Columns

This week marks a turning point in the season. Large game hunting with rifles begins on Saturday across the eastern half of the Rainy River District and the Kenora, Dryden area. As I cut the grass and raked leaves this past weekend, I watched as many trailers headed east.
I also watched as many vehicles had their boats loaded on trailers heading to garages and yards. The lake season has ended.

By Melanie Mathieson
Gardening Guru

By Gary Sliworsky
OMAFRA Rep.

By Al Lowe
Contributor

The first week back in Ottawa was a very busy one. Before it gets too far along, I want to use the column this week to tell you about some relevant bills and motions that are coming up for debate in this fall session of parliament.

The brilliant red leaves of a maple stood out on the point of an island just opposite of our cabin. A single red leafed tree in our bay surrounded by yellow leaf birches and light orange coloured leaves of the ash trees made our arrival at the cabin Saturday morning breath taking.
On the stillness of the blue lake water soft brown needles from white pines floated on the surface. The shoreline of Rainy Lake is a blaze of colours. Crimson reds, vibrant yellows, brilliant oranges, and muted browns fill the shoreline with colour with soft greens playing in the backdrop.

By Myrna Armstrong
Knox United Church

As of Sept. 1st Sunday services have resumed at Rainy River/Stratton United Churches.

It is often noted that a free and open press ensures that the government represents its people. The press is free to tell the truth about the government and its citizens hold the government accountable.
This applies to any level of government and the committees of the government.
However, governments have the right to distinguish which materials are public or protected from disclosure to the public based on classification of information.

Over the last several weeks my offices throughout the riding and in Ottawa have fielded many calls from constituents on the issue of the Long Gun Registry and Bill C-391. These calls and recent national and local media coverage on the issue have compelled me to issue this statement today.
The issues of firearms control, public safety, and Bill C-391 have proven to be contentious ones. I have been saddened and disappointed by the behaviour and antics of individuals and groups on both sides of the debate in recent weeks.

By Gary Sliworsky
OMAFRA Rep.