Government

With the final portion of its $20.2 million capital budget finally in hand, the Vale Inco Living With Lakes Centre is ready to begin construction after seven years of endless lobbying, planning and redesigning.

"Everything comes down to personality," says North Bay Mayor Vic Fedeli. If one has a chance to meet, or even chat with Fedeli on the phone one quickly understand why he is a successful businessman, politician and leader of his community.

For Peter Birnie, 'Buy American' protectionism represents a serious threat to his business and employees. The times haven't been kind to Birnie lately.

About 15 km of the Trans-Canada Highway will be expanded to four lanes in the Thunder Bay area, beginning next year.

Community officials concerned that the province's infrastructure funding applications are asking them to put the cart before the horse might have an unexpected kindred soul in George Smitherman.

The City of Temiskaming Shores is supporting a resolution that calls for leveling the playing field with the U.S., since its Buy American practices are harming Canadian manufacturers.

By Andrew Low and Ian Ross Northern businesses are experiencing first hand the affects of American rising protectionism against Canadian companies.

Federal Industry Minister Tony Clement is taking Vale Inco to task for its announced one-month shutdown of its entire Sudbury mining complex this summer.

By James Neeley With major tax reform, billions in infrastructure dollars, an increase in the minimum wage and the harmonizing of sales taxes, the 2009 Ontario budget is getting mixed reviews.

Roads, schools and public transit infrastructure will be the beneficiaries of a $32.5 billion investment being made by the McGuinty government and Ottawa. The Ontario government is spending $27.