Reported by Richard Coffin Unlocking the north’s potential is the focus for the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities this week. That’s the theme as the group holds its annual conference in Sudbury, Monday to Wednesday. Over 250 delegates will be there along with provincial ministers and associate ministers of Mining, Transportation, Natural Resources,...

OPP detachments from Cochrane to Hearst and Moosonee are noticing a marked increase in the presence of the illegal drug crystal methamphetamine. Const. Kyler Brouwer says that’s based on hospitalizations and seizures of the crystal meth. “And that’s not just on drug warrants or drug trafficking charges, as part of impaired...

The Northern Ontario Health Travel Grant Program is being expanded. Health Minister Sylvia Jones announced 45-million dollars is being invested over three years to help northern residents connect to the specialized care and services they need. “Our government knows that for too long, patients in Northern Ontario have faced unique challenges...

The MPP for Mushkegowuk James Bay says the province’s decision to add forest firefighters to WSIB coverage is a good first step. Guy Bourgouin says this will ensure the safety and well-being of those workers who risk their lives to protect the forests. He adds that it will also be a...

The director of this region’s English public school board indicates that District School Board Ontario Northeast (DSB-1) has already been adhering to a newly announced provincial policy on cellphones in classrooms. Education minister Stephen Lecce updated what’s called the Policy Program Memorandum this week. Director Lesleigh Dye says her board embraces...

The Town of Kap is inching closer to the finish line of its 2024 budget. Council recommended that the water, sewer and capital works budgets be approved at the next month’s meeting. There is no increase for sewer rates, but Administrator Guylain Baril says water goes up by two...