Moonias Death Ruled Suicide

Moonias Family

A jury has determined the death of 27 year old Bruce Moonias to be suicide.   Evidence heard during the inquest showed Moonias died of a gunshot wound to the abdomen after being brought to Thunder Bay following an incident in Lansdowne House First Nation in which he was holed up in a home alone for several hours.  Counsel to the Coroner Leonard Kim says he is satisfied with the ruling.  The verdict included twenty-three recommendations on how to improve psychiatric help in aboriginal communities.

Terrace Bay Nominates Davis For Mayor

Terrace Bay Council is nominating Councillor Jody Davis for Mayor.   The nomination will be brought for a final vote at the open meeting on November 18th.  It comes after former Mayor Mike King resigned after a dispute over how the town's mill property assessment was being handled.  If Davis is voted in as Mayor, Council has sixty days to find a replacement for his former council seat.

50/50 Draw Launched

Thunder Bay's Hospital Foundation is kicking off its annual 50/50 draw.  Spokesperson Amy Silvaggio says money raised this year goes towards their exceptional cancer care campaign.  The first ticket was purchased today by last year's 10-thousand dollar winner Wynona Fullum.

Homemaker Program Not Dead Yet

 The city's homemaker program may have a chance at a second life.   Following concerns that the social services board is going to dump the program at the end of the year, board chair Bob Katajamaki says the issue is being brought back to this month's regular board meeting.  The board runs the program for the city. It provides home support for those who can't feed or cloth themselves.

Rafferty Reacts To Senate Suspensions

The Senate is suspending Pamela Wallin, Mike Duffy and Patrick Brazeau.  They're cutting their salaries as well.  Thunder Bay MP John Rafferty says the fact that they get to keep their health, dental and life insurance shows that we need Senate reform.  The senators will also be barred from the upper chamber for the duration of the parliamentary session.

Making Memories Gallery Exhibit Starts Today

The Alzheimer Society is showcasing the artwork of its clients living with dementia.  Spokesperson Ashleigh Quarrell says the Making Memories gallery exhibit will be on display this month at the Prince Arthur Landing's Baggage Building.  A silent auction of the art on display will also act as a fundraiser for the local society.

Bill 13 Back For Debate

A significant forestry industry bill is set to be debated in the Ontario Legislature this week.  Bill 13 would amend the Ontario Building Code to allow for wood frame construction to be used in mid-rise buildings up to 6-stories, instead of the current four stories. Conservative MPP Vic Fedeli is bringing forward the bill for second reading on Thursday and he maintains the change is needed to boost the Northern forest industry, and create jobs and growth.

OFAH Calls For Spring Bear Hunt...Again

The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters says the motion to create a bear management committee will do nothing to control the bear population.  Dr. Terry Quinney says reinstating the spring hunt is the best solution.  Quinney says the hunts brought much needed business to hunting lodges during the slow shoulder seasons.

DSSAB Boss Stays Mum On Program

The head of the local social services board is not about to get involved in the politics over the city's homemaker program, which the board runs for the city.  Bill Bradica says to extend the program would require the board to reverse a decision it made earlier this year, something he is not about to comment on.   Bradica's comments follow concerns of city councillors of the board's decision to stop delivering the program at the end of the year.

Rafferty Glad NWO Doesn't Have T.O. Problems

Thunder Bay MP John Rafferty is joining the many others to comment on Toronto Mayor Rob Ford's recent confession of smoking crack cocaine.  Rafferty says he was shocked and couldn't believe he announced his plans to continue acting as Mayor. Rafferty says it's not good for Toronto to be joked about in world wide coverage of the story and hopes Toronto City Council can take action against Ford.  He adds he's glad Thunder Bay and other Northwestern Ontario communities aren't having issues like Toronto is.