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.