NDP talk about conditions in Attawapiskat

Interim N.D.P. leader Nycole Turmel says she isn't going to play with figures after seeing for herself the impoverished conditions on the Attawapiskat First Nation.

She emerged from this morning's caucus meeting to say the prime minister and Aboriginal Affairs minister wouldn't be so quick to blame the band if they witnessed what kind of conditions residents of the northern Ontario community live in. 

The government says it has poured more than 90-million dollars into the reserve since taking office.

Senior Thistles back in Action this weekend

The Kenora Senior Thistles will be back in action this week.

But there is a bit of a change to their schedule.

Initially, the Thistles were supposed to play the Fort Frances Thunder Hawks, but the team indicated its wouldn't be able to dress a full squad for the Sunday game.

Instead, the Fisher River Terriers from Manitoba's interlake will be travelling to Kenora for a home and away series.

The game this Sunday will start at 3:00 at the Kenora Rec. Center.

The same two teams will meet up the following weekend in Fisher River.

Portaits of Honour in Town tomorrow

A national tour remembering soldiers who have died in the war in Afghanistan makes its way to Kenora this week.

Portraits of Honour will here on December 1st.

George Storm is one of the local organizers and is hoping for a good turn-out.

Portaits of Honour will at the new Kenora Fire Hall on Barsky's Hill  from 11 to 5 tomorrow.

A welcoming ceremony will take place at noon.

Ignace Jumps on Nuclear Waste Band Wagon

Ignace Council has decided to take the next step in becoming a host community for a nuclear waste repository.

Council has voted in favour of entering into a preliminary assessment feasibility study.

The study will determine if Ignace has the potential to meet the detailed requirements for the project.

Mayor Lee Kennard says any decision on becoming a host site won't be made for several years and it will involve the entire community.

The study will begin early next year and it could take up to a year to be completed.

OFL Supports Big Trout Lake

Canada's largest labour federation is demanding that the Ontario Government respect the K.I. First Nation in Northern Ontario.

Ontario Federation of Labour Vice-President Irwin Nanda says the Province continues to allow exploration work to continue on burial grounds.

Negotiations between Big Trout Lake First Nation and Ontario broke off on November 14th

Drug Use Among local Teens Declining

Northern Ontario students are doing more drugs and drinking more alcohol than their colleagues in the south.

That's the findings of a new provincial survey.

Patty Hajdu says it shows the lines of communication need to stay open between parent and child.

She says the good news is that drug use in general is going down, except for cannabis

Stuff-A-Cruiser this weekend

How much can you stuff into an OPP cruiser?

That's what we'll find out Saturday.

It's the 11th annual Stuff-A-Cruiser event here in Kenora.

Constable Dave Cain says the need, as always, is great this time of year

OPP cruisers will be stationed at The Kenora Shoppers Mall, Safeway, Wal Mart and Canadian tire between 10 AM and 4 PM this Saturday.

Anti-Bullying Legislation

Premier Dalton McGuinty is said to be revealing a new anti-bullying legislation today during a visit to a Toronto school.

The sources tell The Canadian Press that the new legislation is aimed at making Ontario schools safer and more accepting.

The bill proposes tougher consequences for bullying and hate-motivated actions.

It would also require all schools to support students who want to lead activities that promote understanding, acceptance and respect for all.

McGuinty's video entitled ``It Gets Better'' encourages students, teachers, parents and community members to do their part to help end bullying

Driving in Northern Ontario

Northern Ontario is the safest place to drive in the Province according to a new survey.


All-State Insurance says there are 3.55 crashes for every 100 cars on the road.

Spokesperson Tony Irwin says unfortunately our ranking won't impact on our insurance rates.

The survey also shows that the crash rate in Northern Ontario dropped by over 9-percent in the past year.

Local Lawyers Lobby Against Criminal Code Changes

A group of Kenora lawyers is speaking out against proposed changes to the Criminal Code of Canada.

The Kenora Lawyers Sentencing Group is worried that the federal government's amendments could result in more aboriginal people being sent to jail.

The group says there are already too first nation residents represented in the Kenora Jail.

A recent survey found that 85 percent of the male inmates were of aboriginal descent and 100 percent of the women were from local first nations.

The Kenora lawyers says amendments to the Criminal Code will only make a bad situation worse.

Economic Development Commission Fights to Keep Business Center

The Northwest Business Center is caught in a bit of a power struggle.

The Ministry of Northern Development and Mines recently sent a letter to the

Lake of the Woods Economic Development Commission saying the Business Center should be reporting directly to the city's chief administrative officer.

Dennis Wallace is chair of the Commission and says it only makes sense to maintain the current relationship between the two agencies.

Wallace met with council yesterday to discuss the situation and is also seeking support from the city to maintain its current relationship with the Northwest Business Center.

CP Holiday Train Arrives this weekend

The Salavation Army's Christmas Cheer campaign will get another boost this week.

A week after the Miracle Marathon, the CP Holiday Train will be passing through town.

Melissa Murray is a spokesperson for CP and says the Holiday Train continues to be a popular destination for Canadians.

Valdy will highlight the Holiday Train's entertainment this year.

The Train will arrive in Kenora Saturday afternoon following stops in Ignace and Dryden.

Lac Seul Injects Cash into Community Infrastructure

Economic prosperity in Lac Seul.

That's what the First Nation is hoping now that's its invested over 16-million dollars of its own money into infrastructure and economic development projects.

Chief Clifford Bull says more than 6-million is being spent on fixing unsafe roads.

The other major project is the construction of a Regional Convention Centre.

Bull says the 8-million dollar initiative has the potential to become an economic development hub bringing together organizations from across the Province.

Bull notes other planned projects include a commercial rice farm, training facility, a log manufacturing plant, heritage centre and long-term care centre.

Time Running out for Trail Permit Discount

Local snowmobilers can save 50-dollars this week.

The price of a season permit goes up to 250-dollars at the end of the day Thursday.

Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs Craig Nicholson says its important to support the local trail system.

The permit is required under Ontario law to use groomed snowmobile trails.

Richards continues to score for L.A.

Mike Richards kept up his torrid scoring pace in the LA Kings 2-0 win over San Jose.

Richards scored once and now has nine goals in the Kings last ten games and seven in as many

games.

He has 11 goals on the season and 20 points in 23 games so far this season. 

Red Cross pledges support for Attiwapiskatt

The Canadian Red Cross is mobilizing to help the remote northern Ontario First Nations community of Attawapiskat with its housing crisis.

The Red Cross says it's working closely with public authorities and the community to identify and address urgent, short-term needs.

At the request of the community, the Red Cross says it is taking on a donation management role to support the community's needs.

Red Cross spokesman John Saunders says some of the needs currently identified include generators, heaters, insulated sleeping mats, blankets and winter clothing.

NAN stops short of endorsing Transparency Legislation

The Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski First Nation says NAN chiefs and councils are already open about their salaries.

The Harper government plans to introduce legisation to force First Nations to release officials salaries. Stan Beardy says NAN has always opened its books

Beardy stopped short of saying he supports the new legislation.

Miracle Marathon another big success

There's going to be a 30 percent increase in the need for Christmas hampers in the community this year.

That was the message delivered by the Salvation Army during the 21st annual CJRL Christmas Miracle Marathon.

Major Al Hoeft says the Marathon certainly goes a long ways towards filling the need.

Thousands of dollars in cash, toys and non-perishable food items were donated during the 21 hour broadcast.

A final tally won't be available for several more days.

Campell Stays Busy at Queen's Park

Kenora-Rainy River's newly elected MPP admits she's still getting her feet wet.

Sarah Campbell has just finished her first week in the Ontario Legislature.

She says unfortunately she's had to spend a lot more time in Toronto than she'd like.

In the meantime, Campbell has been finalizing arrangements for her constituency offices in the Riding, moving her main office in Dryden over the weekend.

Kenora Figure Skaters win eight medals in Winnipeg

The Kenora Figure Skating club claimed eight medals at its first competition of the season.

Three skaters attended the Super Skate competition in Winnipeg over the weekend.

Julia Withers took home two gold and a silver, while Kelsey Scribilo earned one silver medal, a bronze and had one fourth place and Emily Whiting collected a silver, 2 Bronze & 1 Fourth place.

Saints fall short at OFSAA

The Thomas Aquinas senior boys volleyball team has failed to win a medal at the OFSAA single A championships for the first time in four years.

The Saints returned home over the weekend, after bowing out in the quarter-finals at the provincial champships in Manitoulin Island.

T.A. was beaten two sets to one by Woodland Christian High School.

Meanwhile, the Thomas Aquinas senior girls basketball team is home after going 0-3 at the OFSAA championships in St. Catharines.

Thistles lose two at home

Close but no cigar.

The Kenora Triple A Midget Thistles managed just a single point from a pair of weekend home games against the Pembina Valley Hawks.

Saturday, the Thistles took the Hawks to overtime, but lost 3-2.

Sunday, another close game, but the Kenora midgets were downed 2-1 by Pembina Valley.

Meanwhile, a couple of girls rep teams from the Lake of the Woods Girls Minor Hockey Association travelled to Warroad, Minnesota over the weekend.

The Kenora Atoms won a silver medal after losing to Roseau in the final.

The Kenora PeeWee girls settled for a fifth place finish in their division.

Thomas Aquinas girls heading home from OFSAA

The Thomas Aquinas senior girls basketball team is heading home from the All-Ontario Single "a" championships without a win.

The Saints exited the tournament this afternoon after losing to Runneymede from Toronto 58-29.

T.A. lost all three games they played.

Meanwhile, the Thomas Aquinas senior Boys volleyball team is trying to advance to the semi-finals

of the OFSAA championships for the fourth year in a row.

The Saints are playing Woodland Christian from Kitchener this afternoon in quarter-final action.

The winner advances to the medal round, while the loser goes home.

T.A. finished the round robin with a 3-1 record, after beating Toronto Christian two sets to one to

wrap up the round-robin earlier this afternoon.

Aboriginal Affairs Mininister Defends Handling of KI Dispute

Minister of Aboriginal Affairs Kathleen Wynne is defending Ontario's handling of First Nations land issues.

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell asked the Minister yesterday why the Government has not played a more active role in resolving territorial land and exploration issues in the Far North.

Wynne says her party has done more to improve First Nations than any other party.

She adds the Government remains committed to respectful and on-going discussions with First Nation leaders.

Power and Sport Show this Weekend

The Harborfront Tent is going to be transformed into an outdoor showroom this weekend.

The first ever STR Power Sports show will start this evening.

Shaun Clifford is one of the organizers and says they will have a number of local exhibitors on site.

The Power Sports show will start at 5:00 this evening and will continue tomorrow as well.

OPP continues search for Missing Man north of Atikokan

Searchers plan to return to an area north of Atikokan this morning in the search of an missing Atikokan man.

OPP Constable Anne McCoy says the search for 49-year-old Eric Natti began Wednesday.

McCoy says Natti has a trapper cabin in that area and a boat he normally has at the landing is missing.

SIU clears OPP officers of wrong-doing in Kakabecka Fatality

The Provinces Special Investigations Unit says there were no wrong doings by the OPP during an incident that left man dead at Kakabeka Falls last month.

SIU Spokesperson Monica Hudon says a intensive investigation was conducted following the incident.

Hudon says witnesses say 22 year old Kurtis McVittie jumped over the railling at a lookout platform and then fell to the bottom of the falls.

Saint Squads flound at OFSAA

Thomas Aquinas has lost its first game at the provincial championships in Manitolin Island.

The Saints senior boys volleyball team lost in two straight sets to the fifth ranked team from Smithville by scores of 25-17 and 25-21.

T.A. wraps up the round robin at noon today against Toronto District Christian High School.

The Saints need a win to guarantee themselves a place into the play-offs.

Meanwhile, points continue to be hard to come by for the Thomas Aquinas senior girls basketball team.

T.A. were upended 52-12 by Rideau, the number one ranked team in the tournament.

The Saints are back in action at 2:30, and need a win to keep playing at the OFSAA finals.

Rickford support First Nation Transparency Legislation

The MP for Kenora believes a new bill that requires First Nations to publish the salaries of band leaders and councillors will benefit everyone in the end.

Greg Rickford says the Legislation will lead to better accountability and transparency and will help First Nations foster relations with the private sector.

Rickford notes this is the first step.

Rickford stresses the Feds continue to consult with native leaders.

CJRL Miracle Marathon Hits the Airwaves Tomorrow

A big weekend for the Salvation Army's Christmas Cheer Campaign in Kenora.

The 21st annual CJRL Miracle Marathon will be broadcast tomorrow and Saturday on 895 The Lake.

Major Al Hoeft says he's looking forward to his first Miracle Marathon.

The Miracle Marathon has averaged over 80 thousand dollars a year in donations of cash, non-perishable food items and toys for the Kenora

 Salavation Army.

Meeting on Sewer and Water Rates set for next Month

Local homeowners will get a chance to air their views on a proposed 10 percent increase in sewer and water rates next month.

The city is holding a meeting on the Water and Wastewater long range plan on December 5th.

The city says no decisions will be made at the meeting, but it will be a chance to exchange information with the public.

The meeting will take place from 7:30 to 9:00 in the Rotary Room at the Kenora Rec. Center

Main Street Christmas Tree Lights up tonight

The Kenora Business Improvement Zone is getting into the Christmas Spirit.

It will be celebrating the lighting of the Main Street Christmas Tree this evening.

Chair of the B.I.Z., Kerik Funk says there will be lots of activities both before and after the actual lighting ceremony.

Carol singing will begin at 5:30, followed by the lighting of the Christmas Tree at 6:00.

Campbell Delivers Maiden Speech at Queen's Park

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell has given her maiden speech in the Ontario Legislature.

Campbell says she wants the Liberal government to improve its relations with First Nations communities.

She says a recent decision by the K-I band to walk away from talks with government over mining rights shows its current policies aren't working

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Kathleen Wynne says remain committed to a respective and ongoing dialogue with native communities

Saints open OFSAA championships with a pair of victories

The Thomas Aquinas senior boys volleyball team is two for two at the All-Ontario Single "a" championships taking place on Manitoulin Island.

The Saints shut down University of Toronto Schools this afternoon in two straight sets.

In their first match they got by the host team from Espanola two sets to one.

T.A. is back in action tomorrow morning at 7:30 against Smithville, before wrapping up the round robin with a game against Toronto District Christian High School.

Meanwhile, the Thomas Aquinas Senior Girls basketball team is in action at the OFSAA single A championships taking place in St. Catherines.

The 16th Ranked Saints are playing their first game against the 6th ranked team in the tournament, Jean Vanier from Welland.

Children's Mental Health Leader

A new position for the Keewatin-Patricia District School Board has been filled.

Lisa Doerksen has been hired as the Children's Mental Health Leader.

She will be in charge of coordinating services, identifying levels of need and developing a regional strategy.

Doerksen is currently the Director of Children's Mental Health Services for Firefly.

The Public Board was one of eight in Ontario to receive funding from the Province for the position.

Kenora Youth Council

A big thank-you is going out to Kenora City Council for creating the city's first youth council.


Mitch Frenette made a deputation to council this week showing his appreciation.

Frenette says its a new beginning for youth in the community.

The youth council will begin meeting in the new year and the city is currently seeking five people to help make up the new committee.

Thomas Aquinas Sports

Thomas Aquinas sports teams are gunning for medals at two separate provincial

championships today.

The Saints Senior Boys go into the OFSAA Single "a" volleyball championships
ranked second overall.

T.A. won silver last year, and open the tournament this morning at 7:30 against
one of the host teams from Espanola.

Meanwhile, the Thomas Aquinas senior girls basketball team is in St. Catharines
for the All-Ontario Single "a" championships.

The Saints are ranked 16th out of 16 teams in the competition and play their
first game at 3:00 this afternoon against Jean Vanier from Welland.

Resolute Forest Products

Resolute Forest Products is reducing its paper-making operations in Fort Frances for the rest of the
year.

The company cites poor market conditions for the five-week shutdown of its paper machines that starts next week.

About 100 employees will be impacted.

Operations at the kraft mill are not effected.

It's the third work stoppage at the paper mill this year

Treaty Three Launches a Lawsuit against the Feds

A group of 28 native communities across northwestern Ontario are suing the federal government for denying their children a right to equal education.

Grand Chief Diane Kelly, who represents Treaty 3 native bands, says aboriginals were promised a school on every reserve when they signed a treaty over 130 years ago.

But she says Ottawa hasn't upheld its part of the bargain.

The lawsuit was filed in Ontario court and is asking for 100 million dollars in damages.

RIDE

The holidays are almost upon us and that means the police will be ramping up their RIDE spot checks.

The O-P-P say impaired driving is a problem year-round, but it gets worse during the holiday party season.

The O-P-P says it will conduct its annual Festive RIDE campaign starting this Friday and ending January 1st.

During last year's Festive RIDE campaign , the O-P-P laid 308 impaired driving charges and issued 903
license suspensions

New Year's Eve in Kenora

The Kenora Rotary Club is giving local residents a New Year's Eve bonus once again this year.

The Thistle Rink and the pool at the Rec. Center will be open to the public on December 31st from
4:00 until 8:00.

The Rotary Club has agreed to pick up the cost of the facility rentals and cover the additional
staffing costs for the New Year's eve statutory holiday.

Legal Aid in Kenora

The province spends more money on legal aid in the north than in southern Ontario.

That's the finding of a new study conducted by the Law Society of Upper Canada.

It found that the province pays just over 31 dollars per capita in the Kenora District for legal aid, compared to less than 7 dollars in Ottawa.

The study also shows that a higher percentage of lawyers in Kenora do legal aid work than elsewhere in the province.

The report was commissioned to look into the legal needs of Ontarians.

Kenora City Council Salaries

Some members of city council are having a hard time stomaching a 30 percent pay raise.

Council voted 5-1 in favour of the increase this week.

Councillor Sharon Smith was the only one to vote against the motion and says she would prefer to see the issue deferred until the 2012 budget deliberations.

Smith had suggested the audit committee review councillor salaries, but no-one was willing to second her motion.

Drug Awareness Week

A reminder to check the expiry dates on the drugs in your medicine cabinet.

This is Drug Awareness Week and the Northwestern Health Unit is carrying out it's annual Medicine Cabinet Clean-out.

Spokesperson Judy Underwood says its a good practice to go through your medicine cabinet to look for outdate medication.

Underwood says any pharmacy will help dispose of your old, outdate medicine.

Chiefs and Band Councillors Salaries

The Federal Government is bringing in legislation to make hundreds of First Nations across Canada release the salaries of their Chiefs and band councillors.


The Winnipeg Free Press said in a report out of Ottawa that Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan will speak to the details of the bill at a news conference today in Saskatoon.

The legislation brings back to life a bill from a Saskatchewan Tory backbencher that died when the election was called last March.

Kelly Block's bill required First Nations to include details of chief and councillors salaries and reimbursements for expenses in annual audited financial statements.

Council says no to Non-Profit Housing Request

A non-profit housing project in Kenora is getting the thumbs down from city council.

Aamikkowiish Non-Profit Housing is planning to build a number of homes in the community over the next couple of years.

Some of the housing units will be built on property donated by the city, while others are on property purchased by the agency.

Aamiikkowiish had asked the city for funding to extend a sewer and water line from a project its planning between 8th and 9th Streets North.

The projected cost will be 12 to 15 thousand dollars, so council has decided to take a pass on the request.

Ontario Nature warns local communities about nuclear waste storage

An environmental group is concerned over talk that a Northwestern Ontario community might store nuclear waste.

Ontario Nature is worried what that might mean for the other communities in the region.

Spokesperson Peter Rosenbluth says they want to have a strategic conversation with area Municipal leaders and tell them that their decisions impact the entire Northwest.

Campbell Gets Ready for first session at Queen's Park

Almost a month after she was sworn at the Ontario Legislature, Sarah Campbell will be joining her colleagues for her first taste of politics at Queen's Park.

Campbell says her party's focus will be on getting legislation passed to take the HST off home bills.

She says even though the Liberals still control the legislative agenda, the opposition will be able to make its voice heard.

The Speech from the Throne will be read later today with the NDP slated to introduce their private members bill on the HST on Thursday.

Kenora sewer and water rates

Kenora City Council has agreed to proceed with a waste water financial plan even though it could result in a substantial increase in sewer and water rates.

Councillor Ron Lunny says the plan needs to be submitted to the province, or it could jeopardize the who operation of their system.

The city is planning to hold a public meeting on the long range financial plan for the water department sometime in December.

The Lake of the Woods Development Commission

The Lake of the Woods Development Commission is reporting modest job growth in the city
in recent month.

Dennis Wallace presented his 3rd quarter report to council last night and says 61 jobs were created
during that period.

He say while there were 12 new business starts in the past three months, he thinks they can do better.

Wallace suggests provincial energy policies are hindering, rather than helping business expansion in the city.