From the Government of Canada
Press release

February 13, 2025—Toronto—The International Experience Canada (IEC) Program empowers young Canadians with opportunities abroad that will help shape their future. IEC facilitates international experiences for young Canadians to gain invaluable skills, broaden their horizons, and return home ready to thrive in today’s global job market. Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister […]

By Jacqueline St. Pierre
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Manitoulin Expositor

GREAT LAKES—Every year, more than 22 million pounds of plastic pollution enter the Great Lakes, according to a study by the Rochester Institute of Technology. While visible plastic waste is an ongoing concern, an even greater threat lurks beneath the surface: microplastics.  These tiny plastic particles, less than five millimeters […]

By Margaret Kirk
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Sault Star

A new Indigenous filmmaking program is set to launch in Sault Ste. Marie, providing students with an opportunity to develop their skills at every stage of production while amplifying Indigenous voices. Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig (SKG) and the Weengushk Film Institute (WFI) of Manitoulin announced the program Wednesday morning at the […]

By Sandi Krasowski
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal

While the Port of Thunder Bay will not likely be impacted by steel and aluminum tariffs threatened by the U.S. government earlier this week, there could still be implications. Although U.S. levies would increase the cost of Canadian steel south of the border, port chief executive officer Chris Heikkinen said […]

By Ethan Braund
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Woolwich Observer

New research out of the University of Waterloo led to the creation of tiny robots controlled by light to provide environmental and biomedical applications. Dr. Hamed Shahsavan, a Department of Chemical Engineering professor, has developed a swimming robot that can be steered by light. They designed these robots with the […]

By Laura Balanko-Dickson
Staff writer
lbalankodickson@fortfrances.com

Homelessness in the Rainy River District is “precarious” according to Sandra Weir, Integrated Services Manager and Housing/ Homelessness Lead for the District of Rainy River Services Board. According to Weir, the top reason why a pronounced homeless population strains other services in the district is a shortage of affordable housing. […]

By Laura Balanko-Dickson
Staff writer
lbalankodickson@fortfrances.com

A new program has been developed at Crossroads School that invites students and their caregivers to play together. According to Crossroads School principal Sharla MacKinnon, the program, titled ‘Come Play with Me,’ saves parents the hassle of cleaning up after playtime and sends them off with a home-cooked meal. The […]

By Laura Balanko-Dickson
Staff writer
lbalankodickson@fortfrances.com

In response to the looming threat of U.S. tariffs, Canada’s Minister of Transport and Internal Trade Anita , and her provincial and territorial equivalents “discussed bold, transformative actions” to strengthen domestic trade across Canada according to a news release from the federal government. Some of the actions verified by ministry […]

From the Northwestern Health Unit
Press release

Northwestern Health Unit (NWHU) is reminding people to get immunized and be prepared before they travel. With spring break and an increase in travel coming up, there is a real risk that diseases, like measles, could spread to our area. Many vaccine-preventable diseases are on the rise provincially, nationally, and […]

From Confederation College
Press release

Thunder Bay, ON February 11, 2025 – Confederation College announced a generous $100,000 donation from CIBC to support students in the Community Integration through Co-operative Education (CICE) program. This significant contribution will provide financial assistance and enhance experiential learning opportunities for CICE students over the next three years. The donation […]

By Sandi Krasowski
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal

Progress is being made in the forestry sector for First Nations reconciliation in Northern Ontario. Jason Rasevych, president of the Anishnawbe Business Professional Association (ABPA), attended the Prosperity Northwest conference in January and delivered a keynote on the urgent need for deeper, more respectful collaboration between First Nations communities and […]

By Margaret Kirk
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Sault Star

Sault Ste. Marie Mayor Matthew Shoemaker calls the proposed U.S. steel tariffs “unwarranted aggression towards a friendly neighbor,” and supports the federal government to respond with retaliatory tariffs that were effective in mitigating previous threats of tariffs in 2018.  Late Sunday evening, U.S. President Donald Trump unofficially announced a 25 […]