Provincial EMO Establishing Office To Assist Flood Victims

The Province's EMO establishing a disaster financial assistance office in St. George.
Staff members can assist the public with the claims process.
It is located in the Family Worship Centre at 89 Mount Pleasant Road in St. George.
It's open today from 1-5 pm and 8 am to 5 pm daily after today.

Residents affected by the storm surges on the 5th and 6th and the heavy rainfall of the 13th and 14th should report their damages through Service New Brunswick at 1-888-298-8555.

To find the website click here.

Promise Made At Town Hall Meeting To Make Things Easier For Flood Victims Seeking Compensation

Buttons are being pressed to streamline the process of getting compensation to those homeowners and businesses that suffered losses because of last week's flooding.

Contact was made with Premier David Alward during the town hall meeting at Fundy High with Cooke Aquaculture and Jim Irving along with government M-L-A's on hand. The M-L-A for Charlotte and the Isles Rick Doucet tells CHSJ News there were lots of questions asked and frustrations voiced.

Doucet says those people in the St. George area who are looking for compensation should drop into the Family Worship Centre anytime after noon hour today and he's saying cheques could conceivably be issued as early as this week.

Legal Bills Mount In Pension Board Lawsuit Against Former Common Councillor

The legal bills from the pension board's lawsuit against former common councillor John Ferguson for defamation are now more than 834 thousand dollars.

In a letter to Common Council, the pension board says its not suing Ferguson for asking questions but for accusing the board's trustees of deliberately acting illegally.

Back in August, Ferguson, who is now the town administrator in St. Stephen, in a statement of defence, said any defamatory statements about the trustees are untrue.

Finance Commissioner Admits Can't Afford One-Third Of Cost To Provide Safe Clean Drinking Water

The city can't afford to pay
one-third of the estimated 255 million dollar cost of providing safe, clean drinking water.

That admission from Finance Commissioner Greg Yeomans who argues the city can fofnly afford to contribute 10 percent and maintains the province and federal government will have to contribute more than two-thirds.

 He points to the big increase in water rates next year and in 2012 of more than 19 per cent being caused by another less expensive project, the cleanup of the harbour.

Common Council is expected to approve tonight a 72 dollar increase in water rates next year with another 104 dollar rise coming in 2012. Flat rate customers will pay 936 dollars in 2011 and over a thousand dollars in 2012. Metered rates are also rising by 8.3 per cent next year and 11.1 per cent in 2012.

Mayor Ivan Court Angry With Rothesay Over Water Deal

The town of Rothesay is being accused of welching out of a deal with the city to provide drinking water to K-Park because of complaints over the quality and boil water orders. Mayor Ivan Court tells CHSJ News the city is not amused.

Court goes on to say the water lines will come to a dead end and the city will be stuck with the additional cost of flushing them to overcome a lack of chlorine for the people who are in the city but live at the entrance to K-Park.

 Rothesay Council, meantime, will be rolling out its budget for next year at a special meeting tomorrow night.

Two People Die In Weekend Fatalities

City Police investigating the death of a man whose car crashed into the side of a building on Douglas Avenue yesterday morning near the railroad tracks. They say he had just turned onto Douglas Avenue from Chesley Drive. His name has not been released.

The RCMP in Sussex are also investigating a fatality at Long Creek. The driver, a 20 year old Sussex area woman, went off the road and died.

Her name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Arrest Made In Kingston Peninsula Shooting

The RCMP in Grand Bay Westfield arresting a 21 year old man in connection with the shooting that occurred in Summerville last week.

The man, whose name has not been made public, will be appearing in Hampton Court today on a charge of aggravated assault.

The shooting, which was not reported right away, happened at a home on Route 845 on the Kingston Peninsula. A 32-year-old man was treated and released from hospital.

Special Blood Donor Clinic Today For 5 Year Old

By giving blood today, you will help boost the supply over the Holidays and lift the spirits of a sick 5-year-old.
Today's clinic is in honour of Blake Matthews who is battling a brain tumour and using blood products as part of his treatment.

Amanda Cullen of Canadian Blood Services tells CHSJ News they are 400 donations away from meeting December's target.

She says for people who are ill, the date on the calendar doesn't matter so, they won't to encourage people to donate blood this Holiday season.

The C-B-S offices in Millidgeville will have a superheroes theme in honour of Blake's clinic today. It gets underway at 11 this morning and runs until 8 tonight.

To book an appointment, call 1-888-2-DONATE or drop by Canadian Blood Services at 405 University Avenue.

Breakfast Fundraiser For Flood Victims on Tuesday

The Delta Brunswick Hotel and Brunswick Square holding a breakfast fundraiser for the Charlotte County Relief Fund.

The event goes this Tuesday with 100 percent of the proceeds going towards the fund which will help those affected by flooding in Charlotte County.

General Manager of the Delta and Brunswick Square Paulette Hicks tells CHSJ News Saint Johners and local businesses have always been willing to help those in need.

The Brunswick Square Parking Garage will be free those attending.  Tickets are 25 dollars for adults and 10 dollars for children. 

The event goes from 7am to 9am.  Our sister station, 97.3 The Wave, will be broadcasting live from the event.

Joshua Group Founder Finalist in National Competition

The Joshua Group's goal of building a camp for underprivileged youths could be 25 thousand dollars closer: founder Bobby Hayes is a top ten finalist in the Champions for Change competition.

President of the Joshua Group Rick Demone tells CHSJ News the camp would be a fantastic offering for the youths.

The group has already won 10-thousand dollars for placing in the top ten. 

To vote for Bobby Hayes, click here.

UNBSJ Students Could Be Getting Deal On Buss Pass

 A Universal Bus Pass for UNBSJ students is in the works.

The Saint John Transit Commission is proposing a Universal Bus Pass which will offer unlimited rides during the school year.

Brian Thorne with the Transit Commisson tells CHSJ News it's a joint idea between them and the student council.

The pass would be mandatory for all time-students and would cost $200 for students registering in
September or $100 for those registering in January.

Students will vote on the pass in February.

Federal Minister Gets First Hand Look At Flood Damage

MP Sees Flood Damage In St. Stephen

MP Keith Ashfield getting a close look at flood ravaged St. Stephen.

He took a tour with the mayor and other officials to see the damage first-hand.

Darren McCabe with Charlotte County EMO says there is still a lot of work ahead, with some inspection crews working through Christmas.

Ashfield says the federal government will be helping through the Disaster Relief Program, which will pay for repairs once the total exceeds about 750 thousand dollars.

He says damages are easily in the millions.

Water Rates In City To Rise By Over 19 Per Cent Over Next Two Years

Common Council on Monday night is expected to approve a 72 dollar a year increase in the flat rate for water next year to 936 dollars with another 104 dollar rise the following year which would bring it to over a thousand dollars. That translates into an 8.3 per cent increase next year and 11.1 per cent rise in 2012.

The metered rate would also go up by the same percentages from 97 and a half cents per cubic metre to almost $1.06 next year for the smallest usage.

Councillor Bruce Court wonders whether there is a limit to the increases. The Head of Municipal Operations Paul Groody says affordability is taken seriously but you can't get away with underfunding the water system because you then will experience more breakdowns.

Groody is also warning of traffic disruptions soon on the Reversing Falls Bridge because of a leak in the water transmission line which will cost half a million dollars to fix.

MP To See Flood Damage Firsthand

The Province's top man in Ottawa will get to see flood damage this morning.

MP Keith Ashfield will get a first hand look at the impact of severe flooding in a tour with Mayor Purcell and other officials.

Ashfield says the federal government will do all it can to help with disaster assistance in the wake of flooding.

Federal participation kicks in once damage exceeds 750-thousand dollars, but the province must still apply.

Premier David Alward touring the Bonney River/St. George area yesterday.

Red Cross Holding Assessment Meetings

Those affected by the recent flooding can meet with the Canadian Red Cross this weekend to assess their needs.

Volunteers will be on hand today and tomorrow from 11 to 5 at the Canadian Red Cross Office in Fredericton, The Triple C Recreation Centre in Coldstream, the St. Stephen Fire Hall, and the Family Worship Centre in St. George.

You can also send an email to december.rain@redcross.ca if you have any questions.

Car On Fire; Snow Causes Driver To Break Pole

Fire crews responding to a car fully engulfed in flames at Golden Grove Road.

The call came in around 2 this morning.

No one was hurt but the police are investigating as the blaze is suspicious.

Also, a car knocking down a light pole on the westbound throughway near the Catherwood Street exit.

The incident occurred around 3 this morning.  The snow causing the driver to collide with the pole.  He was not hurt.

Anti-Bullying Day Observed as Activist Gets Appointed To Committee

Anti-bullying Day being observed by the provincial government as Premier David Alward and Education Minister Jody Carr commit to tackling the issue.

Alward promising to ensure positive learning environments for children and teachers.

The Department of Education is planning to make improvements to legislation to combat bullying and is forming a ministerial advisory committee on positive learning environments.  Anti-bullying activist Rob Frenette has been appointed to the committee.

The provincial government designating December 17th as Anti-Bullying Day back in 2009 after a campaign spearheaded by Frenette.

Department of Health Tables Budget

The Province will invest over 56 million in capital projects within the Department of Health.Health Minister Madeleine Dubé tabling the department’s 2011-12 capital budget.

The capital budget includes over 37 million for ongoing projects and more than 19 million for maintenance and equipment.

The big ticket item is over 23 million for the completion of the new power plant building at the Dumont Regional Hospital in Moncton.

A release says the Department of Health will be working with the regional health authorities to determine how the 19 million for maintenance and equipment will be spent.

EMO Hosting Public Information Sessions On Sunday

The Province hosting two public meetings this weekend in the areas hit hardest by flooding.
Andrew Holland of Emergency Measures says the sessions are coming up on Sunday.

The first meeting is coming up at 1 o'clock at St. Stephen High School on King Street and the second meeting is at 4 o'clock at Fundy High School in St. George.
Holland says its critical right now to keep people informed.

EMO staff will be present to explain the disaster financial assistance program and answer questions.
For more information or to report damage, call 1-888-298-8555 or click here

Trail System In Province Takes A Beating From Flood Waters

The New Brunswick Trails Council urging people to stay off the trails where there has been flooding because it's downright dangerous.

The Council's Executive-Director Paul Jorgensen tells CHSJ News there has been alot of damage with between 300 and 400 thousand dollars worth to the St. John River trail alone.

If the repairs are not made pronto, there's a warning the trails will have to be closed to snowmobiles over the winter which would cancel out a major tourism initiative.

There have been at least thirty areas where washouts have happened. Jorgensen calls it unprecedented.

Number of People Seeking Disaster Relief From Flooding Grows

At last report, 335 people have signed up for disaster relief in the aftermath of this week's flooding.The list is expected to grow as damage is assessed.

Both lanes of traffic along Highway 1 at St. George have been reopened. It's estimated 100 roads or so have been damaged and are need of repairs.

Chuck Brown of Cooke Aquaculture tells CHSJ News the company launched a relief effort when it became apparent how dire the situation was becoming. He says some people at Bonny River had scrambled to the roofs of homes looking to be rescued which was reminiscent of what happened in New Orleans with the flooding from Hurricane Katrina.

To report damage or sign up for the Province's Disaster Assistance Program, call 1-888-298-8555 or click here.

Highway 1 Near St. George Fully Re-Opened

The Department of Transportation telling us that Route 1 has returned to full service in the Manor Road area near St George. All lanes are open to traffic.

One Man Arrested Trying To Take Off From Police

City Police nabbing one man after they say he tried to take off along Rothesay Avenue around 2 this morning.

 Police tell CHSJ News they tried to stop what they thought was a suspicious car.

The driver tried to speed away but didn't get very far before losing control smashing into several cars at a dealership and hitting a tree.

The accused, who's not injured, is facing charges of theft, dangerous driving along with break and enter.

Saint Johnners Warned About Credit Card Scam

The City police fraud section investigating a credit card scam.

The fraudsters are calling Saint Johners asking questions about their credit cards over the phone.

Some are even posing as investigator telling the card holder about a fraudulent purchase on their account.

In order to fix it, the card holder needs to give the caller their 3-digit verification number.

Police telling CHSJ News about 20 per cent of Canadians have found unauthorized charges on their accounts through these methods.

They warn residents to check their statements monthly and to never give out their account number over the phone unless they make the call and they know company is reputable.

Christmas Tree Lighting Later Today In Crescent Valley

Almost 200 Irving Oil employees demonstrating the true spirit of Christmas today in Crescent Valley.

The workers will be on hand for the tree lighting ceremony at the community's resource centre.

Irving Oil's Lesley Dickson tells CHSJ News in working with the centre's staff, the company is learning of their needs. The Christmas wreaths are being distributed between 3 and 4 today.

Santa is dropping by the event today and things get underway at 3 this afternoon at the Crescent Valley Resource Centre.

EMO Officials Hope To Get Into The Bonney River Area Tomorrow

Provincial Emergency Measures officials say river levels in the province have crested and are on the decline following flooding from this week's rain and wind storm.
Spokesman Karl Wilmot says while the flood waters have receded in most areas, the St. George and Bonny River areas are still flooded.

He says St. George is still in the impact and response phase and he says over the next day they hope to get people on the ground in there.

EMO Says The Dams Will Hold

Reports from EMO officials say all the dams in the St. Stephen and St. George area are holding.
The high volume of water causing great concern among the locals because of previous flooding.
The province assuring residents that water levels are going down and this includes the Magadavic River, the St. Croix River and the Digdeguash River.Recovery mode starts tomorrow as work crews in St. Stephen will begin going into homes to start inspections.
To report damage and register for the Disaster Financial Assistance Program, call 1-888-298-8555 or click here.

Highway 1 Partially Re-Opened Near St. George

The Department of Transportation informing us that Route 1 is open in the Manor Road area near St. George but, it is reduced to one lane.
Drivers are reminded to use caution because there is still some water on the road.
To avoid delays, commercial traffic heading westbound to the U.S. should take an alternate route to the border crossing at Houlton, Maine if they can.

Homeowners In Province Warned About Dangers Of Radon Gas

Even if you don't smoke, you could be in danger of contracting lung cancer and it has nothing to do with tobacco.

The New Brunswick Lung Association is warning about the buildup of Radon gas in your home which emanates from uranium.

The President and C-E-O of the Lung Association Dr. Barb McKinnon tells CHSJ News you can't smell Radon and as many as 1 in five homes around the province may have it but you're not completely helpless.

Radon is easy to test for. A device the size of a hockey puck is placed at the lowest part of your house where you live and after 3 months is sent away to a lab for testing.



Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer.

Ambulance Service In City Criticised

The city has to get after the provincial government to address the inadequate ambulance service we're receiving.

That criticism being voiced by John Campbell who was one of the candidates in last Monday's Ward 3 byelection.

He tells CHSJ News of seeing two ambulances in separate calls having to make U turns and follow the fire trucks that were going to the same calls which tells him the ambulances were going the wrong way.

Campbell says Saint John seems to be unique when it comes to duplicating emergency response and it's costing taxpayers in their pocketbooks. He maintains because Saint John is an industrial city, it's even more critical its ambulance service be top notch as compared to other places with less industry.

RCMP Investigate Summerville Shooting On Sunday Night

Grand Bay-Westfield RCMP investigating a shooting on the Kingston Pennisula.

A 32-year-old man was shot on Sunday night at a home on Route 845 but, police did not find out about it until yesterday.
The victim is already out of hospital.

Police would like to talk a 21-year-old man who is a person of interest.
If you know anything, you are asked to contact RCMP or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Water Levels Peak In Charlotte County

Water levels have peaked in Charlotte country meaning the situation is stabilizing after severe flooding this week.
Andrew Holland of Emergency Measures tells CHSJ News residents can report any damage to their properties to the province.

Holland says as of last night over 100 people had called Service New Brunswick to register their damage which will trigger the process for health and safety inspections.

The Service New Brunswick toll free line is 1-888-298-8555.
For information on road conditions, phone supports and to report flood damage,
click here.

Hampton Tax Rate For Next Year Determined

The tax rate in Hampton will be the same next year at $1.25 per 100 dollars of assessment. Mayor Ken Chorley tells CHSJ News the town's bottom line was helped by revenue from the gas tax and 4.2 million dollars in new construction.

He expects residential development to copntinue growing with alot of people in the town commuting to jobs in Saint John and Sussex.

One big challenge facing the town in the future, which was mandated by the province, is to find a central water source. The search is ongoing and Chorley jokes the town could use someone with a devining rod to find it.

Flooding Forces Closures

Authorities were forced to close Highway 1 near St. George between Magaguadavic Road and Manor Road because of water on the road.

Rising levels on the St. Croix River prompted the closure of the Milltown Bridge and customs on both sides of the border.

Flood Victims Warned About Their Food And Wells

The Medical Officer Of Health for the Province warning about food and water safety after flooding and power outages.

Dr. Eilish Cleary says people should be careful with drinking water and food while cleaning up during and after flooding.

To avoid food contamination, all perishable goods and anything touched by flood waters should be thrown out.

Cleary adds people should also be wary of consuming frozen or refrigerated foods after going without power for any length of time.

Water supplies should not be used while the wellhead is flooded.

After flood waters recede, the well should be disinfected and water quality should be tested before its used.

Gas Prices Drop A Bit

If you have to fill up today you'll be paying a bit less for gas after the weekly setting. Self serve regular is going for 107.1 a litre in the city. That represents a price drop of over a cent. Diesel is just slightly cheaper at 114.7. No change with heating oil. It remains at a dollar a litre for the second week in a row.

Premier Promises Help For Flood Victims

Premier David Alward says his government will provide financial assistance for people affected by flooding from this week's storm.

Alward flew by helicopter over many of the affected areas in the southwest of the province today. He says talks are already underway with the federal government.

The Premier says they plan to work with the federal government to provide help to the victims of flooding.

Alward says the province is working with businesses and homeowners to ensure drinking water is safe and that structures are safe before power is restored.

For more information on the Disaster Assistance program, call Service New Brunswick at 1-888-298-8555 or go to www.gnb.ca/public/flood-e.asp

M-L-A Tours Area Devastated By Flooding

The M-L-A in Charlotte County seeing first hand the devastation of flooding in the St. George area.

Rick Doucet of Charlotte and the Isles was able to tour the area by boat and help deliver groceries to stranded residents near Bonney River.

Doucet tells CHSJ News the holidays are a terrible time of year to have a flood. He calls it heart wrenching.

Doucet says seeing the damage is absolutely incredible and he's amazed at the good spirits among the people and the spirit of co-operation he witnessed as the flood victims try to get through a crisis but adds the government has to step up the plate with disaster assistance.

Car Destroyed By Fire Along Highway One

A car fire yesterday afternoon along Highway One at Lepreau. The car was fully engulfed in flames when Musquash firefighters arrived to put it out. The fire was reported by an ambulance crew travelling westbound on the highway. No one was injured and the cause has not been determined yet.

Highway One Near St. George Is Under Water

A travel note for you this afternoon.
The Department of Transportation advising drivers that water is covering Route 1 at the Manor Road in the St George area.
The highway remains open, but motorists are asked to be very careful.

Motorists travelling west are encouraged to divert to Route 7 and then to Route 2 to enter the United States.

Premier Views Damage In Charlotte County

Premier David Alward says his government is discussing with Ottawa the possibility of financial assistance for people affected by flooding.

Alward saw first-hand some of the damage the flooding caused in the St. Stephen area.
People in the province are contending with dropping temperatures today as emergency officials work to stem the overflow of rivers after days of rain.  Temperatures in some regions have fallen below the freezing mark.
Karl Wilmot, a spokesman for New Brunswick's Emergency Measures Organization, says the change in weather is a mixed blessing.    He says it will slow the possible overflow of water, but it's going to be a problem for homeowners with drenched basements.

Rising Waters Close US Crossing At Milltown

The Milltown bridge is closed due to the rising water level of the St. Croix River.
US Customs in Milltown is closed due to the rising water level while the Canadian customs remains open.

St. Stephen Residents Can Report Water Damage

Residents of St. Stephen experiencing water damage from flooding have some recourse with the Province.
Homeowners can report damage or create a work order for a home inspection which will register them for the Disaster Financial Assistance Program.
It's expected word on that will be coming soon from the province.
To report water damage, call Service New Brunswick at 1-888-298-8555 or click here

Direction Set for Former Paramount Theatre Location

Uptown Saint John has set its sights on turning the former Paramount Theatre into a multi-purpose performance venue.

That conclusion after consultations with the public and various stakeholders.

President of Uptown Saint John Matt Alexander tells CHSJ News he's confident he can get funding from the government to help out with the 3.6 million dollar price tag.

He says if government contributes, the rest of the money will be raised through a capital campaign.

Common Councillor Speaks Out On Raise Given To Enterprise Saint John GM

Common Councillor Bruce Court is fit to be tied over the General Manager of Enterprise Saint John Steve Carson receiving a 21 thousand dollar raise.

Court is angry because the city is trying to cope with a shortfall as it tries to put together next year's budget and not raise the tax rate. He points out there is a wage freeze in effect for city hall management and some municipal unions.

Court tells CHSJ News he wants to see Enterprise Saint John get less money next year from the city.

Charlotte County EMO Officials Urge Those Under Flood Threat To Leave

The EMO spokesperson for Charlotte County says the situation worsened overnight. Darren McCabe says the flood threat is high for anyone living near Elmsville, Bonney River, Second Falls and into St. George because of rising water levels on the Magaguadavic River.
He says if home owners feel threatened or are flooded and can get out, EMO officials are recommending that they leave and head to the reception centre.

Charlotte the Isles MLA Rick Doucet says Cooke Aquaculture is one of many unsung heroes who took part is water rescues yesterday.
He says people were clinging to the sides of the homes in Bonney River and the company sent out boats rescueing about 40 people.
The Reception centre in St. George is set up at the Family Worship Centre at 89 Mount Pleasant Road in St. George. To reach them, call 467-5287, 755-3759.

Saint John High Helps Family Who Lost Everything In House Fire

A fundraiser is taking place over the next few days at Saint John High to help out a students whose family lost everything after two separate fires on the same day last week destroyed their home on Broadway Avenue. Teacher Angie Cameron tells CHSJ News they're hoping to raise something like 25 hundred dollars for the family who suffered a devastating loss at the worst possible time of the year.

If the teachers raise more money, the students will have to dress up anyway the teachers want but if the students raise more, some of the teachers will have their heads shaved.

Moncton Man Wins Dream House Draw

David Jardine of Moncton is the winner of the dream home in the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation's Home Lottery.  Jardine works as a dishwasher and he tells CHSJ News he had a good feeling when he bought his ticket.

Meanwhile, Alison Aiton of Fredericton winning 153-thousand dollars in the 50/50 draw. She says the first person she told was her sister. The lottery raising about 700 thousand dollars. It will be split among the Regional Hospital, the New Brunswick Heart Centre, and Mindcare New Brunswick.

Operation Christmas Rolls Along

Hampton RCMP conducting check stops as part of Operation Christmas focusing on impaired driving, seat belts and speeding.

300 vehiches were checked over the last few days and several violation tickets and warning issued to drivers but, no incidents of drunk driving.
District 3 RCMP will continue the check stops over the next few weeks hoping to make the Holiday season safer for everyone.

EMO Officials Fearful About Water Levels Along The St. John River

Emergency Measures officials in Fredericton are casting a wary eye on the St. John River for the possibility of more flooding. Spokesman Karl Wilmot says the high water levels are now making their way downstream.

Wilmot says they are seeing a slight decline in water levels in Fredericton but, he says there will be an increase downtstream.  He adds the problem is the water only has one outlet which is the Reversing Falls in Saint John. St. John river began spilling over its banks in some low-lying areas yesterday after a storm that brought heavy rain.

Two People Saved From Drowning Just In The Nick Of Time

The Red Cross is reporting a dramatic rescue last night in Bonny River not far from the fire hall which was being used as a shelter for people who had to be evacuated from their homes because of flooding.

A man and woman were in a car when the daughter of a Red Cross volunteer, Jennifer Sharkey, who's a paramedic, noticed their lights had disappeared from view.

The car had gone into the water and the two were on top of their vehicle screaming for help as it was being swept downstream. A boat, owned by Rodney Cooke, was launched and they were pulled to safety.


NB Power reports there are still more than 400 homes and businesses without electricity this morning with most being in Sussex and Bathurst.
 
All mainland schools in District 10 will be closed today because of road conditions.
On the advice of the Department of Transportation, the schools will remain closed because of washed out roads and blocked bridges.

The island schools (Grand Manan, Deer Island and Campobello) will be open today.

Hospital Home Lottery Winners Drawn

The big home in Millidgeville on Anchorage Avenue valued at something like 750 thousand dollars was the first price in the Hospital Home Lottery for the Regional Hospital and it was won by a Moncton man, David Jardine. The 50/50 cash prize of more than 153 thousand dollars was won by Alison Aiton of Fredericton. Judianne Luck of Saint John won either the 2011 Toyota Tacoma or 2011 Toyota 4Runner.

Mayor Says Frontier Centre's Criticism Of City For Lack Of Transparency Is Off Base

Mayor Ivan Court is dismissing a report from the Frontier Centre for Public Policy that Saint John is the least transparent city in Canada.

The Centre charges the city did not make its 2009 audited financial statements public but Court tells CHSJ News it is simply not the case because all the information was available online.

Premier Alward Has Not Heard From City On Pension Changes

Premier Alward says he hasn't been contacted directly about the city's pension woes.

In an interview with CHSJ News, the Premier says he can't really make a comment until he's been briefed on any request for changes to provincial pension legislation but some preliminary talks could be underway at the departmental level.

The city wants changes to provincial pension legislation to relieve some of its financial obligations to the civic pension fund's huge deficit which would include deferring contributions for a year.