Chamber supports Mauro bill

The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce is throwing its support behind a local politician's efforts to help the wood industry in the north.   MPP Bill Mauro's private members bill would promote wood as a main construction material in provincially funded buildings.  The Chamber says its members have taken a similar stand and will to take it to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting next month.

Industrial accident results fatality

A worker is dead after being involved in an industrial accident this afternoon in the city. Police Staff Sgt. Frank Early says it took place around 1:30 at the Thunder Bay Country Club construction site on Oliver Road. Sgt. Early believes the man may have been struck by a dump truck. He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead. Police say they have secured the site until the Ministry of Labour investigates. No name has been released. 

Local operator applying for ONTC routes

A Thunder Bay company wants to fill the void when Ontario Northland Transportation stops providing service in northern Ontario. Sandy Smith of Caribou Coach says they are applying to the province to begin operate busing services to residents east of Hearst on Highway 11. Smith says when ONTC lowers the boom his company wants to be there to keep services seamless.   The province is winding down Ontario Northland train and bus service to help balance the government's budget.

G.C. Treaty 3 miffed at talk of miner "revolt"

Grand Council Treaty 3 says the controversial "Miners United" group will not be tolerated. The group of junior mining companies reportedly met recently to discuss a "revolt" against First Nation communities.Grand Chief Diane Kelly says comments made are totally unacceptable as they depicted community leaders as greedy and money-hungry. Kelly says aboriginals are simply protectors of the land. She agrees the Crown must do more under the Mining Act but stresses Treaty 3 has developed strong partnerships with mining companies because of their commitment to work together.

Michael Antcliffe releases book

A local Cancer fundraising advocate is releasing a new book this week.  Michael Antcliffe's book "You'll never guess who's dying from cancer" will be launched at Chapters on Saturday.   Antcliffe has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and helped raise 10 thousand dollars for the Northern Cancer fund through his Facebook campaign.

Gravelle wants travel grant program to be more flexible

Thunder Bay MPP Michael Gravelle would like to see the Northern Ontario Travel Grant program review claims on a case by case basis.  It stems from a claim that was rejected from a Thunder Bay woman who received cancer surgery that was available in Calgary.  Gravelle sent a letter to the Ministry of Health requesting the local woman's claim be reconsidered.

Hospital has high readmission rate

A recent report shows the Regional Hospital has a high readmission rate.  Spokesperson Laurie Marshall says that's because people who don't have family doctors are often forced to come back to the ER for their follow up visit.  Marshall says they're working on lowering the rate of readmissions while still giving care to those who need it.

Tourism Centre Closure talk

Local tourism officials say they haven't heard anything from the Ministry of Tourism about why its closing down three tourist information centers in northwestern Ontario. Gerry Cariou from Ontario Sunset Country says the Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership sent out a letter explaining the closures last week. He suggests the only way the centers will stay open is if local municipalities take them over.

Rock climber not harmed after getting caught

A local rock climber is in good condition after she was rescued from the bluffs at Centennial Park yesterday.  She got her arm stuck in some rocks on the way down and couldn't get it out on her own.  Police found a trail to her and with the help of EMS were able to free her arm from the rocks.  She had no serious injuries and left without any medical treatment.