Gary Rinne

1 week ago | snnewswatch.com | Gary Rinne

QUEEN'S PARK — The Ontario government plans to introduce legislation allowing it to designate areas containing critical mineral deposits, including the Ring of Fire, as regions of strategic importance. The commitment was made in the Speech from the Throne opening the new session of the legislature on Tuesday.

2 weeks ago | northernontariobusiness.com | Gary Rinne

THUNDER BAY — "It's going to be a home run," predicted Andy Nieweglowski, director of training for Local 607 of the Labourers International Union of North America. He was speaking April 7 about the anticipated outcome of a residential construction worker training program for women. The nine-week, women-only course is being offered for the first time in Thunder Bay.

2 weeks ago | nwonewswatch.com | Gary Rinne

THUNDER BAY — A proposed huge jump in duties imposed by the United States on Canadian softwood lumber has prompted both industry and labour groups to call for government intervention and a change in direction. The U.S. Department of Commerce is poised to increase the combined softwood duty from the current 14.4 per cent to 34 per cent this summer. Unifor, which represents 22,000 forest industry workers, said Tuesday it's time to reduce the industry's reliance on lumber exports.

2 weeks ago | tbnewswatch.com | Gary Rinne

THUNDER BAY — A long-time landlord in Thunder Bay wants some peace in her old age, but says "unfair" provincial regulations are frustrating her ambition. "I am 83 years old and very unwell...but I am not allowed to retire," said Barb Hajdu, who's rented two apartments in her home for 20 years. Last year, she said, she advised her tenants she was getting out of the rental business, and asked them to start looking for alternate housing.

2 weeks ago | tbnewswatch.com | Gary Rinne

THUNDER BAY — A city man is the latest winner of the Dryden Health Services Foundation's monthly 50/50. Raymond Johnson's numbers came up in the grand prize draw for March, giving him a windfall of $113,445. After he drove from Thunder Bay to pick up his winnings last week, he told Brad Coles – chair of the foundation's board of directors –  he felt "pretty awesome right now." But Johnson admitted to being very skeptical when he first took a phone call from Coles telling him he had won.