By Matt Prokopchuk
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TBnewswatch.com

TORONTO — Ontario’s premier and Indigenous affairs minister say support for mental health in First Nations is not tied to signing resource development deals. Doug Ford and Greg Rickford were among those on hand at Queen’s Park on Oct. 29 to sign a new partnership agreement with Webequie First Nation […]

By Clint Fleury
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TBnewswatch.com

THUNDER BAY –  Without an increase in larger-scale housing projects, the city won’t meet its 2025 housing target of 675 units, according to the city’s director of development services, Joel Depeuter. “We are currently not on track to meet that target, though we expect to meet, to exceed last year’s performance,” Depeuter […]

By Mike Stimpson
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Thunder Bay Source

TORONTO — Ontario’s mines minister says its new streamlined permitting process for the resource sector is necessary, but that’s not how North Spirit Lake Chief Brandon Rae sees it. To the contrary, he told a news conference Wednesday at Queen’s Park, “what it really does is weaken consultation” and silence […]

By George Lee
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Macleod Gazette

When it comes to Alberta’s schools and classrooms, you don’t need a task force to know which way the wind blows. That was part of Opposition Leader Naheed Nenshi’s message — minus the metaphor mangling — on Monday in his first-ever question period exchange on the floor of the Alberta […]

By Ed Hitchins
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Energeticcity.ca

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Fort St. John resident Edwina Nearhood continues to crush barriers, enjoying life as a grandmother and making banana bread in the afternoons. What is extraordinary about Nearhood’s story is the fact she became blind following a heart transplant in September 2022 when she “traded her […]

By Connor McDowell
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Brandon Sun

Ranchers have finished the year with a strong sense of optimism, according to the president of the Manitoba Beef Producers. Following another season of high sales prices, cow producers are feeling hopeful and positive about their industry, Matthew Atkinson, organization president, told the Sun. “It’s an optimistic group of folks […]

By Steven Sukkau
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Winnipeg Sun

There’s a quiet revolution being whispered into the hallways of Garden Valley School Division. This one begins with a simple question: what if high school didn’t have to look the way it always has? Carrie Friesen, working on behalf of the division and Superintendent Dan Ward, is leading a feasibility […]

By Sandi Krasowski
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Chronicle-Journal

The biggest enforcement challenge for Thunder Bay city police is trying to pull ahead of the gangs, guns and drugs that flow steadily into the city from southern Ontario. “We work very closely with our teams here,” Thunder Bay Police Chief Darcy Fleury said. “We have to work closely with […]

By Allan Bradbury
Staff Writer
abradbury@fortfrances.com

If you didn’t get a Tour De Fort Passport and are hoping to hear some live music right here at home, you have a chance coming soon. Canadian blues musician Jesse Roper is making a special appearance on the Townshend Theatre stage next Tuesday, November 4, 2025, as an extra […]

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

RRDSB Youth Outreach Worker discusses the importance of making mistakes From a Librarian Assistant to an Educational Assistant, and now to her current role as a Youth Outreach Worker, Rebecca Tolen has 25 years of experience across her various roles in education. She encourages students to make mistakes and learn […]

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

Staff go above and beyond expectations in the service they provide to Rainy River District School Board (RRDSB) students, and the board makes sure to recognize it. One of the most recent staff members to be recognized is Robert Murphy, received a recognition of excellence for 25 years of service […]