Scene At West Side Bomb Threat

Folks wait on Main Street West after being evacuated because of a bomb threat at the Bank of Nova Scotia.

Police and Fire Officials Waiting On Bomb Squad

City fire crews and police are in a holding pattern as they wait for the RCMP bomb squad to arrive from Fredericton to investigate a possible explosive left in front of the Scotiabank on Main Street West.

A white bag with a note attached was left near the bank just before noon today.


City police went to work blocking off the area from Simms Corner to Main Street West and Church Street and evacuating people from the businesses on both sides of the street.

CHSJ News learning that the folks displaced from the businesses and homes are calm and waiting and there is no sense of panic.

Moosehead breweries was also evacuated and the City Police are asking motorists to avoid Main Street West for the timebeing.

City Preparing For Tonight's Snowstorm

The City letting us know their crews will be out in force tonight and overnight to keep the streets as safe as possible during the coming storm.
You are reminded to avoid travelling during the storm and to park off the street where you can.

They tell they will be closely monitoring the amount of snowfall into tomorrow and will make a decision about whether an overnight parking ban for the South-Central Peninsula is necessary tomorrow.

City staff will be working to clear the snow on major arteries, highway connections and emergency routes will be cleared constantly during the storm with major bus routes and streets connecting schools, community centres and business districts as the second priority.

To report any concerns about snow removal, call 658-4455.

Dead Mom's Pension Cheques Cashed

A two year suspended sentence has been given to a 66-year-old Saint John woman, Angela Cole for fraud over 5 thousand dollars. 

Cole has been ordered to pay over $10 thousand dollars in restitution after pleading guilty.
 
She pleaded guilty to withdrawing pension benefits deposited in her dead mother's name from a joint account. 
 
Over a five year period, more than $12 thousand dollars in pension benefits had been deposited. 

The pension benefits were still being deposited to the account after Cole's mother died because her death was not reported to either the bank and Public Works Canada.

Crews Evacuate A Stretch of Main Street West

It's a dramatic lunch hour on the west side today.

Customers and employees being evacuated from the Bank of Nova Scotia on Main Street west.

The call came in about 11:45 this morning.

Moosehead breweries is also being evacuated.

City police are asked the public to avoid Main Street west including Simms Corner for the timebeing.

It's blocked from Simms Corner to the intersection by the Irving at Church Street and Manawoganish Road.

Drug Arrests Made And Weapons Seized In Blacks Harbour

Two arrests made after a drug raid in Blacks Harbour. 

Cocaine, marijuana, cash and a number of firearms have been confiscated by the RCMP.

A 40-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman, both living in Blacks Harbour, will be making court appearance in St. Stephen in May.

Their names will not be made public until they're formally charged.

Dealing With Accusations Was Like "Chasing Ghosts"

Chasing ghosts -- that is how former city councillor and former fire chief Glen Tait describes dealing with accusations of wrong-doing by John Ferguson regarding the pension board.

Ferguson is charged with defaming the city's pension board.

Tait told the courtroom Ferguson never showed concrete proof of illegal activity by the board, even after getting the chance to lay out his entire case during an open session of council.

Tait, who was also a pension trustee, said he was affected by the allegations because people could have assumed he was Ferguson's inside source on the shady activity.

Ferguson said he knows the "name, rank, and serial number" of the source and Tait held the rank of Fire Chief.

There will be no testimony tomorrow as the jury will be using the day to go over the vast volumes of documents in the case.

McGraw Says Cuts Are "Closer To The Bone"

The President of the Amalgamated Transit Union says the most recent cuts to Saint John Transit are "closer to the bone" and will be felt by a lot of people.



Tom McGraw tells CHSJ News this cut of 4000 hours of service will likely hurt more.
He says as you get closer to the root of the system there can be more of an impact on people's lives on a daily basis


McGraw says when you cut service hours in order to meet a budget you also cut into your revenue source which can have a spiralling effect.

NDP Leader Praises Government's Pet Policy Reversal

NDP Leader Dominic Cardy is thanking the Social Development Minister for doing the right thing by reversing the eviction orders for NB Housing tenants in Moncton and ordering a review of the no-pets policy.

Cardy hopes Minister Sue Stultz will take action on the problems of health, safety, and
crime that are a serious problem in many NB Housing complexes.

Cardy adds now that residents can keep their pets, the government must make sure rats, drug dealers and other unwanted pests are cleaned out of buildings paid for by New Brunswick taxpayers.

Uninsured Drug Plan Consultations Begin

The Province announcing consultations are underway on the development of a prescription drug plan for the uninsured in our province.

Health Minister Madeline Dube says about 30 per cent of New Brunswickers do not have prescription drug coverage and must pay for their drugs.


Dube says the government is committed to a plan that would fairly subsidize costs based on an person’s ability to pay.

The government wants input on how the plan should be designed, who would be eligible for the plan and the how costs would be shared.


Submissions will be accepted on the Department of Health's website until April 30 and after that will be posted online.

To find the link, click here

Health Council's Snapshot Shows Improvements

The New Brunswick Health Council's population health snapshot has some good news including improved access for people in the province looking for a family doctor.


The snapshots for the province are updated for all seven zones with most up to date information available.

Stephane Robichaud is the Chief Executive Officer at the N.B.H.C. and he tells CHSJ News an increase in the number of doctors is good news and there are improvements on wait times for certain procedures as well.

C.O.P.D. or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is third in the list of top ten reasons for hospital admissions despite the fact that it impacts only 2.7 per cent of the population.

To have a look at the population health snapshot, click here

Another Profit At NB Power

For the third consecutive quarter, NB Power is reporting another profit with net earnings for the nine-month period ending December 31st at $121 million, compared to $53 million for the same period the year before.

The $68 million increase in earnings was the result of a number of factors, including an $84-million reduction in expenses for fuel, purchased power and transmission.

Sharon Murphy of the Conservation Council tells CHSJ News if NB Power wants to stay in the black, it sould continue buying cheap hydro electricity from Quebec because it's far less expensive than nuclear power from the Point Lepreau plant.

NB Power is still saddled with big debt estimated at 4.5 billion dollars, as of the end of last year.

Emera NB Donates Five Thousand Dollars To P.R.O. Kids

P.R.O Kids receiving support from Emera NB to the tune of 5-thousand dollars.

The group matches youth with sports and recreation opportunities.

P.R.O. Kids Chair Kathryn Davison tells CHSJ News the money will be of great help as the city was originally going to increase its contribution by 5-thousand dollars this year but refrained in order to deal with the city's pension plan.

Emera General Manager Rob Belliveau says it's important for companies to give to the community especially when many municipalities are facing tighter budgets.

Defamation Trial Told Of Conversation About City's Pension Plan

The defamation trial of former Common Councillor John Ferguson has heard from the pension board's doctor and former council member Glen Tait.

Dr. Micheal Keating evaluated applications for permanent disability pensions for 11 years and told the court he never misapplied the definition and was never accused of doing do.

Glen Tait testified about a conversation he had with Ferguson at a Cities of New Brunswick meeting in the Miramichi.

Tait told the jury Ferguson claimed he was looking for solutions to the pension plan but Tait accused him of trying to lay blame for the problems and Ferguson replied "You're too smart for me".

Tait also told the jury Ferguson never divulged the source of legal advice he claimed to have showing negligence on the part of the pension board. Tait denies the pension board was derelict in its duties.

Saint John Transit Facing More Cuts

City transit making more service reductions after losing 250-thousand dollars out of its budget.

3 workers will be laid off and 9 routes will see a reduction in service, including priority neighbourhoods like Crescent Valley and the South End.

But Saint John Transit General Manager Frank McCarey tells CHSJ News no routes were eliminated but some buses will now be arriving hourly instead of every half-hour.

Saint John Transit recently eliminated 12 positions on Boxing Day.  The cuts come as the city tries to deal with its massive pension deficit.

The reductions will come into effect on April 1st.

Gas Prices Virtually The Same After Weekly Setting

Fears about rapidly rising gas prices have not been realised.......At least not yet. 

The price of self serve regular in the city has risen by just over half a cent a litre to $1.30.8 while there has been no change in the price of diesel after the weekly setting.

It remains at $1.37.6. Heating oil has gone up to $1.22.2 a litre with propane lower at $1.02.4.

Family Homeless After Fire

Four people are homeless after the house they were renting and most of their belongings were destroyed in a fire late yesterday at 11 Millie Lane in Pennfield. 

There's no word yet on how that fire got started.

The Red Cross is helping our the couple and their two school-aged children with emergency lodging, food and clothing.

No Two Tiered Minimum Wage In New Brunswick

The minimum wage will be going up to ten dollars an hour on April 1st and there will be no two-tiered minimum wage for workers in the province who earn tips.

That announcement made by Labour Minister Martine Coulombe who says the government decided a single minimum wage is the right approach for the provincde.

An online survey on the proposal of a two-tiered minimum wage revealed almost two-thirds of respondents were against the idea.

The Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association warns the 50 cent an hour increase on April 1st could result in a reduction of hours and jobs.
  

Former Fire Chief Says He Worked Well With Former Councillor

Pension Board lawyer Barry Morrison attempting to debunk John Ferguson's comments about of secrecy and bullying at City Hall with testimony from Glen Tait.

The former fire chief telling the court he thought he and Ferguson worked well together. Tait saying that he and and Councillor Titus, a fellow trustee, would have shared all information they had about the pension deficit with Ferguson.

According to Tait, Ferguson never seemed reluctant to accept counsel from senior staff, and there was never any confusion as to the options on the table.

Tait also testifying testifying he arranged a meeting between Darrell Wilson and John Ferguson to discuss issuing pension obligation bonds. Morrison stating Ferguson withheld crucial information about that conversation from council.

Insurance Claims Due To Severe Weather On The Rise

Water damage claims surpassing fire claims in home insurance payouts according to the President of the Insurance Bureau of Canada.

Don Forgeron says that is why the insurance industry, along with all levels of government, need to improve water and sewerage infrastructure in order to minimize the effects of severe weather

He says the failure of infrastructure is usually to blame in damages.

According to a 2007 study by the Canadian Federation of Municipalities and McGill University, Canada has a water and sewage infrastructure deficit of 31 billion dollars.

He says the IBC has developed the MRAT - a municipal risk assessment tool which identifies vulnerabilities in aging infrastructure -- and he is hoping more provinces will make use of the service.

B.C. Police Lay Charges In Rothesay Woman's Death

Charges have been laid in the death of a Rothesay woman killed in Kelowna, B.C. last week.

A 43-year-old Australia man was apparently making a left hand turn at the intersection on Friday when he collided with a second vehicle.

That second vehicle spun into the pedestrian island striking 62-year-old Marilyn Donnelly who was waiting to cross the road.

She died from the injuries she sustained when the second vehicle hit her.

The driver, who has returned to Australia,  was ticketed for driving without due care and attention.

Bursaries Awarded to 16 Police Cadets

16 new police cadets will receive bursaries from the Provincial department of public safety.

The $3,000 bursary is awarded to each successful candidate to offset cadet training costs.

The recipients include Constable Nathan McIntyre of the Rothesay Regional Police Force and Constables Mark McKinnon, Tara Stewart,Tyler White, Connor Bodechon, Trinda Fanjoy, Shawn MacAulay, Jocelyn McIntyre, Peter Osborne and James Smith of the Saint John Police Force.

The bursaries will be awarded at the New Brunswick Chiefs of Police annual meeting in Fredericton.

 

NDP Leader Finds Minister Stultz's "Rats Not Cats" Policy Puzzling

The Province's NDP Leader is puzzled as to why the Social Development Minister is cracking down on cats and dogs in NB Housing properties when they seem to have bigger problems.


Dominic Cardy tells CHSJ news his Fredericton office has been flooded with calls on this topic over the last week.

He tells us people are talking about needles lying about in common areas, an infestation of rats and mold and yet these issues which have been reported are not getting much action from NB Housing.

Cardy tells us he doesn't understand why Minister Sue Stultz is using this strange 'rats not cats' policy.

Next Major Earthquake In Province Expected To Be Near Point Lepreau

The Conservation Council claims the next major earthquake will be in Passamaquoddy Bay and is raising doubts whether the Point Lepreau nuclear power plant would be able to be left standing in the aftermath.
 
Sharon Murphy of the Conservation Council argues Lepreau would not be able to withstand a quake closer than 25 kilometers with a magnitude of 6 and that's why seismic studies should be done before the plant comes back on line after being refurbished.   
 
NB Power has said seismic studies will be done but hasn't said when. It is a stipulation  of the nuclear power plant's license renewal by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

Prison Term For Underwear Thief

A former Grand Bay-Westfield man, 21 year old Corey Douglas Donald MacKenzie has been sentenced to three years in prison for breaking into homes in the Saint John area and stealing women's underwear.

The thefts began in 2010.

Local MP Says Suggestions Are Being Taken At Controversial Bill

Saint John MP Rodney Weston returning to the House of Commons next week and one of the big issues of late has been the controversial C-30 bill, also known as the Protecting Children from Internet Predators Act.

It has come under public scrutiny as critics say the bill would force internet service providers to allow access to private data without a warrant.

Weston tells CHSJ News he understands how there can be some controversy as the topic is not only sensitive but relatively new.

He says Public Safety Minister Vic Toews is open to suggestions on changes to the bill but his number one priority is to protect children.

Accusations and Grandstanding Lead To Soured Friendship

Altered friendships and loss of public trust--that's what the Former Finance Commissioner says happened after John Ferguson openly challenged goings-on at city hall.

Andrew Beckett saying he was personally effected by Ferguson's public questions. He says he was stopped and questioned by members of the public, and that his relationships with family and friends suffered.

Beckett telling the court the repeated questions were frustrating because Ferguson's information was incorrect.

Beckett also said Ferguson was trying to use his notoriety to go for the mayor's job in the May 2008 election, and that once he lost, Ferguson stopped making a public fuss about the issue.

The cross-examination if Beckett begins tomorrow.

Changing Temps Lead To Pothole Increase

No doubt you've been swerving to avoid a pothole or two on the way to and from work recently.
The City of Saint John's Municipal Operations department receiving many calls since the beginning of the month with a lack of snow on the road and the freeze/thaw cycle breaking up the asphalt.
Deputy Commissioner Kevin Rice tells CHSJ News says when crews are not clearing snow, they are surveying the city examining the roads and keeping up with potholes.

He says their mandate is too fill the potholes with cold mix which is a temporary fix until the hot asphalt plant opens in the spring.
 

Rice says the cold fix is a very sticky material and as vehicles especially transports drive over the pothole, the material sticks to the tires and gets pulled out of the hole a little bit at a time.   He says they have situations where they have go back and refill a pothole that was repaired a day or a week earlier.

To report a pothole, call  658-4455 or click here

Body Identified As Missing Fredericton Woman

A woman's body found on the banks of the St. John River has been identified.
Fredericton police says its Elizabeth Ruth Fellows who was reported missing nearly a month ago.

The 41-year-old was last seen January 25th near the Devon Plaza on the north side of the city.
A person walking near the Devon Plaza on Sunday discovered the body near the river.

A warming tent was put up near the scene and the body was removed last night.
An autopsy will be held to determine how Fellows died.

Innovatia Gets Federal Dollars To Market Emerging Software

Local tech company Innovatia getting big money from the federal government in order to help develop and sell an emerging software product for oil and gas companies.

The company receiving 376-thousand dollars and Innovatia General Manager Blair Morgan says the money will help the company develop, market, and sell the product.

The software speeds up the creation of technical instructions.

Irving Oil currently uses the product.

Finance Minister Told To Increase Taxes On Rich In The Province

Now that Finance Minister Blaine Higgs has finished up his pre-budget consultations, the time has come for number crunching.

Jason Edwards of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives tells CHSJ News the tax cuts implemented in 2008 by the previous Liberal Government should be done away with because they didn't do anything for the provincial economy.

Edwards has co-authored a report calling for changes that include the tax rate on those people earning more than 150 thousand dollars a year in the province rising to 21 per cent and more than 17 per cent for those New Brunswickers earning over 116 thousand dollars annually.
 
He estimates government revenues could increase by more than 260 million dollars a year and that extra money could be used where it's really need in public services such as health and education.

Elections NB Is Looking For Candidates

Did you ever consider taking a stab at municipal politics?
Your chance is coming up with municipal elections to be held across the province on May 14th.

Chief Electoral Officer Michael Quinn tells CHSJ News because of a lack of media attention the people thinking about running municipally find out too late.

He says they have found in talking to people after elections that if they had known sooner that it was happening they would have thrown their name in the hat. 

In an effort to create awareness of the May 14th vote, Quinn is touring the province speaking to different groups on how the process works and why it's important to run.

Quinn tells the municipal level is where you can have the most impact politically because its where the issues really impact people in their daily lives.  

For more info, click here

Ferguson's Accusations Are Refuted At Defamation Trial

The defamation trial of former Common Councillor John Ferguson has been told no key information about the early retirement programme was withheld from Common Council.
 
Former Finance Commissioner Andrew Beckett told the court there was alot of frustration at the Pension Board about Ferguson's accusations and he wasn't aware of any Pension Board trustee playing politics. 

The jury was shown a video of then City Manager Terry Totten calling Ferguson's numbers and conclusions incorrect. 

Totten tells Common Council the early retirefment programme saved the city over 5 million dollars and he was unaware of any claim for disability being approved without proper medical documentation or because someone didn't get along with their supervisor.

City Unveils Energy Dashboard

A 42-inch monitor now up in the Shops of City Hall displays real time monthly and yearly energy use and savings at the Saint John Transit building.

Some of the data shown on the big screen includes CO2 production, money saved in energy costs and the leaders in water savings.

Energy Manager Samir Yammine tells CHSJ News it's important to tell the public how investing in green buildings pays off and he predicts $320,000 in savings by the end of the year.

He adds similar dashboards will be rolled out in other buildings including Peel Plaza.

February Holiday Ruled Out

Don't look for a February holiday happening in our province anytime soon.

Family Day is a holiday in four other provinces including Alberta and Ontario but the Premier says another holiday wouldn't be good for small businesses many of which are on shaky ground and facing economic challenges such as an increase in the minimum wage which is due to take effect in September.
 
The Premier goes on to say the state of the economy is just too fragile right now and we already have a number of holidays throughout the year.

Jury Watches Common Council Blast John Ferguson

The jury in the John Ferguson defamation trial watching more excerpts from Common Council meetings.

They watched the night where Ferguson presented his report to council about perceived issues and misconduct by the pension board, specifically regarding employees receiving permanent disability benefits without a valid reason.

But other councillors not happy with the report -- both Councillor Christ Titus and Deputy Mayor Michelle Hooten calling the report smoke and mirrors with no concrete evidence.

Titus says he was offended that as a pension trustee, Ferguson is making allegations that the board would be rubber-stamping benefits without proper justification.

Former City Finance Commissioner Andrew Beckett remains on the stand and will continue his testimony today. 

Rainbow Park To Be Re-Dedicated In Children's Memory

Rainbow Park is going back to its roots.   The green space will be re-dedicated this May to the memory of Jaqueline Brewer and John Ryan Turner-two children who died in the  90's from the abuse and neglect of the parents.
Carl Trickey tells CHSJ News people in the neighbourhood want that memory resurrected.

He says as the park deteriorated over the years the original sign was lost and the community wants a new sign as the park is re-established.

Trickey says the community wants a plaque attached to one of the buildings at Rainbow Park.
The rededication is set for late May and they also want to host an annual Candlelight memorial service in October.

Committee To Recognize Our Role In 1812 Conflict

The Province forming a committee to commemorate our contribution to the War of 1812.
 
In Saint John for the announcement at the New Brunswick Museum, Premier David Alward says the contribution of the 104th Regiment is likely the best known event.
Premier David Alward says the work that the regiment did in many ways saved Canada.

He says the hardships of the 104th regiment have been recognized historically but, New Brunswickers need to know about their contribution.

The Committee includes Molly Demma of the St. John River Society and Captain Kevin Anderson of the Province's Military History Museum.

New Cenotaph To Be Built In Millidgeville

3 local pilots and a mechanic who lost their lives in World War I, II, and the Korean War will be honoured with a new cenotaph this fall.

The federal government giving over 27-hundred dollars for the construction of a stone memorial next to M. Gerald Teed Memorial School.

Harold Wright is with the Canadian Aviation Historical Society and he tells CHSJ News our city has a rich military history and it's great to honour our local ties to the war effort.

The memorial will be unveiled in September.

Herman Is Found And All Is Well

It was thought he was a goner after being stolen from Pets Unlimited at the beginning of this month but Herman the tortoise has been found safe and sound.

Duane Squires of City Police got information that led to the recovery of Herman who has been turned over to his owners at Pets Unlimited on McAllister Drive.

At the time of Herman’s theft, three people were charged. No further charges will be laid, according to police.

The General Manager of the Pets Unlimited store where Herman was stolen from, Joe Mullet, when contacted by our newsroom, tells CHSJ News he has been told the only thing he can say to us is "no comment".

Former Mayor Considering Another Run At City Hall

Former Mayor Shirley McAlary is at least thinking of a return to civic politics.

McAlary tells CHSJ News she hasn't made up her mind yet and hasn't even decided whether she might run for Mayor or just a seat on Common Council.

McAlary was defeated as she sought re-election as Mayor in 2004, losing to Norm McFarlane.

She had been a member of Common Council since 1994 and had served as Deputy Mayor before Tom Higgins had to leave office due to illness.

Former Finance Commissioner Tells Defamation Trial He Was Embarrassed

Former City Finance Commissioner Andrew Beckett says he was frustrated and bewildered by attacks launched by former Common Councillor John Ferguson.

Beckett told the jury he was embarrassed that former Mayor Norm McFarlane felt compelled to come to his defense.

Another excerpt from Common Council was played during which Ferguson charged the early retirement programme cost the city more money that was thought and there were errors in the city's audited financial statements.
 
Ferguson said he was prepared to share the documentation he had but Beckett told the court nothing was ever presented.
 
Beckett also maintains there were no errors with the city's financial statements and the early retirement package had a minimal impact on the city's pension plan.

Rothesay Woman Killed In B-C

A freak accident in B-C taking the life of a 62 year old Rothesay woman who was visiting her son.  

Marilyn Donnelly was standing at an intersection in Kelowna on Friday afternoon when there was a collision described as a t-bone crash. 

She was killed when a car was sent careening into her.

Man Dies In Snowmobile Crash

A snowmobile crash over the weekend taking the life of a Fredericton man.
 
The victim has been identified as 42 year old Reggie Blaine Gullison. The RCMP say he died when his snowmobile collided with some trees after going up a snowbank on a road near Stanley, 30 km north of Fredericton.
 
The RCMP, firefighters and paramedics were called after someone discovered the crash site along Cross Creek Road.

One Man In Hospital After Early Morning Fire

One man was taken to hospital early this morning suffering from burns and smoke inhalation after a fire at an apartment on the third floor of a building at 11 Ritchie Street. 

The fire was contained to the one apartment in the three storey building and the cause is not believed to be suspicious. 

A nearby building was evacuated as a precaution. 

City Road was closed to traffic until the fire was extinguished.

Mayor Court Expected To Testify At Defamation Trial

The city's former Finance Commissioner, Andrew Beckett will be back on the witness stand this morning at the defamation trial of former Common Councillor John Ferguson.

Mayor Ivan Court is also expected to testify at some point. It has been revealed the city's pension plan needed a return on its investments of 8 per cent to break even which wasn't a problem in the late 1990's when it enjoyed double digit returns.

Mayor Court tells CHSJ News the plan went from an 18 million dollar surplus to a 31 million dollar deficit when the assumed rate of return was lowered by the Superintendent of Pensions at the time.
 

At the beginning of the year 2000, the city's pension plan had a surplus of 29 million dollars. It now has an estimated deficit of 190 million dollars plus.

Bullying Victim Decides to Leave Town

It's a sad update to a bullying story we told you about earlier this month. 15 year old Brendan Annis used to enjoy classes at Leo Hayes High School, but now he's been bullied so severely that he's moving out of the province. Annis was stalked and harassed by his peers after he decided to break up with his girlfriend. His dad, Fred Annis, tells us

His dad, Fred Annis, tells CHSJ News it was a tough call to make, but they hope a change of scene will help Brenden get back on track with school and into a healthier state of mind. 

Brenden's parents removed the teen from school for several weeks, but as soon as he came back the bullies started it up again. Dianne Wilkins, the superintendent of school district 18, telling us earlier this month that they'd hired an external investigator to review the situation. 

According to the family, the school didn't get back to them when promised that they would work to find a solution.

Fire Chief Will be Sadly Missed

A beloved East Side fire chief being fondly remembered by friends, family, and former-co-workers.

Simonds Fire Chief Ralph Gordon Kane passed away on Thursday. Fire captain Bill Peacock says he knew Kane for 20 years, and that whoever fills his shoes is going to have to do a lot of walking.

Peacock says that if the measure of a man is what you're willing to do for others, Kane's stock would have been invaluable.

Kane joined the Simonds fire department in 1980. A reception will be held at the Simonds Fire Hall on Tuesday afternoon following Kane's funeral at 12:05.

Increase In Response Time Will Not Raise Fire Insurance Rates

The local firefighters union claims that due to the recent budget cuts, response times will be going up by 2 to 3 minutes and will cause an increase to fire insurance rates.

But the VP of TD Insurance Henry Blumenthal tells CHSJ News a bump in the response time by a few minutes will not affect your rate.

He says the main criteria for fire rates is based on distance, not response time.

He adds it would take a huge increase in the response time for rates to be affected.

CUPE Says Alward Government is Out of Step with NBers

Put your own house in order before reducing public services--that's the message from CUPE New Brunsick president Daniel Legere. 

According to a recent survey  survey by the Canadian Union of Public Employees, people in the province aren't prepared to accept Finance Minister Blaine Higgs statement that we should want less, because big changes are coming in the province.
Seven out of 10 New Brunswickers believe it's possible for the government to reduce spending without reducing public services.