Around the North

February's national employment numbers rose by 21,000 over the previous month, with men 55 and over accounting entirely for the gain, according to a report issued by Statistics Canada. This brings Canada's unemployment rate down 0.

Recognized for her leadership and continued involvement in the Sudbury community, Stehphanie Leclair will be Collège Boréal's new director of office advancement.

A tentative deal was struck by AbitibiBowater and the Communication Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP) that could lead the company further away from bankruptcy, says a union official.

Anishinabek Nation leaders say the federal government is being dishonest when Ottawa says there will be no negative impact from the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).

Howard Hampton, NDP MPP for Kenora-Rainy River, said the McGuinty government must begin an "open and honest" dialogue with First Nation communities to realize the potential of the 'Ring of Fire' mineral deposits in Ontario's Far North.

The McGuinty Liberals are being "two-faced" on its stand on resource development in Ontario's Far North, said a Conservative MPP.

Lori Paras is resigning as president of the North of Superior Tourism Association. In a March 10 media release, the association said Paras has "worked diligently" as president to position the tourism group as a leading regional marketing body.

St. Marys Paper announced March 8 it will "curtail" production of specialty supercalender paper at its Sault Ste. Marie pulp and paper mill for an indefinite period starting March 12. The No. 5 paper machine is impacted.

There may be good news for those in professional occupations in the second quarter, according to a recent report.

The Timmins Chamber of Commerce has officially begun a call for nominations for its annual Nova Awards, a celebration of business excellence in the region.