NB Exhibit At Toronto Expo Is Seeing Traffic

No doubt the Maritimers aren't used to the melting temps in Ontario right now but our contingent at the Saltscapes Expo in Toronto is still doing its best to sell a visit to this province.

Tourism Minister Trevor Holder tells CHSJ News people there understand how friendly New Brunswickers are and how we have wonderful hospitality.

He says he is more and more convinced in a crowd like this that New Brunswick has a world class product but it has to be marketed if people are going to find us.

The expo began today and finishes on Sunday and is expected to see up to 60,000 visitors per day.    Those visitors are learning about provincial attractions including our rivers, food and music.     To learn more, click here

Radio Employees to Strike Monday

Low wages, mandatory unpaid overtime, and arrogant management--those are the main reasons cited by Saint John unionists at Maritime Broadcasting, who will be on strike as of Monday if a collective agreement is not reached.

Strike negotiator Dan Oldfield says attempting to bargain with MBS has been a long and frustrating battle--and the employees are ready to take action. He says he's been negotiating for 30 years and the management at Maritime Broadcasting are the most arrogant and thoughtless he has ever encountered.

7 employees will be on strike. Oldfield says he wouldn't be surprised to see MBS employ strikebreakers.

More Singing At Market Square Tonight

It couldn't be a better night to hear country music at Market Square.

Aspiring Reba's and Kenny's get their shot as Alpine Country Star returns to the boardwalk.

Over 30 contestants will sing for the judges in their bid to walk away with the top prize of 5 thousand dollars.

Country 94's Marky B, Jim and Bobbi are your hosts when the event begins at 8 tonight on the Market Square boardwalk.

Saint John Might Break A Temperature Record Today

On the first full day of summer, we could be in for a scorcher.
 
Temperatures are set hit 27 degrees today even warmer in the humidex.
 
Environment Canada Meterologist Claude Cote tells CHSJ 
News we did not break any temperature records yesterday.

He says last night at the Saint John Airport they had a temperature of 25.5 degrees shy of the record of the record of 30 degrees set in 1953.

The hot spot in the province yesterday was St. Stephen at 32.7 degrees.

Another NDP Heavyweight Comes To Rothesay

The byelection in Rothesay is generating alot of chatter and speculation about whether the riding is up for grabs. 

Provincial NDP leader Dominic Cardy is getting alot of support from the federal party. The M-P from Burnaby-Westminster Peter Julian, who also serves as the NDP's critic for energy and natural resources is in the riding canvassing with Cardy. 

The Liberal candidate John Wilcox tells CHSJ News there are other issues he's hearing about besides patronage. These include healthcare, concerns over the high numbers of young people leaving the province for better opportunities elsewhere, tuition fees, flooding in Oakville Acres and the displacement of people on Scott Avenue to make way for a fieldhouse. 

The former M-L-A in Rothesay Margaret Ann Blaney was critical of those people being displaced for the fieldhouse as was Conservative Senator John Wallace.

Aboriginal Celebrations Today

The sound of drumming and scent of sweetgrass in the air with Aboriginal Day kicking off in front of City Hall. Local politicians, native leaders, and community members gathering together with the message that we are all one tribe.

Lieutenant Governor Graydon Nicholas tells CHSJ News the challenges faced by the aboriginal community in the province can be overcome by sharing our history and stories. He says the biggest challenge to aboriginal communities throughout Canada is that people outside their communities aren't aware of the challenges they face.

Aboriginal artist Carlos Gomes lead the ceremony, which called on the traditions of a number of different tribes.

North End Fire Quelled

City fire crews called out to the north end to a three storey apartment building at 55 Metcalf Street.

Acting Platoon Chief Mark Carey says there was a mattress and clothing on fire in a bedroom on the top floor of the building. 

There was heavy smoke but fire crews managed to keep the blaze from spreading.

The cause is now under investigation.

Gas Prices Down Again

If you have to fill up today, you won't have to pay as much as you would have just last night. 

Gas prices in the city are continuing to drop, slowly but steadily. Self serve regular falling by 2 cents a litre to $1.20.8. 

Diesel is down by under half a cent at $123.5 a litre. 

Propane is also less expensive with a listed price of 91.7 cents a litre and heating oil is at $1.06.5, a decrease of just over a cent.