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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30, 2011

Printed in Canada Volume 117 Number 48

Local candidates get campaigns rolling

By Peggy Revell Staff writer

INSIDE

Ski program helps local boy

Beth Paleczny never thought shed see her six-year-old son, Noah, ski down a slope. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy and autism, he lacks the co-ordination and muscle control required for downhill skiing.

Local candidates have hit the campaign trail following Friday afternoons historic vote that toppled the minority Conservative government. With voters heading to the polls May 2, incumbent NDP MP John Rafferty is looking to hold onto the seat he won in 2008, usurping two-time Liberal MP Ken Boshcoff, who also is back on the campaign trail. Were ready in this campaign, as ready as weve ever been in any campaign, said Rafferty. I dont think any of us really wanted to have an election, but sometimes those things happen and sometimes theyre necessary, he added. Less than a week into the campaign, Rafferty said much of his day-to-day happenings hasnt

changed with the election call hes still meeting as many people, attending as many events, and knocking on as many doors as he could as an MP. Its interesting that theres a real hope that were going to end up with a progressive government at the end of this, Rafferty remarked. And that a lot of people who have said, Oh, we dont need an election now, are going to say, Well, maybe this is a good thing that we did this. Lets hope thats what the outcome is. Boshcoff, meanwhile, will try to turn Thunder Bay-Rainy River back to Liberal red following his defeat in 2008. People have been extremely supportive and very positive, he noted. I have not been so encouraged in years. I think that Canadians appreci-

ate a balanced, responsible approach to government and theres only one party that is offering that, Boshcoff added. But while Rafferty and Boshcoff are seasoned veterans in the riding, both the Conservatives and Green Party have put forward new faces this election. I appreciate that my opponents have experience, but neither of them have ever had a seat at the table, noted Maureen ComuzziStehmann, who is running for the Conservative and also following in the footsteps of her uncle longtime Thunder Bay politician Joe Comuzzi. Im running because for the first time in my life, I can stand behind a man and the government that he representsand thats Stephen Harperand be proud to be part of his team, said Comuzzi-Stehmann. [Harper] has done a fabulous

job, he has focused on Northwestern Ontario, Thunder Bay-Rainy River, including Superior North, and he and his team have focused on our region, which has never, ever had this sort of this focus ever, she stressed. Comuzzi-Stehmann added the community has been very, very kind to her family after three generations, and she wants to now give back. [Rafferty and Boshcoff have] had their opportunity, theyve had their opportunity many times to make a difference in this community and I think its time for a change, she reasoned. If you want the same old, same old, then youre going to vote for what you always have voted. But if voters want a change and you want to make a difference like Greg Rickford, my friend and colleague has done in Kenora then youre going to vote Conser-

vative and youre going to vote for Mo Comuzzi, Rounding out the ballot is newcomer Ed Shields for the Greens, a medical geneticist and retired McGill University professor with two doctoral degrees, who returned back to the Thunder Bay region for retirement after 30 years of teaching. We drastically need new blood, Shields said about Canadian politics, noting the Green Partys platform is much broader than just the environment. Weve had four elections in the last seven years, and we keep getting the same sort of people. We just need new ideas, and the Green Party is filled with new people and new ideas and their ideas are really excellent, he enthused. Since moving back to the region, Shields said hes been pretty much a hermit living in his log cabin in Please see Local, A10

See story on A5

Town opts to reduce police officers

By Duane Hicks Staff writer Town council will stand by its decision to go with an OPP contract for 2011-16 that will reduce the number of constables here from 18 to 16. Council had agreed to ink the contract back in December, but then re-opened discussions Monday evening after receiving a presentation from the OPP last Wednesday regarding the differences between keeping police staffing status quo or reducing officers by 1.95 (hereafter referred to as Option 1 and Option 2). However, talk Monday night made it clear the town feels it cant afford to maintain 18 constables. According to a report from Community Services manager George Bell, the town estimates an increase of $94,975 in costs over the 2010 police budget with Option 2. But if council were to go with Option 1 and remain status quo, it would increase by $259,177. In 2012, the first full year under the new contract, this variance would increase to $362,820 (or a 3.7 percent tax increase). Bell noted the cost per hour of service has increased to $99.97 from $77.70 in the 2006 OPP contract, adding the cost of emergency services is escalating far beyond the municipalitys ability to pay. We had requested a reduction in costs for OPP due to the substantial increase in the last eight or nine years, and its the OPP contract policing . . . that came forward with Option 2, noted Coun. Rick Wiedenhoeft. This is something that came forward from the OPP, it wasnt something we invented locally, he stressed. Given that we received this reduction of 1.95 from contract policing, it still must meet the . . . effectiveness standards of the OPP, Coun. Wiedenhoeft added. I dont think we have to be concerned about the reduction of 1.95 officers, he remarked. Were Please see Town, A10

Ministry backs towns position in uploading spat with DSSAB

By Duane Hicks Staff writer It seems the Town of Fort Frances is right. Having felt for some time that it and other district municipalities have not been getting the full benefit of uploading by the province, town council and administration asked the province for answers and just yesterday heard back from the Ministry of Finance. Reading over the responses to the towns questions, the ministry has indicated the estimated total benefit of 2011 provincial uploads for the Town of Fort Frances is $420,400, just like the town has been saying. The response from the Ministry of Finance I am not surprised about at all, said Coun. Ken Perry, the Fort Frances rep on the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board. Its exactly as I knew it was anyway. He added the town gets Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) allocation sheets every year, which to him are self-explanatory, and all the Ministry of Finance did was verify the fact that we get $420,400 back this year. Those are all verifiable facts because we had the information. I dont know why the administration of DSSAB wanted to turn a blind eye to that, noted Coun. Perry, adding he still doesnt know exactly how DSSAB arrived at the figures it has. I think the DSSAB administration has to take a good look at this, he stressed. I think they are taking a good look at it to see where they may have gone astray, or they may have led the board astray, or maybe where the board led them astray. I wasnt on the board thenI cant say what happened last year because I dont really know, said Coun. Perry. But I just know it has to be fixed. The DSSAB did not return a phone call yesterday seeking comment. Meanwhile, Coun. Perry feels that once this is done, every municipality in the Rainy River District is going to pay less because the uploading is going to give us some freed-up dollars. One of the towns questions was: What was the provinces intended or expected benefits directly for municipalities resulting from the Provincial Municipal Fiscal and Service Delivery Review and the phased-in social assistance uploads? Was it the provinces Please see Ministry, A11

Farmers Night roaring success

It took a lot of hard work and many hours of organizing by the members of the Emo and District Lions Club. In the end, however, their inaugural Farmers Night dinner on Friday was deemed a huge success by both their members and most people on hand.

See story on A7

Syrup sweet tooth

Fourth-grader Cameron Bowles used a popsicle stick to roll up maple syrup that had been boiled and poured onto snow as French students at Robert Moore School created Les sucettes au sirop drable. The sweet treat has been one of many French-Canadian traditions students have been learning throughout the year in Nathalie von Niebelschutzs classes. Peggy Revell photo

FFCBC hoping to draw more local teams

By Duane Hicks Staff writer The Fort Frances Canadian Bass Championship is getting ready for this years tournament, and so far has 81 teams registered. But FFCBC chair Gord Watson would like to see more local teams come aboard. We still dont have the local support were looking for, Watson told council at its regular meeting Monday night. The prize [board] was structured to intrigue more local anglers and it hasnt done so yet. We hope it will in the near future, he noted, adding about 10 percent of the teams registered so far are local while other such tournaments typically sport a 60 percent local representation. Watson said the prize structure was changed so it gives anglers a chance to win money every day, regardless of what position theyre sitting in. If theyre sitting last on the final day, they still have a chance to win decent money, he explained, adding that in the past, some teams had no incentive to fish Day 3 if they were too far behind in the standings. Wed like to see more local angler participation so we see more local fans, Watson reasoned. The field is capped at 120 teams, with the entry fee remaining $1,000 per team. Anglers can check out the revised FFCBC prize board on the tournament website at www.canadianbass.com They also can find entry forms and other tourney information there. Meanwhile, FFCBC directors held several meetings with town committees last week to discuss requests regarding this years tournament, and will be putting together a rental agreement for the arena. Watson emphasized the FFCBC is working hard to make the 2011 event, scheduled for July 17-23, happen with a limited budget. One thing weve stressed all year is we wont be able to cut next year, he remarked. There wont be a next year if we come with a $31,000 debt, he warned. Thats not in our plans at all. I believe everybody knows where we sit financially this year, Watson added. We have a lot of support, we have a lot of good people on our board this year, and with your financial support this year, I believe we can look forward to a great community event for years to come. As previously reported, the FFCBC has offered a list of requests to the town, ranging from committing $5,000 to the operating budget of the FFCBC to waiving launch fees to discussing the possibility of permitting the consumption of alcohol in the entire Ice For Kids Arena in the afternoon during weigh-ins. These requests were referred to the various town executive committees for their recommendations. Council will be hearing back from these committees in the near future.

Lakers left to ponder what if?

The Fort Frances Lakers were hoping to be getting ready for a rematch with the Wisconsin Wilderness in the SIJHL final later this week. Instead, theyre spending the next couple of days packing up their bags and saying their good-byes.

See story on B1

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A10 FORT FRANCES TIMES

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Town opts to reduce number of cops here

More from A1 still going to be well-serviced in this area. They [the OPP] would never have given that proposal to us if it didnt meet their standards, agreed Coun. Paul Ryan. I suggest that we stay with Option 2, said Coun. Paul Ryan. Maybe over time, it will happen, he conceded. But right now, it would be a [3.7] percent . . . increase in taxes [next year] just for policing. If Option 2 is adequate, then I suggest we go with that. I am also in favour of Option 2, said Coun. Andrew Hallikas. I havent heard anything at the meeting that we attended that gave me any reason that I would change my mind from Option 2. I think thats the only option, personally, that we can afford right now, he stressed. I am convinced that we will get good policing with that option. In regards to councils questions about being able to change an OPP contract which has been agreed upon, CAO Mark McCaig noted he and Bell spoke to the OPP and found out that if the town went with Option 1 (status quo), staffing levels could not be decreased part-way through the contract (i.e., the town would be bound by the contract for five years). However, if the town went with Option 2 and were not happy with the impact of the staffing reduction, they could enhance the contract at any time and increase staffing levels. The background of the new contract goes back to last Aug. 23, when council sent a letter to OPP contract services advising them of the concern over escalating policing costs and asking them to provide options to reduce levels of service for councils consideration. A committee was struck to negotiate with the OPP contract services and bring a recommendation back to council. On Nov. 4, Insp. Rod Case and local detachment commander, Insp. John Kendrick, presented two proposalsto remain status quo or reduce staff by twoand did not provide any information on any significant negative impact on policing services if the town went with the second option. On Dec. 20, the proposals were presented to the committee of the whole, which directed Bell to advise OPP contract services that the town would go with Option 2. He contacted Insp. Case on Jan. 12, and is awaiting the complete contract documentation for a bylaw to be prepared. The new contract is up for renewal this June. But as reported in last Thursdays Daily Bulletin, council received a presentation from Insp. Kendrick last week outlining how a reduction to 16 constables could impact service, including that there will be one patrol officer on days and two on nights, instead of the current two on days and two on nights. And when operational requirements within the district exceed the availability of on-duty officers, there will be times when Fort Frances will not have an officer in town. This could result in the creation of some two-officer response issues and an expected increase in overtime. Under Option 2, Insp. Kendrick also noted: reactive responses to calls for services will take a priority over proactive responses; hours associated to proactive assignments (such as community services, Community Drug Action Team, and administration), will be reduced; there will be a reduction in the provincial component of OPP service (such as marine patrols, ATV, and traffic enforcement); and non-essential community policing measures (i.e., grant applications, committee/task force representation, etc.) will be reduced.

Local candidates get campaigns rolling

More from A1 Neebing. I find it kind of ironic that now Im finding myself giving television and radio interviews, he chuckled. It just doesnt seem quite to fitbut Im learning. Its so far turned out to be a wonderful experience. Shields said he decided to run for Parliament for two reasons. I have a son who is a major in the Canadian infantry, and hes spent two tours in Afghanistan and may have to go back again, and his old man spent his life doing research, travelling around the world and working on leprosy and congenital malformations and stuff, but I never really did something for Canada, I felt, he explained. So I felt it was time for me to pull my weight. As well, Shields noted that out of 308 MPs, none hold a PhD in science. We have all these science-related issues, and these people just do not have the background to understand these issues, he argued, adding this leads the government to relying on special interest lobby groups for information. Who in government can make well-informed decisions about science-related issues? Shields asked. [Also] nuclear energy, safe drinking water, safe food supplies, [and] health care? I wonder if business people and lawyers can do thatI think not. I think [other backgrounds are] important, but we need to have someone like me and other scientists to confront the misinformation thats given by special interest lobbyists, he stressed. And with jobs, jobs, jobs as one of the top issues for the region, Shields pointed to his background in science as one of the solutions. Thunder Bay-Rainy River is a wonderful, beautiful area where small companies in biotech, genomics, and pluripotent stem cells would fit well into the fold, he noted. You dont need to ship big products out, you can ship the little test tubes out, he said. So instead of it being done in Vancouver or Toronto, these sort of jobs can be done here. And we have a wonderful lifestyle that should be able to bring small entrepreneurs and business to our areas. The future is biotech and new technology, Shields stressed, saying the economic problems are going to be solved with a new economy that includes biotech, solar, and green energy businessesall which can be done in the region. Jobs are also the main issue for Comuzzi-Stehmann during this campaign, as well. Its very important that we stimulate our economy and try to encourage people to relocate to Thunder Bay a). for lifestyle and b). to help out with our economy, she said, citing the example of one young entrepreneur who will be launching a biotech company this weekend. She encouraged young people to take a chance and use the government support and dollars out there to create jobs. Another important issue is our aging population, said ComuzziStehmann, pointing to the experience of her own family, including her husband who is a senior citizen and who has been able access both the pension-splitting program and Guaranteed Income Supplement. I think that its going to be a huge, huge issue, she remarked. Im here to fight for my mom and for my husband, and for all those who have worked all their life and dont have secure pensions and just depend on Old Age Security. For this election and the region, Boshcoff sees effective representation, seizing the opportunities in the new economy, and protecting those things that are important to Canadians, such as health care and pensions, as being the top issues. A good member of Parliament works hard, delivers, listens to people, and I know that I can do an excellent job at that, he said. This is our time, he stressed. The northwest is really poised to grow and I think that you need the right member federally to make sure that things happen. Theres a narrow window, Boshcoff warned. We can either make sure that all these things happen in the mining sector, in the research, or we can miss the boat. Also important is the protection of pensions, he said. Basically, what weve seen in terms of the Harper government is that were all vulnerable, Boshcoff charged. No matter what age you are, you want to make sure that you have some kind of income security. For Rafferty, the priorities with this election are affordability, retirement security, and health care issues that always have been top of his agenda, the NDPs agenda, and also the biggest concerns constituents brought up during the phone-in town hall meeting he held just prior to the election being called. This recession has been very hard on folks and continues to be, were not out of it yet, he stressed. Lots of people in Northwestern Ontario are having trouble putting food on the table, particularly seniors but others, too. Everything that Ive done in the last two-and-a-half years, Ive tried to always gear towards making life affordable for northerners, Rafferty added. Things like fighting the harmonized sales tax, my bill, C-501, severance and pension security. Rafferty said health care also is a big issue, citing the rising costs that will be seen over the next decade. We need to have a really good dialogue about health care and how we can make it betterwith all the related things with health care: lack of family doctors, and so forth, he said. Its a big top issue of mine and peoples, too. Fort Frances-based campaign offices still are being set up by the candidates. In related news, the Elections Canada returning office in Fort Frances is located at 130 Second St. E., Suite 2 (the Senic River mall). Advanced voting will take place there April 22, 23, and 25.

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FORT FRANCES TIMES A5

Meet the candidates Ken Boshcoff

Liberal candidate Ken Boshcoff is no stranger to Parliament Hill. Boshcoff first represented the Thunder Bay-Rainy River riding in Ottawa following both the 2004 and 2006 elections. Hes also a familiar face in regional politics, having served on Thunder Bay city council for 16 years, including two terms as mayor from 1997-2003. He also served as president of three major municipal organizations, returning to sit on Thunder Bay city council following last falls municipal election. Born and raised in Fort William (now Thunder Bay), Boshcoff holds degrees in political science and economics from Lakehead University, as well as a masters of environmental studies in systems planning from York University. During his time in Parliament, Boshcoff served under Prime Minister Paul Martin and then as the official opposition critic for FedNor focusing on rural, agricultural, and forestry issues. With the goal of heading back to Ottawa to represent the region, Boshcoff said he has three specific policy areas he would work to implement that will benefit Northwestern Ontario. These include: working on a federal contribution plan for assisted-living residences; capping the federal portion of the gas tax after $1 to address the fact we need autos/trucks due to the long distances; and getting the federal government to work with tourist groups to promote regions such as Sunset Country. My skills are in bringing people together, Boshcoff said about what he, as an MP, plans to do to help local industries.

Maureen Comuzzi-Stehmann
You could say politics runs in Maureen Comuzzi-Stehmanns blood. Although hers happens to be Conservative blueunlike her uncle and longtime Liberal politician, Joe Comuzzi, whose footsteps shes following in. Known to many as Moe, Comuzzi-Stehmann grew up in Thunder Bay and holds a B.A. in political science, with a minor in womens studies, from Lakehead University, alongside a Dealership Management Certification from Detroit, Mich. A longtime business professional in the region, Comuzzi-Stehmann currently works at Lakehead Motors, with past experience as managing various other businesses in Thunder Bay. This is her first foray into federal politics. The Government of Canada led by Stephen Harper introduced the Economic Action Plan, noted Comuzzi-Stehmann. And when he is back into Parliament under a majority government, he will then implement the Economic Action Plan Phase II. Both are plans to reduce taxes and provide jobs, improve financial security, and ensure a future of hope and opportunity for our children and grandchildren, she stressed. If elected, Comuzzi-Stehmann listed her priorities on policies that will benefit residents in Northwestern Ontario as: keeping taxes low; encouraging new businesses to locate to the area for lifestyle and employment; ccontinuing senior programs; abolishing the long-gun registry; funding for municipal infrastructure; helping at-risk youth avoid gangs and criminal activity; and increasing doctors and nurses for rural communities. Comuzzi-Stehmann also pointed to the need to continue with the

How to vote
Staff District voters have a variety of ways to cast their ballots in the lead up to Canadas 41st federal election on May 2. Special ballot Those wanting to vote early can take advantage of the special ballot option available for voters. This option will be available up until Tuesday, April 26 at 6 p.m. at the Elections Canada office in Fort Frances (located in the Senic River Mall on Second Street East), as well as other Elections Canada returning offices across the country. The special ballot can be used by both local voters and those from other ridings who wont be able to vote on the day of the election, noted Ruby Douglas, the Another Additional Returning Officer for the Thunder Bay-Rainy River riding. For example, if someone lives in Vancouver but will be in Fort Frances for the election, they can drop by the Elections Canada office here to cast a vote for their candidate of choice in Vancouver, Douglas explained. Advanced polls Advanced polls will be open April 22, 23, and 25 from noon-8 p.m. in two locations for Rainy River District. For those in polling areas 601 and 602, advanced polls will be held at Elections Canada office in Fort Frances. For voters located who fall under Poll 600, advanced polling will take place at the Rainy River rec centre. Election day On Monday, May 2, the polls will open at 8:30 a.m. and close at 8:30 p.m. With 44 voting locations in the region, voters can find where they

Forestry is ready for its rebound and mining will be huge, so it is vital that we elect someone who understands business, government, and community issues, he stressed. The top priorities for government spending should be investment in training and economic development that sees real jobs created, Boshcoff added. Its a solution hes also touting as a way to end the youth outmigration being seen across the northwest. There is a solution and it is quality careers, Boshcoff explained. The northwest is poised for an economic boom and we should have the training to ensure our young people get placed. When it comes to toeing the party line, Boshcoff said he would vote against his party if thats what his constituents wanted. [I] did so many times as an MP and even was identified as a top maverick MP, he remarked. As for voter apathy, Boshcoff said the right to be vote must be made more significant to people of all ages, noting he will become an advocate for democratic appreciation.

John Rafferty
NDP candidate John Rafferty vows to keep fighting for Northwestern Ontario if re-elected on May 2. I will continue the fight to make life more affordable for Northwestern Ontario families, said Rafferty, a teacher and small business owner who was elected MP for Thunder Bay-Rainy River riding in 2008. I will continue to fight for pension fairness, he stressed. I will continue the fight to remove the HST off heat because thats just unfair for northern families. With a $56-billion deficit, Rafferty said Canada cannot afford a $2-billion dollar tax giveaway to already-profitable corporations. Instead of blanket tax cuts, whats needed to sustain and grow jobs are targeted investments and lowering small business tax rates, he argued. Targeted investment to [the forest] industry could have stemmed devastating job losses, that would have been re-paid over the years through increased spending, Rafferty remarked. Wouldnt it have made more sense to invest in keeping people working rather than using that money to pay EI benefits? But instead, the Harper Conservatives and provincial Liberals were just not there for us, Rafferty charged, saying the federal Tories spent more on fake lakes and gazebos for the G8 and G20 summits than theyve spent on forestry in five years. Rafferty also stressed the need to fight U.S. black liquor subsidies that put Canadian mills at a disadvantage. As well, he said FedNor needs to be made a stand-alone agency, and its funding doubled to $100 million per year. Good jobsmade through these targeted investment in the north, FedNor reforms, and getting businesses to hireare the solution for youth out-migration in the region, Rafferty added, citing to the NDPs proposed job creation tax credit and promise to reduce the small business tax rate to nine percent. Secondly, we need to invest in

ongoing support for forest and mining industries in the northwest region. For forestry, it means building on innovation, diversification, market development, and increased competitiveness, she noted, through the Conservatives current forest innovation and market development programs. For mining, its focusing on promoting mineral exploration and to help protect mining communities affected by long-term challenges. As well, the Conservatives will reintroduce and extend the Mineral Exploration Tax Credit, Comuzzi-Stehmann said. She also stressed the importance of providing ongoing support towards education to stem youth out-migration here. This includes supporting the Canada Youth Business Foundation, enhancing the Canada Student Loans program for part-time students, and doubling the work exemption for Canada Student Loans. Comuzzi-Stehmann pointed to the Conservative platform of establishing 30 Industrial Research Chairs at colleges and polytechnics, and support for research partnerships between college and university researchers and students through Canadas research granting councils. She, too, affirmed she would vote against party line as long as the majority of constituents were in favour of the issue.

will be voting by looking on their voter ID card if they have received one by mail, by visiting the Elections Canada website at www.elections.ca and searching their postal code, or by contacting the local returning office at 274-4135. This office will also be open all day on election day for any questions or problems, Douglas said, noting voters can register beforehand or the day of to vote. Required ID Voters must bring identification to prove both their identity and address. One option is to bring an original piece of government-issued ID that has your photo name and address on itsuch as a drivers licence or the newest Ontario Health Cards. The other option is to have two original pieces of authorized identification, with both pieces having your name and one having your address. This could be a passport or health card paired with documents such as a utility bill, bank/ credit card statement, government cheque/stub, etc. Voter ID cards can be brought with you to the polling station, but are not required to vote. Elections Canada also allows for a third option for those without ID, with the voter taking an oath and having an elector with ID, and from the same polling division (i.e., neighbour, roommate), vouch for them. Workers needed With May 2 fast approaching, there are varying positions available with Elections Canada for polling stations from Rainy River to Fort Frances, noted Douglas. Training will be provided for the positions, which are paying. Anyone interested in working on election day can call our office at [274-0559], said Douglas.

Ed Shields
Ed Shields is hoping Thunder Bay-Rainy River will make Canadian history on May 2 by electing a Green Party MP, as well as the only Ph.D. scientist in Parliament. Im a new kind of candidate with new 21st-century knowledge and ideas, and not the same old thing, vowed Shields, a now-retired medical geneticist and McGill University professor with two doctoral degrees, who returned back to the Thunder Bay region after 30 years of teaching. As a scientist, Shields said his focus for helping Northwestern Ontario constituents would be on opening up jobs in the bio-tech industry (i.e., genomics and nanotechnology), as well as green business and manufacturing. All of these jobs can be done in Northwest Ontario, he stressed, adding policies also should be in place to allow local residents to take advantage and profit from green energy. With proper management, forestry is a sustainable industry and excellent carbon sink, Shields noted, alongside value-added products, such as bio-tech generated biofuels and cellulose recomposition products. Mining, on the other hand, is not sustainable, he said, arguing it has a tendency for big companies to profit instead of local people. But as it creates local jobs, Shields stressed the need for strong environmental controls. Health care, including elder care and home care, should be a priority for government spending, noted Shields, but added there are creative means to address many of our health-care problems without great expenditures. Merely throwing money at a problem isnt always the best solution, he reasoned, pointing to ideas such as physicians receiving a salary versus being paid by procedure and patient, increasing the number of physician assistants and nurse practitioners, and prevention. Quality education for the socalled new economy jobs for all

Late ice-out likely this year

Are you dreaming about the sparkling freedom of an open lake? Nature certainly is working towards making this happen, although at a much slower pace than last year when all the lakes in the district were free of ice by April 10. This year, theres still as much as 20 inches of ice in placeseven though the tributaries gush with run-off. However, this makes for an exciting time to observe animals. Many areas close to the shoreline are exploding with life. This past week, I perched myself by a shallow bay and within a few minutes watched a mink slither and slide, beavers mew and chew, bald eagles soar, and mallards flap. Then on my way home, I spotted a wolf sauntering slowly on the ice, far off in the distance. What a glorious time. But even with all this condensed animal activity, Im still really looking forward to break-up. Also, Im following the Fort Frances Times weekly poll about when it will happen. As of press time, 61% of 365 responders predicted Rainy Lake will open between May 1 and May 15. And looking at Clearwater Lake (which tends to clear around the same time as Rainy), this seems reasonable. My husband and I have a bet going on, as well. Ive chosen May 7 as my ice-out date while hes predicting April 29. If Im right, this years ice-out still will be far from the record latest time (May 22 for Rainy Lake back in 1950). My prediction isnt a popular one, especially since it requires cool weather, but I like winning. In fact, I even did a little research

Blueberry Island
By Joanna Loney before placing my guess. What I learned is that ice melts from the bottom up. This detail, added to what we all know (that snow blocks the light needed to warm the water), tells me that were behind the average May 3 break-up date. In other words, the transfer of light is really important, which isnt happening right now because of the recent snow. Plus, the ice isnt creating the optimal greenhouse effect of trapping heat. But its not just this little bit of reading that helped me to place my bet. I also augured some holes (and froze my arm) in the guise of research. What I discovered is that the ice (not including air pockets) is still hard in most places. Theres two-three inches of soft ice on the top (above a small layer of water) and then 12-17 inches of harder ice below. The underbelly of the ice has holes due to a few warm spells, but it is firm. So, I think it will be at least a week before the ice really starts to form those really long, vertical candles needed for the heavy transfer of heat, light, and liquid. But, when this does happen, the finale is near. Miles and miles of delicate crystals will shift in the wind, and animals will spread out in the distance. The sounds will change, too. Depending on the waves, the tinsels will sing and whistle, or they will clatter like mountains of tiny tambourines. Either way, the last stage is brief, and will be followed by a sparkling blue freedom once again.

colleges and universities so youth can get training in our region rather than being forced to study elsewhere, he continued. Rafferty said government priorities also should be on sustainable pensions so seniors dont live in poverty, and hiring more doctors and nurses. As to whether or not he toes party line when voting in Ottawa, Rafferty pointed to his own vote towards abolishing the long-gun registrythe direction constituents had given him. My record is clear. My constituents come first, he stressed. Meanwhile, when it comes to restoring public faith in politicians, Rafferty said the Senate represents everything that is wrong with Ottawa and should be scrapped. This is something Harper said he would dobut instead has appointed his own supporters, like past governments, said Rafferty. On a local level, Rafferty cited the importance of MPs staying in touch with constituents. Being accessible, and hearing and acting on peoples concerns, is the best way to restore faith in elected representatives, he argued, pointing to how he tries to get to each community regularly, sends out riding surveys, and holds town hall-style meetings.

Northwestern Ontarians and First Nation people also should be a priority, Shields said, emphasizing the need for start-up grants for biotech and green entrepreneurs, environment stewardship funds for local green energy research, development, and production, and farmers markets and local food. Education and jobs also are what is needed to turn the tides on youth out-migration from the region, he agreed. We must ensure that our youth are well-educated to adapt to the jobs in bio-tech and green business and manufacturing in Northwestern Ontario, he said. Good jobs and a clean, green, and beautiful environment will be a magnet to keep our youth at home, he argued. As a scientist, Shields pointed to his own role to help restore public trust in democracysaying he can help dampen the corrosive effects of special-interest lobbyists on scientific issues before Parliament. Special-interest political clout frequently trumps the public will this is non-democratic, he remarked, adding he can help clear the fog of misinformation. Noting that the Green Party is not monolithic, Shields said he would vote against the party line if its what his constituents wanted. But he also stressed he would work very hard to clearly explain, and to likewise understand, all parameters of the problem in order to develop greater depth of understanding and information for both the constituents and the party.

Letter to the editor Great inspiration

Dear editor: Coach: A trainer of sports players and athletes. To me, Dave Bondett was much more than that. For the last five years, Dave not only has been moulding me and my curling teammates into the club champions we have become, but he has helped me become the young woman I am today. Not only did Dave spend hundreds of hours perfecting our deliveries and brushing techniques, but he taught us how to set and achieve our goals. Most importantly, he taught us how to be a team. Dave always has emphasized the importance of healthy communication and teamwork. He used to say that it wasnt one person who makes the shot, but that it is a team who makes a shot. It was with his many quotes, team meetings, and words of wisdom that our team has been able to reach the skill level that we are at today. Dave has been a leader to many at the Fort Frances Curling Club. The Muskie curling program was extremely lucky to have had a coach with the patience and dedication that Dave has provided. I would also like to thank Daves wife, Mary Lynn. She has always supported us and has been very understanding of the time that Dave has spent with the team. We will miss us both as we go our separate ways in the fall. Daveyou have inspired me like none other. Thanks to you, someday I will reach the top of the mountain. And when I do, you can be guaranteed that I will smile and remember the man who changed my life. Signed, Samantha Mueller, Fort Frances, Ont. (on behalf of the Muskie girls curling team)

Getting rid of goutweed my spring project

I was looking at my calendar of events that I look forward to. Last year, I made my first trip to the cabin on April 15. It was the earliest I have ever ventured there. Another year it was this coming weekend. As Ive discovered, the annual spring lawn raking, the first trip to the cabin, and the planting of perennials can vary as much as a month. Spring, alas, is so unpredictable. Normally by the last weekend in April, my yard is fully raked and all the debris and branches that have dropped in the yard are picked up. Im not so sure this will all happen by the end of April this year. Winter seems slow to end, as everyone is agreeing with. Winter played a cruel trick across Canada last weekendand Mother Nature clearly has told us

From the Publishers Pen

she is going to make us wait for the summer boating and cabin season. In the district, there is a legend that winter will end after the fourth snowfall following the return of the seagulls. Last weekends snowfall, if the legend is correct, marks the end of winter. When the snow was piling up through December and January, we all were complaining about how much water we would be facing in the spring and that the lakes would be high. With the slow melt and run-off,

more water has been filling up the water table. That has been good for the district. As I walked around my yard yesterday, the tulips were up and one bunch already had a flower bud on it. The day lilies that make up most of my flower garden, meanwhile, had pushed their way into the snow and early last week were starting to shoot upwards. Yesterday, the yellow green colour that announces their coming looked shockingly pale. They, too, cant fathom the cruel joke Mother Nature has played. The maple trees that were getting ready to burst into leaf around my yard a year ago still lie dormant waiting for warmer weather to arrive. Any green grass that was visible last week seems to have slipped back into tawny brown. The only plants that seem to be thriving are the weeds Im trying to

eliminate. When goutweed first started appearing along my hedge line, I thought it was wonderful. Over the next decade, though, it managed to choke out some flowering shrubs. And in the past few years, it has tried to invade my lawn. It is no longer welcome. I had hoped that mowing the goutweed last year would cause it to perish. Not so. The leaves are growing and the seed that I threw down last fall does not appear ready to sprout. Trying to dig the goutweed out and removing all the roots has been a futile exercise. Im told the solution to my problem involves putting wet layers of newspaper down over top the goutweed and then covering it with topsoil. I hope this works for me. It is my project for the spring.

$1.19 plus 6 HST, $1.25 U.S.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2011

Printed in Canada Volume 117 Number 52

Candidates upbeat heading into final days

By Peggy Revell Staff writer

INSIDE

Local candidates are riding a wave of optimism as the May 2 federal election draws near. Ill just keep knocking on doors Ill keep on knocking on doors right til the election, incumbent John Rafferty, the NDP candidate, said yesterday morning. Ill be knocking on doors and talking to people, listening to their concerns, he vowed. Its what hes been doing, not only during this campaign but over

the last two-and-a-half years as MP for Thunder Bay-Rainy River, which he says has included listening and talking to people, and getting his directions from constituents for what needs to be done in Parliament. In talking to people, Rafferty said whats at the top of his list of prioritiesaffordability, retirement security, and health careare what other people are concerned about, as well. Mr. Harper [said] just before the election that as far as the economy is concerned, its mission accom-

plished, Rafferty noted. Well, its not mission accomplished in Northern Ontario and I suspect in many other areas of Canada. So that spurs me on to continue the work that Im doing because its at almost every door step thats a big concern, he added. And while he doesnt know if statistics will bear him out, Rafferty said in talking to people, it seems that more are engaged in this election compared to past ones. I dont know if thats going to be

the end result if more people come out and vote. I hope they do, he remarked. [But] thats the overwhelming sense that I getthat people are interested, and people are going to be going out to vote. As well, he said that almost every young person he has talked to is planning to cast a ballot, particularly first-time voters. So theyre engaged and I think that thats a good sign, too. The momentum for us is growing, said Liberal candidate Ken Boshcoff.

The support seems to be increasing and everybody here is very, very upbeat, he noted. Boshcoff, who represented the riding following the 2004 and 2006 elections, is hoping to regain the seat he lost to Rafferty in 2008. And with a close race between himself and Rafferty this time around, it means that everything counts, Boshcoff stressed. So here we go. Theres no shutouts in any political process, but I have to say Please see Candidates, A5

Candidates tackle local issues

Aiming to win the hearts and votes of local residents, the four candidates vying for the Thunder Bay-Rainy River seat squared off here last Wednesday evening at a forum organized by the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce.

Local wait list still growing for adults with disabilities

By Peggy Revell Staff writer Local families and advocates are calling on the province to take action as the wait lists for support services for adults with developmental disabilities have hit an all-time high both in Fort Frances and across Ontario. Provincial funding announced in last months budget for supports and services for people with developmental disabilities is welcome, but its not enough to ensure existing programs are stabilized and the needs of families on wait lists are met, warned Alanna Barr, executive director with Community Living Fort Frances and District, which serves the region from Rainy River east to Lac La Croix First Nation and north to Nestor Falls. There currently are 53 people on the local agencys wait list, Barr noted, and nine of those are waiting for 24-hour support. Its the highest number their wait

See story on A5

Daughter treasures war memorabilia

Dawn Sharpe never knew her biological father. In fact, Donald Keith Nelson died during World War II before she was born. But the Edmonton resident now has a piece of the father she never knew after receiving some of his war medals, trinkets, and old letters, which were discovered here in Fort Frances last month.

list has ever reached. Meanwhile across the province, some 23,000 people with a developmental disability are on wait lists for services, with 12,000 of those waiting for residential supports, Barr said. But while these numbers continue to climb, funding has stalled. For several years now, the province has asked agencies that support individuals with a developmental disability to do more with little new funding investment in the sector, Barr explained. In 2008/09, the province required that supports and services delivered by the sector be increased without providing any new funding. Then last year, Barr said more than $20 million in funding that the province had committed to Community Living agencies was redirected to pay for changes required under new provincial legislation. Please see Local, A6

DSSAB to undergo operational review

By Peggy Revell Staff writer Looking to curb the ever-expanding budget of the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board, municipal reps approved a motion last Thursday to proceed with a complete operations and efficiency review of the board. This all started right back when we first started doing the budget and we talked about cutting jobs, cutting this, cutting that, Morley Reeve Moe Henry said during last Thursday nights meeting. My point was that there were some of us who had no idea what peoples jobs were, what they did, what they didnt do, or anything like that, Reeve Henry noted, referring to the hesitation various reps expressed during the 2011-12 budget process over simply making cutsand the ensuing discussion from that to hire an outside firm to look at the boards efficiency and operations. It wont only include the employees, it will also include the operations of the board because I think the board has to have a reviewthe whole [organization], he stressed. There also is the possibility of looking to the province to fund the operational efficiency review given money saved also will benefit the province. The board approved the motion put forward by Reeve Henry that will see it seek proposals from an outside consultant to review the entire operations of the [Rainy River] DSSAB and bring forward recommendations to increase the efficiencies of the entire organization, as well as petition various ministries to fund this review. In other business at last Thursdays meeting, concerns were raised over the vote held at the special board meeting held March 25 to amend the DSSABs 201112 budget. In the initial budget approved earlier in March, $11,350 in materials for social housing accidentally had been removed as alterations were made to the budget in the hours leading up to it being passed. A special meeting then was held to reinstate this amount into the budget. But following Roberts Rules of Order, as laid out by DSSAB chair and La Vallee Reeve Ross Donaldson, a two-thirds majority was not achieved to make the amendment. [For] Roberts Rules of Order, the number-one thing is that the majority should speak, said Chapple Coun. Rick Neilson, who was concerned over the notification prior to the meeting and the interpretation of Roberts Rules. Please see DSSAB, A6

See story on B1

Cleaning up
Local Sparks Tatum Kielczewski-Ronmark and Joelle Bruyere, along with other local Girl Guides, did their part to help keep Fort Frances clean by picking up litter along the waterfront last Wednesday evening in the lead-up to Earth Day, which fell on Good Friday this year. Peggy Revell photo

Cain looking forward to NCAA

Its been a little bit longer of a wait than he would have liked, but Fort Frances native Mitch Cain now is getting ready for the next part of his hockey career after signing his official letter of intent with Bemidji State two weeks ago.

Obama wont be at tug-of-war

Staff The president of the United States will not be attending the international tug-of-war between Fort Frances and International Falls on July 2. While the City of International Falls had invited President Barack Obama to the event, which this year will coincide with the dedication of the new James Oberstar Riverfront Complex across the river, White House staff officially have informed Mayor Shawn Mason he will not be attending, Falls CAO Rod Otterness noted yesterday. However, the tug-of-war task force has plenty of invitations out to various politicians and athletes from both sides of the border, and are hopeful a good number of celebrities will make appearances. We have confirmations from Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken. We do not have confirmations yet from our new representative, Chip Cravaack, said Otterness, adding they also are hopeful that Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton can make it. I am very hopeful were going to get some good names, Otterness added, noting that task force member Robin Bjorkquist has been Please see Obama, A5

See story on C1

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Wednesday, April 27, 2011

FORT FRANCES TIMES A5

Candidates tackle local issues during forum here

By Peggy Revell Staff writer Aiming to win the hearts and votes of local residents, the four candidates vying for the Thunder Bay-Rainy River seat squared off here last Wednesday evening at a forum organized by the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce. About 50 people turned out to the Civic Centre to hear the candidates answer questions from local media and organizations on topics which had been pre-selected by the Chamber, including the international border crossing here, pension reform, the forest industry, maintaining Canadas economic position, and economic development. Citing the recent case of celebrity Charlie Sheen being allowed into the country for a pair of shows in Toronto, Wayne Helliar of the North Western Ontario Tourism Association asked how there can be this difference in treatment when tourists coming into Northwestern Ontario are refused entry at the Fort Frances and Rainy River border crossings for minor offensesand how to correct this unfair situation. First to answer the question was Green Party candidate Ed Shields, who admitted he is not as knowledgeable about border issues but stressed those crossing the border should all be treated equally. Tourism is an important area of our economy, especially here, and [if] we dont have free and open borders and welcoming borders, I think it hurts our economy drastically, he remarked. I think the government has to address that aggressively, Shields added. Conservative hopeful Maureen Moe Comuzzi-Stehmann also stressed the importance tourism has on the local economyand called Charlie Sheen unusual issue that should have never happened. She said the government has a strong role to play in alleviating the red tape when it comes to border crossing, and vowed to work very diligently to make sure this red tape is removed. We need to take away the responsibility from the Customs officers because apparently its at their discretion as to who is allowed in and whatever Customs officer is on duty depends on who gets across, noted Comuzzi-Stehmann, adding ultimately never implemented by the last Parliament. Citing the launch of the biomass boiler in Fort Frances, and new innovative forest product companies that are in development, Boshcoff stressed the industry can be revitalized. The reality is this in the last two years, Mr. Harper spent more in 48 hours at the G20 summit in Toronto on fake lakes, on gazebos, on a whole host of other things than he spent on forestry in five years, charged Rafferty, who has been the NDPs forestry critic. With American companies putting in subsidies for their own forestry companies, Rafferty said he has spent the past two-and-ahalf years fighting to match the U.S. subsidieslike the black liquor subsidyor convince the Americans to drop that subsidy. Its not at an end, though, as the Americans have introduced a crop biomass subsidy worth $12 billion over 12 years that Canadians will have to compete with, he warned. Funding also needs to come through to fight the pine beetle, said Rafferty, also raising the alarm over the provinces new allocation rules will mean no, or virtually no, secondary wood industry in Ontario. Shields, meanwhile, touted the forest industry as a sustainable one with proper management, and an excellent carbon sink. With 30 percent of the worlds boreal forest, the management of this resource in a sustainable matter is important, he said, stressing the need to protect it from pine beetle incursions and climate change. Areas such as value-added manufacturing and biotech also need to be encouraged with the industry, Shields stressed. Innovation, diversification, market developments, and increased competitiveness all can help forestry, said Comuzzi-Stehmann. Conservative plans include extending the current forest innovation and market development programs, she noted. These programs will help forestry companies to diversify and to expand their markets through the value for wood program, the Canadian wood export program, and North American wood first initiative, she argued, stressing the need for the industry to change with the future to remain viable. We all have had family members affected by the forest industry, Comuzzi-Stehmann said, reiterating the importance the industry has in all the communities. I will work very diligently with all stakeholders and our federal government to ensure that we will have a place in our future in the forest industry, she pledged. Eliciting some chuckles, and to get candidates to think on their toes, the Fort Frances Times asked the four candidates what their favourite type of pizza wasand how it relates to their partys platform as well as Canadas economic prosperity and place in the world. It would have to be a Canadian pizza, seems to meand the answer is because its all our own, replied Rafferty, who was first to tackle the question. If were going to have economic stability, if were going to move forward, its going to be Canadas choice, he stressed. Its not going to be forces from outside of Canada that determine what we doand there are ways to do it. What Canada has an advantage over almost any other country that Ive lived in, and Ive lived in many, is creativity, replied Shields, talking about a green pizza. Local entrepreneurs in Canada can use this new pizza the Green Party has come up with to outdo the big box pizza stores, he added, stressing the importance of the government supporting these new ideas, like biotechnology. Im a supreme and I think our government is a supreme government, answered Comuzzi-Stehmann as she focused on the Tory platform of creating jobs, training, trade, low taxes and family tax credits, plans to eliminate the deficit through cutting spending and eliminating waste, making streets safer, and supporting the military through new jets. Boshcoff, meanwhile, said his preferred pizza of choice is a tried and true recipeciting the economic management of past Liberal governments under Jean Chrtien and Paul Martin. He noted their debt reduction program made us able to afford a pizza by creating a safe banking system and balanced budgets. He added the current Conservative government turned a $13-billion surplus into a $56-billion deficit, and put us in a position where we cant afford any more pizza.

Local Liberal hopeful Ken Boshcoff gave his opening remarks during last Wednesday nights all-candidates debate held at the Civic Centre here while NDP incumbent John Rafferty and moderator Tannis Drysdale looked on. Also taking part were Conservative candidate Maureen Moe Comuzzi-Stehmann and Ed Shields of the Green Party. The debate, organized by Peggy Revell photo the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce, drew about 50 residents.
this is what she has been told when talking with the border agency. Preferential treatment for stars tells me that these kinds of precedents can only help make our case, replied Liberal candidate Ken Boschoff, saying there have been improvements but that more work has to be done to regain lost visitors. When he was MP for Thunder Bay-Rainy River from 2004-08, Boshcoff noted he and various stakeholders came together to identify issues where each could hammer out solutions, adding he would continue to do this sort of thing if elected. Awareness is the key, he stressed, so that any issues can be dealt with before a person reaches the borderand stop the bad publicity. Boshcoff also said the same rules that apply to airports should apply to land crossings. Our response must be to do whatever we can to reduce the impact and improve accessibility, he remarked. NDP incumbent John Rafferty also reiterated the impact border issues have had on local tourism industry, calling it a double whammy as tourism also have been dinged by the implementation of the HST. Rafferty noted that to get a clearer picture of what has been happening, he had filed a Freedom of Information request about all border crossings across Canada something which hasnt been given to him yet. As well, hes requested a meeting in Ottawa with the CBSA chief and Thunder Bay headneither of which has happened. Rafferty pledged that he will continue to work on the issue if re-elected as MP. Forestry Forestry still has a great future, Boshcoff said in response to a question on what the candidates would do to help the forest industry in the region. He pointed to the work he did as MP with the Natural Resources committee on a report on federal solutions for forestry that was unanimously adopted by the House of Commons, although was

Candidates upbeat in final days

More from A1 that people have been extraordinarily receptive, Boshcoff said about the hitting the campaign trail and meeting with voters over the past several weeks. He said hes seeing an appreciation of experience, and people have now made their decision based on the fact that they know I can do the job. I am so encouraged and inspired by the support, Boshcoff enthused. Its been way more positive than any candidate could hope for. Just looking at our blue signs all over, Im pretty optimistic, Im feeling good, Conservative candidate Maureen Moe ComuzziStehmann said Monday with one week of campaigning to go. Were working hard and were knocking on doors, and people are ready for change, she noted. Thats a positive thing. And although shes a new face this election, Comuzzi-Stehmann said shes gotten good coaching and good mentoring from both her uncle, Joe Comuzzi, and husband, Tony Stehmann, having been involved in regional politics. Its time for change, and thats our message. Its clear and simple, she said about the message shes consistently been touting throughout the campaign. We have gotten nothing up to this point and people are realizing that we need to be sitting at the same side of the governing party in order to get things done, she stressed. Its time for Thunder Bay-Rainy River to go to the next level [and] people are ready for that. Its all about changing and being a strong voice for our communities, Comuzzi-Stehmann noted, citing the importance of looking after seniors and giving future generations opportunities in their own communities. Meanwhile, the campaign has been a learning curve for rookie Green Party candidate Ed Shields, a medical geneticist and former McGill University professor who retired back to the region five years ago. It think the campaign has forced me to get out of my hermitage and meet more people, he chuckled, praising the so many fantastic people hes met over the past weeks. This area, Thunder Bay-Rainy River, has some phenomenal human resources and I just wasnt expecting that, he admitted, lauding the universities, technical colleges, physicians, business people, neighbours, and the new libraries in both Thunder Bay and Fort Frances he has met and visited on the campaign trailpeople and places that are why hes optimistic about the future of the region. Its been a learning experience, as well, he said about being a newcomer to the political scene, noting his first debate ever was last Tuesday in Stratton and the second the following night in Fort Frances. And with election day fast approaching, Shields said theyre trying everything we can to get their message out. One of the things theyre doing okay with, but thought would help reach voters, is social networking, Shields reflected. But I think not as many people are reading those things as we thought they would, he remarked, noting people seem to be looking for more simplistic yes or no answers compared to some of the more detailed thoughts and discussion he has written about online. Still, hes hoping people can take time to read the Green Partys platformstressing that theyre not just a one-issue party. We are a full party that has many different issue, he stressed. Sometimes we go right on issues, sometimes we go left. We just offer a total new environment, with totally new people. And while people have been receptive to this new message, Shields conceded that doesnt necessarily translate into votes. Ive had a lot of people say, Wed love to vote for you, but. . ., he noted. Theyre the people that are afraid to have the Conservatives back in. And I think thats kind of a sign that theres something wrong with our democracythat we have to be so afraid to vote for someone, that you have to vote for someone you dont really want to vote for, he remarked, calling the experience an eye-opener and something that should be changed for the future.

Douglas Judson waved from aboard the Liberals 737 jet during the recent campaign efforts by the party. The former district resident has been travelling around with Liberal leader MiSubmitted photo chael Ignatieff while on his national tour.

Judson seeing campaign trail up close

By Heather Latter Staff writer Former district resident Douglas Judson has held a unique job for the past four weeksacting as an advance to Liberal leader Michael Ignatieffs national tour. In short, my team and I travel to locations ahead of Mr. Ignatieffs campaign delegation and confirm venue, logistical, technical, and accommodation details, explained Judson, noting each of the major parties has a group that does advance work. Judson and his colleagues have been on-hand to greet the campaign plane when it arrives. Then they accompany the leader, his staff, and national media travelling with them to each venue that has been confirmed prior to their arrival. But Judson noted travelling with a potential prime minister isnt your typical road trip. Like the other parties campaigns, the buses are accompanied by an RCMP motorcade, and its definitely not every day that you board a private 737 jet, he remarked. Most of all, though, it is wonderful to see people engaged in the democratic process at every stop along the way as volunteers, candidates, and simply undecided voters [come] out to see what Mr. Ignatieff is all about, in comparison to the other leaders, he added. Its inspiring to see people so enthusiastic for change. Judson also said working on an election campaign probably is one of the most exhausting, yet exhilarating, things someone could sign up for. It is a spontaneous and constantly changing job with Draconian hours so, naturally, I am in my element, he joked. In all seriousness, though, the reward is the energetic, creative, and capable individuals you meet along the way, and Im sure that those involved with the other parties would say likewise, Judson stressed. Its a splendid hiatus from your run-of-the-mill, nine-to-five [job]. This is not Judsons first political job, having worked for former Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP Ken Boshcoff as well as MP Bob Rae previously. In 2008, he worked on the local Liberal campaign, which provided him an opportunity to take part at the national level this time. During my time working for Ken [Boshcoff], there was never a day I did not look forward to going into the office or where I felt that something I was working on wasnt important for the places and people I cared about, Judson remarked. These are the occupational qualities I continue to look for in my career development, and have been fortunate to find in my more recent career pursuits, he added. Its about feeling that theres a finite opportunity to make a difference, to learn from experienced leaders, and to give back to the people who helped you get there. Judson believes growing up in Northwestern Ontario has shaped his interested in politics. I think living in Northwestern Ontario, you need to take an interest in your politics if youre going to have any appreciation for the forces at play in shaping the challenges and opportunities facing your community, he reasoned, noting people cant take for granted the quality of life they share here in Rainy River District. Given the few voices we have relative to larger centres, I believe that demonstrating leadership, being involved in our communities, and communicating our unique perspective to others is vital to maintaining and building upon that quality of life, he argued. At a certain point, you cant do any of those things without becoming politicalits practically accidental. Judson will continue his job with Ignatieff until Mondays election. Then hes slated to enrol in the joint law/MBA program offered by the Osgoode Hall Law School and the Schulich School of Business in Toronto. I am very excited about the program, and look forward to what new opportunity or adventure it may bring my way, Judson enthused.

Obama wont be at tug-of-war

More from A1 working very, very diligently to contact pro athletes. For example, Philadelphia Flyers Chris Pronger was contacted but unfortunately had to decline. But former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Matt Blair, who was in the Falls for its Pennies for Play fundraiser back in January, might just come back. Meanwhile, the international tug-of-war now has a slogan: Pulling for Peace. Otterness said this slogan might be branded and used in marketing this year and in future. As well, organizers hope to have an international tug-of-war website up and running very soon. As reported earlier this month, the event will consist of two tugs. The first will be between Fort Frances town council and International Falls city council, each of which will be joined by celebrities (i.e., politicians, athletes, or otherwise). The teams will consist of 20 participants. The second tug will be between Canadian and U.S. teams, each consisting of 50 men and women. A brand new trophy will be presented to the winning team in this second tug. The international tug-of-war will coincide with various other events on both sides of the border. For example, there may be a charity barbecue on this side of the border in conjunction with the event. Other activities also may take place on this side of the border. On the U.S. side will be the dedication of the new James Oberstar Riverfront Complex across the river, a $11.3-million project which is owned by the Falls Economic Development Administration and leased to the U.S. government. The complex includes a fishing pier, boat launch, a seaplane base, a picnic area, and hiking and biking trails, as well as the Irvin N. Anderson Amphitheater. Canadian classic rockers, Loverboy, along with several other bands, will play the inaugural concert at the amphitheater later on July 2.

$1.19 plus 6 HST, $1.25 U.S.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2011

Printed in Canada Volume 118 Number 1

Respect Campaign being developed here

INSIDE

In online challenge for funds

By Heather Latter Staff writer The local Celebrating Diversity Committee is moving forward with plans to implement a Respect Campaign hereand now is looking for people to vote for their

cause in the Pepsi Refresh Project. Were hoping that through spreading the word throughout the district, and our friends beyond the district, that we can get enough votes to do two things, noted committee chair Trudy McCormick. One, it would be wonderful to get the funding to help us get the campaign off the ground, she said. The other is to raise awareness of what were doing. The Respect Campaign will be comprised of a number of programs and strategies meant to raise awareness of how people should

treat one another. The committee plans to provide training to district businesses and organizations on respect. These, in turn, will be given visible identifiers (i.e., buttons, lanyards, posters, and door signs) so that anyone going into these organizations immediately will know that they can expect to be treated with respect. McCormick said the committee got the idea and basis of the campaign from a very successful project which Confederation College had started back in 2006. It started with the realization that something was needed to in-

form people, and educate people, about respect and everything that goes with it, explained Anne Renaud, manager of the local Confederation College campus. Weve had a lot of success with it, and its really helped both staff and students understand what respect means and how it can be used in everyday life, she noted, adding they were happy to share their information with the Celebrating Diversity Committee. One of the things Confederation College did that was so successful was a lot of branding of their campaign, McCormick said.

When you go into a classroom and you see the respect logo, hopefully it brings to mind some of the ideals and qualities of the respect project, she reasoned. Renaud, meanwhile, thinks its great that the Celebrating Diversity Committee is interested in expanding the campaign into the general public. Respect means respect no matter what, she stressed. Its something that impacts every person, business, and organization. The committee is developing its own campaign so that when people Please see Respect, A7

Tour de Fort books big names

With the big names like Serena Ryder and the Crash Test Dummies booked, Tour de Fort organizers are bullish about the 2011-12 concert season.

Medical students enjoyed time here

By Duane Hicks Staff writer Two third-year students from the Northern Ontario School of Medicine wrapped up their comprehensive community clerkships (CCC) here last month after spending about 30 weeks learning on the job from local physicians and other health-care professionals. The fourth set of medical students who have come through here since 2007, Jacqueline Edwards and Brienne Lowey-Bodkin spent the 30-week period working with physicians at La Verendrye Hospital and the Fort Frances Community Clinic. They also observed specialists and various local allied health-care professionals (i.e., chiropractors, dentists, speech pathologists, pharmacists, home care workers, etc.) thanks to an affiliation agreement between the NOSM and Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc. that allows students to gain valuable hands-on practical experience in the Fort Frances area. In terms of clinical learning, you really cant top the way CCC is organized, said Edwards, who hails from Thunder Bay. Having the chance to work in the ER, OR, follow patients in hospital, and work in the clinic makes for excellent learning. All of the family physicians, general surgeons, visiting specialists, and nurse practitioners are excellent teachers and I am grateful to have worked with each and every one, Edwards added. It makes for a busy year as we also have a school curriculum to cover, but it was still an exceptional year in my opinion, she remarked. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Fort Frances. We had great physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, and allied health-care professionals to work with. I would definitely recommend Fort Frances to other NOSM students, Edwards stressed. The experience exceeded her expectations, noted Lowey-Bodkin, who also hails from Thunder Bay but has local roots, being related to Donna and Blair Lowey (her aunt and uncle) and Chris and Jim Lowey (her grandparents) here in Rainy River District. The last 30 weeks has been a phenomenal learning experience, she enthused. The physicians were extremely supportive in helping me to meet my learning objectives. The hospital and clinic staff was always welcoming, and definitely helped to make my experience a positive one. The hospital is small enough that you dont feel overwhelmed, but you are able get diverse Please see Medical, A7

Rafferty vows to keep working for Canadians

By Peggy Revell Staff writer Incumbent NDP MP John Rafferty said hes ready to hit the ground running after voters in Thunder Bay-Rainy River returned him to Parliament in Mondays federal election. Im humbled that the people of Thunder Bay-Rainy River have confidence in me to move forward and to continue the work that Ive been doing for the last two-and-ahalf years, Rafferty remarked as supporters savoured his victory at the Victoria Inn in Thunder Bay. With 18,039 of the votes, Rafferty leapt ahead in the polls this time aroundup from the 14,478 votes which sent him to Ottawa for the first time in 2008. Conservative candidate Maureen Comuzzi-Stehmann came second with 10,096 votes, followed by former Liberal MP Ken Boshcoff (8,066) and Green Party hopeful Ed Shields (909). Raffertys win came along with the historic NDP orange wave which saw the party claim Official Opposition status for the first time in its 50-year with 105 seats across the country. I dont know if 36, 37 days ago we would have imagined that this would happen, but its not a total surprise I have to say, Rafferty noted about this upswing in NDP support. But its the same message that weve had for a long time, he added. Its all about affordability and retirement security and health care, and the issues that weve always fought for. I suppose if theres a sadness tonight, its that there is a [Conservative] majority government, Rafferty said. I think well continue doing a couple of things that weve always been doing, noted Rafferty, referring to the approach hell be taking in Ottawa now that hes facing a majority government. The first is to continue working with anyone willing to work with him to further the agenda of Canadian families, Rafferty remarked, noting hell continue to work with MPs from all the parties. He pledged to hit the ground running to get his private members bills on pension security and severance pay that died with the election call, and get ready to table them again in Parliament. Theyre good bills and theyre what needs to be done for Canada, he reasoned. And Im hoping that that sort of co-operation that Ive fostered over the last two-and-a-half years Please see Rafferty, A7

See story on A3

Home show draws crowd

Traffic at the Memorial Sports Centre remained fairly steady Friday and Saturday during the 23rd-annual Home & Leisure Show, sponsored by the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce and TBayTel.

Over the rainbow

Jessica Whalen, playing Dorothy, enacted a scene from Fort Frances High Schools rendition of the Wizard of Oz during dress rehearsal Monday night at the Townshend Theatre. The musical opens tonight and runs through Saturday, with the curtain rising at 7:30 p.m. Tickets, which cost $10 for adults and $7 for students and seniors, are available in advance at Northwoods Gallery & Gifts. See story on A5. Heather Latter photo

See story on A5

Local Tories cheer majority

By Peggy Revell Staff writer New Democrats werent the only ones celebrating in Thunder BayRainy River on Monday night as local Conservatives heralded in a much sought after majority government under Stephen Harper. More than two dozen party supporters came out to Maureen (Moe) Comuzzi-Stehmanns campaign office at the Arthur Street Marketplace in Thunder Bay to watch the election results roll in from across the country. Cheers erupted as the Conservatives surpassed the 155 seats needed to secure a majority. And applause followed when Conservative candidates were confirmed to be heading to Ottawa, including Greg Rickford in Kenora ridingone of the few blue seats in a sea of NDP orange across Please see Tories, A7
JUST

Arpin inks deal to race trucks

After all of the months of anxious waiting, Fort Frances native Steve Arpin finally can get to do what he loves most: go racing. In an announcement broadcast on the Speed Channel yesterday evening, Arpin will be joining forces with the Turner Motorsports Camping World Truck Series team in a five-race program for the 2011 season.

Royal tea
Dressed up for the occasion, Olive Eisenhauer, right, offered her husband, Irvin (Ike), another biscuit during Friday afternoons Royal Tea at the Fort Frances Pubic Library Technology Centre. About 100 people got dressed in style to attend the event and celebrate the marriage of Prince William to Catherine Middleton. The tea was put on by the Friends of the Library. Duane Hicks photo

See story on B1

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A2 FORT FRANCES TIMES

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Boshcoff blaming national politics for third-place finish

By Zoey Duncan Summer reporter Local Liberal candidate Ken Boshcoffs chance to reclaim his old seat in the House of Commons was doused by separate waves of support for the NDP and Conservative Party on Monday night. The former two-term MP finished a distant third in Thunder Bay-Rainy River behind incumbent John Rafferty and Tory hopeful Maureen (Moe) Comuzzi-Stehmann. Its been decades since a Conservative came in second [locally], noted Boshcoff. That tells you also, with the majority government, that there was a lot of support [in this riding] for the national Conservative platform, too, he added. Boshcoff said one of the difficulties for any politician who expects to represent Thunder Bay-Rainy River is the vast distance the riding covers, which includes 16 municipalities and 11 First Nations communitiesand an understandably diverse set of interests. Boshcoff attributed his loss to national, more than regional, politics. I think definitely the issue came down to leadership between Mr. Layton and Mr. Ignatieff, he remarked. Certainly my message in terms of the platform about economic opportunities was well-received, he noted. But when they [voters] went to the ballot box, it was leader. When he was elected MP for a second term in 2006, Boshcoff edged Rafferty by only 658 votes. Then in 2008, he lost to Rafferty by a little under 3,000 votes. This time, however, he was left far behindgarnering just 8,066 votes to Raffertys 18,039 and 10,096 for Comuzzi-Stehmann. Boshcoff spent election night with supporters at the Slovak Legion in Thunder Bay, where he sat with anxious family and friends as the Conservatives rolled to a majority win early in the evening. The Liberals ended up finishing third behind the NDP, losing 43 seats across Canada to wind up with just 34 heading into the next Parliament. [In Canada], its kind of the rich against the poor now and the Liberals have become the middle, so its kind of weird, Lorna Sutherland, president of the Thunder Bay and Area Womens Liberal Club, said Monday night. I think, because a lot of people are hurting in the country and that we want to eradicate things like poverty, that people are identifying with that [NDP] end of the spectrum, which is lower wages and unionized ideas, she reasoned. Not that its bad for the country, might even be good, but its

District students re-elect Rafferty

Staff Local students re-elected NDP candidate John Rafferty as part of mock elections held in conjunction with Mondays vote. The ballots were cast by participating schools last week as part of the Student Vote initiative, which aims to encourage youth involvement and interest in politics. For the 2011 election here in Thunder Bay-Rainy River, Rafferty garnered 612 votes from students, followed by Liberal candidate Ken Boshcoff at 317. In a squeaker, Green candidate Ed Shields came in third place with 215 votes while Conservative hopeful Maureen (Moe) ComuzziStehmann garnered 214. Three schools in Rainy River District participated in this years Student Vote. A small contingent at Mine Centre school gave Rafferty eight votes, Shields seven, Comuzzi-Stehmann three, and Boshcoff one. Meanwhile, J.W. Walker also went NDP orange, with 29 votes for Rafferty, 10 for Comuzzi-Stehmann, six for Boshcoff, and four for Shields. Finally, 144 votes went to Rafferty at Fort High, followed by Shields with 69, Comuzzi-Stehmann at 45, and Boshcoff with 37. While Conservatives captured a majority government Monday night, they only were handed a minority government by students, with the NDP as the Official Opposition. The Conservatives were voted in with 128 seats this time around up from 102 in 2008and 30.8 percent of the vote. For the third-straight time, the NDP were voted in as the Official Opposition, winning 113 seats with 25.9 percent of the popular vote. The Liberals won 48 seats with 19.9 percent of the vote. The Greens saw a huge loss, winning only five seatsdown from the 41 they had won in 2008. Also hit hard was the Bloc Quebecois, who won a total of five seats compared to the 28 students gave them last time around.

Hopeful smiles eventually faded into sombre grimaces at the Liberal camp on Monday night where former Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP Ken Boshcoff watched the election results with eager supporters. Boshcoff ended up nishing third behind incumbent John Rafferty and Conservative candidate Maureen (Moe) Comuzzi-Stehmann while the Grits were reduced to just 34 seats nationally.
Zoey Duncan photo

not what I thought people would want, Sutherland added. Boshcoff, meanwhile, wished Rafferty good luck in Ottawa. I think we all have to get behind the elected member of Parliament and support him because we need a voice in Ottawa and the

[MP] should be supported by the people, he stressed. Mr. Rafferty won the election fair and square and it was very civil campaign, so I congratulate him, Boshcoff added.

Green candidate buoyed by election of May

By Peggy Revell Staff writer A fourth-place finish here in Thunder Bay-Rainy River didnt damper Ed Shields spirits Monday night as history was made with the election of Green Party leader Elizabeth May to the House of Commons. [With] Elizabeth in, I think we can regain our footing very rapidly because our partys just wonderful, said the political rookie, referring to May becoming the first elected Green MP in Canadian history by winning the British Columbia riding of Saanich-Gulf Islands. Her win over Conservative cabinet minister Gary Lunn was offset, however, by a drop in Green support across the countryfrom 6.8 percent of the vote garnered in the 2008 election to just 3.91 percent this time around. The Green vote also dropped locallyfalling to 909 from 1,377 two-and-a-half years ago. The surge in support for the NDP, as well as vote-splitting, did hurt the Green Party across the country, noted Shields. He felt people that vote Conservative are hard to move while other voters can vary between the Liberals, NDP, and Greens depending on the situation. But while Shields is happy the NDP did well Monday night, one thing hes not too happy about is the Conservative majority. Im shocked to be perfectly candid with you, he remarked. I just cant believe, with all the problems the Conservatives have had, that so many people voted for them. To me, I just cant explain it. As a scientist, I just cant explain it. Despite the loss of votes for the Greens, Shields tossed his support behind incumbent NDP MP John Raffertyeven paying a visit to his victory party Monday night to offer his congratulations. John Rafferty is a great guy and hell do a wonderful job as he did the last time, said Shields, remaining optimistic about both the future of the riding and his experience running for the first time. But at 66 years of age, he hasnt thought yet whether or not hell be tossing his hat into the ring for the next election four years down the road. It was a wonderful experience and I met some terrific people, so for me its been a great experience and Ive learned a lot, Shields remarked. I hope that I pushed the Green Party a bit so we can get some people to understand what were after, and thats really what my objective was. And having May in Parliament will change everything for the party, he added. Just like the NDP, they were a non-entity for many, many years and all of a sudden theyve come along, he explained. And I think the Green Party can do the same thing. I think we will come with the future, he added, feeling that people will take notice with the rise of global warming and realize that this is the type of thing his party has been talking about for years. I think our time will come.

Ready to walk
Mike Kuckkahn and Tim Kreisen hammed it up in heels before starting out on the Walk a Mile in Her Shoes trek last Thursday over in International Falls as a way to get men to speak out in the battle to end violence against women. Carrying placards, more than 50 peopleyoung, old, men and women and from both sides of the bordercame out for the march. Peggy Revell photo

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FORT FRANCES TIMES A7

Medical students enjoyed time here

More from A1 exposure to the emergency room, operating room, clinic, in-patient care and obstetrics, she reasoned. Lowey-Bodkin said everyone she met in the Fort Frances was so welcoming and always made her feel at home. I have to mention all the patients that I had the opportunity to interact with and thank them for allowing me to participate in their care, she continued. It is an important part of learning medicine that we always take for granted, and Fort Frances can take pride that they are helping to train and grow the future physicians of Northern Ontario. For that we are extremely grateful. Lowey-Bodkin also said she would absolutely recommend that other NOSM students come to Fort Frances. Fort Frances has a lot to offer medical students, she noted. We were extremely fortunate that because there was only two students placed in Fort Frances, we got far more exposure than other students in communities that had up to eight NDP incumbent John Rafferty spoke with long-time supporter Marguerite Kerr after thank- students. As for highlights, Edwards said Zoey Duncan photo ing volunteers on election night at his victory party in Thunder Bay. thats a tough one. I had some pretty interesting days while in Fort Frances, she recalled. The last month or so saw some rare and unusual cases come through the hospital and those were certainly highlights for me. In terms of allied health professionals, its a toss-up between my ride-along with paramedics, Kristi and Mel, and my time with the two nurse practitioners [Marlyss Thiessen and Cathy Bock] and the Family Health Team, Edwards noted. There are too many highlights to pick just a selected one, reasoned Lowey-Bodkin. However, I have an interest in obstetrics and I was able to participate in numerous deliveries during my time here. Aside from work, Edwards called her stay here a great experience. I made a couple of good friends and enjoyed my time, she remarked. I love the outdoors, in general, so the area in and of itself is really nice for me. I played a lot of hockey at the outdoor rinks when the weather was reasonable, and biked daily in the fall and spring. Any meal out was a highlight for me; the local medical professionals are very good cooks, Edwards added. Lowey-Bodkin said she also enjoyed her time off the job during the eight months spent in Fort Frances. In my spare time, I would go to Energy Fitness and found myself at the library studying, she noted. I participated in the Freeze Yer Gizzard Run in International Falls in January. It was cold but a great event, added Lowey-Bodkin. When asked whether they would consider coming back to work here down the road, or just to visit, Edwards replied, I have considered coming back to work. I will be in Fort Frances for three weeks over the summer for another placement, she noted. I would definitely consider coming back to Fort Frances to work in the future, echoed Lowey-Bodkin. My experience was extremely positive and I enjoyed working with all the physicians, clinic, and hospital staff. Fort Frances is a great place to work and live, she enthused. I have family in Fort Frances, so I will be back to visit. However, next time I come back to visit, it will be in the summer so I can enjoy some time on the lake! Edwards and Lowey-Bodkin were given a farewell barbecue on April 14.

Rafferty to keep working for Canadians

More from A1 is going to continue, he added, noting his bills were supported by a number of Conservative MPs. The second is to ensure that we dont let [Conservatives] off the hook, he stressed. Four years from now is going to be a long time, and Canadians are going to have a really good look at Mr. Harper. And I hope that we can temper some of the things that we know he wants to do that we dont think are good for Canada. Part of this centres around the proposed $11 billion in cuts the Conservatives had put forward at the beginning of this campaign, which remain unexplained. Where are those $11 billion in cut? They still didnt say? Rafferty charged, wondering if theyll come at the expense of families, jobs, seniors, or public services. We dont know yet, he warned. Well have to stay aware and well have to keep on the Conservatives

Respect Campaign being developed here

More from A1 go into businesses and organizations, they then recognize it is one that values respect. McCormick noted the definition of diversity is very broad, and includes gender, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, religion, people with disabilities, people with mental illness, race, age, etc. The Respect Campaign were developing is basically to respect differences, she remarked. Its a feel-good idea, she added. When you tell people about it, they say thats the kind of thing they want to be involved in, thats the kind of business they want to shop in, thats the kind of organization they want to work for. The committee also plans to work with the local school boards and officially launch the campaign in September. Their idea to spread the Respect Campaign throughout Rainy River District is in the $10,000 category of the Pepsi Refresh Project, which aims to support ideas that will have a positive impact on communities. The top three ideas in the category will receive funding. The local Respect Campaign initiative currently is sitting in 35th place, with online voting continuing until the end of June. People can vote every day, once a day, with each e-mail address they have, McCormick explained. Even if we dont succeed [with the funding], if people know about us because they voted, then its a success, she reasoned. The Celebrating Diversity Committee focuses on working together to create communities that celebrate diversity by actively practicing and promoting dignity,

to ensure that Canadian families dont fall behind. But will the Conservative majority listen? We havent had a look at [Harpers] agenda yet so we dont know, Rafferty admitted. Well know when we hear the speech from the throne. Well know More from A1 when we see the first budget. Northwestern Ontario. And well have to just make sure We did terrific, Comuzzi-Stehthat we keep in our sights what we mann said about her hard-working think are important, he added. campaign team and district voters who bumped her into a secondplace finish behind NDP incumbent John Raffertyup from past elections where the Conservatives have finished in third locally. respect, and inclusiveness. [Our supporters] deserve a To vote for its idea, visit www. round of applause, she stressed. refresheverything.ca/respect We ran hard and obviously were Meanwhile, two other ideas in nipping at the heels, and Im very the district also are competing for proud of them. funds through the Pepsi Refresh Im very proud of the whole Project. team. The Township of Emo is seeking Most importantly, our leader, $25,000 to plan and implement a Prime Minister Stephen Harper, got recycling strategy there. what he deservedhe got his maAs well, the Rainy River District jority, Comuzzi-Stehmann added. School Board is interested in creatHes a proven leader with a ing green spaces at every school in proven record, and Canadians the district if it receives $25,000. should feel safe with Mr. Harper These ideas, which currently are behind them, she remarked. sitting in 55th and 51st place, While she wont be heading to respectively, are in a separate category from the Respect Campaign idea, so Renaud is encouraging people to vote for each of them. Vote for the latter two ideas at www.refresheverything.ca/emorecycling and www.refresheverything.ca/greenspace

Tories cheer majority

Maureen (Moe) Comuzzi-Stehmann gave an upbeat speech to her supporters in Thunder Bay as the results, which told of a Conservative majority, rolled in on election night.
Peggy Revell photo

Ottawa this time around, ComuzziStehmann vowed that the riding has not seen the last of herwith

her eyes already set on this seat when the next election rolls around in four years.

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Riverside Health Care Facilities Inc. participates in National

STOP! Clean Your Hands Day.

Thursday May 5th is National STOP! Clean Your Hands Day. As a participant in the campaign, Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc. wishes to remind all employees and visitors of the importance of cleaning their hands in reducing health care associated infections.Whether you are a patient, family member or visitor, your role in supporting proper hand hygiene is important. Please use the hand sanitizing stations upon entering and before leaving our facilities.
Lori Maki, Executive Vice President and CNO and Wayne Woods President and CEO using one of the hand sanitizers at La Verendrye.

807-274-7624

Contact Scott Stafford