Premier Dalton McGuinty received a tepid response when he pitched his plan for a harmonized sales tax to municipal leaders yesterday.
He told the Association of Ontario Municipalities that combining the GST and PST is good for business.
But the crowd sat on its hands throughout his tax pitch.
Municipal leaders fear they'll be hard hit next year by a harmonized sales tax that applies to more goods and services than the PST.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Growth Plan Released Soon
The province is getting closer to releasing the draft of its northern growth plan.
That plan is intended to be a blueprint to improving the economy of northern Ontario over the next thirty years.
Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says the schedule for the plan is still on track.
"Our goal has always been to get the public consultations in the fall of this year," says Gravelle. "I think we're on track for that. I think we can keep on track with the update I've provided and getting the actual draft growth plan into the hands of stakeholders as soon as possible."
Gravelle says an extensive consultation period has led to a number of suggestions he expects will be incorporated in the draft plan
That plan is intended to be a blueprint to improving the economy of northern Ontario over the next thirty years.
Northern Development Minister Michael Gravelle says the schedule for the plan is still on track.
"Our goal has always been to get the public consultations in the fall of this year," says Gravelle. "I think we're on track for that. I think we can keep on track with the update I've provided and getting the actual draft growth plan into the hands of stakeholders as soon as possible."
Gravelle says an extensive consultation period has led to a number of suggestions he expects will be incorporated in the draft plan
More Forestry Support Demanded
Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty says the recent announcement of the shutdown of the Ear Falls sawmill reaffirms the need for a federal plan for the forest industry.
Rafferty says his party committed to helping the industry at its convention on the weekend .
"How important it is to Canada, and the importance of providing loan guarantees," says Rafferty, "not a bailout, so we can be ready to compete in northwestern Ontario."
Rafferty adds the softwood lumber deal is also hurting northern Ontario and should be renegotiated or scrapped all together.
Rafferty says his party committed to helping the industry at its convention on the weekend .
"How important it is to Canada, and the importance of providing loan guarantees," says Rafferty, "not a bailout, so we can be ready to compete in northwestern Ontario."
Rafferty adds the softwood lumber deal is also hurting northern Ontario and should be renegotiated or scrapped all together.
Dryden Coming to Fort Frances
Hall-of-fame netminder and Liberal MP Ken Dryden will visit Fort Frances next month.
It's part of his cross country tour talking about poverty.
Kenora Riding Candidate Roger Valley says people can expect to see Dryden in Fort Frances on September 3rd
"One of the reasons why I asked him to come to the riding is to make sure he sees what happens in communities where people who have become dislocated and how they have to survice in difficult circumstances," says Valley.
A reception for Dryden is being planned at Little Beaver Snow Park when he arrives.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Forest Fire Season Quiet
It's on track to be another quiet forest fire season in northwestern Ontario.
As of yesterday, there have been a total 173 forest fires in the region this season, burning an area of about 14-thousand hectares.
By comparison, there about 50 fewer fires to date last season, covering about 370 hectares.
The 10-year annual average for the number of fires and hectares is 639 fires and 104-thousand hectares annually.
As of yesterday, there have been a total 173 forest fires in the region this season, burning an area of about 14-thousand hectares.
By comparison, there about 50 fewer fires to date last season, covering about 370 hectares.
The 10-year annual average for the number of fires and hectares is 639 fires and 104-thousand hectares annually.
Fair Attendance Down
While weather impacted events at this past weekend's fall fair in Emo, attendance was down only slightly.
The Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society's about 66-hundred people passed through the gates during fair weekend.
That about 650 fewer than last season.
Despite the rain, most events such as the parade, horse and cattle shows continued.
The second night of stock car racing was washed out.
The Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society's about 66-hundred people passed through the gates during fair weekend.
That about 650 fewer than last season.
Despite the rain, most events such as the parade, horse and cattle shows continued.
The second night of stock car racing was washed out.
Clean Energy Jobs Plan Gets Support
A Minnesota coalition including labor, faith and environmental interests is coming together to back what's called a "clean energy jobs plan" that supporters say will create thousands of jobs, reduce pollution and lower oil imports.
The groups are supporting a bill under consideration in Congress that backers believe will grow the "clean energy economy."
The coalition's Joshua Low says it's a "win-win" situation for Minnesota.
"We know that, by investing in clean energy jobs, we can revitalize manufacturing, get the middle class moving again, get our economy moving again," says Low. "At the same time, we can solve global warming, one of the most pressing environmental problems that we have in this country."
The groups calculate clean energy jobs have already put thousands of people to work with the plan expected to add many more.
An energy package has already passed the House.
The plan will be considered by the Senate when Congress returns next month.
The groups are supporting a bill under consideration in Congress that backers believe will grow the "clean energy economy."
The coalition's Joshua Low says it's a "win-win" situation for Minnesota.
"We know that, by investing in clean energy jobs, we can revitalize manufacturing, get the middle class moving again, get our economy moving again," says Low. "At the same time, we can solve global warming, one of the most pressing environmental problems that we have in this country."
The groups calculate clean energy jobs have already put thousands of people to work with the plan expected to add many more.
An energy package has already passed the House.
The plan will be considered by the Senate when Congress returns next month.
"Ride for Memories" Nears
Get your motorcycles ready.
The annual Kenora-Rainy River Alzheimer Society's "Ride for Memories" is fast approaching.
Executive Director Margaret Schoenwille says its one of their best fundraisers.
The ride includes lunch in Dryden, dinner in Red Lake and a charity poker tournament.
You can register by calling the Alzheimer Society's office in Kenora.
The annual Kenora-Rainy River Alzheimer Society's "Ride for Memories" is fast approaching.
Executive Director Margaret Schoenwille says its one of their best fundraisers.
The ride includes lunch in Dryden, dinner in Red Lake and a charity poker tournament.
You can register by calling the Alzheimer Society's office in Kenora.
WSIB Suffers Loss
Ontario's Workplace Safety and Insurance Board is blaming the recession for its deteriorating financial results and a more than $3 billion loss last year.
The WSIB, which collects premiums from employers and provides benefits to injured workers, says it took in $2.4 billion less than it paid out in benefits and other expenses in 2008.
That's more than double the shortfall the WSIB reported in 2007.
However, the WSIB says the shortfall won't threaten its ability to provide benefits to workers.
The WSIB, which collects premiums from employers and provides benefits to injured workers, says it took in $2.4 billion less than it paid out in benefits and other expenses in 2008.
That's more than double the shortfall the WSIB reported in 2007.
However, the WSIB says the shortfall won't threaten its ability to provide benefits to workers.
Child Care Funding Supported
Delegates at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario Conference in Ottawa have supported a call for federal funding to support child care in Ontario.
The federal government is ending its support for child care next March forcing some municipalities to either close child care spaces or fund the programs through increased property taxes.
AMO president Peter Hume says both senior levels of government need to find a solution that does not leave municipal property taxpayers, young families and children hanging in the lurch.
The federal government is ending its support for child care next March forcing some municipalities to either close child care spaces or fund the programs through increased property taxes.
AMO president Peter Hume says both senior levels of government need to find a solution that does not leave municipal property taxpayers, young families and children hanging in the lurch.
Some Municipal Burden Lifted
The government says Ontario municipalities can expect them to take on more of the services downloaded onto cities and towns in the 1990s.
Municipal Affairs Minister Jim Watson told the Association of Municipalities of Ontario that by 2018 the province will take back almost $4 billion worth of programs that now fall onto the residential property tax bill.
Some of the services the province will assume include the delivery of social services, affordable housing and child care.
Municipal Affairs Minister Jim Watson told the Association of Municipalities of Ontario that by 2018 the province will take back almost $4 billion worth of programs that now fall onto the residential property tax bill.
Some of the services the province will assume include the delivery of social services, affordable housing and child care.
KEDA Reviewed by Falls Council
Job retention and expansion and business recruitment continue to be the focus for the Koochiching Economic Development Authority.
Last night, International Falls city council received an update on KEDA's activities from director Paul Nevanan.
Nevanen says one major focuses continues to be the development of a 30-million dollar plasma gasification project which proposes to divert waste into energy.
"We've been working on it for some time," says Nevanan. "The good news is that we've had a lot of support at every level. The difficulty is that it's just taken a long time because it is the first of its kind in North America."
Nevanan anticipates a draft feasibility study to be completed within the next month or so.
The development of a foreign trade zone in International Falls is also progressing.
Nevanan says they'll looking at a site for zone that's about 50 acres in size.
Nevanan says they're also actively marketing the zone through a joint initiative with Duluth and Minneapolis.
"We're going to identify 100 high tariff businesses in Minnesota. We're going to do some surveys with them. We're updating the state website that links with DEED (Department of Employment and Economic Development) that has finally come around and is supporting the concept."
Nevanan says they'll also be hosting three regional meetings to promote the zone to prospective businesses.
Cold weather testing also continues to be good business for the city of International Falls and Koochiching County.
Despite a recent slow down in the automotive industry, Nevanan says it was still a good year at the area's cold weather testing facility.
"We had a very successful year last year, one of our most successful to date. We continue to invest in the facilities. This is a tough time for the industry, so it's a reflection of how we've worked with our customers and they can get their work done in a cost-effective way."
It's estimated the facility helps generate more than $2.5 million U.S. into the local economy each year.
Last night, International Falls city council received an update on KEDA's activities from director Paul Nevanan.
Nevanen says one major focuses continues to be the development of a 30-million dollar plasma gasification project which proposes to divert waste into energy.
"We've been working on it for some time," says Nevanan. "The good news is that we've had a lot of support at every level. The difficulty is that it's just taken a long time because it is the first of its kind in North America."
Nevanan anticipates a draft feasibility study to be completed within the next month or so.
The development of a foreign trade zone in International Falls is also progressing.
Nevanan says they'll looking at a site for zone that's about 50 acres in size.
Nevanan says they're also actively marketing the zone through a joint initiative with Duluth and Minneapolis.
"We're going to identify 100 high tariff businesses in Minnesota. We're going to do some surveys with them. We're updating the state website that links with DEED (Department of Employment and Economic Development) that has finally come around and is supporting the concept."
Nevanan says they'll also be hosting three regional meetings to promote the zone to prospective businesses.
Cold weather testing also continues to be good business for the city of International Falls and Koochiching County.
Despite a recent slow down in the automotive industry, Nevanan says it was still a good year at the area's cold weather testing facility.
"We had a very successful year last year, one of our most successful to date. We continue to invest in the facilities. This is a tough time for the industry, so it's a reflection of how we've worked with our customers and they can get their work done in a cost-effective way."
It's estimated the facility helps generate more than $2.5 million U.S. into the local economy each year.
New Regional Judge Appointed
A new regional senior judge for the North West Region of Ontario.
Justice Marc Bode was appointed by the province to the position that took effect last Wednesday.
Bode has been a provincial judge since January 2008 and was formerly Legal Aid Ontario's area director for the Thunder Bay district.
Justice Marc Bode was appointed by the province to the position that took effect last Wednesday.
Bode has been a provincial judge since January 2008 and was formerly Legal Aid Ontario's area director for the Thunder Bay district.
Fake Money in Area
Police in International Falls are warning businesses on both sides of the border to watch out for phony American money.
Investigator Willi Kostiuk says four phony American 20's have turned up in the Falls since last Thursday.
Kostiuk says the bills' texture and lack of certain security identifiers give them away.
The bills also come with the serial number GI53550403A.
So far, none of the bills have been found in Fort Frances.
Investigator Willi Kostiuk says four phony American 20's have turned up in the Falls since last Thursday.
Kostiuk says the bills' texture and lack of certain security identifiers give them away.
The bills also come with the serial number GI53550403A.
So far, none of the bills have been found in Fort Frances.
Death at District Jail
Investigators probing the weekend jail cell death of a 21-year-old Atikokan man say they don't suspect foul play.
Dylan Wreggitt was found ``unresponsive'' in his cell bed early Saturday at Rainy River District Jail in Fort Frances.
An attempt by jail staff to revive Wreggitt by performing C-P-R was not successful.
An autopsy was performed yesterday in Kenora but the cause of death has not been released.
Wreggitt was serving a sentence at the jail but police declined to release the details of the offence.
Dylan Wreggitt was found ``unresponsive'' in his cell bed early Saturday at Rainy River District Jail in Fort Frances.
An attempt by jail staff to revive Wreggitt by performing C-P-R was not successful.
An autopsy was performed yesterday in Kenora but the cause of death has not been released.
Wreggitt was serving a sentence at the jail but police declined to release the details of the offence.
Monday, August 17, 2009
No West Nile
A cool, damp summer means there has been fewer mosquitoes in northwestern Ontario.
The Northwestern Health Unit has been trapping mosquitos for its West Nile Testing program.
Public Health Inspector Al Mathers says there has been no evidence of the disease in this region so far.
Mathers says while mosquito trapping is being carried out in Kenora, Dryden and Fort Frances, they will not be collecting dead birds for testing this year.
The Northwestern Health Unit has been trapping mosquitos for its West Nile Testing program.
Public Health Inspector Al Mathers says there has been no evidence of the disease in this region so far.
Mathers says while mosquito trapping is being carried out in Kenora, Dryden and Fort Frances, they will not be collecting dead birds for testing this year.
Local Teachers at ETFO Meeting
Issues impacting teachers from northern Ontario will be discussed at the Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario meeting in Toronto.
Members of the local executive including president Trevor Bowles, Cynthia Donald and Mike Jones are attending.
Bowles says among the issues they'll bring up is a need for increased funding and access to professional development for teachers.
The meetings wrap up Thursday
Members of the local executive including president Trevor Bowles, Cynthia Donald and Mike Jones are attending.
Bowles says among the issues they'll bring up is a need for increased funding and access to professional development for teachers.
The meetings wrap up Thursday
Teachers Meet in Toronto
Elementary school teachers from across the province are gathering in Toronto today for the annual meeting of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario.
The province's plans to introduce full-day learning for four- and five-year-olds in elementary schools is a part of the talks.
President David Clegg feels the government's plan missed the mark.
"The model that's suggested would see a teacher there only spend half a day," says Clegg, "which is the current situation. So we might spend as a province a billion dollars on a full-day kindergarten program and there wouldn't be one more minute of student-teacher-student time than there is today. That would be a mistake, a missed opportunity and certainly not the best chance for student learning."
The federation plans to release a report on the proposal later today.
The province's plans to introduce full-day learning for four- and five-year-olds in elementary schools is a part of the talks.
President David Clegg feels the government's plan missed the mark.
"The model that's suggested would see a teacher there only spend half a day," says Clegg, "which is the current situation. So we might spend as a province a billion dollars on a full-day kindergarten program and there wouldn't be one more minute of student-teacher-student time than there is today. That would be a mistake, a missed opportunity and certainly not the best chance for student learning."
The federation plans to release a report on the proposal later today.
AMO Meeting Begins
Municipal representatives from across the province will be looking for continued support from the provincial government.
More than 1,600 mayors and reeves have gathered in Ottawa for the Association of Municipalities of Ontario's annual meeting.
AMO President Peter Hume say while civic leaders have welcomed recent infrastructure announcements, there are still worries about the funding provided for other municipal services.
"We need to make sure that the funding we get for other things like social services and policing that are important to places like Fort Frances and others says in place," says Hume, "and the economic circumstances don't see that being reversed and placing further burdens on municipalities."
Fort Frances will be represented at the meeting by four members of council including Mayor Roy Avis.
More than 1,600 mayors and reeves have gathered in Ottawa for the Association of Municipalities of Ontario's annual meeting.
AMO President Peter Hume say while civic leaders have welcomed recent infrastructure announcements, there are still worries about the funding provided for other municipal services.
"We need to make sure that the funding we get for other things like social services and policing that are important to places like Fort Frances and others says in place," says Hume, "and the economic circumstances don't see that being reversed and placing further burdens on municipalities."
Fort Frances will be represented at the meeting by four members of council including Mayor Roy Avis.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Storm Warning Cancelled
A severe thunderstorm watch issued by Environment Canada for Sioux Narrrow-Nestor Falls and Morson has now been lifted.
The threat of strong winds, torrential rain and frequent intense lightning lead to warnings being issue for much of this morning.
The threat of strong winds, torrential rain and frequent intense lightning lead to warnings being issue for much of this morning.
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