The memory of a 29-year-old Saint John man who's life was cut short a year ago is being kept alive by his mother.
Marina Dow tells CHSJ News she wants to give back to the community and has established the Jason Dow Education Fund.
She tells us he was very smart and graduated from high school and university with high honours and also used to DJ at the Carleton Community Centre. A teen dance is coming up at the Centre on Saturday night from 7-11pm.
The "For the Record Benefit Auction and Dance" is coming up on March 10th at Royal Canadian Legion #2 on Ludlow Street West from 7pm until 1am.
All proceeds will be given the Jason Dow Education Fund and distributed evenly to Saint John High, UNB Saint John and the Carleton Community Centre.
For more info, call 658-2920.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Totten Says His Marching Orders Came From Council
A waste of time—that's what former city manager Terry Totten calls John Ferguson's aspersions on the integrity of city staff back in 2005. Totten maintaining--on the contrary--he constantly asked council to take urgent action on the pension plan's unfunded liability.
Ferguson's allegations included that financial reports were riddled with errors, that disagreements between Totten and then-councillor Glen Tait were creating delays with Vision 2015, and that Totten's recommendations contradicted the Chartwell report.
The former city manager testifying he never would have contradicted a report that cost upwards of $300,000 to complete.
Totten says he was proud to get his marching orders from council and the accusations were false, saying, “I would have had nothing to gain from that.”
Ferguson's allegations included that financial reports were riddled with errors, that disagreements between Totten and then-councillor Glen Tait were creating delays with Vision 2015, and that Totten's recommendations contradicted the Chartwell report.
The former city manager testifying he never would have contradicted a report that cost upwards of $300,000 to complete.
Totten says he was proud to get his marching orders from council and the accusations were false, saying, “I would have had nothing to gain from that.”
Crack Up on King Street
City police on scene of a crack up between a taxi and a Saint John Transit bus just after 4 this afternoon. No one was hurt.
NB Liquor Says It Should Stay With Government
NB Liquor CEO Daniel Allain says selling the company would not be a viable option for the province.
In a report to government, it is recommending it stay a publicly owned agency.
There was speculation that the provincial government would consider selling NB Liquor due to province's massive amount of debt.
The report says NB Liquor contributes about $207 million a year to the province, and preserving that flow of money is crucial as the government struggles to reduce its deficit.
Allain says in a letter to cabinet that NB Liquor must become more entrepreneurial in the future.
In a report to government, it is recommending it stay a publicly owned agency.
There was speculation that the provincial government would consider selling NB Liquor due to province's massive amount of debt.
The report says NB Liquor contributes about $207 million a year to the province, and preserving that flow of money is crucial as the government struggles to reduce its deficit.
Allain says in a letter to cabinet that NB Liquor must become more entrepreneurial in the future.
No Arrests Yet In West Side Bomb Scare
No arrests yet in the the bomb threat that occurred at the Bank of Nova Scotia last Friday and the police want your help.
Main Street West was blocked off for about six hours and a RCMP bomb squad had to be called in to destroy a suspicious package.
The Major Crime Unit wants to hear from you if you have any information and can be reached at 648 3333 or you can call Crimestoppers at 1 800 222 TIPS.
Main Street West was blocked off for about six hours and a RCMP bomb squad had to be called in to destroy a suspicious package.
The Major Crime Unit wants to hear from you if you have any information and can be reached at 648 3333 or you can call Crimestoppers at 1 800 222 TIPS.
Public Health Monitoring A Whooping Cough Outbreak
Public health is keeping a close on a whooping cough outbreak in the province.
The province says it begins with cold-like symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, a fever and mild cough and worsens over a period of several weeks to include serious coughing spells that often end with a "whoop."
It can be easily transmitted from person to person, mainly through droplets from the nose, mouth and throat of an infected person.
47 cases of whooping cough have been confirmed mostly among people between the ages of 9-14.
Most of the cases are in the Moncton and Saint John areas.
To find more info on whooping cough, click here
The province says it begins with cold-like symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, a fever and mild cough and worsens over a period of several weeks to include serious coughing spells that often end with a "whoop."
It can be easily transmitted from person to person, mainly through droplets from the nose, mouth and throat of an infected person.
47 cases of whooping cough have been confirmed mostly among people between the ages of 9-14.
Most of the cases are in the Moncton and Saint John areas.
To find more info on whooping cough, click here
Another Candidate Joins The Ballot
The life-long resident, who currently works in customer service, will be running in Ward 4 of East Saint John.
He tells CHSJ News clean drinking water and pension reforms are some of his priorities, as well as his constituents. He says citizens have not been hearing back in a timely manner from councillors and he believes they should be treated properly like customers.
He says he would give the current common council a grade of "D" and wants to restore the reputation of local politics in Saint John.
People Wearing Pink For Anti-Bullying Campagin
Everybody is looking pretty in pink today.
Today is Pink Shirt Day, a nation-wide anti-bullying campaign where supporters where pink.
Spokesperson for PinkShirtDay.ca Jen Schaeffers tells CHSJ News it is great to see the campaign grow organically from coast to coast.
Today is Pink Shirt Day, a nation-wide anti-bullying campaign where supporters where pink.
Spokesperson for PinkShirtDay.ca Jen Schaeffers tells CHSJ News it is great to see the campaign grow organically from coast to coast.
New Brunswick is officially observing the day.
The phenomenon began 5 years ago when two Nova Scotia teens wore pink as a sign of solidarity for a fellow student who was bullied for wearing the colour.
Liberals Find Tory Funding Cuts Ironic
The Liberal health critic finds it ironic that the Alward government would cut funding to a Bathurst obesity clinic given their emphasis on wellness.
Bill Fraser tells CHSJ News this is a government that talks a big game about doing what's best for future generations yet they cut funding to a clinic
that treated about 800 patients.
He says it's very ironic when you have a government minister in Saint John saying healthcare costs must be under control and part of that is prevention and active living meanwhile the Premier and Health Minister are taking away the funding.
Fraser says preventative health care is the only way this province will be able to address the costs that come with an aging population.
Treatment for the patients at the Bathurst obesity clinic ends today.
Bill Fraser tells CHSJ News this is a government that talks a big game about doing what's best for future generations yet they cut funding to a clinic
that treated about 800 patients.
He says it's very ironic when you have a government minister in Saint John saying healthcare costs must be under control and part of that is prevention and active living meanwhile the Premier and Health Minister are taking away the funding.
Fraser says preventative health care is the only way this province will be able to address the costs that come with an aging population.
Treatment for the patients at the Bathurst obesity clinic ends today.
Red Cross Looks For Volunteers
The Red Cross is hosting an information meeting tonight for anyone who might want to be a volunteer for the agency.
Anyone who wants to learn what Red Cross volunteers do in disasters and emergencies and what's required if they'd like to join the team can find out more tonight.
Last year, Red Cross volunteers called to 111 disaster or emergency events throughout the province. The events ranging from house fires and flooding.
Many volunteers also went to other provinces to help in the aftermath of disasters like the wildfire at Slave Lake, Alberta or major flooding in Manitoba.
The information night runs between 6:30 and 7:30 tonight at the Red Cross office on Lansdowne Avenue.
Marigolds Project Is Underway
The Marigolds Project will be reaching a milestone this year with its 15th anniversary as students at 50 schools begin growing them this week.
Students from Sussex to St. Stephen will be taking part with even a couple of the high schools joining in.
Organiser Barry Ogden tells CHSJ News as many as 160 thousand marigolds will be put into the ground and one of the big benefits is to empower students to believe they can make a difference for the better.
Ogden has been told the marigolds are now a must see for many of the cruise ship passengers.
Students from Sussex to St. Stephen will be taking part with even a couple of the high schools joining in.
Organiser Barry Ogden tells CHSJ News as many as 160 thousand marigolds will be put into the ground and one of the big benefits is to empower students to believe they can make a difference for the better.
Ogden has been told the marigolds are now a must see for many of the cruise ship passengers.
Totten says Ferguson Didn't Offer Sufficient Guidance
Add caption |
Former City Manager Terry Totten taking the stand at the defamation trial of John Ferguson this (Wednesday) morning. Totten telling the court that from 2004 onward he made numerous requests for guidance on how to handle the pension problem—particularly on whether they wanted to raise contributions or raise taxes--but was brushed off.
Totten said John Ferguson used high pressure tactics and never seemed satisfied with the answers to his questions when they sat on a work group together. The court saw an email in which Totten wrote, “I'm not clear what you expect of me, councillor Ferguson. I'm being blatantly honest. I need your help to get my act together on this.”
Jobs Outlook Better In Saint John Than Most Other Cities
There's been alot of negative news out of City Hall over the last couple of months with cutbacks in bus service, fire and police but something else has been happening during the same time which is a bit more positive.
The Conference Board of Canada has included Saint John among 11 cities it considers will have positive prospects for job seekers over the next little while based on a growing number of job postings.
The Conference Board of Canada has included Saint John among 11 cities it considers will have positive prospects for job seekers over the next little while based on a growing number of job postings.
Today Is Leap Day: February 29th
You might want to write a check or a letter because this only happens every four years.
Today is Leap Day--February 29th.
Four million people will celebrate their birthday today and most leap year babies are strict Februarians meaning outside of a leap year they celebrate on the 28th.
Karin Henriksen of Norway holds the record for Leap Day babies. She gave birth to 3 children on consecutive February 29ths her daughter Heidi in 1960 and her sons Olav and Leif-Martin in 1964 and 1968 respectively.
Both Sweden and the former Soviet Union used to observe a February 30th.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Saint John Portland MLA Blasts City Council Over Funding Removal
Wellness Minister Trevor Holder not happy with Common Council.
He's upset that city funding for the new YM-YMCA has been removed from the 2012 capital budget.
Holder tells CHSJ News the removal of funding shows the priorities of city council -- he can't believe the city has spent money on buildings it had no mandate to build, like a new police station, yet can't find money for a good cause.
However, Holder says he has full confidence the new Y will be built and he's continuing his work on securing federal dollars.
The new building, which will be built in the Crescent Valley, is expected to open in 2014.
He's upset that city funding for the new YM-YMCA has been removed from the 2012 capital budget.
Holder tells CHSJ News the removal of funding shows the priorities of city council -- he can't believe the city has spent money on buildings it had no mandate to build, like a new police station, yet can't find money for a good cause.
However, Holder says he has full confidence the new Y will be built and he's continuing his work on securing federal dollars.
The new building, which will be built in the Crescent Valley, is expected to open in 2014.
Defamation Trial Low on Defamation So Far
Defamatory statements seemingly as scarce as hen's teeth at the John Ferguson defamatory trial this afternoon, with the microscope turned on MLA Glen Tait as a trustee of the pension board.
Tait appearing flummoxed during Gillis's in-depth look at Ferguson's comments. But Tait couldn't say how any actually harmed the board's reputation, agreeing with Gillis that most of the comments weren't even directed toward the pension board in the first place.
The MLA testified cushy early retirement buy-outs gave bonuses to retirees at the top, creating a vacuum of low-paying positions at the bottom. Gillis asked Tait, Do you agree that's a controversial policy? To which Tait conceded, “it's been made controversial, yes.”
Tait appearing flummoxed during Gillis's in-depth look at Ferguson's comments. But Tait couldn't say how any actually harmed the board's reputation, agreeing with Gillis that most of the comments weren't even directed toward the pension board in the first place.
The MLA testified cushy early retirement buy-outs gave bonuses to retirees at the top, creating a vacuum of low-paying positions at the bottom. Gillis asked Tait, Do you agree that's a controversial policy? To which Tait conceded, “it's been made controversial, yes.”
Police Make Arrest After Motel Robbery
City police arresting a 25 year old man in connection with the Park Plaza motel robbery last night.
Corey William David Landry appeared in court and was remanded until another appearance set for Thursday.
Last night’s robbery is very similar to another robbery at the same motel on the 8th of the month.
The Major Crime Unit is investigating to determine if the two crimes are connected.
Corey William David Landry appeared in court and was remanded until another appearance set for Thursday.
Last night’s robbery is very similar to another robbery at the same motel on the 8th of the month.
The Major Crime Unit is investigating to determine if the two crimes are connected.
McAdam Mayor Not Happy With Ambulance NB Response
McAdam Mayor Frank Carroll sounding the alarm after a fire call yesterday.
Carroll says four fire victims with burns and smoke inhalation -- a mother, and 3 children, including a baby -- were made to wait over an hour for ambulance services before being rushed to Fredericton.
He calls that an unacceptable delivery of service and says Ambulance NB policy is not working for the remote area of McAdam.
He says the fire was 700 feet from the McAdam Health Centre and due to policy, ambulances do not take patients to rural health centres.
Carroll says change is needed and emergency patients need to be treated sooner at a health clinic rather than later at a hospital.
Ambulance New Brunswick confirms the policy exists and says any changes would need to be made by the Provincial Health Minister.
A call has been placed to the Minister's office but so far no response.
Carroll says four fire victims with burns and smoke inhalation -- a mother, and 3 children, including a baby -- were made to wait over an hour for ambulance services before being rushed to Fredericton.
He calls that an unacceptable delivery of service and says Ambulance NB policy is not working for the remote area of McAdam.
He says the fire was 700 feet from the McAdam Health Centre and due to policy, ambulances do not take patients to rural health centres.
Carroll says change is needed and emergency patients need to be treated sooner at a health clinic rather than later at a hospital.
Ambulance New Brunswick confirms the policy exists and says any changes would need to be made by the Provincial Health Minister.
A call has been placed to the Minister's office but so far no response.
New Fire Chief Looks Forwarding To Leading Department Out Of Tough Times
Newly appointed Fire Chief Kevin Clifford is looking forward to digging into this new position.
He tells CHSJ News the fire department is going through some tough times due to budget and staff cutbacks but he's looking forward to leading them through it.
He says his priorities is to develop a succession plan and to improve training for special fire calls like high-angle and confined space rescues.
Clifford also wants to improve the public's perception of the fire department and show people the variety of emergency responses that the department needs to be ready for.
He tells CHSJ News the fire department is going through some tough times due to budget and staff cutbacks but he's looking forward to leading them through it.
He says his priorities is to develop a succession plan and to improve training for special fire calls like high-angle and confined space rescues.
Clifford also wants to improve the public's perception of the fire department and show people the variety of emergency responses that the department needs to be ready for.
Private Money Will Be Needed For Clean Drinking Water
Common Council has decided a public-private partnership is the way to go on building a water treatment plant on the east side but wants the city to retain control of its water supply.
Highway 1 from Saint John to St. Stephen is being four laned through a public-private partnership negotiated by the previous Liberal government.
The President of local 1190 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Andy Hardy wants to know whether taxpayers are getting their money's worth on this and other big highway projects but charges the numbers are proving to be hard to come by.
Mayor Ivan Court argues construction of the new police headquarters at Peel Plaza would have cost alot more under a public-private partnership.
Highway 1 from Saint John to St. Stephen is being four laned through a public-private partnership negotiated by the previous Liberal government.
The President of local 1190 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Andy Hardy wants to know whether taxpayers are getting their money's worth on this and other big highway projects but charges the numbers are proving to be hard to come by.
Mayor Ivan Court argues construction of the new police headquarters at Peel Plaza would have cost alot more under a public-private partnership.
Students Help Count Fundy Park's Swamp Donkeys
Students were helping to count the Bullwinkles at Fundy National Park over the weekend.
The aerial survey by helicopter was conducted in the park and just outside its borders with helps from students from the Maritime College of Forest Technology and park staff.
It's the second year of a multi-year program to better understand the moose population in the Park.
Weekend snowfall was perfect timing as the moose are much easier to track if there is fresh snow close to the survey.
The last moose survey at Fundy National Park was completed in 1993.
The aerial survey by helicopter was conducted in the park and just outside its borders with helps from students from the Maritime College of Forest Technology and park staff.
It's the second year of a multi-year program to better understand the moose population in the Park.
Weekend snowfall was perfect timing as the moose are much easier to track if there is fresh snow close to the survey.
The last moose survey at Fundy National Park was completed in 1993.
Former Pension Board Trustee Grilled At Defamation Trial
Saint John East M-L-A Glen Tait, a former pension board trustee and Common Councillor, undergoing cross examination at the defamation trial of former Councillor John Ferguson by lawyer Rod Gillis.
Tait told the jury he could not say which of Ferguson's criticisms were defamatory, relying instead on the opinion of the pension board's lawyer.
Gillis got Tait to agree Ferguson was exercising his right as a councillor to speak out on a matter of public concern freely even if what he says is hotly disputed.
Tait also agreed Ferguson didn't want to go public but failed to have the pension issue discussed in closed session three separate times.
Common Council was not provided with an explanation of the financial consequences of early retirements in 2003 and was led to believe there would be no additional cost to the city's pension plan.
As turned out, the early retirement package wound up costing the plan more than 2 million dollars.
Tait told the jury he could not say which of Ferguson's criticisms were defamatory, relying instead on the opinion of the pension board's lawyer.
Gillis got Tait to agree Ferguson was exercising his right as a councillor to speak out on a matter of public concern freely even if what he says is hotly disputed.
Tait also agreed Ferguson didn't want to go public but failed to have the pension issue discussed in closed session three separate times.
Common Council was not provided with an explanation of the financial consequences of early retirements in 2003 and was led to believe there would be no additional cost to the city's pension plan.
As turned out, the early retirement package wound up costing the plan more than 2 million dollars.
Saint John Not Hit Too Hard By Blast Of Winter
All schools are open in District 6 today but the schoolbuses are operating on a one hour delay as they are in School District 1, which includes Samuel de Champlain. All the schools are also open in District 8.
7 centimeters of snow had fallen at Saint John Airport at last report and Environment Canada tells CHSJ News we might wind up with another one or 2 before it's all said and done early this morning.
We're also told rain that had been forecast is unlikely because of the cold air mass so for those of us who have to shovel, the snow will stay powdery and the wind is not gusty.
East Side Motel Robbed
The Park Plaza Motel on Rothesay Avenue was robbed again. it happened around 9:00 last night.
City Police have arrested a man in his 20's who is expected to be charged in court this morning.
New Fire Chief And Commissioners Appointed
The city has a new fire chief.
Kevin Clifford has been appointed as the head title after serving as the Acting Fire Chief and the Acting Director of the Saint John Emergency Organization. He joined the fire department back in 1980.
The city also appointing 4 new commissioners as the city rearranges itself into 6 key departments.
Greg Yeomans was appointed the commissioner of Finance and Administrative Services, Ken Forrest for Growth and Development Services, Bill Edwards for Transportation and Environment Services, and Jacqueline Hamilton for Strategic Services.
Kevin Clifford has been appointed as the head title after serving as the Acting Fire Chief and the Acting Director of the Saint John Emergency Organization. He joined the fire department back in 1980.
The city also appointing 4 new commissioners as the city rearranges itself into 6 key departments.
Greg Yeomans was appointed the commissioner of Finance and Administrative Services, Ken Forrest for Growth and Development Services, Bill Edwards for Transportation and Environment Services, and Jacqueline Hamilton for Strategic Services.
Portions Of Captial Budget Draws Criticism
Portions of the capital budget drawing the ire of some of the councillors.
Councillor Patty Higgins not happy with a 200-thousand dollar investment into Saint John Industrial Parks in order to move a barge facility forward.
Councillor Bill Farren also dismayed at the purchase of two transit buses totaling almost 900-thousand dollars, which was a carry-over cost from last year.
While the budget was approved, the industrial park investment was set aside and will be discussed further by council.
Councillor Patty Higgins not happy with a 200-thousand dollar investment into Saint John Industrial Parks in order to move a barge facility forward.
Councillor Bill Farren also dismayed at the purchase of two transit buses totaling almost 900-thousand dollars, which was a carry-over cost from last year.
While the budget was approved, the industrial park investment was set aside and will be discussed further by council.
Common Council Approves Capital Budget
Common Council approving a 31 million dollar capital budget.
New spending in the budget comes in at 11.2 million dollars -- 39 percent of the budget has been set aside for drainage projects but money will also be spent on the Coast Guard Site, IT infrastructure, and half a million dollars in Market Place West.
Commissioner of Planning and Development Ken Forrest tells CHSJ News spending was carefully considered and even projects pre-approved last year were looked at again.
He says every project was weighed on several criteria, including public safety, whether cost-sharing is available, and the strategic significance of the investment.
New spending in the budget comes in at 11.2 million dollars -- 39 percent of the budget has been set aside for drainage projects but money will also be spent on the Coast Guard Site, IT infrastructure, and half a million dollars in Market Place West.
Commissioner of Planning and Development Ken Forrest tells CHSJ News spending was carefully considered and even projects pre-approved last year were looked at again.
He says every project was weighed on several criteria, including public safety, whether cost-sharing is available, and the strategic significance of the investment.
Monday, February 27, 2012
CUPE Says Show Me The Numbers
The Canadian Union of Public Employees is taking issue with the suggestion that not opening 22 provincial government garages for the summer would have saved enough money to buy enhanced M-R-I's for hospitals in Saint John and Moncton.
That's what CHSJ News was told by interim Provincial Liberal Leader Victor Boudreau.
The President of Cupe Local 1190, Andy Hardy tells CHSJ News he hasn't seen any proof of money being saved when the Liberals closed them down.
Hardy claims closing those garages, which the Liberals did, may have cost the province even more money with the work having to be done 50 to 75 kilometers away.
He also doesn't know when money has ever been taken from Transportation and given to Health unless the Liberals are planning to merge them into one department when they return to power. The Give 2012 To Boost The NB Heart Centre
The Give 2012 wants to raise $750,000 for the New Brunswick Centre.
Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation Director Victoria Clarke tells CHSJ News 13,000 people walks through the doors of the NB Heart Centre for treatment every year.
She tells us the NB Heart Centre is funded for 800 cardiac surgeries every year adding when they came to the foundation with some needs they wanted to ask on them immediately.
The 2012 campaign will invest in 11 pieces of equipment including two complete heart-lung machines and a cerebral oxygen saturation monitor.
Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation Director Victoria Clarke tells CHSJ News 13,000 people walks through the doors of the NB Heart Centre for treatment every year.
She tells us the NB Heart Centre is funded for 800 cardiac surgeries every year adding when they came to the foundation with some needs they wanted to ask on them immediately.
The 2012 campaign will invest in 11 pieces of equipment including two complete heart-lung machines and a cerebral oxygen saturation monitor.
Police Lay Charges In Peter Street Home Invasion
City police tell CHSJ News they do not think a weekend home invasion was a random act.
Major Crime arresting four people after the incident on yesterday (Sunday) morning just after 11am on a home on Peters Street.
Two men in their 30's and two women, one in her twenties and one in her fifties, are due in court today facing charges of break and enter, assault with a weapon, possession of a controlled drug and probation violation.
Two 21-year-old men were slightly hurt.
Ferguson's Allegations Called "Reckless"
The defamation trial of former Common Councillor John Ferguson continues to hear from Saint John East M-L-A Glen Tait, a former Common Councillor himself and pension board trustee.
Tait told the court he grew increasingly frustrated with Ferguson making allegations without offering up any proof to substantiate them and believes a conflict of interest allegation was mean't to discredit him personally.
Tait was receiving a city pension while serving on Council along with the pension board and sought a legal opinion as to whether he was in a conflict of interest but tells the jury his pension benefits did not change or increase.
Tait freely admits, at the time in 2007, Common Council and City Staff were not having a positive relationship and Ferguson got under his skin many times.
In a letter to Council, City Solicitor John Nugent called the allegations being made about the pension board "reckless".
Tait opposed Ferguson's suggestion of setting up an ethics commission believing it would only foster the public impression that something wrong was going on.
Tait told the court he grew increasingly frustrated with Ferguson making allegations without offering up any proof to substantiate them and believes a conflict of interest allegation was mean't to discredit him personally.
Tait was receiving a city pension while serving on Council along with the pension board and sought a legal opinion as to whether he was in a conflict of interest but tells the jury his pension benefits did not change or increase.
Tait freely admits, at the time in 2007, Common Council and City Staff were not having a positive relationship and Ferguson got under his skin many times.
In a letter to Council, City Solicitor John Nugent called the allegations being made about the pension board "reckless".
Tait opposed Ferguson's suggestion of setting up an ethics commission believing it would only foster the public impression that something wrong was going on.
Police Seek Suspects In Shell Robbery
The Saint John Police Force looking into an armed robbery on Saturday night at the Garnett Shell Service Station on Wellesley Ave.
Police are looking for two white men in their twenties who left the area on foot with some cash.
No one was hurt in the robbery.
One man is described as between 5 feet and 5 foot 5 weighing 220 pounds and the other is between 6 feet and 6 foot 5 with a skinny build.
Both men were wearing blue jeans, sneakers and a black jacket with a hood.
If you know anything call the Saint John Police Force at 648-3333 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
Police are looking for two white men in their twenties who left the area on foot with some cash.
No one was hurt in the robbery.
One man is described as between 5 feet and 5 foot 5 weighing 220 pounds and the other is between 6 feet and 6 foot 5 with a skinny build.
Both men were wearing blue jeans, sneakers and a black jacket with a hood.
If you know anything call the Saint John Police Force at 648-3333 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
Temporary Closures On Harbour Bridge Over The Next Two Months
Get ready for the temporary closures of one eastbound lane on the Saint John Harbour Bridge over the next eight weeks.
The closures are necessary to allow crews to prepare for the final phase of bridge work, which will close both eastbound lanes from April 15 until the fall.
Transportation Minister Claude Williams says in a release that up until April 15, they are committed to keeping at least three of the four lanes open at all times. Williams notes it will be necessary to close one lane at times to allow crews to do preliminary work in advance of the closure of the eastbound lanes.
The temporary lane closures will only take place during non-peak hours between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m Monday through Saturday and the closures are dependent upon the weather.
Liberals Charge Keeping Campaign Promise Derails M-R-I Machine
Opposition Liberal leader Victor Boudreau claims there wouldn't be any problem having money for enhanced M-R-I's at the Regional Hospital and in Moncton but for campaign promises that don't make sense.
Boudreau maintains there would be plenty of money available to pay for enhanced M-R-I machines in Saint John and Moncton had the Premier not fulfilled a campaign promise to keep 22 government garages open all summer even after the Transportation Department says it's not necessary.
A controversy has arisen over the province turning down an offer of a million dollars from the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation to help pay for the more expensive M-R-I machine.
Boudreau maintains there would be plenty of money available to pay for enhanced M-R-I machines in Saint John and Moncton had the Premier not fulfilled a campaign promise to keep 22 government garages open all summer even after the Transportation Department says it's not necessary.
A controversy has arisen over the province turning down an offer of a million dollars from the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation to help pay for the more expensive M-R-I machine.
Budget Day Is A Month Away
The Provincial budget is a mere four weeks off and many fear it will features a lot of slicing and dicing.
David Alward tells CHSJ News adding tolls to provincial highways and increasing the HST are not on the government's radar screen.
He says they did not run on a mandate to increase tolls or the HST and the only way it can be done is with a referendum. He adds they have no plans for that this spring.
Alward praising the work of his Finance Minister Blaine Higgs on his recent pre-budget consultation tour of the province. The budget comes out on March 27th.
Local Big and Little Brother Share Bullying Experience
Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada releasing a survey where 30 per cent of adults say bullying from their youth caused them life long harm.
James Connor is a little brother and tells CHSJ News he has experienced bullying.
He says he was always a different kid when he moved from the west side to the north end. James tells us he wore glasses and was a bit on the chunky side so he thinks bullies targeted him thinking he wouldn't stick up for himself.
Connor also tells us when he was being bullied he had people he could go to including his Big Brother Mike McCarron.
James Connor is a little brother and tells CHSJ News he has experienced bullying.
He says he was always a different kid when he moved from the west side to the north end. James tells us he wore glasses and was a bit on the chunky side so he thinks bullies targeted him thinking he wouldn't stick up for himself.
Connor also tells us when he was being bullied he had people he could go to including his Big Brother Mike McCarron.
North End Gas Station Robbed
The Shell Station on the corner of Wellesley and Somerset Streets was held up over the weekend. It happened Saturday night around 8.
Two men wearing ski masks made off with the cash box. There's no word on whether they were armed.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Sentier NB Trails Laments Budget Cuts
Time to hit the trail--that message from Paul Jorgensen, the director of Sentier Trails NB. But hiking the province's trails might not be so easy at a time when the province's economic outlook is on the decline.
He tells CHSJ news funding cuts are putting the hiking trails at risk: last year, he says, their funding was cut by $40,000.
Jorgensen notes that 30 percent of New Brunswickers are considered not just overweight, but obese--and that opportunities for outdoor recreation and important to the health of the province.
He tells CHSJ news funding cuts are putting the hiking trails at risk: last year, he says, their funding was cut by $40,000.
Jorgensen notes that 30 percent of New Brunswickers are considered not just overweight, but obese--and that opportunities for outdoor recreation and important to the health of the province.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Weston Discusses Changes to Old Age Security
The government wants you to know that any upcoming changes to Old Age Security won't effect people who are about to collect, or collecting now. Saint John M-P Rodney Weston says despite Stephen Harper's talk about raising the eligibility age from 65 to 67, those changes won't be happening for a long time,
Weston tells CHSJ News there's no cause for alarm yet--despite the fact that he's been inundated with calls and emails from worried citizens--because there will be enough consultation for people to make changes in their retirement plans.
The proposed changes wouldn't happen until at least 2020. Weston says it's being considered to make sure that OAS will be there for people in the long run.
Weston tells CHSJ News there's no cause for alarm yet--despite the fact that he's been inundated with calls and emails from worried citizens--because there will be enough consultation for people to make changes in their retirement plans.
The proposed changes wouldn't happen until at least 2020. Weston says it's being considered to make sure that OAS will be there for people in the long run.
Friday, February 24, 2012
No Explosives In Suspicious Package
An RCMP bomb squad destroying a suspicious package outside of the Scotia Bank on Main Street West.
Police got a call of a suspicious package outside of the bank around noon today. A note was attached and while the contents of the note have not been released, it was enough for the entire street and businesses to be evacuated for almost 6 hours.
Police got a call of a suspicious package outside of the bank around noon today. A note was attached and while the contents of the note have not been released, it was enough for the entire street and businesses to be evacuated for almost 6 hours.
A bomb disposal robot blasted the package twice with a water cannon.
Sgt. Chuck Elgee says there were no explosives inside but would not reveal what the package contained.
Package Destroyed By Bomb Squad Robot
A bomb squad robot has destroyed a package that was placed in front of a West side bank this morning.
The robot poked around the bag and shot into it causing a bang that startled some people gathered along Main Street west.
City police and the fire department evacuating everyone along Main Street west from Simms Corner to the intersection of Church Street and Manawoganish Road including Moosehead breweries. Police were notified of the suspicious package around noon hour.
The area is still closed to traffic and should be until at least 6pm.
The robot poked around the bag and shot into it causing a bang that startled some people gathered along Main Street west.
City police and the fire department evacuating everyone along Main Street west from Simms Corner to the intersection of Church Street and Manawoganish Road including Moosehead breweries. Police were notified of the suspicious package around noon hour.
The area is still closed to traffic and should be until at least 6pm.
Robot Pokes At Possible Explosive On Main Street West
The bomb squad is on the scene on Main Street West after reports of a possible explosive in a white plastic garbage bag in front of the Bank of Nova Scotia.
A robot working for the bomb squad is poking at the bag.
City fire and police crews have blocked the area from Simms Corner along Main Street to the corner of Church Street and Manawagonish Road.
We are told it will be closed until 6pm tonight.
The call came in this morning about 11:45 at which time tenants, shoppers and employers along Main Street West were evacuated.
A robot working for the bomb squad is poking at the bag.
City fire and police crews have blocked the area from Simms Corner along Main Street to the corner of Church Street and Manawagonish Road.
We are told it will be closed until 6pm tonight.
The call came in this morning about 11:45 at which time tenants, shoppers and employers along Main Street West were evacuated.
Road To Remain Closed After Bomb Threat On West Side
City police informing our newsroom that Main Street West will remain closed to traffic from Simms Corner to Church St. and Manawoganish Rd until 6pm tonight.
BREAKING NEWS - Bomb Squad Checking Package At Scotia Bank
Residents and businesses in the area including Moosehead Brewery have been evacuated as a precaution.
Saint John M-L-A's Are Really "M-I-A's"
The Alward Government is being accused of not listening to those who should know what they're talking about when it comes to the controversy over not buying a top of the line M-R-I imaging machine for the Regional Hospital. Moncton also wants one.
The provincial government even turned down an offer of a million dollars from the Saint John Hospital Foundation to help pay for it. Opposition Leader Victor Boudreau tells CHSJ News that's very odd indeed because it's not everyday a government gets an offer like that.
There is a split on this issue within the Conservative caucus with Fundy-River Valley M-L-A Dr. Jim Parrot, a retired heart surgeon, breaking with his party. Boudreau says the last time he looked, Parrot was the only doctor among the government M-L-A's.
As for the Saint John Conservative M-L-A's, Boudreau quips they should be called M-I-A's, "Missing in action".
BREAKING NEWS - Bomb Squad Arrives At Scotia Bank West Side
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.
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.
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.
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