It's Wilson For The PCs

It's a slam dunk for Harold Wilson.  The former president of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce has been acclaimed to run for the Progressive Conservatives in the provincial riding of Thunder Bay-Atikokan.  He will be going up against Liberal incumbent Bill Mauro in the next election.   The NDP have yet to select a candidate.  Wilson says his goal for the northwest is private sector job growth through several methods including the scrapping of the Far North Act.

NAN Slams LU

The university continues to face criticism over it's decision to change the aboriginal component of its new law program.  This time it's from the Nishnawbe Aski Nation which is saying the changes were done without consultation with First Nations Partners.  But university spokesperson Rod Hanley says their position remains the same.  So far no talks are planned between the protesting students and the administration. 

Speed & Alcohol Cause Of John St. Road Collision

Thunder Bay's Traffic Unit is closing its investigation into the collision on John Street Road last week that resulted in the death of a young man.  The investigation has revealed that both speed and alcohol were the major contributing factors in the collision.  It has been further determined that the driver of the front-end loader was driving at slow speed, with all required lights and on the part of the road required by such a vehicle.  The only charge laid is a Provincial offences ticket to the driver of the loader for failing to ensure that a slow moving vehicle sign was displayed on the back of the loader, but it's believed it wouldn't have altered the outcome of the event.

Wilson Seeking PC Nomination

Former Chamber of Commerce President Harold Wilson is seeking the Provincial Progressive Conservative nomination in the Thunder Bay-Atikokan riding.  Wilson has held positions in both the private and public sector dealing with the economy.   The PC nomination meeting is Saturday at 2 at the Valhalla Inn. 

ETFO Isn't Bringing Back Extracurriculars

Don't expect extracurricular activities to come back to local elementary schools anytime soon.  The local Elementary Teachers Federation Union is staying steadfast on its decision to withhold after school activities. Local Union spokesperson Mike Judge says they won't resume voluntary activities like sports and clubs until the Province takes real action to appease their concerns.

Mauro To Chair Northern Committee

Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro is going to chair the Province's new Northern cabinet committee.  The committee will address the needs of Northern Ontario, including job creation, revitalizing transportation infrastructure and improving vital access to the Ring of Fire.   The committee will also help oversee the Growth Plan for Northern Ontario.

Wind Farm Talk At TBDMA AGM

Representatives from across the Thunder Bay District are meeting at the Prince Arthur Hotel today to discuss a variety of issues impacting the area.  One of the main points of discussion today was on Wind Farms.  District Municipal Association President Larry Hebert says they heard from a local lawyer on the do's and dont's of signing contracts with energy companies.   Hebert says some of the information presented this morning could have come in handy for Thunder Bay and Horizon Wind.

Suspicious Man Asks Girl If She Needs Ride

City Police are looking into an incident involving a suspicious man driving a small red car.  He allegedly offered a ride to a 16 year old girl yesterday morning while she was waiting for a school bus on Market Street by East Avenue.  She didn't respond and he drove away.   The man is described as 30 years old with blonde hair and was last seen driving his car towards Dawson Road.   Police believe there was a man and woman in the car at the time of the incident.  Anyone with information is asked to call the Police or Crimestoppers.

Angus Calls Energy Meeting Productive

Thunder Bay's Energy Task Force is calling meetings with the new Minister of Energy and the Ontario Power Authority yesterday productive.   Chair Iain Angus says the meeting helped the OPA understand the demands for energy in the region but are still far apart on the issue of power supply. Angus adds they told Bob Chiarelli he may need to over rule the power authority's decision to close the Mission Island Power Plant.  He says the Minister understood that it might come to him overruling the OPA.

NOMA & Forest Industry Tree Huggers

The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association is launching a new campaign called "REAL Tree Hugger".  President Ron Nelson says they want to remind the Premier that the Forest Industry cares about the environment while providing jobs for area communities.  The Tree Hugger campaign includes buttons and post cards that will be sent to members of the Provincial Government.

Thunderwolves Basketball At Provincials

It's the playoffs but it's not necessarily a do or die game for the L.U. men's basketball team. They play the #1 ranked Carleton Ravens tonight at 6:00 o'clock in Toronto for the right to move on to the provincial finals. Head Coach Scott Morrison says a win would be great but they could still advance to the national tournament after a loss if they win on Saturday.

211 Offers Seniors Help

The Lakehead Social Planning Council is joining forces with area elder abuse prevention groups to offer more streamlined service through the phone number 211.  Director Marie Klassen says anyone needing help reporting elder abuse can call 211.  Money from the Ontario Trillium Foundation will also mean a 24/7 Senior Safety Line that provides counseling.

Campbell Isn't Supporting Public Sector Wage Freeze

Kenora-Rainy River Sarah Campbell isn't supporting a public sector wage freeze.  Campbell says its unconstitutional to force public employees to handle the brunt of the provincial deficit.  Campbell also said it's unfair to cut wages while allowing the managers in the public sector to receive automatic bonuses totally over 35-million dollars annually.

Traffic Mishap Sends 4 To Hospital

A two vehicle collision on the city's south side has sent 4 people to hospital.   Police say the accident took place on James Street between Walsh and Mary before 3 o'clock this afternoon.   It was between a min-van and a car.   The condition of the accident victims is not known.

Pre-Budget Meetings Held

A series of pre-budget meetings are being held leading up to the unveiling of the 2013 fiscal document.  Today, Thunder Bay residents took part in a consultation session held in Sault Ste. Marie via video-conference.  You can submit your opinion to the Provincial Government by mail, email or fax.

Officer Charged In Off Duty Incident

An off duty Thunder Bay Police officer is facing a charge of assault in connection with what they say was an altercation with a 12 year old youth at the Neebing Arena last month.  Deputy Police Chief Andy Hay says it was the Sudbury police that laid the charge against Constable Steven Oster after being requested to investigate by our police chief.  Oster is to appear in court March 19th. 

Fedeli Re-Introduces Forest Revitalization Act

Progressive Conservative MPP Vic Fedeli is hoping for all party support for his re-introduced forest industry act.  Fedeli says the proposed legislation would amend the Building Code to allow for wood frame buildings to be up to six stories high instead of the current four. The bill had passed two readings before it Parliament was put on hold by the Liberal Government.

Campbell Says North Is Alienated

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell says the provincial Throne Speech doesn't do anything to address northern alienation.  Campbell spoke recently in the Ontario Legislature, saying the speech really doesn't have anything specific to help this region.  Campbell is asking the government to form an all-party Northern Committee, rather than just a northern caucus made up of Liberal M.P.P.'s. 

Rafferty Calls Defection A Shock

The NDP is facing the embarrassment of an MP defecting to another party. Quebec MP Claude Patry is making the move to the Bloc Quebecois over the French language issue. Thunder Bay MP John Rafferty says the NDP caucus gets along well so he believes Patry could have been lured by outside influences and it may be nothing more than the Bloc poaching an MP. Rafferty says the move was a bit of a shock to him.

City Water Quality Excellent

Thunder Bay's water quality is getting good marks in the annual report card conducted by the City. The results were released earlier today and will be submitted to the Ministry of Environment.  Plant Superintendent for Bare Point Water Treatment Plant Don Kmill says our water quality is excellent.  The annual report details the test results from more than 2-thousand samples that are tested for potential contamination.