Dryden only regional stop for health panel

A provincial panel examining rural and northern health care is due to stop in Dryden next month. That's the only stop in the region for the panel according to co-chair Rick Johnson. They want to get feedback on a report on the issue.   Johnson says all the information relating to the process can be found online

Hernandez still in custody

An interesting twist to a city court case involving Christian Hernandez. He's the 25 year old charged with impaired driving causing death after 45 year old Richard Carmichael was killed in a traffic accident just days before Christmas.   The prosecution wants Hernandez's lawyer Chris Watkins off the case because of a possible conflict of interest.   Watkins says until that's settled Hernandez's bail hearing can't go ahead.  Madam Justice Pelletier will hear the case at 10 Thursday morning.

NOMA steps up lobbying efforts

Northwestern Ontario's municipal leaders are preparing to step up lobbying efforts in 2011. Dennis Brown is the acting President of the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association and he anticipates that they'll get more attention with a provincial election on the way. Brown says NOMA met with several Provincial cabinet ministers last year and that resulted in some positive policy changes for Northwestern Ontario.

Health Care forum scheduled for Dryden

The Provincial Government wants to hear from Northerners about the region's health care system.  A series of roundtable discussions will be held throughout the North, but the closest will be in Dryden.  You can also put your two cents in by logging onto http://www.ontario.ca/ruralnorthernhealth .

New job website launched

Your one stop shop for job information is now online.  The North Superior Workforce Planning Board has launched a labour market information portal.  Project Coordinator Steven Bill says the site offers a job bank and more.  The site can be found at http://www.nwolabourmarketinfo.ca/

City well represented at winter games

6 athletes from Thunder Bay will be heading to Halifax next month for the Canada Winter Games.  The group includes 4 skiers, Jimmy Gunka, Christopher Hamilton and Michael Somppi on the men's team with Erin Tribe competing for the women.  There are also two hockey players, Amanda Makela and Brittany Zubeck.    They were introduced at a flag raising ceremony at City Hall.

Duguid visits Abitibi

Energy Minister Brad Duguid is in Thunder Bay today to tour the Abitibi Bowater paper mill.  Duguid says he's looking forward to seeing his government's Industrial Conservation Initiative in action. Duguid says Abitibi Bowater has been able to save money on their hydro bills by using electricity during off peak hours. The Minister feels the initiatives found in the government's long term energy plan will help the North.