$4M RECREATIONAL THUNDER BAY-SUPERIOR NORTH

THUNDER BAY, ON   July 3, 2009  ----    Michael Gravelle, MPP for Thunder Bay–Superior North, and Greg Rickford MP, for Kenora are pleased to announce today that the riding of Thunder Bay-Superior North will benefit from $4,057,554 in joint federal and provincial funding to improve community recreational infrastructure, announced today under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada program in Ontario (RInC Ontario) and Recreation Ontario (Ontario REC). Each level of government will be providing $2,028,777.

These projects will provide stimulus to the local economy through investments that will spur construction activity related to recreational infrastructure. Improving recreational facilities and services will also encourage higher levels of participation in physical activity and community building.    read more......>

Thunder Bay Oil Sands Consortium Delivers Local Contracts

THUNDER BAY,  ON   ----   June 26, 2009  ----  The concept of the Thunder Bay Oil Sands Consortium was born in 2006 after a presentation to local businessmen by the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Association. The idea of forming a local consortium to compete for business in western Canada’s oil patch was too good to resist. Local politicians used the tools at their disposal to make the consortium happen, the city through Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission, the province through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund worked to create an effective new group to support growth in Thunder Bay.   read more.....>

Chinese Trade Delegations Visits Thunder Bay

THUNDER BAY, ON,  ---  June 25, 2009  --- I could be just as “Invite them and they will come”. A high level Chinese trade delegation spent much of the past two days visiting Thunder Bay. Lead by Vice Consul General Lei Zhigang of the People's Republic of China, Nick Zeng, China Mining Association. The Chinese delegation came at the invitation of the Hon. Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forests. His office worked together with Richard Pohler of Thunder Bay’s Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) members of city council and the business community.   read more......>

 

Musings on Pension Reform

 

 

THUNDER BAY, ON  -----  June 24, 2009  ---- The draft from Queens Park has brought with it some musings about pension reform in Ontario. Years ago many companies tried to reduce costs by offering employees defined contribution pension plans. My personal opinion is such plans should be discouraged at all levels simply because many of them leave pensioners broke.

Part of the reason for this is there is no tax incentive for businesses to do otherwise. That should change. Instead Ontario’s minister of finance Hon. Dwight Duncan is likely to shuffle so things around that may help some situations for defined benefit plans. Having said that there are some prices we may have to be prepared to accept.  read more......>

OVER $2.85 MILLION IN FUNDS FOR RAINY RIVER PROJECT

THUNDER BAY, ON - June 12, 2009 - KENORA, ON - Residents of Rainy River, Fort Frances, Emo, La Vallee, Alberton, Morley and Dawson will benefit from federal and provincial infrastructure funding, announced today by Greg Rickford, MP Kenora and Michael Gravelle, Thunder Bay-Superior North MPP and Minister of Northern Development and Mines. This funding is just one more example of both governments’ commitment to stimulating the Ontario economy through the creation of jobs in our communities. read more...>

Questions to the Minister

THUNDER BAY, ON - May 29, 2009 - Ontario’s Minister of Finance Hon. Dwight Duncan was in Thunder Bay on a working meeting with local politicians and business leaders. In the afternoon he agreed to meet briefly with members of the media at the Prince Arthur Hotel. The following is a brief synopsis of the proceedings. read more...> 

 

Liberal Government Announces Entrepreneur Program

THUNDER BAY, ON  -----   May 20, 2009  ---- Another nugget of wisdom from the Dr. Robert Rosehart report is now in place. It is a plan to promote entrepreneurship in Northern Ontario.  Rosehart recognized the importance of entrepreneurship in developing any economy and in his view no society can have enough of them. In his vision entrepreneurs are special people who drive new growth and wealth creation in society. They should be cherished and nurtured from an early age. Well the announcement by Minister Gravelle fell short of Rosehart’s vision of nurturing entrepreneurship.  read more....>

New Democrats stand up for Small Forestry Businesses

THUNDER BAY, ON - May 15, 2009 - OTTAWA — Member of Parliament John Rafferty (Thunder Bay – Rainy River) attacked the Harper government today for not offering assistance to small businesses and suppliers affected by the bankruptcy filings of AbitibiBowater and Buchanan Forest Products. read more...>

Beaucage pledges postal campaign against harmonized tax

THUNDER BAY, ON - May 15, 2009 - TORONTO (May 14, 2009) – A prominent First Nations leader has launched a write-in campaign designed to reinforce the treaty right of First Nation citizens to tax exemption.

Speaking to meeting of Independent First Nations today, Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief John Beaucage, candidate for the office of National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, outlined his plan to reinforce First Nation tax exemption as Ontario makes plans to harmonize the province's 8 per cent sales tax with the 5 per cent federal Goods and Services Tax. read more...> 

Hyer Meets Baird Bombardier Jobs

OTTAWA – At a Tuesday meeting requested by Thunder Bay–Superior North MP Bruce Hyer, the Northern Ontario MP urged federal Transport Minister John Baird to assist in funding the landmark TTC-Bombardier streetcar deal. The 10-year, $1.2 billion deal is the largest transit contract in the country’s history.

Baird said priorities identified by the City of Toronto to him did not include “recent submissions” such as the Toronto Transit Commission contract that “came out of the blue.”  The Minister said that the government’s motive is short-term economic stimulus, and that they have talked to the Ontario government to see if they’d take that approach as well. “We want stimulus now, not in 10 years.” he reiterated.   read more.......>

CEP Pensioner Win over AbitibiBowater

 

 

THUNDER BAY, ON --------  May 4, 2009  -------  Communications, Energy and paperworkers union (CEP) at AbitibiBowater (TSX:ABH) have won court decision that Abitibi Bowater had no right to unilaterally rescind pension benefit improvements that had been negotiated in a collective agreement prior to the newsprint giant entering bankruptcy protection

Justice Clement Gascon ruled that the forestry company's efforts to unilaterally amend the collective agreement of current workers was illegal. "None of the arguments (by AbitibiBowater) justify the illegality of the gestures it made," Gascon said Monday in his verbal ruling.   read more.......>

Ontario’s new mining act revealed today at Contact North

THUNDER BAY, ON - May 1, 2009 - While the Hon. Michael Gravelle was tabling the legislation in provincial parliament today, local media in the city were briefed on the details of the act at Contact North.  In this photo Christine Kaszyki is shown reading the key points of the legislation to members of the press. The document summary follows. read more...>

 

 

families gain from Lower Taxes

THUNDER BAY, ON - April 30, 2009 - Ottawa – Today is the deadline for filing tax returns.  “Canadian families in our community will notice even more savings after another year of Conservative tax cuts,” said MP Greg Rickford.  “Every year since taking office we have cut taxes and introduced new tax credits to ensure Canadians have a little more money in their pockets during these challenging times.” read more...>

 

 

Are CONSERVATIVES ABANDONING TTC-BOMBARDIER DEAL?

THUNDER BAY ON ----  April 28, 2009  – Rafferty delivered a letter to Minister Baird today asking him to reconsider his recent public comments on the subject and ensure the federal government contributes its share of the money for this “important” national and regional project.  The Canadian Autoworkers estimate that more than 300 jobs could be created in Thunder Bay if the eight-year, $1.2 billion TTC-Bombardier goes ahead as planned.

John Rafferty,  Thunder Bay – Rainy River Member of Parliament  believes that the Conservative government is laying the groundwork to reject federal funding for the recently announced TTC-Bombardier deal, and is outraged by Transport Minister John Baird’s public musings on the subject.   read more.......>

Baird douse cold water TTC contact for Thunder Bay

THUNDER BAY, ON ---  April 28,  2009  – Just hours after the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) formally approved plans to buy new rail cars from Bombardier, federal Minister of Transport John Baird appeared to douse cold water on the deal.

Baird was quoted as saying the federal government’s priority was to create jobs now, while the Bombardier deal was a 10-year contract. The Minister further implied that the $1.2 billion dollar deal, the largest transit contract in Canadian history, may not qualify for federal stimulus funding. The transit contract depends on one-third financing from the federal government.  read more......>

 

Incredibly great news for the City of Thunder Bay Mayor Peterson

THUNDER BAY, ON ---  April 24, 2009 ---  "This is incredibly great news for the City of Thunder Bay said Mayor Lynn Peterson.  This is also great news for the people of Toronto as Bombardier makes an extraordinary product.  We are delighted  the TTC is recommending to Toronto City Council that the contract be awarded to Bombardier to build .  the $1.22 billion dollar contract to build 204 Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs). What an amazing day for the employees of the Thunder Bay plant, their families and the community as a whole."

Michael Gravelle, MPP for Thunder Bay – Superior North is thrilled that the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) has recommended Bombardier for“It is extremely encouraging to hear the announcement today that TTC staff has recommended Bombardier for the $1.22 billion contract to build the fleet of Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) for the Toronto Transit Commission,” said Gravelle.  read more......>

BMO Abandons Victoriville

THUNDER BAY, ON   ---   April 20, 2009 ---- The Bank of Montreal over night moved out of Victoriaville in the Fort William Business District and into their new Harbour Crossing branch located at 859 Fort William Road in Thunder Bay. The branch features expanded services, longer hours and more staff to better serve the community.For greater convenience, the new Harbour Crossing branch features ample free parking.   read more.....>

 

 

Bowater to Restructure Under Bankruptcy Protection

THUNDER BAY, ON - April 16, 2009 - Early this morning David Peterson, CEO of AbitibiBowater announced the filing for bankruptcy protection in the United States, this move has quickly been followed by similar action in Canada. Citing the difficulty of raising capital in the current credit market Peterson said there was no other alternative than to seek the protection of the courts while the company restructures its operations. read more...>

Hon. Geoff Regan MP, Liberal Natural Resources Critic, Visits Northwestern Ontario

THUNDER BAY, ON - April 16, 2009 - The Hon. Geoff Regan, MP Halifax West and Liberal Natural Resources Critic, will be touring Northwestern Ontario April 16-17th.

Hon. Geoff Regan will participate in a Forestry Roundtable Thursday April 16, 2009 at the Travelodge Airlane Hotel, Thunder Bay. First Nations, municipal, labour and academic representatives from across Northwestern Ontario will discuss the current state of forestry, the forest industry, and their impact on residents. read more...>

 

Community Update on Project and Economic Impact 

THUNDER BAY, ON ----   April 9, 2009  -----Residents of Thunder Bay  are invited to an Open House, Italian Cultural Centre, 132 Algoma St. South, on May 14 on Prince Arthur’s Landing to learn about the project status, next steps, planned construction and find out first hand about the economic impact delivered to City Council. read more...>

SUDBURY GIVES SHINE TO ONTARIO DIAMONDS

SUDBURY, ON - April 6, 2009 - Ontario’s first diamond cutting and polishing facility will be located in Greater Sudbury and will create about 50 new jobs in the community.

Crossworks Manufacturing, part of the HRA-SunDiamond Group, who qualified for a supply contract with De Beers’ Diamond Trading Company (DTC), will cut and polish an estimated $25-million worth of rough stones a year at a new northern facility. Once completed later this year, the facility will employ about 50 people in special skilled diamond cutting trades, as well as administrative and maintenance positions. read more...>

Where there is some there is more?

THUNDER BAY, ON, -----  April 2, 2009 ----   The Magma Metals Current Lake Strike has grown from the finding of a boulder on the south west side of Current Lake which showed promising grades of Platinum and Palladium to one of the areas most active exploration zones. RFK explorations, a small Kirkland Lake exploration company states “RJK considers the Magma Metals Platinum-Palladium Thunder Bay North Discovery to be one of the more significant discoveries in Ontario over the last few years”.  read more......>

 

Life Changes / When it’s time to sell

THUNDER BAY, ON -----   March 29, 2009 ----  For most Canadians their biggest, long term investment is in their homes. While in many European countries, mortgages take so long to complete that they are often passed on to the children of the mortgager, in Canada most of us look forward to the day when we can tear up the mortgage papers and celebrate. However, as life changes, so do housing needs.  read more....>

 

Native leader to intervene in Ontario taxation reform

THUNDER BAY, ON - March 27. 2009 - NIPISSING FIRST NATION  – The Anishinabek Nation is working to ensure that the harmonization of sale taxes in Ontario will respect First Nations’ exemption of taxation that is entrenched under law and in the treaties. 

Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief John Beaucage, candidate for the office of National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, has petitioned the Government of Ontario to take part in the taxation reform process. read more...> 

Lithium, Canada’s new Gold?

THUNDER BAY, ON ----   March 23, 2009 ------   While most of are trying to get by, some companies and governments world wide are planning ahead to get a foothold in the new future economy. Last year’s energy prices reached and all time high, and the cost of that energy taxed much of the life out of the economy. It is the remembrance of those times that had many people thinking, “What if we did not need Oil”

At to-day’s prices for oil, many people are not as concerned about fuel economy, and I do not believe that the vast majority of us care enough about the environment enough that they would give up their new SUV in favour of a small plug in electric car such as the electric Nissan shown above. That said should the gloom of high energy prices return this little car could look pretty good!   Read more.....>

 

 

When Greed Controls

THUNDER BAY, ON - March 20, 2009 - When it comes to personal finance, I’ve long concluded that banks are not your friends. Banking services like food are a necessary part of modern life. Banking extends not only to our personal finances, but it is involved with the places where we work, and also with the pensions that we have earned. One a larger scale banking policies can determine the economic policy of a country and even groups of like minded countries. read more...>

 

Northern Ontario Sustainable Communities Partnership’s

THUNDER BAY,  ON  -- March 6, 2009  ---  The Northern Ontario Sustainable Communities Partnership’s (NOSCP) workshop, “Community Forests: A Tenure Reform Option for Community Sustainability in Northern Ontario” was judged a resounding success. The two-day workshop (March 4-5th) involved an unprecedented number of First Nations communities and may have been the first time that so many First Nations have met with other northern residents in the same room to talk about the common forest land that we share.   read more.....>

 

MORE SCHOLARSHIPS TODAY FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE TOMORROW

THUNDER BAY, ON - February 27, 2009 - KENORA:  As part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan, the Conservative government will significantly expand graduate program scholarships, helping to deliver a more robust, competitive Canadian economy. read more...>

 

27 tips for hard times

THUNDER BAY, ON - February 27, 2009 - In the world of economics there are few proverbial jokes that offer less insight into the current state of the economy than this: "A recession is when your neighbour loses his job. A depression is when you lose your job."

The U.S. slipped into recession in December 2007. Canada is thought to have followed suit in December 2008, but we won't actually know for sure until May when official numbers are expected to indicate the economy to have gone through two quarters of negative growth, thus having the variables needed to declare it an official recession.  read more...>

 

Knowledge-Based Growth in Non-Metro Areas
 

THUNDER BAY, ON - February 10, 2009 - Dr. Robert Atkinson is president of America’s Information Technology and Innovation Foundation. His paper presented ideas about developing knowledge-based economy in non-metro areas. His premise that economic change is constant, new technology that drives growth cycles and creates a dynamic economy. The notion that capitalism destroys older systems as new ways of doing things makes sense. When something new is introduced in the market, its advantages are apparent and this creates a growth spurt. As the product matures on the market, other manufacturers fine tune and find ways to improve the product. In the latter part of the cycle mass production and cost cutting efforts are used to make the product the lowest cost on the market. This is the mature or last stage of the market cycle. read more...>

 

Fort Frances Five Mile Wharf

FORT FRANCES, ONTARIO – Greg Rickford, Member of Parliament for Kenora, announced today on behalf of the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, that the federal government will invest in the rehabilitation of the Fort Frances (Five Mile Wharf) Facility in Ontario.

The Five Mile Wharf Facility, which fronts the Couchiching First Nation Reserve, comprises 0.715 hectares of property consisting of an L-shaped stationary wharf, floating docks and a launch ramp located on Rainy Lake.  The general project involves repairs to the wharf’s substructure, replacement of the entire timber deck and repairs to the floating docks.  The project is expected to be finished before Spring 2009.   read more.....>

Northern Ontario Sustainable Communities Partnership

THUNDER BAY, ON - February 9, 2009 - The Northern Ontario Sustainable Communities Partnership (NOSCP) will host a workshop on “Community Forests: A Tenure Reform Option for Community Sustainability in Northern Ontario” March 4-5, 2009 at the Prince Arthur Hotel in Thunder Bay.  read more...>

 

RInC Funding Announced at KDMA

MACHIN, ON  ----  February 6, 2009 –--  “For decades, community centres across Canada, and especially here in northwestern Ontario, have been a gathering place for families, friends and neighbours. Our Conservative government is taking action to reinvigorate these vital community landmarks with $500 million in Recreational Infrastructure in Canada (RInC) over the next two years,” said Greg Rickford, MP, Kenora.  read more......>

What’s happened to the Rosehart report?

THUNDER BAY, ON - February 05 2009 - With the publicity around the recent “Think North Summit” held earlier this week at the Valhalla Inn it is easy to forget the initial work done by Dr. Bob Rosehart. His report now referred to as the Rosehart report was published in 2007. Minister of Mines and Northern Development Michael Gravelle calls the Rosehart report an important document saying “that many of his recommendations will be included in the new plan to develop the north”. At present only seven of his recommendations have come to fruition. read more...>

Lessons from Finland

THUNDER BAY, ON - February 5, 2009 - Paavo Löppönen presented a session titled Knowledge-based Transformation in a Global World, at the recent “Think North Summit.  Using the example of Finland, Paavo went on to show that it is possible to turn a crisis into an opportunity. The question he and other had to address was how to save and restructure a small nation?  read more...>

 

 

Think North Summit

THUNDER BAY, ON - February 4, 2009 - The “Think North Summit” opened with a reception on Monday evening, but it got serious business all day Tuesday. A full house of 370 people attended the conference in person, while even more watched by live video streaming through out Northern Ontario.

Representatives from local and provincial government were much in evidence, as were aboriginal leaders, business leaders, educators, forestry and mining representatives all came to hear an international panel of experts on developing regional economies. Noticeable absent were representatives from the federal government.  read more...>

 

Site Chosen for Thunder Bay Consolidated Courthouse

THUNDER BAY, ON - February 2, 2009 - George Smitherman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy & Infrastructure, announced on Monday that a new combined court house will be built in the heart of the South Core of downtown Thunder Bay.  The new court house, Smitherman stated, will be environmentally friendly and reflect the new energy efficient standards for new buildings.  Construction is expected to begin in 2010 once the building siting and design is completed.  Shortly, the City of Thunder Bay will be hiring consultants to do a traffic, transit and parking study of the area as the new Court House will impact on the present Brodie Street parking lot and bus terminal.  The new Thunder Bay consolidated courthouse will be located between Brodie and Archibald streets, south of Miles Street.  read more...>

My 2 cents worth on Tax Free Savings Accounts

THUNDER BAY, ON, ---  February 1, 2009 ----  Lately watching television these days means being bombarded by commercials touting the governments new Tax Free Savings Accounts. Be assured that there is somebody in government who has us the consumer’s best interest at heart. It might even appear as though someone is doing some serious thinking on our behalf. On the surface the concept seems like a good one, perhaps a little too late to help with our present economic difficulties but good just the same. Had I contributed $5.000 a year to a tax free savings account for the past 20 years it could turn out to be a better deal than E.I., RRSP’s and even my favourite sock. The point is Canadian’s could be saving at a healthier level. Had I amassed a small fortune, then some of life’s perils are not so catastrophic.   read more.....>

New Court House for Thunder Bay District

THUNDER BAY, ON,  --   January 31, 2009 ---   The much anticipated announced on the location of the new Thunder Bay District Court house is expected to be announced Monday afternoon. It is expected that the proposed  Court House will be located in the area between Miles street and Victoria Ave and between Brodie Streets and Archibald Street.  read more....>

A Time for Rebirth

THUNDER BAY, ON ----  January 11, 2009 ---  For months now when driving down Water Street I see hundreds of empty rail cars waiting for a load that may never come. The fleet of rail cars is made for one purpose only, to transport softwood lumber. I still see the odd loaded car leaving the city, Abitibi-Bowater ships about two car loads of softwood lumber a day when they are running, but the city is full of closed lumber mills, and the region has many more.  read more........>

Premier Gold Announces $15M in Exploration Plans.

THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO, ---  January 5, 2009 -- Ewan Downie President and CEO of Premier Gold announced his companies’ exploration plans for 2009 at a press conference given at the Valhalla in this morning. A total amount of $15 million will be spent on defining and exploration of advanced gold prospects in northwestern Ontario.  read more......>

 

 

 

 

 

Canada's Economic Action Plan Delivers New School for Wabaseemoong and North Spirit Lake First Nations

THUNDER BAY, ON - April 17, 2009 - Ottawa - Members of the Wabaseemoong and the North Spirit Lake First Nations will benefit from new schools, thanks to the Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan.  

Greg Rickford, Member of Parliament for Kenora, made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians.  read more...>

 

 

 

 Career Fest 2008 a Success

THUNDER BAY, ON  -- December 23, 2008  --  Jim Peterson of Ambassadors North-West came up with the idea of a festive job fare over the Christmas holidays to help businesses in need of talent. Specifically he wanted to target former city residents who out migrated for education and for work. Assisted by The Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, the event held at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium was a real success. There were some great business minds behind this project, and everything that could be done to make an impression on returning residents was done. The choice of venue, the hors d’ourves and canapés and even some of the city’s own Persians contributed to a unique impression only Thunder Bay could offer. I arrived at 1 p.m. and the parking lot at the auditorium was well on its way to being half full.   read more....>

$25 million dollars for CRIBE bio-refinery initiative

THUNDER BAY, ON  -- December 15, 2008  -- At the coldest and darkest time of the year there was a very warm reception for gathered politicians and dignitaries as the formation of C.R.I.B.E was formally announced. Thunder Bay will become the provinces Centre for Research and Innovation in the Bio Economy. CRIBE will focus on commercializing new bio-products and services which have traditionally relied on fossil fuels. The province backed up this new research centre with a commitment of $25 million dollars.

Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines stated “Ontario’s investment in CRIBE demonstrates that our government is responding to the challenges facing our province and our resource sector in the 21st century. By supporting innovation we can drive new job creation and prosperity.”    read more.....>

MRI Coming to Thunder Bay

THUNDER BAY, ON  --  December 11, 2008 -- On Monday December 15th the Hon. John Wilkinson, Minister of Research and Innovation will be making an announcement at Lakehead University. This kind of funding announcement comes as the result of years of hard work by our local MPPs, Michael Gravelle and Bill Mauro who have been fighting to make a case for developing the economy of the Northwest. We are fortunate to have these representatives because they have achieved results in pressing times.   read more....>

 

New Streetcars On Track For Toronto

THUNDER BAY, ON - June 19, 2009 - Ontario will create jobs in Thunder Bay and improve public transit in Toronto with a $416-million investment in a new fleet of 204 streetcars.

According to Bombardier, manufacturing the streetcars would create more than 5,000 direct jobs and 10,300 indirect jobs in Ontarioread more...>

Site Chosen for Thunder Bay Consolidated Courthouse

THUNDER BAY, ON - February 2, 2009 - George Smitherman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy & Infrastructure, announced on Monday that a new combined court house will be built in the heart of the South Core of downtown Thunder Bay.  The new court house, Smitherman stated, will be environmentally friendly and reflect the new energy efficient standards for new buildings.  Construction is expected to begin in 2010 once the building siting and design is completed.  Shortly, the City of Thunder Bay will be hiring consultants to do a traffic, transit and parking study of the area as the new Court House will impact on the present Brodie Street parking lot and bus terminal.  The new Thunder Bay consolidated courthouse will be located between Brodie and Archibald streets, south of Miles Street.  read more...>

 

Economic Turmoil Affects area Mines

THUNDER BAY, ON - November 8, 2008 - Platinum was supposed to be one of the stars in the economy of the northwest, but economic volatility has tarnished the shine of this precious metal. The metal trading as high as $2,327 US an ounce in March traded for as little as $1,551 US an ounce in the quarter ending in June. In October the metal lost even more of its luster trading for as little as $832 US an ounce. How can a business operate in such an environment? It is not only the product that is experiencing volatility but our currencies are changing. The Canadian dollar has climbed almost a dime over the past week!  read more...>

A Boulder’s Tale

THUNDER BAY, -- October 31, 2008 ---It all started when a few boulders in the Current Lake area tested positive for PMG. For prospectors, PMG stands for Platinum Metal group, which includes Platinum, Palladium, Copper and Nickel. Ever since the discovery of the boulders, the Australian junior mining company Magma Metals has been hot on the trail for the source of these boulders.  read more...>

 

The 30 year battle over Parking.

THUNDER BAY, ON, -- October 26, 2008 -- This is the third in a series of articles, on the five business areas of Thunder Bay, Downtown, Port Arthur, Bay Street, Fort William, Simpson Street  and Westfort.  It is in these areas that most of the locally own business are located.  Their Corporate Head Offices are located around a kitchen table here in Thunder Bay.    read more.....>

 

Changing market conditions force companies to rethink operations.

THUNDER BAY, ON, -- October 23, 2008 -- The announcement earlier this week that North American Palladium  is closing its Lac des Isles Mine north of Thunder Bay came as a shock to the 350 or so workers who will be laid off. The mine produces Platinum and Palladium and other metals from its ore. The major use for Platinum and Palladium at present is for catalytic converter found in automotive exhaust systems. If the auto industry is stalled then there is less demand for these metals.   read more.....>

 

Downtown Artisans & Farmers Market

THUNDER BAY, ON, --- October,  15, 2008 -- Over 2,000 people dropped by the new Downtown Artisans & Farmers Market when it opened its doors on Saturday, October 4th at 507 E. Victoria Avenue.  The year-round market will be continue to be open Saturdays from 9 am to 4 pm.Business owners and others in the downtown Fort William neighbourhood were instrumental in helping get the market established and donated thousands of hours of volunteer labour, supplies and equipment to help make it happen.  read more.....>

FOREST INDUSTRY VALUE-ADDED FORUM

Thunder Bay, On – October 1, 2008 - National and international forest industry leaders and value-added wood producers are set to gather at Growing Forest Value: Opportunities in Northern Ontario, October 15 & 16, 2008, at the Valhalla Inn in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Hosted by the Northwestern Ontario Innovation Centre, this two-day forum will bring together key forest industry stakeholders with value-added producers and investors to explore opportunities and generate ideas.   read more...>

 

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY AT CITY HALL

THUNDER BAY, ON, - September 30, 2008 -  As a Councillor at Large for the City of Thunder Bay and Vice-Chair of Finance, I strongly believe that accountability and transparency of action should be the guiding principles for everything we do as elected officials.

The recent events in the world’s financial markets are a stark reminder that complacency and good intentions alone do not protect the interests of the taxpayers and working families.  read more....>

'Green Shift' Impact Analysis For Ontario Power Plants

THUNDER BAY, TORONTO, ON, - August 18, 2008 - The CTF research reveals that in the fourth year power costs will have grown by $1.5 billion per year for 111 power plants in Ontario alone. Meanwhile, Mr. Dion's carbon tax plan offers a 1% corporate and small business tax reduction by the end of four years, amounting to tax cuts of around $811 million to be applied to all Ontario businesses.  read more....>

Charlie Angus Calls on Mayors to  Fight over Fuel Price Disparity

 Pipe Plant for Thunder Bay ?

THUNDER BAY, ON - August 11, 2008  -  Essar Global Ltd. a multinational corporation now appears to be favouring Thunder Bay to build a new pipe plant as reported in the Soo Star in Sault Ste Marie, on Friday.

This potential investment in Thunder Bay would provide a strong economic boost to the economy, and help diversify our economy. read more.....>

Electronics Tax Will Electrocutes Ontario Wallets

 

 THUNDER BAY, ON - July 10, 2008 - TORONTO: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today expressed disappointment over the announcement of a new electronics tax to take effect in Ontario. CTF Ontario Director, Kevin Gaudet, said, "this new tax will be a shock to the wallets of unsuspecting consumers when prices go up next Spring."  read more...>

Duluth Sells Steam Plant $2.5 million

DULUTH MN - June 2, 2008 - The City of Duluth has reached agreement with Minnesota Power to sell the boilers and plant infrastructure it owns in Steam Plant #2 in West Duluth for $2.5 million, Mayor Don Ness announced Wednesday.  Steam Plant #2 provides steam to NewPage’s Duluth paper mill and recycle mill as well as Minnesota Power’s Hibbard Energy Center.   read more.....>

 

Northerners need more than a drop in the bucket

THUNDER BAY ON - May 26, 2008-  The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today is calling on the McGuinty government to clarify its position on imposing new carbon taxes in Ontario. It is widely reported that Premier McGuinty and Ontario Environment Minister, John Gerretsen favour a cap-and-trade system as a 'first choice'. CTF Ontario, Kevin Gaudet, said, "cap-and-trade is a carbon tax, just under another name. When and how does he plan to unleash this new tax on Ontarions? What happened to his campaign promise not to impose new taxes?"  read more.....>

 

CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY FOR NEW SISTER MARGARET SMITH CENTRE

THUNDER BAY, ON. -  May 22, 2008 - St. Joseph’s Care Group is proud to announce that construction is underway for the new Sister Margaret Smith Centre (SMSC) on Lillie Street.

Bob Chambers, Chair, Board of Directors, St. Joseph’s Care Group said, “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am extremely pleased that this project is underway. This new facility is greatly needed to meet the increasing demand for mental health and addiction services in a more accessible building.”  read more....>

 

 

Mauro on Canadian Content Rapid Transit

THUNDER BAY, ON, - April, 4, 2008 -  Thanks to the actions of the McGuinty government, Ontario is the only provincial government to have a policy in place making Canadian Content a requirement for publicly funded mass transit purchases.  Additionally, the federal government does not now and has never had a policy in this regard.  read more,,,,>

Magma Minerals – Current Lake April 2008

THUNDER BAY, ON, - April 1, 2008 - Magma metals today announced a private placement of 23.5 million Magma Metal shares at AU $0.35 a share and 11.77 million free unlisted A$.50 options to raise $8.2 Million. There was strong institutional support from North America, the UK, and Australia.  read more.....>

 

NOSC Diversified Northern Bioeconomy

 

THUNDER BAY, ON, - March 30, 2008 - The Northern Ontario Sustainable Communities Partnership through its Northern Ontario Community Forest Charter (see http://www.gcf-on.ca/noscp) has been promoting the development of a diversified northern bioeconomy based on the principle of directing "the resources of the forests to the economic and social development of the people of the region."  read more....>

Harper and McGuinty announce three new federal-provincial initiatives

Ottawa, Ontario, -  March 27 2008 - Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty today announced three important initiatives that will support provincial programs that provide assistance for workers and communities who have been negatively affected by the rapid appreciation in the Canadian dollar, softening in the US economy, high oil prices, and intense competition from emerging economies, as well as support for public transit and policing.   read more......>

Business Leader Some Good News for Northern Ontario

THUNDER BAY , ON, - March 26, 2008 - This budget also struck a balance considering the pressures facing the economy today. “This budget begins to lay a stronger foundation for a more productive economy with certain targeted measures to improve our infrastructure, strengthen our labour force, and reduce the cost of doing business,” says Brian Babcock, Chair of the Board for the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce.  read more...>

 

 Magma Minerals – Current Lake

 THUNDER BAY, ON ~ March 25, 2008 - In Thunder Bay such a deposit is being explored by a junior Australian Mining company, Magma Metals.  This company specializes in finding PGE deposits. Having found some peridotite deposits at Current Lake, Geologists noted large boulders on the northeast and western shores of Current Lake. In the winter of 2007-8 an extensive drilling program was taken to determine if these areas were the source of the high grade boulders. To date test results have confirmed that the boulders did come from the bottom of Current Lake. They show high grade mineralization throughout the fault zone in Current Lake   read more....>

Jammed up Border hurting economy:

THUNDER BAY, ON, March 23, 2008 ~ The 911 terrorism scare is hampering economic growth in the Great Lakes region and should be a front-burner issue by both Canada and the United States.

The Brookings Institution, a policy research organization based in Washington, D.C.  urges the United States of America and Canada to develop a "border of the future," using advanced technology to quicken the movement of people, goods and services without sacrificing needed security measures. They also should upgrade border-area infrastructure such as bridges, rail lines and port.   read more....>

PARO regional economic development conference devoted to women.

THUNDER BAY, ON. -  March 19, 2008 ~ The PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise, together  with its partners; the North Superior Training Board and the Community Economic and Social Development Program (CESD) Algoma University College, will host the first Northern Ontario Women’s Economic Development Conference (NOWEDC) on April 29-30, 2008 at the Valhalla Inn in Thunder Bay. The NOWEDC is the first regional economic development conference devoted to advancing business development opportunities for women.  read more....>

Successful Demonstration of Forest-Thinning Machinery

THUNDER BAY —  March 18, 2008  ~ Two unique pieces of commercial forestry thinning equipment were put through their paces today in a black spruce plantation near Limestone Lake, north of Nipigon.
 
Forestry contractors, professional foresters and technicians watched two state-of-the-art machines, a dual harvester/forwarder and a smaller harvester, thin a 42 year-old plantation.  Both machines are designed to maximize productivity when conducting partial harvest of smaller trees, and to minimize the impact on soils and the remaining trees.  read more.....>

 

 Bombardier Transportation won a $44 million contract

THUNDER BAY, ON ~ MINNEAPOLIS MN ~  March 11, 2008 ~ Progressive Railroading report that Bombardier Transportation won a $44 million contract from the Metropolitan Council of Minneapolis/St. Paul to supply 17 bi-level commuter-rail vehicles. The contract includes an option for 64 additional cars. Bombardier will build the 17 cars at plants in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and Plattsburgh, N.Y., and deliver the vehicles between May and August 2009. The cars will be used on the 40-mile Northstar commuter-rail line, which is scheduled to open in late 2009.

The Northstar Corridor is an 82-mile transportation corridor that runs along Highway 10 from the St. Cloud/Rice area to downtown Minneapolis. It is one of the fastest growing corridors in Minnesota and the nation. It is projected that by 2025, more than 850,000 people will be living in the Northstar Corridor, an increase of about 200,000 people.   read more ......>

Budget No Election, Liberals say

OTTAWA ~ FEbruary 26, 2008 ~ Budget No Election, Liberals say not much in budget but un likely to vote against it. NDP and Block  say they will oppose budget..

Building on the Government’s 2007 Economic Statement, the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, today tabled a balanced, focused and prudent budget to strengthen Canada amidst global economic uncertainty. Budget 2008 continues reducing debt and taxes, focuses government spending, and provides additional support for sectors of the economy that are struggling in this period of uncertainty.   read more.....>

TBayTel Sells Telephone Directory to Yellow Pages Group

February 19, 2008 ~ Thunder Bay ~ Don Campbell, Acting President and CEO of TBayTel, is pleased to announce thesale of the TBayTel Telephone Directory to Yellow Pages Group (YPG) effective February 19, 2008.

The sale came about as a result of a fair offer from YPG, coupled with an examination by TBayTel of its core business. The result was a decision to divest this non-core activity to the partner who, since 1982 has been responsible for the production and sale of the book. TBayTel will maintain control of the Community Pages and the distribution activities. read more....>

TRANSIT EXPANSION COULD MEAN ONTARIO JOBS WITH MADE IN CANADA POLICY

February 19, 2008 ~ TORONTO & THUNDER BAY– TTC expansion plans and other public transit and transportation infrastructure investments could create jobs to boost Ontario’s ailing manufacturing sector if governments supported minimum domestic content levels, similar to those used by the rest of the G7 nations and China.

“With the right policies in place, new rail cars for the TTC would not only bring better service to Toronto, but it could also mean an economic boost to Thunder Bay,” explains Mary Long-Irwin, President, Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce.  read more....>

Legislation  enact  Community Development Trust

 

February 5, 2008 ~ THUNDER BAY, - The Honourable Joe Comuzzi, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North, welcomes today’s passage in the House of Commons of the necessary legislation to enact the Community Development Trust.

“This is very good news for workers and their families in Northwestern Ontario,” said Joe Comuzzi. “It shows the Government of Canada is listening. Now we need Premier McGuinty and the Province of Ontario to put partisan politics aside and agree to a plan with the federal government that will address the needs of workers in Northwestern Ontario.  read more.....>

 

 

State of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises in Northern Ontario

January 30, 2008 ~ Thunder Bay ~ This Thursday, January 31st is the presentation by Mr. Ron Mulholland, where he will discuss his report titled The State of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises in Northern Ontario which was released by FedNor   read more.....>

 Ontario Cities Have Highest Property Taxes 

January 22, 2008 ~ Toronto~ A new report out of Edmonton shows that Toronto takes the dubious honour for having the highest property taxes in Canada. However, a few other Ontario cities place just behind it at the top of the list  read more.....>

   Ontario's Programs Do Not Contravene Softwood Agreement 

 January 18, 2008   TORONTO,  /CNW/ - Ontario rejects U.S. assertions that provincial programs contravene the Softwood Lumber Agreement signed last year, Natural Resources Minister Donna Cansfield said today.     "Our programs do not contravene the Softwood Lumber Agreement," said Cansfield. "It is frustrating that the U.S. softwood lumber industry continues to play games with this important issue."   read more....>

Orillia Supports $10M Investment in LU Orillia Campus

January 17, 2008 ~ Thunder Bay, ON) ~ Lakehead University is pleased to announce that Orillia City Council has tentatively approved a $10-million commitment to Lakehead University's permanent Orillia Campus.
 
Pending final approval at the Council meeting next Monday, 10 annual capital contributions – valued at $500,000 – will begin in 2010. Eighty-five acres of serviced land – valued at $5 million – will make up the remainder of the City’s contribution.    read more...>

 

 National Community Development Trust in Northwestern Ontario

January 14, 2008 ~ THUNDER BAY The Honourable Joe Comuzzi, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North, was joined today by Mayor Richard Harvey of Nipigon and other community leaders to outline the potential of the new National Community Development Trust for northwestern Ontario.  read more.....>

Platinum Group Reports First Quarter Financial Results

January 14, 2008 19:28 ET ~ VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA and JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA--(Marketwire - - Platinum Group Metals Ltd. (TSX:PTM)(AMEX:PLG) ("Platinum Group") announces the publication of the Company's unaudited financial results for the quarter ended November 30, 2007. For complete details of the November 30, 2007 financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis please see the Company's filings on SEDAR    read more....>

Ontario receives $19,774,575 softwood lumber

January 11, 2008 ~ Ottawa, Ontario… Minister of National Revenue Gordon O'Connor today announced that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has distributed to six Canadian provinces close to $470 million in revenue from export charges on exports of softwood lumber products destined for the U.S.   read more.....>

 

Comuzzi welcomes $350 million for Ontario

January 10, 2008 ~ THUNDER BAY, - The Honourable Joe Comuzzi, Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North, welcomes Prime Minister Harper’s announcement this morning of a new Community Economic Development Trust.

“This is great news for Northwestern Ontario,” said Joe Comuzzi. “Today’s announcement shows the Prime Minister and Government of Canada is focused on the worker and their families as well as taking action and not talk. It is clear that the Prime Minister’s visit to our region in October, as well as the subsequent report I tabled on his request, played a significant role in the formation of this announcement. This plan not only provides the job training and support for the community transition that is required, but also focuses on job creation and infrastructure development that stimulates economic diversification.”   read more.....> 

 Thomson Corporation and Mike Weir Forge Partnership

January 8, 2008 ~ TORONTO, and STAMFORD, Thomson announced that it will be the primary corporate partner to Mike Weir, one of the greatest Canadian professional golfers.

The five-year sponsorship agreement begins in January 2008 and will see Mr. Weir wearing the Thomson logo on the front of his hat as he competes on the PGA Tour and around the world.  read more....> 

 

Thunder Bay Fine Papers to Re-open

 January 7, 2008 ~ Thunder Bay  The Thunder Bay Fine Papers Inc  Cascades mill is set  to re- open in Thunder Bay, Ontario with help from the  Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC).    read more....>

NSTB Releases TOPS 2008 Report 

 January 07 2008 ~ Thunder Bay   There are several initiatives in Thunder Bay which are clear demonstrations that efforts already undergoing are going to make a difference in our community.

There are several groups which have been doing the needed research to make a difference toward those efforts in our region.   read more.....>

Good News Expected Monday

January 4, 2008 ~ Thunder Bay NetNewsLedger is reporting that Thunder Bay Fine Papers has scheduled an announcement for Monday, which could start the year off with some positive news -- if the announcement is the long awaited plant opening..  read more.....>

 

 

Thunder Bay Drops  71st place of Best cities to live 

January 03  2008   Thunder Bay  You know I hate to be the bearer of bad news with regards to the City of Thunder Bay, but I unfortunately found some. I guess since it wasn't me who wrote the story, this makes me more of a messenger. So do me a favour and don't shoot!   read more....>

 Loonie The Canadian Press top news story of the year

December 30, 2007 ~ OTTAWA - Fair-feathered friend to some, foul burden to others, the iconic Canadian bird that took on the world's superpower currencies in 2007 has been picked as the top Canadian news story of the year.  read more.....>

GST/HST Rate Reduction in 2008

 December 18, 2007 Ottawa The GST rate will be reduced by one percentage point from 6% to 5%, effective January 1, 2008. To facilitate the transition to the lower rate, transitional rules for determining the GST rates applicable to transactions that straddle the January 1, 2008 implementation date have been enacted . read

Leveraging Learning for Regional Development

Thursday, 13 December 2007 Thunder Bay  “Learning Cities and Regions are proponents of the principles of equitable access to learning, inclusiveness, and collaboration as essential precursors to greater prosperity and collective well-being.   read more......>

 

 

 

Questions to the Minister

THUNDER BAY, ON - May 29, 2009 - Ontario’s Minister of Finance Hon. Dwight Duncan was in Thunder Bay on a working meeting with local politicians and business leaders. In the afternoon he agreed to meet briefly with members of the media at the Prince Arthur Hotel. The following is a brief synopsis of the proceedings. read more...>

When Greed Controls

THUNDER BAY, ON - March 20, 2009 - When it comes to personal finance, I’ve long concluded that banks are not your friends. Banking services like food are a necessary part of modern life. Banking extends not only to our personal finances, but it is involved with the places where we work, and also with the pensions that we have earned. One a larger scale banking policies can determine the economic policy of a country and even groups of like minded countries. read more...>