Wednesday, March 6, 2013

LU Introduces New Law School Course

Lakehead University's Law School is offering a new course that will enhance the school's first year curriculum.  Management feels the proposal will address the demand of students staging a sit-in outside the University President's Office.  The course  Aboriginal Perspectives, would be a mandatory half-credit component of the curriculum to complement Native Canadian World Views & Law, which has already been approved by Lakehead University Senate.

OFL Budget Meeting Thursday

Thunder Bay residents get to add their ideas to a province-wide consultation on the Ontario budget tomorrow night.  The Ontario Federation of Labour is holding a series of "People's Budget" consultations across the province and they'll stop in Thunder Bay Thursday.  OFL VP Irwin Nanda says they've heard some common themes.  Input collected will be made into a report that will be sent to the Government.

Westmount Students Vie For Votes

The Grade 8 students at Westmount Public School are looking for your online vote.   They have entered an advertising contest with the opportunity to win a trip for the entire class to Cape Breton.  You can vote for the local entry from now until March 22nd by going to this LINK.

Truck Goes Through Bank

Dawson Road TD Bank officials are busy cleaning up their store front after a pick up truck plowed into the building this afternoon.  Fire Spokesperson Brian Duichko says an elderly man driving the truck wasn't hurt.  Duichko says it looks like he mistook the gas pedal for the brake.  It's the second time in less than six months that a vehicle has gone through this bank.  No one in the bank was hurt.

International Women's Day Thursday

Lakehead University is celebrating International Women's Day Thursday.  Dr. Treena Orchard from Western University will be speaking about her social justice work with women in India and Canada.  Orchard says it's extremely important to mark International Women's Day.  She'll be speaking at the LU Faculty Lounge at 6:30 Thursday night.

Special Olympics Gets Kids Moving

Special Olympics Thunder Bay continues to promote sports to kids with intellectual disabilities.  Spokesperson Ashlegh Quarrell says besides getting more kids involved in sport they also strive to offer more sport offerings to their athletes.  125 local elementary and high school students are taking part in a multi-sport festival today.

Health Unit Launches Nutrition Month

Thunder Bay's Health Unit wants you to eat healthier.  They've launched nutrition month which will highlight the importance of planning your meals before you hit up the grocery store.  Dietician Karling Zaporazan says you can also sign up for tours of local grocery stores by calling the Health Unit.

Concert Move Has Many Implications

City staff are ready to come back with a report to council should they approve a suggestion by Councillor Larry Hebert.  Hebert is asking his fellow members to consider moving the Summer in the Parks Series from Wednesday night to Tuesday or Thursday.  Cultural Services Supervisor Leah Bayly says there are already events planned for Tuesdays and Thursday's on the waterfront.  Council will vote on Hebert's idea Monday night and if it's approved staff will come back with a report on April 15th.

MPP Supports Dryden Cat Petition

A Dryden animal activist has the support of Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell. Camille Cox from the Second Chance Pet Network has put forward a petition to ban the declawing of cats. Campbell says "declawing" is actually the amputation of a cats toes. Campbell read the 600 signature petition at Queen's Park on Tuesday.

Hiring Numbers Released For Mining Boom

The Kenora District is facing a severe shortage of workers, especially if the mining industry takes off as expected. The Northwest Training and Adjustment Board released its statistics in a 10 year mining hiring requirement forecast in Dryden yesterday. Labour Market Economist Jamie Wolcott says this forecast will help those in education, industry and government make decisions. The report indicates the Kenora District will need nearly 3,300 workers by 2022, 1,700 in the trades industry alone.

Hyer Impressed With Efforts To Save ELA

Lots of praise to the people of the Kenora riding by an MP from Thunder Bay. Thunder Bay-Superior North MP Bruce Hyer says he was impressed by the people who attended the Save the Experimental Lakes Area forum last night in Kenora. Hyer spoke on his efforts to keep the facility open and offered words on behalf of Kenora Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell. An information session was held in Sioux Lookout yesterday.