Deaf Voices Finally Heard

The deaf community in Saint John finally having their voices heard at the new Health Plan discussion. Hearing impaired Saint Johnner Wanda Berrette tells CHSJ news through an interpreter their #1 complaint is when they visit the ER.

"We'll say to them can you please call in an interpreter? And then we sit there for 45 minutes to an hour just to go into triage because they don't want to call an interpreter. They have a list at the hospital, but they never look at it, they use that list."

Berrette adds it's been difficult to give their input when health surveys are held over the phone. She says the deaf community is often told to lip read or get a family member to translate, but that kind of communication is difficult and often falsely translated.

City Finance Commissioner Likes Tolls To Pay For Roads

City Finance Commissioner Greg Yeomans is frustrated over roads around town.

The state of roads, according to surveys, is uppermost in the minds of Saint Johnners.

Yeomans is not opposed to tolls to help pay for the upkeep of roads. He points out one loaded 18 wheeler is the equivalent of 96 hundred cars in terms of wear and tear and the city is saddled with the cost of maintenance with no way to generate revenue to pay for it.
 
Yeomans concedes when there were tolls on the Harbour Bridge, some truckers would try to avoid paying by going over the Reversing Falls Bridge and through the uptown.
 
Nonetheless, Yeomans says he was infuriated when the tolls were removed.

Garbage Collector Fined In Death Of Worker

Dominion Refuse handed a fine of 35 thousand dollars for the death of one of its workers.

25 year old Adam Wade Harris of the St. George area was after a large bin that was being dumped into the back of a garbage truck at Blacks Harbour somehow went sideways and struck him.

In the aftermath of Harris's death, Work Safe NB ordered the bin locking mechanism at the back of the truck be repaired, training for workers in the safe dumping of bins as well as for the operators who hoist the bins into the garbage trucks.

Arrests Made In North End Assault

City Police report a man was roughed up in the north end. 

Two underage teens find themselves arrested and looking at possible charges of assault causing bodily harm.

Parking Changes Could Be Afoot

It's a quality of life issue--that from Mayor Mel Norton about the accessibility of parking between uptown's business and residential districts. Common Council discussing the possibility of May to November parking on both sides of King Street East.

Mayor Mel Norton tells CHSJ News he doesn't buy that changing parking on King Street East would become a slippery slope--because King Street East is uniquely suited to the mpve, and other streets would have to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Councillor Shirley McAlary agreeing with Norton--while Councillor Donna Reardon said parking is a delicate balance with which we should not tinker.

Health Minister Pulls No Punches On How Unhealthy We Are

New Brunswick is the unhealthiest province in Canada, that coming from Health Minister Madelaine Dube.  She hosted a public meeting with Saint Johnners to hear their suggestions for the new health plan. 

Right now the province is facing problems with obesity, smoking, chronic disease and an aging population. And at 8.6 million dollars which is spent each day on health care, Dube tells CHSJ news we need to work together to find a new strategy to deal with these problems without going broke.

"We need to make some changes within the system to make sure we have better outcomes. Right now it's not a little investment, it's the outcomes we don't have compared to the level of funding we're providing."

The suggestions include early health education for children, electronic medical records to help with various medical visits and more after hours primary care.

This is the first time public meetings have been held to generate a new health plan which is expected by the end of the year. 




 Video courtesy of the Government of New Brunswick.

A Geary Man Facing Charges After Bust

A Geary man faces charges after a marihuana bust.

On Friday, RCMP conducting a search at a home in Geary and dismantling a grow op with plants in various stages of growth.


The officers also seizing some marihuana. 
A 56-year-old man is due in court next month.

Saint John Is Seen As Trailblazer On Selling Tourism

New Brunswick is one of the only provinces or states where a hotel tax is not charged but that could change with Premier David Alward said to be open to the idea.

There are ten hotels in Saint John which have been charging a 2 per cent hotel levy since 2007.

Paulette Hicks of the Saint John Hotel Association tells CHSJ News tourists don't seem to mind because it's so common elsewhere.

That 2 per cent levy brings in something like 400 thousand dollars a year which is used to sell tourism in Saint John.

Man Dies After Lepreau Crash

A Saint John man is dead after a motorcycle/car collision on Highway 1 in Lepreau on Monday morning.

The motorcycle and the car were both heading westbound and the motorcycle was in the passing lane when the collision occurred.

A 55 year old man driving the motorcycle was thrown from the vehicle and died from his injuries en route to hospital.

A funeral service for David Levenshulme will be held on Saturday morning at St. Mark's United Church on the west side beginning at 10:00.

An RCMP reconstructionist is looking into the cause of the collision.

City Urged To Do Business With The Province And Federal Government Differently

The city's own Intergovernmental Affairs Co-ordinator says there has to be a better way of interacting with the provincial and federal governments so Saint John can get the funding help it needs to help pay for the big projects.  

He says the city usually approaches the province and federal government only when it wants something from them.

Phil Ouellette is also urging better communication between Common Council and city staff.
 
Ouellette wants the new Common Council to stay on message and speak with one voice as a team because for the next couple of years it's going to be tough to get government funding of any kind. 

He warns the city will lose credibility if individual members of Council approach the other levels of government with their own individual priorities.

New Uptown Methadone Clinic Welcomed

The waiting list for methadone treatment should be cleared up with the opening of a new clinic on Waterloo Street. 

Julie Dingwell who runs Aids Saint John estimates there were 300 people on the waiting list but probably alot more in need of methadone treatment who just gave up because they thought there was no hope.
 
Dingwell believes crime will go down as well as health care costs because injection drug users are prone to serious heart disease which is expensive to treat while, on methadone, they tend to take better care of themselves.

Breast Health Centre To Open In Moncton

The province plans to spend over $8 million dollars to build a two story addition the Dr. George Dumont Hospital in Moncton to integrate breast care services.

The centre will offer screening, diagnostic imaging, clinical exams, surgery and therapeutic services.

It's due to open in the fall of 2014.

"Blood Service Will Be As Good Or Even Better"

The delivery of blood will be monitored after the transfer of blood production from University Avenue in Millidgeville to Dartmouth is complete. 

The Chief Operating Officer at Canadian Blood Services Ian Mumford says meetings have been taking place with doctors to come up with a system of measurements.

Mumford adds the results will be transparent because the people on his end are confident the service will be as good or even better that it was before the transfer of blood production to Nova Scotia.

Wellness Minister Says It's Time To Get Off The Couch

The Alward Government wants a new health care plan that's more reflective of today's financial realities.

A health care forum will be held at the Delta tonight from 6 to 9 hosted by Provincial Health Minister Madelaine Dube who's in town to hear what you have to say. 

63 per cent of adults and 24 per cent of children and teens in the province are overweight or obese. Wellness Minister Trevor Holder says that has to change with steps taken to prevent people from getting sick through bad diet and a lack of exercise. 

He points to studies showing for every dollar spent on preventative care, you can save 12 dollars in health care costs. He also argues thirty minutes of physical activity a day, which could consist of a brisk walk, can reduce your chances of getting Type 2 diabetes by 60 per cent.

Another core issue facing the province is the aging population and greater demand for health care services.

Councillor Wants Eyesores Beautified

Tearing down old buildings aren't a problem, but what do you do with the gravel on the land afterwards? Common Councillor John Mackenzie tells CHSJ news he has a solution to the eyesores.

"A lot full of gravel and dirt doesn't look very appealing. I plan on putting forth a motion that in order to complete the job we put in some top soil and seed it so it looks a lot nicer at the end of the day."

An increasing number of Saint Johners have approached Mackenzie over safety concerns with the torn-down buildings in the Old North End. Mackenzie is not quite sure what this will cost the demolition companies.

Changes Coming To Heritage Preservation In City

It will be up to Common Council, during its current mandate, to determine what the right level of regulation is for heritage buildings in the city. 

Chief City Planner Ken Forrest says there has been ongoing debate about this for some time. 

Forrest also telling Councillors there will be reduced funding for heritage properties and that will necessitate changes being made in the programme. 

Last year, 90 thousand dollars worth of heritage grants were handed out to property owners.

Highway Collision At Lepreau

Two people rushed to hospital after a collision late yesterday morning between a car and motorcycle on Highway 1 at Lepreau. 

We're told by Musquash Fire and Rescue the motorcyclist suffered serious injuries. 

The driver of the car was also taken to hospital.

Three Fires Kill Two People And Leave Woman Homeless

The fire department is investigating what caused a weekend fire at 263 Crawford Road on the east side. The fire was contained to the front of the building. 

A Chipman area woman is staying with relatives after her farm house was destroyed in a fire yesterday.  She managed to escape to safety along with her two dogs and two horses.

Oromocto Fire Chief Jody Price is warning about the dangers of smoking in bed after a fatal fire on Highway 102 in the Burton area. A 61 year old woman and her 87 year old father died in that blaze.

Two Dead In House Fire

A deadly house fire near Oromocto has left two people dead.

Officials are investigating the incident that occurred near yesterday morning on Highway 102 in the Burton-area. The victims are a 61 year old woman and her 88 year old father. Their names have not been released. The Fire chief believes cigarettes were the cause. The fire began in the women's room. Autopsies are scheduled for today.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, but officials say foul play is not suspected at this time.

Doubts In Heritage Financial Support

Saint John has one of the largest inventories of heritage buildings of any city in the country with 770 properties holding the heritage designation. 90 thousand dollars worth of grants were handed out last year to heritage property owners but Chief City Planner Ken Forrest is expressing doubt whether that level of support can continue considering the financial realities today.

"So we have a significant number of designated properties, and we have challenges with respect to meeting the needs of those properties with the resourcing that's available. So those are our challenges."

Forrest says the new Common Council will have to figure out what the right level of regulation should be.

Canadians Optimistic On Economy

A Canada Day study done by the Bank of Montreal shows we are an optimistic lot about our future economic prospects. Paul Taylor is Chief Investment Officer with B-M-O Harris Private Banking and he tells CHSJ News 83% of us are proud of how this country's economy has performed.

"Half of Canadians expect their investment portfolios to grow by Canada Day 2013, which is kind of interesting given the mackerel head winds we see out there in the financial press."

Taylor is surprised at the level of optimism which hasn't been dampened by the cutbacks announced of late by the Harper Government.

Pollution In Fundy Better & Worse

There's been a significant reduction with large industrial debris (such as styrofoam, large pieces of pipe and nets) in the Bay of Fundy, so says Fundy Bay Keeper Matt Abbott. The Bay Keeper has been keeping the waters of Fundy clean since 2003. He tells CHSJ news there's still problems with ocean acidification, nets and rope garbage and waste from salmon aquaculture, but he's seen some major clean up of the Saint John sewer system.

"We've got a long, long way to go but at the same time there's a lot of people working on this and we certainly hope we can continue to harness that energy and keep our Bay vibrant and give it it's best shot against these big changes that are coming down the pipe."

Abbott would like to see more clean up of municipal waste, which overloads and spills into the Bay during heaving rain. He adds that his advocacy works has paid off, finding that many people bring waste to shore.

The Bay Keeper patrols the Fundy coastline from Alma to St. Stephen.

Skin Cancer Rising In NB

The provinces Chief Medical Officer of Health is warning New Brunswickers' to take care when in the sun. Doctor Eilish Cleary tells CHSJ news the number of skin cancer cases in the province is increasing.

"We had over a 100 cases in 2000, and a 168 cases in 2009, so it is an issue which can cause serious illness and death."

Cleary adds tanning and sun exposure also ages skin. She advises people to avoid sun rays when they're highest between midday and 4:00pm, to wear a hat and loose clothing, and most importantly... put sunscreen on before exposure. She says children and people with fair skin are most at risk.

The province introduced voluntary tanning guidelines two years ago including an age limit of 18 and limiting of one tan every 48 hours.

Qplex Gets Into 'Disney' Character

Disney Themes and Canada flags will take over the Qplex today. Promotions Manager Aaron Kennedy tells CHSJ news there will be bands, cake, games a t-shirt toss and more.

"Canada Day in Quispamsis has always been a big day for families and friends to get together, they'll be lots of Disney princesses and characters."

Kennedy adds the Qplex has an advantage... if the weather is bad all outdoor events can be moved inside. The Qplex festivities will take place from 12 until 5 today.

VIDEO: People Parade

Video of the Canada Day People Parade in Uptown, Saint John.

Bring Out The Maple! Happy Canada Day, SJ!

Canada Day day is here!!! This morning in Uptown Saint John King Street is busy from top to bottom with a flea market featuring everything from ethnic foods, crafts to nick knacks.

People Parade will kick off from Kings Square at 11, followed by flag raising at City Hall and a Skateboard Competition at Noon at the Skate Park.

Fireworks are at 10:15 tonight.

For a full schedule of events, click here.

Happy Canada Day, Saint Andrews!

Saint Andrews by the Sea is celebrating Canada Day in true maritime style. The village hosting a parade, antique car show, sunrise ceremony, dog show and more. 

Deputy Mayor Cate Agaki tells CHSJ news Canada Day is a big deal in Saint Andrews--and the village goes all out with day-long events, a parade and more. She also says there will be a surprise after the fireworks finish up--but you'll have to come out and see what it is for yourself.

For a full schedule of Canada Day events in Saint Andrews, click here

Happy Canada Day, Sussex!

Dairytown planning some celebrations fit for a Queen this Canada Day....the Diamond Jubilee themed festivities include a parade, live entertainment, a talent show, and some lean, mean vintage machines from throughout the region.

Community services director Jason Thorne tells CHSJ News the antique car show will be better than ever this year because they're cooperating with the same people who do the famous Balloon Fiesta car show.

For a complete schedule of Canada Day events in Sussex, click here

No Vacancy: City Lock Up Full

The Saint John Detention Centre is full. Something some Saint John City Police say they've never seen. Police tell CHSJ news the full-house comes after a night full of fights, assaults, and breathalyzers. Many of the arrests were made around the Market Square Boardwalk. One man is facing charges causing bodily harm after a domestic incident near King Square. Police will have extra officers on deck for the long-weekend as part of their Bar Safety patrol. Overflow of people arrested will be sent to Hampton Jail.

Hiring For New Blood Services Call Centre Next Year

Hiring is expected to start next spring by Canadian Blood Services for its new contact centre to be located in its building on University Avenue and renovations alone will cost from 2 to 2 and a half million dollars.


That estimate from Chief Operating Officer Ian Mumford who says 16 to 20 people are expected to be working there by July of next year with 50, including five registered nurses, taking calls from across the country by July of 2014.



Mumford says Canadian Blood Services did not receive any money from the province. Blood product will be stored in the building and blood will still be collected there.

Finley In SJ To Give The Scoop On EI Changes

Federal Human Resources Minister Diane Finley in town today  as she wrapped up a whirlwind tour of Atlantic Canada. The Minister addressing widespread concerns about proposed changes to the EI program, which many have worried will have a negative impact on seasonal workers.

Finley tells CHSJ news the changes aren't going to hurt those workers as some believe. She says if you're looking for work in the off season and can't find it, EI will still be there for you. But if you're laid off in the off-season, she says there will be "incentives" to get you back out working again.


While the changes haven't been entirely finalized, she says one that will be effective in August is allowing part-time workers to keep 50 cents on every dollar they make instead of having it clawed back.

Whirligigs Galore All Summer

If you're looking for something different to do this Canada Day weekend - the Whirligigs exhibits may just be the answer.
The Beaverbrook Art Gallery in Fredericton and Kingsbrae Garden in St Andrews have various pieces of the wind driven whirligigs artwork by Atlantic Canadian artists on display from now until September 15th.
Locally - Chas MacKay is one of the artists contributing to the display.
The Kingsbrae Garden exhibit opened earlier this month while the Beaverbrook Art Gallery held it's official opening of the exhibit last night.
Acadia Broadcasting Limited - the parent company of Country 94 and 97.3 the Wave - is a proud sponsor of the exhibits.

Countryfest Is Set To Rock The qplex

Kevin Chase and Mike Biggar fans can get their fix at a brand new music event in the Valley this weekend.
Countryfest is an all day concert at the qplex, a first for the venue.
 
Marketing and Promotions Manager Aaron Kennedy tells CHSJ News they will also have food on site.

He says it's all a beer garden and will be held on the arena floor inside the qplex.
He adds people will be protected from the elements rain or shine.   

Countryfest begins at 4pm tomorrow at the qplex. 

For ticket info, click here

Insurance Industry Appears Happy With Proposed Changes

Balanced and well reasoned........That's how Bill Adams of the Insurance Bureau of Canada describes the provincial government's proposed changes to auto insurance.

Adams likes the idea of having a list of minor injuries because it gives greater clarity on what constitutes a minor injury.

Adams did not criticise the proposed increase in the minor injury cap from 25 hundred to 75 hundred dollars.

He does say it will take some time and alot of actuarial number crunching before it's determined the effect the changes would have on what you pay for auto insurance.

National Mental Health Strategy Unveiled

The National Mental Health Commission did exhaustive research in creating "Changing Directions Changing Lives" to create a mental health strategy for the entire country.

The new national approach and provincial mental health action plan share common ground on how to best provide help to those with mental health.
 
Provincial Health Minister Madeline Dube was in town today at Mental Health Recovery Services on Duke Street.

Dube tells CHSJ News it's a great example of what we need as they provide people with health assistance and support in getting a job and a home.

She says it's huge because people have a central place to come and work on the recovery side and have quality of life and this is what we want.

Dr. David Goldblum of the Mental Health Commission of Canada says they want to continue the dialogue on improving mental health care for everyone here and across the country.

A Change Of Plan For Canadian Blood Services

Canadian Blood Services describe it it as an enhanced role for the province in the national blood system as it announces the establishment of its second contact centre at its building on University Avenue which will, by July of 2014, have 50 people, including 5 registered nurses taking calls about blood from across the country 7 days a week.

The blood agency had been talking about putting the building up for sale.

Chief Operating Officer Ian Mumford also says the blood itself will be kept there right across from the Regional Hospital. He believes that short proximity will allay the fears of the medical community about running short. In any event, Mumford says performance will be tracked with benchmarks and the results of how it's working will be transparent.

Happy Canada Day, Saint John!

Most of us are counting down the hours to the long weekend--and uptown Saint John is playing host to some major celebrations this year. 

The Market Square Boardwalk is in the middle of 145 hours of performances to celebrate Canada's 145th anniversary. Stephany Peterson of the Hardman Group tells CHSJ News a slew of bands will be playing including headliners Hawksley Workman, Mother Mother, and country and folk acts.

The Canada Day fireworks start July 1 on the boardwalk at 10:15pm. 

For a full schedule click here

Morrisdale Crash Update

No one was seriously hurt after a head-on crash on Route 102 in Morrisdale. Constable. Jason Myatt tells CHSJ news a woman was treated for minor injuries at the hospital and later released.

The crash happening around 5pm yesterday. Traffic was backed up in both directions for a significant amount of time.

Strikers Issue Warning to "Scabs"

"We'll remember your names"--that warning from school board worker president Brien Watson to workers that cross the picket line at Maritime Broadcasting. The school board workers president says he hopes the "scabs" realize they'll have a hard time getting union jobs down the line now that they've crossed the picket line at MBS.

 With Saint John MBS workers on their 5th day of strike action, a number of members of school board local 380 came down to the corner of Union and Sidney Streets to lend their support.

Watson says all 30,000 CUPE workers stand behind the striking employees--- and this will only escalate from here.

Two Vehicle Crash in Morrisdale

Traffic is moving again on Route 102 in Morrisdale after a head-on collision earlier this afternoon.

The jaws of the life were needed to remove two people from their vehicles.

No word yet on any injuries.
 

Funding Cuts Could Hurt Business

A place to live and work on the edge--that's how Enterprise Saint John wants people to see the Port City. But with core funding being cut by ACOA, General manager Steve Carson says they're looking at new ways to continue their mandate of retaining and attracting business investments to Saint John.

He says they'll make up the lost funding with a combination of other resources.

Carson says they're losing $240,000 as of May of next year, which is 15% of their total budget.

Meantime, it's expected the new Wal Mart in Lancaster Mall will be opening up its doors by late fall or early in 2013.

Crash Shuts Down Highway

All of Route 102 in Morrisdale is shut down due to a head on crash on the highway.

A caller to our CHSJ Newsroom tells us two cars were involved.

Fire, police and ambulance on the scene. Folks heading in either direction are advised to plan their routes accordingly.

City Crews Help With Moncton Spill

The Saint John Fire Department is helping out after a spill at the University of Moncton.

Two people were exposed in a chemical bunker behind the science building at the school.
 
They have not been sent to hospital and the chemical involved has not been determined.
 
CHSJ News learning there are road closures in the area because of the incident.

The crews from Saint John were requested by the Province's Deputy Fire Marshall.

Three vehicles have been sent to Moncton with 13 personnel including the Regional Hazmat Unit.

Fun Fitness Opportunity For Teen Girls

Teen girls getting a crash course in fitness and friendship at a new free program out oft he Carleton Community Center. Fit and Fun for Girls combines creative exercise opportunities like roller derby with educational talks about a variety of topics.

Organizer and social worker Laura Gatien tells CHSJ news the program is free with something for every young woman--including a chance to make new friends in a healthy and supportive environment.

Only 6 out of 15 places are filled. For more information call 647-4307. The program runs on Wednesdays from 10 until 12am.

Princess Of Acadia Due To Resume Schedule

The Princess of Acadia Ferry is expected to be back in service tomorrow with its regular operating schedule.

The vessel was out of service while repairs were being done at drydock in Halifax.

For more info, call Bay Ferries at 1-877-762-SAIL (7245) or here in Saint John 649-7777 or click here

City Dealing with Increasing Numbers Of Dangerous Buildings

The city has to cope with more and more dangerous buildings these days with 130 active cases.

That word given to Common Council by Building Inspector Amy Poffenroth who says getting landlords to maintain minimum standards in their buildings is even busier but the courts are co-operating by imposing higher fines for not complying.


She says last year a precendent setting fine of 11 thousand dollars was levied on one recalcitrant building owner.

Poffenroth says her department concentrates on the most dangerous buildings that pose a risk to public safety. One of those dangerous buildings on Victoria Street that was torched recently is being torn down.

Common Council Warned About Climate Change

The heavy rain this week forcing the evacuation of 12 people from a Saint John apartment building and contributing to a mudslide near Hartland.

Chief City Planner Ken Forrest warning the new members of Common Council these types of weather events will be happening more often because of climate change.

Part of the heavy rainfall this week was caused by Tropical Storm Debbie which deluged parts of Florida with 600 millimeters of rain.

Forrest says drainage of storm water in parts of Saint John leaves much to be desired at the best of times.

Rain Forces Evacuation Of Apartment Building

All the rain we've been getting has forced 12 people, including 7 children, to leave their aging apartment building on Bryden Street. 

The rain caused problems with the building's electrical system and the fire department came to the decision the building isn't safe until repairs can be done.
 
The Red Cross has arranged for emergency lodging and meals for those affected. It will likely be a couple of days before they can get back into their apartments.

A Big Financial Boost For Babies At The Regional Hospital

The 4th annual Golf Fore Kids Sake Tournament at Riverside was spared the rain and raised 107 thousand dollars. 

Randy Jones of the Winnipeg Jets and his family foundation raising the money for the Regional Hospital Foundation and its "Babes in Utero" project to upgrade the software and equipment needed for high risk obstetric fetal monitoring.

Tim Cameron of the Regional Hospital Foundation received the first ever Tim Cameron Big Heart award and gets to take $10,000 of the proceeds from the tourney and put it to a department or cause in the hospital of his choice.
 
Several hockey jerseys up for auction and none sold for less than $500. The Matt Stairs Team Canada baseball jersey went in auction for $2200 and that turned out to be the biggest ticket item.

Gas Prices Plummet

A continuing decline in gas prices after the weekly setting. In the city, self serve regular is selling for $1.17.1 a litre, a drop of over 3 and a half cents while diesel is also cheaper by just over two cents at $1.21.4 a litre.

Trudeau Spells Out When He Will Decide On Leadership Run

Justin Trudeau says he's going to decide by the end of the summer or early fall whether or not to run for the federal Liberal Party leadership. Trudeau was in town last night raising money for the Grace Foundation to help seniors. 

Trudeau predicts the Harper Conservatives will be vulnerable by the time the next federal election rolls around because they've become so arrogant after winning their long cherished majority in Parliament.

Trudeau says the NDP is trying to squeeze the Liberals out but a merger would be a bad idea, pointing out a two party system doesn't seem to be working all that well in the U.S. but concedes the Liberals will have to come up with bold new ideas for the country in order to reconnect with voters.