Provincial Official Says Nothing Confirmed - Yet

2009-06-03

16:00:06

It's not a done deal - but -- an agreement is moving closer -- that's the word from a provincial government spokesman about infrastructure funding for water projects in the city.
Bruce MacFarlane tells CHSJ News officials from all three levels of government are working on trying to finalize a funding agreement -- he says they're working with their federal counterparts and municipal officials.
MacFarlane says nothing can be confirmed until the deal is signed - sealed - and - delivered.
He tells us it's too early to say if the funding will cover the over 200-million dollar water treatment plant and Glen Falls flood diversion projects -- or -- whether it will be smaller components of the projects.
But -- MacFarlane says once the deal is finalized -- all three parties will join forces to make an official announcement.
Mayor Ivan Court took councillors and the media by surprise Monday night when he indicated the province has committed to its share of both projects -- earlier today -- he told us the province is onboard for 14-million to help with the projects.

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K-Park Elementary School Upgrades Get Support

2009-06-03

15:16:59

The fight to have K-Park Elementary approved for renovation work has a new voice. The Town will send a letter to the Education Minister asking for the project to improve bathrooms, handicap access and ventilation in the building to be approved as soon as possible. Janice McPherson speaks on behalf of the committee and tells CHSJ News, they are also working with Quispamsis MLA Mary Schryer to secure funding.

McPherson says the top priority on the District Six to do list is a new elementary school for Quispamsis but in order to get the funding for that project, the K-Park committee is hopeful they will get funding for their proposal first.

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Peel Plaza Open House Tonight

2009-06-03

15:16:15

Tonight is your chance to get caught up with how things are coming with the Peel Plaza proposal. The steering committee is holding an open house tonight to give residents a chance to see plans for the parking garage and the public space for the area as well.

Representatives from the parking commission, Province, the City and Board of Police Commissioners will be on hand to answer any questions. Things get started at 6:30pm at the Saint John Arts Center on Hazen Avenue. 

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NB Business Optimism Second Highest in Canada

2009-06-03

15:12:32

Optimism among small business owners in the province is the second highest in Canada, after Saskatchewan. The Canadian Federation of Independent Business has released its monthly Business Barometer Index showing small businesses in New Brunswick rate 66.9 on a scale of 100 for performance expectations in the next year. The national average for the month of May was only 60.4.

49 per cent of businesses in the province say the overall state of business is good and only 10 per cent plan to decrease employment levels over the next year. The majority of owners say tax and regulatory costs are the most significant pressure causing difficulties for their business.

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Q-Plex Construction Contract Awarded

2009-06-03:

04:13:27:

In just about a year from now, residents in the Kennebecasis Valley will have a first class sports facility to call it's own. This after Quispamsis Council unanimously awarded the contract to construct the Q-Plex Facility to Marco Maritimes Limited last night. Total cost of the project is $20,727,900 dollars which is $235,000 dollars less than the original tender and will be made up with slight changes to the design with concrete instead of asphalt and a new siding in some area's. Mayor Murray Driscoll says clearing of the land will get started right away with the hopes of being finished in 12 months.

The project is still $2.2 million over the original budget and Driscoll says that will be made up through grants, a reserve fund of $1.2 million and the Town might borrow an extra one million dollars. 

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Clean Air Coalition Supports Report on Lung Cancer Rates

2009-06-02

17:38:24

A spokesperson for the Clean Air Coalition says he's not surprised by a report released yesterday showing Saint John has higher rates of lung cancer than Moncton and Fredericton. The study by the Conservation Council of New Brunswick also found that cancer rates peak at a younger age, contradicting the view that they are the product of an aging population. The Clean Air Coalition's Gordon Dalzell tells CHSJ News it's time government took action such as capping emissions.

Dalzell says the situation will only get worst for Saint John if a second oil refinery is built.

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Fundy Bay Festival Prepares for Another Year

2009-06-02

17:37:29

Organizers of the Fundy Bay Festival are looking for another five thousand dollars from the city. Common council granted the festival five grand back in November, but organizers were hoping for ten thousand dollars. President, Fred Little says they are hoping to make the Fundy Bay Festival Saint John's signature event by 2015.

This year's festival will run from August 6th to the 8th at various locations throughout greater Saint John and will include an Eric Clapton tribute show, East coast country show and mardi gras party at Long Wharf. Common council has referred the funding request to city staff.

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MP Rodney Weston Responds to Forestry Demands

2009-06-02

17:28:22

MP Rodney Weston says there is only so much money to go around for suffering industries in the country. During a phone interview from Ottawa Weston tells CHSJ News he hasn't had an opportunity to speak with the Minister or Prime Minister regarding the forestry workers' demands for loan guarantees--but--Weston does say he understands the need to stimulate the economy.

More than one hundred forestry workers rallied in front of Weston's office today seeking wage and pension protection, as well as help for forestry companies.

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Forestry Supporter Speaks Out at Rally

2009-06-02

13:44:19

(Forestry Workers March up King Street to MP Rodney Weston's Office--Photo By Diane Henry)

Therese Tremblay with the Restigouche District Labour Council, says when Abiti Bowater came to Dalhousie is destroyed the local resources and made the community fully dependent on forestry jobs. She says many workers who have been working their for 35 years are still not receiving their pensions.

Tremblay says government does not care about the forestry workers, about women's rights or about children and the need for a childcare program.

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Forestry Workers Protest for Federal Support

2009-06-02

13:04:33

(Rino Ouellet with Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union of Canada--Photo By Diane Henry)

More than one hundred forestry workers and fellow union members marched up King Street to MP Rodney Weston's office today over the noon hour. Forestry employees are demanding the federal government wake up and help the dying industry. Rino Ouellet with the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union tells CHSJ news they are not looking for a bail out. He says they want guaranteed loans and pension and wage protection.

Weston is in Ottawa today, but his spokesperson Lisa Ferguson says she will bring the workers' concerns back to the MP. Meetings are underway today in Ottawa between forestry unions and the Finance Minister.

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Disablity Support Program Coming to Saint John

2009-06-02

12:43:32

The Disability Support Program is coming to Saint John and Bathurst this year.
Social Development Minister Mary Schryer made the announcement today.
The program can provide home support workers, and transportation supports that are disability specific.
Right now the program is only available in Fredericton and Madawaska, but Social Development expects the it to be in all regions by 2010-11.
For more information on the Disability Support Program click here

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Blood Services Fight Continues

2009-06-02:

10:53:09:

Members of the task force formed to keep the blood services distribution centre in Saint John want to meet with Canadian Blood Service officials on the 15th or 16th of this month. Saint John Fundy M-L-A Stuart Jamieson says the fight to prevent moving the centre to Halifax has been a collaborative effort.

Jamieson adds for the upcoming meeting, they are gathering people from the medical and business sector to voice their concerns.

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Isotope Supply is Getting Low

2009-06-02:

10:51:09:

Health Minister Mike Murphy says the supply of radioactive isotopes for medical use is improving in some provinces, but there is a small time frame for this province. The supply is steady for the next week, but Murphy says if the Chalk River reactor, which produces the isotopes, stays down for in excess of three months, than rationalization will have to be used.

Murphy says by medical direction those in the most need, or in the most dire circumstances will be moved ahead.

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A New Form of Cancer Test is Available

2009-06-02:

10:49:30:

Beginning this fall for the first time in Saint John, HPV testing will be available at the Regional Hospital. Human papillomavirus has been associated with several types of cancer, including cervical. The Vice President of Community and Primary Health Services for Regional Health Authority B Fonda Kazi says this announcement brings services needed for residents right here at home:

Previously for HPV testing, patients had to leave the province to receive the service.

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Green Awards are Handed Out

2009-06-02:

10:47:35:

They say ""It's not easy being Green"" but the Saint John Environment Committee has found three people that don't find it tough. The group has handed out it's year end awards which recognize those who have made a significant contribution to the enhance the environment of the city. The winners are T.D. Insurance, Reverend Lloyd Lake and the Restore on Rothesay Avenue.

T.D. has set up a full waste diversion program at it's offices on Rothesay Avenue. Reverend Lake has been nominated for his efforts to save and protect the trees of Manawagonish Road for over 30 years and the Restore sell new and used building materials to reduce the amount of materials going to the landfill. 

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Suspicious Fire in Oromocto

2009-06-02:

10:46:43:

No word on charges but two people are locked up after fire ripped through a building in Oromocto yesterday. It began on the porch of a structure situated near the tennis courts and sports fields on Winnebago Street.

Nobody was hurt and no word on how much damage was caused.

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Two car Crash on Highway One

2009-06-02:

10:45:56:

A two vehicle accident last night on highway one saw both drivers walk away. The vehicles collided just after nine in front of Ossie's Restaurant and one of the vehicles was forced from the road. It couldn't get stopped and went right through a garage. The driver walked away with no serious injuries but the motorcycle in the garage was damaged.

Both drivers, a man from St. Andrews and a woman from Nova Scotia, were taken to the hospital to get looked over.

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Lung Cancer Study Released

2009-06-02:

10:45:11:

Lung cancer rates in Saint John were significantly higher than rates in Moncton and Fredericton and are linked to occupational exposure and air pollution. That according to the first of a two part study from the Conservation Council. When you break down the numbers, a higher percentage of men in Saint John than in Moncton and Fredericton work in occupations known to be associated with increased risks of lung cancer such as welding, machining, heavy equipment operation and the transportation sector.

The study calls on the provincial Health Minister to work with the Environment Minister to improve air quality standards and eliminate the release of carcinogens from industrial sources in communities. Part two of the study will be released in the fall.

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Cupe Union Not Happy with Cuts

2009-06-02:

04:05:32:

School bus drivers and maintenance staff are making their voices heard. Representing Cupe Local 1235, the membership is very concerned about the axe that continues to chop away at the provincial education budget including two million on transportation alone. Vallie Stearns is the union rep and tells CHSJ News, making the announcements this late in the year means alot of people won't find out about new rules.

Stearns says some children, regardless of age, will have to start walking to class if they live with-in 2.4 km's of the building. Some districts are even considering staggering start times at schools so they can bus the children there and some bus runs will be amalgamated. 

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Protest Rally in Uptown Saint John

2009-06-02:

04:04:28:

Forestry Workers from around the Province and country will rally in several cities today to fight for their jobs, pensions and families. Today marks a national day of protest by the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union. Rino Ouellet is the union rep and tells CHSJ News, the future of the industry is not very stable anywhere.

Ouellet says they are not asking for a bailout but loan guarantees to keep mills viable. The rally gets started at Noon at the Delta and workers will march to Saint John MP Rodney Weston's office here on King Street. Weston has confirmed to our news-room he will not be here but is in Ottawa.

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Two Men Beaten up in Saint John

2009-06-02:

04:03:11:

A trip to the Regional for two men earlier this morning. This after they were jumped by two other men by the Royal bank Building on King Street at one o'clock.

City Police tell us the two men who were jumped are going to be fine. No word on specific charges or a court date at this point.

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Two Men Beaten up in Saint John

2009-06-02:

04:03:11:

A trip to the Regional for two men earlier this morning. This after they were jumped by two other men by the Royal bank Building on King Street at one o'clock.

City Police tell us the two men who were jumped are going to be fine. No word on specific charges or a court date at this point.

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Province On Board with Clean Drinking Water Project

2009-06-01

22:44:22

(Commissioner of Municipal Operations, Paul Groody Presenting to Council on Water Projects During a Meeting in May --- Photo By Diane Henry)

The provincial government has confirmed it's on board for one third of the cost of the 214 million dollar clean drinking water project and Glen Falls flood water diversion project. Mayor Ivan Court delivered the news at last night's council meeting, after speaking with provincial officials earlier in the day. This took councilor Chris Titus--who sits on the water committee--by complete surprise.

In light of the announcement, common council has decided to table the Deputy Mayor's motion to assign a city staff member to coordinate with the province and federal government on water treatment issues.  Councilor Peter McGuire says the focus right now should be squarely on getting the third piece of the puzzle. He says Saint John MP Rodney Weston should now write a cheque for the federal government's share of the funding.

Meanwhile, council will meet Tuesday morning in closed session for an update on price negotiations with large industrial water users. The Deputy Mayor has suggested this is a stumbling block in getting federal funding for clean drinking water.

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Councilor Urges City to Brace for Less Money Than Expected in 2010

2009-06-01

22:42:41

Councillor Gary Sullivan is asking the city to scale back its expectations for 2010 and prepare for possibly getting less money from provincial property taxes. Sullivan says uncertainty around changes to the way properties are assessed means revenue for the city will likely be capped at inflation--which is roughly 2 per cent.

Sullivan wants city administration, and all agencies boards and commissions to prepare their budget for the year based on a 2.5 per cent increase, rather than the 4.5 per cent previously stated in the 2009 operating budget. Council has tabled Sullivan's motion until a meeting with hired consultants on June 15th.

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On-Street Parking Could Be On Its Way Up

2009-06-01

22:40:52 

Council is one step away from raising on-street parking rates and fines for the first time in five years.  If council passes third reading for changes to the traffic by-law on-street parking rates will go from $1.25 an hour to $1.50 an hour.  An expired parking meter fine will also go from ten dollars to fifteen if paid within 7 days--and--a ticket for parking in a handicap, loading or bus zone will go from 35 dollars to 50 dollars.

Councilor Chris Titus--who sits on the parking commission-- says people can expect to see more increases in the next two years.

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Medical Software Expected to Increase Efficiency

2009-06-01

17:13:34

The province is introducing a new software which stores health information in a single secure access portal.
Health Minister Mike Murphy announced the technology today in partnership with AnyWare Group's ROAM platform.
The software is expected to improve working conditions for health care professionals, as well as better protecting patient privacy.
The software will contain all of the provinces health information systems.

Murphy will be in Saint John tomorrow morning to make an announcement concerning cancer testings services at the Regional Hospital at 9:30.

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Knowing Our Neighbours Project

2009-06-01

15:25:43

Students from Rothesay Elementary School are getting a tour of Saint John tomorrow thanks to students at St. John the Baptist-King Edward School.
Pat Hartley's grade 3 class will be hosting the tour as a part of the Knowing Our Neighbours Project, and will be heading to Rothesay the following day.
Hartley tells CHSJ News, this project is a great opportunity for both sets of students to see a part of town they normally wouldn't have access to.

Both sets of students are already familiar with what they are going to be seeing in person because of a Photo Story assignment.
Each class did guided tours to prepare for their visitors, and Hartley says this is a great learning experience for both urban and rural students.

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Be Safe Be Smart 2009 Tour

2009-06-01

13:13:37

The interactive road safety awareness campaign Be Safe Be Smart will be making a pit stop in Saint John this week.
Along for the tour will be the D.U.M.B car, which is a driving simulator which deals with distractions, as well as bad weather and other common driving hazards.
The campaign will be coming to Simonds High on Wednesday at 10 o'clock.
For more information about the Be Safe Be Smart campaign click here.

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Free Pass This Weekend

2009-06-01

12:33:01

As a part of the Tourism Week celebration the provincial parks will be waiving the admission fee this Saturday.
The Department of Tourism and Parks are responsible for nine provincial parks---including Mactaquac, New River Beach, and Sugarloaf.

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New Legislation Hopes to Expand Sex Offender Registry

2009-06-01

12:21:42

Proposed legislation by Ottawa will hope to expand the national sex offender registry. It will also allow police to make greater use of the information in the registry. The changes will ensure that convicted sex offenders automatically go into the registry and be required to submit a DNA sample. Currently, a judge has to approve registration of a convicted offender. Saint John Police Deputy Chief Darryl Scribner says the proposed amendments will allow current resources to be applied more effectively.

Fundy Royal MP Rob Moore made the announcement and is confident the proposed legislation will be passed. The legislation will also require that people convicted of sex crimes outside the country be listed in the registry.

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Tourism Week Begins Today

2009-06-01

12:20:39

It's the start of Tourism Week and Saint John is the top destination for the province.
Hospitality Saint John President Wanda Hughes tells CHSJ News, the factors that make the city a great spot for visitors are often overlooked by residents.

Hughes says cruise ship visitors generate a lot of revenue for the city, and last years tourism dollars are in the $246 million dollar range----a record breaking figure.

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Animals are on the Move

2009-06-01:

03:53:37:

A reminder to be on the look-out for animals on the move. This after a vehicle hit a moose early yesterday morning along Highway One. Members of the Musquash Fire Department arrived near the Ducks Unlimited Marsh just after five o'clock to find a vehicle hit a bull moose.

They had to cut the roof off to get the driver out who was taken to the Regional to get looked over. The swamp donkey was killed.  

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Announcement at the Saint John Airport

2009-06-01:

03:52:39:

An important announcement will be made today concerning sex offenders and public safety. Fundy Royal M-P Rob Moore will be in town to make the announcement on behalf of Public Safety Minister Peter Van Loan, and will be joined by Saint John M-P Rodney Weston.

Details are limited but things get underway at 10:30am at the Saint John Airport.

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City Councilor Happy With Funding for Housing

2009-06-01:

03:51:44:

City Councilor Peter McGuire says the 99 million dollar announcement from the federal and provincial governments will help get affordable housing projects moving in the city. McGuire tells CHSJ News, local government hopes to meet with Social Development Minister Mary Schryer this month to discuss changes to legislation on derelict buildings.

McGuire says he applauds Schryer, Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson and the Premier for funding low income housing projects.

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Finding a Place to Store Nuclear Waste

2009-06-01:

03:50:48:

The New Brunswick Conservation Council is urging people to voice their dis-approval to storing nuclear waste in Canada. Spokesperson Dave Thompson tells CHSJ News, the Canadian Nuclear Waste Management Agency is holding a open house about storing nuclear waste in the city this week but their plan is flawed.

Thompson says he can't say for certain there are plans to store nuclear waste in this Province but says everyone needs to reject the option regardless. The open house is scheduled for Thursday at the Delta.

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Westfield Road Will Get an Update

2009-06-01:

03:49:32:

Common Council is stepping up its commitment to improving the Westfield Road. It has approved an additional $647,500 dollars for the road in this years General Fund Capital Program and about 1.7 million has been preapproved for next year. Some of the work being planned includes an improved storm water system, new asphalt, and sidewalk construction.

The cost to reconstruct the 7.8 km stretch of road is pegged at over 18-million dollars.

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City Councilor in Favor of New Policy

2009-06-01:

03:48:34:

The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act was put into legislation by the province over the weekend and Councillor Donnie Snook is all smiles. The legislation allows citizens to submit confidential complaints about properties where illegal activities may be happening. A police officer under the SCAN Act would then investigate the complaint. Snook tells CHSJ News, other communities have had success with similar acts.

Snook says he will work towards having the city take advantage of the legistation and not have it sit on the shelf.

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Kitchen Mishap Causes Fire Call

2009-05-31

11:48:50

Fire crews responding to a call at 138 James Street around 10 o'clock last night.

Fire officials say a burning pot was the culprit, which caused some smoke and minor fire damage to the wall and stove area.

One man was taken to hospital for minor injuries. 

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Summer Season Gearing Up for Boardwalk

2009-05-31

11:47:00

Music, the Canada Day Countdown and a guy who will jump over the stage of the Boardwalk on a moto-cross bike...that's just some of the activities happening on the Market Square Boardwalk this summer season. The drive has been on to get more people into the uptown over the past few years and Pete Stoddard with the Ale House tells CHSJ News, the crowds get bigger on the boardwalk every year.

Stoddard says all of the events can be found at market square boardwalk.com and they are also adding Facebook and Twitter sites so people can keep track of what is happening and when. 

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Rally for the CBC

2009-05-30

12:34:43

[Public Support for the CBC----Photo by Dave Briggs]

Over a hundred people in attendance at the Rally for the CBC in Kings Square today.
The rally comes as staffing cuts are affecting 4 of the 15 member staff.
Employees being affected include two sound technicians, an office manager, and a reporter is being reassigned to only web based work.
Saint John MP Rodney Weston tells CHSJ News, people think his government is responsible for the cuts, but that's not the case.

Weston says the cuts come from dips in the advertising revenue.

Out to show their support for the Crown radio station include Senator John Wallace, Mayor Ivan Court, and a handful of city councilors.

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Walk For Memories Tomorrow

2009-05-30

12:33:29

Tomorrow afternoon the Alzheimer's Society of New Brunswick will be holding the 6th annual Walk for Memories.
All proceeds raised during the event will go towards local programs and services for those living with Alzheimer's, as well as towards funding for national research.
Organizer Mel Vincent tells CHSJ News, the walk is to help raise money, but also awareness.

Vincent says those who cannot make the walk can make a pledge by going to their website alziemersnb.ca
Senator John Wallace, and MLA Trevor Holder will be on hand during the walk taking place at 1 o'clock at Wolastoq Park.

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Town Wide Yard Sale

2009-05-30

06:28:16

Looking for a hidden treasure that someone may be looking to get rid of?
Take a trip out to Quispamsis to browse the town wide yard sale.
Things get underway this morning at 8:30 and run until 1 o'clock.
For a complete map of vendors click here.

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Car Stolen From McDonald's

2009-05-30

06:27:38

City police quickly apprehended four people after stealing a car last night.
Just before 10 o'clock a car was stolen from the McDonald's parking lot on Fairville Boulevard, while the owner was inside the restaurant.
Police recovered the car about 20 minutes later on Douglas Avenue.
One adult and three young offenders have been arrested.

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Traffic Woes in Quispamsis

2009-05-29

18:42:21

Traffic volume and speed.....two of the big issues for most home-owners in Quispamsis. Both were brought up when the Town rolled out it's draft traffic calming policy this week. Residents from Lexington, Minstrel and Southwood Drives say the area is getting dangerous and was never set up for the traffic volume they see. Chief of Police with the Rothesay Regional Force is Steve MacIntyre who tells CHSJ News, there is close to 50,000 registered vehicles in the Kennebecasis Valley and it continues to grow.

MacIntrye adds the traffic trailer isn't set up as a speed trap but to give driver's a sober second thought about how fast they are going in a residential area.     

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Cherry Brook Zoo Says Goodbye to an Animal Friend

2009-05-29

18:41:00

There is sure to be a few tears at the Cherry Brook Zoo over the weekend as employee's say goodbye to a friend and the signature animal of the facility. Baikal, the male Siberian Tiger is being sent to the zoo in Winnipeg next week to hook up with his paired female.

She has been waiting for a year for him to arrive.

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Local Photographer Honoured

2009-05-29

18:40:11

Next time you see local photographer Martin Flewelling, extend a congratulations as he was recently honored with the Yousuf Karsh Lifetime Achievement Award. The award is given out by the Professional Photographers of Canada.

Flewwelling tells CHSJ News his job is rewarding in its own right. The award was established in 1970 and only six awards have been given out to date.

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Province Introduces Pay Equity Legislation for All Civil Servants

2009-05-29

17:21:39

The provincial government has introduced new legislation to extend pay equity to all levels of the civil service.  Since 1989, pay equity has applied to just departmental employees, but the new legislation would extend it to schools, hospitals and Crown corporations. The Executive Director of the New Brunswick Advisory Council on the Status of Women says this is a move in the right direction.  Rosella Melanson tells CHSJ News she hopes this means pay equity for the private sector is not far off.

The minister responsible for the Status of Women, Mary Schryer, says as far as pay equity in the private sector goes, `stay tuned for next week, because we're not done.'  The legislation for civil servants will come into force April 1, 2010.

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Saint John Board of Trade Calls for Consultation on Provincial Trauma System

2009-05-29

17:19:43

The Saint John Board of Trade is encouraging the provincial government to call on those who will be directly impacted by the provincial trauma system to get their input.   President Imelda Gilman tells CHSJ news the province needs to focus on implementing the system and would like to see the Trauma Committee reach out to trauma surgeon Dr. Andrew Trenholm to participate in completing the process.

Gilman says this approach will serve to restore credibility to the process of building and implementing the provincial trauma system.

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Firefighters to Get Cancer Coverage

2009-05-29

17:18:57

Firefighters in the province are getting cancer coverage thanks to the Firefighters' Compensation Act, introduced today in the legislature. Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Donald Arseneault says the legislation will provide coverage to active and retired firefighters who have served the required number of years of service, and who are diagnosed with a specified cancer-- or-- who suffer from a heart attack within 24 hours of an emergency response.

The provincial government promised back in June 2007 to address the need for cancer coverage. Under the legislation, assessments will be calculated and levied against municipalities on a per-firefighter basis. WorkSafeNB will administer the program.

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City Works to Improve Website

2009-05-29

17:18:05

The city is hoping new additions to the Saint John website will drive more people to use it and be satisfied with the result.  Councilor Carl Killen says there is much work to be done to bring the website up to where it should be.

City Manager Terry Totten says they have been working with various departments to re-design the site, while adding new features such as Twitter and the ability to pay parking tickets on line.

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Police Conclude Suspicious Man Not Real

2009-05-29

17:17:10

In reference to a story we ran yesterday, police are no longer asking for the publics assistance in finding a suspicious man. Police were looking for a white man in his 50's driving a black car with many dents and a loud exhaust. 

However, police have determined the event in question did not take place.

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No Options For Doctors

2009-05-29:

11:23:57:

Opposition Health Critic Margaret Ann Blaney says Provincial Health Minister Mike Murphy never gave doctors any options when it comes to the proposed wage freeze.

She tells CHSJ News the Medicare budget already had the wage freeze factored in as it was smaller than last years.

Members of the Provincial Medical Society will meet in Fredericton today to discuss the issue.

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Final Conference For Youth This Weekend

2009-05-29:

11:21:51:

It will be a bittersweet weekend for youth around the province as this weeknd marks the final Big Splash Youth Summit. 

The summit gathers 50 youths from around the province to discuss issues they are concerned about and to take those topics back to the provincial government.

Spokesperson Brad Perry tells CHSJ News they will have a lot to talk about, including the environment and the new driving laws for yound drivers.

He says with the Youth Advisory Council being cut by the provincial government, it will be harder for youth to interact with their government.

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Students Graduate from UNBSJ Today

2009-05-29:

11:19:24:

It will be a busy day at UNBSJ as its 35th Spring Convocation Ceremony takes place today.

Four hundred and fourteen students will be donning the cap and gowns. 

Dr. Nancy Grant, founder of Hospice Saint John and Dr. Robert Neve, Secretary General for Amnesty International Canada, will both be receiving honorary degrees at the event.

Things get underway at 2 o'clock at the G. Forbes Elliot Athletic Centre.

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West Side Residents Want Movie Theatre

2009-05-29:

11:18:01:

It seems West Siders have one thing in mind when it comes to development on that side of the city. During a Q and A at the West Side Retail Development Forum resident after residents told developers a movie theatre is needed.

There is no plans for a theatre yet, but developer Bryce Schnare says when the public voice their want for a business to the company, chances are their ears are going to perk up. Other wants include a gym and more family restaurants.

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Simms Corner Getting Makeover

2009-05-29:

11:14:00:

As the business front on the West Side changes so will the driving. Director of Works Shayne Galbraith tells CHSJ news, major renovations to Simms Corner are scheduled to begin soon and with the retail boom it needs to become more drivable to those not familiar with it.

Galbraith adds the intersection will become controlled by lights and access to Fairville Blvd will become two way. He says the city will look for provincial funding for the project and Phase 1 will get underway soon with the entire project expected to wrapped up by 2011.

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Retail Development for the West Side

2009-05-29:

04:54:17:

Retail Development is booming on the West Side. Counsel Corporation is the company renovating the Lancaster Mall, and spokesperson Madeleine Nicholls tells CHSJ News, the plan is make the mall more than just a one stop shop. Nicholls says the mall is being designed using an innovative method where all shops inside are on display on the outside. She says that model will likely increase traffic, because customers will know what they are in for.

Also announced last night is 1 of the 8 new stores going into the Fairville Boulevard Plaza. Developer Bryce Schnare says one store is going to be a Staples, but kept tight lipped about the remaining 7.

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Java Moose is Expanding

2009-05-29:

04:53:21:

West siders are getting a new option for their morning coffee fix. Java Moose announced last night that a new store is going into the Lancaster Mall. Co-Founder Randy Pederson tells CHSJ News, the West side is an untapped market for premium coffee products.

The new location will be going into the newly refurbished Lancaster Mall.

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Two Men are in Custody

2009-05-29:

04:52:34:

Rothesay Regional Police have made an arrest in connection to a robbery and break and enter last weekend. Two men are locked up and will appear in court later today after officer's executed a search warrant at a home in Rothesay last night. It was on Thursday of last week, a man walked in to the Petro-Canada station in French Village with a weapon, demanded cash and smokes and ran.

Officer's are also expected to lay charges in connection to a home that was broken into last weekend in Quispamsis where alot of stuff was stolen.

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Ambulance NB Responds to Report

2009-05-29:

04:51:44:

The Brady Report, an inquiry into the Events Affecting Ambulance Service on April 2 in Fredericton Junction has been released. Ambulance New Brunswick received a 9-1-1 call for a patient and a vehicle arrived 57 minutes later but the 14-year-old patient could not be resuscitated. The report concludes there was a preventable delay in the ambulance response time including a lack of map resources, dispatch and fleet resources and a paramedic dispatch communications policy. 

Ambulance New Brunswick has seen the report and has already made several improvements including changing the ambulance deployment plan to ensure the best allocation around Fredericton Junction and other areas and making sure a shift continues until a replacement ambulance arrives in the area.

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ANB Plans Response to Brady Report

2009-05-28:

17:18:06

Those looking for Ambulance New Brunswick's response to Brady Report will have to wait a little longer.

In an email to our newsroom, ANB says they are going over the report and will address the recommendations in a release tomorrow morning.

The Brady Report found that the delay of an ambulance when trying to reach a New Brunswicker, who eventually died, was preventable.

The report states that the ambulance service did not have proper maps and lacked proper dispatch policies.

Funding Announcement for Fitness Program

2009-05-28:

14:58:44:

The provincial government is investing 50-thousand dollars into the Canadian Tire JumpStart program.

The program provides funds to needy children to help over the costs registration, transportation, and equipment for organized sports.

Affiliated partners such Recreation New Brunswick, the YMCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and KidSport will also reap the benefits of the money.

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Public Hearing into NB Powers Rate Hike Wraps Up

2009-05-28

14:56:14

Saint John lawyer Gary Lawson says NB Power needs an attitude and culture change.  Lawson says the utility needs to re-think the way it tries to save money because it has a history of going over budget.

An Energy and Utilities Board public hearing into NB Power's 3 per cent rate increase has just wrapped up at the Delta in Saint John. The utility is facing a 94 million dollar loss even with the rate increase and Lawson admits it's unlikely there could be enough savings made this year to avoid the hike. But Lawson says the effort should still be made to demonstrate leadership in efficiency.

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NB Power Hearing Continues

2009-05-28:

13:11:25

The Vice President of Operations for JD Irving says he would be out of a job if he managed the company's budget the way NB Power has managed its budget. Wayne Wolfe says the utility had a 16 per cent increase in costs over two years for travel, vehicle expenses, labour and hired services--at a time when it should be cutting costs.

Vice President of Transmission and Distribution, Darren Murphy, says they have already cut some costs-- but-- he won't compromise service or the environment to save money.

NB Power is trying to justify a three per cent rate increase at an Energy and Utilities Board hearing underway at the Delta. The utility is forecasting a 94 million dollar loss this year. Chartered Accountant, Andrew Logan, says there is nothing in the evidence to show the loss is not accurate.

 

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Retail Forum Tonight

2009-05-28:

11:49:44:

If you are curious about what development is going on over on the West-Side and what might be on the way, don't forget about this. Enterprise Saint John and the West Side Business Association are hosting an informative workshop tonight. The meeting is to give residents, developers, existing retailers and land owners a chance to learn more about the West retail sector.

Developers, retailers and City Staff will be on hand to answer any questions. West Saint John has seen a hub of activity lately with a new Sobeys, construction underway on a new hotel and renovations to the Lancaster Mall. Tonight's meeting gets started at 6:00 at 69 Branch Legion.

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Sussex Mayor Still Looking for Answers

2009-05-28:

11:48:48:

The Mayor Of Sussex, Ralph Carr continues to ask questions but isn't finding alot of answers. You might remember his Town's emergency room doctor was yanked away during a weekend last month to cover a shift here at the Regional. Carr tells CHSJ News, he is waiting for clarification from the Health Minister's office on why it happened and a guarantee it won't again.

Carr says he is feeling even more un-easy with all of the talk of a wage freeze for physicians and what that is going to do for retention and recruitment efforts. 

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Blaney Setting the Record Straight

2009-05-28

11:47:36: 

The wording of a proposed wage freeze for provincial doctors is getting complicated. Opposition Health Critic Margaret Ann Blaney tells CHSJ News, what Minister Murphy is saying doesn't make any sense because fee for service doctors don't fall into the civil service category.

Blaney says she will continue this debate with Health Minister Murphy today in the Legislature. Members of the Provincial Medical Society will meet in Fredericton tomorrow. 

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Fire on Grand Manan

2009-05-28:

11:46:16:

A summer home on Grand Manan was hit by fire late last night. RCMP and fire crews arrived on the Hill Road at eleven o'clock to find a summer home with the flames and smoke coming from it. Crews smothered the flames but the front room has smoke and fire damage.

The blaze is being called suspicious and RCMP won't say how it started.

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Fire in East Saint John

2009-05-28:

11:45:07:

Nobody hurt after fire ripped through a home in East Saint John this morning. Crews were called to a single storey bungalow on Summit Drive just after ten o'clock to find flames and heavy smoke coming from the building. Crews have contained the flames and it looks like most of the damage is to the interior.

No word yet on how the fire started.

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Pension Meeting Last Night at City Hall

2009-05-28:

03:56:11:

The city's actuarial firm Morneau Sobeco is suggesting to council that the pension's benefits and funding policy need to be updated in order to deal with economic uncertainty. The firm made the suggestions yesterday in an open meeting at council chambers. Associate Jeff Penner says simply increasing contributions, reducing benefits, or increasing investment returns is not the answer.

Penner adds the suggestions offered by the union groups last month only delay the problems and are not viable solutions.

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Mayor Court Pleased with Latest Step

2009-05-28:

03:55:07:

Mayor Ivan Court is looking forward to the next step after meeting with the city's actuarial firm about the pension. He tells CHSJ News, it's important to get the issue resolved in the most affordable way possible.

Mayor Court adds since legislation has to change in order to solve the problem, it's important for all the stakeholders to work together.

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Gas Prices Up Again This Week

2009-05-28:

03:52:39:

It's still under a loonie a litre but the price of gasoline is up again this week. The Energy and Utilities Board has released it's weekly price schedule which shows the maximum price for a litre of self-serve is going for 96.3. That is up just under two cents from seven days ago with most stations showing a posted pump price of 96.5.

Diesel is up just over a penny at 88.3, propane comes in at 82.2 which is up only percentage points and furnace oil is up just under two cents at 71 cents. 

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Quispamsis Traffic Calming Policy

2009-05-28:

03:51:33:

Speed and traffic volume......two of the issues brought up at a meeting last night at the Town Hall in Quispamsis. The Director of Engineering Gary Losier gave a power point presentation on what officials hope to accomplish with it's draft traffic calming policy. The majority on hand live in the Lexington, Minstrel and Southwood Drives area including Todd Steven who tells CHSJ News, safety has to be the main factor for both young and old.

The next step in the process is to present the document to council in the next two weeks for approval and get started with some of the recommendations which includes traffic monitoring and more consultation with home-owners. 

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Blaney on Doctor Wage Freeze

2009-05-27

16:50:17

[Opposition Health Critic Margaret Ann Blaney------File Photo]

Opposition Health Critic Margaret Ann Blaney tells CHSJ News, the move to extend a civil service wage freeze to doctors will hurt recruiting and retaining doctors in the province.

Blaney says Health Minister Mike Murphy showed up to the legislature with a heavy handed approach, and basically implied if doctors do not accept the terms, they will look at legislation.

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Proposal to Change Animal Cruelty Laws

2009-05-27

15:53:21

Oromocto MLA Jody Carr is proposing a new bill to the legislature to hand out stiffer penalties to those found guilty of animal abuse in the province.
The bill being pushed will give judges the power to hand out a maximum provincial fine of $100 thousand dollars and/ or 18 months of prison time.
Carr tells CHSJ News, this bill should send a strong message.

Right now anyone charged under the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act can only receive a maximum fine of $570 dollars.
Carr says animal cruelty is often linked to community safety and domestic violence, which is another reason it is important for government to act on the matter.

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Update on Subway Resaurant Robbery

2009-05-27

15:30:17

Police are closing the books on a reported armed robbery at a Subway Restaurant on the west side earlier this month.
Information Officer Sgt. Pat Bonner tells CHSJ News, it wasn't an armed robbery at all, but appears several employees planned to take some money and report it as one.
Two young offenders are being charged with mischief, theft and leading police into a false investigation, and an adult is facing charges of theft and damage.

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New Credit Card Regulations

2009-05-27

14:16:50

Changes to how people apply for credit cards may help reduce debt through education.
From now on new regulations require credit card applications and contracts feature a box that outlines interest rates, grace periods, and fees.
On monthly statements there will be information on how long it would take a card holder to pay off a balance only making the minimum payments.
The President of Credit Counseling Services of Atlantic Canada John Eisner says that little piece of plastic can get consumers in a lot of financial trouble if not used properly.

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Budget Estimates from the Department of Health

2009-05-27

13:19:55

Health Minister Mike Murphy is presenting the budget estimates for the Department of Health in the legislature today.
Some of the highlights include an additional $67 million dollars being budgeted for capital construction projects and equipment, and $2.5 million for developing the provincial trauma system.
This year's budget also has funding for 25 new physician positions, and funding for an English medical school.
Murphy says this years account spending will be more than $2.3 billion dollars----a record breaking figure.

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Port Meeting in Belgium

2009-05-27

12:30:25

Representatives of the Saint John Port are in Belgium promoting Atlantic Canada as an entry point for foreign shipments.
Andrew Dixon with the Saint John Port tells CHSJ News, the real value of a conference like this is speaking with officials with international shipping companies face to face.

Breakbulk cargo is not shipped in containers, like potash, limestone, or paper pulp.
Dixon says Saint John is an important breakbulk port for the region, and for years has concentrated on forest products.

He says this conference will likely open up more shipments coming in from the South American, and European market.

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Missing Man is Found

2009-05-27:

10:46:41:

A happy ending to a missing person case. RCMP say a man from Grand Manan has been found after he went missing at the first of the month. 52-year old Ritchie Wilson left the island and he did not tell his family where he was going.

RCMP says he has made contact with his family and is safe in Quebec.

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Fire Fighters on the West-Side

2009-05-27:

10:45:43:

Don't be surprised if your coming past Moosehead Breweries and see members of the Saint John Fire Department. Brewery officials are letting the department use the fermentation vessels so they can conduct a tank top rescue simulation.

This is part of their on-going readiness training. They exercise is expected to last until just after one o'clock.

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Blood Task Force is Ready for Meeting

2009-05-27:

10:44:43:

A show down could be weeks away between the Provincial Blood Task Force and Canadian Blood Services. The group is looking to convince CBS to keep it's distribution center in Saint John and thwart a proposal to move it to Halifax. Rothesay Conservative MLA Margaret Ann Blaney tells CHSJ News, they don't want to tip their hand, but they are ready to present a rock solid case as to why the center should stay on University Avenue.

Blaney says they hope to meet with CBS Officials on the 15th and 16th of next month but have not heard back on whether those dates are good.

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Energy and Utilities Board Hearing Underway

2009-05-27:

10:43:45:

The Energy and Utilities Board has begun its public investigation into NB Power's 3 per cent rate hike that came into effect on April first. Vice President of Transmission and Distribution, Darren Murphy says the decision was made in the context of the global economic crisis.

The rate hike came after the EUB approved a 5.9 per cent increase for NB Power in 2007. A report must be submitted to Energy Minister Jack Keir by June 30th on the justification of the increase.

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Should cab Drivers Deliver Booze

2009-05-27:

10:42:43:

Do you think it's o.k. for cab's to deliver alcohol? The question is out there with a trial is set to begin in Nova Scotia next month. A local delivery company is considering challenging a law that makes it illegal to deliver alcohol after one of it's drivers was charged. The owner of Vets Taxi Gerry Lowe tells CHSJ News, this is a big portion of a cab companies revenue.

We have contacted City Police and they tell us they are looking into whether there is any law on the books in this city or province that prohibits cabs or delivery companies from bringing alcohol to anyone. 

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New Look for the Cherry Brook Zoo

2009-05-27:

04:40:54:

The ribbon will be cut on a new Awareness and Discovery Center at the Cherry Brook Zoo later today. The purpose of the new exhibit is to educate about the poaching of endangered species and of course, bring more people to the facility for extra revenue. Director Linda Collrin tells CHSJ News, the new set-up wouldn't be possible with-out the help of several venues.

Several dignitaries will be on hand for the ribbon cutting which gets underway at 11:30am. 

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Open House Tonight in Quispamsis

2009-05-27:

04:39:46:

If you live in Quispamsis, a reminder that tonight is your chance to get a look at the draft traffic calming policy. Director of Engineering Gary Losier tells CHSJ News, the specifications in this plan are unique to Quispamsis.

Losier says what they have now on paper is just a draft and this open house is so residents can provide them with feed-back to fill in the gaps so to speak. Tonight's session gets started at 7:30pm at the Town Hall.

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Energy and Utilities Hearing Today

2009-05-27:

04:38:36:

Remember that three per cent rate hike NB Power instituted back on April.1st? It goes under the spotlight today as the Energy and Utilities Board gets started with a hearing, under recommendation by the Energy Minister, to see if the hike is justified.  E.U.B. spokes-person Dave Young tells CHSJ News, they have been working on this file since the end of April.

No word on how long the hearing will take but two days have been set aside. Things gets started this morning at 9:30am at the Delta.

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Forest Fire in East Saint John

2009-05-27:

04:37:19:

3 acres of wooded area has been charred in East Saint John after a forest fire yesterday afternoon. Fire Crews were called to the area just before one o'clock to find heavy flames and black smoke rolling from a wooded area behind Simonds High School near Heatherway. Crews were having a tough times containing the fire due to the heavy winds. Department of Natural Resources crews were called in to evaluate the scene but no water-bombers were needed.

Fire-fighters remained on the scene till eleven last night stamping out hot spots. Still no word on what sparked the fire.

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New Tool for Provincial Search and Rescue

2009-05-26

17:45:49

New GPS--or global positioning equipment-- is now available for volunteers of the New Brunswick Ground Search and Rescue Association thanks to the federal government.  The Department of Public Safety has received 510 thousand dollars in federal funding from the National Search and Rescue Secretariat.

The department has also received 178 thousand dollars of in-kind support from the provincial government over the three years of the project.

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Premier Set to Receive Controversial Honourary Degree

2009-05-26

15:44:38

Premier Shawn Graham will be receiving his honorary Doctorate at UNB Fredericton tomorrow during the spring graduation ceremony. More than 100 faculty and staff from the two UNB campuses signed a letter in opposition to the honour.  Acting Chair and Professor of History at UNBSJ, Dr. Greg Marquis tells CHSJ News it's time the university introduced a policy against politicians receiving honourary degrees.

The Board of Governors of the University of New Brunswick have yet to respond to the faculty and staff's letter of petition.

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Ground and Air Crews Called in for East Side Forest Fire

2009-05-26

15:10:09

City fire crews have a forest fire on the East Side under control. The District Fire chief tells CHSJ news crews will be on scene for the next 4-5 hours battling hot spots in woods behind Simonds High School. The blaze broke out just after one o'clock and put thick black smoke into the sky. The New Brunswick Forestry Service responded to the fire and a provincial airplane with the department of Natural Resources also flew in to keep an eye on the situation, after spotting the smoke while in Canterbury.

No homes or schools have been damaged or are believed to be in danger. So far, no word on the cause of the blaze and fire investigators will be brought in tomorrow.

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Council Votes Against Their Own Pay Cut

2009-05-26

15:09:21

Common councilors will not be taking a 5 per cent pay cut--as proposed by colleague Patty Higgins. She put forward the motion during last night's meeting as a symbolic gesture to city staff who are facing a two-year wage freeze.

The pay cut was voted down by only one vote--after five councilors and the mayor argued it was not necessary because they have not received a pay increase in 8 years.

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St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation Gets $100,000 from City

2009-05-26

15:08:18

The St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation is getting 100 thousand dollars from the city over four years. Council has approved money for the Care Connection Campaign for the treatment and diagnosis of breast cancer.

The Hospital Foundation made the funding request to council back in November. Meanwhile, both the Boys and Girls Club and the South End Days Organizing Committee will receive one thousand dollars for events.

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Tree Farm is Damaged

2009-05-26:

11:22:40:

It looks like there is a Grinch on the run in May. St. Stephen RCMP were called to the Cleland Road near Dufferin to find someone hot-wired a tractor on the property. They then drove it through a Christmas Tree farm destroying roughly 350 of them and then crashing the tractor into a ravine.

No word on what the loss of the tree's adds up to.

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Marijuana Operation Dismantled

2009-05-26:

11:21:54:

The supply of marijuana around the Province is lighter by 1000 plants. This after RCMP seized the dope yesterday from a home in Wilmot which is near Hartland. If your wondering how many joints that would roll, Officer's estimate it is close to half a million. 

A small quantity of hashish, cocaine and Canadian money were also seized. Charges are pending against a 48-year old man.

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KV Reach for the Top Team Comes Home

2009-05-26:

11:21:06:

Feeling a little dejected, the KV Crusaders Reach for the Top Team is on it's way home today. This after finishing second at the National Championship yesterday with a loss to a school in London. Teacher and Coach Jason Thorne tells CHSJ News, coming in second out of six hundred schools from coast to coast is nothing to hang your head about.

Thorne says this same school from London they beat last month by 200 points so it just wasn't their day. Two members of the team will be back to give it another shot next year.

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Missing Person in Long Reach

2009-05-26:

11:20:24:

A happy ending to what could have been a tricky situation for two men from Saint John. Last weekend, Grand Bay-Westfield RCMP received a call from a father and son who became lost in a wooded area near Long Reach. Using their cell-phone, they got in touch with officers who used flares to help find the two men.

The father was treated for injuries to his knees and face after he fell but both are going to be alright.

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Blood Task Force Continues Work

2009-05-26:

11:19:27:

A conference call is scheduled tonight between the medical community and the blood task force. Both sides continue to build their case against Canadian Blood Services and their plan to move the Millidgeville distribution center to Halifax. Rothesay Conservative MLA Margaret Ann Blaney is a member and tells CHSJ News, this fight is to important not to try.

There is still no word on when the task force will get a face to face meeting with officials at Canadian Blood Services to present their case.

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Energy Effiency Awards Handed Out

2009-05-26:

04:24:20:

The Premier's Awards for Energy Efficiency were handed out in 13 different categories last night. The awards were developed by Efficiency NB to recognize best practices in energy efficiency.

The winners include the Saint John Theatre Company, Martin and Sandra Searle in Hampton, Jean-Yves Boudreau of Saint John and the Flakeboard Company in St. Stephen.

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KV Reach for the Top Team Finishes Second

2009-05-26:

04:23:05:

They reached but came up short in getting to the top. The KV Crusaders are coming home with a second place finish in the National Reach for the Top Competition this year. They were beaten 470 to 310 by a school in London in yesterdays final. This equals the schools best finish at the National Tournament when they also finished runner up in 2007.

Crusaders team captain Nick Manuel also received an additional Honor as he was named to the tournament all-star team for his outstanding play. The team will return home tonight. 

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