The restart of North American Palladium's Lac des Iles mine is expected to give northwestern Ontario an economic boost.
The company says higher palladium prices has allowed it to put its "flagship'' north of the Thunder Bay mine back into production early in 2010.
About 150 people are to be hired and people who used to work at the operation are being contacted about returning.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Board Meetings Revised
Trustees with the Northwest Catholic District School Board will now be holding face-to-face meetings in every community represented by the Board.
The board will now hold five face-to-face meetings along with five video-conferencing sessions during the course of the school year.
Education director Mary-Catherine Kelly says it reflects the recent addition of Atikokan to its jurisdiction.
The trustees are planned to meet in Atikokan in May.
The board will now hold five face-to-face meetings along with five video-conferencing sessions during the course of the school year.
Education director Mary-Catherine Kelly says it reflects the recent addition of Atikokan to its jurisdiction.
The trustees are planned to meet in Atikokan in May.
Pension Changes Announced
Ontario is moving ahead with the first pension changes in 20 years, aimed at creating a system that will be better able to withstand economic turmoil.
The changes will clarify benefits for people who are affected by layoffs, eliminate partial pension windups, and make it easier for plans to restructure when companies do.
Finance Minister Dwight Duncan says the legislation will also enhance regulatory oversight and make it easier for plan members and pensioners to access information.
The changes will clarify benefits for people who are affected by layoffs, eliminate partial pension windups, and make it easier for plans to restructure when companies do.
Finance Minister Dwight Duncan says the legislation will also enhance regulatory oversight and make it easier for plan members and pensioners to access information.
Second Career Changes
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton says a change in the eligibility criteria to access the provincial retraining program Second Career will prohibit many from participating.
Hampton says the change announced in November would drastically reduce the 130 people now take part in the program through Northern Community Development Services.
"Under the more restrictive criteria introduced on November 20, only 12 of those 130 individuals would qualify for job retraining and skills development," says Hampton, "nearly 120 out of 130 laid-off workers abandoned by the McGuinty Liberals."
Universities and Colleges Minister John Milloy says the new criteria is focused on those who would benefit from it the most and estimates an additional 8,000 laid-off workers across the province will have gain access to the program.
Hampton says the change announced in November would drastically reduce the 130 people now take part in the program through Northern Community Development Services.
"Under the more restrictive criteria introduced on November 20, only 12 of those 130 individuals would qualify for job retraining and skills development," says Hampton, "nearly 120 out of 130 laid-off workers abandoned by the McGuinty Liberals."
Universities and Colleges Minister John Milloy says the new criteria is focused on those who would benefit from it the most and estimates an additional 8,000 laid-off workers across the province will have gain access to the program.
Federal Support for HST
The House of Commons has voted overwhelmingly in favour of a harmonized sales tax for Ontario and British Columbia.
Even though the bill was controversial -- and has angered many --the three biggest federal parties supported it.
Only the NDP voted against it.
The Ontario legislature passed its own legislation yesterday and B.C. is expected to follow suit early in the new year.
Next July 1st, the two provinces will combine their retails sales tax with the G-S-T to form the HST.
It will be 12 per cent in B-C, and 13 per cent in Ontario.
Critics denounce the combined tax as a cash grab.
Even though the bill was controversial -- and has angered many --the three biggest federal parties supported it.
Only the NDP voted against it.
The Ontario legislature passed its own legislation yesterday and B.C. is expected to follow suit early in the new year.
Next July 1st, the two provinces will combine their retails sales tax with the G-S-T to form the HST.
It will be 12 per cent in B-C, and 13 per cent in Ontario.
Critics denounce the combined tax as a cash grab.
State Aid Stays Same
International Falls won't see any further decrease in state aid this month, but it's not getting any more either.
Governor Tim Pawlenty announced earlier this week he had no plans to change the amount of money given to Minnesota cities and counties.
Administrator Rod Otterness says the amount of money expected will still be smaller than usual.
"He had earlier announced that he would be reducing our payments by $138-thousand in 2009," says Otterness. "That would be 69-thousand in our July cheque and $69-thousand in our December cheque and we are still loosing that amount of money."
The city is now looking at regaining the shortfall in funding from the past two years of cuts with a projected 17 per cent hike in taxes.
Governor Tim Pawlenty announced earlier this week he had no plans to change the amount of money given to Minnesota cities and counties.
Administrator Rod Otterness says the amount of money expected will still be smaller than usual.
"He had earlier announced that he would be reducing our payments by $138-thousand in 2009," says Otterness. "That would be 69-thousand in our July cheque and $69-thousand in our December cheque and we are still loosing that amount of money."
The city is now looking at regaining the shortfall in funding from the past two years of cuts with a projected 17 per cent hike in taxes.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Kenora Council Backing Pensions
Kenora City Council is throwing its support behind a resolution calling on the federal and provincial levels of government to work with AbitibiBowater and its unions to protect employee pensions.
The union wants to set up a trust fund to protect the pensions of some 29 thousand current and retired workers.
AbitibiBowater is currently under bankruptcy protection, but the Communication, Energy and Paperworkers union is worried that workers could lose up to 27 percent of their pensions if the company goes broke.
The resolution suggests that pension income reductions will have a negative impact on National, provincial and municipal economies.
The union wants to set up a trust fund to protect the pensions of some 29 thousand current and retired workers.
AbitibiBowater is currently under bankruptcy protection, but the Communication, Energy and Paperworkers union is worried that workers could lose up to 27 percent of their pensions if the company goes broke.
The resolution suggests that pension income reductions will have a negative impact on National, provincial and municipal economies.
Strobes for Buses
The visibility of school buses operating in the Rainy River district is being enhanced.
Buses are being equipped with strobe lights, made possible through funding acquired by Safe Communities Rainy River District and C-N Rail.
Local Iron Range Bus Lines manager Terry Higgins supports their use.
"It's definitely beneficial," says Higgins. "Anytime you can increase the visibility of a vehicle carrying children it's definitely a plus."
Local bus operators are responsible for the installation of the new safety feature, which Higgins says takes only a couple of hours to complete.
Buses are being equipped with strobe lights, made possible through funding acquired by Safe Communities Rainy River District and C-N Rail.
Local Iron Range Bus Lines manager Terry Higgins supports their use.
"It's definitely beneficial," says Higgins. "Anytime you can increase the visibility of a vehicle carrying children it's definitely a plus."
Local bus operators are responsible for the installation of the new safety feature, which Higgins says takes only a couple of hours to complete.
Dog Bites Cop
OPP in Marathon were forced to shoot a pit bull-like dog after it bit down on an officer's leg.
But police say it kept on attacking, even though it was shot in the spine.
The officer was treated and released from hospital and the dog was later put down in Thunder Bay.
But police say it kept on attacking, even though it was shot in the spine.
The officer was treated and released from hospital and the dog was later put down in Thunder Bay.
Fire Kills Two
More tragedy in the remote community of Pikangikum, north of Red Lake.
Two girls, a 3-year-old and a 5-year-old, were killed in a house fire that occurred last Friday.
Band officials stated yesterday that their mother, Victoria Quill suffered severe burns and smoke inhalation, when she attempted to rescue the two children.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Two girls, a 3-year-old and a 5-year-old, were killed in a house fire that occurred last Friday.
Band officials stated yesterday that their mother, Victoria Quill suffered severe burns and smoke inhalation, when she attempted to rescue the two children.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
RIDE Stats Released
The first week of the Ontario Provincial Police's Festive Ride program has resulted in at least one driver being charged with impaired driving in the Rainy River district.
More than 23-hundred vehicles were checked between November 29 and December 4.
Police did charge 14 people for other liquor license and highway traffic acts violations during the week.
There were also 16 motor vehicle accidents, three resulting in personal injury.
More than 23-hundred vehicles were checked between November 29 and December 4.
Police did charge 14 people for other liquor license and highway traffic acts violations during the week.
There were also 16 motor vehicle accidents, three resulting in personal injury.
Police Pursuit in Fort Frances
A young person faces a number of charges following an incident early Sunday morning that resulted in an OPP pursuit through Fort Frances and damages to two police vehicles.
It began when police attempted to pull over a vehicle whose driver was seen not wearing a seatbelt.
The driver refused to stop, resulting the chase, eventually involving two police vehicles.
The chase came to a dead end road at Pither's Point Park where the suspect vehicle turned around and rammed one of the cruisers at high speed.
An officer was forced to jump out of the way to avoid being hit.
A short time later, another police vehicle was struck on Mowat Avenue before police were able to partially disable to suspect's vehicle into a snowbank on Front Street.
As officers attempted to remove the driver and two occupants, the driver tried to drive away, dragging two officers a short distance before the vehicle was again stopped.
A brief foot chase then ensued before all three were arrested.
One person, whose name or age were not released, appeared in court yesterday on three counts of assaulting a peace officer, two counts of mischief, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, and flight from a police officer.
Police further charges are pending.
It began when police attempted to pull over a vehicle whose driver was seen not wearing a seatbelt.
The driver refused to stop, resulting the chase, eventually involving two police vehicles.
The chase came to a dead end road at Pither's Point Park where the suspect vehicle turned around and rammed one of the cruisers at high speed.
An officer was forced to jump out of the way to avoid being hit.
A short time later, another police vehicle was struck on Mowat Avenue before police were able to partially disable to suspect's vehicle into a snowbank on Front Street.
As officers attempted to remove the driver and two occupants, the driver tried to drive away, dragging two officers a short distance before the vehicle was again stopped.
A brief foot chase then ensued before all three were arrested.
One person, whose name or age were not released, appeared in court yesterday on three counts of assaulting a peace officer, two counts of mischief, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, and flight from a police officer.
Police further charges are pending.
Local Sports for Tuesday December 8
Fort Frances and International Falls renew rivalries in girls hockey tonight.
The Muskies and Broncos will hook up for the second time in less than a week at the Ice for Kids Arena beginning at 7:15.
Fans are being encouraged to bring a teddy bear to throw to the ice when the Muskies score their first goal.
Meantime the Broncos boys hockey team will host Eveleth-Gilbert - 7:30 at Bronco Arena
Broncos girls basketball team dropped at 64-54 decision to the Lake of the Woods Bears at the Falls High School last night.
Broncos are now 1 and 2 on the season.
Broncos boys team begins its schedule tonight with a home game against Eveleth-Gilbert - 7:30 at Falls High School.
And the Broncos boys swim and dive team also kick of its season with competition in Hibbing this afternoon.
Fort Frances Leafs under-14 girls team claimed third place at a tournament in Superior, Wisconsin on the weekend with a 5-1 decision over Duluth.
Shelby Rae paced the Leafs with a pair of goals.
Katie Sinclair, Shelby Tymkin Taylor Hazel got the others.
The team travels to Thunder Bay for another tournament his coming weekend.
A successful weekend for members of the Sunset Country Squash Club in Thunder Bay on the weekend.
Jason Kabel won the A-side consolation title.
Annis Seid won the B-side while Bryon Skirten capture the D-side event
Angel McCormack took the D-side consolation while Mary Beth Tkachuk earned a berth to the C-side finals.
The Muskies and Broncos will hook up for the second time in less than a week at the Ice for Kids Arena beginning at 7:15.
Fans are being encouraged to bring a teddy bear to throw to the ice when the Muskies score their first goal.
Meantime the Broncos boys hockey team will host Eveleth-Gilbert - 7:30 at Bronco Arena
Broncos girls basketball team dropped at 64-54 decision to the Lake of the Woods Bears at the Falls High School last night.
Broncos are now 1 and 2 on the season.
Broncos boys team begins its schedule tonight with a home game against Eveleth-Gilbert - 7:30 at Falls High School.
And the Broncos boys swim and dive team also kick of its season with competition in Hibbing this afternoon.
Fort Frances Leafs under-14 girls team claimed third place at a tournament in Superior, Wisconsin on the weekend with a 5-1 decision over Duluth.
Shelby Rae paced the Leafs with a pair of goals.
Katie Sinclair, Shelby Tymkin Taylor Hazel got the others.
The team travels to Thunder Bay for another tournament his coming weekend.
A successful weekend for members of the Sunset Country Squash Club in Thunder Bay on the weekend.
Jason Kabel won the A-side consolation title.
Annis Seid won the B-side while Bryon Skirten capture the D-side event
Angel McCormack took the D-side consolation while Mary Beth Tkachuk earned a berth to the C-side finals.
Auditor Report Released
The opposition parties say the latest report from Ontario's auditor general shows the Liberal government is doing a poor job of managing taxpayers' money.
The auditor found the Ministry of Social Services isn't very good at determining who is eligible for welfare and disability supports,and has overpaid $1.2 billion.
Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak says it's clear the Liberals have ``lost sight of the ball'' when there are such``exorbitant overpayments'' for social assistance benefits.
He says there's a culture in government that seems to believe taxpayer dollars ``are their own to spend as they see fit.''
NDP Leader Andrea Horwath is concerned with the auditor's findings that many bridges in Ontario are not being inspected as often as they should be.
Horwath says the auditor's report shows the government's attitude towards public safety is "sloppy at best.''
The auditor also found every member of some families on social assistance are diagnosed with identical, multiple medical conditions so each can receive the maximum dietary allowance of 250 dollars a month.
He says some families get about 50-thousand dollars a year, tax free, from social assistance and the dietary supplements.
The auditor found the Ministry of Social Services isn't very good at determining who is eligible for welfare and disability supports,and has overpaid $1.2 billion.
Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Hudak says it's clear the Liberals have ``lost sight of the ball'' when there are such``exorbitant overpayments'' for social assistance benefits.
He says there's a culture in government that seems to believe taxpayer dollars ``are their own to spend as they see fit.''
NDP Leader Andrea Horwath is concerned with the auditor's findings that many bridges in Ontario are not being inspected as often as they should be.
Horwath says the auditor's report shows the government's attitude towards public safety is "sloppy at best.''
The auditor also found every member of some families on social assistance are diagnosed with identical, multiple medical conditions so each can receive the maximum dietary allowance of 250 dollars a month.
He says some families get about 50-thousand dollars a year, tax free, from social assistance and the dietary supplements.
Liberals End HST Hearings
Ontario New Democrats are accusing the Liberals of shutting down a legislative committee discussing the controversial sales tax merger.
The committee was considering amendments to a bill to harmonize the eight per cent provincial sales tax with the five per cent GST.
A statement from the NDP says the committee was shut down Monday night when Liberals "walked off the job and refused to return.''
The committee was considering amendments to a bill to harmonize the eight per cent provincial sales tax with the five per cent GST.
A statement from the NDP says the committee was shut down Monday night when Liberals "walked off the job and refused to return.''
Stay Off the Ice
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is warning parents to keep their children off the thin ice that's now forming across much of the state.
As of Monday, no ice in the state was consistently four inches thick, which is the minimum recommended to support the weight of a person.
Tim Smalley of the DNR says conservation officers report that some people are starting to tiptoe out onto a few frozen ponds - something he says is not a good idea.
As of Monday, no ice in the state was consistently four inches thick, which is the minimum recommended to support the weight of a person.
Tim Smalley of the DNR says conservation officers report that some people are starting to tiptoe out onto a few frozen ponds - something he says is not a good idea.
Amendments Killed Trees
Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton is lashing out at the McGuinty Liberals for claims the introduction of a half-a-million opposition amendments towards the HST has hurt the environment.
Because rules require the amendments to be put on paper and reproduced, the Liberals says its cost taxpayers 250-thousand dollar and killed 620 trees.
Hampton calls the Liberals claims as silly.
"This nonsense about saying you're wasting money or you're wasting trees is absurd," says Hampton. "It's just more of the silliness that we've seen at Queens Park over the past two weeks."
But Liberal MPP Yasir Naqvi says the opposition should have been more responsible in its actions.
Because rules require the amendments to be put on paper and reproduced, the Liberals says its cost taxpayers 250-thousand dollar and killed 620 trees.
Hampton calls the Liberals claims as silly.
"This nonsense about saying you're wasting money or you're wasting trees is absurd," says Hampton. "It's just more of the silliness that we've seen at Queens Park over the past two weeks."
But Liberal MPP Yasir Naqvi says the opposition should have been more responsible in its actions.
Grant Money Doled Out
Several organizations in the Rainy River district will share in almost 200-thousand dollars from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
The Rainy Lake Nordic Ski Club will get $51-thousand to purchase ski and trail grooming equipment and construct an addition to the ski chalet for storage.
$37-thousand will go to the town of Fort Frances and its purchase two self-check stations for the new library and technology centre.
Atikokan Intergenerational Centre for Arts and Alternatives is receiving $34-thousand to assist with its operating costs as it develops a new strategic plan.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 145 in Atikokan is using $30-thousand to install a new roof.
And Naicatchewenin First Nation will get $15-thousand to purchase equipment to establish a community garden.
The Rainy Lake Nordic Ski Club will get $51-thousand to purchase ski and trail grooming equipment and construct an addition to the ski chalet for storage.
$37-thousand will go to the town of Fort Frances and its purchase two self-check stations for the new library and technology centre.
Atikokan Intergenerational Centre for Arts and Alternatives is receiving $34-thousand to assist with its operating costs as it develops a new strategic plan.
Royal Canadian Legion Branch 145 in Atikokan is using $30-thousand to install a new roof.
And Naicatchewenin First Nation will get $15-thousand to purchase equipment to establish a community garden.
Bag Tags Up As Well
The cost to get rid of your garbage in the town of Fort Frances is also expected to rise.
Bag tags will cost two dollars in the new year with tipping fees at the landfill site to go up as well.
Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says as more people recycle, revenue generated at the landfill is decreasing.
"It's a little different than most places as I don't see the economy coming back," says Brown, "with the landfill site making the revenue that we used to make a year ago. It's gone down. People are recycling more. They don't want to pay the fees so we're getting crunched."
Councillor Ken Perry opposed to the increase, concerned it would be a trend that would lead to higher fees in the future.
Bag tags will cost two dollars in the new year with tipping fees at the landfill site to go up as well.
Operations and Facilities Manager Doug Brown says as more people recycle, revenue generated at the landfill is decreasing.
"It's a little different than most places as I don't see the economy coming back," says Brown, "with the landfill site making the revenue that we used to make a year ago. It's gone down. People are recycling more. They don't want to pay the fees so we're getting crunched."
Councillor Ken Perry opposed to the increase, concerned it would be a trend that would lead to higher fees in the future.
User Fees Going Up
The town of Fort Frances is looking at a 2 per cent increase in user fees for most services within the municipality.
The increase was discussed at a meeting of council late yesterday (Monday) afternoon.
Councillor Paul Ryan feels the increase is reasonable.
"It keeps up with the purchasing power of the dollar," says Ryan. "It keeps up with inflation and that's about it. We aren't generating more money this year than last due to increases in wages, fuel, etc. We're pretty much staying the same."
But Ryan warns fees will riser higher in the middle of next year when HST must be applied to most - a hike Ryan says the municipality has no control over.
The increase was discussed at a meeting of council late yesterday (Monday) afternoon.
Councillor Paul Ryan feels the increase is reasonable.
"It keeps up with the purchasing power of the dollar," says Ryan. "It keeps up with inflation and that's about it. We aren't generating more money this year than last due to increases in wages, fuel, etc. We're pretty much staying the same."
But Ryan warns fees will riser higher in the middle of next year when HST must be applied to most - a hike Ryan says the municipality has no control over.
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