Rickford defends Thunder Bay MP's

Kenora MP Greg Rickford is defending Thunder Bay's NDP MP's.  Rickford says the party's decision to punish John Rafferty and Bruce Hyer for voted to end the long gun registry is very disappointing. Rickford says its a hypocritical move to punish the two MP's for voting for what their constituents want.

Mayors form new lobby group

Northern Ontario mayors are banding together to form the Council of Northern Mayors. Keith Hobbs says it follows this week's northern mayors meeting in Sault Ste. Marie. He says it's another way for our region to lobby governments.  Hobbs says the Council is now coming up with terms of reference.

Changes at the Health Science's Centre

There's a shake-up taking place at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. President Andree Robichaud says they are moving to a new program management system and changes are taking place from the senior level on down. Robichaud says the the changes are not intended to save money but to fall into line with the way other top hospitals are managed.

Arbitrator's award called fair

Kari Jefford

There is labour peace for 600 healthcare workers  employed at  Pioneer Ridge, Dawson Court and Grandview Lodge senior's homes.  Their union boss Kari Jefford has taken the wraps off of the abritrator's award and it shows a three year deal that gives the workers a 6 per cent wage increase.  Jefford calls it a fair deal.

Ministry probe continues in Terrace Bay

The work continues to help find the cause of the fatal explosion this week at Terrace Bay Pulp. William Lin of the Ministry of Labour says inspectors remain on the scene which remains closed.  He says that four work orders have been issued.   The orders include stopping all work at the mill and making sure the scene is not disturbed until the investigation is completed.  One person was killed and two others were injured in the blast.

Hyer and Rafferty receive support

Thunder Bay residents seem to be on the side of MP's John Rafferty and Bruce Hyer.  The two were stripped of their critic positions after going against party policy and voting for the long gun registry.

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Brown talks Green

Atikokan's Mayor is responding to a report by Greenpeace saying biomass will put our forests and climate at risk.  Dennis Brown says that's not so.  Brown says the biomass project in his community is going to help keep his town employed.

Helicopter Crash in Kapuskasing

The Transportation Safety Board  is on the scene of a fatal helicopter crash near Kapuskasing.  All three people aboard died in yesterday's crash near Clear Lake.  The Sunrise Helicopters chopper pilot and two Tembec forestry workers were onboard when it crashed.

City restaurant owner dies

A long time city businessman and local TV personality Ling Lee has died. Family spokesperson Gary Cooper says he passed away suddenly on Tuesday. Cooper says friends can say good bye next week at a memorial service Monday at 1 pm at the Valhalla Inn. .Lee ran two local Chinese restaurants and hosted a cooking show on Shaw TV.

Hyer/Rafferty sanctioned by party

Thunder Bay MP Bruce Hyer is paying for his decision go against his party and vote to abolish the long gun registry. The NDP has stripped him of his critics positions and he can't ask questions or make statements in the House of Commons. He calls the punishment draconian.  Hyer says his vote is based on a promise he made to his constituents.  Fellow MP John Raffery also voted to scrap the registry and he too has been punished.  Rafferty calls it punishing his constituents.

A delivery girl robbed not hurt

For the second time in recent weeks a delivery person was the target of a robbery.  Thunder Bay Police say the girl had just received money for a food delivery last night got into her vehicle and was then approached by a man who demanded the money.  A second man armed with a bat hit her car and she handed over the money.  She wasn't hurt but was shaken up. 

Local girl is finalist in BBM Challenge

A fashion icon in the making is in the running in a North American Wide BlackBerry competition.  Alex Kruse is a student at Lakehead University and is taking part in the BBM Challenge under the Fashion category.  Her latest video was the top pick in her category and you can vote for her by going to the BBM Challenge website. 

Port officials brag about new study

A Canadian shipping official says a new study points to the relevance of the Port of Thunder Bay. Ray Johnston, the president of the Chamber of Marine Commerce, says the study was done to prove the worth of our port and the rest of the St. Lawrence Seaway.The study shows the port adds 370 million dollars and 18 hundred jobs to the Ontario economy.

Fender bender causes concern

There are no injuries to report after a two vehicle accident at High Street and Red River Road.   It was just a routine fender bender for emergency personnel, but what caused the concern was the fact there was a pregnant woman in one of the vehicles.   The woman appeared to be fine, but was taken to the hospital as a precaution.

Hobbs takes it off for Movember

Mayor Keith Hobbs, Councillor Paul Pugh and others helped to kick off the month of "Movember" at City Hall. They had their moustaches shaved off as they prepare to grow them back this month to draw attention to prostate cancer prevention.

OPP Blitz Security Guards again

For the second time this year, a number of businesses have been charged for failing to comply with new security guard rules.  Detective Staff Sargeant Rick LePage says 38 charges were laid last Friday for various offences such as failing to wear a uniform or for employing an unlicensed security guard. LePage says they in fact charged two individuals on the same day they plead guilty to the same charge earlier in the day.

Quality Market wins national award

Thunder Bay's Quality Market is one of the top grocer's in the country.  Owner Dan Stezenko says their Campus Hill store was named the Bronze Medal winner by the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers.  Stezenko says they couldn't have done this without great support from the community and their staff. 

Grain shipments up in October

Grain continues to carry the Thunder Bay Port.  October saw almost 675 thousand tonnes of grain come through the port that is up by over 200 thousand from the same month last year.  So far this year we have seen over half a million more tonnes pass through the port compared to last year. 

Leon case close to settelment

A settlement may be near in  the case of Adam Leon. The former Confederation College student faces a theft charge in connection with a stolen cessna which was flown into the United States over two years ago. His lawyer Neil McCartney says a conference on the case will be held in the new year.

Habitat salvaging items from sawmill

Habitat for Humanity is salvaging parts from the former Northern Sawmill.  ReStore Manager Keith MacMillan says that there's plenty that can be re-used at the former mill site.  The recovered items will be sold in the ReStore with money raised going towards Habitat's latest build.

Mac's robberies continue

The string of Mac's Convenience Store robberies continues in the City.  The South James street Mac's was the latest to be held up.  No one was hurt in the incident that occurred just after 3 o'clock this morning.  The suspect got away with cash and cigarettes and was last seen heading eastbound on Frederica Street.

Cancer number one cause of death in Canada

Cancer being the number one killer in Canada, is being called a good news - bad news situation by the Vice President of the Cancer Centre.  Michael Power says that means there has been some majors strides at reducing Heart Disease.  Power says people are now living longer and are getting cancer.  Power says that being said still more work needs to be done to better prevent cancer. 

Community mourns loss of a family man

The community of Terrace Bay is in mourning after the death of a worker following Monday's paper mill explosion at Terrace Bay Pulp. Councillor Jody Davis says the victim is someone who grew up in the area. He expects the residents of Terrace Bay to come together and support each other.

Gravelle says review of FIT program part of the plan

The Natural Resources Minister says the provincial government isn't doing anything out of the ordinary by reviewing the Feed In Tarriff program.  Michael Gravelle says the review was originally put in the legislation to ensure its sustainability. Gravelle says the program has helped bring in projects like the Dorion wind farm and the solar park at the Thunder Bay Airport.

Thunderwolves back in the top ten

The Lakehead Thunderwolves are back in the CIS top ten.  The wolves jumped to 8th in the rankings courtesy their 6 game winning streak.  UNB is still first with McGill second and Saskatchewan 3rd.

Man faces 2nd degree murder charge

A 22 year old man, charged in connection with the city's latest murder, remains in custody.  Kyle Rae appeared at the Ontario Court of Justice via video link from the District Jail this afternoon.   He is charged with second degree murder following the death of his friend, 21 year old Jimmy Monias over the weekend.   In the courtroom there were family members linked to the case and some wept as Rae appeared on the TV screen.  He will be back in court on Friday.

UOI upset with Bell over bills

The Union of Ontario Indians is displeased with Bell Canada's service.  Spokesperson Maurice Switzer says it's been a year since the HST came into effect and still some of their members are not being reimbursed for the PST portion on their bills. Switzer says their members are getting frustrated with Bell Canada's customer service.  Meantime, Bell says it has a specific process in place to address the tax exempt status of First Nations, and are looking into this particular case. They will remind staff of company procedures for addressing questions from First Nations customers.

Take a Hike donates socks

160 winter socks are being donated to area kids in need. It's part of the outdoor store Take A Hike's "Share A Pair" campaign. The company donated socks for each pair of socks they sold in October.

Food bank study echoed in T.Bay

A national study on food bank use is painting a picture of need in the community.  Regional Food Distribution Association Executive Director Volker Kromm says they've seen a 95 percent increase over the last five years.  Kromm hopes there will be a time that their services are not needed as much.

Fatal explosion at Terrace Bay Pulp Mill

The Ministry of Labour is in Terrace Bay investigating a fatal explosion at Buchanan's pulp mill.  The name of the deceased is being withheld until the family can be notified.  Spokesperson William Lin says the scene of Monday's accident is closed and so far no work orders have been issued.  A blow tank exploded killing one and injuring two others.  The Fire Marshall's Office is also investigating.

Fire season comes to a merciful end

The Ministry of Natural Resources is happy this forest fire season is finally over.   Spokesperson Debbie McLean says it was one of the busiest they've seen in years. She says there were 13 hundred and 30 fires which cost the government 230 million dollars to put out.  In addition a modern day record 600 thousand hectares of forest were destroyed.

Police bust grow op

Police are charging a 54 year old man with a number of offences after busting up a grow op.  Officers searched a home on Saari Road in Oliver Paipoonge Friday and found almost a hundred thousand dollars worth of marijuana.

Poppy time again

It's that time of year again. Time to remember those who gave their lives in battle by wearing a poppy. George Kearney of the Fort William Branch 6 Legion says veterans will be selling them until November 11th, and like aways, it's for a donation.  The money raised is used to help local veterans.

Local teen victim of weekend mugging

A 17 year old boy is now out of hospital after being mugged on the weekend.  Police say he was walking home from a party early Saturday morning and went through a construction zone on Junot Avenue. They say he was jumped by 5 people and was beaten and robbed.  He was left unconscious and woke up about 5 hours later and walked the rest of the way home. From there he was taken to hospital for treatment.

CAW fighting proposed EMS changes

The union representing paramedics says it's not sitting down and taking it. Kari Jefford of the Canadian Auto Workers says plans by Superior North EMS to transfer jobs from communities in the region to Thunder Bay is not acceptable.   Jefford says the union is meeting with local politicians this week to discuss the issue with them.

A deal for senior's home workers

Over 600 workers at the city's seniors homes have something to cheer about.  Union spokesperson Kari Jefford says they have a new contract.   She says it's the result of the arbitrator's award.  She says workers will find out about it on Wednesday and the public will be given the details on Thursday.

Confederation College passes on condolences

With word that 21 year old Jimmy Robert Monias has passed away, Confederation College is passing on their condolences.  He was taken off life support Sunday night.  Monias was a student at the school, and student services has made counselling services available.  Flags at Confederation College will be at half-staff.

Limbrick Street assault victim dies

The 21 year old victim of an assault over the weekend has died as a result of his head injuries.  Jimmy Robert Monias passed away last night, and Police Spokesperson Chris Adams says the fight broke out at 22 year old Kyle Ivan Rae's Limbrick apartment.  The two were known to each other and alcohol played a factor in the fight. Rae remains in custody and is charged with Aggravated Assault.  Adams says the charge will be upgraded in the next day or two.  A postmortem exam will take place in Toronto this week.

27 year old cold case revisited

Thunder Bay Police are rehashing a 27 year old murder. Back in 1984, 17 year old Scott Dove went missing in his north end neighbourhood. He was later found in December in a rock quarry off of Copenhagen Road. The number of tips have been limited in recent year and Police are hoping new information will come forward.

More artwork unveilled at waterfront

More artwork has been installed at Prince Arthur's Landing. This time its a series of artistic panels at the Spirit Garden. The panels were designed by Thunder Bay artist Randy Thomas.

Be Safe Be Seen

Thunder Bay's Health Unit wants pedestrians and cyclists to be seen on area roadways.  Spokesperson Marita Campbell says it's often hard to see people on the side of roads.  The Health Unit is handing out free reflective strips as part of their "Be Safe, Be Seen" campaign.

Halloween weather warm

Thunder Bay's weather for Halloween will be warmer than normal. Our Meterologist Bill Laidlaw says the nice temperatures will stay with us the rest of the week.  Our low for tonight is plus 2.

Quiet gate night

Thunder Bay Police are reporting very few incidents from Gate night yesterday.  Police say there were no major incidents of mischief.  Gate night typically brings house egging, toilet paper in trees, and smashed pumpkins.

Cariou talking tourism

Not a lot of growth in the tourism industry this past summer.  That's the feeling of the Executive Director of the Ontario Sunset Country Travel Association.  Gerry Cariou says the sluggish American economy continues to be a drag on the local tourist industry.  Cariou does say they did see some improvement with border crossing issues, with fewer complaints this summer.

Rafferty reintroduces Private Members bill

Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty wants to again protect the severance of workers when their companies face creditor or bankruptcy protection. Rafferty has reintroduced a private members bill he brought forward last year. Rafferty says his bill acts on a promise made to forestry workers in Northwestern Ontario who lost their jobs with the closing of their mills in recent years.

HST Confusion

Confusion remains over the Harmonized Sales Tax. An Ontario Real Estate Association survey finds that 66-percent of Northern Ontario residents wrongly believe that the HST applies to the purchase price of resale homes. The Association stresses that the HST doesn't apply to the purchase price of a resale home.

MNR study

A Ministry of Natural Resources study gives anglers some credit in keeping walleye stocks healthy in Northwestern Ontario. The habits of anglers in 157 walleye lakes were received. Researcher Len Hunt says they did prove that lakes close to anglers do face fishing pressures. The study also disproved a theory that anglers target the best lakes until fish populations go in decline.

Northern Woods fire

Firefighters are saying cutting torches that were used by salvage company employees were responsible for the start of the fire at the old Northern Woods lumber mill on Saturday. The fire was under control by 1 pm. 4 pumpers and an aerial platform were used to extinguish the fire. Damage is said to be minimal and no firefighters were injured on the scene.

Assault in South side

A 20 year old man is in Thunder Bay Hospital following an alleged aggravated assault. Thunder Bay police responded to a call in the city's south side just after 6 pm on Saturday. A 22 year old man will appear in court today. Police say there were no weapons involved.

Golf Links Rd. closed today

A heads up for motorists travelling in the Golf Links Road area today. Thunder Bay Hydro Spokesperson Eileen Dias says they're closing that road between Central and Oliver today until 6 pm. Hydro is setting poles in the area. Burwood is the alternate road for Golf Links.

Gate night warning

Ghosts and goblins will be out this weekend, but local police will be keeping an eye out for other mischief makers. Constable Julie Tillburry says it's gate night in the city, traditionally an evening of lots of minor incidents of vandalism. Tillburry says there will be an increased police presence on the streets.

Forest fire season over?

The forest fire season officially comes to an end on Monday, but there will likely be fires still burning across the Northwest. 8 lightning-caused fires are still active inside Quetico Provincial Park. Jennifer Young of the Ministry of Natural Resources says the fires are being monitored and none are posing any threat. Young says a fire management plan for the park allows fires to burn in certain areas to help regenerate the forest.