for the campaign has been strong, but many more items are needed.
In particular, the local agency is seeking Enfamil formula with iron, diapers (size 4-6), baby and toddler clothes, children's boots, mitts, hats and snowsuits, and non-perishable food items.
Items can be dropped off at depots set up at grocery stores in Rainy River, Emo and Fort Frances or at FACS offices.
HST Protest Ends
A two-politician sit-in at the Ontario legislature has ended.
Two Progressive Conservatives who'd been refusing to leave the chamber to protest the lack of public hearings over the HST have given up after less than two days.
Bill Murdoch and Randy Hillier admit they can't force the Liberal government to hold public hearings on the merging of the provincial sales tax with the GST next July.
But the two insist their protest wasn't in vain because they've helped people realize the provincial Conservatives oppose the HST.
Murdoch and Hillier have both been suspended until the next session of the legislature, which may not come until after the 2011 election.
Opposition Leader Tim Hudak admitted the protest was approved by the Conservative caucus to try to force the Liberals into allowing public hearings across the province on the new tax.
However, the New Democrats say the Tory protest was aimed at helping the Conservatives distract voters from the fact they once supported harmonization.
Two Progressive Conservatives who'd been refusing to leave the chamber to protest the lack of public hearings over the HST have given up after less than two days.
Bill Murdoch and Randy Hillier admit they can't force the Liberal government to hold public hearings on the merging of the provincial sales tax with the GST next July.
But the two insist their protest wasn't in vain because they've helped people realize the provincial Conservatives oppose the HST.
Murdoch and Hillier have both been suspended until the next session of the legislature, which may not come until after the 2011 election.
Opposition Leader Tim Hudak admitted the protest was approved by the Conservative caucus to try to force the Liberals into allowing public hearings across the province on the new tax.
However, the New Democrats say the Tory protest was aimed at helping the Conservatives distract voters from the fact they once supported harmonization.
Greyhound Bus Service Up in the Air
The fate of Greyhound service in Northwestern Ontario remains up in the air.
The Ontario Highway Transport Board's 90 day deadline ended at midnight, allowing Greyhound to withdraw from the region if it desires.
But Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton feels confident bus service will be available to some communities along Highway 17.
However, Hampton says the McGuinty Government hasn't stated if they are in talks with the provider to continue service elsewhere in the northwest.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Local Sports for Tuesday December 1
Fort Frances Muskie Girls hockey team grabbed another victory last night with a 4-2 win over the Lake of the Woods Bears in Baudette.
Jillian Langtry had a pair of goals for the Muskies with singles off the sticks of Shae-lynn Smith and Courtney Bethune.
Dana Cridland earn the win in net.
The Pharmasave Midget Wildcats played the Junior Varsity Bears in Baudette, winning 6-nothing.
Tressa Galusha with a pair, Alison Brown, Bridget Jorgenson, Paige Ward and Katrina Wreggit scored for the Wildcats.
Fort Frances Muskies boys hockey team resumes NORWOSSA action tonight with a game against Dryden at the Ice for Kids Arena.
The 4-and-oh Muskies beat Dryden in their first match-up last Tuesday in Dryden 6-3.
Game time is 7 p.m.
Fort Frances Bantam Girls under-14 Leafs opened their season last night with a win.
The Leafs beat the International Falls Broncos junior varsity team 4-3.
Shelby Tymkin, Shilo Beck, Hailey Clendenning and Katie Sinclair scored for the Leafs.
They will head to Superior, Wisconsin for a tournament this coming weekend.
Boys hockey and girls basketball gets underway in International Falls tonight.
The Broncos boys hockey team hosts Hibbing in its season opener beginning at 7:30 p.m.
The varsity girls basketball team begins its season with a home game with Ely at Falls High School also beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Jillian Langtry had a pair of goals for the Muskies with singles off the sticks of Shae-lynn Smith and Courtney Bethune.
Dana Cridland earn the win in net.
The Pharmasave Midget Wildcats played the Junior Varsity Bears in Baudette, winning 6-nothing.
Tressa Galusha with a pair, Alison Brown, Bridget Jorgenson, Paige Ward and Katrina Wreggit scored for the Wildcats.
Fort Frances Muskies boys hockey team resumes NORWOSSA action tonight with a game against Dryden at the Ice for Kids Arena.
The 4-and-oh Muskies beat Dryden in their first match-up last Tuesday in Dryden 6-3.
Game time is 7 p.m.
Fort Frances Bantam Girls under-14 Leafs opened their season last night with a win.
The Leafs beat the International Falls Broncos junior varsity team 4-3.
Shelby Tymkin, Shilo Beck, Hailey Clendenning and Katie Sinclair scored for the Leafs.
They will head to Superior, Wisconsin for a tournament this coming weekend.
Boys hockey and girls basketball gets underway in International Falls tonight.
The Broncos boys hockey team hosts Hibbing in its season opener beginning at 7:30 p.m.
The varsity girls basketball team begins its season with a home game with Ely at Falls High School also beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Kettle Campaign Starts Today
The Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle Campaign is underway.
Fort Frances Mayor Roy Avis kicked off the campaign by manning kettle at Walmart this morning.
Captain Angel Sandoval says they're hoping to raise 15-thousand dollars this year.
"Don't hesitate to donate," says Sandoval. "Every donation you do to the Salvation Army is used locally in Fort Frances and the district."
Kettles have also been set up at Canadian Tire, Safeway, the Place and LCBO throughout the month of December.
The Salvation Army is also still looking for volunteers to man the kettles, even for just an hour or two.
To help, you can call the Salvation Army at 274-3871.
Green Party Eyes Next Election
The new leader of the Green Party in Ontario says northwestern Ontario will get attention from the Party.
Mike Schreiner says he intends to bring the Green's platform to the region as he travels the province in the near future in anticipation of the 2011 provincial election.
Schreiner says part of the plan for the north is helping to build a diversified economy.
"I don't want the people of the north to simply be the suppliers of raw material then have the value-added and most of profits in the south and other parts of the world," says Schreiner. "I think we can be investing in more value-added, more diversified production in the north to keep most of the dollars in the north."
Schreiner is making his role as leader a full-time job with a continued presence at Queen's Park and intends to run Green Party candidates in every riding in the 2011 election.
Mike Schreiner says he intends to bring the Green's platform to the region as he travels the province in the near future in anticipation of the 2011 provincial election.
Schreiner says part of the plan for the north is helping to build a diversified economy.
"I don't want the people of the north to simply be the suppliers of raw material then have the value-added and most of profits in the south and other parts of the world," says Schreiner. "I think we can be investing in more value-added, more diversified production in the north to keep most of the dollars in the north."
Schreiner is making his role as leader a full-time job with a continued presence at Queen's Park and intends to run Green Party candidates in every riding in the 2011 election.
HST Protect Continues
A continuing protest over tax harmonization at the Ontario legislature has derailed the daily question period in the chamber.
Progressive Conservatives Randy Hillier and Bill Murdoch have been staging a sit-in over the government's refusal to hold provincewide public consultations on the tax change.
The two remained in the legislature overnight despite being ordered to leave by Speaker Steve Peters.
But Hillier and Murdoch were rejoined by their caucus colleagues today and continued to shout and pound their desks.
Following a brief meeting to try to resolve the impasse, the speaker began question period by again asking Hillier and Murdoch to leave, but they remained in their chairs.
The speaker then said he was not prepared to continue and would``let the clock run'' down on the daily session.
Progressive Conservatives Randy Hillier and Bill Murdoch have been staging a sit-in over the government's refusal to hold provincewide public consultations on the tax change.
The two remained in the legislature overnight despite being ordered to leave by Speaker Steve Peters.
But Hillier and Murdoch were rejoined by their caucus colleagues today and continued to shout and pound their desks.
Following a brief meeting to try to resolve the impasse, the speaker began question period by again asking Hillier and Murdoch to leave, but they remained in their chairs.
The speaker then said he was not prepared to continue and would``let the clock run'' down on the daily session.
School Board Elections Tonight
The election of chair and vice chair will lead tonight's meeting of the Rainy River District School board.
The elections for the two top position are done on an yearly basis.
Dan Belluz is the current chair while Judy Eliuk is vice-chair.
Trustees will also elect their representative to the Ontario Public School Board's Association, a position currently held by Eliuk.
The elections for the two top position are done on an yearly basis.
Dan Belluz is the current chair while Judy Eliuk is vice-chair.
Trustees will also elect their representative to the Ontario Public School Board's Association, a position currently held by Eliuk.
DriveTest Strike Continues
The provincial government says it will not legislate an end to a strike by driving examiners.
Labour Minister Peter Fonseca insists the most productive solution is a negotiated settlement with the help of government mediators.
The strike affects 93 full-time and part-time DriveTest sites, including one in Fort Frances, which grant or renew licences to novice drivers and those over 80.
It's now into its fourth month.
Labour Minister Peter Fonseca insists the most productive solution is a negotiated settlement with the help of government mediators.
The strike affects 93 full-time and part-time DriveTest sites, including one in Fort Frances, which grant or renew licences to novice drivers and those over 80.
It's now into its fourth month.
Back to Work Legislation Tabled
Legislation to end the strike at CN Rail is expected to be passed in the House of Commons within days.
Labour Minister Rona Ambrose has introduced a bill to force striking locomotive engineers back to work and to send outstanding issues to binding arbitration.
Ambrose says the transportation system is a vital part of the economy and a strike could hurt the fragile recovery.
About 17-hundred engineers walked off the job after talks broke down Friday night.
Murdered Women Remembered
Six women murdered in the Rainy River district at the hands of men are to be remembered in a dedication later this week.
The Atikokan Crisis Centre will be planting the trees in front of its second-stage complex.
Executive Director Donna Kroocmo says its important to have a visual reminder that violence against women happens here.
"People don't think it happens locally, but it does," says Kroocmo. "These are women that were murdered by their partners in the Rainy River district. I want to plant the trees with a plaque in front of the tree that identifies her name, age and date of death."
The dedication is to coincide with National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women and the twentieth anniversary of the 14 women killed at a Montreal University.
The Atikokan Crisis Centre will be planting the trees in front of its second-stage complex.
Executive Director Donna Kroocmo says its important to have a visual reminder that violence against women happens here.
"People don't think it happens locally, but it does," says Kroocmo. "These are women that were murdered by their partners in the Rainy River district. I want to plant the trees with a plaque in front of the tree that identifies her name, age and date of death."
The dedication is to coincide with National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women and the twentieth anniversary of the 14 women killed at a Montreal University.
Health Plan Released
A long-awaited health plan for northwestern Ontario has now been released by the Northwest Local Health Integration Network.
The plan includes suggestions to improve wait times in emergency rooms, improve access to primary, long term and specialty care, and the prevention of chronic disease.
Executive Director Gwen Dubois-Wing says the goal of the three year integrated health plan is to improve access to the health care system.
"As we talked with people they would relay their concerns about gaps within the system," says Dubois-Wing, "so how do we build a more robust system so that people don't experience the gaps and their care needs are addressed."
Dubois-Wing says they will be working with hospitals and other health care providers in the region to implement the plan.
The plan includes suggestions to improve wait times in emergency rooms, improve access to primary, long term and specialty care, and the prevention of chronic disease.
Executive Director Gwen Dubois-Wing says the goal of the three year integrated health plan is to improve access to the health care system.
"As we talked with people they would relay their concerns about gaps within the system," says Dubois-Wing, "so how do we build a more robust system so that people don't experience the gaps and their care needs are addressed."
Dubois-Wing says they will be working with hospitals and other health care providers in the region to implement the plan.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Local Sports for Monday November 30
Fort France Midget AA Canadians fell 6-3 to Wayzata in the B-side final of the Gus Lindberg Memorial Midget Double-A hockey tournament held at the Memorial Sport Centre on the weekend.
Ryan Lundy, Jeff Gustafson and Tarran Romyn scored for the Canadians who went 1-1-1 during the round robin portion of the tournament.
Thunder Bay's Current River Comets beat Duluth 4-3 in the A-side final.
A pair of bronze medals for girls hockey teams playing at tournaments in Warroad on the weekend.
The Nor-Fab Flames brought home the bronze in the pee-wee side with a 4-3 win over Grand Forks.
The Dynamic Homes Hurricanes Atom girls rep team also earned bronze after losing to Roseau 4-2.
Fort Frances Muskie Girls Hockey team captured gold at the Northern Shield Classic in Dryden, beating Red Lake in Saturday's final 3-1.
Jillian Langtry had two goals and Danielle Jean had one.
Melissa Payne had the win in net.
Fort Frances Muskies Boys hockey team defeated Detroit Lakes, Minnesota 5-3 to win the Thanksgiving Shootout trophy.
Friday, the Muskies hammered a team from Bagley-Fosston, Minnesota 19-0.
Fort Frances rinks skipped by Tierzah Keffer and Ethan Jordbro fell short in their bids to advance to the provincial junior curling playdowns.
Keffer finished with 1 win and 3 losses at the Inter-Regional event in Atikokan on the weekend.
Jordbro was 2-4 on the men's side.
Fresh of its gold medal win in at a Dryden tournament, the Fort Frances Muskies girls hockey team is in action tonight in Baudette.
Muskies face the Lake of the Woods Bears beginning at 7:30 p.m.
International Falls boys hockey team has been ranked fourteenth in the state in a pre-season poll of Class A high schools.
Broncos open their season tomorrow against Hibbing.
In minor girls hockey from the weekend, the Fort Frances Atom Leftovers tied the Emo Penguins 2-2 on Saturday.
Jenna Clendenning and Kelsey Langtree scored for Fort Frances.
Ryan Lundy, Jeff Gustafson and Tarran Romyn scored for the Canadians who went 1-1-1 during the round robin portion of the tournament.
Thunder Bay's Current River Comets beat Duluth 4-3 in the A-side final.
A pair of bronze medals for girls hockey teams playing at tournaments in Warroad on the weekend.
The Nor-Fab Flames brought home the bronze in the pee-wee side with a 4-3 win over Grand Forks.
The Dynamic Homes Hurricanes Atom girls rep team also earned bronze after losing to Roseau 4-2.
Fort Frances Muskie Girls Hockey team captured gold at the Northern Shield Classic in Dryden, beating Red Lake in Saturday's final 3-1.
Jillian Langtry had two goals and Danielle Jean had one.
Melissa Payne had the win in net.
Fort Frances Muskies Boys hockey team defeated Detroit Lakes, Minnesota 5-3 to win the Thanksgiving Shootout trophy.
Friday, the Muskies hammered a team from Bagley-Fosston, Minnesota 19-0.
Fort Frances rinks skipped by Tierzah Keffer and Ethan Jordbro fell short in their bids to advance to the provincial junior curling playdowns.
Keffer finished with 1 win and 3 losses at the Inter-Regional event in Atikokan on the weekend.
Jordbro was 2-4 on the men's side.
Fresh of its gold medal win in at a Dryden tournament, the Fort Frances Muskies girls hockey team is in action tonight in Baudette.
Muskies face the Lake of the Woods Bears beginning at 7:30 p.m.
International Falls boys hockey team has been ranked fourteenth in the state in a pre-season poll of Class A high schools.
Broncos open their season tomorrow against Hibbing.
In minor girls hockey from the weekend, the Fort Frances Atom Leftovers tied the Emo Penguins 2-2 on Saturday.
Jenna Clendenning and Kelsey Langtree scored for Fort Frances.
Warm Weather Comes to an End
A high of 28 degrees Friday ended a string of 242 consecutive days that International Falls had recorded a high temperature above 32 degrees.
It's the 3rd longest stretch at International Falls followed behind the 246 string of days in 1958 and the 244 days in 2001.
It's the 3rd longest stretch at International Falls followed behind the 246 string of days in 1958 and the 244 days in 2001.
Parade Winners
Fort Frances' downtown area was brighten Saturday evening with the annual Parade of Lights.
More than 20 organizations participated.
Awards went to Mike Tullio, Boston Pizza, Rainy Lake Conservancy, St Mary’s Youth Group and the Novice Girls Hockey Team for their floats.
More than 20 organizations participated.
Awards went to Mike Tullio, Boston Pizza, Rainy Lake Conservancy, St Mary’s Youth Group and the Novice Girls Hockey Team for their floats.
Cancer Drug Funded
Just months after Ontario's ombudsman criticized the government, the Health Ministry is extending funding of a potentially life-saving cancer drug.
Health Minister Deb Matthews says Ontario will now fund Avastin for up to 24 two-week treatments if medical evidence shows their disease hasn't progressed.
Government figures show the average length of survival for people who receive Avastin with other chemotherapy is close to two years -- compared with a little over a year without the drug.
Health Minister Deb Matthews says Ontario will now fund Avastin for up to 24 two-week treatments if medical evidence shows their disease hasn't progressed.
Government figures show the average length of survival for people who receive Avastin with other chemotherapy is close to two years -- compared with a little over a year without the drug.
More Residents Asked to Get H1N1 Shot
The push to get Ontario residents inoculated against H1N1 is turning next to workplaces and college and university students.
Ontario has launched a $650-thousand "Join the Resistance'' ad campaign to encourage college and university students to roll up their sleeves for the flu shot.
Ontario's chief medical officer of health says that almost half of those hospitalized in Ontario for H1N1 are people under 20.
Ontario has launched a $650-thousand "Join the Resistance'' ad campaign to encourage college and university students to roll up their sleeves for the flu shot.
Ontario's chief medical officer of health says that almost half of those hospitalized in Ontario for H1N1 are people under 20.
Forensic Unit Opened in Northwest
A new OPP forensic identification services unit has opened in Thunder Bay.
The state-of-the-art building provides the OPP and area police services with advanced tools to analyse evidence.
The $6.6-million facility includes a bio-hazard lab, bloodstain room for blood spatter examination and modern fingerprinting technologies.
Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister Rick Bartolucci says it'll advance the science of criminal investigation in northwestern Ontario.
The state-of-the-art building provides the OPP and area police services with advanced tools to analyse evidence.
The $6.6-million facility includes a bio-hazard lab, bloodstain room for blood spatter examination and modern fingerprinting technologies.
Community Safety and Correctional Services Minister Rick Bartolucci says it'll advance the science of criminal investigation in northwestern Ontario.
National Day of Remembrance Marked
Area agencies will mark a National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women with events across the district this week.
Both the United Native Friendship Centre and Rainy River District Victims Services are promoting activities to bring public awareness.
Peggy Loyie of Victims Services says violence against women is happening in our own back yard.
"This year marks the 20th year since the Montreal massacre where 14 women were killed at École Polytechnique," says Loyie, "but in those 20 years since we've been able to name at least nine women who have been murdered in our district alone."
Among events planned will be a solemn ceremony at Knox United Church this Sunday.
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