Task force to fight for NWO energy plan

A group of Northwestern Ontario political leaders is now part of a new Energy Task Force.   It consists of the Municipal Association, the Chambers of Commerce, city of Thunder Bay and the Nishnawbe Aski Nation. NOMA president Ron Nelson says they'll fight for an energy plan for the northwest.  Nelson says the northwest needs it's own plan for electricity generation, transmission and pricing

Hebert sticks with city politics

Larry Hebert is not going to seek the Progressive Conservative nomination for the Thunder Bay Atikokan riding.   The city councillor has been pondering his political future for weeks and has delayed his answer for many days.  So far only former Lakehead University President Fred Gilbert has declared his intention to seek the Tory nod.  The nomination meeting takes place in late March.

Done deal

The Matawa and Nipigon First Nations are fixed on one thing these days....chromite. The mineral is the focal point of an agreement both have signed. Matawa Chief David Achneepineskum  says they want to make sure that Cliffs Natural Resources does right by the First Nations.  Achneepeneeskum says his communities should benefit if chromite is taken from their land.  While they have stated that Greenstone is the site they would prefer to see the smelter located, a Thunder Bay location would also satisfy them.

Egyptians gain their freedom

After two and a half weeks of protests the Egyptian President has resigned. The Vice President made the announcement just moments ago and passed off his power to the military. Lakehead University political Science Professor Laure Paquette says now its up to the military to keep the progress moving. She says the high council must provide hard dates for constitutional negotiations and other negotiations in the transition towards a democracy. Thousands of protesters are celebrating their victory across Egypt.

Thunder Bay gets its own Pride week

Thunder Bay will be showing it's pride this summer and holding it's first ever alternative lifestyle week.  The organizing committee is going to ask council for its support Monday night.  The week will celebrate gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people.

Rickford defends FedNor

Conservative MP Greg Rickford says a Private Members Bill to establish FedNor as a permanent regional economic development agency will do nothing to help the region.  The Kenora MP voted against Bill C-309 in the House of Commons last week.  Rickford says the Liberal motion doesn't have a chance since it requires Royal recommendation.  Rickord says a stand-alone agency would add an increadible amount of buracratic spending and additional staff.

Community Foundation round 2

Maybe the second time's the charm.  The Community Foundation is coming back to City Council Monday night to ask for cash in the 2011 budget.  They already asked the City to create a 100-thousand dollars endowment fund.  The foundation will reiterate that 2011 is their 40th anniversary.

WFN brings back Ultimate Fishing Town

The World Fishing Network is bringing back it Ultimate Fishing Town contest.  Nominations will be accepted starting March 1st.  Spokesperson Shawna Gosevitz says this year, they'll be seeking a top 20 for the final round of on-line voting.  The Northern community of Nestor Falls finished second in voting last year.

Sandals visits Dryden talks health

The Parliamentary Assistant for the Ministry of Health believes Local Health Integration Networks are benefiting Ontarians.  MPP Liz Sandals was in Dryden recently for a round-table discussion on improving the Health Care system in Northern Ontario.  A final list of recommendations is expected to be presented to the Governing Liberals early this Summer.

Rickford vows to continue work with Treaty 3

The Parliamentary Assistant for the Indian and Northern Affairs Ministry is touting his Governments relationship with First Nations.  Grand Council Treaty 3 Chief Diane Kelly says the Harper government gives little hope to aboriginal youth in Northwestern Ontario.  Greg Rickford says they've donE numerous things to improve their quality of life.

Aboriginal Culture Centre talks continue

Thunder Bay City Council is getting an update on the Aboriginal Cultural Centre Monday night.  The project has been in the works for two years.  The facility would include tourism initiatives and also a healing area for the region's first nations.

Fire Chief's daughter in traffic accident

One city official is thankful there are no serious injuries to report from a morning traffic accident.   A 2 car mishap at the intersection of Balsam and the Thunder Bay Expressway hit home for Fire Chief John Hay.  His 21 year old daughter was involved in that accident that took place around 10 o'clock.   Hay says it was his daughter who called him to say she was okay.  Another person was taken to hospital for observation.

FedNor bill passes 2nd reading

Liberal MP Anthony Rota is continuing his push for a permanent FedNor agency for Northern Ontario.  His Private Members Bill has passed second reading in the House of Commons by a vote of 149-134.  Rota says by becoming an Agency, all FedNor decisions must go before Parliament and not just one individual. Rota calls FedNor a pork barrel for the Industry Minister.  Rota is upset that FedNor Minister Tony Clement and Kenora MP Greg Rickford voted against Bill C-309.

Can you live on 35 dollars a week?

12 Kenora residents will live off 35 dollars for the next 5 days. The Making Kenora Home committee wants to make local residents aware of how hard it is to live on Social Assistance. Chair of Communications committee, Dan Jorgensen says they want the challenge to be as realistic as possible. Kenora Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton is taking part; the Program officially ends on the 16th.

Thunder Bay police have busy morning

Thunder Bay police dealt with a potentially serious situation this morning. Officers were called to a disturbance on the North side just after 3:30 this morning and when they arrived found the door open and could hear some noise. Once inside they discovered a man armed with a knife standing over a woman. Police subdued the man and arrested him.  About an hour later a man was assaulted on North May street by his brother in law. The victim was sent to the hospital after suffering a broken shoulder and a 20 year old man was arrested and charged with assault.

Hobbs talking Waterfront on Facebook

What would you do about the Waterfront if you were the Mayor?  That's the question being posed on Keith Hobbs' Facebook page.  Hobbs posted the question yesterday and so far has 99 responses.  To read Hobbs' post click here.