Thursday, June 3, 2010

Physicians' Appreciation Week - Part 4

It's expected to be a sell out at tonight's community dinner as part of Physicians' Appreciation Week in Fort Frances.

Councillor Andrew Hallikas, who chairs the local Physician Recruitment and Retention Committee, says only a few tickets remains for the event aimed at showing appreciation for local doctors.

"These folks have been doing such a good job for us and been working so hard under difficult conditions," says Hallikas, "it's nice for them to have the community with this show of support to come out and say 'Thanks you a lot. We appreciate what you've done for us.'"

Physicians' Appreciation Week is something new to Fort Frances and Dr. Robert Algie says the recognition is somewhat humbling.

"We know that we're appreciated,"says Algie. "We get individual feedback. Not always on a daily basis but certainly we get enough feedback through what we do at work to know that we're appreciated and are making a difference. I suppose being recognized in a more public way is also appreciated. We're a bit of a humble group and this public show is a bit uncomfortable for some of us, but we appreciate the efforts being made."

Algie also applauds the help of the area's nurse practitioners for easing the burden on local doctors.

"Their availability, plus some other chronic disease programs, has given people the opportunity to have access care they wouldn't otherwise have previously. Without that, people of Fort Frances would be really seeing a major difference in their ability to get into medical care. I think nurse practitioners have made a big difference for us."

Tonight's event at the Memorial Sports Centre begins at 6 p.m.

Heritage Party Awaiting Approval

The Northern Ontario Heritage Party is a step closer to gaining official party status.

Spokesperson Ed Deibel says they're waiting for a letter from the Ontario Elections Commission.

"If they're satisfied with the signatures on the petition are real people they should certify us," says Deibel. "If they don't, they have to tell us why. I don't know what that decision will be, but I assume we will get approval.

More than one thousand signatures in favour of the party were sent to the commission.

Quetico Fires Still Burn

The Ministry of Natural Resources continues to monitor three forest fires burning in Quetico Provincial Park.

Spokesperson Heather Pridham says its follows a fire management plan they've had in place for the park for many years.

"Quetico Provincial Park, in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources, have a fire management plan," says Pridham, "which allows fire on the landscape to rejuvenates the area and brings back more of a fire regime to the park"

Pridham says the three lightning caused fires are burning in remote areas, and pose no threat to park users.

Slack Appointed

The Rainy River District School Board has a new Superintendent of Education.

Casey Slack takes over the position held by Heather Campbell who became Education Director in April.

Slack had been the board's Student Success Leader and Assistant to the Director since 2007.

HST Toll Booths Planned

Several first nations in Ontario are threatening to set up toll booths on the Trans-Canada highway this summer to protest the HST.

Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Patrick Madahbee says they have to "crank up'' the protests to show Ottawa they are serious.

Finance Ministry staff meet with Chiefs in Ontario officials in Ottawa Monday.

Project Pentunia Kick-off


The Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce, and B93, are kicking off the Chamber's annual Project Petunia this morning.

Participants can purchase planters to be hung around the community this summer.

Chamber Manager Anthony Mason will be outside B-93's studios beginning at 9 a.m. to promote the program.

"We will be sitting outside of B-93 and asking people to come down and make a donation of fifty dollars," says Mason. "Your name will be displayed as part of the Petunia Project."

There are various options of sponsorship from one year to five.

Anyone who makes a contribution will also be eligible for prizes, including four tickets to see the Eagles in Winnipeg.