Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Hydro Levy

The Provincial government's Green Energy Act has the Paper Workers Union nervous.

National Rep Marvin Pupeza says while the levy may have a small impact on home owners it could have a major impact on the forestry sector.

Pupeza says he'll be watching the provincial budget very closely to see if any relief for the industry is coming.

Northern Ontario Travel Grants

A man from northern Ontario says he was forced to cancel severalappointments with specialists because of a delay in a travel grant.

Christopher Pelletier of Emo says he had to cancel theappointments because he can't afford to pay for the travel on hisown.

Kenora-Rainy River M.P.P. Howard Hampton raised the issue in theOntario Legislature and says something has to be done to fix a brokensystem.

Health Minister Deb Matthews said she was unaware of the problemand will look into it.

DSSAB Needs Funds

Municipal leaders in the Kenora District are saying "enough is enough".

Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association President Anne Krassilowsky says the Province needs to know now that they can no longer foot the bill for several services including land ambulance, social housing and Ontario works.

At one point during Thursday's Services Board meeting, Krassilowsky and Ignace Councilor Dianne Loubier addressed the soaring cost of providing land ambulance service by suggesting "let's hand over the key's to the Province and walk away."

Adopt a Block

The City of Kenora wants area residents to do some spring cleaning.

"Adopt a block" is a new green initiative that encourages citizens to get involved in their community by cleaning their neighbourhood.

Operations Chair Dave McCann says people who adopt a street will receive a starter kit.

McCann adds there are already several volunteers signed up and they welcome more.

OPP Spring Thaw

Warmer weather is making the days brighter, but the Kenora Police are warning citizens of the dangers of the spring thaw.

Police say early thaw and running water is a magnet for kids looking to get out of the house and play.

They say while running on ice and playing in puddles is entertaining, kids must be careful or avoid it all together.

Police say if you excerise caution you will enjoy a safe and happy Spring.

Ontario Budget North

N-D-P Leader Andrea Horwath says it's about time the governmentcame up with some sort of plan for the north.

But Horwath adds measures promised in Thursday's budget will likely be seen as a last-ditch attempt by the Liberals to show theycare about communities they've ignored for years.

She made the comments today after Premier McGuinty promised some relief for the north in the budget.

McGuinty wouldn't go into details, but says the budget measures will go beyond anything announced in the throne speech.