It looks like Canadian homeowners who use natural gas can expect lower heating bills this winter.
The price of the fuel has fallen to a seven-year low -- just under three dollars U-S per thousand cubic feet.
Prices are down because of the recession, which has seen a drop in the demand for natural gas.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Record Sales for State Lottery
The Minnesota State Lottery says it's set a new record for ticket sales in a fiscal year.
Sales reached over $481-million in fiscal year 2009, which ended June 30th. That's an increase of almost $20-million, or 4.3 percent, from 2008.
Sales reached over $481-million in fiscal year 2009, which ended June 30th. That's an increase of almost $20-million, or 4.3 percent, from 2008.
Task Force Full
A group charged with creating a jobs plan for Minnesota will get plenty of member's opinions.
36 house members have been appointed to the Minnesota House Jobs Task Force.
They'll focus on economic development, capital investments and tax policies that will create job growth in the state.
36 house members have been appointed to the Minnesota House Jobs Task Force.
They'll focus on economic development, capital investments and tax policies that will create job growth in the state.
Deadline for Boaters Card Near
It will soon become law for all people driving a powered recreational vessel to have a Pleasure Craft Operator Card.
The federal legislation takes effect on September 15.
Boat Smart Canada is the organization offering the exam for the card, and President Cameron Taylor says there are still a few boaters who haven't taken the test.
"There's about 1.5 million Canadians who've currently have obtained their card," says Taylor. "There another 6.5 million Canadians left to get their card. There is quite a strong demand for acquiring the card. Some boaters may be leaving it until the spring of 2010, but getting caught without a card can face a fine of $250.00"
Those who don't have the card can write the test at Pinewood Sports today and tomorrow.
The federal legislation takes effect on September 15.
Boat Smart Canada is the organization offering the exam for the card, and President Cameron Taylor says there are still a few boaters who haven't taken the test.
"There's about 1.5 million Canadians who've currently have obtained their card," says Taylor. "There another 6.5 million Canadians left to get their card. There is quite a strong demand for acquiring the card. Some boaters may be leaving it until the spring of 2010, but getting caught without a card can face a fine of $250.00"
Those who don't have the card can write the test at Pinewood Sports today and tomorrow.
Nursing Program Accredited
A significant designation for a nursing program involving both Lakehead University and Confederation College.
The Collaborative Nursing Program has received a 7-year accreditation from the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing.
L.U.'s Director of Nursing Karen Poole says is testament to the efforts of both institutions.
"To us it's such a success story," says Poole, "and it shows how well we've worked together. It allowed up to showcase the strengths of each institution brings to the Collaborative program. We couldn't be happier. It's the highest level of accreditation so its an extremely positive outcome."
More than 400 students are registered in the four-year program at the Thunder Bay campuses.
The Collaborative Nursing Program has received a 7-year accreditation from the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing.
L.U.'s Director of Nursing Karen Poole says is testament to the efforts of both institutions.
"To us it's such a success story," says Poole, "and it shows how well we've worked together. It allowed up to showcase the strengths of each institution brings to the Collaborative program. We couldn't be happier. It's the highest level of accreditation so its an extremely positive outcome."
More than 400 students are registered in the four-year program at the Thunder Bay campuses.
Lawsuit Considered
Store owners are threatening to sue the government over its decision to put an end to some small-town stores operating as driver's licence renewal depots.
About 60 of the 265 retail-based driver's licence renewal depots are to be moved into established ServiceOntario outlets in January.
A provincial spokesperson could not say if the Fort Frances depot was among those to be relocated, but says the strategy is part of a plan to integrate services by putting driver's licence and health card renewals under one roof.
About 60 of the 265 retail-based driver's licence renewal depots are to be moved into established ServiceOntario outlets in January.
A provincial spokesperson could not say if the Fort Frances depot was among those to be relocated, but says the strategy is part of a plan to integrate services by putting driver's licence and health card renewals under one roof.
FEDNOR Funding Announced
More than $1.5 million dollars from FEDNOR has been announced for the Rainy River district.
The bulk of the money will go to the Rainy River Future Development Corporation.
$900,00 will allow it to continue offering business services and access to capital for small and medium-sized businesses, and as well as continuing with a number of community development projects for the next three years.
An additional $225 thousand will be used by the corporation to support smaller scale, regional economic development initiatives.
Atikokan's Community Futures Development Corporation received $75-thousand to support a variety of small, regional economic development projects.
The town of Fort Frances will use $170-thousand for the purchase of web and video-conferencing equipment for its library and technology centre.
The town of Rainy River received $65-thousand to hire consultants to work on its investment readiness strategy.
Atikokan Youth Initiatives and the Rainy River Future Development Corporation also received fednor funding to hire youth interns.
The bulk of the money will go to the Rainy River Future Development Corporation.
$900,00 will allow it to continue offering business services and access to capital for small and medium-sized businesses, and as well as continuing with a number of community development projects for the next three years.
An additional $225 thousand will be used by the corporation to support smaller scale, regional economic development initiatives.
Atikokan's Community Futures Development Corporation received $75-thousand to support a variety of small, regional economic development projects.
The town of Fort Frances will use $170-thousand for the purchase of web and video-conferencing equipment for its library and technology centre.
The town of Rainy River received $65-thousand to hire consultants to work on its investment readiness strategy.
Atikokan Youth Initiatives and the Rainy River Future Development Corporation also received fednor funding to hire youth interns.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
DeBeer Focus of Native Protest
Members from the remote northern community of Attawapiskat First Nation staged a peaceful protest outside the DeBeers Canada Office in Toronto Wednesday.
Chief Theresa Hall says they are concerned that the wealth generated by diamond exploration and mining on their traditional land is not being shared.
Hall says they have tried to address the issue with the mining company and both levels of government but stresses their patience is running out.
Chief Theresa Hall says they are concerned that the wealth generated by diamond exploration and mining on their traditional land is not being shared.
Hall says they have tried to address the issue with the mining company and both levels of government but stresses their patience is running out.
Rate Increase Requested
Some hydro users in the Rainy River district may have to dig deeper into their pockets over the next couple of years.
Hydro One is asking the Ontario Energy Board to approve a rate increase of 9.5 percent in 2010 and another 13.3 per cent a year later.
Board Spokesperson Vanda Wall says the new rates could be in place early next year.
"They're seeking approval for the rates to be effective January 1, 2010 and January 1,2011," says Wall, "however the review process and the board's decision won't likely be complete until early in the new year. Until the board's actually makes its decision, we won't know until when the rates will take effect.
Wall says if approved, the impact on customers will vary.
Hydro One is asking the Ontario Energy Board to approve a rate increase of 9.5 percent in 2010 and another 13.3 per cent a year later.
Board Spokesperson Vanda Wall says the new rates could be in place early next year.
"They're seeking approval for the rates to be effective January 1, 2010 and January 1,2011," says Wall, "however the review process and the board's decision won't likely be complete until early in the new year. Until the board's actually makes its decision, we won't know until when the rates will take effect.
Wall says if approved, the impact on customers will vary.
Anglers Fined
An enforcement blitz along the Winnipeg River has led to 13 charges and 39 warnings issued by Ministry of Natural Resources Conservation Officers.
More than 260 anglers were checked in the two week blitz that ended early last week.
Most of the charges laid related to anglers having an overlimit of walleye, fishing without a license, or transporting fish that could not be measured and identified.
More than 260 anglers were checked in the two week blitz that ended early last week.
Most of the charges laid related to anglers having an overlimit of walleye, fishing without a license, or transporting fish that could not be measured and identified.
Driver's Examiners Threaten Strike Action
A strike by Ontario's driving examiners has been averted, at least for another day, while negotiations continue.
Members of the United Steelworkers local 9511 initially planned to strike this morning, but have now been told to ``report to work as scheduled.''
But president James Young says if a tentative deal is not reached by 2 tomorrow morning, workers will walk off the job.
The union represents employees at 55 of Ontario's full DriveTest locations, including those at the centre in Fort Frances.
Members of the United Steelworkers local 9511 initially planned to strike this morning, but have now been told to ``report to work as scheduled.''
But president James Young says if a tentative deal is not reached by 2 tomorrow morning, workers will walk off the job.
The union represents employees at 55 of Ontario's full DriveTest locations, including those at the centre in Fort Frances.
Gillon's Celebrates Merger
An official ceremony yesterday for the coming together of Gillon's Insurance and Cousineau Brokers.
The two Fort Frances-based insurance companies joined forces at the beginning of this year, but waited to officially recognize the merger following the completion of renovations to its Church Street office.
Gillon's president Duane Cridland says the transition has been a smooth one.
"It's been wonderful," says Cridland. "There were a few months prior to the official announcement that a lot of the groundwork was done with Larry (Cousineau) and that made the transition so much smoother. He had a wonderful outlook as to how this would look moving forward and its worked out well."
Cridland says it did mean the need to remodel the Church Street office to accommodate the additional staff.
Fundraising Walk to Continue
A fundraising walk started eight years ago by a Fort Frances man will continue this year.
Tom Bruyere died suddenly late last month, but Riverside Foundation for Health Care, along with Bruyere's family and friends felt it important his efforts continue.
Foundation Director Teresa Hazel says this year the walk will be called Tom Bruyere Memorial 20-Mile Walk for Dialysis.
"When he first started we didn't have dialysis here," says Hazel. "Once we had it here, it was important to him that it stay locally, it be used locally and be used by local residents. So we're going to keep that in mind with this walk."
Bruyere helped raise over 100-thousand dollars for dialysis in the Rainy River district through the walks.
This year's event will occur September 18.
Anyone can participate in the walk by either making a pledge or collecting their own pledges and walking whatever distance they can along 20-mile route.
"We’re encouraging people to start at the 20-mile marker or join us anywhere along the route."
North Air Taxi is providing a complimentary limo service to bring the walkers to the starting point, which is 20 miles west of Fort Frances on the River Road. Pick-up will be at North American Lumber at 7:15 AM.
The walk will end at North American Lumber where hot dogs and refreshments will be served courtesy of The Place Fine Foods.
Richard Visser will walk this year in memory of his wife, Metta and now his friend Tom who were both strong advocates for Dialysis in the Rainy River district.
“I enjoyed walking with Tom. He helped bring a lot of awareness about the need for Dialysis in the Rainy River district,” says Visser.
All proceeds from the walk will be used locally and put toward the Renal Dialysis Program at La Verendrye Hospital. Riverside Foundation for Health Care will issue charitable receipts for all donations and pledges of $20 or more. All those who make pledges and/or participate in the walk will be eligible to win prizes.
Tom Bruyere died suddenly late last month, but Riverside Foundation for Health Care, along with Bruyere's family and friends felt it important his efforts continue.
Foundation Director Teresa Hazel says this year the walk will be called Tom Bruyere Memorial 20-Mile Walk for Dialysis.
"When he first started we didn't have dialysis here," says Hazel. "Once we had it here, it was important to him that it stay locally, it be used locally and be used by local residents. So we're going to keep that in mind with this walk."
Bruyere helped raise over 100-thousand dollars for dialysis in the Rainy River district through the walks.
This year's event will occur September 18.
Anyone can participate in the walk by either making a pledge or collecting their own pledges and walking whatever distance they can along 20-mile route.
"We’re encouraging people to start at the 20-mile marker or join us anywhere along the route."
North Air Taxi is providing a complimentary limo service to bring the walkers to the starting point, which is 20 miles west of Fort Frances on the River Road. Pick-up will be at North American Lumber at 7:15 AM.
The walk will end at North American Lumber where hot dogs and refreshments will be served courtesy of The Place Fine Foods.
Richard Visser will walk this year in memory of his wife, Metta and now his friend Tom who were both strong advocates for Dialysis in the Rainy River district.
“I enjoyed walking with Tom. He helped bring a lot of awareness about the need for Dialysis in the Rainy River district,” says Visser.
All proceeds from the walk will be used locally and put toward the Renal Dialysis Program at La Verendrye Hospital. Riverside Foundation for Health Care will issue charitable receipts for all donations and pledges of $20 or more. All those who make pledges and/or participate in the walk will be eligible to win prizes.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Ontario Mayors Uneasy with Sales Tax Merger
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.
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.
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.
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