Around the North

A poll conducted by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) shows one in five Canadians with credit cards report being issued new premium cards in the past year.

Ground geophysics surveys on the Freewest Resource (TSX:FWR) Big Daddy Chromite deposit in the James Bay Lowlands revealed a 1.1 kilometre strike length. Early 2009 initial earn-in on the 1,248 hectare property by Spider Resources Inc.

Greater Sudbury City Council approved a list of "shovel-ready" projects on April 22 that will be submitted to the federal government for funding consideration under the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund (ISF).

Facing a critical shortage of skilled labour, the Mining Industry Human Resources Council (MiNR) have launched an awareness campaign directed at Canada's Aboriginal communities and the mining industry.

The Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 2009 Bell Business Excellence Awards Gala on May 12 from 5:30 to 10 p.m.

The Ontario Mineral Industry Cluster Council (OMICC) is campaigning against the provincial government's announced decision to protect 225,000 square kilometres of boreal forest under the Far North Planning Initiative.

The Sudbury Area Mining Service and Supply Association (SAMSSA) has forged a new global business relationship with Canada Export Centre that will enhance opportunities in eight countries for its mining service and supply members.

Premier Dalton McGuinty did not expect a $1.2 billion bill from the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) streetcar contract. In fact, it was not budgeted.

Waterfront development is on the agenda for Fort Frances and Tom Jones Construction has been awarded the tender. The construction includes the relocation of the lookout tower.

The Canadian economy fell by 0.1 per cent in February according to Statistics Canada, a drop that was expected by economists. Although February's figures indicated the current economic contraction, it was not as bad as the 0.