Monday, October 3, 2011

Minority Government Possible


There's plenty of talk of a minority government being elected in Ontario Thursday.

The Liberals and Progressive Conservatives are running neck and neck in the polls with the NDP likely to hold the balance of power.

Premier Dalton McGuinty is making it clear he isn't interested in any form of partnership with the other parties if there is a minority government.

The NDP is side-stepping speculation about a minority at the legislature and plugging what it would do during its first 100 days in office instead.


Leader Andrea Horwath says she's focused on running for premier and connecting with voters before Thursday's vote.

Tory leader Tim Hudak warns the Liberals and NDP will team up to raise taxes if a minority government.


Hudak won't say what he might offer Horwath to get her support, saying he doesn't want to play ``Let's Make a Deal.''


Aviator Recognized


A new name for the airport in International Falls.

The Falls International Airport, Francis Einarason terminal and Einarson field recognizes the many contributions the well-known aviator and his family have brought to the airport.

Hundreds of people packed a hanger Saturday for the dedication.

Parade Route Change Proposed


Organizers of the Fort Frances Parade of Lights are considering a route change.

Brenda Kellar says they feel the waterfront might make a great area for the November 26  parade.

The parade has traditionally gone down Scott Street.

Kellar says they're now soliciting input before making a final decision.

Question of the Day


Do you think the Fort Frances Parade of Lights should go along the waterfront?

Vote on our website www.b93.ca.

Last week, we asked if you think candidates in Kenora-Rainy River can provide the riding with a strong voice at Queen's Park.

78 per cent of respondents don't think so.

CCAC Workers Get Contract


88 health care workers with the Northwest Community Care Access Centre could soon have a new
three-year contract.

Ontario Nurses' Association members with 10 CCAC's around the province have ratified a tentative deal.

Now its up to the employer to ratify the agreement in a process that is expected to be completed by Friday.

The workers were in a strike position today.

Enrolment Up Slightly


A few more students are attending the area's catholic schools.

The Northwest Catholic District School Board says September enrolments are up 35 over the numbers in June.

Education Director Mary Catherine Kelly attendance to junior and senior kindergarten is most encouraging.

With the exception of St. Michael's School in Fort Frances, enrolments at the board's other schools in the Rainy River district dropped slightly.


Cycling Survey


The survey for the Share the Road Cycling Coalition finds that about 28 per cent of adults in Ontario cycle regularly.

But about 53 per cent of respondents say they would cycle more often if roads were safer.

The survey's release comes just days before the Ontario election and aims to get political leaders to pay attention to cycling issues.

Candidates Debate in Stratton


Can the candidates seeking election in Kenora-Rainy River really promise to give the Riding a stronger voice at Queen's Park as they promise?

It was one of the questions posed at a debate in Stratton Thursday night.

Liberal candidate Anthony Leek says it comes to being able to convince southern Ontario of the north's potential.

P.C. candidate Rod McKay says the riding needs to have representation on the government's side.

The NDP's Sarah Campbell says her party would form a committee who's main focus would be to ensure policies at Queens Park work for the north.

Candidates Healthy


The candidates in Kenora-Rainy River are healthy.

All of them have signed on to be "Healthy Candidates" with the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

It's their pledge to invest more to promote and support better health in Ontario.

Emergency Room Help


Emergency room care at the Rainy River Health Centre will continue in October.

The departure of one of two full-time physicians in Rainy River put the hospital's emergency room in jeopardy.

But Riverside Health Care Facilities CEO Wayne Woods says some help is arriving.

Woods says they're still working on a more long-term solution to the doctor shortage.

Boil Water Advisory


Atikokan residents are having to boil their water today.

A boil water advisory has been issued by the Northwestern Health Unit following a power failure at the town's water treatment plant.

The Health Unit is advising water to be consumed should be boiled at least one minute before using.

Fence Rhetoric


Plans to fence parts of the Canada-U.S. border is being called political rhetoric.

Thunder Bay Rainy River M.P. John Rafferty says the U.S. proposal isn't necessary.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection will begin public meetings Monday on its plans to bolster border protection.