The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board however are assuring residents that there will be more consultations with the community before a final decision is made.

The next steps are with Dryden Council as the city would have to approve the rezoning of the property first to permit the re-development to go forward.

At issue is what could be called a bridge program that would allow 14 and 15 year-old students to make an easier transition to high school. The long-term goal is increasing the number of Aboriginal students who would be better prepared for high school, and therefore be graduating from high school and in many cases moving forward to college or university.

For more information visit Keewatin Patricia District School Board.

Meetings will be held in North Bay, Timmins, Cochrane and Englehart during the week of June 18th.

“This government proceeded with a fire sale of Ontario Northland with no prior consultation of communities or stakeholders in the North,” said Fedeli. “We want to visit the communities most affected by this decision to hear their thoughts, concerns, and determine their requirements going forward”.

“It’s especially important to know what current customers of Ontario Northland want and need to ensure their businesses can succeed”.

Fedeli has met with Northern Development and Mines Minister Rick Bartolucci as well as top ONTC officials, also has a meeting scheduled with Infrastructure Ontario this month in Toronto to learn more about the process the government plans to use in dismantling the ONTC. “Ontario Northland continues to be my number one priority,” states Fedeli, “I will work to ensure as many jobs remain in North Bay as possible and service levels are maintained”.

Fort Frances port of entry: Peak traffic volumes are anticipated between 2PM and 6PM on Thursday, May 17, and between 2PM and 6PM on Friday, May 18, when border wait times may exceed 30 minutes.

Travelers across Northwestern Ontario may also choose to enter Canada via the Pigeon River port of entry (peak traffic volumes are anticipated to be between 2PM and 6PM on Thursday, May 17 and between 2PM and 6PM on Friday, May 18) or the Rainy River port of entry (peak traffic volumes are anticipated to be between 2PM and 6PM on Thursday, May 17 and between 2PM and 6PM on Friday, May 18).

Peak traffic volume information and anticipated border wait times are based on historical data. The CBSA anticipates a 4.8 percent increase in traffic this weekend from previous years based on traffic volume trends to date in 2012. The traffic forecast volumes may vary depending on numerous factors, including weather conditions.

Reminder: The changes to the personal exemptions that were announced in the March 29, 2012 Federal Budget do not take effect until June 1, 2012. For more information, consult our fact sheet on New Personal Exemption Limits Effective June 1, 2012.

For more information on border wait times and for instructions on how to receive Twitter messages for border wait times at some ports of entry, visit the CBSA Web site at www.cbsa.gc.ca. You can also visit the Government of Canada Wireless Portal through your Web-enabled mobile device at www.wap.gc.ca or www.gc.ca.

The Keewatin-Patricia District School Board advises that Sioux Mountain Public School and the Queen Elizabeth District High School will remain open. Additional staff will be on hand to ensure the safety of students, and a supply of water will be available for each school.

The power outage is to complete repairs to the main transmission line in the area.

Hydro One estimates that 376 customers will be impacted during the planned outage.

Here are some tips on what to do before the power goes out:

Turn off all tools, appliances and electronic equipment, and turn the thermostat(s) for the home heating system down to minimum to prevent damage from a power surge when power is restored. Also, power can be restored more easily when there is not a heavy load on the electrical system.

Don’t open your freezer or fridge unless it is absolutely necessary. A full freezer will keep food frozen for 24 to 36 hours if the door remains closed.

Protect sensitive electrical appliances such as TVs, computers, and DVD players with a surge-protecting power bar. If you are concerned and don’t have a surge protector, you can unplug those devices.

As I mentioned in last week’s column, the current federal budget is much more than a mere fiscal and economic document. It also proposes fundamental changes to our retirement and Old Age Security program by making Canadians under 54 work two years longer, amending or eliminating 11 environmental laws, and reducing healthcare transfer payments to the provinces by more than $31 billion among other things. If you want to learn more about how the budget is likely to affect you and your family, then please visit http://budget2012.ndp.ca/. You can read about all of the changes for yourself and let us know what you think as we continue our work in parliament.

While I was working on the budget for much of this week I was also made aware of a suicide epidemic currently unfolding in a British Columbia community, a 20 year old toxic spill that has not been cleaned up on the Big Grassy First Nation on Lake of the Woods, and the de-funding of a successful and cost effective program for First Nation children in Thunder Bay. On one issue, I would say that the Conservatives got it right but on the other two they have absolutely abandoned the affected communities.

Epidemics, be they housing or clean water or suicide, are unfortunately nothing new to First Nation’s communities. In one community, the Cowichen Tribes of British Columbia, the number of suicide alerts (yes, they need and have such things) has more than doubled over the last five years and between just February and April this year four men in the community of 4,500 took their own lives. The Chief of the Cowichen Tribes has asked for federal help, and to her credit, Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq appears to be taking the issue seriously and has offered assistance.

I will be writing to the Minister to ask that a national strategy be implemented as communities like Pikangikum near Kenora, which has seen a 20 year long suicide epidemic, require ongoing federal assistance. In the meantime, Ms. Aglukkaq must be commended for her swift response to the Cowichen crisis.

I wish I could say that the federal government’s swift reaction to the Cowichen Nations crisis was the rule, but sadly it is the rare exception.

This week I also learned of a toxic spill on Big Grassy First Nation that occurred in 1992, but has so far remained untreated.

The money for the clean-up of this site, and 142 other toxic spill sites across Canada, has existed since the 2004-05 federal budget, but just $1 billion of the $3.4 billion that was put aside has been spent the Conservatives since they came to power. When I asked the Harper Government about this in Question Period they said they weren’t aware of the Big Grassy case (even though the information is on the Treasury Board’s website), but promised to look into it. Not exactly the swift response we saw in the Cowichen Tribes case to say the least.

Another poor decision related to First Nation matters this week was the Harper government’s decision to de-fund the Biwaase’aa children’s program in Thunder Bay. Biwaase’aa provided in-school and after-school programming for more than a decade to 500 First Nation children that included; providing lunch and after-school snacks, recreational activities, cultural teachings and emotional support for First Nation students at seven elementary schools. Oh, and they provided these services for just $5 per day per student. Now, we all know that the federal government must be careful with our tax dollars, but don’t you think that $5 per day per student for such programming is a considerably better investment than say $1 billion for a three day G8/G20 meeting, or $27 billion for just 65 fighter jets? Me too.

In all, it was another week of budget secrecy and very weak performance on First Nation’s issues by the Harper Government. For our part, New Democrats will continue to work for a more open and accountable government and more timely, effective, and sensible investment in First Nation health matters moving forward.

John Rafferty MP
Thunder Bay Rainy River

There are events on all weekend at Crocks on Cumberland – On Sunday there is the ‘Long Weekend Dance Party’ and on Saturday night there is the Saturday Night Long Weekend Party featuring Electrocity and DJ Swagless.

At the Ruby Moon on Court Street, in the Waterfront District, its Open Mic this Friday and Saturday night. Registration is free. Get a chance to win $100, 2 free drinks and dinner on Moon. Audience and staff will choose one winner each evening. For more information visit Open Mic Night at Ruby Moon.

Fort William Historical Park reports, “We’re open! Starting Saturday, May 19th there will be offering guided tours every 45 minutes. Tours begin at the Tour Shelter/ Native Encampment and are 1-1.5 hrs in length. “Visitors will experience the site through the eyes of one of Fort William’s colourful inhabitants”.

If you are looking for some local flavour, Jim and his team at Eat Local Pizza share that “The best cherry tomatoes in the city are almost ready… Soon our most popular pizza will be back from its seasonal resting place! Starting on Saturday the Tomato and Basil Pizza made with local ingredients will be yours for the enjoying!

While some players might be headed stateside to shop, Angelo and the team at The Urban Boutique are sharing that their Buy One Get one Free Sale is still happening at The Urban. Check out the details online at Facebook The Urban Boutique! Enter to win concert tix on their Facebook page while you are there.

If you are headed west, to Eagle Lake, you might want to take in the Eagle Lake Annual Spring Pow wow from May 18-20th. For full information visit Eagle Lake First Nation.

For local sports fans, the 2012 Canadian National Youth Dart Championships being held at the Lakehead University Fieldhouse from May 17th until May 21st.

Of course the long weekend is also the time when people start opening up their camps, and getting outdoors.

Do you have something you think our readers need to know about? Share it with us.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit states, “Over the next four months, the city-wide campaign will focus on creating awareness that illegal tobacco is any type of tobacco product that does not include the packaging or labelling that identifies that taxes or duty have been paid. The campaign involves posters and information cards distributed throughout the community and during roadside stops”.

One of the concerns raised has been the lower price of cigarettes and tobacco products on the Fort William First Nation. Those lower prices are being blamed for increased tobacco use in the city. The TBDHU says, “Due to its low price, illegal tobacco is easily accessible to youth, making it more difficult for smokers to quit. It also diverts millions of tax dollars that could be used to fund health care, education and other government programs”.

“Locally, this issue is about protecting youth and improving the health of our community,” says Mike Duranceau, tobacco enforcement officer with the Health Unit. “We know that smoking rates are higher in our region compared to the rest of the province. Access to cheap and illegal tobacco makes it easier for children and youth to start smoking and keeps current smokers hooked.”

“Evidence shows that a 10 per cent increase in the price of cigarettes leads to a 12 per cent decrease in consumption by youth. Youth access to illegal tobacco works against this proven tobacco control measure. Young people who remain smoke-free throughout their youth tend to remain smoke-free as adults, which is why protecting youth from accessing tobacco, illegal or otherwise, is so important”

In June 2011, Ontario took new steps to stamp out illegal tobacco with Bill 186 – Supporting Smoke-Free Ontario by Reducing Contraband Tobacco Act, 2011. This legislation provides new tools to reduce illegal tobacco including: set fine levels, police seizures, raw leaf tobacco regulation and marking schemes.

Members of the Joint Agency Task Force include the Thunder Bay District Health Unit, Thunder Bay Police Service, Crimestoppers, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Ontario Provincial Police and the Anishinabek Police Service.

Assistance for smokers wishing to quit is available at the Thunder Bay District Health Unit or Smokers’ Helpline.

The Thunder Bay District Health Unit also offers information on the traditional use of tobacco by Aboriginal peoples as a part of cultural ceremony.

At the request of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, and on the consent of all parties participating in the May 15th hearing, Presiding Coroner Dr. David Eden has adjourned the hearing to May 23, 2012.

The body of Reggie Bushie, age 15, was recovered from the McIntyre River in Thunder Bay November 1, 2007. He had last been seen alive at the riverside on Oct 26, 2007.

The hearing is expected to last 3 days.

The hearing will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 23, 2012, Boardroom D, main floor auditorium, Government Building, 189 Red River Road, Thunder Bay. Dr. David Eden will preside as inquest coroner and Mr. Derry Millar will be counsel to the Coroner.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Marinating Time: 30 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (50 mL) plain yogurt
• 4 tsp (20 mL) bottled tandoori paste
• 1 lemon
• 1 lb (500 g) boneless skinless Ontario Chicken Breasts or Thighs
• 3 firm but ripe Ontario Peaches or Nectarines
• 1 tsp (5 mL) olive oil
• 3 tbsp (45 mL) finely chopped fresh coriander
• Salt
• 4 small naan bread (optional)
• Raita (homemade or store bought), optional

Preparation Instructions:

In medium bowl, whisk together yogurt, with tandoori paste and 1 tbsp (15 mL) lemon juice. Cut chicken into bite-size chunks; add to yogurt mixture and stir. Refrigerate, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes or covered overnight.

Cut unpeeled peaches into 4 wedges each. In bowl, toss together peaches, 1 tsp (5 mL) lemon juice, oil and 2 tbsp (25 mL) of the coriander..

Thread chicken onto 4 skewers; thread peaches onto remaining skewers. Sprinkle both with salt to taste. Place chicken on greased grill over medium heat; grill, turning occasionally for 7 minutes. Add peach skewers; grill until juices run clear when chicken is pierced and peaches are warm, 2 to 4 minutes. During last minute of cooking, grill naan if using. To serve, top each naan with 1 peach skewer, 1 chicken skewer and dollop of raita. Sprinkle with remaining coriander.

Tip: To prevent peaches from spinning when grilling, thread skewer through top and bottom of each wedge.

Nutritional Information:

1 Serving

• Protein: 28 grams
• Fat: 3 gams
• Carbohydrates: 9 grams
• Calories: 183
• Fibre: 1 gram

Howath asked Premier Dalton McGuinty, “Last week, the government assured this Legislature and the public that First Nations partners were being properly consulted about development in the Ring of Fire. Today, we’re hearing a very different story from the Neskantaga First Nation, whose legal counsel asserts that the government breached its legal duty to consult. Why has this government shown no serious willingness—and those are the First Nations’ words—to address the concerns of Neskantaga and other Mattawa First Nations?”

The Premier responded, “I just want to say that we take our responsibilities very seriously when it comes to consulting with our First Nations partners. We understand there is legal obligation there, but we also feel a sense of responsibility, on behalf of all Ontarians, to make sure that we are working with our First Nations partners, especially when it comes to exciting new opportunities to be found in the Ring of Fire. I know that specific efforts were made to reach out to those communities in the past. We will continue to find ways to move forward.

“None of this is going to be easy, but more than anything else, I think it does represent a hopeful, bright opportunity, especially when it comes to resource benefit sharing with our aboriginal partners, to ensure that they can participate in economic growth as we move forward”.

In her supplementary question, Horwath said, “Well, according to media reports, Neskantaga Chief Peter Moonias is afraid to say hi to the minister for fear that the McGuinty government will interpret that as meaningful consultation. It’s clear that the government is bungling this, and thousands of jobs in the Ring of Fire for northerners actually hang in the balance. When will this government stop putting the cart before the horse and have a full discussion with First Nations partners that includes a proper environmental assessment and the creation of a regional decision-making forum?”

The Premier deferred the question to Kathleen Wynne, the Liberal Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. The Minister said, in response, “As I have said in this House, we are very clear that in order for the Ring of Fire development to go forward—and remember that the Ring of Fire is the most promising economic mineral development opportunity in the north that we’ve seen in a generation, so in order for it to go forward in the best way possible, we know that this is a partnership: the federal government, First Nations, the provincial government and the companies working together.

“So we’ve been very clear that the formal process of engagement will begin. There was a business decision that was made, and in order for First Nations not to discover the day of the announcement in the newspaper, we reached out to many of the communities the day before. We had a conversation with them.

“But we’ve been making investments for a year. We’ve invested $8 million in the Ring of Fire communities. We will continue that engagement now”.

The Minister’s answer appears to be contrary to a Supreme Court of Canada decision that the Neskantaga First Nation’s lawyers raised in a letter to Minister of Northern Development and Mines Bartolucci. Naskantaga’s legal team stated, in a letter to the Minister, “”Further, your Ministry and the project proponent, Cliffs Natural Resources Inc. have been well aware that the proposed project and its related infrastructure will have significant adverse impacts on the Neskantaga lands, culture and aboriginal interests. Despite this knowledge, Ontario has proceeded with discussions with the proponent and other First Nations to the exclusion of Neskantaga. We are now advised that your Ministry has announced that Ontario intends to proceed with this project, and to provide funding to the proponent for infrastructure without having fulfilled the duty of consultation and many other First Nations directly affected”

The letter to the Minister continued, “In Rio Tinto Alcan v Carrier Sekani Tribal Council (SSC 2012 43), the Supreme Court of Canada confirmed “the duty to consult extends to the strategic, higher level decisions that may have an impact on Aboriginal claims and rights” and “is not confined to the government exercise of statutory powers”. In Kwikwetlern v BCUC (2009 BCCA 68) the BC Court of appeal found that the duty extends “at every stage of a Crown activity that has the potential to affect their Aboriginal interests” and applies to the choice of options well before statutory decisions have been applied for or made”.

Minister Wynne’s answer led to the New Democrat leader next question, “The promise will not be realized unless this government gets serious about doing right by First Nations in northern Ontario. New Democrats have long called, in fact, for a stand-alone Minister of Aboriginal Affairs who can devote their full attention to the priorities concerning First Nations. The mishandling of the Cliffs announcement only underscores this need. It is very clear: This has to happen in Ontario.

“When will this government take their duty to consult with First Nations seriously and dedicate resources to do so?”

Wynne responded “This is the government that set up a stand-alone Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, not that party when they were in office. We set up the ministry and we are working in conjunction with First Nations. We are very clear that there will be a formal engagement, there will be a discussion.
I say to the leader of the third party, she has a choice right now. She has a choice—”.

That led to some uproar in the legislature.

Interjection: Calm down. Calm down, lady.

The Speaker (Hon. Dave Levac): I did not find that appropriate.  Minister?

Wynne responded, “Mr. Speaker, the member opposite who shouted out “calm down”—I really believe that there’s a need for an emotional engagement on this issue. I think that this is an important moment in Ontario’s history and the importance of it is that we work together and that we not undermine the process.

“There is a history of neglect and of conflict that we have to overcome in terms of working with our First Nations people. It is our commitment to do that. It is our commitment that the 1,100 jobs that are available will be shared with First Nations and we are going to work to make that happen.”

Last week Minister of Finance Dwight Duncan reported that there would be 1200 jobs for First Nations. It is starting to appear that the McGuinty government needs to co-ordinate the speaking points for all of its Ministers so that the Liberals are all speaking from the same page.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 8 minutes

Makes: 8 slices

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
• 1 Ontario Onion, halved and thinly sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (15 mL) balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp (5 mL) granulated sugar
• 8 to 10 stalks Ontario Asparagus, cut into 1/2-inch (1 cm) pieces
• 1 medium Ontario Greenhouse Tomato, chopped
• 1 tsp (5 mL) dried basil
• Salt and pepper
• 1 baked 12-inch (30 cm) whole wheat pizza crust
• 3 tbsp (45 mL) chèvre cheese, crumbled

Preparation Instructions:

In frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat; sauté onion and garlic until softened and golden, about 8 minutes. Add vinegar and sugar; stir. Add asparagus; cook for 3 minutes. Add tomato, basil, and salt and pepper to taste; cook for 1 minute.

Spread asparagus mixture over whole-wheat pizza crust; top with chèvre cheese.

Place pizza directly on middle oven rack (for softer, chewier crust, bake on cookie sheet). Bake in 375°F (190°C) oven (or according to pizza crust directions on package) for 6 to 8 minutes or until crust browns. Broil for 2 minutes or until cheese begins to bubble.

Nutritional Information:

1 Slice

• Protein: 5.0 grams
• Fat: 4.0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 27.0 grams
• Calories: 171

Canadian Blood Services claims there is an excess supply of plasma while at the same time it has announced plans to import over 20,000 litres from suppliers in the United States collected from paid donors.

Now we hear that a private for-profit company in Toronto has applied to Health Canada to start paying donors for plasma to sell to Canadian Blood Services. This is insanity. Provinces will spend over $300 million a year for imported blood products. The World Health Organization warns that paying for plasma increases the risk of blood-borne diseases. The Krever report said donations should never be paid for.

Thunder Bay blood donors want an investigation. We need safe blood from Thunder Bay volunteer donors. We need to keep our Canadian health system public.

Bruce Hyer MP
Thunder Bay Superior North

George Gasbarrino, Director of Human Resources in Thunder Bay said, “The commitment of our Thunder Bay employees to the local community is truly inspiring. The Employee Fund is making a significant difference in the lives of thousands of families in Thunder Bay and their efforts show that Bombardier employees are world-class.”

The Bombardier Thunder Bay Employee Fund is organized by a volunteer committee which encourages employee contributions through payroll deductions and other annual activities. Recipient charities in 2011 included the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, George Jeffrey Children’s Centre, Lakehead Search and Rescue, Northern Cancer Research Foundation, Thunder Bay & District Humane Society, and the largest contribution of $13,562 to the United Way of Thunder Bay.

As a global organisation, Bombardier has a strong ethic of corporate social responsibility, with a focus directed towards the 3Es of Education, Environment and Entrepreneurship. United Way Worldwide is an organisation that Bombardier has partnered with in various countries and that supports projects linked to the 3Es around the world. In addition, with 76 sites worldwide, Bombardier encourages its employees to participate directly in supporting their local communities and causes for which they have a particular affinity – such as the Thunder Bay Employee Fund.

Gasbarrino added, “Bombardier employees are always encouraged to volunteer and participate in the communities where we do business. In 2012, we are looking for new ways to support our employees and enhance their efforts to make positive community contributions and specifically in areas that address important social and environmental issues.”

Canadian Olympic Committee President Marcel Aubut outlined just some of the details behind the massive fundraising event in support of young Quebec and Canadian high performance athletes.

“Preparations for this event are in their final stages and with each passing day, I grow more inspired by the generosity and determination of those working on this monumental task,” said Mr. Aubut. “I am especially proud to report that the Quebec business community has exceeded even my dearest hopes in terms of their generosity towards this worthwhile cause.”

The luncheon will be attended by 120 Canadian athletes, who between them boast 33 gold, 31 silver and 19 bronze Olympic medals. Also attending will be over 4000 participants, including business leaders from Quebec and Eastern Canada. The President and CEO of Bell Canada and BCE, Geoge Cope is the Honourary Chair of this impressive event.

Mr. Aubut highlighted just some of the metrics surrounding the preparation, including:

delicacies prepared using:

• 650 kg of meat;
• 175 kg cheese;
• 250 kg of fish, lobster and seafood;
• 425 kg of fresh vegetables;
• 75 liters of premium maple syrup; and
• 4,200 quail eggs;
• the heat of 24 ovens and the chill of four 53-foot refrigerator trucks;
• the culinary skills of 7 chefs, 120 cooks and the dexterity of 275 servers;
• the help and support of over 200 volunteers;
• the comfort of 4,100 chairs and 410 tables in a space the size of four football fields;
• the utilization of 14,300 glasses, 24,600 pieces of cutlery and 26,600 pieces of crockery;
• the setting up of 124 speakers, more than 100 rigging components, a 750 sq. ft. LED screen, 2000 sq. ft of projection screens, 9 video projectors, 200 motorized projectors, 300 conventional projectors, 100 LED projectors, 8 53-foot truckloads of technical equipment; and,
• all of this necessitating over 3,000 hours of set-up time, as well as 3,000 production hours.

All of these ingredients will be combined to produce an exceptional event, featuring international stars well known in Quebec, such as Stephan Moccio, Nadja and Mario Pelchat. The artistic component of the show will also include a cultural piece from the Cirque du Soleil.

According to Claude Rousseau, Co-Chair of the event’s organizing committee, “For Quebec, this is the grandest event of this kind ever produced. The challenge is huge, but the team behind it all is up to it, and will re-write history.”

This ban is due to the unusually high fire risk caused by dangerously dry and windy conditions. Burning of any kind is not permitted under any circumstance. This ban is effective immediately and will be maintained until further notice. Please refer to BFN’s website (www.batchewana.ca) for updates on the Fire Ban.

The fire hazard, going into the Victoria Day long weekend, across the North remains high to extreme. For the latest fire conditions visit Fire Mapping.