Budget Reaction Wrap Up

Thunder Bay Superior North MP Bruce Hyer hasn't decided if he will support the budget yet.  Hyer expects to have made up his mind by tonight.   Meanwhile, Thunder Bay Rainy River MP John Rafferty will not support the federal budget as it stands.  Rafferty says that doesn't mean all hope is lost for the 4 million dollar Cyclotron.  Both NDP members say there will be money for the project under new governments.  The Liberal Candidate for the Thunder Bay Superior North riding is setting up his campaign headquarters.  Yves Fricot says there's not much in that fiscal document for the riding.

Wilson likes budget

Thunder Bay's Chamber of Commerce thinks there are a number of incentives in the Federal Budget that will help the economy.  President Harold Wilson says it's a steady as she goes budget, and doesn't think it warrants triggering an election.  The Opposition parties have said they won't support the budget.

Rydholm on Federal Budget

There's a lot hanging in the balance.  That's the feeling of City Councillor Linda Rydholm.  Opposition parties have said that they plan to vote down the Federal Budget and trigger an election unless changes are made to the fiscal document.  Rydholm says there's too much at stake for Thunder Bay.  The head of the Canadian Federation of Canadian Municipalities adds each MP will have to do what they think is best for their riding.  The budet includes 4 million dollars in funding to help bring a Cyclotron to the city's hospital.

NAPS weighs in on Fed. Budget

The federal budget lays out 30 million dollars for aboriginal policing. The money will be put towards two years of First Nations policing.  Nishnawbe Aski Police Chief Claude Chum says it's not much when you look at the bigger picture.  Chum says the first nations policing program has been running a defecit the last couple of years.  The budget also includes 22 million dollars over two years to help First Nations ensure fuel tanks that power their community services meet environmental safety standards.

Army Worm invasion two years away

It will be at least two more years until Northwestern Ontario is plagued with high numbers of Army Worms.  Ministry of Natural Resources Expert Taylor Scarr says the insect has a 7 to 10 year outbreak cycle. 
The last outbreak started in 2001 and ended in the summer of 2004.  Scarr says when the outbreak starts you will notice more moths gathering around traffic lights at night.

Blackhawks hopeful Sharp will return

The Chicago Blackhawks have their fingers crossed that Patrick Sharp's knee injury is not season ending. Blackhawk's radio host Judd Sirott says that's the latest from the team coach.  He says the team is hopeful he can be back by the end of the regular season.   Sirott wouldn't speculate on whether the loss of Sharp will harm the teams chances of making the playoffs.  They have 10 games remaining, three of them with the Detroit Red Wings.

Bearskin Airlines to expand

Flights from Thunder Bay to Winnipeg will be more frequent now thanks to an expansion at Bearskin Airlines. They will have a new 34 passenger plane arriving in May. Vice President Cliff Friesen says they will be able to carry more passengers. Friesen says they will make stops in Sioux Lookout and Red Lake as well.

Shipping season upon us

The new shipping season is just days away in the Port of Thunder Bay. Harbourmaster Guy Jarvis says with the opening of the St. Lawrence Seaway preparations will start this week. The U.S Coast Guard icebreaker Mobile Bay will be here on Thursday morning, with the locks at Sault Ste. Marie opening Friday. He says the first ship of the season should arrive on the weekend.

Herman backs calls for suspension without pay

Thunder Bay's Police Chief is backing a call for the provincial government to open up the Police Act. The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police wants the government to give them the option to suspend officers without pay. Bob Herman is also the head of the OACP and says it's been an ongoing concern for them. Herman says there is a lot of community support for it. Here in Thunder Bay, Sgt. Jim Mauro has been suspended with pay until his police act hearing.

Council formed for disabled athletes

Physically disabled athletes in the city no longer have anything to worry about when it comes to being active. The Thunder Bay Accessible Sport Council will help give para-sport athletes more opportunities to get physically active. Council chair Tessa Soderberg says it will try to unite many different para-sports. The council benefits athletes by giving them resources, sharing practices and improving access to physical activity.

Police looking for missing teen

Thunder Bay Police are looking to the public for help in locating a missing teen.  17 year old Soline Whitney Sakanee hasn't been seen since Friday.  She has been known to frequent both the North and South cores.