Hyer on pay equity, vets and government by ambush

MP Bruce Hyer is using International Women's Day to call for pay equity reform.  Hyer says there is a long way to go before what he says "true equality" can be achieved between the sexes.    Meantime Hyer and his NDP colleagues are fuming over the government's plans to make cuts to the Veterans Affairs Department. Hyer is upset that the Harper government voted down an NDP motion to stop the cuts.  Hyer says the government mistreats veterans and doesn't give them the support they deserve. Hyer is also disappointed but not surprised by a move by the government to limit debate on the new crime bill saying, it's part of a pattern by the Conservatives on such issues and calls it "government by ambush"

Event Centre location debate continues

The debate over the location for the proposed Event Centre in Thunder Bay still rages.  20 years ago the city of Saint John, New Brunswick went through a similar decision when it built their Harbour Centre.  St John's Tourism Manager Ross Jefferson says the city had just redeveloped its waterfront and  chose the downtown location near the new construction. Jefferson says at the time it was a hotly contested decision but has since lead to a revitalization of their downtown with a great deal of economic spin off.  He says parking was an issue but the construction of some parkades and a pedway system helped alleviate the problem.

Stolen BC car found in Thunder Bay

A vehicle stolen from a B.C. car rental business has turned up in Thunder Bay.  OPP pulled over the car yesterday evening and found the driver had some credit cards and other stolen property.  A 29 year old woman was arrested and charged.

PARO shines during women's week

It's International Women's Week which helps to recognize the advances females have made, and here in Thunder Bay women have made strides in the business community thanks to the efforts of PARO. Spokesperson Suzanne Tighe says the organization has been able to help three thousand women start up a business in a welcoming atmosphere

Cancer Centre opens up new clinic

Thanks to 150 thousand dollars in funding, Thunder Bay will be home to one of 3 new pilot clinics to help cancer patients transition out of treatment.  Vice President of the Cancer Centre Michael Power says the Transition Clinic will help get patients back to their family doctors and primary care. Power hopes the clinic becomes a permanent fixture.

Only 2 cases of flu in T.Bay

Thunder Bay's Health Unit is reporting only 2 cases of influenza this year.  It follows a flu trend that's being reported in Canada as well as in Europe and the US.  Spokesperson Darlene Binette says they like to think the reason for the quiet flu season is the increase of people getting immunized.

Prospectors conference wraps up

Thunder Bay's contingent at the Prospectors conference in Toronto is coming back with contacts in the mining industry. Mining Services Manager John Mason says the networking was well worth the price of his plane ticket. Harold Wilson of the Chamber of Commerce, Lakehead University's President and Mayor Keith Hobbs were also in attendance.

KI chief protects traditional lands

The Big Trout Lake First Nation is actively guarding Sherman Lake against mining company God's Lake Resources.   Chief Donny Morris is staying at the lake saying he's guarding against the company that insists on drilling on leases and claims that are known sacred burial grounds.  Morris released a video on YouTube this morning asking Minister of Northern Development and Mines Rick Bartolucci to hold negotiations between God's Lake and the First Nation.

Watermain break closes Central

The City of Thunder Bay is dealing with a water main break in the area of Central Avenue. City employee Peter Viita says they're working on fixing the break.  Central Avenue is closed from Golf Links to Balmoral.Meanwhile, Lakehead University is reopening its doors. They had planned to cancel class today due to the water main break but water has since been restored.