Court Rules Spring Bear Hunt Can Proceed

For the first time in 15 years, there will be a limited spring bear hunt in northern Ontario.

A judge has sided with the provincial government on the spring bear hunt.  

A request to have the hunt delayed pending a judicial review has been thrown out of court.

The hunt will now go ahead as scheduled on May 1st.

The Ontario Federation Of Anglers and Hunters says it's pleased the court application by Zoocheck Canada and Animal Alliance of Canada has been dismissed and the federation looks forward to a safe and successful hunt.

NOMA Throws Support Behind Energy East Pipeline

The Energy East Pipeline Project is getting the thumbs up from the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association.

The NOMA board put a resolution of support forward at it's annual conference over the weekend.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says not all the delegates voted in favour, but most see it as the best option for moving Alberta crude.

Canfield suggests the pipeline project is preferrable to moving the Alberta oilsands product by rail.

Mounties Searching For Missing Manitoba Girl

The RCMP and the Ontario Provincial Police are asking for the public’s help in locating 16-year-old Toni Rose Linklater.

Linklater was last seen on the evening of April 14th in Manitoba.

The Mounties have information that Linklater may be in the Dryden area and is heading east.

She was wearing a black jacket and black tights.

Linklater is described as 5 foot 10, 143-pounds, average build, long brown hair, piercing's on her right eyebrow and lower lip.

She is considered at risk and police and family are concerned for her well-being.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police or Crime Stoppers.

Beaver Brae to Get Aboriginal Business Program

A business program for aboriginal students is being expanded into five
more high schools across northwestern Ontario.

The provincial government is funding the Martin Aboriginal Education
Initiative at Beaver Brae, Fort Frances, Sioux Lookout and two high schools in Thunder Bay (St. Patrick and Churchill).

Lucie Santoro is a spokesperson for the program and says the students can enrol in two courses.

Santoro says the program is already up and running at Dennis Franklin Cromarty in Thunder Bay, and will be expanding into the five other high schools in the region in the fall.

NOMA Urging Province To Twin Highway 17

Five years and counting.

That's how long ago the federal and provincial government's announced 100 million dollars to twin the Trans-Canada Highway between Kenora and the Manitoba border.

Kenora mayor Dave Canfield says the Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association has passed a resolution urging the government to finally start construction on the project.

Transportation minister Glen Murray did have a meeting with the new band leadership at Shoal Lake last week in hopes of moving the Twinning project

forward.

Chalice Gold Takes Over Coventry Projects in NWO

A deal to takeover an Australian company's mining interests in the Nestor Falls and Rainy River areas is complete.

Conventry Resources is handing over control of four separate projects to Chalice Gold Mines.

The two Australian firms announced the deal last fall.

The four mining projects are at various stages of exploration.

Rickford Says Feds Not Idle on Ring of Fire

The Minister responsible for the Ring of Fire says the federal government remains committed to the massive mining project.

Premier Kathleen Wynne and Northern Development and Mines Minister Michael Gravelle are both challenging the feds to get more involved in the project.

Greg Rickford says they have always been at the table.

Rickford says he has a good working relationship with Gravelle and looks forward to further talks to move the Ring of Fire forward.

Last week the provincial government announced a billion dollars for the giant mining project and challenged
the Harper Government to match that funding.

Province To Announce Details of Ontario Pension Plan

Premier Kathleen Wynne confirms Thursday's budget will contain details of an enhancement to the Canada Pension Plan.

In the Ontario Legislature yesterday, Wynne says financial experts agree there needs to be more capacity for people to save for their retirement.

She says since the federal government is refusing to do anything, it's up to the province to take action.

Conservative leader Tim Hudak describes the pension plan another payroll tax on business which
will kill jobs in Ontario.

NDP Call For Gas Price Watch Dog

Federal NDP are renewing their calls for a gas price watchdog.

Consumer Affairs critic Glenn Thibeault says the watchdog would ensure fairness.

The call comes after a spike in gasoline prices in some parts of the country just before
Easter and again last week in some northwestern Ontario communities.

Thibault says gas prices have hit a three year high and are 22 cents a liter more
this year than last year.

Relay For Life Offers Incentive

A new incentive for teams who sign up for Relay for Life in Kenora.

Team Coordinator Kerri Holder says NAPA Auto Parts is stepping up to the plate with a big donation.

Any team that signs up on-line will be entered into a draw for a thousand dollar contribution.

The winner of the one thousand dollar donation will be announced on May 19th.

The Relay for Life will take place on the Kenora Harborfront on June 20th.