Evening News May 14

According to the Manitoulin Expositor, Algoma-Manitoulin MPP Mike Brown has introduced a private member's bill to have the double-breasted cormorant moved into the same category as other nuisance birds like the crow and the common grackle. "Cormorants continue to be a serious problem, not just in Algoma-Manitoulin, but all along the Great Lakes and particularly in the North Channel," said Mr. Brown . He noted that cormorant numbers have already declined significantly over the past season and with his bill it is hoped that their numbers can be reduced to a more sustainable population.

There will be a memorial rally day for former M’Chigeeng resident Byron Debassige in Toronto on June 6. Debassige was shot and killed by Toronto police officers in February after Mr. Debassige left an area corner shop, apparently shoplifting some fruit. It was later learned that 28-year old had been dealing with mental illness since his teenage years. The Special Investigations Unit has been conducting a probe but so far, the family has heard nothing, though they hope for a coroner's inquest. His mother, Jennifene, has held various fundraising events in her Island community towards paying for a bus that will take those who wish to attend the rally from Manitoulin to Toronto on June 6. For full details on both these stories, see this weeks copy of the Manitoulin Expositor.

The situation continues to worsen in Burma with the United Nations now estimating 2 million people are at risk of disease and starvation in the wake of the devastating cyclone. The agency said relief efforts must be increased dramatically in order to address the concerns. The International Red Cross has released new estimates of the death toll, putting the number between seventy and 128,000 people.

Meanwhile, a Canadian cargo plane loaded with 2,000 emergency temporary shelter kits is headed for the victims of the cyclone. 90 metric tonnes of supplies will be distributed by the Red Cross. As of Tuesday, only 11 planeloads of international aid had been distributed. The Burmese government doesn't have the resources to distribute international aid in a timely manner, but still refuses any significant foreign help.

The U.S. Interior Department is adding the polar bear to the list threatened species. This comes after evidence that rising temperatures are causing Arctic Sea ice -- the bears' habitat -- to vanish. This makes the mighty polar bear the first animal to be listed as endangered or threatened as a result of global warming. The expected decline in Arctic sea ice could wipe out two-thirds of the polar bear population by 2050.

Sports
The top-seeded Detroit Red Wings will try to punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup final tonight, when they go for a four-game sweep of the Dallas Stars in Game 4 of the Western Conference final.

Canada and Norway meet again Wednesday at the world men's hockey championship (4:30 p.m. AT) with the winner advancing to Friday's semifinals in Quebec City against the Czech Republic or Sweden.

Belgian Justine Henin, the world's top-ranked women's tennis player is calling it quits. The 25-year-old Henin made her decision final today. A four-time French Open winner, Henin has captured seven Grand Slam titles and has 41 titles overall for her career.

Evening News May 13

Whitefish Lake First Nation has filed a land claim worth $550 billion against the province and Canada. The claim stems from the failure to honour the terms of the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850 where the community surrendered land to the Crown. Whitefish Lake First Nation is located 20 kms southwest of Sudbury and measures 45,000 acres in size. The community is trying to reclaim about 250,000 acres of land which covers the entire city of Greater Sudbury, Nairn Centre as well as parts of Killarney, French River and Markstay.

A Hamilton court will decide custody today of an 11-year-old leukemia patient who told his family he did not want to continue with his chemotherapy. The Children's Aid Society of Hamilton was granted custody of the 11-year-old after his father told doctors, against their advice, that his son no longer wanted chemotherapy and had said that he wanted to try alternative therapies. A judge ruled last week the boy cannot make an informed decision and ordered him into CAS care to ensure he gets the treatment, which began last week.

The death toll following the worst earthquake to hit China in three decades has passed 12,000, with thousands more still buried in debris. The powerful earthquake struck central China Monday at 2:28 p.m. local time, when office buildings, factories and schools were full. In the city of Mianyang, near the earthquake's epicentre, 18,645 people remain buried in debris. In 1976, 240,000 people were killed in the city of Tangshan following an earthquake.

A United Nations official complained today that the World Food Program can deliver only a fraction of the food that Burma needs because of logistics problems and government obstruction. The European Union urged the Burmese government to allow foreign help, saying to do otherwise could amount to a crime against humanity. Despite the dire nature of the tragedy, the military regime has rejected any outside help to distribute the aid. Cyclone Nargis struck the country on May 2-3.

If you live on Manitoulin Island or travel through, watch out for the radar speed indicator sign that the OPP have purchased. The LED sign will feature a passing motorist's speed as well as the posted speed limit. The $13,000 pricetag was covered through donations by businesses such as Manitoulin Transport. According to Community services officer Al Boyd, the sign will be moved around to different Island Hwys. He said the sign will be up for three to four days at a time with police officers equipped with radar guns conducting speed checks on the final day.

Sports
The Philidelphia Flyers are going to try to get back in the swing of things tonight in game 3 of the NHL Eastern Conference finals against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Pens are up 2 games to zip.

Former NHL star and Detroit Red Wing allumni Steve Yzerman, one-time world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, the Olympic champion 4x100-metre relay team, swimmer Nancy Garapick and short-track speedskater Marc Gagnon are the newest inductees to the Canadian Sports hall of fame.

Team Canada centre Eric Staal has left the team and flown back to Thunder Bay to attend his grandfather's funeral. He will not play in Wednesday's quarterfinal game against Norway the at World Hockey Championships.

Evening News April 23

Police have positively identified the body recovered from Catfish Creek, north of Wawa on Saturday, April 19th. The victim has been identified as STEPHANE PLAMONDON, 32 years of age, from Edmonton, Alberta. He has also been positively linked to the 2003 Chevrolet Impala that was located nearby on the side of Highway 17. It is still unknown what Plamondon was doing in the area or which direction he was traveling in. Cause of death is being withheld until further forensic tests have been conducted. Notification of next of kin was done with family in Montreal.

According to the Manitoulin Expositor, Assiginack council passed a motion last week objecting to the tax-exempt status of Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy properties due to the implications that the status may have on the township’s tax base. The motion came after Andy Bowerman, a resident of Assiginack, made a presentation to council on his concerns. "If the biosphere conservancy is exempt from paying taxes, then who's going to pick up the lost revenue?" he asked. "Not the government-they'd rather download." "A million dollars worth of assessment (throughout Manitoulin) is going to mean a lot of taxes. I think we should be really fighting this."

Meanwhile, Bob Barnett, executive director of the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy, explained that there are certain categories of land where all landowners are subject to exemption. These include wetland areas, areas of natural and scientific interest, habitat of rare or endangered species, or land designated as natural escarpment. If landowners apply, they may too be tax exempt. Manitoulin fits into the Ontario Lands for Life category, which means the province has found the Island to be of utmost ecological importance.

Federal NDP candidate, Claude Gravelle says that Northern Ontario workers are finding it hard to pay gas prices that have gone over $1.25 a litre.He went on to say that "Northern workers are paying an arm and a leg for out-of-control gas prices because the Harper government not only refuses to regulate oil prices, but they just gave oil and gas companies a tax giveaway worth $14 billion."
Gravelle made the statements as gas prices in Northeastern Ontario currently range between $1.21 and $1.27

World Vision is cutting back on the vital flow of aid it provides to some of the world's most impoverished people -- saying it can no longer afford to feed 1.5 million of the 7.5 million people that received aid last year. World Vision cites rising food costs driven by high fuel prices, unpredictable weather and demand from China and India, as well as the failure of countries to meet their donation commitments as the driving factors for the decision. According to the organization, the most profound result of the cutback is that hundreds of thousands of children under five, who rely on World Vision food to ensure their development, will not get the nutrition they need.
That can result in impaired brain development and stunted physical growth.

Sports
The NHL playoffs take a night off tonight as all the teams who have advanced prepare for their next battles for the Stanley Cup.
Here are the team match-ups for round two.
Montreal vs. the Philadelphia Flyers
Pittsburgh Penguins vs. the New York Rangers
The Detroit Red Wings vs. the Colorado Avalanche
And the San Hose Sharks face the Dallas Stars

Jordan Eberle scored two first-period goals Wednesday as Canada overpowered host Russia 8-0 to capture gold at the world under-18 hockey championship in Kazan. The Canadians took command of the game early, storming out to a 5-0 lead after the first period.

The Toronto Raptors are off tonight. They have lost their first 2 games of their best of 7 first round series with the Orlando Majic.

Evening News April 18

Police have arrested Jane MIGWANS, age 29, and William PANAMICK, age 37, both of M’Chigeeng First Nation for Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking. PANAMICK was further charged with Possession under $5,000 for having proceeds of crime.

UCCM Police are asking for the publics help in solving a recent theft. On April 12, seven new chainsaws, with an approximate value of $3,500 were stolen from BJ's-Addisons’ OK Tire store in M'Chigeeng First Nation. Anyone with any information which may be helpful in this investigation is asked to contact the U.C.C.M. Anishnaabe Police at 705-377-7135, or Crimestoppers by calling (1-800-222-TIPS).

Health Canada announced that it's taking action against controversial chemical bisphenol A, saying that it may move to ban baby bottles that contain the chemical. Health Minister Tony Clement said that the levels of bisphenol A (BPA) that most Canadian adults are exposed to is not harmful. However, laboratory studies have shown that when infants are exposed to the substance, it can lead to future behavioural and neurological problems. The chemical exists in hundreds of everyday household products, from water bottles to home electronics to baby bottles.

The RCMP has charged a former federal Liberal official with fraud in connection to the sponsorship scandal that helped to bring down Paul Martin's Liberal government. Benoit Corbeil, who ran the Liberal party's Quebec wing from 1999 to 2001, was arrested today and charged with influence peddling, fraud and conspiracy against the party and the federal government between 1997 and 2000. He is accused of conspiring to defraud the party of $100,000 during his tenure by authorizing payment of false invoices.

Pope Benedict addressed the United Nations' General Assembly Friday as part of his first visit to the United States as head of the Roman Catholic Church. He commended the work of the international body, calling it "vital," but he said that nations need to work together. He also said that the promotion of human rights remains the most effective strategy for eliminating inequalities between countries and social groups, while increasing security.

Sports
According to Ottawa Senators General Manager and head coach Bryan Murray, Ray Emery's tenure in the Nation's capital is likely over. The Senator's top brass met with the media today to wrap up what turned out to be a disappointing season. When the subject of the controversial goaltender was raised, Murray made his position clear: "My plan is not to have him back."

Meanwhile, the NHL playoffs continue tonight:
The New York Rangers can eliminate the New Jersey Devils tonight in game 5 of a series the Rangers lead 3 games to 1

The Anaheim Ducks will have to climb out of a 3-1 series' hole against Dallas in game 5 just to get out of the first round.

And the Detroit Red wings host the Nashville Predators in game 5. They’re series is tied 2 and 2

EVENING NEWS APRIL 3

According to the Manitoulin Expositor, Manitoulin Island residents are being encouraged to submit their ideas for garbage collection and recycling as part of the Island-wide Waste Management Plan.
Last week, several information sessions were held across the Manitoulin. Coordinators from Earth Tech, the company advising the Waste Management Committee, were at the meetings to get input from Islanders interested in shaping the future of waste management on Manitoulin. For full details on this story and how you can still submit your suggestions, purchase this weeks edition of the Manitoulin Expositor.

At a news conference today at the NATO summit in Romania, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced his goal of convincing other members to ante-up 1,000 troops, as well as equipment, had been achieved and Canada would be extending its military role beyond the February 2009 deadline. French President Nicholas Sarkozy announced France would send 700 troops to fight in eastern Afghanistan which will allow the U.S. to send about 1,000 -- to Kandahar province where most of the heavy fighting is taking place.

At the same news conference, Harper called on China to respect human rights but suggested it is premature to think of boycotting the 2008 Olympic’s opening ceremonies. However, he said he has no plans to personally attend the event. Harper said Canada would be sending high-ranking representatives to the opening ceremonies. He suggested the world is watching China's behaviour closely.

The Ontario government is taking action to address animal abuse, which may also assist in identifying human domestic abuse issues. The new legislation that would amend the Ontario SPCA Act, will make it mandatory for veterinarians to report suspected cases of animal abuse with protection for veterinarians. The link between animal and human abuse has been well-documented. In 2007, the Ontario government also made a commitment to provide support to women at risk of abuse (and their children) by providing temporary housing and care for the pets of women entering women's shelters.

President Bush won NATO's endorsement today for his plan to build a missile defence system in Europe over Russian objections. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called it a "breakthrough agreement" for the military alliance. Rice said today that the threats of the 21st century, make it necessary to have missile defence that can defend the countries of Europe. A NATO statement calls on the alliance to explore ways in which the planned U.S. project, to be based in Poland and the Czech Republic, can be linked with future missile shields elsewhere.

Sports
A couple of all-Canadian matchups in the NHL tonight feature two non-playoff teams looking to spoil the postseason hopes for two that are barely hanging on. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers, already polishing their golf clubs, would love nothing more than to make misery for the Ottawa Senators and Vancouver Canucks in their respective games.

The Calgary Flames can secure a playoff berth by earning a point when the team visits the Minnesota Wild tonight.

Dustin McGowan will be ready to start tonight when the Toronto Blue Jays play the rubber match of their three-game season-opening series against the New York Yankees. After losing Tuesday's opener, the Jays bounced back on Wednesday with a 5-2 win.

EVENING NEWS FRIDAY MARCH 28

According to the Manitoulin West Recorder members of the Manitoulin Planning Board are concerned with a proposal from the Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy concerning the soon to be renewed Manitoulin Island Official Plan. According to one board member, the EBC wants to ignore the official Island plan. This would mean that on EBC protected land, private land owners would not be able to do anything on their own property. The EBC has listed all the properties they want to protect on Manitoulin, and most of these are on private property. For more details on this story, see the front page of the Recorder.

Competitive salaries, benefits and nickel bonuses lured droves of people to a mining and mining supplies career fair in Sudbury Thursday. Xstrata Nickel is hiring 400 people this year and although some of those positions have already been filled they are accepting resumes for mine labourers, trades, electricians, millwrights and heavy duty equipment mechanics. The Sudbury and Manitoulin Workforce Partnership Board, Job Connect, Sudbury Vocational Resource Centre, City of Greater Sudbury and the YMCA Employment Services, among other groups, organized the job fair.

A single-engine plane carrying five people has crashed while travelling from Edmonton to Winnipeg. The plane crashed northeast of Wainwright, Alta., about 200 kilometres east of Edmonton.The plane was en route to Winnipeg from Edmonton when it disappeared from radar at 8:12 a.m. MT. There was no immediate word on the fate of the people on the plane.

Earth Hour organizers are encouraging individuals, businesses and government to help reduce electricity and create awareness on climate change by turning their lights off for one hour Saturday. It is expected that millions of Ontarians will participate in Earth Hour tomorrow evening between 8-9 pm. Earth Hour started in Sydney, Australia on March 31, 2007, when more than 2 million people and approximately 2,100 businesses turned off their lights for 60 minutes. Their environmental statement garnered international attention and prompted the launching of the worldwide event. To find out everything you needed to know about Earth Hour and see a full list of cities taking part, go to earthhour.org.

U.S. warplanes launched air strikes into at least two Shia neighbourhoods in Baghdad today, as well as firing missiles into the southern city of Basra in support of Iraqi government forces locked in fierce fighting with Shia militias. The attacks came as Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki extended a deadline for militants in Basra to surrender their arms, adding a financial incentive if they do so.

Sports

Former Vancouver Canucks coach Marc Crawford has been dragged into a multi-million dollar lawsuit over NHL forward Todd Bertuzzi's infamous sucker punch on Steve Moore that ended Moore’s hockey career four years ago. Moore originally filed the suit against Bertuzzi and courts documents show the former NHL player has now consented to name Crawford in the suit as well. Bertuzzi also sought to have Crawford included in the suit based on the claim that his NHL contract compelled him take direction from his coach.

Quebec's minister responsible for sport has asked the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League to form a committee and submit a report containing anti-fighting proposals by June. The move comes in the wake of the recent junior brawl in which the son of former NHL goalie Patrick Roy, who is also his son’s team coach, repeatedly pounded an opponent during a game.

The NOJHL semi-final round playoffs continue tonight. The North Bay Skyhawks currently lead their best of seven series against the Abitibi Eskimos 2-1. The Sudbury Junior Wolves lead their series with the Soo Thunderbirds 3-1.

Morning News March 28, 2008

A Sudbury company, Ontario 1039434 Ltd., plead guilty yesterday to a serious public safety violation resulting in a $20,000 fine plus a 25% Victim Surcharge by the Ontario Court of Justice in Timmins. In June of 2007 the Technical Standards and Safety Authority investigated some mechanical problems with a passenger elevator owned by the numbered company operated at St. Mary’s Manor in Timmins. The numbered company was charged with five counts against the Act for its unsafe operation.

Three southern Ontario residents were the victims in Tuesday's fatal car accident on Highway 11 near Marten River. Norman Froude, 43, of Brampton was driving a 1998 Chevrolet Malibu southbound with passenger Kimberly Wilkie, 44, of Sarnia. Frank McKnight, 43, of Burlington was driving the other vehicle, a northbound 1996 Plymouth Neon. All three people were pronounced dead at the scene. The crash took place on Highway 11 north of the Highway 64 turnoff just north of North Bay closing seven kilometers of the highway.

In a landmark ruling, a B.C. judge has ruled that a full-patch Hells Angels member and two of his associates are not members of a criminal organization. Had the Hells Angels been deemed a criminal organization, police would have been able to seize their assets. ON the basis the audio recordings presented by the Crown were not understandable, the judge acquitted full patch member David Giles for possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Therefore, Giles could not be found guilty of directing a criminal organization. Two Hells Angels associates, Richard Rempel, 24 and David Revell, 42 were each found guilty of possession of cocaine and trafficking cocaine.

Brittney McNeil, an 18-year old from Halifax received a 5 and ½ year sentence for her role in a horrific three-on-one attack that left her roommate with burns to her ears and tongue, and a broken and unrecognizable face. McNeil, who has 36 previous convictions, was convicted of aggravated assault for beating 18-year old Kathie-Lee Bennet. The beating included setting Bennet’s hair on fire and burning her with cigarettes. The beating was started by McNeil when she believed Bennet told police that McNeil had a gun in their apartment. A 15-year old girl has already plead guilty while a second 15-year old is scheduled to appear in court in May.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown says Britain will not boycott the opening ceremonies for the Beijing Olympics. Brown was speaking at a news conference with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who repeated his position that France might shun the opening. Sarkozy confirmed that none of the 27 members of the European Union have called for a boycott of the Games.

AND IN SPORTS:

The Boston Bruins beat the Toronto Maple Leafs last night 4 to 2 crushing the Leafs chances at a playoff spot. The win puts the Bruins into a seventh place tie with Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference. The Leafs will miss the playoffs for the third straight season.

Coach Lindy Ruff couldn't watch as his Buffalo Sabres went into the shootout with the Ottawa Senators last night. Luckily for Ruff Jason Pominville and Derek Roy each scored securing the win 4 to 3 over the Sens keeping the Sabres playoff hopes alive. The win puts the Sabres five points behind Boston and Philadelphia for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Jennifer Jones finished round-robin play at the world women’s curling championship with a win over Sweden 7 to 3. The win left Jones’ Canada team tied with China at 9 and 2 each. To break the tie the Canadians will play on Friday night in a 1-versus-2 playoff game against China. The winner advances directly to the final on Sunday, the losing team playing in Saturday’s semifinal.