Good & Bad News For Bombardier Workers

It's a mix of good and bad news for the local Bombardier plant.  Waterloo has decided to purchase 14 light rail transit vehicles from the company at the cost of 92.4 million dollars.  However, CAW Union President Dominic Pasqualino says they also found out the Company is laying off 130 workers starting at the end of next week.  50 of the 130 employees laid off will be called back in the fall.

Reeve Says Little About Dorion Decision

Shuniah Reeve Maria Harding  is saying very little on the decision by Dorion not to amalgamate with her community.   Harding says since her council hasn't even had a chance to even discuss it seriously, it wouldn't be right to express her opinions on the issue.  Dorion officials have decided they will be able to run the township after all,  since  a hiring crisis has been averted.

E-Charts Used By Nurses

Nursing staff in Northwestern Ontario will now be using electronic charts.  It's part of the the Northwest Health Alliance's paperless medical record program. It involves 13 hospitals in the region including the Health Sciences Centre.

Energy Meeting In August

A chance for leaders across the northwest to bring concerns about a looming energy shortage forward.  The provincial government has started 2-months of consultations on a long-term energy plan.  Local leaders have been warning for months about an energy crisis and the potential for rolling blackouts.  Members of the public, aboriginal leaders and municipal reps are encouraged to chip in their opinions through information sessions or by submitting comments through the Ministry of Energy's website. The only information session in the north is August 7th in Thunder Bay.

Citizen Tries To Save Treaty 3 Force

It appears some communication channels have been opened with the Chief of the Treaty 3 Police Force.  It's all thanks to a concerned citizen who is leading an independent crusade on the issue.    Tania Cameron says she's working to make sure that there is transparency between all of the parties involved with the planned closure of the force. She says she's had one meeting with Chief Conrad Delaronde.  Cameron is on a campaign to have the public more involved in efforts to save the Treaty 3 Police Force.

Lyme Disease In NWO

A bug expert is warning Northwestern Ontario residents about the threat of lyme disease.  Dr. Curtis Russell says people should cover up bare skin if they’re walking through bush or tall grass, to avoid ticks that cause Lyme Disease.   Russell says while these blacklegged ticks are most common in Eastern and Southwestern Ontario, they make their way north as well. Russell adds the Lyme-carrying ticks are highly prevalent as well in the northeastern United States.   

Port Says Grain Shipments Are Down

Thunder Bay's Port Authority says they're experiencing a slower than normal shipping season.  Grain shipments are down so far this year and Spokesperson Time Heney says it could be due to the changes to the Wheat Board.    Heney says it could also be due to the cooler spring and a late planting season.

Red Lake Becoming Smokey

Smoke from an 11-thousand hectare forest fire continues to blow into Red Lake. The fire poses no threat to the community but the Ministry of Natural Resources states that the smoke isn't expected to leave anytime soon. Information Officer Heather Pridham says this fire is their number one priority. Reports from Minnesota indicate that smoke from the fire is also blowing into several communities in that state.

Metis Nation Signs Mining Deal

A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the Metis Nation of Ontario and Rainy River Resources. The deal will result in a close working relationship between the two parties in the development of a proposed gold mine near Barwick.  The agreement allows for ongoing consultation and addresses potential impacts on Metis rights and interests.

Cross Canada Bike Ride For Alzheimer Society

Two brothers are riding their bikes across Canada from Toronto to Vancouver in 30 days.  It's all in support of raising awareness and money for the Alzheimer Society.  They'll be stopping in Thunder Bay today.

Highway Open After Fatal Collision

Highway 17 is now open between Dryden and Ignace.  The Trans-Canada was closed yesterday due to a fatal collision, about 15-kilometres west of Ignace.  Provincial Police are confirming one fatality.  Witnesses say the collision involved a half ton truck and a transport.

Charity Golf Tournament Today

34 hockey players will be taking part in this year's Freedom 55 Hockey Celebrity Golf Classic at the Whitewater Golf Course today.  Spokesperson Tom Mihaljevic says one hockey celebrity will join each team of four golfers.  Money raised through the event goes to the Northern Cancer Fund.