Violent Incident In Rothesay

A 39 year old man is in custody after a violent domestic incident in the Dolan Road area of Rothesay.

Rothesay Regional Police got the call about 5am and officers remain on the scene.

Fire Damages A Home On The Westfield Road

Crews responding to a blaze on the Westfield road just before 1 this morning.
 
Platoon Chief Joe Armstrong tells CHSJ News 3 people lived in the older building and one man was treated for burns to his hands.

He says crews could see the smoke and flames coming from the house long before they arrived.    The house has suffered a large amount of damage.

Armstrong says a fire investigator is on the scene and the cause is being looked into by both city police and the fire department.

One man was charged with a drug offense and released.

Food Truck Debate Continues To Roll Forward

You'll be able to grab a Beaver Tail this summer on the boardwalk; however, open season for food trucks in the uptown is still a slightly more distant possibility.

In the latest move toward negotiating a compromise between existing restaurants and the street vendors, Waterfront Development will be meeting with some Market Square tenants to discuss the possibility of allowing the trucks.

Common councilor Susan Fullerton tells CHSJ News she sees the existing tenants' point because they've put so much money into the waterfront; that being said, Fullerton says she knows many diners are excited about the trucks.

It's possible that they will be able to operate on approved parcels of city-owned land by this summer.

Enterprise Saint John Undergoing A Makeover

More details will be unveiled today about how the True Growth strategy, released with such fanfare a few months ago, will translate into more jobs and economic growth.

General Manager Steve Carson tells CHSJ News Enterprise Saint John is being redesigned. He says under the new configuration, there will not be just one organisation responsible for attracting new businesses and investment to the area.

Deputy Mayor Shelly Rinehart, who works at the university and is spearheading the True Growth initiative, tells CHSJ News the outmigration of young people is scary for the future.

Students Conduct Social Experiment Doubling As Homelessness Awareness Campaign In The Uptown

They were holding handwritten cardboard signs and silently sitting on steps and sidewalks in the uptown. 

Four groups of college students posed as though they were homeless in what was partly a social experiment and partly a homelessness awareness campaign. 

Alicia MacDonald, a nursing instructor at the New Brunswick Community College in Saint Andrews tells CHSJ News that they wanted to observe the way homeless people are treated in this city.

She tells us that the reception they received depended on the location of the group. The students heard some negative comments about their messages with people even saying that they're disgusting and some saying homelessness is a choice.

MacDonald says that was balanced by other people who stopped to ask questions and try to donate money. She says they didn't accept any donations, they were just asking people to support their community's homelessness and mental health initiatives. She says that people are a community's best resource.

Woman Granted Bail In "Baby Taylor" Case

Thirty-year-old Christine Margaret Wood of Riverview, who is charged with concealing the body of a child, has been granted bail.

She was charged after the discovery of a newborn baby's body more than four years ago.

RCMP have been investigating since the boy's body was found in 2009 by a group of all-terrain vehicle riders on the side of Taylor Road.

Police believe the newborn had been left there up to five months before being discovered. Wood is scheduled to enter a plea July 3.

Inquest Into Boy's Death Hears From Classmates, Lifeguards

The inquest into the the death of a Chinese student at the Aquatic Centre in September of 2011 continues, with two lifeguards taking the stand. 

The jury heard from the classmates of the late Yifan Wang who were with him the day the Chinese student died. Before he was pulled from the pool, video shows him going down the water slide and then disappearing, which is consistent with testimony from friends.

One of the then high-school aged lifeguard on duty when Yifan Wang died says she spied the boy limp, vertical, deep under water with no bubbles coming to the surface. 

 Both she and the head lifeguard said the incident led to greater awareness, and more skills upgrading at Aquatic Center and that everybody did what they were supposed to do on the day of his death. The inquest also heard there were three people, two lifeguards and a paramedic, working on Wang within moments of the discovery he was unresponsive.

According to the head lifeguard at the time, the only potential error was that the young man was dragged into a puddle of water, which made it impossible to use the portable defibrillator for fear of electrocuting bystanders. 

Family Doctors Looking For Work Won't Find Many Opportunities In This Province Says Medical Residents

Doctors who want to live and work in this province may be forced to look elsewhere.

That's from Dr. Bobby Pomerleau, an assistant chief resident in Saint John. Medical residents have written a letter to Premier David Alward and Heath Minister Ted Flemming expressing their concerns that this province is discouraging family physicians from practicing here.

Pomerleau says that before he became aware of these issues, he would always say yes, that he is a New Brunswicker and wanted to stay and work in this province, but as he's nearing the end of his residency training, he says it's becoming more and more obvious that there simply aren't practice opportunities in our cities.

He says the few positions available in the province require doctors to take over established practices or move to remote and rural areas where there's little support for new physicians.

Point Lepreau's Power Output Increases

Point Lepreau's power output continues to climb. 

NB Power says that the nuclear power plant is now operating at 60% capacity. Power was down earlier in the year because of trouble with the reactor's fuel caps, forcing the company to slow re-fueling. They've said that the caps were too tight after adjustments were made during a refurbishment of the plant that finished in November.

The company says they'll continue to boost energy over the next few weeks until they reach full power. Point Lepreau began sending energy to back the grid in late April, with the reactor at 35% power.

Two-Person Protest About Health Care Cuts

Two protestors gathering outside of a provincial announcement on the west side to show their disagreement with health care cuts.

Rick Patton, who works in nursing with CUPE, tells CHSJ News the cuts that Health Minister Ted Flemming is imposing will have an impact on all communities in the province, big and small, but especially in rural areas, which he says have seen a reduction in both staff and service.

Patton tells us he's worked at the Ridgewood Veterans Heath wing for the past 25 years. 

Seeking Senior Input On How To Age Well

"People in their 70's are happier that people in their 40's"   

That from John McLaughlin of the Premier's Senior Panel says we look at the aging society with a negative view when many seniors are happy and active.

Healthy and Inclusive Communities Minister Dorothy Shephard says 9 public sessions will be held with the aim to include seniors in discussions about the future. 

CHSJ News asked her if she fears the public meeting will be hijacked by other topics.
She says it's meant to be a very positive dialogue on how we can create age-friendly communities and what the priorities are for the 97 per cent of our seniors and aging population live on their own.

Seniors in Saint John can take part in a public session at the Royal Canadian Legion on Wilson Street on June 4th between 6 and 9pm.

Mounties Still Looking For Armed Robbery Suspect

The search is still on for a man who robbed a convenience store at gunpoint in Lower Woodstock. 

The RCMP is looking for a man with a handgun who demanded money from the cashier at Maliseet Fuels on Route 165 late at night. He fled without getting anything and the cashier wasn't hurt. 

The suspect is about 5'8 tall and weighs around 250 to 270 pounds. He was wearing a ski mask, and black or blue cargo pants, dark blue or black hoodie, black gloves and a white shirt. 

If you have any information about this case, you're asked to get in touch with Crimestoppers by visiting crimenb.ca or calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)

To watch a video of the robbery, click here.

Inquest Opens Into Student's Death

A jury of three women and two men have been chosen to hear testimony at the inquest into the death of a Chinese student at the Aquatic Centre in September of 2011

The General Manager of the Aquatic Centre, Karen Ervin was the first witness to testify at the inquest  

She wasn't working on the Sunday when Yifan Wang died.

She testified there is usually 1 lifeguard for every 25 swimmers. The inquest will be focusing on the Ultimate Swim when everything at the swimming pool can be used. 

Yifan Wang's family is not in attendance.

Death Total Downgraded In Oklahoma Twister

The Medical examiner's office is revising the death toll from the Oklahoma tornado to at least 24.

The Oklahoma state medical examiner's office says that 20 children are among the dead in the tornado that ripped through Oklahoma City suburbs.

Medical examiner spokeswoman Amy Elliott confirmed the children's deaths last night.    The tornado made a direct hit on an elementary school in Moore and rescuers were seen pulling children alive from the rubble.

Authorities are still searching for victims throughout the community.

Martinon Fire Damages Garage & Two Vehicles

No one was hurt but two vehicles and a garage suffering damage after a blaze in Martinon on Monday.

Crews got the calls to respond to Victoria Road where a garage was fully involved. 

The fire also damaging the siding on a nearby home.

The Saint John Fire and Police department's are looking into the cause.

Inquest To Begin Into Death Of Chinese Student At Aquatic Centre

An inquest is scheduled to get underway today into the mysterious death in September of 2011 of a 17 year old Chinese student at the Aquatic Centre.
 
Yifan Wang had just moved to Saint John as an international student when he was swimming with some friends at the Aquatic Centre. To this day, what happened to him remains murky but he was not responding when pulled from the pool and died two days later.

A coroner's jury will hear from witnesses to determine the circumstances and make recommendations to avoid something like this happening again. It will not, however, be assigning blame.

Lawyer Rod Gillis had been representing the family but that was before he got into legal trouble himself and suspended from practicing law in the province.

Poll Ranks Weston As One Of The Silent MP's

Look who's talking....or rather, not talking. In a ranking by Samara, an independent charitable organization that studies democracy in Canada, two New Brunswick MPs made the top-ten list of least-talkative representatives on Parliament Hill. 

Keith Ashfield was number one and Rodney Weston placed seventh.....Weston tells CHSJ News he speaks out in other ways.

He says he steps out on many issues so he doesn't think he's silent on any issue and he thinks actions speak louder than words.

Ashfield clocked in with 922 words spoken in 54 days of debate....that's over 225-thousand fewer than chatterbox British Colombia MP Peter Julian whom the study ranked  "most talkative".

White Nose Syndrome Threatens Provincial Bat Population

Bats used to be a common sight on summer nights in the Maritimes....but they certainly aren't any longer.

New Brunswick Museum zoologist Donald McAlpine tells CHSJ News since 2006 the 3 most common bat species in New Brunswick have been wiped out by a fungus known as white nose syndrome.

He says that number has dropped from more than 7000 to just 79 and they are expecting that by next winter that the overwintering population in the province will be essentially gone.

White nose syndrome was probably introduced to the bats here by cavers from Europe, where the fungus originates. There's no known cure.

St. Martin's Mayor Thrilled With Fundy Trail Investment

The village of St. Martin's stands to benefit the most from a 7.9 million dollar funding announcement at the Fundy Trail.

MP's Rob Moore and Rodney Weston along with Premier David Alward letting everyone know last week at the trail.

Mayor Betty Ann Chatterton tells CHSJ News as the Fundy Trail grows so will the village.

She says it will also mean jobs during construction and as the trail expands it will mean more tourism jobs too.

Work on the next phase of the Fundy Trail begins next month.

U-N-B Saint John Trying To Improve Our Energy Literacy

There's a literacy gap in the province when it comes to energy and U-N-B Saint John aims to narrow that gap with a new energy course that deals with everything from the fundamentals of energy production to how energy affects the economy and the environmental concerns. 

The Director of Saint John College Peter McGill tells CHSJ News you want decisionmakers to have as much understanding of the issue as possible to avoid bad policies from being adopted.

McGill says he's even taking the course himself and feels his understanding of energy is now alot better. 

Others taking the course include members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers along with people who work for NB Power, Babcock and Wilcox, J-D Irving and Irving Oil. McGill calls them the heavy hitters in the energy industry.

Crews Fight House Fire On West Side

Fire crews were battling a blaze at 209 St. John Street West for three hours.

Platoon Chief Forrest of the Saint John Fire Department said that on Sunday night, crews responding to the call saw that flames were showing from the back of the one and a half story wooden building.

Forrest says the fire was contained to the back and the roof of the house and that there was smoke and water damage, but no one was hurt. They're looking into how the fire started.

(Photo by Doug Epton)

Williamson Says Expense Scandal Warrants Police Investigation

The phone has been ringing and e-mails pouring in at the office of one of our conservative members of parliament. 

Conservative MP John Williamson, who represents the Southwest part of this province says that constituents have been contacting him after two senators, Mike Duffy and Pamela Wallin stepped down, as did prime minister Stephen Harper's chief of staff, Nigel Wright.

Wright did so after it was discovered he gave Duffy $90-thousand-dollars so he could repay improperly claimed housing expenses.

Williamson says he believes that a police investigation is warranted.

Tory MPs are supposed to meet tomorrow. 

Fire Destroys Shed In French Village

A fire gutting out a shed and destroying all its contents, including an ATV, in a subdivision of French Village.

Rothesay Regional Police tell us that by the time crews arrived on the scene, the shed was already gone and the flames were moving toward the house. The KV Fire Department tells CHSJ News that they responded to the call late at night and were battling the blaze for several hours before it was put out. 

The house did sustain some heat damage but nobody was hurt in the fire. What caused it is being looked into by the fire department.

Rules of Water and Road Similar When It Comes To Safety

Just like a seat-belt, a life-jacket doesn't work if you don't wear it.

That advice coming from Cameron Taylor of BOATsmart, who tells CHSJ News that in 89% of boating-related drownings the people could have been saved if they'd been wearing one. However, alcohol is also a factor and a concern with the warm weather. Taylor tells us that alcohol is a factor in 35% of boating deaths.

This this time of year, cold water immersion can happen. That's where your body exhibits a natural reflex to gasp for air when you hit the water. Cameron says if you're not wearing a life-jacket when you're thrown in, you can gasp in water.

Bodies Of Two Missing Fishermen Found

The bodies of two fishermen who went missing after their boat capsized off the northeast coast have been recovered.

RCMP Constable Scott Messier says the bodies of a 35-year-old man and a 32-year-old man were found yesterday afternoon. A third man, who was 23-year-old, was found on Saturday, eight hours after the three lobster fishermen sent out a distress call. 

All three were found five kilometres offshore of Tabusintac, near the location of the boat when it hit a sandbar in rough waters and started taking in water. Messier says the RCMP investigation is now wrapping up.

Mother Charged In Connection With Death of Her Newborn

Charges have been laid four years after the body of a baby boy was discovered in a snowbank near Salisbury. 

Over the weekend, 30-year-old Christine Margaret Wood of Riverview was arrested and appeared in provincial court by telephone on charges of concealing the body of her child in 2009. She'll be back in court on Tuesday for a bail hearing. 

The Major Crime Unit of the Mounties have been working to try find out how Wood's newborn died. Officers say they were led to Wood through information they received over the course of the investigation.

Retail Council Hopes Common Council Will Be Pro-Business

There doesn't seem to be any appetite on Common Council to change Sunday shopping hours from noon to 5pm. The Saint John Board of Trade has made clear it doesn't want to see any change must to the dismay of the Retail Council of Canada. 

The Retail Council's Jim Cormier in the Atlantic Region tells CHSJ News the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce has adopted a different view and that has prompted Fredericton Council to at least look at the issue.

Cormier says Florenceville-Bristol eliminated its bylaw on restricting the hours of Sunday shopping because of being so close to Houlton, Maine and Riverview did it before Christmas because of its proximity to Moncton.

Mounties Conducting Road Safety Campaign

When you get behind the wheel, drive safe. 

That's the message that the RCMP is relaying during Canada Road Safety Week, an eight-day campaign where officers conduct extra check-stops and traffic operations to raise awareness about what leads to death on the road. 

Last year in this province, 60 people died in vehicle crashes and 33% of those crashes involved a driver who was under the influence of alcohol or drugs. And where a seatbelt was available, 40% of people killed weren't wearing one at the time of the collisions. 

But Corporal Chantal Farrah wants you to look beyond the numbers: We have to remember these aren't just statistics, she says, these are people who have died in crashes, that in most cases were completely avoidable. Road Safety Week wraps up tomorrow.

ATV Veers Into Woods, Driver Sent To Hospital

An ATV driver sent to hospital may have a broken leg after the vehicle veered off course.

Platoon chief Joe Armstrong of the Saint John Fire Department says that emergency crews headed over to 1785 Old Black River Road to answer the call for a single-vehicle accident and found that the ATV had swerved off of the road into the woods.

Armstrong says that the man sent to hospital was the lone driver, although there were other people around traveling on ATVs.

Search For Missing Fishermen Resumes

The search for two missing lobster fishermen continues today, and it's now in the hands of the Mounties.

A boat with three men aboard hit a sandbar in rough seas early yesterday morning and started taking in water. The body of the 23-year-old man from Tracadie-Sheila was found approximately five kilometres offshore of Tabusintac, the location of the boat when the trio sent out a mayday call. Military efforts to find the other two fishermen were called off about 10 hours after they issued their distress call.

The Rescue Centre In Halifax said that two Coast Guard boats and a Cormorant helicopter did everything they could to find the two. The RCMP, along with search teams from Miramichi and Restigouche and people who live in the area, are expected to keep combing the shoreline for any sign of the men.

Student Originally From Sussex Named Parks Canada Youth Ambassador

What motivates young people to get up and go outside? Parks Canada is hoping it's other young people. 

They've announced their Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Parks Canada Youth Ambassadors and one of them calls this province home. 

Julia Belliveau, from Sussex, is one of the two people that have been chosen to inspire the country's youth to be active and explore the great outdoors. 

Belliveau is a first-year student at the University of Carleton in Ottawa, studying international business.

City Marking Loyalist Day

Period clothes and bayonets aren't everyday sights in the Port City, but that's exactly what you'll see uptown today.

It's all part of Loyalist Day, and to commemorate the event, there's ceremony and flag raising event at 10 a.m. at City Hall. Dignitaries from the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, the City and the United Empire Loyalists’ Association will be present.

The regiment will continue to mark the event with a 21-gun-salute slated to happen at noon on Pugsley Wharf by the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal. They'll also be exercising their Freedom of the City, which was granted in December of 1968. 

To watch a video of the ceremony, click here. 

New Brunswick Museum Working To Stay Current In A Digital World

Museums are constantly evolving as the institution strives to stay relevant in the touch-screen age. 

That's according to Rose Porier of the New Brunswick Museum, who tells CHSJ News that we're now in an age of learning at our fingertips. 

Porier says she's noticed that they're now reaching a more widespread population than they did in the past, and that museums now seem to be relevant for everyone.

She says they have to stay up-to-date, otherwise they won't draw in visitors. It's International Museums Day today,  admission into the museum is free until 5 p.m.

Dennis Oland Prime Suspect In Richard Oland's Murder

Speculation has been running in this direction since the investigation began, but now we are able to report that Dennis Oland is considered the prime suspect in his father Richard Oland's murder according to search warrants.

There had been a broadcast ban on Oland's name since last fall, but that was lifted today by Justice William Grant. We had previously been able to report that Dennis Oland's home and boat had been searched, but not that he is considered the prime suspect.

Grant agreed with media lawyer David Coles that the broadcast ban served no purpose and went against the principle of an open court.

Flemming Jokes About His Cabinet Colleagues

Provincial Health Minister Ted Flemming may have missed his calling as a stand up comedian. He displayed these hidden talents at the announcement of the Innovation Fund as he acknowledged various members of the provincial cabinet.
 
Flemming joked about how well dressed Saint John Portland MLA Trevor Holder always is, describing him as "a dapper dude" who one day looks like Donald Trump and the next day resembles Al Capone.
He also says Saint John Lancaster M-L-A Dorothy Shephard tries to keep him on the straight and narrow but sometimes tells her if he wanted to be nagged, he would go home.

Flemming also talked about Premier David Alward's character, telling how he could have gotten his son a job anywhere in New Brunswick but instead put him on a plane to Alberta, saying when he brings all New Brunswick young people home to work in the gas industry, then he'll bring his own son back with them.

Paramount Film Makes International Debut

 A made-in-Saint-John film about the long-derelict Paramount Theatre will have its American debut tonight in Chicago.

Producer Greg Hemmings tells CHSJ News everyone can relate to the loss of community theatres which are being rapidly replaced by big-box cinemas.

The film, The Paramount, has gathered national attention since its release last year. The actual theatre has not fared as well, with efforts to repurpose the building apparently at a standstill.

Premier Announces New Scheme To Get Provincial Economy Moving

"The rocket fuel for economic growth"........That's how Premier David Alward describes innovation. 
 
His government is spending over 7 million dollars on a new innovation fund that will pair small and medium sized companies in the province with scientific research talent. 

Bob Hatheway chairs the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation and tells CHSJ News the aim is to get ideas from the desktop into commercial production so money can be made and jobs created. This is a first for the Foundation which, up until now, has dealt exclusively with start up companies.

The fund will cover as much as 80 per cent of the cost of collaboration up to 80 thousand dollars.  

Scandal-Fuelled Departure of Senator Raises Questions

With the news much-maligned Senator Mike Duffy is stepping down from the caucus, MP Rodney Weston is remaining tight-lipped about the inquest into allegations Duffy--who campaigned on his behalf in 2011--dipped into public money for his private expenses.

Weston simply said he would prefer to leave the investigation to the RCMP and ethic commission.

Premier David Alward tells CHSJ News it opens a valid debate over whether we should have an elected Senate.

Duffy is charged with making over $90,000 in improperly-claimed living expenses.

NB TAP Gets A $245,000 Investment

It began as a pilot project at the Irving Oil Refinery last year as a way to get grade 10 students thinking about a career in the skilled trades. 

Today with a Simonds High shop class in the background, the Province announcing a $245,000 investment in the New Brunswick Teen Apprentice Program. 

The students learn in the classroom during the school year and work in the summer learning specific trades from employer mentors.

The funding will allow other employers to join the program and more schools. 

17-year-old Brandon Laroque is one of the original six from Simonds High who took part in the pilot project at the Irving Oil Refinery.
He says it was a bit intimidating at first describing it as another city. 

This summer he'll be with the pipefitters working with his mentor and his cousin David who is also in the NB-TAP program.

Bike Auction Soon In The K-V

Rothesay Regional Police will be holding their annual Bicycle Auction June 1st at the their police station.

Viewing will start at 10:00 that morning with the auction beginning at 11:00. 

There are over 25 bikes on offer as well as other property to be auctioned off this year. 

A complete list of items will be made available as we get closer to the auction.

The Feds and Province Announce $7.9 Million For The Fundy Trail

A large group trekked far into the woods this afternoon for a huge announcement on the 
Fundy Trail.   With the interpretive centre as a backdrop, MP's Rob Moore & Rodney Weston along with Premier David Alward announced more than 7.9 million dollars in funding for the next phase of the Fundy trail parkway.

The funding will allow the Fundy Trail Development Authority to start the next phase of engineering and construction of the parkway.

It's estimated a completed Fundy Trail parkway would create a signature destination that will contribute $32.5 million a year to the tourism sector and 750 jobs on an ongoing basis.

Saint John Fundy MLA Glen Savoie says a big reason this is happening is because of the people of St. Martin's.

New List Of Inductees Into Saint John Sports Hall Of Fame

Five Saint John athletes and one local team are getting a major nod next month.

The Saint John Sports Hall of Fame will be inducting new members at a ceremony and dinner at the Lily Lake Pavilion.

The 22nd Saint John Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony will honour Hanlon Senior Curling, Raymond Jenkins (bowling), Tara McIntyre-Olsen (volleyball), Gidden Titus (bodybuilding), Nancy Morrision (softball and basketball) and Gina Spear-Burrows (triathlon and running).

The Hall of Fame honours athletes that display excellence in their chosen sport and also a sense of respect and fair play. The event happens Thursday, June 27 at 7pm. Tickets are $60.

Imagining A World Without Hatred

A world without hatred and intolerance would be better for everyone.

That's the simple message of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. Former Ward 3 Candidate Brian Boyd tells CHSJ News attitudes are slowly changing but it's still important to fight the stereotypes and try to accept everyone for who they are. 

As we hear about tragic cases like the murder of Raymond Taavel and the suicide of Raeteah Parsons, Boyd says we need to make sure we treat our fellow men and women with respect.

Boyd says we all have a friend, acquaintance, or relative that's part of the gay community so homophobia is an issue that effects everyone.

The Heart Centre Gets $250K For A Research Endowment

Cardiac research at the New Brunswick Heart Centre just got a big boost.
 
The J.T. Clark Family Foundation announcing at $250K research endowment at the Regional hospital.
 
Dr. Marc Pelletier tells CHSJ News it's hoped research being done at Dalhousie Medicine NB can help those here at home.

He says unfortuneately we have some of the highest rates of cardiac risk factors in the country with diabetes, obesity and smoking.   He says targeting the research may help them have a better impact.

Acting Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation CEO Victoria Clarke says it will also allow them to retain and attract the best who work in cardiac care.

MP Calls Criticism Of P3 "Ironic"

Conservative MP Rodney Weston visited the Imperial Theater this morning to announce an endowment fund of over $120,000 dollars has been granted to the iconic uptown theatre.

While pleased to announce the Harper government will match the public's donations to the theater, Weston tells CHSJ News he's much less enthusiastic about recent comments by former Commissioner of Municipal Operations Paul Groody, who spoke to a crowd of activists last night on the pitfalls of the P3 model--one of which that they tend to cost up to 16% more than a traditional tendering process.

Weston says his government has done its homework on P3 and one of the benefits is that any cost overruns are the responsibility of the corporate doing the work, not the taxpayers. 

He also called it "ironic" that Groody would criticize a public-private partnership on the basis of potential cost overruns when Groody was responsible for Harbour Cleanup. Weston says, as he recalls, that project ended up coming in 20% over budget.

Local Economy Boosted By Higher Education

Unlike Halifax, Saint John is not seen as being the same type of education centre. But the Vice-President in charge of U-N-B Saint John, Dr. Robert MacKinnon tells CHSJ News most people would be surprised at learning how big a part learning plays in the local economy.

He says when you put universities together with the college in Saint John, Private sector training, and secondary schools, overall education has a big impact on the Saint John economy.

Dr. MacKinnon also says we need a vibrant urban core in Saint John.

New Rules For Preparation Of Chemotherapy Medication

The Ontario government says a gap in oversight has now been shut tight after about 12 hundred patients received diluted chemotherapy drugs including 186 at the Regional Hospital.
    
Starting immediately, the government will ensure hospitals buy drugs only from accredited, licensed or otherwise approved suppliers.

The Ontario College of Pharmacists will also be responsible for inspecting drug preparation facilities. Previously, there had been no oversight.

Gas Is More Expensive

Gas prices rise over a cent a litre after the weekly setting. 

Self serve regular in the city is selling for $1.24.3 a litre with diesel at an even $1.27.
 
Propane has gone down by just over a half a cent a litre with the maximum price of $1.05 while the maximum price of heating oil has risen to $1.09.2 a litre.

Your Water Rates Could Spike Due To P3, Warns Former City Employee

Saint John's former Commissioner of Municipal Operations speaking out against the not-so-distant possibility of a public-private partnership for the city's water utility.

Paul Groody tells CHSJ News P3s usually cost 16% more than a traditional tendering process. At the end of the day, he claims that cost will get placed firmly on the taxpayers shoulders--meaning a spike in your water rates.
 
Groody is urging the public to contact politicians and ask for them to look into other options, like a municipally owned corporation that will bring money back to Saint John. 

We are expected to find out whether Saint John's application to P3 Canada has been accepted later this month.

Minister Puts End ToTalk About Emergency Room Closures

Some good news on the health care front - Health Minister Ted Flemming is turning aside speculation some hospital emergency rooms will be shuttered.
Appearing before a Legislature committee - Flemmng is putting to rest any concerns - at least for now.
The Health Minister told the committee there are no hospital or emergency room closures in his department's spending estimates for the current budget year that ends next March.
But - Flemming isn't being pinned down on potential closures beyond this budget year - he says he's looking for other ways to find savings because we simply can't afford to continue to maintain the current level of spending on health care.