PETA Calls Bear Hunt Bloody Massacre

The animal activist group PETA is rallying their troops against the upcoming return of the spring bear hunt. They're asking for people to write the Premier and MNR Minister to cancel the bear hunt. PETA representative Ashley Byrne says the spring hunt won't help with bear populations or human bear conflicts. PETA feels Ontario should enforce strict wildlife feeding prohibitions and provide residents with more information about how to better coexist peacefully with their wild neighbors.

NDP Labour Critic Touring Bombardier

Ontario NDP Labour Critic Taras Natyshak is calling on the Provincial government to bring in Canadian content requirements on provincially funded transit vehicle purchases. The call comes after a tour today of the local Bombardier plant. It also comes ahead of a private members bill on Thursday that will ask for 60 per cent Canadian content requirement for transit vehicle purchases.

First Nation Mining Conference Underway

Fort William First Nations is holding their second annual Mining and Economic Development Conference. This years conference, themed "investing in our people", will encourage First Nations people to build relationships with entrepreneurs, government officials, contractors, and suppliers to increase awareness of training and job opportunities in the region. The event starts today and runs until Wednesday.

Hillcrest Park To Get Vendors

The city is looking for vendors to set up on Hillcrest Park during this summer's Canada Day celebrations. Parks Manager Paul Fayrick says its a first for the area.  Fayrick says there would be a small payment made by vendors.

Draft Plan Being Reviewed

City Council is going to review it's draft official plan tonight.  Spokesperson Leslie McEachern says the living document is being updated to reflect changes in the way the City will be handled over the coming year. Staff are looking for approval and direction from Council.

Respect Award Tonight

Police Constable Larry Baxter is the recipient of the City of Thunder Bay's 2014 Respect Award. Baxter works with the Aboriginal Liaison Unit and serves as the Cultural Diversity Officer.  The respect award is awarded to people who recognize the importance of human dignity.

Youth Corp Receives Funding

The Police Services Board is giving over 2 thousand dollars to its Youth Corp. They'll be using the money to help provide their regular activities. Spokesperson Jerry Roos says they welcome the cash and notes they'll be looking at ways of getting more money to buy winter clothing for cadets. The youth corp money was approved at a board meeting last week.

Possible Changes To Workers Comp Claims

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board is putting forth some changes to who is eligible for workers comp. Karl Crevar is the founding President of the Ontario Network of Injured Workers Group and spoke at the Lakehead Labour Centre late last week. Crevar says one of the changes includes the board looking into pre-existing conditions when employees make a claim.

Invasive Species Bill Being Introduced

A bill is being introduced by the Ontario government that would support the detection and rapid response towards invasive species. Minister Of Natural Resources David Orazietti says the legislation would address many threats in particular the mountain pine beetle. Invasive plants alone are responsible for over 7-billion dollars in funding from the country's agriculture and forest industries.

Onion Lake Survey

Mining Company Benton Resources plans to conduct some work on its Onion Lake property. President Steven Stairs says they think there's sizeable platinum, copper and nickel deposits in the area. They will survey the land and set up a small drill program. The property is 30-kilometre's north of Thunder Bay.

High Rates For Flesh Eating Disease

Northwestern Ontario has the dubious distinction of having the highest rates per capita in the province for flesh eating disease. Thunder Bay District Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams says most of the population shouldn't worry about contracting the disease. Williams says it is commonly found among homeless populations suffering from alcoholism and taking part in intravenous drug use. Dr. Williams says the trend has been constant since 2006.

Cruiser Involved In Accident

The Traffic Unit with the Thunder Bay Police are investigating a collision between one of their cruisers and another vehicle. It happened around 9:30 Friday evening while the cruiser was responding to a robbery at a Mac's Milk on South Syndicate. Both vehicles involved suffered extensive damage and two people received minor injuries. Meanwhile police are looking for a woman they believe was involved in the store robbery. The store clerk noticed some unpaid items in the woman's pocket on her way out of the store, she then claimed to have a weapon and fled. She is described as a Native American woman in her mid-twenties, around 5'7 with a thin build and dark hair. Anyone with information is urged to contact crime stoppers.

Two Dead In Expressway Crash

Two people are dead following a two vehicle accident early this morning. OPP have closed the Thunder Bay Expressway between Arthur Street and the Harbour Expressway as they continue to investigate. The accident happened around 3 o'clock, there is no timeline set for how long the closure will be in effect.

Outbreak At Pinewood Court

Officials with both the Health Unit and Pinewood Court are announcing that a gastrointestinal outbreak is being expanded to include the entire facility. Access is being limited to only caregivers and family members. All activities are cancelled.

Local Author Releases Book

A new and unique children's book is being launched today at the Coles book store at the Intercity Mall. Author and Thunder Bay resident Derek Khani says he wants to help expand children's imagination and creativity. The launch is being held from 11-4 this afternoon, copies will be available for purchase at the local Coles Store.

Groups Speak Up About Harbour Clean-Up

Cole Engineering is providing several options on how to clean up the mercury contaminated areas of the Thunder Bay harbour. Around forty-people from several environmental groups are embarking on a plan to clean up the area. Remedial Action Plan Spokesperson Jim Bailey says they intend to restore the harbour's natural state. Clean up options range in price from thirty to ninety million dollars. They include pouring sand on top of the contamination or removing it completely.

Dunker Training For Aviation Students

Second year aviation students at Confederation College are learning first hand how to leave a submerged aircraft that has had to ditch into a body of water. Bryan Webster runs the course which was taught at the Lakehead University pool Friday afternoon. Webster says he knows first hand that lives have been saved through his training. Webster developed the course after surviving a ditch in 1977.

35K For Teach Street Kids Art

The Wynne government is hoping street kids in the city who are at risk of falling into a life of crime will benefit from learning how to express themselves artistically.  MPP Bill Mauro says that Evergreen A United Neighbourhood is getting 35 thousand dollars towards their "Arts In The Street" project.   It's aimed at crime prevention and early intervention.

Early Morning Accident On High Street

One person is recovering in hospital following a two vehicle accident this morning on the city's north side.  The woman was taken to hospital with injuries than are not considered life threatening following the collision between a car and an SUV which took place at the corner of Oliver Road and High Street just before 8:30.   Driver of the SUV is now charged with running a red light.

Mi-Zone Launched

Confederation College and the Northwest Innovation Centre are launching a new manufacturing program today.  It's called Mi-Zone and Innovation Centre Spokesperson Judy Sander says plenty of company will be using it. The college is providing the manufacturing equipment that's needed to help build products for local businesses.

Today Is Elimination Of Racial Discrimination Day

Today marks the internationally recognized Elimination of Racial Discrimination Day. The Ontario Native Women's Association is bringing attention to the discrimination they say still runs rampant among the country's Aboriginal populations. ONWA Board of Directors President Dr. Dawn Harvard says derogatory actions towards Aboriginals can result in significant psychological effects on children. ONWA is calling on Canadians to recognize that Aboriginal discrimination has become entrenched in Canadian culture. They are asking Canadians to help put an end to the issue by no longer turning a blind eye to racism.

Kenora Has Culture

An entertainment co-ordinator in Kenora calls a recent cites journal.com report cynical.  Harbourfest Chair Randy Nickle is commenting on the report that says Kenora has no culture.  Nickle says the report ignores the work of volunteers in the city.  Nickle used Harbourfest, Trylight Theatre, the Lake of the Woods Art Collective, and Winter Bites as examples of culture in they city. The report ranked Kenora as one of the top 15 Canadian communities to move out of.

Chicken Strip Recall

A possible food contamination is causing a product recall across Canada.  Fresh House Foods Limited is recalling Kirkland Signature brand Grilled Chicken Breast Strips from stores due to a possible listeria contamination. People are asked not to consume the product.  The product is known to have been sold in Ontario and Eastern Canada, but may have been sold in other provinces.

New Doctor At Hospital

The Thunder Bay Hospital is announcing a new addition to their medical staff. Dr. Naana Jumah (Na-na Joo-Mah) is a Clinician Researcher who studied at Oxford University and Harvard University and is originally from the city. Jumah says she has a passion for working with aboriginal populations, something that started at a young age when working with youth that came to the city.  Jumah will also help further develop the hospital's High Intensity Focused Ultrasound program.

T.Bay Spared From Snow Storm

Area residents can breath a sigh of relief today as an Alberta Clipper has decided to head south. Environment Canada Meteorologist Geoff Coulson says that means Fort Frances will have to prepare for some heavy shovelling with around 15 centimeters expected.  Coulson says Thunder Bay can still expect 5 centimeters of snow today, but for the most part it will be cold and windy heading into the weekend.

Loblaws/Shoppers Deal Approved

The Competition Bureau is approving Loblaw's acquisition of Shoppers Drug Mart.  The deal is expected to close as of next Friday.  As a result of the deal Loblaws is selling 18 Shoppers Drug Mart stores around the Country.  Thunder Bay isn't on the list.

Volunteers To Be Honoured In Kenora

The region's volunteers will be honoured at a ceremony planned for Kenora this May.  The Ontario Volunteer Service Awards will be handed out to volunteers for continuous service to an organization of between 5 and 60 years.  Youth will also be recognized for two or more years of volunteer service. The Kenora event will take place May 27.

Local Beekeeper Comments On Report

Premier Kathleen Wynne is thanking the Ontario Bee Health Working Group for their report into the risk honey bees face from pesticide use.  Wynne adds that the province is working with the Federal Government when it comes to the use of pesticides.  Barry Tabor says 1.2-million dollars in funding from the province is a good start.  Tabor says he would of liked to see more attention given to bee keepers instead of growers, in the bee health working group's report.

Investigators Back From Ottawa

Investigators with the Thunder Bay Police and RCMP are returning from Ottawa after conducting interviews with staff and players with the University of Ottawa hockey program.  According to a release from city police the majority of players cooperated with investigators however a few chose not to speak.  The investigation continues into an alleged sexual assault that took place when the hockey team was in Thunder Bay for a pair of weekend games early February.

Hernandez Verdict May 13th

It will be another month and a half before Christian Hernandez learns his fate.  The 28 year old is charged in connection with the 2010 traffic death of 45 year old Richard Carmichael, who was a pedestrian crossing the street.  He faces two impaired driving related charges along with failing to remain at the scene of an accident where death has ensued.  After hearing closing arguments from both the defence and the prosecution, Justice Joyce Pelletier will hand down her verdict in the case May 13th.

Anishinabek Nation Comments On Education Act

Chiefs with the Anishinabek Nation believe proposed education legislation from the Federal Government will render 18-years of negotiations useless.  Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee says that the legislation does not translate to first nation control over their own education.

Chamber Makes Scholarships Available

The Chamber of Commerce is giving out two 500 dollar scholarships to local high school students. Applications are being accepted from students planning to attend a business related program at a Thunder Bay post-secondary institution for the 2014-15 school year.  The application deadline is April 16th.

Municipal League Meeting In Schreiber

Municipal League President Larry Hebert

Municipal leaders from across the district are meeting in Schreiber this week.  The conference starts Friday morning and runs through the weekend with a variety of issues being discussed. Policing, Crown land policies, poverty, and nuclear waste are up for debate.

New Courthouse Opening Soon

We are getting closer to seeing the new consolidated courthouse open.  A spokesperson from the Attorney General's office says the Superior Court of Justice will be operational at the new building starting April 7th. The Ontario Court of Justice will be operating out of that building as well a week later on April 14th.

Stroke Forum On This Week

Health care providers from across the Northwest are in Thunder Bay this week for the Regional Stroke Forum.  Regional Stroke Educator Elaine Edwards says the region sees a number of stroke cases. Area doctors will learn from the leading stroke neurologists over the next two days. 

Trudeau Skypes With Dryden Kids

An experience that Dryden's New Prospect's Grade 5 class will never forget.  Yesterday the class skyped with Justin Trudeau and asked him 24 questions.  Teacher Mary Trist says the students may not have known who the Liberal Leader was at first but after a mock parliament they clued in. The skype session went on for a half hour.

Tbaytel Fixes Problems

Tbaytel is announcing that technical issues with their voicemail service have been sorted out and service is back to normal.  Users were unable to access their voicemail this morning but spokesperson Katie Crowe says if you were expecting an important message you will still get it. A change in software was required to fix the issue.

Bluesfest Lineup Announced

The 2014 Bluesfest lineup is out.   Among the headliners coming to Thunder Bay this summer, Melissa Etheridge, Jimmy Vaughn and the Wallflowers.   Community Auditorium General Manager Bob Halverson says there's several bands people should be excited to see.  Bluesfest takes place at Marina Park July 4th to the 6th.  Tickets go on sale tomorrow at the Community Auditorium.  

Swing Bridge Work Continues

CN Rail officials say work continues at the James Street Swing bridge. Scaffolding is in place at the site to assist the consultants in their extensive review of the bridge. The final report is still expected to be complete at the end of the month.

Diversity Breakfast

Diversity Thunder Bay welcomed a prominent figure to their 'Celebration Breakfast' this morning.  Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish is a three-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee and spoke at their event in support of ending racial discrimination. Chair Tina Tucker says their guest speaker brings with him first hand experiences living near the Gaza strip. Abuelaish is now an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto.

Mercury Removal Planned

Cole Engineering is pitching several ideas on how to clean up the mercury contamination in the Thunder Bay Harbour.  Around 40 people representing a variety of environmental agencies took part in a meeting Wednesday night. Cole spokesperson Mark Bassingthwaite says one of the ideas is to pour clean material on top of the spoiled sediment.  Another idea is to physically remove the sludge and dispose of it at either the Mission Bay facility, a new confined facility or at the landfill.  The price tag of the ideas range from 30 million dollars to over 90 million. It's not known yet exactly who will pay for the remediation.

Mercury Sludge 

College Float Plane Program Moved

A program originally based east of Atikokan is moving west. Confederation College Aviation Chair Paul De Oude says the school's float plane training program will now be based on the Kenora Harbourfront. De Oude says training will start as soon as possible.  He notes the partnership is with River Air and community support provides the long term foundation needed to run the highly successful program.

Resolute Fires Back @ Greenpeace

Resolute Forest Products is responding after Greenpeace unfurled banners in Montreal to denounce the company's forestry practices in the boreal forest. In a release, the company says Greenpeace's actions are consistent with those its taken since withdrawing from the Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement a year ago.  Resolute also calls Greenpeace's allegations untrue, noting all of its woodlands are independently certified to one or more internationally-recognized standards. And it adds that only point 2 per cent of boreal forest is actually harvested with 40 per cent of the forest off limits to forest companies.

Rickford Named Natural Resources Minister

A major promotion for Kenora MP Greg Rickford. Rickford has been named Minister of Natural Resources in a Prime Minister Stephen Harper cabinet shuffle.   He says he's grateful for the confidence the prime minister is showing in him.   Rickford replaces Joe Oliver who replaces Jim Flaherty as Finance Minister.   He retains responsibility of FedNor and the Ring of Fire but gives up his Minister of Science and Technology portfolio.

Woman Injured In Rollover

A woman is in hospital after her vehicle rolled over in the ditch on Highway 61 between Arthur Street  and the Harbour Expressway just after 8:30 this morning.  Thunder Bay fire Captain Craig Venables says they used to the jaws of life to extricate the unconscious victim from her vehicle.   Police and paramedics were there as well.  Police say the victim suffered serious injuries and her immediate condition is not known.

OPP Report Several Collisions

In addition to the serious traffic mishap on Highway 61 today, the OPP are reporting a number of vehicle collisions this morning during our snow squall.    They say that at Around 7:45 on Mapleward Road a woman in her Nissan SUV ended up in the ditch.  She was taken to hospital but her injuries aren't considered life threatening.  And at 10:45 on Highway 527, the road to Armstrong, two trucks collided, but there were no injuries.

Thunder Bay MP's Voice Concern

Bruce Hyer

Bruce Hyer is voicing concern for the appointment of Kenora MP Greg Rickford as new federal Natural Resources Minister. Despite believing he has the intelligence for the job, Hyer says that Rickford's priorities concern him. Rickford replaces Joe Oliver who moves into the Finance Minister position.  Thunder Bay MP John Rafferty says Rickford has big issues to deal with involving major oil pipelines, but looks forward to working with him.

John Rafferty

Car Destroyed By Overnight Fire

A car is a total write off after an overnight fire.  Firefighters responded to the vehicle blaze around 4 o'clock this morning in the 900 block of Mountdale Avenue.  The car was parked in the driveway and there was some exterior smoke damage to the house.  Fire officials aren't sure of the cause of the blaze, but have ruled out foul play.  There were no injuries.  

Thief Hit By Vehicle

A 48-year old man is in Regional Hospital with non-life threatening injuries after being struck on a bicycle at the corner of May and Finlayson Street.  City Police report the incident took place just after 9 o'clock last night. Ironically, it turned out the victim had been seen moments earlier smashing a window to break into a vehicle on the CLE Grounds.  Witnesses stated the thief then took off on a bike.  A tool box was recovered at the accident scene.  The man has been charged with possession of stolen property, mischief and failing to yield under the Highway Traffic Act.