By John Woodside
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Canada’s National Observer

With an election widely expected to be around the corner, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s choice of cabinet ministers reveals his approach to this tense political moment, observers say. For voters who care about climate, the headline is that former Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault, the longtime environmental activist […]

By Maggie Macintosh
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Winnipeg Free Press

The University of Winnipeg is warning about a “dire financial situation” and hefty deficit — $4 million in the red is its low-end estimate for next year — due to chronic underfunding and a drop in international enrolment. Internal documents obtained by the Free Press via a freedom of information request shed […]

– Clint Bruyere photo

At last Friday night’s game, the Fort Frances Lakers honoured their players that are aging out of the league this year. From left, Gunner Paradis, Darnell Kempf, Jack Wood, Gavin Simon, Kobie Anderson, Brady Krentz, Ian Snooks and Ian Ness will all be moving on from the Lakers after this […]

By Ethan Braund
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Woolwich Observer

The “a” in pizza stands for agriculture in an upcoming event that uses a fan-favourite food to teach students about farming. For 20 years, the Grand River Agriculture Society (GRAS) has been hosting its Pizza Perfect event and teaching Grade 3 students about where their food comes from. Students will […]

By Connor McDowell,
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Brandon Sun

Dean Munchinsky recalls being a “body double” for Hollywood star Dennis Quaid when the star filmed a movie in Manitoba. Because they look alike, Munchinsky pretended to be Quaid when the cameras weren’t looking closely. In one scene of the 2017 film “A Dog’s Purpose,” it was up to Munchinsky […]

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

On January 31, 2025, the Fort Frances Times submitted an official freedom of information request under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for materials related to the legal matter Borderland Pride v. Corporation of the Township of Emo. By law, a request should be completed within […]

By Laura Balanko-Dickson
Staff writer
lbalanko-dickson@fortfrances.com

A new app created by a local resident aims to help small business owners save more of their hard-earned money. Travis Glowasky of the Rainy River District set out to make an app that wasn’t subscription-based, didn’t steal customers’ data, and worked with or without an internet connection. Despite rejections […]

By Allan Bradbury
Staff Writer
abradbury@fortfrances.com

The Fort Frances Lakers led 2-0 and 3-1 over the course of their regular season finale on Saturday against the Thunder Bay North Stars, and while they’d go on to fall behind 4-3 in the third period, a late goal by Carter Deschamps tied the game up and got them […]

By Allan Bradbury
Staff Writer
abradbury@gmail.com

On March 25, Winnipeg-based Dirty Catfish Brass Band (DCBB) are bringing their horns (and other instruments) to Fort Frances for the penultimate show of the 2024-25 Tour de Fort passport season. When some people hear the term “brass band,” their mind might go to a Salvation Army-style band playing Christmas […]

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

Student loan forgiveness is being leveraged to recruit and retain doctors and nurses to rural and remote areas. In a press release from March 6, 2025, Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Workforce Development and Labour for the federal liberals, announced a possible remedy to the shortage of doctors and nurses in […]

From Confederation College
Press release

Thunder Bay, ON – March 19, 2025 – Seneca Polytechnic and Confederation College have announced a new strategic partnership to enhance opportunities for students across Ontario and address critical skill gaps in key industries. The collaboration will initially focus on Aviation programming while also exploring the potential for a unique […]