By Sandi Krasowski,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal

The federal government has accelerated the transition of up to 33,000 workers in Canada to permanent residence in 2026 and 2027. The initiative announced Monday by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab aims to focus immigration on the areas of greatest impact, including rural and remote communities facing labour shortages in […]

NWOnewswatch.com
By Carrie Ivardi,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

RAINY RIVER — Constable Kristina Bombay said she was completely surprised to learn that she had won the IODE Community Policing Award for 2026. The Rainy River OPP officer had been nominated for the award by Staff Sgt. Dereck McLean and said she was caught off guard by the nomination. […]

By Carrie Ivardi,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
NWOnewswatch.com

RAINY RIVER — Efforts to make satellite courts in the Ontario Court of Justice system more accessible in the Northwest region are advancing, according to Rainy River lawyer Jeffrey Marchuk. Marchuk said that this greater accessibility through both virtual and in-person court is happening through renovations to the Legion in […]

The Chronicle-Journal
By: Carl Clutchey,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Despite a cooler-than-normal spring last month, wildfires burned over nearly 40 hectares of land across the province, with most of the damage occurring in Northwestern Ontario. The figures, compiled by the province’s Aviation, Forest Fire and Emergency Services (AFFES) agency, show the amount is greater than what was burnt in […]

The Chronicle-Journal
By Sandi Krasowski,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

In an attempt to help airlines manage rising jet fuel costs, the Thunder Bay International Airport Authority will temporarily reduce select airport user fees from May 1 to 30. Graham Ingham, airport president and chief executive officer, said the move comes amid increasing fuel prices and tightening supply, placing additional […]

NWOnewswatch.com
By Maya Ekman,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

DRYDEN – Multiple factors are driving the need for housing in Dryden, and Mayor Jack Harrison says that need is being met. “Most communities have a housing shortfall,” Harrison said, but by the end of 2026, the city will have gained 177 new units since 2025. “It’s quite remarkable for […]

By Jodi Lundmark,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TBnewswatch.com

TORONTO — Charges of obstruction of justice and breach of trust against Thunder Bay’s former police chief will proceed to trial despite the service’s former lawyer, Holly Walbourne, being found not guilty of similar charges last month. Sylvie Hauth was charged two years ago with two counts of obstructing justice and one count each […]

Metro

Mid-winter marks a time to start gathering information related to personal income taxes. As deadlines draw closer, Canadian taxpayers can keep these key dates and information in mind, courtesy of the Government of Canada. Essential dates How to file your tax return The Government of Canada notes that taxpayers can […]

By Steven Sukkau
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Winnipeg Sun

A Manitoba-based humanitarian organization is urging greater awareness and action as Sudan marks three years of civil war, with millions facing worsening conditions in what is widely described as the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Officials with the Canadian Foodgrains Bank say nearly 34 million people in Sudan now require urgent […]

By Clint Fleury
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TBnewswatch.com

THUNDER BAY – The city hit 86 percent of its target for housing starts and is receiving its third year of Housing Accelerator Fund money. The federal government recognizes the efforts the city is making to build homes by giving the third advance of $5.88 million for the Housing Accelerator […]