All-Canddiates forum slated for later this month in Kenora

The first all-candidates forum for the provincial election will be taking place in Kenora later this month.

The Kenora and District Chamber of Commerce has invited all four candidates to talk about the issues at a special meeting on September 20th.

The candidates in the Kenora-Rainy River Riding have been asked to talk about sustaining and growing business in Kenora.

The forum is scheduled to take place at the Minis Hall in the Super 8 Motel at 7:00 in the evening.

Nominations Open for NOVA awards

The Kenora Young Professionals Network is accepting applications for the first ever Northwestern Ontario Visionary Awards.

Mike Greaves chairs the network and says it's away to celebrate the rich array of young talent in the region.

The awards will recognize the top 20 under the age of 40 in northwestern Ontario at a special banquet in January.

NDP Demands more Attention for Northern Ontario

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath is in northern Ontario today bringing her message of change to communities hit hard by the recession.

Horwath says it's time northern Ontario was paid proper attention at Queen's Park.

New Democrats say they will make industrial hydro rates more competitive to maintain jobs.

Broncos Open Football Season in Steinbach This Afternoon

Another football season kicks off this afternoon for Beaver Brae.

The Broncos open the regular season on the road against the Steinbach Sabres.

Last year, the expansion Sabres failed to win a game but Broncos head coach Chris Penner says they aren't taking Steinbach lightly.

Game time is 3:00 in Steinbach.

NDP Leader

The federal N-D-P's brass meets in Ottawa today to start laying the groundwork for a convention to pick a new leader.

Among other things, a date and location for the convention will likely be selected, and some of the ground rules are expected to be set down. M-Ps Thomas Mulcair and party president Brian Topp are mentioned

as possible candidates to succeed Jack Layton, who died of cancer on August 22nd.

College Strike

The union representing striking community college support staff says it has requested new contract talks.But the Ontario Public Service Employees Union says college management has said it isn't interested.

OPSEU represents more than eight-thousand employees at 24 community colleges across the province.

Wages, benefits and job security remain the outstanding issues.

Forest Fire Update

The forest fire hazard is starting to rise once again.

There were 11-new forest fires reported by the end of the day yesterday.

There are over 30-active fires in the region and that number is expected to rise.

The hot, dry weather as well as previous lightning strikes are expected to complicate the situation.

Unemployment Rate

Statistics Canada says the country lost jobs for the first time in five months as the unemployment rate also edged up one tenth of a point to 7.3 per cent in August.

The loss of jobs was small at 5,500, but it makes the second straight month that job creation was virtually flat in Canada. The good news was that there was a modest gain in full-time employment of 25,700, with part-time work declining by 31,200

Working In Ontario

The issue of helping newcomers find work in Ontario is still a hot topic on the campaign trail.

The Liberal proposal calls for a tax credit to offset training costs for employers who hire professionals who are trained abroad. P-C Leader Tim Hudak calls it a ``bizarre scheme'' that doesn't help the 500-thousand people in the province who can't find work. But the Liberal party suggested in a release that such attitudes

are intolerant and anti-immigration.

Kienan Hebert

About 150 people held a candlelit vigil last night in the southeastern British Columbia community of Sparwood, where a young boy vanished two days ago.

They prayed and observed a moment of silence for Kienan Hebert, who is being sought in B-C and Alberta.

Paul Hebert says he's ``100 per cent optimistic'' his son will be found unharmed. In addition to the boy, police are also searching for 46-year-old Randall Hopley, a person of interest. Hopley is thought to be driving a brown '87 Toyota Camry

Northern Tourism Plan coming together

Northern Ontario's new tourism orgnaization has a draft plan in place.

Board member Doug Reynolds says the plan focuses on four main areas including:  marketing, training, investment and product development.

The board has been in place since the Spring.

Reynolds says they hope to finalize the plan by November.

Shoal Lake Threatens protests over water rights

A Kenora area aboriginal community that sits on a lake which is the source of Winnipeg's drinking water is threatening to cut off that supply.

Officials with the Shoal Lake #39 First Nation says they are upset about a City of Winnipeg plan to pipe water to neighbouring communities.

They say if somebody doesn't start listening to them, they may choke off a channel connecting Lake of the Woods to Shoal Lake.

The band argues Winnipeg has no right to sell the water to third parties and must first resolve decades' worth of claims over the lake water.

Voter cards in the mail soon

Voters can expect to see their vote information cards in the mail within the next week or so.

The cards let you know how and where to vote in the provincial election.

Chief Returning Officer for the Kenora-Rainy River riding Ian Simpson says they're still fine tuning where polling stations will be before the cards can be distributed.

Simpson says all of the voting locations will be total acsessible.

Forest Fire Update

After seven slow days the number of new fires in Ontario registered a slight increase last night. A total of 5 new fires were reported in the Northwest Region yesterday. There are currently 42 active fires in the province.

OPP Road Stats

The OPP have talllied up the numbers from the Labour Day weekend blitz in Northwestern Ontario.

A total of 335-charges were laid by OPP officers.

263-of the charges were for speeding.

Police also dealt with several liquor licence act violations, with 34-charges laid.

11-people were arrested for impaired driving.

Ofther offences included not wearing a seatbelt, drug possession, and driving while suspended.

Economic Development Commission

Northwestern Ontario is ahead of the game in economic prosperity.

That statement from Steve Demmings, the CEO of the Thunder Bay Economic Development Commission

Demmings says Thunder Bay has already seen major economic spin-offs from the mining industry and notes it won't be long until outlying communities will see the same.

Terry Fox Run

Plans for the 31st Terry Fox Run are well underway here in Kenora.


Local organizer Laurine Goerzen says "To date we have raised over $356,000 for innovative cancer research."

Participants are encouraged to pick up their pledge sheets and join other communities across Canada to raise donations for cancer research. Registration is at Valleyview School from 9 a.m. to noon on September 18th.

For more information call 807-548-1794

OCAA

Ontario's community colleges could start the new term without varsity athletics because of an ongoing strike.

Josh Bell-Webster, of the Ontario Colleges Athletics Association,says many athletic directors in the schools are support staff workers.

The OCAA represents about 4,000 college athletes in men's and women's soccer, rugby, cross country, golf and women's fastball.Five members of the association's seven-person executive board are on picket lines.They're part of OPSEU, which represents about 8,000 cleaners,food service staff and registration officers at 24 community colleges in the province.

Harbourfront tent

The new Harbourfront Tent will be up in the next week or so.

That's the promise of Tourism Development Officer Heather Paterson.

Paterson says they are gearing up for the Blue Rodeo Concert and says work is progressing on schedule.

Paterson adds that the best tickets for Blue Rodeo are almost sold out, and the rest of the tickets for the concert are also moving quickly now.

http://www.kenoraattractions.ca/

Election Trail

The tone for the 2011 Ontario Election was set yesterday when the Liberals branded Tory Leader Tim Hudak ``Tea Party Tim who is in eastern Ontario today with stops planned in Belleville and Peterborough..

Hudak shot back at Premier Dalton McGuinty accusing him of wasting tax dollars.

Meanwhile, New Democrat Leader Andrea Horwath says she won't be spending this campaign ``squabbling'' with her opponents. Horwath is in the north today with stops in Greater Sudbury, Sturgeon Falls and Thunder Bay.

Kienan Hebert

An Amber Alert remains in effect for a missing three-year-old boy from Sparwood, B-C.


Kienan Hebert was last seen Tuesday night wearing blue Scooby-Doo shorts when his family put him to bed. He was reported missing yesterday morning.

After investigating the home, police are now referring to the red-headed Caucasian boy as an ``abducted'' child. They're on the hunt for 46-year-old Randall Hopley -- a person of interest in the case who is not related to Kienan.

David Bouchard

The value of literacy and learning was highlighted at Beaver Brae Secondary school last night. David Bouchard, a member of the Order of Canada, mesmerized the audience through music and storytelling. Bouchard says there's no magic solution to get kids reading but turning the television off does help. Bouchard is scheduled to speak at Lakewood public school and Shoal Lake later today. 

2011 Provincial Election

Fort Frances will be the main site for the returning office for Kenora-Rainy River riding in the October 6th Provincial Election.

The office opens this morning, with Ian Simpson acting as Chief Returning Officer.

The satellite office for Kenora is located on second street.

Drug Bust

Another big drug bust for the Kenora Detachment of the OPP.

A total of 15 people have been arrested and face 43 charges,including drug trafficking, drug production and possession of stolen property

The OPP say they have seized over 12 thousand dollars worth of narcotics,alcohol and cash.

The charges stem from an on-going investigation by the OPP Street CrimesUnit, the Organized Crime and Enforcement Bureau and the Treaty Three Police.

Those charged include residents of Kenora, Whitedog, Rat Portage and Morson.

Rickford reacts to Pikangikum Suicide Crisis

The federal government says it is taking action to deal with the suicide epidemic on the Pikangikum First Nation.

Last week a coronor's report made several recommendations help the troubled community, including re-building the school.

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford says they have committed funding for the reconstruction of the school.

The Coronor's report dealt with the death of Sixteen people between the ages of 10 and 19 who killed themselves in Pikangikum, between 2006 and 2008.

Green Party Candidate in Kenora-Rainy River Ready to hit Campaign Trail

The Green candidate for the Kenora-Rainy River Riding says she feels stronger and more informed than she did last Provincial election.

Jo Jo Holiday is in her second Provincial election campaign and says its time for someone to represent the people of this Riding.

Holiday says health care, education and child poverty are all issues that need to be corrected.

Birth Rates on the Rise Across Northwestern Ontario

Birth rates are on the rise in Northwestern Ontario.

A recent report shows there's been a 5 percent jump in the number of births since 2004

The Kenora District has seen the biggest recovery with an increase of 9 percent followed by Thunder Bay District with just over 3 percent

NDP Candidates past and future make an appearance at Labor Day Picnic

M.P.P. Howard Hampton won't be standing for re-election in the Kenora-Rainy River Riding this October but he says we're in good hands.

Sarah Campbell is taking his place.

She has been working at Hampton's Dryden constituency for the past 6 years, and Campbell admits she's still learning. 

The NDP say they will be opening their campaign office in Kenora this weekend. 

Classes start at Confederation College despite Strike

Pickets are up at the nine Confederation College campuses in Northwestern Ontario.

Support staff walked off the job last week and no new talks are scheduled.

Today is the first day of classes at Confederation College and President Jim Madder is asking students and staff to take extra care and time when arriving to class.

Madder stresses its important for folks to stop and listen and respect picketers.

He says at the end of the day, these are valued staff and colleagues who are exercising their legal rights.

Discovery Center a big hit with visitors

The new Discovery Center on Lakeview Drive is proving to be a big hit with visitors.

The Discovery Center replaces the old tourism bureau on Highway 17 east.

Tourism Development Officer Heather Paterson says they've seen a big increase in their numbers.

The grand-opening of the Discovery Center took place on Friday afternoon.

Stunt Driving

An Edmonton man faces stunt driving charges after he was stopped on Highway 17.

Dryden OPP clocked the man doing 160 in a 90-zone on Sunday.

21-year-old Jessie Fraser had his driver license suspended for 7-days and his vehicle was impounded

Impaired Driver

A Galloway, New Brunswick man is in custody awaiting a bail hearing after he was stopped by Ignace OPP on the long weekend.

Police received a report of a possible impaired driver and officers stopped the vehicle on Highway 17. 45-year-old Joseph Vautour faces 2-counts of impaired driving.

He was also charged with possession of a controlled substance.

Chickenpox Vaccine

Your kids may not like this, but the Canadian Pediatric Society say when it comes to warding off the chickenpox, it seems two needles are better than one.


The doctors' group says there's evidence that without a second
dose of the chickenpox vaccine, some children could get the illness
as adults.

The society recommends that youngsters get the first dose between
12 and 18 months of age, and the second dose between the ages of
four and six.

Forest Fire Update

The forest fire season is slowly winding down.


There are now 28-active fires burning in Northwestern Ontario.

A total of 470-thousand hectares of forest are affected.

The Ministry of Natural Resources has started to tear down base camps and all of the large forest fires are either being held or are under control.

60-out of Province firefighters remain to support fire fighting efforts in the Northwest.

Fire Hazard drops for Labor Day Long Weekend

The fire hazard is starting to drop across northwestern Ontario.

Recent rains have reduced the hazard into the low to moderate range in time for the Labor Day Long Weekend.

Currently there are just 36 forest fires considered active in the region, two of those popped up in the last 24 hours.

The MNR is continuing to be assisted by 80 fire crews from out of the province.

First Nation Leaders speak out against drug abuse

The Nishnawbe-Aski Nation is calling on Ottawa to help stem what its calling an epidemic of prescription drug abuse across Northwestern Ontario.


Deputy Grand Chief Mike Metatawabin says it has been 2-years since they declared a state of emergency because of drug abuse, but government response has been minimal.

He says oxycontin addiction did not begin in their communities and the drug is not made in their territory.

He made the comments yesterday came as Lyle Fox arrived in Thunder Bay to end a 380-kilometre walk from Sioux Lookout to raise awareness and funds for the fight against prescription drug abuse.

Fox is calling on youth to take up the fight against prescription drug abuse on First Nations.

The Bearskin Lake First Nation resident says oxycodone tablets are selling anywhere from 500 to 600-dollars each.

Discovery Center Holds Grand Opening Today

The new Discovery Centre is holding its grand opening today on Lakeview Drive 

The ribbon cutting is at 11:00 AM this morning and tours will be conducted from

10AM to 4PM.

The Discovery Center is the new focal point for tourism in the City of Kenora.

The building cost about a three million dollars to build. 

McKay hits the Campaign Trail

The official start to the provincial election is still a few days away, but that hasn't stopped candidates in Kenora-Rainy River from stumping for votes.

Progressive Conservative candidate Rod McKay was in Fort Frances yesterday to speak to party faithful and area business leaders.

McKay also wants to help break down barriers that hurt area businesses to be competitive.

Leek Supports Doctor House Calls

The Liberal candidate for Kenora-Rainy River is standing up in support of a party policy to have doctors make house calls.

Anthony Leek says it makes sense - there's a high number of seniors who could benefit.

Leek says other Liberal initiatives will help bring more doctors to the area to help fulfill that promise.

Telemedicine gets funding to hire more nurses

The North West Local Health Integration Network is investing just over two million dollars to hire 28 new "telehealth" nurses.

As a result of the investment, organizations from across the region will be able to hire additional staff and more residents will receive care from specialists closer to home.

In 2010-2011, the use of telemedicine in Northwestern Ontario resulted in more than 11-million dollars in avoided travel costs and more than 27-million kilometres in avoided patient travel.

Man Fined for East Highway Forest Fire

A Southern Ontario man has been ordered to pay 35-hundred dollars for starting a fire that spread into the surrounding woods back in May.

Court heard that Matthew Major of Stoney Creek started a fire to burn boxes of paper in a grassy area in Kenora.

Major didn't have a day burning permit and he left the fire unattended and went into town.

The fire spread into a wooded area and sparked a point 5 hectare forest fire.

City fire crews and the Ministry of Natural Resources were forced to extinguish the blaze.

Treaty Three seeks to block hydro contracts

Several First Nation communities in the Far North are seeking legal action to stop provincial power contracts to hydro dams on their traditional lands.

Grand Council Treaty 3 is concerned that the contracts will have adverse effects on aboriginal and treaty rights and is asking an Ontario court to set them aside.

David Estrin is the lawyer for Treaty Three and says they want a review over  they way the government issued long term electricity contracts for these dams.

The complaint is related to 5-hydro generating plants in Kenora, Norman, Fort Frances, Calm Lake and Sturgeon Falls.

Con College Promises Classes will start next week as scheduled

Confederation College is open for business across Northwestern Ontario despite the strike.

Most programming will run as scheduled when classes resume on Tuesday and staff are in place across the District to assist students.

Vice-President Academic Judi Maundrell doesn't expect major problems when students report for class or obtain financial aid.

Both sides have expressed a willingness to return to the bargaining table.

Broncos win exhibition game in Dryden

A promising start for Beaver Brae's football team.

The Broncos marched into Dryden yesterday and left with a 18-0 victory over the host Eagles.

John Lee, Spencer Wickham and Allan Hansen each scored majors for Beaver Brae.

The Broncos open the regular season next Friday on the road in Steinbach to take on the Sabres.

Body of Missing Florida Man Found in Lake of the Woods

Kenora OPP Marine Unit say they have located the body of 68 year old Bill Amason.

The Florida man went missing on Lake of the Woods this past weekend after heading out for a boat ride.

The OPP Marine Unit did locate the body yesterday in the water close to his last known location.

A post-mortem exam will be conducted later today at Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

Treaty Three Wants Judicial Review of Hydro Contracts

The provincial government is being taken to court over hydro rights in northwestern Ontario.

Grand Council Treaty Three says its will be asking for a judicial review of contracts awarded on its traditional lands.

Treaty Three is worried the new hydro projects will have an adverse impact on its communities in this region.

Grand Chief Diane Kelly and other band leaders are holding a press conference in Toronto today to talk about their legal action.

Five Candidates expected in Kenora-Rainy River in fall election

There could be as many as five candidates in the upcoming provincial election in the Kenora-Rainy River Riding.

The Northern Ontario Heritage Party says it has two candidates ready to file nomination papers including one locally.

The party is expected to release the name of the candidate in the next few days.

Leader of the party, Ed Deibel says they plan to have a candidate in all 11 ridings across northern Ontario.

Rickford Gets Ready for new session of Parliament

Members of Parliament are gearing up for a new session .

Kenora M.P. Greg Rickford says he' been busy familiarizing himself with his new portfolios.

Rickford says his parliamentary secretary positions fit in nicely with the work he's trying to do in this riding.

Rickford is the parliamentary assistant for CanNor, Fednor as well as Aboriginal Affairs.

Parliament is set to resume September 19th.

Con College Says business as usual despite OPSEU Strike

Confederation College is anticipating no major disruptions now that support staff have walked off the job.

President Jim Madder says he's disappointed that a negotiated settlement could not be reached.

Madder stresses programs and services at Confederation will continue and officials will welcome new and returning students at each of the 9-campuses.

College Support Staff Go On Strike

Unionized support staff at Ontario's community colleges are on strike today just before students return for a new school year.

Rod Bemister, chairman of the OPSEU bargaining committee, says they are willing to return to talks.

The colleges also say they will be happy to return to negotiations.

The union says it went on strike because the colleges demanded concessions and clawbacks to its existing contract.

Fatigue blamed on Trans-Canada Accident near Wawa

Fatigue may be a factor in a fatal collision on Highway 17 near Wawa.

OPP Staff Seargent Dan Dawson says Tuesday morning's collision happened when a car crossed into the path of a transport truck.

Dawson says two other passengers in the car suffered non life threatening injuries.

Ring of Fire Deal Signed

Four Northern First Nations are working together towards creating an east-west corridor in the Ring of Fire.

They signed the collaborative agreement in Thunder Bay yesterday and Fort Hope Chief Harry Papah says it will mean they'll have a common voice.

A working group has been established and will consult with residents throughout September.

Bronco Football Team plays Dryden in Exhibition game

Beaver Brae's football team gets its first real test today.

The Broncos wrap a two week training camp with an exhibition game in Dryden this afternoon.

Beaver Brae head coach Chris Penner says they will be staying in the second division of the Winnipeg High School Football League this year, even though they have a very young team.

Game time is 3:00 this afternoon at Harry McMaster Field in Dryden.

Next week, the Broncos open the regular season in Steinbach.