Weekend Rain Wreaks Havoc

Heavy rainfall over the weekend is still having an impact on roads throughout Greater Saint John. Andrew Holland with the Department of Transportation tells CHSJ news there are road closures from Saint John to Sussex--including Route 121 from Guthrie Road to Route 845 in Sussex--and-- the Belleville Farm, Carsonville and Scribner Roads.

Holland says district crews from Saint John are assessing damage and trying to get traffic back to normal

A Former Glen Falls Resident Comments on Flooding

(Rothesay Avenue---Photo by Jim Hennessy)

A politician who built her career on the flooding problem in Glen Falls is shocked at the latest water problems for the area. Former Mayor and MP Elsie Wayne tells CHSJ News, this issue has to find a resolution once and for all.

Wayne says along with the flooding there are health issues at play here with many seniors trapped in their homes and who knows what kind of contaminants are in the water itself.

Latest on Road Closures----New for 11am, Sunday, Oct.25th/2009

            (Photo by Jim Hennessy)


· Rothesay Avenue from McLean to Rothesay Road




· Retail Drive at Oakland



· Westmorland Road from McAllister Avenue to Consumers Drive



· McAllister Drive from Rothesay Avenue to Westmorland



· Ashburn Road from Rothesay Road to Foster Thurston



· Foster Thurston from Crowley Road to Ashburn Road



· Golden Grove Road from John T. McMillan Avenue to McAllister Avenue



· Several other local roads throughout the Glen Falls neighbourhood:

City crews continue to monitor road closures and perform maintenance and repairs in various locations throughout the City. The public is reminded not to drive through water-covered or closed roads as doing so may cause vehicle damage or damage to adjacent properties. Barricades have been placed in the area of the road closures and City police are out to aid in enforcement and traffic control.

Mayor Court's Father Loses Battle With Cancer

It was with a heavy heart Mayor Court took a tour of the flood damaged area's in the metro. His father passed away on Friday after a lengthy battle with cancer. The funeral service is set to go on Tuesday morning at St. Pius Church at eleven o'clock.


Visting is today and tomorrow between two and four and seven and nine at Fitzpatricks Funeral home on Waterloo Street. Harvey Court was 84 years old.

Heavy Rain Brings More Flooding Headaches

(Flooded Area in Glen Falls--Photo by Jim Hennessy)

Just weeks after a lot of homes in Greater Saint John took on water, more heavy rain and high wind has blanketed the area. Several homes and streets not only in the metro but Sussex as well just couldn't handle how fast the rain was falling and are knee and hip deep. They include Foster Thurston Drive, Rothesay Avenue under the train bridge, Ashburn lake Road, McAllister Drive and McLaren Boulevard. Part of the problem is leaves are covering a lot of the sewer drains which is backing things up.
Staff Sargeant Steve Patterson tells CHSJ News, barricades are up on those roads which are impassable and City Police have a zero tolerance policy in effect today.......any vehicles caught trying to run through a closed area will be ticketed. Several homes and businesses around the Province are with-out power as well. Sussex, the Rothesay area and Fredericton combined have close to 6000 off the NB Power grid.

Outlying Areas Hit Hard By Flooding as Well

(Rothesay Avenue---Photo by Jim Hennessy)

The Saint John area not the only area suffering from flooding - we have reports of flooding in the Sussex area with some home owners and farm animals being stranded. On the Kingston Peninsula - we have received reports of some washouts along road shoulders and even a mud slide.

A lot of homes and even one volunteer fire department have been hit by flash flooding. If you are out on rural roads today - be careful and watch for washouts and water over the road. For a complete list of the area's closed to traffic, check out our web page at country94.ca.....click news.

Home-Owners React to Flooding

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Shot from Palmers Porch---Photo by Jim Hennessy)

 
Glen Falls is one of the hardest hits areas follwing this latest rain storm. Norman Palmer lives at 97 Golden Grove Road and tells CHSJ News, this is beyond bad. Palmer says the water on his property has risen three feet since six this morning. His neighbor is Zoe Nicholas who tells CHSJ News, he is getting close to packing up for higher ground and blames all the recent development in the East Point Shopping area for the water problems.


Both home-owners can't get insurance because their homes are listed as being in a flood zone.











 
    
                            

Mayor Court Comments on Flooding

(Photo by Jim Hennessy--Vehicle on Golden Grove)

Mayor Ivan Court was out surveying the damage and tells CHSJ News, this is some of the worst flooding he has even seen with water up to the roof of vehicles and people out on their roof-tops tryign to escape the rising water. Court is no stranger to flooding as his home also took on water during last night's storm.
As for a solution to the problem, Court says it may be time to declare Glen Falls and other area's as disaster zones because no matter how much they do, you can't control mother nature.

Fusion Saint John Unveils New Compostable Bags

Gas Station Robbery

City police are looking for the man responsible for robbing a west side gas station.

Just after 9 o'clock a man entered the Shell station on Main Street demanding money.
Police say there was no visible weapon, but he said he had one.
There were no injuries, and the robber got away with an undisclosed amount of cash.

DOT Prepares for Winter

[Transportation Minister Denis Landry----File Photo]
With a good portion of the Province seeing snow late this week, the Department of Transportation is gearing up for the winter months. Minister Denis Landry tells CHSJ News, salt and sand has arrived and is being stored away.
Landry says over-all the gear is holding up with new trucks being purchased and crews getting them tuned up for the colder months ahead.

Cruise Lines Prepare for H1N1

As public health begins its swine flu vaccination program - cruise lines are also preparing for any outbreak of flu onboard.

Dr Mark Mason is the chief medical officer aboard the "Crown Princess" which has made regular stops in the city this year -- and -- he says they begin reporting cases when one to one-and-a-half percent of the passengers exhibit flu like symptoms:
Mason says the ship stocks flu vaccine and will step up sanitation levels by increasing the amount of chemicals and cleaning carried out on a regular basis -- he says the strict onboard protocols have actually stopped outbreaks onboard Princess Cruises over the past couple of years.

Fusion Saint John Compostable Bags Introduced

[Artist Nate Guimond and his winning design----Photo by Dave Briggs]
The winning design for Fusion Saint John's compostable bag contest is now available.

Chair of the Green Feet Committee Anne McShane tells CHSJ News, the contest was such a success she thinks it could become an annual event.
The bags will be availabe in uptown shops on November 7th, and McShane says it's up to the retailers to decide how to hand them out. She says the bags will be free of charge, but some stores may give them with a $20 dollar purchase, or even the first customers through the door.

Council of Canadians Conference

[Maude Barlow---Photo by Dave Briggs]
The Council of Canadians are holding it's 24th annual meeting and conference in the port city this weekend.

National Spokesperson Maude Barlow tells CHSJ News, the provincial government needs to start iniaitives that help the local economy, and needs to stop developing resources just to export them elsewhere.
Barlow says citizens and the governments need to take care of the land, air and waters, because those resourches are not going to remain sustainable on it's own.
The conference is open to the public and is being held at the Trade and Convention Centre.

Award Finalists Are Announced

The Saint John Board of Trade has announced the finalists for the Outstanding Business Achievement Awards. The DPL Group and Dealermine Inc. are up for the Entrepreneurial Achievement award. The Business Excellence honour finalists include Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission and Dillon Consulting Limited.


Opera Bistro and Day Tripping are both up for the Emerging Enterprise Award. The winners will be announced on November 25th at the Trade and Convention Centre.

Justin Trudeau is Coming to Saint John

Former Saint John MP Paul Zed is bringing current Liberal MP Justin Trudeau to Saint John next weekend. Zed says Trudeau is passionate about engaging young Canadians in politics.


Trudeau will be speak at the Loch Lomond Villa Auditorium on Sunday, November 1st.

Construction on New Bypass Underway

                  

(Photo by Jim Hennessy)

Construction is underway for the new 10.7 kilometer Route Seven bypass Btween Welsford and Nerepis. Total cost of the project is $64.8 million which include $29.2 million for phase one. A Saint John company, Debly Enterprises has been awarded one of the many contracts, $5 million dollars for the grading work of just over two kilometers of grading work between Mount Douglas and Route 101.

The Welsford area is the only stretch of highway seven that has not been upgraded or bypassed with a new highway alignment. Work on the road should be finished in 2012.

Ferry Returns To Service

The Department of Transportation advising the Evandale ferry is back on its run.

Thompson on Refit at Point Lepreau

               (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

South-West MP and Veterans Affairs Minister Greg Thompson has no comment on the refit at Point Lepreau. The project is 18 months behind schedule and the Province is looking for Ottawa to step in with some funding now that Atomic Energy of Canada has admitted the time-line for the work could never be achieved. Thompson says he doesn't expect this decision will be decided by a group of politicians.

Thompson says he will not get into a fight or debate on an issue that doesn't fall into his jurisdiction.

Is NB Power For Sale

  
           (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

""I am not going to speculate on someone speculating."" That from Energy Minister Jack Keir on word making the rounds that NB Power is for sale to the highest bidder, including Hydro Quebec. Keir says the bottom line is nothing has been taken to cabinet nor has the Province been asked to make a decision on.
Keir says he can appreciate where all this is coming from. It stems from an announcement back in June where this Province and Quebec said they were entering into discussions about what possible partnerships may benefit both parties.

Fishing Boat Escorted to Safety

A Sea King Helicopter and a ship have escorted a distressed fishing boat back to port in Nova Scotia after a few scary moments this morning. Major James Simiana with the Joint Rescue Coorindation Centre in Halifax tells CHSJ news the fishing boat, Red Sun, was heading Mataghan, Nova Scotia when it was hit by a large wave, which broke the bridge windows. That caused the boat to flood and the engines to stall.

He says the boat crew was able to get the engines working again but communications were down, requiring the escort.

Police Looking Into Reports Of Pre-Noon Brawl

City police searching the north end for a couple of vehicles reportedly involved in a major dust up in the Sommerset Street area a short time ago.
Police were called after a group of men apparently swarmed a van in a parking lot -- the fisticufts broke out with reports of between 10 and 20 exchanging blows.
The two vehicles peeled away just after police were called -- so far no word on injuries or what's at the center of the physical dispute.

Thousands Wihout Power in the Province

About five thousand NB Power customers were without electricity last night thanks to snow and rain in the Northern part of the province. Spokesperson, Marianne Limpert says snow and rain weighed down branches onto power lines and several vehicle crashes damaged poles.

Crews have been working throughout the night to restore power but there are still 42 separate outages in the Miramichi area, affecting moer than 12 hundred customers. Limpert says power should be back up by supper time.

Government Invests in new Digital Mammography Unit

(Health Minister Mary Schryer presents cheque at St. Joseph's Women's Health Centre-photo by Tamara Steele)

The Provincial Government has invested in a new digital mammography unit at St. Joseph's Women's Health Centre. Health Minister Mary Schryer tells CHSJ News this technology is good news for the Greater Saint John area and this clinic.


Schryer adds it's a three year funding agreement with $53, 000 dollars announced today.
The money is for the funding and operation of the digital mammography machines at St. Joe's.  Breast Cancer is the second-leading cause of death among women in New Brunswick.

Tourism Minister Explores Cruise Ship Refueling Option

The Provincial Tourism Minister is floating the idea of Irving Oil being able to offer cruise ships fuel while they are docked in the Port City. Tourism Minister Stuart Jamieson tells CHSJ news he's not sure if the refinery is capable of such an endevour, but says it would be a major attraction for the cruise ship industry.

Jamieson was in Miami recently trying to attract more cruise ship business to Saint John, while promoting business at the refinery.

Large Military Training Exercise to Take Place this Weekend

There will be about 150 soldiers in the Minto Area this weekend for the largest army reservist exercise this province has seen in a long time--and-- the first Domestic Operations Exercise ever in New Brunswick. The Army will be testing soldiers' ability to respond to a domestic crisis. Lieutenant Colonel Paul Nielsen tells CHSJ news they will simulate a plane crash and test soldier's ability to locate and secure a brief case containing senstive documents.

Soldiers from the 37 Canadian Brigade Group--including 3 units from Saint John--will take part in the military exercise from today until Sunday.

Occupational Therapy Conference in Saint John

Saint John is host to the 2009 Atlantic Occupational Therapy Conference. Over 130 people are taking part, learning about the latest in their practices from pediatrics to geriatrics and mental and physical health. Conference Co-chair Lilli Lin tells CHSJ News it was organized by a volunteer group of local occupational therapists over the past year.

The speakers include a young man who used therapy after he survived an accident and an Ottawa occupational therapist who specializes in workplace mental health. The conference started Wednesday and wraps up this afternoon at the Trade and Convention Centre.

New Look for Nurses Union

It was a unanimous vote earlier this week as the New Brunswick Nurses Union is affiliating with the N.B. Federation of Labour. The vote took place at the nurses 35th annual meeting this week in Fredericton.

In a release, the federation says it is pleased to add nurses' voices to labour and look forward to being active participants working with the Federation on issues that public and private sector employees are facing around the Province.

Sussex Crash and Fire

RCMP in Sussex are investigating a single-vehicle rollover this morning on Highway 1 near Exit 192. Officers tell us because the vehicle's headlights were still on, they were able to find wherethe vehicle landed in a patch of trees. Police add the 24-year old man from Moncton is lucky to be alive

Inattention and fatigue ma be reasons for the crash. Fire Crews and RCMP in the Dairytown were also called to a fire this morning at a law office on Elm Street. The building suffered heavy damage from the flames, smoke and water.The cause doesn't appear to be suspicous.

Concern by Canada Post

Concern is being voiced by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers Union about Bill C-44. If approved, the bill would partially de-regulate Canada Post by removing international letters from the corporation's exclusive privledge to handle letters. Grievance Officer Al Arsenault tells CHSJ News, revenue lost to the corporation of this bill passes is between 80-100 million dollars.


Arsenault adds this will also affect jobs from this city to Victoria. The union will hit the streets over the next few weeks gathering signatures to try and stop passage of the bill.

Drugs and Weapons Seized by City Police

                  (Photo By Jim Hennessy)

A six figure, six month under-cover investigation involving 15 police officers from different forces around the Province has concluded. ""Operation Portland"" netted City Police $29,000 dollars in drugs, $5,000 cash and $5,000 dollars worth of weapons including several rifles, a shot-gun and stun guns. Deputy Chief Darrell Scribner says this is all about making the quality of life for several home-owners much better.


The charges also include liquor offences at three bars along Union Street. 48 people have been arrested, 33 have or will appear in court or are locked up. Sargeant John Wilcox, head of the Street Crime Unit says those we didn't get this time, we will next.

H1N1 Flu Shot Program Begins Today

Vaccinations against the H1N1 flu will begin right away for key health care staff in this province, with the full immunization program to be rolled out on Monday. Deputy chief medical officer of health, Dr. Paul Van Buynder, says the province now has 83 thousand doses of H1N1 vaccine --and-- they will begin offering shots to key target groups first. They include first nations communities, all health care staff and young children. The rest of the population should be able to get a pandemic flu shot in about 3 weeks.

Dr. Van Buynder says the un-adjuvented vaccine for pregnant women will be available the second week of November. The provincial health website and Telecare information line will have a list of all H1N1 clinics in the province by tomorrow.

Horizon Health Network Puts a Hold on Some Services

There will be a temporary delay in many of the services being offered by the Horizon Health Network---formerly the Atlantic Health Sciences Corporation. This is to implement the province's H1N1 vaccination program.

Among those being temporarily postponed are the three-and-a-half year preschool screening clinics, health promotion activities, Healthy Learners program, anonymous HIV testing and sexual health services. Horizon Health says priority services for at risk people, pediatric immunization clinics and tracking of communicable diseases will continue--and---all services will return to normal when the H1N1 flu shot program ends.

Groups Ask Province to Release Poverty Report

The Common Front for Social Justice says the provincial government is stifling democracy when it comes to the Poverty Reduction Initiative. Twenty-four organizations have signed an open letter asking Premier Shawn Graham to release the Options Report on dealing with poverty. It was drafted during roundtable discussions involving 30 people. Provincial coordinator, Jean-Claude Basque, tells CHSJ news the issue of poverty needs to be discussed openly.

A decision will be made on the options in the report following a premier's forum in November.

Fire Leaves Five Homeless

Five people have been forced from their homes after an overnight blaze at 9 Prospect Street. Fire crews arrived on the scene after midnight to find heavy smoke and fire in the first floor living room. 17 fire fighters worked to knock down the bulk of the flames, but the fire moved through the walls to the second floor living room. The fire was extinguished after about two hours, but officials say the living rooms are badly damaged, and there is smoke, heat and water damage throughout the building.
The five people who were living there are staying with friends and family.

Price of Gas Takes a Leap

The price of gas has jumped five cents a litre today as the Energy and Utilities Board releases its maximum price schedule. Regular self serve gas can now sell for up to 100.4.

Diesel fuel also costs five cents more, selling for up to 104 cents per litre. Furnace oil is up to 88.3 cents per litre and propane is about the same as yesterday at 98.2.

Search for Missing Boaters Continues

The search continues by the Canadian and American Coast Guard looking for 3 boaters from Lebuc, Maine. One body has been recovered so far with the men reported missing on Tuesday night. A U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson says the initial search resulted in a peice of debris with the boat's name on it and three life jackets floating in the water. The Americans asked for some Canadian assistance because the search zone is close to the border. The boat's name is the Bottom Basher.

ILA Continues Fight to Halt Irving Headquarters on Long Wharf

If it is contaminated, someone is responsible for cleaning it. That from Pat Riley, spokes-person with the International Longshoreman's Association referring to the former Lantic Sugar Site. Talks continue between Irving Oil and the Port Authority to swap that property for Long Wharf. The company has already completed 25% of pre-construction work along the water front. Riley tells CHSJ News, the port authority recently hired a consultant which has determined what all the contaminants on the site are.

Riley says if among the contaminants there are carcinagens, they want them identified so they don't run into a situation similar to that of the Sydney Tar Ponds where no one took responsibility for what was left on that site.

City Councilor Opposes Selling Saint John Energy

The latest word out of City Hall is Mayor and Councilors are giving some thought to selling Saint John Energy. One councilor how-ever says this is a bad idea. Bill Farren tells CHSJ News, it's an asset that benefits every citizen.

Farren adds it's ridiculous to think City Hall would take a public assett such as Saint John Energy and put it into the private hands of corporations for profit.

Council Of Canadians Wants Saint John to Become a Blue Community

The council of Canadians are looking for city hall to become the first Blue Community.
The campaign asks municipalities to resist public private partnerships in regards to water, and to promote water as a human right, not a commercial commodity.
Spokesperson Meera Karunananthan says her group wants Saint John to be the first municipality to get on board with the project, but says she understands why cities are hesitant about committing to the campaign.
She says her group is looking at ways to help stop the federal government from removing conventionalities on subsidies causing municipalities to explore P3's.
The Council of Canadians are looking to present to council at a later date, and if it is accepted the sale of bottled water in city buildings will be banned.

Video of Monument Unveiling

Business Minister Supports Contact Centres in Province

[Business Minister Victor Boudreau----File Photo]

The Business Minister says every industry has it's challenges, and no one is pleased to hear about the AVIS contact centre closing in Fredericton.
Victor Boudreau says the industry supplies close to $1.5 billion dollars of revenue for the provincial economy, and employs close to 19 thousand people.
Boudreau says the closure of one centre is a bump in the road, and the industry continues to need support.
Boudreau says being in a global recession every industry is facing challenges, but the province is committed to helping keep contact centres open for business in New Brunswick.
Boudreau was in Saint John to announce $1 million dollars in assistance for technology advancements to help companies with their commercial development needs.

Blaney Reacts to Doctor Deal

Rothesay Conservative MLA and Opposistion Health Critic is pleased that a new contract is in place for doctors around the Province. Margaret Ann Blaney says it never had to come to this point. She tells CHSJ News, a tentative deal was on the table and taken away. Blaney says this government used draconian approaches to circumvent the agreement even going so far as to bring in a peice of legislation to make that tentative agreement null and void. Blaney adds it would appear the Graham Government has developed a scorched earth policy where they hold a torch in one hand and a hose in the other and when things get too hot, they douse the flame.

Workers Monument Unveiled

             (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

Workers still on the job, retired or lost their lives while on the job are being immortalized. The model of a monument that will be erected near the Pavilion at Lily Lake has been unveiled. It honors workers of the past and present in bronze and one of the artist's, Fred Harrison says this piece serves as a symbol of optimism.


In the past 15 years in the Province, 14 people have been killed while on the job. Harrison says they will begin work on the monument right away and should be finished by September.

           

Contact Centre Industry Thriving in Saint John

Saint Johners working at contact centres shouldn't stress over the news of a Fredericton site closing it's doors.
AVIS in the capital city will be closing shop over the next few months, and the Executive Director of Contact New Brunswick Mike Bacon says close to 150 employees will be affected.
He tells CHSJ News, the industry is strong in Saint John.
Bacon says this city is not free and clear from problems, with the NCO centre announcing it's shutting down business. He says when the news of the closure was announced, his phone was ringing off the hook from other firms looking to hire employees.
Bacon says that's just how the industry works.

Construction of a Recycling Facility to Begin Next Week

(Photo Courtesy of The Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission website-- http://www.fundyrecycles.com/)

The final piece of the puzzle in the Fundy Region Solid Waste Commission's new recycling program will arrive by next Wednesday. A sorting conveyor will arrive in four parts beginning Monday for a new material recovery facility. General Manager Mark MacLeod tells CHSJ news the building will be for sorting and baling recyclables from the blue bins.

MacLeod says they are already seeing an increase in recycled materials since stream-lining their system to accept plastic, metal and milk cartons in the same blue bin. Construction of the sorting facility will begin Wednesday and table about one week to complete. MacLeod says it will be fully up and running by the end of November, and it will be large enough to accept twice as many recyclables as it currently accepts.

Changes to Collection Agencies Act

The provincial government is making life easier for people who are in financial difficulty and facing a collection agency. The province is changing regulations under the Collection Agencies Act and placing several new restrictions on collectors.

Agencies must immediately identify themselves, make all reasonable attempts to provide written notice of a debt before attempting to collect, and ensure they do not misrepresent or threaten court action. The changes also allow collectors to contact a person who is in debt at home from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m., but never on Holidays. Collections Agencies are also not allowed to contact friends, co-workers, neighbours or family members without permission.

Deal is Done With the Doctors

After going over the numbers for the past month, the ink is now dry on a deal between doctors and the province. The deal includes annual wage increases of 3.75 per cent annually for four years, and a two-year wage freeze. The contract will run retroactively from April 1 of last year to March 31, 2012. The two-year wage freeze will come into effect on April 1, 2012. The same increases and wage freeze will apply to salaried physicians.

The doctors launched legal action after the government threatened to impose a two-year wage freeze. That came after the medical society reached a tentative agreement with the province that was never implemented, but was ratified by the doctors.

Banning Bottled Water

The Mayor of Saint John is bringing the issue surrounding bottled-water at city hall back on the table. Ivan Court and the Council of Canadians want Saint John to begin turning the tide towards protecting public water. The Mayor is holding a media conference later today to outline a new initiative that will resist public-private partnerships, promote water as a human right, and ban the sale of bottled water in municipal buildings.

Court says the Blue Communities Project is an opportunity for Saint John to become a leader in protecting public water. 70 Canadians cities, as well as the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, have already voted to ban bottled water.

High Tuition Blamed for Lower University Enrollment

Stats Can says the average price of the undergraduate university education is over $4900, after tuition fees have increased 3.6 per cent. The New Brunswick Student Alliance says federal budget cuts in the 90's reduced transfer payments to provinces resulting in a $4 billion funding gap. NBSA Executive Director Melissa Cormier tell CHSJ News they want the government to increase their transfer payments.

The Association of Atlantic Universities released numbers showing regional enrollment of full-time students increased to 1.9 per cent for the new school year, while in this province they declined 0.2 per cent.

Wrongful Conviction Settlement Raises Red Flags

The Opposition Justice Critic says the secrecy surrounding the compensation deal reached for Erin Walsh is sending up red flags. A resolution was announced in the case between Walsh, the City of Saint John and the Province regarding his 1975 conviction in the death of Melvin "Chi Chi" Peters. Jody Carr says the taxpayers of New Brunswick deserve to know the details of how much compensation Erin Walsh and his wife will receive.

Carr says this case should have been resolved when the court of appeals announced Walsh's aquittal last year.

Operation Red Nose Looking For Cash

[Operation Red Nose Logo---File Photo]
It may seem early to be thinking about Operation Red Nose, but representatives are canvassing for some cash.

Coordinator Katie Emrich says the inaugural year last winter was a huge success, and they are expecting the same type of support this year.
She says the goal is to keep those partying during the holidays from getting behind the wheel.
Emrich says so far Grand Bay Westfield is the only municipality to confirm sponsorship, and so far she has spoken to Quispamsis and Rothesay town councils.
She says the name of the program will be changing to Operation Red Nose Greater Saint John, because over 60 per cent of it's users last year travelled to outlying areas.

Public Info Sessions on H1N1 Influenza

If you still have questions about the H1N1 influenza virus, Public Health is hosting a series of seminars to answer any questions. The first goes tomorrow at Samuel De Champlain at seven o'clock. The following nights sessions will be held at Kennebecasis Valley and Sussex High Schools, both at seven o'clock.
Officials will close out the week at the St Stephen Legion Friday night.

Partial Shutdown at Canaport LNG possible this week

The Canaport LNG Terminal will be partially shut down for maintainence work sometime between tomorrow and Sunday.
Weather permitting, the work will be carried out on the process equipment.
Some flaring may be visible which is normal and it will stop within the same day the work gets underway.

Sussex Walmart has change of heart on layaway policy

Another victory for Bonnie Cox and her Facebook group opposed to losing the layaway service at Walmart stores in Saint John and Sussex.

As of late this afternoon, CHSJ News learned that the Sussex store will keep their layaway policy until December 18.
No word on what caused the change of heart in the Dairytown.
Bonnie Cox also tells CHSJ News that membership in her Facebook group increased to 600 people.
She is concerned that low-income famillies with young kids would have difficulty buying presents this Christmas without the help of the layaway policy.
A Walmart official did confirm to Cox that doing away with the layaway policy was a corporate cost-saving measure.

Innovation Awards Announced

The 2009 Innovation Recognition Awards have been handed out to 15 companies in the province. Premier Shawn Graham and Business New Brunswick Minister Victor Boudreau were in Bathurst last night to announce the recipients. They include Advanced Publishing Corporation in Saint John, Sticks and Stones Fabricating in St. Stephen and Energy Systems and Design Limited in Sussex.

The winners represent the best examples of the 26 thousand small businesses in the province that create and adopt innovative practices in the workplace.

Covered Bridge Repairs Underway on Kingston Penninsula

Department of Transportation crews begin work replacing the wood deck of a historical covered bridge today. The Milkish Inlet #1 covered bridge carries traffic on Route 845 on the Kingston Peninsula and will be closed for the next three weeks for repairs.
The bridge is two-span structure built in 1920 and construction will cost 45 thousand dollars. Detour signs will be in place while construction work is carried out.

Sussex Walmart is Staying the Course

The layaway plan at the East Saint John Walmart is back but the Sussex store is not backing down. CHSJ News contacted manager Chris Redman to ask about layaway at his store with many of the over 500 FaceBook members of a site opposing the plan to drop layaway from the Sussex area.


Redman says this issue doesn't affect his store and told us he wasn't going to answer our question about whether his stores layaway plan was being shelved. When we told him many of the FaceBook members were from the Sussex area he then told us the layaway plan was no longer available.

New Canada-US Border Crossing to Open in November

(Photo Courtesy of Facebook)

In just over a month from now you could be crossing the new border into the United States. Minister of Veterans affairs Minister Greg Thomspon tells us depending on scheduling, the new St. Stephen and Calais border on Highway One will open November 21st:

Thomspon says the opening of the new border crossing will be the first in Canada in the last 75 years.

Walmart Saint John Re-Opens Layaway

A Facebook group annoyed that Walmart Saint John had discontinued layaway has scored a major victory. Group founder, Bonnie Cox tells CHSJ News the store on McAllister Place Drive has decided to re-open layaway until after Christmas. The group has grown to more than 500 members who were worried about low income families being able to afford Christmas gifts this year.

Cox says a spokesperson confirmed to her cancelling layaway was a corporate cost saving measure. When we contacted Walmart yesterday, they gave no comment.

Conservative Candidate Nominated for the Riding of Charlotte-Campobello

Fisherman Curtis Malloch has been elected to stand as the Conservative Candidate in the next Provincial election for the riding of Charlotte-Campobello. The provincial Tories held their nomination convention over the weekend and Malloch beat out John Craig and Joseph Moffatt.
The riding had been held by Conservative MLA Tony Huntjens since 1999.

PRO Kids teams with Kiwanis for Fundraiser

Kiwanis members are skipping a meal this week in support of PRO Kids.

PRO Kids Manager Tammy Desaulniers tells CHSJ news that Kiwanis members will donate $10 to PRO Kids to help them place local kids in positive recreation activities.
Desaulniers adds today they placed their 600th child of the year.
The fundraiser began today and runs until Friday.
To take part, call PRO Kids at 642-PLAY.

Irving Tissue Worker Slightly Injured

A man was slightly injured after an industrial accident at Irving Tissue on the West Side.


A Worksafe NB spokesperson says the man pinched his hand on a tool.

He was treated in hospital and released.

Update on Activity at Long Wharf

No doubt you have seen the progress they are making at Long Wharf. Several pilings are now drilled into the ground as 25% of the pre-construction work is finished. This as Irving Oil waits for the green light to proceed with building it's headquarters on the water front. Spokesperson Leslie McLeod tells CHSJ News, they are proceeding cautiously and remain hopeful a final decision will work in their favor.

McLeod points out all this work is being done at the companies risk and should one of the approvals not follow through, Irving Oil is responsible for returning the site to it's original state.

Saint John Company Grows

East meets West in a merger between two promotions companies. Master Promotions has announced they have purchased Square Feet Northwest Event Management Inc. based in Burnaby, British Columbia. This company brings with it hugely popular shows including the BC Boat & Sportsmen’s Show and Hunting Show.

A spokes-person for Master Promotions tells CHSJ News, they are taking one one new sales-person as a result of the sale. This will bring their compliment of staff to 29 between Saint John, Halifax and British Columbia.

Peters Appointed to Province's Human Rights Commission

Jill Peters is the new director of the Province's Human Rights Commission.
She comes to the position from Social Developent where she was manager of operational consulting for the past 7 years.
Commission chair Gordon Porter says Peters has shown her commitment to equality and social justice through her work in New Brunswick and other countries.

Point Lepreau Refit to Extend Life of Plant Longer than Expected

The President of NB Power says delays in refurbishing the Point Lepreau generating station will not hurt the crown corporations reputation. The refit is currently running 16 months behind schedule, which is costing the province one million dollars a day to purchase replacement power. President, David Hay says this is a learning experience.

Meanwhile, Hay says the refit will extend the life of the Generating Station by longer than initially thought. He says officials with Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd believe the refurbishment will keep Point Lepreau online for another 30 years, rather than the 25 years that was expected.

Fatal Crash in Drummondville

RCMP have released the name of the man killed in a Saturday crash in Drummondville. 47-year old Michel Pagé of Grand Falls passed away at the Moncton City Hospital yesterday. He was fatally wounded during a collision between his motorcycle and another vehicle on the Third Tier Road in Drummond.

Trouble Looming for Local Business

The warning bell is being sounded again by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. According to survey responses of 1,500 small business owners and data from Stats Canada, an aging population, out-migration of youth, and shortage of qualified labour are the most pressing issues facing small business in Atlantic Canada.


CFIB's Vice-President Leanne Hachey says the challenge in Atlantic Canada won't be to find jobs for people but to find people for jobs. Tax-payers will also find themselves paying for growing health and social services bills.

Walmart Scraps Layaway Plan

If you shop at Walmart, this may interest you. Notice has been posted at the East Side store they are getting rid of it's layaway plan, a move which has angered hundreds. A FaceBook group with 300 members has started in protest of the move. Bonnie Cox tells CHSJ News, In a perfect world, they would like to see the decision reversed.


Cox, who used to work at a homeless shelter tells us for most of the women clients she worked with, the layaway plan was their only option for Christmas gifts. We contacted Walmart who have no comment on the issue at this time but ask anyone with concerns about the move to call the store.

Industrial Accident

A man has been taken to hospital following an industrial accident at Irving Tissue next to the Pulp and Paper mill on the West Side. The call came in around 9:15am after the man's hand was injured in a machine. No other details are available at this time.

Robbers Busy in the City Last Night

The Simms Corner Tim Horton's the scene of the latest robbery in Saint John. Police say a man in his 40's walked in to the store around four this morning and demanded cash. No weapon was seen, but the man made off with an undisclosed amount of money.

Meanwhile, city police are investigating an attempted robbery outside the Studio 10 movie theatres on the East Side. Sgt. Pat Bonner says a 21 year old man was leaving the cinema following his shift last night when he was jumped by two young men. He suffered facial injuries but no money was stolen.

St. Stephen Border Crossing Closed Last Night

RCMP are releasing few details about the St. Stephen-Calais border crossing being shut down last night. The bomb squad was on the scene and people were questioned as the Ferry Point Border Crossing was isolated from 6pm until 1:30 this morning.

All the mounties will say at this point, is that information discovered by the Canadian Border Services Agency regarding a vehicle and its occupants led to the border crossing being closed. However, RCMP say an investigation has determined the concern was unfounded.

Close Call in Glen Falls

Fire investigators have determined the cause of a fire yesterday morning in Glen Falls. Crews were called to 954 Glen Road by the homeowner after flames started coming from the basement crawl space. About 17 fire fighters responded initially and quickly knocked down the blaze. Officials say a leaking furnace oil line is to blame and it's assumed oil leaked down the line and was ignited from an electrical current.

Power was shut down and repair crews were called in. No one was hurt.

Green Party Candidates

(Green Party Leader Elizabeth May--File Photo)

With what appears to be an election every year or so, the Leader of the green party says New Brunswick is a tough area to fill a candidate list. Elizabeth May tells CHSJ News, political life is a real committment, and annual elections really take a toll on a candidate.

May says so far the Green Party has some strong candidates for the province, and is confident as election time crawls closer they will have a full ballot.

Emergency Software

Nine Regional Communities from Grand-Bay Westfield to Norton are pooling their resources to purchase software called the "Sentinal"" that will relay information instantly in an emergency. Grand-Bay Westfield Mayor Grace Losier says the Joint Emergency Preparedness Program is helping with the cost of the software.

Losier adds if a disaster is happening in Grand-Bay Westfield it might also be affecting Saint John so it makes sense to share information.

City Police Consider New Rules for Complaints

The Saint John Police Force may soon adopt a new policy concerning anonymous complaints. The Provincial Police Commission has done this already, they require all complaints be submitted in writing and the person filing the complaint must be identified. Police Chief Bill Reid says currently there is no recourse for the accused officer and they want to build some teeth into the system so that people can face their accuser.

Reid says legal services and the police commission will consult on the matter and expects they will adopt a similar policy.

Green Party Leader

Since taking over the role in September, Jack MacDougall continues to find his pace as leader of the Provincial Green Party. He tells CHSJ News, the goal for next years election is to have a candidate in every riding and their vision remains clear to focus on the next generation, not the next election.

MacDougall adds the Green Party views success differently than the Liberals and the Tories who are only in it to win.

Province Continues Fight to Keep Blood Distribution Centre

(Health Minister Mary Schryer)

Despite what officials from Canadian Blood Services have said about it's distribution center in Millidgeville, the Province isn't ready to watch moving vans roll down the highway. Health Minister Mary Schryer tells CHSJ News, CBS continues to consult with the medical community to find the right fit to their plan to re-locate the center to Dartmouth.

CBS has said it wants this Province to remain part of it's national set-up but realizes one of the options Provincial officials are exploring is getting into the blood business on it's own.

Armed Robbery in the North End

A North End convenience store is the latest victim of an armed robbery. Just after midnight a man entered "At Your Convenience" store on Adelaide Street with a weapon demanding cash.
City Police tell us they expect there were three people involved in the incident, and the robber got away with an undisclosed amount of cash.
There were no injuries, and Major Crime is investigating.

Deal Still Being Ironed Out

[Health Minister Mary Schryer---File Photo]
After reaching a settlement in principle back on the 22nd of last month, the wording on a final contract between doctors and the province continues to be ironed out. Health Minister Mary Schryer tells CHSJ News, there isn't a lot of details she can speak about at this point:

The doctors launched legal action after the government threatened to impose a two-year wage freeze. That came after the medical society reached a tentative agreement with the province that was never implemented, but was ratified by the doctors.

Student Joins District 8 Education Council

[Elizabeth Murphy Being Sworn Into the DEC----Photo by Dave Briggs]

District 8's student representative is now a full member of the District Education Council. Elizabeth Murphy is the student council president at St. Malachy's and was sworn into the DEC earlier this week.

Murphy tells CHSJ News, the reason she wanted to join the council was to try and make a difference.
Murphy is the first student to sit on District 8's education council.

Rothesay Student Survey

Rothesay town council wants to have detailed information on the assets of youth in the community. School District 6, together with the Atlantic Health Science Corporation, is conducting a Developmental Asset Survey of students in grade 6 through 12. Spokesperson, Thelma Messer explains, the survey will give decision makers an idea of how successful teens will be:

The survey was last completed in 2002. The town has agreed to pay for data on youth specifically in Rothesay.

Green Party Okay With Ideas Being Borrowed

[Green Party Leader Elizabeth May-----file photo]
Green Party ideas being borrowed by other political parties is not an issue with it's leader.
Elizabeth May tells CHSJ News, it shows other parties are thinking about the environment.
May says it's great that Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff is retaining a lot of the green iniatives put forth by former party leader Stephane Dion.

City Police To Discuss Graffiti

[Police Chief Bill Reid---File Photo]
The City's Police Chief will sit down with the Acting City manager about Graffiti in Saint John.

Chief Bill Reid and Pat Woods may use the Halifax Graffiti Managemant Plan as a model.
Chief Reid says he remember Sgt. Jim Fleming bringing this subject to senior management at least 6 years ago.
Chief Reid will report back to the Police Commission at their next meeting in November.

EMS Development Symposium

It shouldn't be hard to find help if you need it this weekend in Saint John. The 16th annual Emergency Medical Services Development Symposium is underway at the Regional. Spokes-person Jean Boles tells CHSJ News, there is plenty for all to take part in.

Boles adds this is a great opportunity to spend time with your colleagues as well to share information on how better to serve those in need. The symposium finishes up tomorrow.

KV Chamber of Commerce has a Request

The KV Chamber of Commerce wants the town of Rothesay to review its by-laws for signage. President, Phil Brodersen says the town should develop a policy to address the issue and report back to the Chamber of Commerce in about 3 weeks.


Brodersen says they also want the town to increase lighting along Scott Avenue and work on decreasing traffic. Council has agreed to meet with the Chamber of Commerce to continue talks regarding the concerns.

Green Partys Says It Is Readey for an Election

The Leader of the Green Party says they are ready for a federal election----anytime. The party feels it was burned by Prime Minister Stephen Harpers fixed election date last year, believing it was actually a law. May tells CHSJ News, they are now prepared to prove they can run this country.


May says unlike Harper and Finance Minster Jim Flaherty, her party would reduce the payments Canadians have to make on Employment Insurance by both employees and employers.

Soldiers Setting up Shop in Sussex

Local soldiers will conduct training in the Sussex area today and tomorrow. Soldiers from the 8th Canadian Hussars will participate in several exercises within the town and the Piccadilly Potash Project Site. Officials tell us there is no need for any home-owner to be alarmed with blank ammunition being used.


Military vehicles will be travelling slower than the posted limit so try to use caution when driving in and around these vehicles.

Provincial Departments Keeping Tabs On Flaring Incident

(Heightened flaring can be seen just over container crane last Saturday afternoon - file photo)

The provincial Environment Department is waiting for a report from Canaport L-N-G on last weekend's flaring incident at the natural gas terminal.
A spokesperson tells CHSJ News the report will be reviewed by department officials to make sure all 63-terms and conditions of the facility's air quality permit were - and - are being met.
Meantime -- the Public Safety Department tells us it's not aware of any structural issues and none of the pressure vessels - piping - nor fire suppression systems were damaged.
A spokesperson tells us if any damage had occurred - the department's Technical Inspection Services would have become involved.

Money for the Huntsman Marine Science Centre

A nice chunk of cash from Ottawa and the Province for the Huntsman Marine Science Centre in St. Andrews. The centre is building a 20,000 square-foot Discovery Centre to replace its existing aquarium. Both the Province and the Federal Goverment announced 2.5 million dollars today to develop the Discovery Centre on the lower campus property of the Huntsman Marine Science Centre.

Poverty Rally in Kings Square

(Fern Bennett with Make Poverty History)
            Photo By Jim Hennessy

A sobering statistic from an anti-poverty rally today.......every three seconds, someone in the world dies from poverty. The group Make Poverty History staged the demonstration in Kings Square and spokes-person Fern Bennett tells CHSJ News, some strides have been made to help those living in poverty in Saint John but more needs to be done.

 Bennett adds she is waiting with baited breath for the Provincial Government to hand down it's budget December.1st to see if any positive changes will be made to the current social set-up.

Saint John Area Nursing Home Workers Rally

It was a double-feature in Kings Square as nursing home workers rallied to bring attention to their plight as well. They have been with-out a contract for a year after reaching a tentative deal in March. That was dismissed by the Provincial Government who ordered public sector unions to implement a two year wage freeze to deal with the projected deficit. President of Cupe Local 1603 Tammy Nadeau tells CHSJ News, any chance of getting back to the bargaining table are slim.

As for any chance of strike action......Nadeau says their union has been off the job twice in forty years and they don't want to go down that road.

Graham Government Comments on Rally

A representative from the Graham Government was on hand for the rallies. Saint John East MLA Roly MacIntyre says the Graham Government has tried to maintain a good working relationship with the nursing home workers.


MacIntyre adds the nursing home workers pension fund was short and the Graham Government topped it off with $25 million dollars or it would have been bankrupt.

A Resolution in Walsh Case

Attorney General Mike Murphy has announced that civil action between Erin Michael Walsh, the Province and others has been resolved. Walsh was convicted of second-degree murder following the shooting death of Melvin "Chi Chi" Peters in 1975 and sentenced to life in prison with no parole for 10 years. The conviction was upheld on appeal in 1982.

The Province does acknowledge and agrees that a miscarriage of justice may have occurred respecting the 1975 conviction because of the timelines, processes and procedures of the day. Both the Province and City have agreed to pay compensation to Walsh and his wife. Details of the settlement are confidential.

New Homes for Quispamsis

(New Accessible and Seniors Apartments in Quispamsis)
                   Photo by Jim Hennessy

A project that started back in June is nearing completion along the Old Hampton Highway. The finishing touches are being put on 16 new accessible and seniors apartments in Quispamsis. Total cost is $1.8 million dollars and President of Ken-Val United Church Suites Clifty Long says this is filling a need for many in the Kennebecasis Valley.

Long expects the first tenants will move into their new homes on the first week of next month. Ottawa has put $480,000 dollars toward the project and the Province is on board for one million in rent supplements.

Another Hurdle for Residents at Ten Scott Avenue

Just days after residents on Scott Avenue were breathing a sigh of relief, a new problem is on the horizon. Rothesay Council on Tuesday pulled their application to purchase the four mixed income apartment buildings on the street off the table but CHSJ News has learned, one of the buildings is up for bids at a public auction on the 26th in Sussex. The assessed owner is listed as Kenneth and Helen Griffin and an apartment building and lot at 10 Scott Avenue is just one of several properties listed under their name.


Another interesting point is at the bottom of the listing, it says the Provincial Tax Commissioner was made aware of the properties sale on the 16th of last month. Griffin is quoted as saying he had no interest in selling the property to the town.

Rallies to be Held in King Square

There will be a few extra bodies in Kings Square today at noon. This is due to a pair of rallies including one for nursing home workers in Greater Saint John. They have been on the job for a year with-out a contract after signing a tentative deal back in March. That is when the Graham Government ordered public sector unions to implement a two year wage freeze to deal with the projected deficit. The union is asking if a deal can be reached with doctors....what about them.

Also, according to Face Book.....a take action against poverty group also plans to rally in the Square to bring attention to their cause. Things also get started at noon.

Marco Polo Update

Construction on the replica of the Marco Polo project is done for another season. With colder temperatures early in the evening and mornings, work crews are putting away their tools until the spring. Project spokes-person Barry Ogden tells CHSJ News, the vessel is over 90% complete.

The problem is.....they don't have a final resting place chosen for the replica just yet. Ogden says they would love to berth it anywhere between Water Street and Long Wharf but continue to consult with the Port Authority.

Need for Self Reliant Energy

[New Brunswick Green Party Leader Jack MacDougall----Photo by Dave Briggs]

The new provincial leader of the Green party says this province doesn't need nuclear power.
Jack MacDougall tells CHSJ news, this province should start looking at ways to incorporate more self reliant sources of energy.
MacDougall says once the province supplies it's own energy, than anything left over could be exported.
He says what concerns him most about the refurbishment of Point Lepreau is what is going to happen with all of the nuclear rods when they are finished making power.