Seniors Want to Save Pensions

They're mad as hell and they aren't going to take it any more. A group of seniors in Northwestern Ontario is organizing to help protect their hard earned pensions. Allan Bedard is spear-heading the move and says the issue started up a couple of years ago surrounding the fate of the pensions of Abitibi workers. Bedard says they are also upset that the Federal Government has decided to increase the age of eligibility for Old Age Security to 67 from 65.

New Health Care Network Innitiative Launched

Greater cooperation! That's what the Kenora Chiefs Advisory is hoping to accomplish with a new health care blueprint introduced last week by the North West Local Health Integration Network. Executive Director Joe Barnes says he's excited about the future. Barnes says for too long, heath care groups have been working on their own.

N.W.O. Fire Hazard Grows

The fire hazard is growing in Northwestern Ontario with the recent, warm, dry weather. Ministry of Natural Resources Information officer Debbie McLean says crews will be on alert this Easter Long weekend. She is urging people to use extreme caution with flammable materials in the wilderness. A fire in Lac Lu on the Minaki Highway on Thursday destroyed an old abandoned log home. Its estimated the log cabin was more than 130 years old.

Brush Fire on Mission Island

Thunder Bay's Fire Department spent it's Good Friday dealing with a brush fire on Mission Island last night. 9 crew members were called to the blaze just after 11 o'clock and were able to put it out. A fire spokesperson says the fire was a good size when they arrived and the wind helped to keep it contained.

Feds pull financial manager from Attawapiskat

Ottawa says it's pulling the third-party manager who had been handling the finances of the troubled Attawapiskat First Nation.  The federal government says there's been an improvement in reserve management, so it's withdrawing the third party manager.  It stems from when the First Nation declared a State of Emergency in the fall over a lack of housing. 

L.U. Basketball Adds Three Players

The Lakehead University women's basketball program announced the addition of three players to the roster for the upcoming year. Rachael Bland of England, Gabrielle Robin of New Brunswick and Thunder Bay's Jessica De Haan have all formally announced their commitments to join the Thunderwolves.

School bus accident in Oliver Paipoonge

A motorist is charged in an accident yesterday involving a school bus full of children.  Police were called to Harston Road in Oliver Paipoonge after a bus was hit by another vehicle and went off the road.  The kids and bus driver were uninjured, with only some minor scratches being reported. The driver faces a charge of careless driving.

Fire kills over a hundred cows

A barn fire in Olver Paipoonge has left a large amount of cattle dead.  Farm Owner Peter Aalbers says over 120 cows were killed in the fire that destroyed his barn.  Aalbers says by the time they noticed the fire black smoke was coming out the windows and nothing could be done to save the animals.  No word on what the cause of the blaze could be.

Oliver avoids protest, talks EAP

Local protesters are disappointed they didn't get to greet federal Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver when he arrived for a speech at the Valhalla Inn. Oliver managed to make it through a back entrance saying he wanted to avoid the demonstrators, who were upset over various Harper government policies. Meantime, while in Thunder Bay, Oliver defended the Harper government's decision to streamline the environmental approval process in Canada. He says it will help to get many important projects on track without the long wait. Earlier in the day Oliver toured a mineral testing lab.

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Mauro demoted

Sgt. James Mauro is going to be demoted to the rank of first class Constable.  The demotion will last twelve months.  The verdict came down this morning in the Police Service Act hearing being held at the Valhalla Inn.

Possible DMTS Tbay Tel team up

The City of Dryden is speaking with TBay Tel about a possible deal to purchase the municipal telephone service.  Mayor Craig Nuttall has confirmed that the two have been in discussions.  However, Nuttall notes that they are keeping an open mind.  Nuttall says they are looking at the best possible deal for the citizens of Dryden and they want to make sure their telephone service is still operating.

Racing crash update

Thunder Bay Police are charging the driver involved in a drag race around North James Street yesterday afternoon.  The driver of a blue Volkswagen lost control of the vehicle as it took the corner and collided with a tree on the boulevard. The 17 year old driver and his 20 year old passenger were treated for their injuries and are reported to be in good condition.  Six charges are being laid including racing, careless driving, driving while suspended, operating a motor vehicle without insurance, failing to notify a change of address, and using an unauthorized license plate.  Police are still looking for the other vehicle involved in the race.

Jobless rates released

Thunder Bay's jobless rate is on the decline.  March's rate went down point 3 percent to sit at 5.3.  The national unemployment rate was 7.2 per cent in March.

Garage fire on Regina Avenue

Police are looking for a suspect in a case of arson this morning on Regina Avenue.  Fire Crews were called to a shed fire just after 6:50 this morning.  A snow blower and lawn furniture were damaged.  Fire Fighters were also called to a grass fire around four this morning in the same area where witnesses say they saw a suspicious male leaving the area.  The suspect is described as being a 20 year old man, 5'9" with a thin build and dark hair.  He was wearing jeans and a dark coat with a hood and white running shoes.

Racing a factor in accident: Police

Two people are hurt, but not seriously, as the result of a single vehicle accident on James Street near Ryerson Crescent late Wednesday afternoon. Police say that one of the victims was taken to hospital as a precaution. They say racing was a factor in the mishap.

Police to honour their own

On Thursday, 16 members of the Thunder Bay Police Service will be honoured for their long service. 3 different awards will be handed out to recognize outstanding achievements in different categories, the exemplary service medal, exemplary service bar and dedication to service award. The awards will be given out at around 8:30 at the Valhalla Inn.

Mauro bill promotes wood use

Bill Mauro is introducing legislation to promote the use of wood in new government funded buildings. The Thunder Bay MPP says his private members bill is designed to help the struggling forest products industry after it was stung by the collapse in the U-S housing and newsprint markets.  Mauro's bill would also increase the maximum height of wood frame buildings from 4 to 6 stories.

Hyer mourns loss of Katimavik

Saying he's sad to see it go, MP Bruce Hyer is blasting the Harper government's decision to put an end to a taxpayer funded youth volunteer program. Hyer says the move to axe Katimavik is pure partisan politics.  He says the government is throwing students "under the bus" on this one.   Hyer calls Katimavik one of the bright lights on the Canadian scene.

Ontario Human Rights hearing

A hearing being held in Thunder Bay today is looking at Ontario's Human Rights programs.  Toronto Lawyer Andrew Pinto is the Chair of the review board and says Northerners are telling him more needs to be done.  The City's Urban Aboriginal Strategy Spokesperson Beth Ponka says they need an outreach program for First Nations to help them speak out about racism.  30 local organizations are speaking out at today's meeting.

Marathon route changes

There's a new route for the Miles with the Giant Marathon. The full 26.2 mile loop will start and finish at Prince Arthur's landing and takes in Lakehead University and Boulevard Lake. President Barry Streib says the new course will bring in more participants and is set to be certified as a Boston qualifier. To view the new course you can go here