Poverty and underfunding are leading to a tough job market
February 2nd, 2012 by thomas.parisi
By Tom Parisi
With the number of jobs growing in the James Bay lowlands, many First Nations students are being left in the dark.
Severals mines have opened in the last few years, including the DeBeers Victor mine and the recently openend Detour Gold, and they’ll be looking for skilled trade workers. Vice President of Apprenticeship and Corporate Training at Northern College Bob Mack said, that’s where the aboriginal people can come in and help.
“There’s been a major lack in First Nation education since last year when funding was discontinued. If we can get back on track the aboriginal people can become an even more valuable resource in the north.”
Since funding was discontinued in March of 2011, Mack said a growing number of trade programs offered to First Nations student have seen a sharp decline in enrollement.
“We tried everything we could to get these programs full but they’ve been overlooked and under funded for so long, they have nothing to strive for. Student either drop out of school early or don’t feel the need to continue past high school. This is where we need to work with the government to make it work again.”
Last week it was announced the Timmins Chamber of Commerce’s new policy on the funding for First Nation education, was being considered and discussed by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce in an attempt to reestablish an education system along the James Bay coast.
Sabourin named Deputy Chief
February 2nd, 2012 by garett.chisholme
Gerry Sabourin has been named the new deputy chief of the Timmins Fire Department.
Cheif Mike Pintar says his experience makes him an ideal candidate for the job.
Sabourin has been a full time firefighter since 1988.
OPP child pornography sting leads to 60 people being charged
February 2nd, 2012 by chajjar
Three Sudbury men are among 60 suspects rounded up by Police from across Ontario in a child pornography sweep being described as one of the largest in the province’s history.
Acting Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Scott Tod told a news conference officers from 24 forces arrested men and teenagers of all walks of life, including a child care worker.
“”Every child has the right to be nurtured and the right to be safe. Child pornography is the sexual abuse of children. Every image of child pornography represents a child victim. Every trading or transmission of that image represents a re-victimization of that child.” Tod said.
Det.-Sgt. Frank Goldschmidt says 22 victims were identified during the probe, and more arrests are expected.
The suspects are facing charges that include Internet child luring, possession, accessing and making child pornography.
Police say members of the Provincial Strategy to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation on the Internet were involved in the sweep.
From August 2006 to Feb. 1, 2012 in Ontario, there have been 16,131 child porn investigations resulting in 5,837 charges against 1,867 people.
The South Porcupine Winter Carnival is just around the corner
February 1st, 2012 by thomas.parisi
By Tom Parisi
Ice sculptures, helicopter rides and a parade are only a few of the things you can do at the 27th annual South Porcupine Winter Carnival.
The carnival will have all the old favorites, said Director of Children Activities at the South Porcupine Pride committee Joanne Hagger-Perritt.
“We’ll have the inflatables at Roland Michener Secondary School and many activities at Scout Hall.”
City councilor John Curley said the carnival has been a staple in people’s lives for quite some time.
“The carnival has been around since the early 80s and residents from all over always flock to South Porcupine to enjoy the great show we put on.”
The carnival kicks off Friday Feb 10th and finishes on the 12th with a fireworks display at Porcupine Lake.
Schools looking to stop the fighting before it starts
February 1st, 2012 by thomas.parisi
By Tom Parisi
With the investigation into the fight between TH&VS and Theriault students ongoing, schools are ramping up their anti-violence campaigns.
After a lunch-hour brawl between the students, Director of Education with the Ontario District School Board North East, Linda Knight said, the students need to be accountable for their actions.
“Students have to step up to the plate and say this is not acceptable behaviour. They shouldn’t be cheering and jeering and creating a mob mentaility, they need to know there’s a better way to sovle the problem.”
Schools have already taken action by suspending the students involved and Knight said this is a step forward but more needs to be done.
“We have already begun working with smaller children about learning how to deal with these types of situations and who to turn to if it does occur.” “We are cooperating with the Timmins Police during the investigation and hope to have it complete shortly.”
Knight added consequences for those involved could be handed out as early as next week, with criminal charges a very distinct possibilty.
Missing Teen
February 1st, 2012 by thomas.parisi
By Tom Parisi
The Timmins Police are asking for the publics help in finding a missing teen.
Police say 15 year-old Jasmine Metatawabin was last seen leaving her foster home wearing dark jeans, a pink skirt, and a black coat with grey boots.
If you have any information of Jasmine whereabouts, please contact the Timmins Police at 705-264-1201
Police Investigate High School Brawl
February 1st, 2012 by garett.chisholme
By Garett Chisholme
Timmins Police are investigating a fight between Theriault and Timmins High and Vocational School last Wednesday.
At a press conference, Chief John Gauthier said it was almost a mob mentality, as students recorded the fight and posted it to social media sites. One student was taken to Timmins and District Hospital to be treated for injuries. So far, no one has been charged
District School Board Ontario North East Director of Education Linda Knight issued the following statement:
“District School Board Ontario North East is working very closely with Chief Gauthier and the Timmins Police in regards to the matter mentioned. Altercations such as this affect the learning environment of all students and as such, we take this matter very seriously. We have been conducting our own investigations, parallel to the police investigations, over the last week. In accordance with the regulations of the Safe Schools Act, we anticipate that there will be consequences for the students which could be as significant as expulsions.” – Linda Knight, Director of Education
Timmins Chamber of Commerce has provincial appeal
January 31st, 2012 by thomas.parisi
By Tom Parisi
The Timmins Chamber of Commerce is looking to improve the education standards for First Nations communities.
The chamber is being recognized by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce for their policy on better funding for First Nations education.
“It’s an honour to be considered and recognized on the provincial level,” said Policy and Communications Director at the Timmins Chamber, Nick Stewart, “Unfortunately the aboriginal communities recieve less funding than non-aboriginal schools and we’re trying to rectifiy this and help make them contrbuting members of the community.”
Stewarted noted, Ontario could face a trade workers shortage in the next five to 20 years. “We hope that with the proper funding and right programs, we can help ease the transition after the baby boomers retire. We want to fill the void quickly with people we know can do the job.”
The policy is part of the Ontario Chamber’s “Emerging Strong” vision, aimed at helping communities become fiscally responsible and help foster strong economies.
The Timmins Chamber policy was passed in May 2011 and Stewart said he hopes it moves along the conversation.
Too many times First Nations kids of adults are left in the dark and with this policy we want bridge the gap between us so we can begin working together.”
Timmins Chamber of Commerce has provincial appeal
January 31st, 2012 by thomas.parisi
By Tom Parisi
The Timmins Chamber of Commerce is looking to improve the education standards for First Nations communities.
The chamber is being recognized by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce for their policy on better funding for First Nations education.
“It’s an honour to be considered and recognized on the provincial level,” said Policy and Communications Director at the Timmins Chamber, Nick Stewart, “Unfortunately the aboriginal communities recieve less funding than non-aboriginal schools and we’re trying to rectifiy this and help make them contrbuting members of the community.”
Stewarted noted, Ontario could face a trade workers shortage in the next five to 20 years. “We hope that with the proper funding and right programs, we can help ease the transition after the baby boomers retire. We want to fill the void quickly with people we know can do the job.”
The policy is part of the Ontario Chamber’s “Emerging Strong” vision, aimed at helping communities become fiscally responsible and help foster strong economies.
The Timmins Chamber policy was passed in May 2011 and Stewart said he hopes it moves along the conversation.
Too many times First Nations kids of adults are left in the dark and with this policy we want bridge the gap between us so we can begin working together.”
Attapiskat taking third party manager to court
January 31st, 2012 by thomas.parisi
By Tom Parisi
Attawapiskat has filed a court injunction to rid the reserve of the third party manager and give financial control back to Chief Theresa Spence.
Grand Chief of the Mushkegowuk Council Stan Louttit says, the decision to impose a third party manager was morally and legally wrong.
He added people are still living in tents and it’s time for Canada to see what’s the government is doing to First Nation Communities.
