CTF Spreads Tax Change Info

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is spreading the word about changes to the employment insurance and Canadian Pension Plan taxes in Ontario. Spokesperson Candice Malcolm says it means taxpayers will keep less of their pay cheques after New Years Day. Malcolm adds the maximum employee share of EI taxes will go up 23 dollars in 2014, while the employer's share will go up to 31 dollars.

Health Unit Urges Immunization

The Health Unit is urging people to get a flu shot if they haven't already.    It comes in the wake of reports that a second person in the district has now died due to the H1N1 virus.   The Health Unit reported the first death a week and a half ago and says it was a person under the age of 65, the same as this latest reported death.

Record Breaking Cold Hits City

The cold weather is breaking records.   In Thunder Bay this morning a record low of minus 33 from 1946 and 1967 was shattered  when the low hit minus 39.   It's the second morning in a row the city  broke a record low temperature.  Yesterday the city broke a record from 1982 when the temperature hit minus 36.7

Siemieniuk Looks In Crystal Ball

The Lakehead Public School Board is looking forward to taking on new initiatives in the New Year.  Director of Education Cathi Siemieniuk says they'll be reviewing some of their programs.  That includes a parent engagement initiative that will see two way digital communication with all stakeholders.  Siemieniuk says they also will tackle creating a new Strategic Action Plan.

Gravelle Rings In New Year

Minister of Northern Development and Mines Michael Gravelle wants to see some movement on the Ring of Fire in the New Year. Gravelle says they've made a good start with the establishment of the development corporation but notes more needs to be done. 2013 saw Cliffs' Natural Resources pull out of their mining project in the Ring of Fire.

FWHP Family Frolic Back

Fort William Historical Park is back for another New Years Eve with it's Family Frolic tonight. Spokesperson Marty Mascarin says they expect a great turnout despite the cold weather. Mascarin says they'll have plenty of warm up areas set up around the park.

Chief Wants Pot Laws Repealed

Thunder Bay's Police Chief is reiterating his stance on decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana.  J-P Levesque says handing out tickets rather than charges would help clear up the back log of cases in the local court system. Levesque says the backlog of court cases is a national police issue and hopes the Federal Government will consider allowing police to ticket people for small offences rather than charge them.