Around the North

Canada's largest forestry union is launching a national campaign demanding Ottawa act to protect industry jobs and pensions.

The Ministry of Northern Development and Mines established a new program that gives grants to entrepreneurs to open businesses in the North on May 19.

A total of 33 fewer single-detached housing starts were counted in Sudbury in April, according to data released by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) on May 8. Three homes were started in the city this April, down from 36 in April 2008.

FNX Mining Company Inc. (TSX:FNX) is off to a rough start this year, with first-quarter losses totaling $26.2 million.

Hard-hit communities will be able to tap into an economic diversification fund announced by the federal government. The Community Adjustment Fund will provide $348.

Sault College and Algoma University in Sault Ste. Marie are receiving more than $600,000 in operating grants.

Government bailouts of automakers while snubbing the struggling forestry industry just doesn't wash with Kenora-Rainy River MPP Howard Hampton.

Next year's G8 Summit of international leaders in Muskoka should produce some economic spinoffs for Parry Sound.

Federal Natural Resources Minister Lisa Raitt promises to fast-track funding for mineral mapping, innovation and green technologies for Canada's mining industry.

Dianor Resources has gotten government approval to take a 50,000 tonne bulk sample from its Leadbetter Diamond project near Wawa. The Val d'Or, Que.