Over the weekend, RCMP in Happy Valley-Goose Bay (HVGB) was called to an attempted armed robbery.
Sergeant Guy Caines is with the Goose Bay RCMP.
He says yesterday at approximately 8:30pm, RCMP responded to a complaint of an attempted armed robbery at a Labrador Mini Mart located on White Crescent.
Caines says an unidentified masked suspect entered the store with a knife and demanded money from the clerk.
He says the clerk quickly ran out of the store and was then followed by the suspect seconds later.
The would-be robber then fled the scene and ran off into a wooded area behind the store.
Caines says at this point in time, RCMP believe the suspect did not get away with anything.
The suspect has been described to be approximately 5'6" in height, of medium build, wearing a black jacket and a cloth mask with eye holes cut in it.
Caines adds there were no injuries to anyone during the incident.
The matter is still under investigation with assistance from the HVGB General Investigative Unit.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Sunday, November 7, 2010
B&E: Goose Bay Bell Aliant Building
On Saturday, RCMP in Happy Valley-Goose Bay were called to a Break and Enter, Theft and Mischief incident.
Constable Cara Ludtke is with the Sheshatshiu RCMP.
She says sometime between the morning hours of November 6, the person(s) responsible, entered the secure compound of the Bell Aliant building.
Ludtke says numerous vehicles had the windows smashed and the person(s) responsible then entered the building.
She says a vehicle was stolen and the person(s) responsible caused the vehicle to become stuck just outside the secure yard.
Ludtke adds RCMP is seeking the community’s assistance in identifying any unusual activity and or persons in this area which may assist with this investigation.
Constable Cara Ludtke is with the Sheshatshiu RCMP.
She says sometime between the morning hours of November 6, the person(s) responsible, entered the secure compound of the Bell Aliant building.
Ludtke says numerous vehicles had the windows smashed and the person(s) responsible then entered the building.
She says a vehicle was stolen and the person(s) responsible caused the vehicle to become stuck just outside the secure yard.
Ludtke adds RCMP is seeking the community’s assistance in identifying any unusual activity and or persons in this area which may assist with this investigation.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Elders Conference
The Elders Conference was held in Happy Valley Goose Bay last month.
One of our radio producers Maria Harris was there to record the conference.
In this conference Health Care for Senior’s in Labrador was brought up by the Deputy Minister of Health for Nunatsiavut, Michelle Kinney.
She reports on the Senior’s home on the north coast of Labrador.
One of our radio producers Maria Harris was there to record the conference.
In this conference Health Care for Senior’s in Labrador was brought up by the Deputy Minister of Health for Nunatsiavut, Michelle Kinney.
She reports on the Senior’s home on the north coast of Labrador.
HVGB Aboriginal Family Centre Update
The Aboriginal Family Centre in Happy Valley Goose Bay is very busy this fall.
We spoke to Lois Roberts the Program Director for the centre.
She says they will celebrate National Child’s Day’s on November 19th.
And have a Teddy Bear Picnic as well.
Roberts says they have two school readiness groups, that help out at the centre.
She says twenty-four children are enrolled in the programs.
And it has doubled from last year.
She says the Healthy Baby Club Program is very busy too.
Roberts adds for any pregnant women on the north coast, who would like to join the healthy baby club can contact Judy Voisey at 896-4398.
We spoke to Lois Roberts the Program Director for the centre.
She says they will celebrate National Child’s Day’s on November 19th.
And have a Teddy Bear Picnic as well.
Roberts says they have two school readiness groups, that help out at the centre.
She says twenty-four children are enrolled in the programs.
And it has doubled from last year.
She says the Healthy Baby Club Program is very busy too.
Roberts adds for any pregnant women on the north coast, who would like to join the healthy baby club can contact Judy Voisey at 896-4398.
Natuashish Low on Gas
Residents in the Natuashish for the time being have been issued a limit on the purchase of gasoline.
Jim Nui is with the Mushuau Innu Band Council.
He says he would like to clarify to everyone that they are not out of gasoline.
Nui says they are very low on gas and because so, the Band Council have limited the purchase to $20.00 per household.
Nui adds that they are expecting an oil tanker Tuesday, November 9 to resupply their community.
The gas station in Natuashish is owned and operated by the Natuashish Mushuau Innu Band Council.
Jim Nui is with the Mushuau Innu Band Council.
He says he would like to clarify to everyone that they are not out of gasoline.
Nui says they are very low on gas and because so, the Band Council have limited the purchase to $20.00 per household.
Nui adds that they are expecting an oil tanker Tuesday, November 9 to resupply their community.
The gas station in Natuashish is owned and operated by the Natuashish Mushuau Innu Band Council.
Daylight Savings Time Ends
People in Labrador will get an extra hour of sleep on Sunday morning.
The Daylight Savings Time will end at one minute after twelve on Saturday night and clocks will go back one hour.
The clocks will stay that way until the second Sunday in March of 2011. They will go ahead again on March 13th, 2011 at 12:01 AM.
So, when you go to bed on Saturday evening, don’t forget to put your clock back by one hour.
The next significant turn in time will be on December 21st, 2010 when winter will begin and this will be the shortest day of the year.
The Daylight Savings Time will end at one minute after twelve on Saturday night and clocks will go back one hour.
The clocks will stay that way until the second Sunday in March of 2011. They will go ahead again on March 13th, 2011 at 12:01 AM.
So, when you go to bed on Saturday evening, don’t forget to put your clock back by one hour.
The next significant turn in time will be on December 21st, 2010 when winter will begin and this will be the shortest day of the year.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
LATP's High Volume of Applicants For Funding Has No Effect on Other Aboriginal Funding Groups
Lately the Labrador Aboriginal Training Partnership (LATP) is having to turn away applicants in search for post secondary education.
Keith Jacque is the Executive Director of LATP.
He says they are turning away people looking for funding because they have a specific budget for each of Labradors aboriginal groups.
Keith says they have approximately 300 people either in training at post secondary schools or doing on-the-job training.
He says although they’ve been receiving a high volume of applicants, it doesn't create any type of competition with the other aboriginal funding groups.
Jacque adds that this is because they all work in close collaboration with each other.
LATP is a partnership between Labrador's three aboriginal groups, the Innu Nation, Nunatsiavut Government and the Labrador Métis Nation.
They are also in partnership with Nalcor Energy.
He says the partnership is to oversee a wide-ranging of training and employment plans for the Lower Churchill Project.
Jacque says this will prepare individuals for employment opportunities in Labrador.
Keith Jacque is the Executive Director of LATP.
He says they are turning away people looking for funding because they have a specific budget for each of Labradors aboriginal groups.
Keith says they have approximately 300 people either in training at post secondary schools or doing on-the-job training.
He says although they’ve been receiving a high volume of applicants, it doesn't create any type of competition with the other aboriginal funding groups.
Jacque adds that this is because they all work in close collaboration with each other.
LATP is a partnership between Labrador's three aboriginal groups, the Innu Nation, Nunatsiavut Government and the Labrador Métis Nation.
They are also in partnership with Nalcor Energy.
He says the partnership is to oversee a wide-ranging of training and employment plans for the Lower Churchill Project.
Jacque says this will prepare individuals for employment opportunities in Labrador.
Woodrow Trial Will Finally Finish Today
The proceedings on the Woodrow Trial continued this morning and will finish this afternoon.
The trial began at 10:30am, paused for a lunch break at 11:55am and resumed at 1:30pm.
Vikus Khaladkar is the Crown Prosecutor.
He says after the final cross examinations on Woodrow, one more Crown witness will take the stand.
Khadladkar says the questionings on the witness shouldn’t take long.
After the trial, Judge John Joy requested that both sides present their argument in a written format.
From there, Judge Joy will closely review both arguments and then make his final decision.
Khadladkar says unfortunately, this process could take several months before both sides submit their written argument.
On May 26, 2009, Constable James Woodrow was charged with one count of assault and one count of forcible confinement.
The trial began at 10:30am, paused for a lunch break at 11:55am and resumed at 1:30pm.
Vikus Khaladkar is the Crown Prosecutor.
He says after the final cross examinations on Woodrow, one more Crown witness will take the stand.
Khadladkar says the questionings on the witness shouldn’t take long.
After the trial, Judge John Joy requested that both sides present their argument in a written format.
From there, Judge Joy will closely review both arguments and then make his final decision.
Khadladkar says unfortunately, this process could take several months before both sides submit their written argument.
On May 26, 2009, Constable James Woodrow was charged with one count of assault and one count of forcible confinement.
NG Assembly Building a Month Behind Schedule
Construction on the Nunatsiavut Governments (NG) Assembly Building in Hopedale is behind schedule.
Toby Andersen is the Deputy Minister of the NG.
He says the new building was scheduled to be completed by the end of March 2011.
Unfortunately this is not going to happen.
Andersen says having to get the materials and building supplies in on the freight boats has been the problem, like every other year.
He says the structure of the building has been completed, and the contractors are working on the exterior to have it covered-in for the winter season.
Andersen adds the construction is behind schedule by at least six weeks and is now scheduled to be fully constructed by the end of April 2011.
Toby Andersen is the Deputy Minister of the NG.
He says the new building was scheduled to be completed by the end of March 2011.
Unfortunately this is not going to happen.
Andersen says having to get the materials and building supplies in on the freight boats has been the problem, like every other year.
He says the structure of the building has been completed, and the contractors are working on the exterior to have it covered-in for the winter season.
Andersen adds the construction is behind schedule by at least six weeks and is now scheduled to be fully constructed by the end of April 2011.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
MHA Patty Pottle
The Provincial Government recently allocated funds to Nunatsiavut Government (NG) for violence against women and children.
Patty Pottle is the MHA for the Torngat Mountains District and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.
She says three proposals were approved for these funds from the province.
One is for aboriginal women training workshops, sexual assault service provider training and for women’s history month.
Pottle says the Minister of Transport and Works, Tom Hedderson, met with NG regarding Labrador Marine Services.
She says they had also discussed some contracts that are expiring and ways to improve the services on the north coast.
Pottle says they are working on the latest news about the Sir Robert Bond that how it will no longer service Labrador.
Pottle adds with the shipping season closure coming in a few weeks, she would like to see more wood shipped for seniors in the north coast communities.
Patty Pottle is the MHA for the Torngat Mountains District and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs.
She says three proposals were approved for these funds from the province.
One is for aboriginal women training workshops, sexual assault service provider training and for women’s history month.
Pottle says the Minister of Transport and Works, Tom Hedderson, met with NG regarding Labrador Marine Services.
She says they had also discussed some contracts that are expiring and ways to improve the services on the north coast.
Pottle says they are working on the latest news about the Sir Robert Bond that how it will no longer service Labrador.
Pottle adds with the shipping season closure coming in a few weeks, she would like to see more wood shipped for seniors in the north coast communities.
Woodrow's Trial Continues
The Provincial Court Circuit is back again in Nain, so too is the Woodrow Trial.
Judge John Joy is presiding, David Day is Woodrow’s defense lawyer and Vikus Khaladkar is the Crown Prosecutor.
The trial started on Monday afternoon.
Then it continued Tuesday afternoon and evening.
Woodrow’s trial will continue this evening 7pm at the Nain Inuit Community Governments council chambers.
Constable James Woodrow is charged with one count of Assault and one count of forcible confinement.
Judge John Joy is presiding, David Day is Woodrow’s defense lawyer and Vikus Khaladkar is the Crown Prosecutor.
The trial started on Monday afternoon.
Then it continued Tuesday afternoon and evening.
Woodrow’s trial will continue this evening 7pm at the Nain Inuit Community Governments council chambers.
Constable James Woodrow is charged with one count of Assault and one count of forcible confinement.
Labrador Marine Service Closure
It is now the time of year for when marine freight shipments is nearing its seasonal closure.
The Department of Transportation and Works has announced that the shipping season will close this year in mid-November.
The announcement also states that the cut off time for accepting freight for delivery at all terminals of the Labrador Marine Service between Lewisporte and all points north to Nain is 4:30pm, Friday, November 12.
Beyond this date, deliveries cannot be guaranteed and freight will only be accepted if space is available.
So as of today, if anyone needs to ship anything out has just a week and couple days to do so.
The Department of Transportation and Works has announced that the shipping season will close this year in mid-November.
The announcement also states that the cut off time for accepting freight for delivery at all terminals of the Labrador Marine Service between Lewisporte and all points north to Nain is 4:30pm, Friday, November 12.
Beyond this date, deliveries cannot be guaranteed and freight will only be accepted if space is available.
So as of today, if anyone needs to ship anything out has just a week and couple days to do so.
Michael Calls for Home Heating Taxation To Stop
The New Democratic Party (NDP) for Newfoundland’s Signal Hill-Quidi Vidi district calls for taxation on home heating fuel to stop.
NDP Leader Lorraine Michael has called on the Finance Minister Tom Marshall to follow Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan by eliminating provincial sales tax on home heating fuel.
She says the home heating fuel is a necessity and should not be taxed.
In 2001, the Conservative Party (Tories) called for the removal of provincial sales tax on home heating oil and electric heat, saying it was unfair and unnecessary.
Michael says that now that the Tories are in office, it’s okay to make money off something people have to buy for survival.
Last week the Finance Minister announced a low-income home heating fuel rebate of up to $500 in Labrador.
She says the government has opposed cutting the provincial sales tax on home energy, saying that higher-income people can afford to pay it.
Michael says they don’t make high-income people pay sales tax on food, so what is the difference, they are both essential items.
Michaels adds that the eight per cent provincial sales tax on home heat may not seem like a lot on paper, but to a low income family it means many more days of heat through a cold winter.
NDP Leader Lorraine Michael has called on the Finance Minister Tom Marshall to follow Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan by eliminating provincial sales tax on home heating fuel.
She says the home heating fuel is a necessity and should not be taxed.
In 2001, the Conservative Party (Tories) called for the removal of provincial sales tax on home heating oil and electric heat, saying it was unfair and unnecessary.
Michael says that now that the Tories are in office, it’s okay to make money off something people have to buy for survival.
Last week the Finance Minister announced a low-income home heating fuel rebate of up to $500 in Labrador.
She says the government has opposed cutting the provincial sales tax on home energy, saying that higher-income people can afford to pay it.
Michael says they don’t make high-income people pay sales tax on food, so what is the difference, they are both essential items.
Michaels adds that the eight per cent provincial sales tax on home heat may not seem like a lot on paper, but to a low income family it means many more days of heat through a cold winter.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Sheshatshiu Man Faces Sexual Assault Charges
On the October, 30 RCMP in Sheshatshiu received a complaint from a resident stating that a male relative had been sexually assaulting another relative in this same community.
Sergeant Boyd Merrill is the RCMP Media Relations Officer in St. John’s.
He says the victim disclosed to police that she had been sexually assaulted numerous times over a five year period.
So RCMP made sure that appropriate medical attention was received by the victim.
Merrill says the RCMP was able to locate the suspect and arrested him.
He says on the October 31, the accused was remanded into custody for a bail hearing in Goose Bay.
Merrill says the bail hearing started at 9:30am on November 1, and the accused was remanded until November 2nd.
A total of 6 charges have been laid.
He says there will be no further releases on this matter until the completion of court proceedings.
Merrill adds the RCMP does not release any names for these types of matters, so no further details will be released.
Sergeant Boyd Merrill is the RCMP Media Relations Officer in St. John’s.
He says the victim disclosed to police that she had been sexually assaulted numerous times over a five year period.
So RCMP made sure that appropriate medical attention was received by the victim.
Merrill says the RCMP was able to locate the suspect and arrested him.
He says on the October 31, the accused was remanded into custody for a bail hearing in Goose Bay.
Merrill says the bail hearing started at 9:30am on November 1, and the accused was remanded until November 2nd.
A total of 6 charges have been laid.
He says there will be no further releases on this matter until the completion of court proceedings.
Merrill adds the RCMP does not release any names for these types of matters, so no further details will be released.
Upper Lake Melville Nominees
Nominations closed yesterday, November 1st at 2 PM to fill a vacant seat in the Nunatsiavut Assembly for Upper Lake Melville.
Jack Shiwak is the Electorial Officer for the Nunatsiavut Government.
He says when the nominations closed six people had been nominated.
They are; Claris Barron, Maurice Best, Janice Edmunds-Connors, Patricia Kemuksigak, Val Oliver and Ben Ponniuk.
Elections will take place on Tuesday, November 16th, 2010.
OKalaKatiget radio will let you know of the times on election day and where the polling stations will be once that information is given to us.
Jack Shiwak is the Electorial Officer for the Nunatsiavut Government.
He says when the nominations closed six people had been nominated.
They are; Claris Barron, Maurice Best, Janice Edmunds-Connors, Patricia Kemuksigak, Val Oliver and Ben Ponniuk.
Elections will take place on Tuesday, November 16th, 2010.
OKalaKatiget radio will let you know of the times on election day and where the polling stations will be once that information is given to us.
Home Heat Rebate Program
The Newfoundland and Labrador Home Heating Rebate Program for 2010-11 has been announced and is now open for applicants.
The rebate program will once again provide financial assistance to those who qualify in the province.
Mark King is the Director of Communications for the Department of Finance.
He says the home heating rebate is available to residents in the province who directly incur costs to heat their homes in the fall and winter.
This applies to families whose income is $40,000 or less and regardless of the primary source of heat, either electricity, wood or stove oil.
Anyone applying has to have a receipt or slip of purchase of oil or wood they bought to be eligible for the assistance.
Here is a scale downed example of rebate amount for coastal Labrador communities:
Adjusted family income $35,000 maximum rebate is $500.00
$36,000 -$420.00
$37,000- $340.00
$38,000- $260.00
$39,000- $180.00
$40,000 -$100.00
The rebate program will once again provide financial assistance to those who qualify in the province.
Mark King is the Director of Communications for the Department of Finance.
He says the home heating rebate is available to residents in the province who directly incur costs to heat their homes in the fall and winter.
This applies to families whose income is $40,000 or less and regardless of the primary source of heat, either electricity, wood or stove oil.
Anyone applying has to have a receipt or slip of purchase of oil or wood they bought to be eligible for the assistance.
Here is a scale downed example of rebate amount for coastal Labrador communities:
Adjusted family income $35,000 maximum rebate is $500.00
$36,000 -$420.00
$37,000- $340.00
$38,000- $260.00
$39,000- $180.00
$40,000 -$100.00
Monday, November 1, 2010
First Ever Meeting Between N.G. & Gov. of N.L.
Last week, the Nunatsiavut Government and the Provincial Government met for the very first time.
Jim Lyall is the President of the Nunatsiavut Government.
He says he was invited by Premier Danny Williams shortly after he was elected as President.
Lyall says there were many reasons why they couldn’t meet prior to last week.
He says sometimes his people were not ready or weren’t there and vice-versa with the provincial government.
Lyall says in the meeting there were quite a number of issues brought to the table from both governments.
They include: mineral lands, uranium mining, Lower Churchill, health care, climate change, oil storage tank regulations and more.
Jim Lyall is the President of the Nunatsiavut Government.
He says he was invited by Premier Danny Williams shortly after he was elected as President.
Lyall says there were many reasons why they couldn’t meet prior to last week.
He says sometimes his people were not ready or weren’t there and vice-versa with the provincial government.
Lyall says in the meeting there were quite a number of issues brought to the table from both governments.
They include: mineral lands, uranium mining, Lower Churchill, health care, climate change, oil storage tank regulations and more.
Nain Provincial Court Circuit
The Provincial Court Circuit arrived to Nain this morning and will hold sessions until Friday.
We spoke to one of the RCMP members Chris Noseworthy for Nain detachment.
Judge John Joy is presiding this week.
Noseworthy says there are forty six cases to be heard.
He says the charges range from: breach of probation, assault, sexual assault, impaired driving, mischief and break and enter.
Nowseworthy adds the next court circuit will be held in Nain again the last week of November until first week of December.
We spoke to one of the RCMP members Chris Noseworthy for Nain detachment.
Judge John Joy is presiding this week.
Noseworthy says there are forty six cases to be heard.
He says the charges range from: breach of probation, assault, sexual assault, impaired driving, mischief and break and enter.
Nowseworthy adds the next court circuit will be held in Nain again the last week of November until first week of December.
Rigolet Children's Story Voted As Winner
The Rigolet fishing story by children's author Robert Munsch is the winning entry from an online book voting competition.
On Sunday, voting closed on three story books created by Munsch, all of which were published online by Scholastic Canada.
Approximately 20 years ago, Munsch wrote a story on a fishing trip while visiting Rigolet.
The fishing story includes two local residents, Cheryl Allen and her father Roger Shiwak.
The story was one of three Canadian stories in the running in an online competition.
The other communities in the running were: Brussels, Ontario and Fort McMurray, Alberta.
On Sunday, voting closed on three story books created by Munsch, all of which were published online by Scholastic Canada.
Approximately 20 years ago, Munsch wrote a story on a fishing trip while visiting Rigolet.
The fishing story includes two local residents, Cheryl Allen and her father Roger Shiwak.
The story was one of three Canadian stories in the running in an online competition.
The other communities in the running were: Brussels, Ontario and Fort McMurray, Alberta.
GST/HST Credit Increase a Once-A-Year Benefit
In last month’s GST/HST Credit, seniors received a nice surprise.
Seniors making below minimum, saw $900.00 added to their cheques.
Mark King is the Communications Director and Spokesperson with the Provincial Governments Department of Finance.
He says this additive will not be a onetime thing.
King says seniors 65 years of age and older will see an increase to their GST/HST Credit cheques once a year.
He says due to uncertainty, the amounts is subject to change each year.
King adds like any uncertainty, it could either go up or down.
To qualify for the maximum benefit, recipients must have a net income of $26,165 or less.
Seniors who make more than that are eligible for a partial benefit.
This is was an increase of nearly 13 percent from the bonus given out last year.
Seniors making below minimum, saw $900.00 added to their cheques.
Mark King is the Communications Director and Spokesperson with the Provincial Governments Department of Finance.
He says this additive will not be a onetime thing.
King says seniors 65 years of age and older will see an increase to their GST/HST Credit cheques once a year.
He says due to uncertainty, the amounts is subject to change each year.
King adds like any uncertainty, it could either go up or down.
To qualify for the maximum benefit, recipients must have a net income of $26,165 or less.
Seniors who make more than that are eligible for a partial benefit.
This is was an increase of nearly 13 percent from the bonus given out last year.
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