Economic outlook for 2012 looks unstable

There is a lot of uncertainty when you look at the economy for this year in Northwestern Ontario.  That's the opinion of Lakehead University Economics Professor Livio Di Matteo.  He says there are a lot of variables that could affect our economy, such as the government, commodity prices, and the forestry sector.

OPP looking into Terrace Bay Death

OPP are investigating a sudden death in Terrace Bay.  Not much is known at this time but officials say a 65 year old woman was found inside a house that was the scene of a fire this morning.  The woman has been identified as Ann-Lois Mercure.

Resolute Forest Products

Quebec pulp producer Fibrek is urging its shareholders to reject a hostile takeover bid from Resolute Forest Products. Resolute is offering 130-million dollars for the company that has pulp mills in Quebec, West Virginia and Michigan. In a letter to shareholders, Fibrek says the bid deprives them of the opportunity to participate in the upside of the pulp business and other earnings streams.

Alzheimer Society survey on dementia

There's a delay in Canadians seeking diagnosis for dementia according to a new Alzheimer Society survey.  It finds that people are delaying diagnosis because they believe their symptoms are part of old age.  January is Alzheimer Awareness month.

OPP release RIDE results

The OPP aren't happy with the results of the festive RIDE program.  Spokesperson Shelly Garr says its disappointing to see 7 people in Thunder Bay still drinking and driving and in the region another 40 people were charged with impaired driving.

Iran US dispute is just heated rhetoric

Tension in the middle east continue to rise but don't expect any major fireworks.  That's the opinion of Lakehead Political Science Expert Laure Paquette.  She says increased naval activity between the US and Iran is a step above sabre rattling considering they both are moving large ships into a narrow area like the Straight of Hormuz.  Paquette says she thinks the two sides will soon take a step back and try to come to a diplomatic resolution to current problems.

Hospital CEO salaries are now public information

The CEO of the Regional Health Sciences Centre is happy that the salaries of her colleagues across the province will be open to the public.  Hospital CEO salaries were made public Tuesday and Andree Robichaud says its a smart move because the public deserves to know where tax money is going.  Robichaud earned 390 thousand dollars in 2011. 

Holiday RIDE stats are in

City police aren't happy with the results of the Holiday RIDE program.  Constable Bill Pollock says about 25 people were caught drinking and driving in the month of December.  Pollock says over 55 hundred vehicles were pulled over during the campaign and its very discouraging to still see people drinking and driving.

Outbreak at Interim LTC

A stomach flu like illness is making the rounds of Thunder Bay's Interim Long Term Care facility.  The Health Unit has declared an outbreak.  Admissions, transfers, discharges and social activities have been cancelled until further notice.

City talks waterfront hotel

It's the new year, and there's still no official date for when the name of the waterfront hotel will be announced. City Spokesperson Greg Alexander says they are still waiting for the land transfer to go through. Alexander says he understands that there's a lot of speculation about the project.

New Years stabbing in Marathon

OPP in Marathon are reporting a New Years day stabbing.  They say it happened around 5:30 yesterday morning on Hemlo Drive in that community.  The injured man was taken to the local hospital and treated for his injuries and released.  A 20 year old woman from Mobert is charged and is in custody waiting for a bail hearing.

Baby Maya the first of 2012

It's certainly a happy New Year for Mike Carneiro and Michelle Sixsmith. They are the proud parents of Thunder Bay's first baby of 2012. Dad Mike, says that their daughter Maya was born at the Regional Health Science's Centre at 4:02 Sunday morning.

Levee helps ring in the New Year

The Canadian military is not one to forget tradition and the annual New Year's  Levee is one of those traditions. The levee was held today at the HMCS Griffon. For Commander Peter Fleming, it's his first levee since becoming the top person at the Griffon in 2011. He says it's a way to toast the Queen and get together with friends and the military family.

First Nations youth receive important donation

Youth at four area First Nations around Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls are benefiting from a large donation of sports equipment from residents of Ottawa. The U-Haul truck load of equipment was distributed to children at Whitefish Bay, Northwest Angle #33 and #37 and Onigaming yesterday. Former Metis Nation of Ontario president, Tony Belcourt, who lives in Ottawa, helped organize the drive.

OPP prepare for New Years

Arrive alive this holiday season - don't drink and drive. It's a message we've all heard before but OPP constable Dave Cain says some people still aren't getting the hint. OPP will be out in full force over the long weekend enforcing their festive ride campaign.

Outbreak over at Dawson Court

The stomach flu like illness at Dawson Court is officially over.  The Health Unit has lifted all visiting restrictions.

Council 2012 Budget

City Councillor Linda Rydholm says there are problems with the way services are delivered in Thunder Bay.  Rydholm says they need to see what other communities are doing right.  The budget will come before council in mid-January.

Gravelle on auditor general report

MPP Michael Gravelle says the new year will bring an auditor general report into our air ambulance system. Gravelle says they look forward to hearing the findings.  The report is expected sometime in the near future; MPPs don't head back to work until February.

REACH in 2012

Confederation College's Health and Community Dean is looking forward to expanding their programs in 2012.  Kathleen Lynch says their health care programs have a tie to the region.  The REACH building opened in Thunder Bay in September.

Snowfall expected to end tonight

The bulk of snow has already fallen in Thunder Bay.  Our Meterologist Bill Laidlaw says we can expect another 2 centimetres today.  We'll get a break from the snow on Friday but more is expected on New Year's Eve.