NAN still against far north act

The Nishnawbe Aski Nation plans to voice their concern about the far north act at Queen's Park this fall.  Grand Chief Stan Beardy says they'll be holding a rally once the legislature resumes.  Beardy notes they want to work these issues out with the Provincial Government.

Yogi Bear in Dryden

They say Yogi is smarter then the average bear but he may now have some competition.  A bear was seen this morning camped out near the Welcome to Dryden sign, on the east end of Town.  The Ministry of Natural Resources responded and set up a trap.  The curious bear decided to park himself by the trap and stare at it for roughly 45-mintues.  Apparently he was plotting a strategy.  The bear got up, circled the trap and then ran in and out while grabbing the food inside.  The proud bruin then walked into the bush, with food in mouth.

Michael Chan visits Thunder Bay

The Minister of Tourism says the naysayers who were against the province's new regional tourism zones are now on board. Michael Chan says he had a chance to dispell their fears during a recent visit to Thunder Bay. The funding is expected to be rolled out for the zones this fall.

Focus North held in Thunder Bay

Federal, provincial and territorial ministers are meeting in Thunder Bay today.  The Focus North forum will tackle the region's social, economic and fiscal issues.  Minister of Northern Development Michael Gravelle will be holding a wrap up session tomorrow at the Bestwestern Nor'Wester Hotel.

Small business community is unhappy with council

The small business community is apparently not happy with city council. A new survey by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business says businesses in Thunder Bay feel council isn't meeting their needs. Chamber of Commerce President Harold Wilson says he feels the survey isn't completely accurate but it is a very important issue.  Wilson says many of the questions in the statement were very open ended and could have been taken from a provincial or federal standpoint instead of municipal.

PC's attack Ontario Government's LHINS

The Progressive Conservatives are not a fan of the Ontario government's local health integration networks.  PC Democratic Reform Critic Steve Clark says so much money was wasted by the Northwest LHIN.  The Northwest LHIN spent 4.8 million dollars on administration costs and 1.5 million on consultants.  Clark feels the money could have been better spent providing front line medical care.

Waterfront project hits a snag

There are more pricing issues for the city's waterfront development project. The tenders for two landscaping projects came in over budget. The work on Pier three will be put off to next year after tenders came in over double the estimated cost. Work on the spirit garden will take place this year but a portion of Pier one was also dropped for this year.

Veterans honoured with new memorial in Thunder Bay

Second World War naval veterans were honoured yesterday with the reintroduction of Paterson park. The Paterson Sailors Memorial monument was unveiled at 1918 Yonge Street and honours 6 Paterson shipping vessels that were sunk during the second world war.