PSAC Holds Veterans Townhall

Military veterans are standing up against the planned closure of some Veterans Affairs Offices in Canada. The office in Thunder Bay is among them. Second world war vet Roy Lamore says refocusing some the government current spending could help keep the office open.  As an example he says that just ordering one less new fighter jet would help keep the offices open.  The Public Service Alliance of Canada says closure of the Thunder Bay office will force veterans from northwestern Ontario having to access services in Kirkland Lake which has experienced its own staff cuts. The veterans held a townhall meeting today at the Slovak Legion.

Sisters in Spirit Vigil

The Ontario Women's Association is hosting a vigil tomorrow in unity with the Native Women's Association of Canada. The vigil is to honour murdered and missing Aboriginal women and will be held at noon, at 380 Ray Boulevard. The "Sisters in Spirit Vigil" has made it their goal to have October 4th as a day of remembrance for Aboriginal women not only in Canada, but worldwide.

Treaty Three Recognized

First Nations leaders with Treaty 3 aren't calling it a celebration. Its been 140 years since chiefs with Treaty 3 signed the treaty with the Canadian government. Grand Chief Warren White says there's been a lot of frustration with the Treaty since. He says his people have lived up to the Treaty, but says the Crown hasn't This afternoon, Treaty 3 is honouring the chiefs and Grand Chiefs for their roles in the Treaty.

Moose Died Of Liver Failure

The Chippewa moose probe is over and a local vet says that the animal's recent death was the result of liver failure.    The official from the Slate River Veterinary Clinic added that  the seven-year-old moose was adequately cared for throughout its life at the city's Chippewa Wildlife Exhibit.  He notes however,  that moose are notoriously hard to care for in captivity.

Police Say Incident Not Criminal

 Thunder Bay police are closing the book on Wednesday's early morning incident at the Kamview Overlook Park at the end of Donald Street.  That's where police say a man was injured and sent to hospital in critical condition.  Police say that the incident is not considered a criminal matter

Bottled Water Warning

Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health is warning consumers and businesses not to consume or serve bottled water manufactured by Blue Glass Water Co. Ltd., also known as Caledon Clear Water Corporation, based in Caledon.
Officials say that samples of water taken from the company's products have been found to be heavily contaminated with bacteria and say there is a potential health threat posed by these products.

Police Offer Gun Amnesty

There will be a firearms amnesty for aboriginal communities in northwestern Ontario next month. Treaty Three Police says it will be collecting illegal, damaged or unlicenced firearms during the amnesty. Anyone who surrenders a handgun or rifle will not be charged. There is also an incentive involved.
Anyone who turns in a firearm during the amnesty will receive a gift card from an area business.

Chamber's Mining Proposal Passed

The president of the local Chamber of Commerce is back from the annual meeting of the Canadian Chamber.  Charla Robinson says Thunder Bay was successful in having a resolution adopted that calls on the federal government to invest in roads and energy to support mining development. She  says it's important for governments to partner with the mining companies to get their projects off the ground.   Robinson notes there was also discussion about the lack of skilled workers in the country.

84 Year Old Charged In Collision

OPP are charging an 84 year old Shuniah man after a two vehicle collision at the intersection of McKenzie Station Road and Highway 11/17 on Wednesday.  It involved a truck and an SUV.  A passenger in the SUV was sent to the hospital with minor injuries.

Contract Talks Stalled

Talks have broken off between the Amalgamated Transit Union and the City.  Bus drivers have been without a contract for sometime and voted recently to take strike action if a deal can't be reached.   ATU President Sheila Kivisto says it's unfortunate they couldn't reach an agreement on Wednesday.  Kivisto says they are taking a wait and see approach since the mediator may pull them into another meeting in the near future. Kivisto adds they're fed up with being the second lowest paid bus drivers in Ontario.

Hit & Run Suspect Found

Thunder Bay Police are charging a 37 year old man after a hit and run Tuesday night in the area of Algoma and John Street. The man is charged with dangerous driving causing bodily harm and fail to remain. The cyclist remains in hospital in critical condition.

T.Bay Author Up For GG Award

A Thunder Bay author is up for a Governor General's Award.  Jean E. Pendziwol is one of five author's on the children's literature shortlist.  Her book Once Upon a Northern Night is one of five finalists.  The Governor General Award winners will be announced November 28th in Ottawa.

Man Injured At Kam River Park

Police are releasing more information about an incident at the Kamview Overlook Park.  A man was injured early Wednesday morning and was sent to the hospital where he is in critical condition. The area has been secured by police in order for the investigation to continue.

E.D. Of Ontario Food Bank In T.Bay

The Executive Director of the Ontario Association of Food Banks is in Thunder Bay today.  Bill Laidlaw is taking part in a round table discussion with the Regional Food Distribution Association.  Laidlaw says he is examining northern food bank issues. Laidlaw says transportation is one stumbling block in getting food to remote communities.

Local Woman Charged With Abduction

Thunder Bay Police are charging a 27 year old woman with abducting a six year old girl from the Lanark Crescent area last night.  Police found the girl in the custody of the woman in the area of Bay and Algoma Streets. The young girl has been returned to her guardian and was unharmed.

Cockburn Has Eco Message

An environment message from Bruce Cockburn as he travels through northwestern Ontario. He's helping the group Environmental Defence with its campaign to remove toxic chemicals found in many common household products. During the performance, concert-goers were asked to join in the campaign.  Cockburn plays in Thunder Bay on Friday night

CLE To Review Their Bar

The Canadian Lakehead Exhibition Board of Directors is sending their bar issue for review.  President Reta Stoger was visibly upset with media after their meeting last night and says they've sent the issue to the policy committee and they'll be looking at the fate of the bar.  No other comments were made after the meeting about the future of the CLE bar.

LU Pitches New Aboriginal Complex

Lakehead University President Brian Stevenson is trying to attract government funding for a new Aboriginal complex on the campus.  Stevenson says he went to Queens Park this week to sell the idea to politicians within the government.   Stevenson says the building would cost about 32 million dollars with about 25 million coming from the province and the rest from fundraising.  He says the building would put all the Aboriginal programs into one location with the aim of attracting more First Nation students.

Union Gas Gives Hospital Money

Union Gas is giving the Thunder Bay hospital 100 thousand dollars in energy rebates.  The money will go towards upgrades to hot water boiler controls and air handling units.  The improvements are expected to save enough natural gas to fuel the equivalent of almost 10-thousand homes.

Hit And Run

City Police are appealing for witnesses following a scary hit and run incident.  Just after 6:30 last night, a light coloured mini-van was driving down the wrong side of the street before serving into a parking lot in the 200 block of South Algoma and intentionally running over a male on a bicycle.  The male driver then sped away down a laneway northbound towards Bay Street.  The vehicle has damage to the driver's side bumper.  The 38-year old cyclist is in critical condition at Thunder Bay Regional Hospital.