Former National Chief speaks out on Attawapiskat

The former head of the Assembly of First Nations says third party management is not the answer for Attawapiskat.

Phil Fontaine says the government decision to take away the band's control of finances won't solve the housing problem on the reserve

He says third party managers cannot approve housing programs.

Hospital in the Black

Lake of the Woods District Hospital continues to operate in the black, but the size of its surplus is slowly shrinking.

Director of Finance, Cindy Gasparini says through seven months they have a surplus of 124 thousand dollars.

That's about 100 thousand dollars less than last month.

Gasparini expects they will be able to balance their books this year, but the winter months are a lot tougher on their budget, with less revenue from seasonal visitors, and increased costs for utilities and wages.

Hospital gets more funding for Cataract Surgeries

Lake of the Woods District Hospital is getting more funding to carry out more cataract surgeries this year.

The Ministry of Health has approved funding for an extra 56 eye operations.

Chief  Executive Officer Marc Belcaen says they had requested funding for 105 more cataract surgeries, but they will take what they can get.

He suggests there is still the possibility of more funding, but that will depend on the demand at other hospitals as the year end approaches.

Provincial Government Defends its record on Mining in the North

The Provincial Government is once again on the defensive over its handling of relations between First Nation communities and mining companies.

The NDP continues to attack the Government on a lack of consultation and an unwillingness to force companies to stop exploration on traditional land.

Speaking in the Legislature, Northern Development and Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci stated his Government is working with everyone.

Timiskaming-Cochrane MPP John Vanthof says the Liberals are ignoring First Nations and slowing down mining development.

Rickford still waiting for Long Gun Bill to Pass

It still isn't clear if the bill to scrap the federal long gun registry will be passed before Christmas.

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford says they have two weeks left in the current sitting to try and push the bill through.

Rickford says if it doesn't pass before Christmas, it will certainly get though Parliament when it resumes sitting in February.

Hospital experiencing bed shortage

Hospital beds at Lake of the Woods District Hospital are at a premium these days.

Chief Executive Officer Marc Belcaen says they've seen a significant demand for their acute care beds in recent months.

In the past, the hospital be shortage had been created by patients waiting for a long term care bed to open up in the community.

But Belcaen says the addition of ten interim beds at the Pinecrest home for the Aged has virtually eliminated that problem in the past few months.

Bronco Boys in Brandon

Beaver Brae's boys hockey team in in Brandon for the Victoria Inn High School tournament.

Last night, the Broncos lost a 6-2 decision to Crocus Plains from Brandon.

Today, Beaver Brae is back on the ice against Sandford Collegiate this afternoon at 2:00.

Broncos win battle of Kenora

Beaver Brae drew first blood in the battle of Kenora in girls high school hockey.

The Broncos upended their cross-town rivals from Thomas Aquinas 4-1 last night.

 Jess Ricklefs, Melissa Wilcox, Kaitlyn Sparkman and Jodi Mellilo each scored for Beaver Brae. 

Julia Ralko scored on a power play in 3rd period for T.A. to tie the game at 1 before Beaver Brae pulled  away.

Next game for Beaver Brae is tonight in Ear Falls tonight against Red Lake.

Thomas Aquinas is home to the Dryden Eagles this afternoon.

 

Game time is 1:30 at the Kenora Rec. Center.