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 the Canadian Mental Health Association
Press release

As international trade tensions escalate, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario is warning of the significant negative impacts this will bring on Ontarians’ mental well-being. While Ontario’s party leaders debate how to combat new tariffs by the U.S. government, studies show the consequences are not just economic. Research shows […]

From the District of Rainy River Services Board
Press release

Fort Frances, Ontario – The District of Rainy River Services Board (DRRSB) is proud to announce the official launch of the HOPE Transitional House, a crucial step forward in addressing homelessness in the Rainy River District. The new program provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals transitioning to stable […]

By Ken Kellar
Editor
kkellar@fortfrances.com

Valentine’s Day so often means chocolates and cards and flowers, but what if this year, it was asked to be a little bit more? Make no mistake, if you choose to celebrate Valentine’s Day as another special occasion to spoil your significant other, or another loved one, then this is […]

From Riverside Health Care
Press release

Riverside Health Care in conjunction with the Northwestern Public Health Unit has declared an Influenza A Outbreak on the West Wing of Rainycrest Long Term Care Home. Enhanced visitor restrictions and masking protocols are in place. Only two (2) visitors or caregivers may visit at a time, and visitors should […]

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

Thunder Bay hotels will begin filling up next week with fans, sponsors, officials, curling teams and their families as the Scotties Tournament of Hearts gets underway on Feb. 14. The 10-day event to crown Canada’s women’s curling champions is expected to bolster the city’s accommodation, culinary, attraction and retail sectors […]

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 […]

By Dave Baxter
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Winnipeg Sun

Two pilot projects will look to attract more newly arrived immigrants to work and live in smaller Canadian centres, including some here in Manitoba, as the federal government looks to tackle worker shortages in rural and French communities. On Thursday, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller announced the […]

By Mike Stimpson
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Thunder Bay Source

KENORA — By Cheryl O’Flaherty’s reckoning, construction of a new Kenora hospital could begin in about three years. “We’re waiting for approval from the government to move to the next phase, which is Stage 2 in detailed design as well as the tendering of the construction documents,” O’Flaherty, president and […]