Thursday, October 13, 2011

Mauro awaits Cabinet announcement

Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro is looking forward to seeing his party's new cabinet unveiled.  Mauro says he trusts the direction the Premier is taking the province, but notes some cabinet positions could be bigger including the health portfolio.  The Premier will make the announcement on Thursday of next week.

Mining Watch sounds alarm

The Canadian Environmental Assessment agency known as Mining Watch is sounding the alarms over Cliff's Natural Resources Ring of Fire project. Spokesperson Ramsey Hart feels the Federal Government's decision to ignore First Nation input will hinder development.Mining Watch's comments come after First Nations called for a public panel review rather than the Government's comprehensive study.

EMS headquarters on track

Construction of the new Superior North EMS headquarters is entering it's sixth month.  Chief Norm Gale says they hope to move into the building in February or March.  So far work is on schedule and on budget.  Gale says the nice fall weather has helped keep construction on track.

NOVA deadline approaching

The deadline is fast approaching for the first ever NOVA Awards. The awards will recognize 40 community leaders across Northwestern Ontario under the age of 40. The deadline for nominations is this Saturday.

EMS Chief applauds CAEP report

Superior North EMS Chief Norm Gale is applauding a report by the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians.  Canada's emergency room doctors would like to see every high school student in Canada get CPR training.  The report also calls for tax exemptions for companies that provide employees with C-P-R training.

Family Foods is closing

County Fair Family Foods is closing its doors for good.  A company official has confirmed that they will be closing for a number of reasons but will keep their Northwoods Location open.  The company plans on making an official announcement next week. 

OFL talks Air Canada and Occupation Toronto

The President of the Ontario Federation of Labour is accusing the Labour Minister of misusing back to work legislation.  The comments come after Lisa Raitt referred a contract dispute between Air Canada and it's flight attendants to the Canada Industrial Relations Board.  Sid Ryan is protesting along side the flight attendants today.  Meanwile, Ryan is encouraged by youth taking to the streets to protest the economy.  The Occupy Wall Street movement will spread to Toronto's Bay Street this weekend.  An occupy Thunder Bay movement is taking place at Waverly Park on Saturday starting at nine in the morning.  A facebook page has been set up to spread the word.

Gravelle is tipping his hat to the city

Mines Minister Michael Gravelle is giving his support to a delegation of Thunder Bay Politicians who are heading south to talk to a mining company.  The group, including Mayor Keith Hobbs, will try to convince Cliffs Natural Resources to locate a processing plant here.  Gravelle says its a good move by council.  Gravelle says providing a Northern Industrial Energy rate will go a long way towards bringing the plant to the area.

SIU examining Kakabeka Falls death

The Province's Special Investigations Unit is now looking into Wednesday's death at Kakabeka Falls. SIU spokesperson Frank Phillips says it began with a call to the OPP by Provincial Park staff. OPP interacted with a man at the park. Shortly after he went over the railing and fell into the ravine. Phillips says the victims name still isn't known. A post mortem exam is taking place today in Thunder Bay.

May Street Mac's Mart robbed

Thunder Bay Police are looking for a suspect in a Mac's Mart robbery that took place early this morning on May Street.  Constable Julie Tilbury says a man armed with a knife walked into the North May street store and robbed the clerk on duty. The employee was not injured.  If anyone has information about the incident call Police at 684-1200.