Local Events Planned To Pay Tribute To Jack Layton

Those of you in the community who want to pay tribute to fallen NDP Leader Jack Layton can do so tomorrow night.

The local NDP Federal Riding Association is holding a candlelight vigil for Layton tomorrow at the Lily Lake Pavilion at 8pm.

Everyone is invited.

Also, if you didn't get the chance to sign the book of condolences in Fredericton for Jack Layton, you now have another chance to do so.

Books of condolences will be made available at the offices of both Saint John MP Rodney Weston and Fundy Royal MP Rob Moore.  They will be open to the public tomorrow from 9am to 5pm and Friday from 9am until noon.

Both books will be forwarded to Jack Layton's family.

Montreal Man Facing Charges For Selling Counterfeit Items In Sussex

The RCMP attending the Sussex Flea Market searching for a man selling counterfeit items.

The Mounties arresting a 57-year-old man from Montreal in connection with the sale of several hundred t-shirts, hoodies and purses.
The approximate retail value is estmated at $15,000.

The man was released and is expected to face charges under the Copyright Act.
For more information about copyright piracy and trademark counterfeiting, click here

Still No Picketers, Despite Strike

All flights are on schedule at the airport despite 25 employees who remain on strike.  

The workers are part of the Public Service Alliance of Canada.

Colleen Kemp-Mitchell with the airport tells CHSJ News both parties remained at the negotiation table until at least 7:30 last night and talks resumed first thing this morning. 

She says all activities, including this afternoon's open house, are running as planned.  

She says there are still no picketers so no one is crossing the picket line.

Conservation Council Appalled By Minister's Comment

The Conservation Council saying its absolutely absurd to say the council would condone vandalism to seismic testing equipment.  

Director David Coon responding to Environment Minister Margaret-Ann Blaney, who says the Conservation Council played a role in Southwestern Resources Canada's decision to suspend seismic testing and is inflaming peoples' emotions on shale gas.  

Coon tells CHSJ News the council supports non-violent opposition to concerns that communities have.

Coon says he's appalled the Minister thinks the council would endorse property damage or illegal activity and Blaney should publicly apologize for her comment.  

He says seismic testing was delayed because thousands of citizens raised their voices in a democratic fashion.

Child And Youth Advocate Wants Input From Saint John Autism Community

The acting child and youth advocate encouraging families with concerns about the services available to autistic children in Saint John to contact him.

Christian Whalen extending the invite at the Art for Autism showcase at the Community Autism Centre which showcases the artistic ability of youth diagnosed with autism.

Over 800 famillies use the non-profit centre that helps people and their famillies living with autism spectrum disorder.  For more info or to reach Whalen, click here

Details On Metal Shredder Released Tonight

Common Council hosting a meeting tonight to provide the public with details about the proposed metal shredder operation for the city's west side.  

The American Iron and Metal project was held up after residents objected to the use of above ground transmission lines to power the shredder.   

At a meeting four weeks ago Mayor Ivan Court announcing council had found an option but could not release details until the costs were worked out.  

Representatives from the parties involved will be at the Carleton Community Centre tonight to provide information and to answer questions.  

The meeting starts at 7 o'clock.

PotashCorp Gives $50K To Hospital Foundation

PotashCorp NB handing a cheque to the Regional Hospital Foundation to the tune of 50 thousand dollars. The Foundation now has 70 per cent of the money needed to purchase equipment for a new stem-cell lab at the Regional. PotashCorp GM Stewart Brown tells CHSJ News raising that much money in such a short period of time is a huge accomplishment.

He says reaching this point required an agressive fundraising campaign that began earlier this year. Brown says the company decided to donate because a new stem-cell lab is something that will benefit everyone in the region. He says says you'd be hard pressed to find someone who hasn't been impacted by cancer.

Blaney Blames Shale Gas Testing Delay On Conservation Council

Environment Minister Margaret-Ann Blaney says the Conservation Council of New Brunswick is fanning the flames of controversy and is responsible for the delay in shale gas testing.

Southwestern Resources Canada recently suspended seismic testing for shale gas until next year amid safety concerns and vandalism to equipment.

She tells CHSJ News the council has been showing a film across the province that is not doing anyone any favours.


Blaney says the Conservation Council has been taking the Gaslands movie around the province and she thinks a factual debate on shale gas is needed.
She believes they implicitly condone the recent vandalism to seismic testing equipment.

Police Arrest Four After East Side Break And Enter

City police arresting 4 men ranging in age from 18 to 27 after a break and enter on the East side.


Neighbours alerting police about 3am this morning after they heard noises coming from a house on Bonita Avenue.

All four men will be in court this morning.

Six People Temporarily Homeless After St. Martin's Blaze

Six people including three kids are temporarily homeless after a fire gutted a building with an antique shop and three apartments in St. Martin's.

Family, friends and the Red Cross helping out one senior, a man and a woman with three kids get housing, food and other items.

No one was hurt in the fire on Route 11 early yesterday morning.