Friday, December 27, 2013

Christmas Robbery

Thunder Bay Police are asking for the public's support in finding a caucasian male who is believed to be involved in the robbery of an Arthur Street Mac's Milk Christmas Day. He is approximately six feet tall, was wearing a blue/grey DC sweater and had tan gloves on. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers or Thunder Bay Police.

Labour Negotiations Across NWO

20 local personal support workers with the Red Cross Care program head back to work today. Their union the SEIU announced that the strike was over on their website Christmas Eve. Meanwhile, more labour unrest in the region....Unifor is applying for conciliation this week after talks with Dryden's Revera Home Health Care broke down on Monday. The health care workers last contract expired June 1st and the two sides met numerous times since October in an attempt to reach a new Collective Agreement covering the 35 Personal Support Workers. Unifor will also resume conciliated talks with Revera in mid-January for over 25 office and client services staff based in Thunder Bay who are seeking their first contract.

Stabbing At Mall

A 19 year old man is recovering from two stab wounds to the leg after an incident at the Intercity Mall yesterday afternoon.  Police received the call about an altercation that occurred in the mall between a group of young people.  Officers found two accused males in the parking lot of the CLE grounds a short time later, both individuals are facing several charges.

Budget Meeting Coming To T.Bay

Northwestern Ontario residents will get their opportunity to provide input into the provincial budget. A legislative committee plans to hold a pre-budget hearing in Thunder Bay in the middle of next month. Those wishing to make a presentation, must contact the clerk of the committee by January 9th.

Campbell Opposed To Gas Tax Increase

Kenora-Rainy River MPP Sarah Campbell is strongly opposing a provincial plan to raise the gas tax to 10-cents to pay for public transportation expansion in southern Ontario. Campbell notes the move would be a slap in the face to northerners. Campbell says the extra 8-cents a litre that the province has charged since the implementation of the HST should be going to public transportation across the province.

Levesque Talks Courthouse Funding Issues

Thunder Bay's Police Chief JP Levesque is going to be bringing a 36.5 million dollar budget to City Council in the New Year.  Levesque says one of the issues they continue to struggle with is a need for more funding for officers posted to the new court house.  They currently receive 522-thousand dollars for the positions but it costs over a million dollars to provide that security.  Levesque says they'll continue to ask the Province for a bigger share in funding.

ROF Priority For Gravelle

Thunder Bay Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle is reflecting on 2013. Gravelle says he understands that Cliff's announcement that they were ceasing their work on the mining project will be one of the biggest events in 2013. He feels the development isn't dead in the water and will move forward in 2013.

Hyer Reflects On 2013

There's no doubt in MP Bruce Hyer's mind what the highlight of 2013 has been. Hyer says as the year winds down it's his health issues which stand out. Hyer says his move to the Green Party is the other highlight from this year.