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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 2011

Printed in Canada Volume 117 Number 52

Candidates upbeat heading into final days

By Peggy Revell Staff writer

INSIDE

Local candidates are riding a wave of optimism as the May 2 federal election draws near. Ill just keep knocking on doors Ill keep on knocking on doors right til the election, incumbent John Rafferty, the NDP candidate, said yesterday morning. Ill be knocking on doors and talking to people, listening to their concerns, he vowed. Its what hes been doing, not only during this campaign but over

the last two-and-a-half years as MP for Thunder Bay-Rainy River, which he says has included listening and talking to people, and getting his directions from constituents for what needs to be done in Parliament. In talking to people, Rafferty said whats at the top of his list of prioritiesaffordability, retirement security, and health careare what other people are concerned about, as well. Mr. Harper [said] just before the election that as far as the economy is concerned, its mission accom-

plished, Rafferty noted. Well, its not mission accomplished in Northern Ontario and I suspect in many other areas of Canada. So that spurs me on to continue the work that Im doing because its at almost every door step thats a big concern, he added. And while he doesnt know if statistics will bear him out, Rafferty said in talking to people, it seems that more are engaged in this election compared to past ones. I dont know if thats going to be

the end result if more people come out and vote. I hope they do, he remarked. [But] thats the overwhelming sense that I getthat people are interested, and people are going to be going out to vote. As well, he said that almost every young person he has talked to is planning to cast a ballot, particularly first-time voters. So theyre engaged and I think that thats a good sign, too. The momentum for us is growing, said Liberal candidate Ken Boshcoff.

The support seems to be increasing and everybody here is very, very upbeat, he noted. Boshcoff, who represented the riding following the 2004 and 2006 elections, is hoping to regain the seat he lost to Rafferty in 2008. And with a close race between himself and Rafferty this time around, it means that everything counts, Boshcoff stressed. So here we go. Theres no shutouts in any political process, but I have to say Please see Candidates, A5

Candidates tackle local issues

Aiming to win the hearts and votes of local residents, the four candidates vying for the Thunder Bay-Rainy River seat squared off here last Wednesday evening at a forum organized by the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce.

Local wait list still growing for adults with disabilities

By Peggy Revell Staff writer Local families and advocates are calling on the province to take action as the wait lists for support services for adults with developmental disabilities have hit an all-time high both in Fort Frances and across Ontario. Provincial funding announced in last months budget for supports and services for people with developmental disabilities is welcome, but its not enough to ensure existing programs are stabilized and the needs of families on wait lists are met, warned Alanna Barr, executive director with Community Living Fort Frances and District, which serves the region from Rainy River east to Lac La Croix First Nation and north to Nestor Falls. There currently are 53 people on the local agencys wait list, Barr noted, and nine of those are waiting for 24-hour support. Its the highest number their wait

See story on A5

Daughter treasures war memorabilia

Dawn Sharpe never knew her biological father. In fact, Donald Keith Nelson died during World War II before she was born. But the Edmonton resident now has a piece of the father she never knew after receiving some of his war medals, trinkets, and old letters, which were discovered here in Fort Frances last month.

list has ever reached. Meanwhile across the province, some 23,000 people with a developmental disability are on wait lists for services, with 12,000 of those waiting for residential supports, Barr said. But while these numbers continue to climb, funding has stalled. For several years now, the province has asked agencies that support individuals with a developmental disability to do more with little new funding investment in the sector, Barr explained. In 2008/09, the province required that supports and services delivered by the sector be increased without providing any new funding. Then last year, Barr said more than $20 million in funding that the province had committed to Community Living agencies was redirected to pay for changes required under new provincial legislation. Please see Local, A6

DSSAB to undergo operational review

By Peggy Revell Staff writer Looking to curb the ever-expanding budget of the Rainy River District Social Services Administration Board, municipal reps approved a motion last Thursday to proceed with a complete operations and efficiency review of the board. This all started right back when we first started doing the budget and we talked about cutting jobs, cutting this, cutting that, Morley Reeve Moe Henry said during last Thursday nights meeting. My point was that there were some of us who had no idea what peoples jobs were, what they did, what they didnt do, or anything like that, Reeve Henry noted, referring to the hesitation various reps expressed during the 2011-12 budget process over simply making cutsand the ensuing discussion from that to hire an outside firm to look at the boards efficiency and operations. It wont only include the employees, it will also include the operations of the board because I think the board has to have a reviewthe whole [organization], he stressed. There also is the possibility of looking to the province to fund the operational efficiency review given money saved also will benefit the province. The board approved the motion put forward by Reeve Henry that will see it seek proposals from an outside consultant to review the entire operations of the [Rainy River] DSSAB and bring forward recommendations to increase the efficiencies of the entire organization, as well as petition various ministries to fund this review. In other business at last Thursdays meeting, concerns were raised over the vote held at the special board meeting held March 25 to amend the DSSABs 201112 budget. In the initial budget approved earlier in March, $11,350 in materials for social housing accidentally had been removed as alterations were made to the budget in the hours leading up to it being passed. A special meeting then was held to reinstate this amount into the budget. But following Roberts Rules of Order, as laid out by DSSAB chair and La Vallee Reeve Ross Donaldson, a two-thirds majority was not achieved to make the amendment. [For] Roberts Rules of Order, the number-one thing is that the majority should speak, said Chapple Coun. Rick Neilson, who was concerned over the notification prior to the meeting and the interpretation of Roberts Rules. Please see DSSAB, A6

See story on B1

Cleaning up
Local Sparks Tatum Kielczewski-Ronmark and Joelle Bruyere, along with other local Girl Guides, did their part to help keep Fort Frances clean by picking up litter along the waterfront last Wednesday evening in the lead-up to Earth Day, which fell on Good Friday this year. Peggy Revell photo

Cain looking forward to NCAA

Its been a little bit longer of a wait than he would have liked, but Fort Frances native Mitch Cain now is getting ready for the next part of his hockey career after signing his official letter of intent with Bemidji State two weeks ago.

Obama wont be at tug-of-war

Staff The president of the United States will not be attending the international tug-of-war between Fort Frances and International Falls on July 2. While the City of International Falls had invited President Barack Obama to the event, which this year will coincide with the dedication of the new James Oberstar Riverfront Complex across the river, White House staff officially have informed Mayor Shawn Mason he will not be attending, Falls CAO Rod Otterness noted yesterday. However, the tug-of-war task force has plenty of invitations out to various politicians and athletes from both sides of the border, and are hopeful a good number of celebrities will make appearances. We have confirmations from Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken. We do not have confirmations yet from our new representative, Chip Cravaack, said Otterness, adding they also are hopeful that Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton can make it. I am very hopeful were going to get some good names, Otterness added, noting that task force member Robin Bjorkquist has been Please see Obama, A5

See story on C1

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FORT FRANCES TIMES A5

Candidates tackle local issues during forum here

By Peggy Revell Staff writer Aiming to win the hearts and votes of local residents, the four candidates vying for the Thunder Bay-Rainy River seat squared off here last Wednesday evening at a forum organized by the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce. About 50 people turned out to the Civic Centre to hear the candidates answer questions from local media and organizations on topics which had been pre-selected by the Chamber, including the international border crossing here, pension reform, the forest industry, maintaining Canadas economic position, and economic development. Citing the recent case of celebrity Charlie Sheen being allowed into the country for a pair of shows in Toronto, Wayne Helliar of the North Western Ontario Tourism Association asked how there can be this difference in treatment when tourists coming into Northwestern Ontario are refused entry at the Fort Frances and Rainy River border crossings for minor offensesand how to correct this unfair situation. First to answer the question was Green Party candidate Ed Shields, who admitted he is not as knowledgeable about border issues but stressed those crossing the border should all be treated equally. Tourism is an important area of our economy, especially here, and [if] we dont have free and open borders and welcoming borders, I think it hurts our economy drastically, he remarked. I think the government has to address that aggressively, Shields added. Conservative hopeful Maureen Moe Comuzzi-Stehmann also stressed the importance tourism has on the local economyand called Charlie Sheen unusual issue that should have never happened. She said the government has a strong role to play in alleviating the red tape when it comes to border crossing, and vowed to work very diligently to make sure this red tape is removed. We need to take away the responsibility from the Customs officers because apparently its at their discretion as to who is allowed in and whatever Customs officer is on duty depends on who gets across, noted Comuzzi-Stehmann, adding ultimately never implemented by the last Parliament. Citing the launch of the biomass boiler in Fort Frances, and new innovative forest product companies that are in development, Boshcoff stressed the industry can be revitalized. The reality is this in the last two years, Mr. Harper spent more in 48 hours at the G20 summit in Toronto on fake lakes, on gazebos, on a whole host of other things than he spent on forestry in five years, charged Rafferty, who has been the NDPs forestry critic. With American companies putting in subsidies for their own forestry companies, Rafferty said he has spent the past two-and-ahalf years fighting to match the U.S. subsidieslike the black liquor subsidyor convince the Americans to drop that subsidy. Its not at an end, though, as the Americans have introduced a crop biomass subsidy worth $12 billion over 12 years that Canadians will have to compete with, he warned. Funding also needs to come through to fight the pine beetle, said Rafferty, also raising the alarm over the provinces new allocation rules will mean no, or virtually no, secondary wood industry in Ontario. Shields, meanwhile, touted the forest industry as a sustainable one with proper management, and an excellent carbon sink. With 30 percent of the worlds boreal forest, the management of this resource in a sustainable matter is important, he said, stressing the need to protect it from pine beetle incursions and climate change. Areas such as value-added manufacturing and biotech also need to be encouraged with the industry, Shields stressed. Innovation, diversification, market developments, and increased competitiveness all can help forestry, said Comuzzi-Stehmann. Conservative plans include extending the current forest innovation and market development programs, she noted. These programs will help forestry companies to diversify and to expand their markets through the value for wood program, the Canadian wood export program, and North American wood first initiative, she argued, stressing the need for the industry to change with the future to remain viable. We all have had family members affected by the forest industry, Comuzzi-Stehmann said, reiterating the importance the industry has in all the communities. I will work very diligently with all stakeholders and our federal government to ensure that we will have a place in our future in the forest industry, she pledged. Eliciting some chuckles, and to get candidates to think on their toes, the Fort Frances Times asked the four candidates what their favourite type of pizza wasand how it relates to their partys platform as well as Canadas economic prosperity and place in the world. It would have to be a Canadian pizza, seems to meand the answer is because its all our own, replied Rafferty, who was first to tackle the question. If were going to have economic stability, if were going to move forward, its going to be Canadas choice, he stressed. Its not going to be forces from outside of Canada that determine what we doand there are ways to do it. What Canada has an advantage over almost any other country that Ive lived in, and Ive lived in many, is creativity, replied Shields, talking about a green pizza. Local entrepreneurs in Canada can use this new pizza the Green Party has come up with to outdo the big box pizza stores, he added, stressing the importance of the government supporting these new ideas, like biotechnology. Im a supreme and I think our government is a supreme government, answered Comuzzi-Stehmann as she focused on the Tory platform of creating jobs, training, trade, low taxes and family tax credits, plans to eliminate the deficit through cutting spending and eliminating waste, making streets safer, and supporting the military through new jets. Boshcoff, meanwhile, said his preferred pizza of choice is a tried and true recipeciting the economic management of past Liberal governments under Jean Chrtien and Paul Martin. He noted their debt reduction program made us able to afford a pizza by creating a safe banking system and balanced budgets. He added the current Conservative government turned a $13-billion surplus into a $56-billion deficit, and put us in a position where we cant afford any more pizza.

Local Liberal hopeful Ken Boshcoff gave his opening remarks during last Wednesday nights all-candidates debate held at the Civic Centre here while NDP incumbent John Rafferty and moderator Tannis Drysdale looked on. Also taking part were Conservative candidate Maureen Moe Comuzzi-Stehmann and Ed Shields of the Green Party. The debate, organized by Peggy Revell photo the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce, drew about 50 residents.
this is what she has been told when talking with the border agency. Preferential treatment for stars tells me that these kinds of precedents can only help make our case, replied Liberal candidate Ken Boschoff, saying there have been improvements but that more work has to be done to regain lost visitors. When he was MP for Thunder Bay-Rainy River from 2004-08, Boshcoff noted he and various stakeholders came together to identify issues where each could hammer out solutions, adding he would continue to do this sort of thing if elected. Awareness is the key, he stressed, so that any issues can be dealt with before a person reaches the borderand stop the bad publicity. Boshcoff also said the same rules that apply to airports should apply to land crossings. Our response must be to do whatever we can to reduce the impact and improve accessibility, he remarked. NDP incumbent John Rafferty also reiterated the impact border issues have had on local tourism industry, calling it a double whammy as tourism also have been dinged by the implementation of the HST. Rafferty noted that to get a clearer picture of what has been happening, he had filed a Freedom of Information request about all border crossings across Canada something which hasnt been given to him yet. As well, hes requested a meeting in Ottawa with the CBSA chief and Thunder Bay headneither of which has happened. Rafferty pledged that he will continue to work on the issue if re-elected as MP. Forestry Forestry still has a great future, Boshcoff said in response to a question on what the candidates would do to help the forest industry in the region. He pointed to the work he did as MP with the Natural Resources committee on a report on federal solutions for forestry that was unanimously adopted by the House of Commons, although was

Candidates upbeat in final days

More from A1 that people have been extraordinarily receptive, Boshcoff said about the hitting the campaign trail and meeting with voters over the past several weeks. He said hes seeing an appreciation of experience, and people have now made their decision based on the fact that they know I can do the job. I am so encouraged and inspired by the support, Boshcoff enthused. Its been way more positive than any candidate could hope for. Just looking at our blue signs all over, Im pretty optimistic, Im feeling good, Conservative candidate Maureen Moe ComuzziStehmann said Monday with one week of campaigning to go. Were working hard and were knocking on doors, and people are ready for change, she noted. Thats a positive thing. And although shes a new face this election, Comuzzi-Stehmann said shes gotten good coaching and good mentoring from both her uncle, Joe Comuzzi, and husband, Tony Stehmann, having been involved in regional politics. Its time for change, and thats our message. Its clear and simple, she said about the message shes consistently been touting throughout the campaign. We have gotten nothing up to this point and people are realizing that we need to be sitting at the same side of the governing party in order to get things done, she stressed. Its time for Thunder Bay-Rainy River to go to the next level [and] people are ready for that. Its all about changing and being a strong voice for our communities, Comuzzi-Stehmann noted, citing the importance of looking after seniors and giving future generations opportunities in their own communities. Meanwhile, the campaign has been a learning curve for rookie Green Party candidate Ed Shields, a medical geneticist and former McGill University professor who retired back to the region five years ago. It think the campaign has forced me to get out of my hermitage and meet more people, he chuckled, praising the so many fantastic people hes met over the past weeks. This area, Thunder Bay-Rainy River, has some phenomenal human resources and I just wasnt expecting that, he admitted, lauding the universities, technical colleges, physicians, business people, neighbours, and the new libraries in both Thunder Bay and Fort Frances he has met and visited on the campaign trailpeople and places that are why hes optimistic about the future of the region. Its been a learning experience, as well, he said about being a newcomer to the political scene, noting his first debate ever was last Tuesday in Stratton and the second the following night in Fort Frances. And with election day fast approaching, Shields said theyre trying everything we can to get their message out. One of the things theyre doing okay with, but thought would help reach voters, is social networking, Shields reflected. But I think not as many people are reading those things as we thought they would, he remarked, noting people seem to be looking for more simplistic yes or no answers compared to some of the more detailed thoughts and discussion he has written about online. Still, hes hoping people can take time to read the Green Partys platformstressing that theyre not just a one-issue party. We are a full party that has many different issue, he stressed. Sometimes we go right on issues, sometimes we go left. We just offer a total new environment, with totally new people. And while people have been receptive to this new message, Shields conceded that doesnt necessarily translate into votes. Ive had a lot of people say, Wed love to vote for you, but. . ., he noted. Theyre the people that are afraid to have the Conservatives back in. And I think thats kind of a sign that theres something wrong with our democracythat we have to be so afraid to vote for someone, that you have to vote for someone you dont really want to vote for, he remarked, calling the experience an eye-opener and something that should be changed for the future.

Douglas Judson waved from aboard the Liberals 737 jet during the recent campaign efforts by the party. The former district resident has been travelling around with Liberal leader MiSubmitted photo chael Ignatieff while on his national tour.

Judson seeing campaign trail up close

By Heather Latter Staff writer Former district resident Douglas Judson has held a unique job for the past four weeksacting as an advance to Liberal leader Michael Ignatieffs national tour. In short, my team and I travel to locations ahead of Mr. Ignatieffs campaign delegation and confirm venue, logistical, technical, and accommodation details, explained Judson, noting each of the major parties has a group that does advance work. Judson and his colleagues have been on-hand to greet the campaign plane when it arrives. Then they accompany the leader, his staff, and national media travelling with them to each venue that has been confirmed prior to their arrival. But Judson noted travelling with a potential prime minister isnt your typical road trip. Like the other parties campaigns, the buses are accompanied by an RCMP motorcade, and its definitely not every day that you board a private 737 jet, he remarked. Most of all, though, it is wonderful to see people engaged in the democratic process at every stop along the way as volunteers, candidates, and simply undecided voters [come] out to see what Mr. Ignatieff is all about, in comparison to the other leaders, he added. Its inspiring to see people so enthusiastic for change. Judson also said working on an election campaign probably is one of the most exhausting, yet exhilarating, things someone could sign up for. It is a spontaneous and constantly changing job with Draconian hours so, naturally, I am in my element, he joked. In all seriousness, though, the reward is the energetic, creative, and capable individuals you meet along the way, and Im sure that those involved with the other parties would say likewise, Judson stressed. Its a splendid hiatus from your run-of-the-mill, nine-to-five [job]. This is not Judsons first political job, having worked for former Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP Ken Boshcoff as well as MP Bob Rae previously. In 2008, he worked on the local Liberal campaign, which provided him an opportunity to take part at the national level this time. During my time working for Ken [Boshcoff], there was never a day I did not look forward to going into the office or where I felt that something I was working on wasnt important for the places and people I cared about, Judson remarked. These are the occupational qualities I continue to look for in my career development, and have been fortunate to find in my more recent career pursuits, he added. Its about feeling that theres a finite opportunity to make a difference, to learn from experienced leaders, and to give back to the people who helped you get there. Judson believes growing up in Northwestern Ontario has shaped his interested in politics. I think living in Northwestern Ontario, you need to take an interest in your politics if youre going to have any appreciation for the forces at play in shaping the challenges and opportunities facing your community, he reasoned, noting people cant take for granted the quality of life they share here in Rainy River District. Given the few voices we have relative to larger centres, I believe that demonstrating leadership, being involved in our communities, and communicating our unique perspective to others is vital to maintaining and building upon that quality of life, he argued. At a certain point, you cant do any of those things without becoming politicalits practically accidental. Judson will continue his job with Ignatieff until Mondays election. Then hes slated to enrol in the joint law/MBA program offered by the Osgoode Hall Law School and the Schulich School of Business in Toronto. I am very excited about the program, and look forward to what new opportunity or adventure it may bring my way, Judson enthused.

Obama wont be at tug-of-war

More from A1 working very, very diligently to contact pro athletes. For example, Philadelphia Flyers Chris Pronger was contacted but unfortunately had to decline. But former Minnesota Vikings linebacker Matt Blair, who was in the Falls for its Pennies for Play fundraiser back in January, might just come back. Meanwhile, the international tug-of-war now has a slogan: Pulling for Peace. Otterness said this slogan might be branded and used in marketing this year and in future. As well, organizers hope to have an international tug-of-war website up and running very soon. As reported earlier this month, the event will consist of two tugs. The first will be between Fort Frances town council and International Falls city council, each of which will be joined by celebrities (i.e., politicians, athletes, or otherwise). The teams will consist of 20 participants. The second tug will be between Canadian and U.S. teams, each consisting of 50 men and women. A brand new trophy will be presented to the winning team in this second tug. The international tug-of-war will coincide with various other events on both sides of the border. For example, there may be a charity barbecue on this side of the border in conjunction with the event. Other activities also may take place on this side of the border. On the U.S. side will be the dedication of the new James Oberstar Riverfront Complex across the river, a $11.3-million project which is owned by the Falls Economic Development Administration and leased to the U.S. government. The complex includes a fishing pier, boat launch, a seaplane base, a picnic area, and hiking and biking trails, as well as the Irvin N. Anderson Amphitheater. Canadian classic rockers, Loverboy, along with several other bands, will play the inaugural concert at the amphitheater later on July 2.