Business December 2013

December 2013

Mauro and Gravelle Announce Province Converting Thunder Bay Coal Plant to Advanced Biomass

INSIDE Lakehead University Engineering Hold Job Fair Lakehead University shares a remarkable year with its 2012-13 Annual Report TBRHSC launches campaign to support Organ Donors Registration Canada Post Renovate Their Building To Better Serve Customers Confederation College Alumni Member Winner of Premier’s Award

PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise Encourages Businesses To Keep Contracts and Dollars in

Lakehead University Engineering Hold Job Fair

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS DECEMBER 2013

Cleaner Air for Ontarians Mauro and Gravelle Announce Province Converting Thunder Bay Coal Plant to Advanced Biomass Ontario will achieve its goal to eliminate coal-fired generation before the end of 2014.

Over the next year, the Thunder Bay Generating Station (TBGS) will stop burning coal and be converted to use advanced biomass as fuel for electricity generation.

TBGS, which is operated by Ontario Power Generation (OPG), will be the first advanced biomass station in the world that was formerly a coal plant and will have a five-year contract to generate electricity.

The modifications to the plant will begin in 2014, and it is expected to be operational in 2015.

Eliminating coal-fired generation and protecting the environment while providing clean, reliable and affordable power is part of the government’s plan to invest in people, build modern infrastructure and support a dynamic and innovative business climate across Ontario

QUOTES “The conversion of the Thunder Bay Generating Station to burn advanced biomass will ensure Thunder Bay has access to clean, reliable power. This initiative will leave a healthier environment and cleaner air for our children and grandchildren.”

— Bob Chiarelli, Minister of Energy

continue to serve the needs of the region.”

— Michael Gravelle, MPP, Thunder BaySuperior North

“Northwestern Ontario is on the leading edge of some very exciting new mining and forestry developments and I am pleased, both as MPP for Thunder BaySuperior North and as Minister of Northern Development and Mines, that our government is taking action to support healthy communities while ensuring important energy needs are met. By moving off coal and converting the Thunder Bay Generating Station to advanced biomass we are cleaning our air and supporting local jobs. Certainly I am pleased that our government found a solution that will

“ A gas conversion would be far, far more expensive from $200 to $400 million.” “ In Atikokan there is a company investing millions of dollars to produce bio

Bill Mauro, MPP, Thunder Bay-Atikokan “In 2003 all three political parties committed to closing all coal fired generation in Ontario. No one, however, was discussing the potential conversion of those plants or the impact a closure decision would have on the host communities. I want to thank Minister Chiarelli for his support as today marks the end of a long effort to maintain the two plants in my riding of Thunder Bay-Atikokan to our benefit here in Northwestern Ontario.”

— Bill Mauro, MPP, Thunder BayAtikokan

QUICK FACTS - By 2014, TBGS will be the last coalfired generating station operating in the province.

- Ontario closed Lambton Generating Station in October 2013 and will close Nanticoke Generating Station by the end of 2013.

- Advanced biomass is a renewable fuel derived from forest or agricultural sources that has similar characteristics to coal. It has better transportation, storage, and combustion characteristics than traditional biomass.

- Advanced biomass emissions contain about 75 per cent less nitrogen oxide than coal emissions and virtually no sulphur dioxide.

- In September 2013, Ontario Power Generation conducted a successful test burn using 100 per cent advanced biomass, which was the first of its kind in the world.

- Replacing coal with cleaner generation, renewables and conservation is one of the largest climate change initiatives in North America.

Bill Mauro MPP,Thunder Bay Atikokan “ The capital cost conversion for this plant is about $5 million and we can produce 150 Megawatts of electricity. It is a very practical cautious approach with tax payers money. In 5 years we may see more fully if we need a full plant conversion. In 5 years we will know more clearly what the energy needs will be in Northwestern Ontario.”

mass. We may see a different approach here. The supplier of advance biomass has been identified to meet the needs of the plant but not yet chosen.” “ There will be a significant tax base of the plant for the City of Thunder Bay as well as direct and indirect jobs.We anticipate a growth in demand for electricity with mining developments.”

Michael Gravelle, MPP Minister of Northern Development & Mines “ I am very excited about the announcement today. The bottom line has always been we need to make sure that the energy needs for Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario are going to be met.” “ Bill and I have been working very, very hard to make sure the conversion is made.

The conversion to bio mass will help us be global leaders. It will allow us to ascertain what the energy needs will be in the next few years. The asset remains open and therefore jobs for the City of Thunder Bay. It will give us the ability to meet the needs of the Ring of Fire to guarantee the power will be there.”

Chris Fralick Plant Manager for Northwest Thermal OPG “ We don’t have a gas pipeline to install, the installation of new equipment is much less intrusive and we can use more of our existing equipment. The modifications are more peripheral to be able to handle the product safely.” “ The pellets are a lot like coal as we put it outside, store it there and then put it in the system. We have to make some modifications but the the advanced biomass is a thermally treated biomass. It still starts as wood fibers and ends up as a pellet but it is thermally treated which causes it to be water repellent and much more durable so it creates less dust. The dusting is a major issue from a safety perspective. There are two manufacturors for this product in the world and they have operated demonstration plants. One is in Texas and the other in Norway. It is a proven technology.”

“It is possible a plant to produce the pellets could happen in Thunder Bay. We have some work to do and 1 year to do it.

The technology to make this pellet is comparable to a white wood pellet plant. We have these plants in the process of being constructed in Ontario.”

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS DECEMBER 2013

Publisher’s Note Scott Sumner

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Lakehead University Engineering Hold Job Fair

The demand for engineering students from Lakehead University has been so strong that the faculty recently hosted their own event in November where potential employers had the opportunity to meet students. “ Today we have a career fair that is focused on our engineering students.

There is so much interest in hiring our engineering students we decided to branch out and have our own separate career fair here,” said David Barnett, Dean of Faculty of Engineering at Lakehead University. “ Each year we graduate somewhere around 250 students and have over 800 undergraduate students and around 50 graduate students. We have 5 engineering disciplines at Lakehead University - chemical, civil, mechanical, electrical and software engineering.”

Lakehead University Engineering graduates are highly sought after because of the design of the program where they have a lot of hands on practical experience and follow that up with a lot of the theoretical work according to Barnett. “ It makes a really solid out-

President Miranda Bolt Graphic Designer

Christine Buzzi, Career and Employment Specialist, Lakehead University and David Barnett, Dean of Faculty of Engineering at Lakehead University standing engineer. Our students do quite The outlook for engineering is very ment setting that are all paid. Usually it well in a variety of industries from good throughout Canada. The growth is 16 months of placement and they smaller consulting firms right up to rate is high with a strong demand. The have to be approved.” major corporations throughout Canada needs for infrastructure and designing and abroad.” the needs of the community throughout To become a Professional Engineer in the next decade and beyond are fueling Ontario the first step is to graduate from the demand. an accredited program such as the Lakehead one. You need 4 years of work “ We saw in September a CBC News experience and then pass a professional story on the lifting of the Concordia ship ethics exam before you can apply for in Italy. One of our graduates walked your P.Eng. The training they get at through the news item. He works for a Lakehead prepares them well for getting small engineering firm in Waterloo that their professional engineering license were onsite helping with the project.” stated Barnett. said Barnett. “ In Canada there are less than 20 % “ Our office works to help prepare women in engineering classes. We try to resumes, cover letters, to prepare sturecruit more women into the profesdents for job interviews, co-ordinate job sion,” said Barnett. “ The starting salary placements and organize events such as for our graduates is in the low $60,000 this job fair to put students and employrange but that depends on the area you ers together,” said Christine Buzzi, work in and the location. Some places Career and Employment Specialist, can result in much higher salaries.”

Lakehead University. “ 30% of the engineering program has to be in a place-

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS DECEMBER 2013

Canada Post Renovate Their Building To Better Serve Customers have done in other cities.”said Caines.

BY SCOTT A. SUMNER

Thunder Bay BUSINESS

Canada Post hasn’t done that well financially recently and announced a third quarter loss of $109 million for the period ending September 28, 2013 according to Caines.

Times are changing in the way people use the mail service in Canada and the world. The continued advancement of the electronic age means traditional mail such as letters is declining while other mail such as parcels is on the up swing. To better serve their business customers in Thunder Bay, Canada Post has just completed a renovation of their mail office at Alloy Drive in Thunder Bay. “ We could call it a revitalization. It is a cleaner, fresher look and a better location for our business customers as they won’t have to go into the back of the building any more. The work space is a lot safer for our customers and employees,” said John Caines, Spokesperson for Canada Post.“ It is going to have all our current corporate imaging and branding and is an exciting time for us.”

The Canada Post renovation has added counter space as well as parcel compartments. These will allow people who are coming in to pick up a parcel to not stand in line. When you go to get your mail from your postal box there will be a key in there indicating in which postal compartment you have a parcel waiting for you. You open it up, pick up

“ Our volume in terms of mail continues to decline and our whole business is changing from letter mail to parcels and packets which is growing due to online shopping and those types of things. We are changing our model being more customer friendly and delivering more parcels as that is where our business seems to be headed,” said Caines. “ We deal with a lot of e-commerce businesses and deliver more parcels than anyone else in Canada with 60% of the market and will continue to do that particularly in rural Canada. Shopping on line is growing especially in smaller centers where they may not have the access to stores as in larger centers.”

your parcel, put the key back and away you go. “ The office is much more customer

friendly. We will be open from 8:30am to 6pm so will offer better hours for our customers. We are excited about the new office. It is an image of other offices we

Canada Post is not a department of government but has been a crown corporation since 1981 with its own board of directors. They don’t have any taxpayer subsidy but generate all of their own revenues.

TBRHSC launches campaign to support Organ Donors Registration The Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) launched a two-week campaign to bring awareness to the need for organ and tissue donors in Ontario.

The campaign, launched through the Trillium Gift of Life Network’s organizational registration drive initiative, was formed to raise organ and tissue donor

registration rates in Northwestern Ontario.

Employees, volunteers, physicians and visitors to the organization are encouraged to register their consent to organ and tissue donation at www.beadonor.ca/TBRHSC. The campaign’s goal is to see 350 visits to the registry.

Northern Ontario cities currently lead the province in numbers of registrants per capita. Thunder Bay has 43% of its eligible population registered as organ donors, putting the city in 16th place provincially out of 179 communities.

“I would like to encourage all eligible TBRHSC employees, volunteers and physicians at TBRHSC to register for life-saving and life-enhancing tissue and organ donation,” said Andrée Robichaud, TBRHSC President and CEO. "I am one of the fortunate people, who not only once, but twice, have been gifted because people saw fit to make an organ donation," said Thunder Bay resident and retired OPP Officer Gary Cooper, who shared his personal experience of being a liver transplant recipient.

Ontario Regional Chief Stan Beardy spoke about his family’s decision to be organ donors after the death of his son. “I

encourage everyone in our communities across Northwestern Ontario and the Far North to consider giving the gift of life because First Nations people are underrepresented in donations and often experience the greatest need,” said Chief Beardy.

“By registering your consent on www.beadonor.ca, you are making the caring and selfless decision to try and help save other lives after your death through organ and tissue donation. By recording your wishes now and talking with your family, you are relieving them of the burden of making this decision on your behalf,” said Dr. Bryce Brown, Critical Care Physician and co-chair of the Organ Donation Committee at TBRHSC.

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS DECEMBER 2013

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Confederation College Alumni Member Winner of Premier’s Award (Thunder Bay, November 18, 2013) Confederation College is proud to announce that Ramesh Ferris, Social Service Worker program graduate (2001), has won a provincial Premier’s Award.

This prestigious award for graduates of Ontario's Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology honours the important social and economic contribution that college graduates make to Ontario and throughout the world. In total, there were 119 nominees in six categories from Ontario’s 24 colleges for this year’s

with the communication and advocacy skills to become a global polio advocate. And my college diploma gave me the credibility needed to open doors so I could educate and influence world leaders and important decision makers.”

By invitation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, he spoke at a special United Nations Assembly on polio eradication, and he has spoken with many world leaders including Queen Elizabeth II, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and the leaders of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nigeria, United Kingdom, and Australia.

His biggest success came when Prime Minister Stephen Harper committed $250 million to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) this past April, the amount Ramesh had lobbied for during his five meetings with Prime Minister Harper since 2008. The Prime Minister has this to say about Ramesh: “Thanks to his leadership and vision, I am certain that we will continue to progress towards a polio-free world.”

awards.

Ramesh was selected as the award recipient in the Community Service category.

Ramesh is one of the most influential polio activists in the world, committed to eradicating the disease by 2018. He was born in India where he contracted polio, paralyzing his legs and forcing Ramesh’s birth mother to give him up for adoption. Ramesh was the first international adoption in the Yukon Territory.

After he graduated from Confederation College, he travelled back to India to reunite with his birth mother to thank her for her selfless act to give him a better life. It also gave him a glimpse into what his life would have been in the dirty streets of India as a polio crawler, and he vowed to fight the disease.

Ramesh planned Cycle to Walk Canada in 2008, the largest polio awareness campaign in recent times. After completing the 174-day journey across Canada on a 27-speed, three-wheel hand cycle, he now travels around the world to raise awareness about polio.

“Ramesh is a born leader,” says Jim Madder, Confederation College President.

“He was a leader at the College as president of the student union. He has led by example, demonstrating what just one person can accomplish for others with hard work, focus and dedication - all selfless characteristics of the social service worker he was educated to be.”

Ramesh has been compared by many to Terry Fox and Rick Hansen for his dedication to eradicating polio worldwide.

He says his approach did reflect his Social Services Worker training. “It provided me

Confederation College’s other 2013 Premier’s Award nominees were: · Major Chris Beck, Aviation Flight Management, in the Technology category, and · Chief Georjann Morriseau, Aboriginal Law and Advocacy, in the Recent Graduate category Since the awards’ inception in 1992, Confederation College has been honoured to receive a total of six Premier’s Awards. The past recipients were:

2008 – Andrew Moorey, Entrepreneurship, Business Category 2004 - Major Doug Clements, Aviation Flight Management, Technology Category 1994 - Gino Sonego, Architectural (Design) Technician, Technology Category 1993 - Bradley C. A. Greaves, Aviation (Flight) Management, Technology Category 1992 - Mae V. Katt, Diploma Nursing, Health Sciences Category

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS DECEMBER 2013

PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise Encourages Businesses To Keep Contracts and Dollars in the North

BY SCOTT A. SUMNER

Thunder Bay BUSINESS Each year the PARO Centre of Thunder Bay holds a special event called the Enterprising Women Event. This year the Valhalla Inn ballroom was active with presentations and exhibits. In the evening PARO will be presenting their Enterprising Women Awards and their PARO Awards at an awards gala. “ We use this medium to help women to understand and acquire and grow the skills they need to grow their businesses. Today we have invited large purchasers to present to the conference about their needs. For small businesses they have to learn certain skills to deal with these large organizations,” said Rosalind Lockyer of PARO. “ Right now billions of dollars are going out of our area, as the small medium business doesn’t see them as part of the supply chain. We are trying to open up the gates so they can see themselves as part of this chain.”

PARO is serving more and more women.

Last year they helped 59 businesses to start.

This year PARO has helped 103 businesses to start, which is good growth. PARO also works with 87 businesses to help them maintain and grow. They helped to create 292 jobs in the region. Also PARO helped women businesses access grant and loans totaling over $3 million since 2009 to go in their businesses. “ This is important for our Northern economy. Small businesses spend their money in the local economy. We want a sustainable local economy and look at the big picture,” said Lockyer. “Our

Suzanne Tighe Owner and managing director Nurse Next Door and won the Enterprising Women Award 5 Plus employees.

Enterprising Women Awards were chosen by a panel of 4 two women entrepreneurs and 2 practices we work with after nominations. Our PARO Awards are chosen by their piers.”

Dan Munshaw is the Manager of Supply and Management for the City of Thunder Bay. “ We need to reach out and help business to grow, develop and we share information about the rules we work with at the city.

Council wants to promote and encourage economic development. We look at what are the values local suppliers can bring to us at the city. They have ability and can react to change. Local businesses doing business with government need to know the rules so they can use the rules to leverage

and grow their business using a partnership approach.”

The City of Thunder Bay has a capital spend of about $40 million each year as well as operating ongoing supplies used on a day-to-day basis.

Betty Wood is the Lead Strategist for Business Enterprises of We Connect Canada. We is a national not for profit organization lead by large corporate partners like our banks, TELUS and so on.

Their mandate is to increase access to opportunities for women owned and managed businesses. “ Our main activity is certifying the business is women owned and managed and we do this on behalf of the corporations so they know these businesses have been validated as supplier diversify.

We also have activities where the women can meet with corporate buyers and have matchmaking sessions to make a match say with promotional products. We have partnered with PARO in Thunder Bay to see if they can help us in this area with our programs. It is about making the introductions.

After that the women owned business must compete for the business. We offer training and have webinars to businesses across the country.”

Supplier diversity is a new activity in Canada and started in 2009. It has been very strong in the US and started there in 1997.

Suzanne Tighe is Owner and Managing Director of Nurse Next Door and won the Enterprising Women Award 5 Plus employees.

“We launched in March and already have 25 people on payroll which shows the need in this community. We have 4 registered nurses on staff including one that special-

izes in foot care. We also have personal support workers and a housekeeper.” “ Think of us like a concierge service. We do everything from companion care, right through to end of life and everything in between. We have taken this 100 year old industry, flipped it on it’s head and said it is time to celebrate aging instead of shoving our aged into long term care. Most people want to stay in their home and not be in an institution. We work to allow people to stay in their home. We encourage our staff to develop relationships and try and do a 2hour minimum visit to allow some time to help. Love is in the details to make someone healthy and happy. On Monday I am going to Toronto with someone who needs an escort to a hospital there. www.nursenextdoor.com is franchise based in Canada with 50 agencies in Canada and in the US “ In Thunder Bay we are geographically isolated so the demand is greater. People don’t realize home care is out there until they need it and are in a crisis such as mom needs help right away. Baby boomers are working full time and need help to tackle everything. We give daily updates to the son or daughter on their parents. Sometimes people don’t need nursing care but just someone to make sure mom is eating properly, taking her medication, going out for walks or a car ride and becoming part of society.” “ I am a people person and love helping people. I go into to the home initially and do the caring consult and I am thinking right away who would be a good match from our staff for them.”

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS DECEMBER 2013

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Timeless Shoe Repair Officially Opens Its Doors

BY SCOTT A. SUMNER

Thunder Bay BUSINESS With the assistance of the Thunder Bay & District Entrepreneur Centre (located within CEDC), Timeless Shoe Repair has officially opened its doors.

Owners Martin and Shauna Sugg, along

desire to own my own business again.

I feel that I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and always enjoyed being my own boss.”

The name Timeless was suggested by his brother. Although his shop is brand new, there is a lot of history contained within

Shauna and Martin of Timeless Shoe Repair, Stacia Kean at the Thunder Bay & District Entrepreneur Centre and Mayor Hobbs, City of Thunder Bay with Mayor Keith Hobbs and Thunder Bay Community Economic Development Commission (CEDC) Development Officer Stacia Kean, engaged in a ribbon cutting ceremony recently to celebrate Timeless’ grand opening.

“Innovation and entrepreneurship are essential drivers of our economy,” Said Mayor Keith Hobbs. “Successful small businesses cause ripple effects – jobs are created, communities are strengthened, economies are bolstered. In the end, we all benefit.”

Martin Sugg made the decision to move to Ontario two years ago with the hope of being able to acquire some land with trees and water on it, something he found to be very expensive and difficult to find in Alberta. Martin grew up and spent the first five years of his shoe repair career learning the trade in Thunder Bay. He was delighted to find out that there was only one cobbler's shop in Thunder Bay, and knew his skills in this trade would be needed.

“There is more than enough room for two or three shops in a city of this size,” said Martin. “I've been out of the trade for about 10 years now and have since had the

his equipment and fixtures, some of which are a hundred years old.

“Also, the shoe repair trade is one of the oldest trades and is most certainly timeless,” Martin said. “Principles are timeless, practices are timely.”

“Stacia Kean at the Thunder Bay &

District Entrepreneur Centre (EC) has helped to guide me through the process of staring a new business, and has been an excellent source of information about Thunder Bay and its business activity. The Entrepreneur Centre also supplied me with a few great ideas as well!”

“Assisting local businesses grow and thrive is central to CEDC’s mission, vision and mandate for Thunder Bay,” said Kean, Development Officer for CEDC. “Thunder Bay’s small businesses are the backbones of our community and are a vital part of what make our city a thriving place to live, work and visit. Entrepreneurship bolsters our local economy. Thunder Bay is open for business, and we want to do everything that we can to help small business owners succeed."

Timeless Shoe repair’s mission is to restore worn items to their original condition – or as close to it as possible – and to deliver the highest-quality craftsmanship, superior service, and best products available.

Martin’s products and services are aimed toward the discriminating consumer who understands the benefits of wearing highquality shoes, as well as the average consumer who needs to stretch their footwear purchases to meet their budget.

He will repair all sorts of items including shoes, boots, purses, backpacks, tool belts, luggage, and sports equipment.

Repairs to footwear include heels and heel lifts, leather or rubber half and full sole replacement, protection sole installation, stitching and patching, stretching, heel liners, zipper repair and replacement, polish-

ing and winterizing, as well as custom repairs.

His retail area includes shoe and leather care products such as cleaners and conditioners, polish and protectors, shine brushes, shoe horns, shoe trees, and shoe laces, as well as a variety of insoles to meet all footwear needs and a host of shoe/leather related items.

Martin Sugg, owner of Timeless Shoe Repair Martin was born in England but grew up in Thunder Bay. After having lived in Alberta for the last many years he and his wife Shauna are happy to be back home in Thunder Bay with Timeless Shoe Repair.

Martin has had 10 years experience in shoe repair in the past and decided to trade in the dirt and dust of the west in Alberta for trees and water.

“We learned of this great opportunity in show repair and doing this work is my favourite job I have ever done. I love it and have done this the best of any other things I’ve tried. I like working with my hands and working with people so it is a good meld. I enjoy fixing stuff for people.

If it can be stiched up I can probably do it so don’t throw it away until you have checked with me.” smiles Martin Sugg. “ Our location is central in the middle of Thunder Bay. We rented this place while we were still in Medicine Hat and think we hit a bullseye. Central Ave is very busy.

Thunder Bay feels like a small town even though it is twice the size of the city we moved from. People talk and are friendly and in four months it already feels like home so we are really happy.”

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS DECEMBER 2013

Lakehead University shares a remarkable year with its 2012-13 Annual Report November 15, 2013 – Thunder Bay and Orillia, ON Lakehead University is celebrating its success stories in Northwestern Ontario and Central Ontario through the release of the 2012-13 Annual Report.

The Annual Report describes the outstanding teaching and research occurring at both of Lakehead University’s campuses, and includes performance indicators and financial statements for 2012-13.

“What we’ve achieved over the past year proves that we are on the right track in our mission to be recognized as an innovative comprehensive university,” said Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson.

A major milestone was the approval of the 2013-18 Strategic Plan.

“The Strategic Plan is based on five directions – nurturing scholarship, learner-centred student experience, growth and capacity development, community engagement, and economic development,” said Board of Governors Chair Cameron Clark. “By focusing on these directions, we are endeavouring to realize our vision of providing a transformative university experience that is far from ordinary.”

“The Report to the Community is something I look forward to every year,” President Stevenson added. “This Report and these events are essential to our mission to be recognized as an innovative comprehensive university that provides an education that is about how to think, not what to think."

Annual Report’s Top 10 Stories of 20122013: 1. Canadian statesman Derek Burney

becomes Lakehead’s new Chancellor; 2. Simcoe County’s $1 million gift to Lakehead Orillia brings their total donation to $2.5 million; 3. $1 million gift from The Paterson Foundation puts the Faculty of Law on the right path; 4. Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Mining and Exploration (CESME) launched; 5. Inaugural academic appointments to the

9. Lakehead faculty and students garner $2.9 million in funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and $1.44 million from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council for ground-breaking research work; 10. Orillia campus reaches out to elementary students with Hands-on Science program.

Lakehead’s 2012-2013 Annual Report was presented to the Northwestern Ontario

sizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. More than 8,700 students and 1,850 faculty and staff learn and work at campuses located in Orillia, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Lakehead University promotes innovative research that supports local and regional socio-economic needs.

In Orillia, development continues on building a campus that meets Leadership in

Faculty of Law; 6. Lakehead approves Strategic Plan for 2013-2018 and undertakes major rebranding initiative; 7. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux hired as Vice-Provost (Aboriginal Initiatives); 8. Georgian College and Lakehead University announce a new partnership focused on innovative student learning;

community at a Report to the Community breakfast, November 15. Central Ontario stakeholders had a Report to the Community luncheon on November 13.

Read the 2012-2013 Annual Report online at report.lakeheadu.ca and discover why Lakehead University is far from ordinary.

Lakehead University is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that empha-

Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards. For more information about Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

UNDERCOVER Community Project Supported By CIBC make them stronger.

CIBC is committed to supporting causes that matter to our communities.

September 26, 2013 the Advisors and staff at CIBC Wood Gundy donated $3408 to Community Clothing Assistance, a United Way Agency in support of their UNDERCOVER Project. In 2012, CIBC invested more than $38 million in contributions to over 1,900 charitable and non-profit initiatives in 450 communities. CIBC cares about the communities where we live and work each day and want to

What then is an UNDERCOVER Project? Why is the project so important to Thunder Bay Community?

The UNDERCOVER project is designed to provide one-week supply of NEW underwear and socks to children in need, age 4 to 14. This increase confidence and comfort, and reduces the anxiety and stress that kids experience when the have to go to school without the bare necessities.

Community Clothing Assistance is a local registered charity and a member agency of the United Way. Our mandate is to help relieve poverty by providing a bank of clean, decent, affordable clothing to those of low income and to provide free clothing for those in crisis, at risk or in transition. Our objectives have been accomplished through the generosity of the people of Thunder Bay, hours of volunteer time freely given and the cooperation of over 60 social service and charitable agencies acting through an established referral program. The Distribution Centre is located at 404 North May Street, and is open Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 5 Pm. We welcome any clothing and furniture

“Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year” Please join us for our Christmas Open House December 18th,4p.m. to 6p.m., Br.#5 Legion, 229 Van Norman St.

donation from the public, and we invite all members of the public to take advantage of our resale store.

David Andrews, President and Dr. Brian Scott, Senior Vice President of Community Clothing Assistance accept the donation from Paul Johnson, Manager, the Advisors and staff of CIBC Wood Gundy

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS DECEMBER 2013

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Dilico Anishinabek Family Care Launches Christmas Wish Bag Campaign on International November 20, 2013, Thunder Bay, ONThis Christmas season, Dilico Anishinabek Family care is wishing to make a difference for children and teens that are in need. Today, being International Children’s Day, representatives from the agency officially launched the Christmas Wish Campaign in Thunder Bay and district, with a goal to fill 600 gift bags for a deserving girl or boy. The campaign is in response to a call for help from one of Santa’s head elves. Biboon miskwimin (Holly in Ojibway) brought news from the North Pole that she has been receiving letters from children in the Thunder Bay area. “Children are making Christmas wishes to have a loving family, for Santa to visit and to be with their parents. We know it sometimes isn’t possible to make all of these wishes come true, but one of the best gifts we can give to children is to experience the gift of joy during the holidays;” says Biboon miskwimin.

“Get into the Christmas spirit and help make a child’s Christmas wish come true.”

Dilico Anishinabek Family care is once again welcoming the donation of Christmas gifts from local businesses, organizations and families. Those who would like to participate in the Dilico Christmas Wish Campaign will be provided with a Christmas wish gift bag that they can pack with essential items, toys, books, clothing and learning tools. Each bag comes with a special child profile that gives details about the boy or girl who will receive the gift bag, such as their age and what they are interested in.

“The Dilico Christmas Wish Campaign will help make the Christmas season so much brighter for children and families who find it to be a sad and difficult time of the year;” says Dilico Anishinabek Family Care Case Manager, Tausha Esquega. “Charitable giving is a wonderful way to feel the spirit of Christmas and give a little joy. It’s one of the most selfless things you can do for someone you don’t even know and is a very unique way of giving.”

Two groups stepped forward at this afternoon’s launch event to be the first to sign up for the campaign.

St.Michael’s Church and Anishnawbe Mushkiki have committed to fill thirty bags. Those interested in participating in the Dilico Anishinabek Christmas Wish Campaign can find more details on the Dilico Christmas Wish Facebook Page, at www.dilico.com or by calling the Elf Hotline at: (807) 345-3763. The deadline to register for a Christmas Wish Bag is December 13, 2013. There are several locations for pick up and drop off making participation easy and convenient.

“Thank you to the business who brightened up our Christmas last year. We are so appreciative;” says a mother who received gifts for her children from the 2012 campaign. “It was the first time we received Christmas presents. We really liked the clothes; my son was very happy with his new toys and with the gift card we bought diapers and pajamas.”

This is the 5th year Dilico Anishinabek Family Care has been coordinating a Christmas campaign for children in need.

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS DECEMBER 2013

The True Meaning of a Gift Gifts can lead to legal complications, especially gifts to family.

©2013 Brian Babcock and Fhara Pottinger

Did you know that: In O. Henry’s holiday classic The Gift of the Magi, the wife sells her hair to buy her husband a watch fob except

Legal Matters husband sells his watch to buy her hair ornaments. Each gift was made useless by the other’s sacrifice but the moral of the story is clear – their love for each other is the true gift. Alas, in law, unlike in love, gift-giving is not quite so straightforward.

§ If anyone purchases land and places title in the hands of another or places funds in a bank account or investment in another’s name, there is a presumption of resulting trust. In other words, the person receiving the property in his or her name is assumed to be holding it in trust for the person who funded the purchase of the property or supplied the money in the account or investment.

True ownership follows the funds unless there is evidence that supports an intention to create a true gift. § An exception to this presumption is made for a gift to a spouse- it is

assumed that a person intends to benefit his or her spouse. This is known as the presumption of advancement. As you can imagine, this can create significant difficulties during a matrimonial breakdown (“no backsies”). Only clear evidence of creation of a trust can avoid the gift being absolute. § Until recently, the presumption of advancement applied when a gift of money or property was transferred from a parent to a child. This is no longer the case. Now such a gift will be considered a resulting trust unless there is evidence to the contrary.

§ When money is given to non-family members, it is assumed to be a loan, not a gift- so if someone gives you money, you might have to give it back.

Gifts are not simple. The moral of this story - if you intend to give a substantial gift of some kind to someone you love, or you do not intend it to be a gift, it is best to document your intentions.

From everybody at Weilers, we wish you all the gift of a happy and safe holiday season.

§ Gifts given during life can often create confusion after death- was the gift an advance against inheritance? This can lead to nasty squabbles.

"A CARING COMMUNITY" A few short years ago the question was raised as to why there was no Operation Red Nose operating in Thunder Bay whereas dozens other municipalities had been running for quite some time.

The answer of course was a simple "Let's Do It" instead of moping and wringing our hands.

This year's Operation Red Nose sponsored by St John Ambulance and literally dozens of businesses and organizations and fueled by a couple of hundred of volunteer continues to thrive and get people and their vehicles home safely,( www.rednosetbay.com ).

This is only one of the 30 (or more....if

I miss your event please let me know) seasonal events that make for a true caring community.

Firefighters' "Toys For Tots", the Ischkinakker "Shaker",the Santa Shuffle and the ThunderWolves "Teddy Bear Toss" are opportunities for us to give simply and as generously as possible within our means.

The impact is tremendous. People receive food, clothing, toys and gifts to see them through a time that places huge economic pressure for parents and guardians to provide for their children.

These contributions are on the tangible side of the giving scene.

This is the season to be giving, and to count our blessings which for us here in Thunder Bay, in Ontario, in Canada mean we have lots to be grateful for and lots to volunteer for.

This is a season of happiness which is best served "shared" implying that as we celebrate we must ensure our good fortune is spread among those not so well off. Indeed the Salvation Army's "Kettle Kampaign", the Christmas Cheer Fund hampers and gifts (thank you Jolene and team for stepping forward), numerous other food hamper drives, the Community Clothing Assistance Group's "Underwear Help", our City Transit's "Santa Bus", Magic 99's "40 Hour Marathon", our

We have numerous groups that have been preparing for many months to convey the true meaning and spirit of the holiday season. Make no mistake about it - we really are the lucky ones on the planet right now. I will let you list your own numerous good things so that the huge list of things to see, hear, and do can be documented.

We are very fortunate to have such a creative community who love entertaining and enthralling us with the best free things in life.

Starting with Gail and Volker Kromm and Lawrence Timko and others making this year's Rotary Parade one of the best on record (certainly the weather was!), the Nutcracker and the Children's Show

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at the Auditorium are traditions we cherish. The Parade of Lights, the Christmas Train, Rotary's "December Dreams" craft show at the CLE, Fort William Downtown's" Tree Lighting in Paterson Park, and their cooperation with the Victoriaville and Simpson BIA's "Visit With Santa" are just some of many.

Then there's the concerts ! Rodney Brown's Annual Show, Rotary's Carol Sing at St Paul's, the Thunder Bay Male Choir's "Prelude To Christmas", the Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra's always stellar "Christmas Classics", the Lakehead Choral Group's Christmas Concert, and of course live theatre at Fort William Historical Park features the timeless "Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol" (better order soon!).

There are as many ways to volunteer as there are to participate. The common factor is that they are both enjoyable.

They also pay it forward in making everyone happy. This is often hard to do. At Christmas we find smaller groups, unsung heroes all doing their bit to make things better. There is the Carolling Bus that visits seniors' residences, there are businesses like Dave Wilson Sports sponsoring "Pink Mittens",Special Olympics is holding a "Family Breakfast", there is "Christmas At Our Waterfront", Redwood Church's "Christmas Pageant" is one of the best performances by local talent around, and the well-organized Family New Year's Eve at Fort William Historical Park.

Now then there's that gosh for goodness DJ MC KB (me) doing his annual "Rockin Christmas on both Magic and the Giant this year! You can tune in to hear me wish you all a most Happy Christmas !

Respectfully submitted, Ken Boshcoff Aka DJ MC KB

THUNDER BAY BUSINESS DECEMBER 2013

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“The Silent Killer” Carbon monoxide (CO), also know as the “Silent Killer”, is an odourless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home or business. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.

Carbon monoxide is the result of improperly vented fuel burning appliances. It can occur when a chimney (flue) is blocked or restricted. It can also appear as a result of exhaust fumes from a car or generator entering a building through poorly sealed openings.

As the heating season is now upon us, the risk of carbon monoxide in the home and business increases significantly.

Security systems have become more than just a technology to detect intruders.

Whether considering the purchase of a new security system or updating an existing one, carbon monoxide detectors are a MUST!

Bay Lock & Security supplies and installs carbon monoxide detectors as part of EVERY system they sell or upgrade. A monitored carbon monoxide detector will not only notify you while in the premise, but notify the local Fire

Department as well.

Protect your family and pets and call Bay Lock & Security today to find out more about their Home & Business Security Solutions.

For more information, contact Joshua LeBlanc at (807) 345-5397 x 5 or by email at josh@baylock.ca

Ontario Leading the Creation of a Development Corporation for Ring of Fire Infrastructure Ontario is taking a significant step forward toward the development of the Ring of Fire. The province will lead the creation of a development corporation that would bring together private and public parties, including First Nations, mining companies, as well as the federal and provincial governments. This continues Ontario’s smart, sustainable and collaborative approach to the Ring of Fire.

The corporation would develop, construct, finance, operate and maintain infrastructure supporting access to strategic resources in the Ring of Fire. The province will begin immediate work with partners, including the federal government, on the development corporation to determine its scope and a suitable governance model.

Premier Wynne has written Prime Minister Harper seeking a role for the federal government to partner with Ontario, through the development corporation, in order to develop vital infrastructure investments for the region.

Ontario continues to be committed to smart, sustainable and collaborative development in the Ring of Fire, subject to all necessary environmental assessment and regulatory processes while ensuring the Crown fulfils its duty to consult.

Investing in the development of the Ring of Fire is part of the government's economic plan to invest in people, invest in infrastructure and support a dynamic and innovative business climate.

QUOTES “Infrastructure is vital to developing the Ring of Fire. People need to get in to work and products need to get out to the global market. We need to determine what infrastructure will be most appropriate.

That means that the current proposals on the table must come together while, at the same time, we must see the federal government join us in moving development forward. Through the creation of a development corporation, I am confident we will find a solution that is in the best interest for the people of Ontario.”

— Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines “There is no question that vital infrastructure is required in the region to support remote First Nations communities. Using a development corporation model to advance infrastructure development will ensure First Nations can participate in the governance and use of the transportation infrastructure. It will further support work already underway to promote meaningful participation in the Ring of Fire development. I look forward to dealing with these matters as part of regional process negotiations.”

— Honourable Frank Iacobucci, Ontario

Lead Negotiator for the Ring of Fire QUICK FACTS * The Ring of Fire, located 540 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay, is one of the most significant mineral regions in the province and includes the largest deposit of chromite ever discovered in North America. This is a key ingredient used to create stainless steel. * The Ring of Fire also holds the potential for significant production of nickel, copper and platinum. * Ontario is Canada's leading destination for mineral exploration investment and Toronto is the leading mine-financing capital of the world. * Ontario leads all provinces and territories in mineral exploration, with 23 per cent of the country’s exploration investment located within the province. * In July 2013, Ontario appointed Honourable Frank Iacobucci as the lead negotiator on behalf of Ontario to participate in discussions with the Matawa First Nations on proposed resource development in the Ring of Fire.

LEARN MORE Development Corporation A development corporation for the Ring of Fire would provide a business structure for the support of strategic infrastructure development. A development corporation can: * Bring together key parties with common interests * Determine infrastructure needs * Secure financing * Manage issues related to design, engineering, construction and maintenance of infrastructure.

Ontario will immediately reach out to potential partners to determine the scope and a suitable governance model of the development corporation for the Ring of Fire.

First Nations In July 2013, Ontario appointed Frank Iacobucci to lead discussions with the Chiefs of the Matawa Tribal Council on the proposed resource development. The Chiefs appointed Bob Rae to be their lead negotiator. These negotiations are currently underway and will address the following priorities: * Environmental protection and monitoring * Regional infrastructure planning and development * Resource revenue sharing * Social and economic supports A number of steps have been taken to help ensure First Nations communities have the skills and training to benefit from the proposed Ring of Fire development. Ontario has already invested $5

million to support community readiness and capacity building for the Ring of Fire communities.

In addition, nearly $3 million has been provided to support the Matawa First Nations and Tribal Council as they build capacity to participate in Ring of Firerelated activities, including training and job opportunities. To date, these initiatives have seen great success with more than 850 First Nations members participating.

Significant work is also underway with First Nations communities to develop community-based land use plans, as supported by the Far North Act. Since 2008, Ontario has provided over $15 million to communities for land use planning in the Far North. These plans identify where land use activities would be permitted, subject to any additional planning requirements and environmental assessments. To date, 22 communities have started work to

prepare community-based land use plans, including all of the Ring of Fire communities.

Environmental Monitoring Ontario has invested $15 million to improve the mapping, science and knowledge of the Far North to support land use planning. This information will contribute to a long-term environmental monitoring framework to ensure sustainable development in the Ring of Fire.

Since 2008, Ontario has also provided approximately $8 million to environmental monitoring programs for the Far North which is critical in supporting land use planning, impact assessment, approvals and policy development. This includes an investment of $5 million towards the monitoring in the Ring of Fire to undertake baseline studies.

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THUNDER BAY BUSINESS DECEMBER 2013