Number Of Schools Under Review

The number of schools across the province is undergoing a review -- Finance Minister Blaine Higgs says a number of the 321-schools are at less than 60-percent of their capacity.

Higgs says another factor is the changing face of our population - so - he wants to see a long term plan developed to make sure we have the right number of schools in the right locations.

The government is also going to look at various ways of better using the space in the schools.

Higgs says the review will include trying to determine if there are more efficient administrative systems available for the school system.

City Police Seize Drugs And Cash From Organized Criminal Network

An Organized Criminal Network serving the Fundy Region is a little worse off today after a huge seizure of cocaine, marijuana and $70,000 dollars in cash.
The arrests occurring yesterday on the Sandy Point Road and earlier this month in the north end and on Highway 1 as part of "Operation Palace" a 8 month investigation involving the Street Crime Units of the Saint John Police Force and the Rothesay Regional Police.  Sgt. John Wilcox says it's obvious the city has a drug problem.
He says it's a serious problem they are looking at and he says the Police chief that drugs are the root of most of the crime we have.

Ryan Francis plead guilty to possession for the purpose of trafficking of cocaine, marijuana and for having $43,000 in cash determined to be property obtained by crime.
In court today, 27-year-old Christopher Taylor and 25-year-old Ashley Rigby of Saint John are both facing charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine and crack cocaine and possession of property obtained by crime.

City Might Contract Its Counselling Services Out Of Province

The city is looking at signing a deal to provide counselling services for its employees out of province instead of using a local non-profit agency, Gentle Path Counselling Services.

The issue of the contract going out of province is expected to come before Common Council Monday night.

 Gentle Path has been operating in Saint John for the past 13 years and its Executive Director Judy Urqhuart tells CHSJ News awarding the contract to a big out of province company flies in the face of rhetoric about the non-profits in the city being so important.

Urqhuart says the province earlier contracted counselling services for its employees out of province and the loss of the city's contract would be a huge blow.

Fire At Liquor Store In Hampton

Hampton Fire crews were called out to a fire in the town's liquor store.

They found the loading dock to the NB liquor store fully involved and quickly extinguished the blaze before it could spread to the rest of the mall.

The smoke had to be cleared out of the mall before employees and shoppers could go back in.

No one was hurt and the fire is still under investigation. Crews from the K-V and Nauwigewauk Fire helped out.

(Photo courtesy of Lisa Hatfield)

It's Getting More Expensive To Drive

Drivers in the city getting hit again with yet another increase in the price of gas, the second in two days.

The first increase resulted from higher taxation in the provincial budget and now the pump price has gone up again after the weekly setting.

 Self serve regular is now $1.23.4 a litre around town and diesel has increased to $1.35.7.

 Heating oil is up as well by over a cent a litre to $1.19.3.

Zed Looking At Running In Federal Election

With the growing possibility of a federal election this spring, former Saint John Liberal M-P Paul Zed is contemplating a return to politics.

Zed tells CHSJ News there are a lot of factors to consider both on a personal and professional level but there are also nagging issues at the local, regional and national levels.
 
Zed has also been singled out in a recent Globe and Mail article as a potential "next king of the Atlantic" if he makes a successful return to politics. He expects to make a final decision within the next couple of days.
 
Zed adds he has been receiving positive feedback locally. Saint John M-P Rodney Weston, who defeated Zed in the last federal election in 2008, has already told us he plans to seek re-election.

Poor Say They Got Nothing From Budget

The provincial budget puts nothing in the plates of the poor.........That, coming from the Common Front for Social Justice. It's co-chair Linda McCaustlin tells CHSJ News with the price of groceries expected to rise by 5 per cent next month, it's going to be harder for the poor to get by.

McCaustlin says the basic social assistance rate for a single person considered employable amounts to just over 64 hundred dollars a year. A couple with two children have to make do with just under 10 thousand 900 dollars and a person, certified as being disabled, receives only 537 dollars a month.  

She also points out the usage of food banks has gone up by 18 per cent in the last two years and warns the poor can't belt tighten anymore because their stomachs are already touching their backbones.

RCMP Make Arrests In Child Pornography Investigation

3 men and a youth have been arrested as part of a province wide child pornography investigation by RCMP.  RCMP say millions of child sexual abuse images have been seized in a series of searches throughout the province.

A 45-year-old man from Havelock, a 49-year-old man from Dumfries and a youth under 18 from Grand Bay-Westfield have since been released under strict conditions, including no contact with children under 16, no access to the Internet and not to be in possession of computers. They will appear in court at later dates. A 51 year old man from Moncton is still in police custody.

NDP Says Alward Budget Shows No Clear Direction

The new NDP Leader says the Premier is not showing a clear direction for the province with the budget.

Dominic Cardy tells CHSJ News their election campaign platform last year did include many of the same cuts as the government announced yesterday.
He says they did that five months ago with minimal resources as a third place party with no seats.
Cardy says Finance Minister Blaine Higgs make a little more clear saying the more difficult cuts will be coming later.

A Potential Election Call Will Not Jeopardize Bridge Deal

The final steps in the transfer of the Harbour Bridge to the Province are underway in the legislature today.
Transportation Minister Claude Williams introducing legislation this morning to dissolve the Saint John Harbour Bridge Authority.
With a looming election call on Friday, many are wondering how it may impact the deal but, the Department of Transportation tells CHSJ News the Government of Canada says it's a done deal.    Saint John MP Rodney Weston confirms this saying the deal was binding the day it was announced.
Provincial legislation fulfills the Alward government's commitment to take on the assets and liabilities of the Bridge authority.
1st reading of the legislation is being put forward today with debate to follow and the 2nd and 3rd readings before the deadline of March 31st.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper was in Saint John last fall to announce the deal to see the tolls removed, the debt forgiven and ownership transferred to the Province.

Despite Election Talk, Saint John MP Will Focus On Economy

With the strong possibility of us going to the polls for a federal election, Saint John MP Rodney Weston says it will be business as usual until it's official.

He tells CHSJ News the Tories will not be distracted with election talk and will focus on building the economy.

He says he was surprised with the NDP announcing their lack of support for the budget so soon after it was released, especially when some of the NDP's demands were featured in the budget.

Future Provincial Budgets Will Be Leaner and Meaner

 UNB Saint John political scientist Don Desserud says the next provincial budget will be a lot tougher on New Brunswickers.

He tells CHSJ News the first budget is a feeling-out period but things will change over the next few years as the Alward Government will be pushed into make tough decisions.
 
He says deeper cuts are inevitable in order for the province to bring down the deficit.

Police Confirm Crash Victim Is The Suspect In Monday's Abduction

City Police confirming the man who was the suspect in the abduction of a 44 year old woman in East Saint John late Monday afternoon is the same man from Oromocto who was killed in a head on collision near Sussex Monday night.

Sussex RCMP identify him as 45-year-old Roger Keith Miller.

Leaner Provincial Government Promised

The fallout from the provincial budget is still being assessed but Finance Minister Blaine Higgs is promising a slightly leaner and meaner provincial government. Higgs says the number and use of schools will be reviewed while Regional Health Authorities will have to find 15-million dollars in savings.

On the plus side, there will be initial funding for a comprehensive diabetes program, a mental health action plan and an assistance program for those with Multiple Sclerosis. Workers in special care homes will receive an increase in their hourly wages while university operating grants will increase two percent.
 
There will also be additional funding for early childhood development programs - and - a new teaching supplies fund to allow teachers to purchase educational items for their classrooms.
 
While he didn't raise taxes on beer and spirits, Higgs wants N-B Liquor to generate about ten million dollars more in revenue and the idea of highway tolls is still on the table but requires more study before a final decision is made.

Weston Defends Federal Budget

Saint John MP Rodney Weston says Saint Johners have a lot to be happy about in the federal budget.

He tells CHSJ News lowest-income seniors will enjoy some relief from improved pension benefits, family caregivers will be getting a tax credit and the one time hiring credit for small businesses of up to one thousand dollars will also be a great boon for the city and its many entrepreneurs.
 
Weston points out another budget item that will help New Brunswickers will be the forgiveness of up to 40 thousand dollars in loans for doctors in rural and remote communities.

Saint John Board Of Trade Gives Verdict On Federal Budget

The federal budget is getting a thumbs up from the Saint John Board of Trade.

Its Chair Micheal Murphy tells CHSJ News it's a middle of the road budget with no real surprises but he wishes the Harper government revealed more details on the budget over the next few years and on how the deficit will be eliminated by 2014.

The Board of Trade is also expressing support for the provincial budget calling it a good start down the road to balance the books and maybe even achieve a surplus.

CFIB Finds Provincial Budget Impressive Overall

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business find the provincial budget impressive overall.
Andreea Bourgeois tells CHSJ News they like the government's plan to cut spending by 1.6 per cent over the next year.
She says they see a plan to get back to a balanced position by 2014-2015 which is fairly short-term and they have seen a decrease in the small business tax rate--both positive things for small businesses.    Bourgeois expects a mixed reaction from small business owners because of tax increases which the CFIB's believes will take away their competitive advantage.

Board of Trade Okay With Provincial Budget

The Saint John Board of Trade is giving the provincial budget a thumbs up calling it a good start to balancing the books with a projected deficit of 449 million dollars. 

Board of Trade Chair Micheal Murphy is happy with tax rates for corporation falling to 10 per cent and 4.5 per cent for small businesses.

Murphy does say the provincial government will eventually have to get a handle on healthcare spending in order to balance the books or achieve a surplus. Provincial Finance Minister Blaine Higgs concedes he didn't have enough time prior to this budget to tackle that aspect of government spending.

The Board of Trade had called for an increase in the H-S-T which was rejected by the province.

Not Enough Cuts In Provincial Budget Says Watchdog Group

 Kevin Lacey with the Canadian Taxpayers Federation isn't all smiles when it comes to the provincial budget.

He tells CHSJ News he doesn't agree with Finance Minister Blaine Higgs when he claims it's a balanced budget.

He says the burden of the deficit is now on the taxpyer thanks to the increase to the gas tax and this budget features even more spending than the last one. 

However, Lacey says he is happy that the Conservatives held the line on the HST and made some cuts to civil service.

Budget Highlights

(Budget Highlights)




*Tobacco taxes up as of midnight - $10.50 on a carton of smokes



*Gas and diesel taxes up just under 3-cents a litre as of midnight



*Slight reduction in small business corporate tax effective January 1st



*Corporate tax reduced to 10-percent and held for 2012



*No increase in personal income taxes for low and middle income in 2011 while high income earners will see their tax break effective at the beginning of this year eliminated in July



*Looking for increased profits from NB Liquor - no tax increase on booze



*The freeze on university and college tuitions eliminated and tuition increases capped at 200-dollars



*Creation of a new teaching supplies fund that will allow teachers to purchase educational items for their classrooms



*A 50-dollar increase in the school supplies supplement for low income families



*Initial funding for a mental health services action plan - a comprehensive diabetes program - and - assistance for people with Multiple Sclerosis

Higgs Says He's Taking A Balanced Approach

You may want to make a quick run to the corner gas bar this evening -- the Alward government is taking aim at smokes and gas in its war on the provincial deficit.


The gas tax is going up just under 3-cents a litre at midnight while tobacco tax increases will see a carton of cigarettes costing $10.50 more after midnight.

In response to a CHSJ News question - Finance Minister Blaine Higgs says he doesn't think the gas tax hike will have a negative impact on the economy.

The Finance Minister is also expecting increased revenue from N-B Liquor but it won't be through higher taxes on beer and spirits.

Higgs also wants to look at whether we have too many schools for the current student population -- and -- if there are better ways to use space in the buildings.

The Province Revealing Budget Details

The Alward government is projecting a $448.8 million in a 8 billion dollar spending program.The share of the debt for every man, woman and child in New Brunswick is about $13,545.


The tobacco tax will be increased by $1.31 per pack, effective at midnight, producing an estimated $25 million in additional revenue.

The provincial gasoline tax will increase by 2.9 cents a litre and diesel by 2.3 cents a litre, generating an extra $44 million in revenue.

Brunswick Square and Delta Getting Revamped

Brunswick Square and the Delta will be getting a face-lift with Fortis Properties announcing millions of dollars in renovations.

Work will begin on the exterior of the building which will include upgrades to the main entrance and landscaping.  There will also be improvements made to the inside of the building including new flooring and lighting.

The exterior renovations will be completed by the end of the summer.

Panty Thief In Court Today

A 20 year old Grand Bay Westfield man in court for two counts of break, enter and thefts relating to two incidents in the town where women's panties were taken.
Corey Douglas McKenzie also facing a charge of breaking probation.
He will remain in jail and undergo a 5 day psychiatric assessment and is due back in court on March 29th.
The break and enters occurring in the town between this past Sunday and last Thursday.

Student Receives Punishment For Threatening To Kill Everyone At KVHS

An 18-year-old student receiving his sentence for threatening to kill everyone at KVHS on his last day of school.  The court in Hampton hearing today that Cody Barton called the school's principal Robert Munro last February 16th 
telling him to have everyone out of the school by 1:30 in the afternoon.
CHSJ's Brian McLain tells us 1200 students were evacuated and every room searched.  Barton told police it was all a joke and he had no intention of carrying it through.    Judge Henrik Tonning telling Barton today it was time to grow up before handing him a suspended sentence and probation. Judge Tonning did say Barton is doing well at his new school in Belleisle.  Barton must also write a letter of apology to former KV High Principal Robert Munro.

Police Investigate Link Between An Abduction And A Head-On Crash

City police are investigating a possible link between a fatal head-on collision last night near Sussex and an abduction in East Saint John yesterday.

The Major Crime Unit is investigating the abduction of a 44-year-old woman which they call an isolated incident.
The suspect is her 45-year-old estranged boyfriend. She was treated in hospital for injuries and released.

The Major Crime Unit is working in conjunction with the RCMP in Sussex to determine if there is a link between the abduction and a head on collision near Roachville last night.
The victim of that crash has yet to be identified.

Panty Thief Nabbed

RCMP nabbing the panty thief in Grand Bay-Westfield.

A 20-year-old man from the town facing charges in connection with two separate break and enters where women’s undergarments were stolen.

The break and enters occurring last Thursday and on Sunday near Inglewood Drive and Epworth Park Road.


The man will appear in Hampton Provincial Court today.
RCMP continue to remind people to lock their homes, sheds, garages and vehicles to help prevent crime.

Roachville Crash Kills One

A head-on collision on Route 10 in Roachville last night killing one man.
The crash occurring when the victim's vehicle crossed the centre line and collided head-on with a pulp truck and both vehicles caught on fire.
The pulp truck driver escaping the crash with minor injuries. The driver of the other vehicle died at the scene.


Because of the intense fire, police have not yet been able to positively identify the victim.  An autopsy is being performed and the vehicle is being inspected.
The crash closing Route 10 for five hours.

APEC Sounds Warning For Alward Government

The Atlantic Provinces Economic Council says the Alward government is facing a tough battle to get provincial finances in order.


As Finance Minister Blaine Higgs gets set to deliver his first budget this afternoon -- the council says the province must increase revenues while cutting expenses to begin getting finances back on track.

It's suggesting a two percent increase in the H-S-T -- something already ruled out by Premier Alward and Higgs.

The council also suggests introducing or raising user fees -- but -- it's also warning highway tolls are not the revenue pot-o-gold that some people have suggested.

Taxpayers Federation Says We're Tapped Out

The Atlantic Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation Kevin Lacey is keeping a close eye on the budget details when the provincial government unveils it this afternoon.

He tells CHSJ News one of the things he would like to see happen is a major cut to spending which is being called for, as well, by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.He is also rejecting a call to raise taxes as New Brunswickers cannot afford to pay anymore.

The current provincial deficit is over 800-million dollars and Lacey claims the debt increases almost 95-thousand dollars per hour.

 Both Premier David Alward and Provincial Finance Minister Blaine Higgs have confirmed the H-S-T will not be rising.

City Police Investigate Possible Attempted Abduction

The Saint John Police Force investigating the possible attempted abduction of a woman in East Saint John.
The Major Crime Unit is handling the investigation of the incident late this afternoon.

It involves a 35-year-old woman.

Grand Manan Man Dies In Weekend ATV Crash

An ATV crash on Grand Manan killing a 39-year-old man on Saturday.

RCMP tell CHSJ News the man was visiting friends Friday night and left before midnight on his ATV.
Early Saturday morning a passer-by spotted the man’s body near the roadside next to his crashed ATV.

The ATV is being examined and alcohol is not being ruled out as a factor in the crash.

RCMP Investigate Undergarment Thefts In Grand Bay-Westfield

Someone is stealing ladies underwear in Grand Bay-Westfield.
Members of the RCMP are looking into two break and enters between yesterday and Thursday in which women's undergarments were taken.

The break-in's occurring near Inglewood Drive and Epworth Park Road.
No one was hurt in each incident and nothing else was taken but, in one case, the door was left unlocked.

If you having any information on this crime contact Crime Stoppers at 1-877-222-T.I.P.S.

Doherty Will Not Run Federally

A well-known City doc and former provincial politician is not trying his hand at federal politics.
Dr. Ed Doherty tells CHSJ News despite many calls for him to run, he will not be pursuing a federal liberal nomination.

He says he has reopened his ophthalmology practice and while he's been lucky enough to pursue two careers, he will be focusing on his medical career.

Doherty says this decision does not reflect upon his experience in the previous Graham government.
He adds it was an honour to serve with the province and he enjoyed every minute of it.

The Peel Plaza Project Is On Track

Construction continues on the massive Peel Plaza project.
It includes provincial law courts,a new police station and multi-level parking garage.
Despite a tough winter, Project Engineer Gerry Mattson tells CHSJ News the project is running on schedule.

He says the winter impacts production but they are able to work on other aspects of the project when it snows or rain and he says it evens out. The seven-level parking garage will have 446 spaces with entrances and exits from Carleton and Sewell streets.

Hundreds Take Part In Peace March

About 300 people walking down the middle of King Street as part of a peace march against racial discrimination.

Organizer Diane Govindsamy tells CHSJ News the march is about promoting equality for all, including those in the gay, lesbian, and transgendered community.

Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Racism, which was declared by the U.N. in 1966 after 69 people were killed in South Africa during a peaceful demonstration against apartheid.

Public Safety Minister Says Deficit Will Be Key Issue

 Public Safety Minister Robert Trevors says it won't be easy getting rid of the deficit during the Conservative's mandate.

He tells CHSJ News the public input gathered around the province during consultations will be seen in the budget.

He says New Brunswicker's are expecting tough decisions to be made.

The provincial budget will be released tomorrow.

Weston Says No Corporate Tax Cuts In Tomorrow's Budget

As the federal budget comes down tomorrow with speculation it could very well trigger a spring election, Saint John M-P Rodney Weston scoffs at the notion of the federal Liberals being the party of the middle class.

Federal Liberal leader Micheal Ignatieff has been railing against corporate tax cuts which Weston also finds ironic. He says there will be no corporate tax cuts in the budget because they were in the last budget which Ignatieff voted in favour of.

Weston maintains you can't tax your way to prosperity.

Anxiety On Eve Of Provincial Budget

There's some anxiety and worry among university administrators and students with what will be in tomorrow's provincial budget on higher education.

The President of the Student Union at U-N-B Shannon Carmont-McKinley tells CHSJ News students find themselves with their backs against the wall financially with tuition fees higher than most other provinces, including Ontario, if you exclude the expensive courses not available in this province.

U-N-B President Eddy Campbell says the provincial government will have to start investing in post-secondary education because New Brunswick is near the bottom in per student funding.

Pension Board Lawsuit Slammed

It's time the Pension Board's lawsuit against former Common Councillor John Ferguson for his outspoken criticism of the city's financially beleagurered pension plan is dropped for the sake of the financially beleaguered city taxpayer.

So says Saint John businessman Sandy Robertson who supported Ferguson's bid to become Mayor in the last municipal election. Robertson estimates the legal costs have now exceeded 2 million dollars.

Robertson also points out the city's insurance is paying for Ferguson's legal fees and complains about a lack of transparency........No one seems to have the slightest idea when this will ever get to court and why the pension board is continuing to go after Ferguson who is now the Town manager in St. Stephen.

Warning From Premier On Tomorrow's Budget

Premier David Alward is warning there's going to be some pain in tomorrow's provincial budget.

Former Premier Bernard Lord is suggesting Alward should cut the deficit by 40 or even 50 per cent now that he's got the political capital to do so.

The President of the New Brunswick Federation of Labour Michel Boudreau tells CHSJ News it would be madness to cut taxes especially for large corporations.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation Debt Clock which is a 12 foot long, 6 foot high scoreboard showing the provincial debt and the rate it's growing by the second will be making a stop today in Fredericton. The Taxpayers Federation is calling on the Alward Government not to raise taxes.

Ethanol Now Part Of Your Gasoline

Irving Oil gasoline now contains ethanol as part of new federal regulations.

The Refinery's general manager Mark Sherman says as of last week it is required by government regulation.

Sherman says it's nothing new for them as they have been blending their gas with ethanol in the U.S. for 6 years.

Ethanol contains oxygen allowing for cleaner and more complete combustion which help the environment.

Long Term Strategy On Wetlands Next On Agenda

Realtors say they want to be part of the discussions leading to a long term provincial strategy on wetlands. So says Jason Stephen who chairs the Government Relations Committee for the New Brunswick Real Estate Association.

He welcomes the changes that were announced by Environment Minister Margaret Ann Blaney especially getting rid of the predictive layer which he maintains caused alot of confusion and most of the anger from landowners.

Tim Vickers of the Atlantic Coastal Action Programme agrees there was alot of confusion, much of it misplaced. He doesn't see wetlands being lost even tough the changes give a gree light to developers to move ahead.

Blaney does warn real estate developers, they have found themselves in trouble in the past by building in areas where flooding has occurred.

Talks Still On At Moosehead

Talks between Moosehead Breweries and the locked out 172 employees are continuing -- that from Moosehead's Vice-President of Public Affairs Joel Levesque.

Negotiations began last week after weeks of picketing by union members over prescription drug coverage and will resume tomorrow.

He tells CHSJ News he believes progress is being made.

Levesque adds Moosehead supplies are fine and doesn't forsee any supply issues in the near future.

Quispamsis Mayor Okay With Expansion Amended

 Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll isn't too upset about the MacKay Highway expansion
getting put on ice.

The province says the project is not necessary at the time and not going forward with the project will save the province millions.

Driscoll tells CHSJ News he understands the decision since that the province is struggling with a huge deficit.

The province is still committing to improving the on/off ramps along the highway and
Driscoll says he would like to see improvements to the ramps leading away and into Quispamsis and Rothesay.

Police Arrest 3 Youths for Break And Enter

Police arresting 3 youths yesterday afternoon around 3 o'clock on break and enter charges.

A house alarm tipped off police to a home on Park Street in the city's north end.

Police say the youths are male and 12 to 13 years old -- two are in court today to answer to the charges while one will be in front of the judge in May.

Locals Hold Anti-Gadhafi Demonstration

The continuing conflict in Libya causing some reaction right here in Saint John.

About 50 demonstrators taking to the streets of the uptown yesterday afternoon to show their dissatisfaction with Libyan ruler Moammar Gadhafi.

The group was carrying signs and declaring that that Gadhafi must go.

Participant Mohammed Mohiuddin says the group wanted to show their solidarity with their Libyan brothers and sisters back home trying to oust the ruler.

The U-S and European nations continue to target Moammar Gadhafi's forces with airstrikes and dozens of cruise missiles this morning after instituting a no-fly zone.

Power Restored To NB Customers

Power has been restored to over 5000 customers who were in the dark last night.

The outage hit customers in Rothesay, Fredericton, Moncton and St. Stephen.

The utility tells CHSJ News outages were due to sudden high winds causing tree branches, and in some cases trees, to make contact with the lines.

Fire In South End

Fire crews getting a call to 181 Princess Street around midnight to battle a blaze.

A fire began in the second floor laundry room of the two-storey building.

The room suffering fire damage with smoke, heat, and water causing damage throughout the rest of the second floor.

No one was hurt but 8 people have been left temporarily homeless with the Red Cross being called in for assistance.

The cause is being looked into but does not appear suspicious.

New Liquor Store Coming To The Valley

In a year from now, residents of Quispamsis and Rothesay will be able to do all of their grocery and liquor store shopping at the same location.

NB Liquor is opening a brand new 12,000 square foot store next to the KV Market Superstore on the Marr Road.

Corporate Services Manager Nora Lacey tells CHSJ News shovels hit the ground this fall this October with the store opening in March of 2012.

Lacey adds all their employees currently working at the Landing Court store and the outlet inside the Superstore will be under one roof.