Hyer quits NDP

Thunder Bay MP Bruce Hyer is embarking on a new journey in the House of Commons. He has quit the NDP to sit as an Independent. Hyer says there are many reasons for his decision, but a recent move by leader Thomas Mulcair on the gun registry sealed the deal because it would have forced Hyer to vote against the party line again. Hyer also says he's disappointed with the dysfunction he sees on Parliament Hill.

Good treats for good deeds

Youth will now be rewarded for random acts of kindness in the city. A new positive ticketing campaign was launched today by Mac's Convenience store in partnership with the city's Crime Prevention Council. Spokesperson Tom Walters believes it could benefit the city. Police will give out the coupons for free frosters when they spot youth doing good deeds.

City lawmakers tackle the urban landscape

Councillors will get an education on urban landscaping tonight at City Hall.  A consultant will be on hand to explain his proposal for making laws so that new city developments include landscaping in their design concept.   As well tonight councillors will consider supporting area First Nations development and involvement in  Ring of Fire mining projects.

Speeding ticket leads to more

A Nova Scotia man is in trouble with the law after a speeding ticket turned into something more on the Trans Canada Highway near Marathon Sunday.   Police say that in addition to having outstanding warrants from Southern Ontario the man and his passenger were unable to tell police how they came to have about 30 thousand dollars in their possession.   The money is now is the hands of police. 

It's Victims of Crime Awareness Week

Anyone can become a victim of crime.  That's the message from Thunder Bay's Victim Services during the 7th annual National Crime Awareness Week.  Chair Sharon Bak wants to raise awareness through the community about their services.  The organization held a special flag raising ceremony at City Hall Monday morning.

Poverty plays role in residents quality of life

A local report suggests that the quality of life for many people in Thunder Bay is impeded by barriers which aren't always under their control.   Quality of Life Network Chair Nancy Chamberlain says of the over 200 people questioned, those living in poverty felt they were being discriminated against.  The Network is made up of 28 non-profit organizations and the report was funded by the Provincial Government's Northern Ontario Heritage Fund.

National BIA conference on in T.Bay

Thunder Bay's local business districts are looking forward to picking the brains of other business leaders during a four day conference at the Valhalla Inn.  The National Business Improvement Area conference has brought in over 200 delegates from across the Country and Local Spokesperson Jim Hupka says there's a lot they can learn.  It's the first time the conference has been held North of Lake Superior.

Rafferty is FEDNOR critic

Local Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty is the newly appointed official opposition critic for FedNor. Rafferty is happy with the decision and looks forward to continue representing Northern Ontarians. NDP leader Tom Mulcair announced the decision at the unveiling of his first shadow cabinet as leader of the official opposition.

Impaired Driving Accidents

Police are dealing with three separate impaired driving accidents that happened over night. One man who was driving a stolen SUV and crashed through a fence on Cameron Street now faces charges of possession of stolen property, impaired driving and failing to provide breath samples. The other two accidents occurred on Mary and Lillie Streets. Those drivers are also charged with impaired driving and will appear in court next month. No one was hurt in the accidents.

McQuaker faces arrest

A bench warrant is out for Barry McQuaker.    He  was a no-show for his scheduled court appearance in Thunder Bay today.  The hearing was to deal with a peace bond which would put extended restrictions on who the 56 year old is allow to see and where he can go.  McQuaker spent time in jail in the 1990's after admitting to cremating and burying the remains of his 12 year old son Jason.    In an appearance earlier this year court heard that McQuaker has been a victim of homelessness and mental health issues. 

OLG pays 4th quarter payment to city

The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation today issued a fourth quarter payment of more than $624,242 to the City of Thunder Bay. It amounts to 5% of the slot machine revenue at the local casino from January to March of this year. The total amount for the quarter is up some $44,000 dollars from the same period last year.

Province funds lung research

The Provincial government has announced $1 million dollars in funding to support and advance the pulmonary work being done at the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute. Dr. Mitch Albert and his group will receive the funding and use it towards diagnostic technology that focuses on such illnesses as cystic fibrosis, asthma along with lung and breast cancer.

Gravelle helps break ground on flight centre

Construction is under way on the Province's new flight training centre for water bomber aircraft in Sault Ste. Marie, which will create jobs and boost the local economy. 
MPP and Natural Resources Minister Michael Gravelle says "this new facility will help us train our pilots, right here in Northern Ontario, while helping to protect our families and communities."

Local winners pick up cheque

It's now a reality for Thunder Bay's Len Carr and his wife Joanna. They were in Toronto today at the SickKids Hospital to pick up their cheque for 1.5 million dollars. Len wants to use the winnings for retirement planning and to share it among his 8 siblings and 2 sons. They have supported the SickKids Lottery since 2007.

Leon back in May

A former Confederation College student is due back in court next month in connection with a case that caused an international sensation. Adam Leon is charged with theft following an incident about three years ago, when a Cessna was taken from the college flight school and flown into the United States. In front of a Thunder Bay judge today his lawyer asked for more time so he can get some court information from Missouri. Leon is now scheduled for a court appearance May 28th.

Mauro's bill reaches committee

Thunder Bay MPP Bill Mauro is happy to see his private members bill reach committee level. The legislation passed its second reading last week in the legislature. Mauro's bill promotes the use of wood in new government funded buildings.

Fire Marshal has no cause yet

Ontario's Fire Marshal office continues to investigate a fatal house fire on Victoria Avenue Thursday.  Fire Marshal's office Spokesperson Carol Gravelle says they've yet to determine the cause of the blaze.  An autopsy is being conducted on the 39 year old man who died. 

Bachelors raise cash for cancer

Another huge donation will be made to the Northern Cancer Fund thanks to the annual Bachelors for Hope Charity Auction. The 14th annual event raised more than 94-thousand dollars, bringing the total to more than 700-thousand dollars raised. Proceeds from the event stay in Northwestern Ontario and help with advances in screening, diagnosis and research.

More accolades for NOSM

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine is being honoured by the Cancer Quality Council of Ontario. A cancer project was selected as the 2011 recipient of the Cancer Quality Council of Ontario Innovation Award. The project helps connect remote First Nation's women with HPV immunization.

Franco-Festival coming soon

Organizers of the annual Franco-festival are gearing up for this year's big event. The event will promote the historical and culture heritage of Francophones in the city. Spokesperson Claudette Gleeson hopes the event will be an attraction. The event is on May 26 at the Sports Dome.