BOT Not Worried About Recent Layoffs

The Saint John Board of Trade does not despair poor job numbers here and in the province and the news of Irving Oil layoffs.
 
President Imelda Gilman tells CHSJ News it's always disappointing to hear that companies have to lay off workers.

She says there are different reasons for these layoffs and it goes to show that we are not isolated here and we are competing globally.

Gilman says growth in the City's IT and Health sector are reasons to be hopeful.

17 Year Old Gets Two Years For Manslaughter

A 17 year old getting two years in Miramichi Youth Centre and 3 months of conditional supervision for the murder of 29 year old Jason Dow.

Dow was found in his underwear on Barker Street with several stab wounds back in March.

During the youth's sentencing hearing, the court was told that Dow met him over the internet and paid him over a thousand dollar to model in a photoshoot. During the course of the shoot, the 17-year old drank over 9 beers and the two were intimate.

The youth then grabbed a kitchen knife and locked himself in the bathroom.  He then texted his girlfriend that he was going to kill Dow and proceeded to chase him to Barker Street where he stabbed him.
 
Justice Hugh McLellan says he did not give the youth the maximum sentence of 3 years because he turned himself into Hampton RCMP shortly after the killing.

City Company Produces Film On Homeless Youth

A working group includings representatives from youth-serving organizations and area churches is working to create emergency housing facility to strengthen existing housing and support services for homeless youth.

A film was put together to show the need in our community for Saint John Youth House.

To see it, click here

Passamaquoddy First Nation Against Lepreau License Renewal

The Passamaquoddy First Nation speaking out at the final Point Lepreau licensing hearing.

Chief Hugh Akagi says the consultation process between the First Nations, NB Power, and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has been a difficult.

He says not enough effort was made in order to keep people informed on the intervenor process and how they can take part in the hearings.

The Passamaquoddy Nation is against the renewal of Point Lepreau's license.  They believe the plant poses too much of a risk to people and the environment.

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission will make a decision in about six weeks.

Parents In Saint John Want French Immersion To Start Earlier

The earlier french immersion begins the better........That message delivered to a four person task force by parents in Saint John who would like it to start in Grade one instead of grade 3.

The recommendation doesn't come as any great surprise to former McKenna cabinet minister Jim Lockyer who is co-chairing the task force.

The parents also say the goal should be to emerge bilingual instead of just 70 per cent proficient in french.

They believe more resources and support are needed along with more french courses in high school.

The task force will be at Hampton Middle School for its final public meeting on December 15th.

A report will be presented to the Alward Government in the new year.

Liberal M-L-A Says Province Won't Go It Alone

The province will not set up its own blood services in light of the local opposition to transferring blood production from Millidgeville to Dartmouth .........That prediction from the Liberal M-L-A in Charlotte County Rick Doucette who says the Conservatives are not adventurous enough to take that bold step.

He also says now they're in government, the Conservative M-L-A's haven't had much to say on this issue. Doucette calls their silence deafening.

Doucette makes mention of Environment Minister Margaret Ann Blaney who took then Health Minister Mike Murphy to task at the time, accusing him of agreeing to the transfer. 

Premier David Alward says a decision is close on whether the province will set up its own blood services.

Critic Of Shale Gas Speaks At Hampton High

A vocal critic of shale gas extraction describes it as intense industrial activity on a very large scale.

Cornell University Professor Dr. Anthony Ingraffea appearing at Hampton High last night to talk about the myths and realities of shale gas exploration and development. 

He tells CHSJ News those people who are worried about their wells being contaminated should be. Dr. Ingraffea says it will happen.......the only questions are how many will be affected and who will pay. He says it would be foolhardy for anyone to believe nothing wrong will happen.
 

Dr. Ingraffea specialises in hydraulic fracture simulation and pipeline safety. He spent over 25 years taking part in research and development for the oil and gas industry.

Acadien Bus Service Halted

There will be no intercity bus service until further notice with Acadien bus lines locking out its drivers in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island this morning.

The bus terminal on Chesley Drive is in the dark.

Company vice-president Marc-Andre Varin says parcel delivery will be stopping as well if no buses are running.

 Acadien has routes within New Brunswick and two daily runs to and from P-E-I.
     

Glen Carr of the Amalgamated Transit Union says the bus drivers, mechanics and customer service reps voted 88 per cent against the company's last offer earlier this week and were prepared to stage strike action.