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Liberals Not Surprised At Parrott Ouster

The Province's liberal opposition is not surprised to hear of Jim Parrot's ouster from the Tory caucus but Interim Leader Victor Boudreau says he would not be welcomed by the Liberals because he doesn't represent the values of the party.
 
Miramichi MLA Bill Fraser says he finds it ironic to hear Premier David Alward talk of trust and respect.

Fraser charges Alward has lied time and time again to the people in the province on many issues adding he has the nerve to says he's kicking Dr. Parrott out of caucus.

Fraser says the Premier has lost all respect of the voters over issues like the catastrophic drug program and free votes in the legislature and even many Conservative M-L-A's are not hapy with his leadership style.

The Premier says it was a unanimous decision of the caucus to remove Dr. Parrott, whom he accuses of taking "cheap shots". Dr. Parrot will now sit as an Independent in the provincial legislature and vows his political career isn't over. 
 
Dr. Parrott is a former heart surgeon who was elected in 2010 in the riding of Fundy-River Valley.

Harper's Summer Popularity Will "Evaporate," Says May

When Green MP Elizabeth May comes to Fredericton this weekend she'll be standing with the provincial Greens against fracking...but May also has a few choice words about a recent Canadian Press Harris Decima poll that put support for the Tories at 34%, or 7 points ahead of the NDP.

May tells CHSJ News he excepts Harper's summer popularity to plummet after his government introduces a second omnibus budget bill based on the March 2012 budget.

May will speak Saturday at an anti-fracking rally in front of the leg. For more information about her visit, click here.

Dairytown Teen Facing 7 Charges

18-year-old Thomas Doiron of Sussex is facing 7 charges after a truck was stolen from a parking lot in Dairytown.
 
The truck went missing from the Park Street lot and 10 minutes later a RCMP officer found that stolen truck crashed in a ditch in Norton.  

Doiron was found soon after in the woods nearby.  The charges he faces include theft of a motor vehicle, impaired driving and damage to property.

After waiving his right to a bail hearing, Doiron was remanded into custody and is due back in court on the 27th to enter a plea.  

Green Events In Freddy This Weekend

It's going to be a big weekend for the provincial Green party...the Greens are choosing their new leader Saturday as well as hosting some eco-friendly events. 

Green party action organizer Sharon Murphy tells CHSJ News it's going to be an especially exciting race. It's between David Coon and Roy McMullin, both of whom have been heavily involved in the local environmental scene for decades.

A "meet the candidates" event will run the Cedar Cafe in Fredericton from 7 to 10pm Friday. Green MP Elizabeth May will also be in town to offer a keynote address and participate in an anti-fracking demonstration in front of the provincial legislature. The leadership convention will be held at the Fredericton convention center.  

For a full schedule of events click here

Man Facing Assault Charge

A 19 year old man is facing an assault causing bodily harm charge after a stabbing incident on the lower west side.

It happened just after 4pm yesterday near the intersection of Winslow and Watson streets.

The man pleading not guilty in court and will remain in custody until a bail hearing on Monday.

The 20 year old victim of the stabbing remains in stable condition in hospital.

Shop 'Till You Drop At Fashion Forward

If you enjoy a little "retail therapy", Uptown Saint John is hosting the the perfect night for you....the annual Fashion Forward event is happening on October 4th. It's a Gallery Hop style event where boutiques will host special promotions and events as shoppers make their way around the uptown streets.

Tracy Hanson tells CHSJ News it's all about treating yourself, whether that means taking in live models and appetizers or simply window shopping.

The first 100 shoppers at Fashion Forward will get a free swag bag.  Over 20 shops will be participating from 5-9pm.

Gala Event At Imperial Theatre

The Imperial theatre celebrating one of its own with a brand new award called "The Show Must Go On" Award. This year's inaugural recipient will be outgoing General Manager Peter D. Smith. 

Executive Director S.G. Lee tells CHSJ News after nearly 20 years, it's time to start recognizing some major contributors who were there from the theatre's inception.

The theme of this year's "The Show Must Go On" Award is the Scottish highlands. Cocktails and a sit-down dinner will be served at the ceremony on October 12. Tickets are $150 each with a charitable donation receipt of $75. They can be purchased online at www.imperialtheatre.nb.ca, at the Box Office, or by calling 674-4100.

ESJ To Help Entrepreneurs Boost Their Businesses

Entrepreneurs with struggling businesses are getting help from a new program from Enterprise Saint John.
 
Participants in the Kickstart your Business program will get the benefit of 400 years of combined business expertise from the volunteer advisors taking part.
 
Janet Scott tells CHSJ News the participants will meet every two weeks for two and a half hours over a six month period.

There is also a 1 day retreat and the advisors give 2-3 hours a week but the program also includes a social media component where the entrepreneurs can post a question on a LinkedIn forum and any or all of the expert advisors can answer that question.

The program begins next Wednesday for 6 months.
For more info, click here

New Inquest Begins In Smith's Death

An inquest about Ashley Smith, a young Moncton woman, who choked herself to death in an Ontario jail, gets a fresh start today. 
Those involved hope it will shed light on the treatment of mentally ill people in custody.  

Kim Pate of the Elizabeth Fry Societies in Canada says everyone should be concerned about how many young people might become another Ashley Smith.

She says nothing will bring Ashley back but the hope is that the inquest will prevent future deaths like this.

Ashley Smith was 19 when she died nearly five years ago at the Grand Valley Institution for Women in Kitchener, Ontario. 

She had spent most of the last year of her life in segregation.

Court Appearance For Accused Stabber

(Police and Paramedics work on stabbing victim
Photo courtesy of Doug Epton)

There was more police activity on the lower west side after a 20 year old man was stabbed in his chest at Winslow and Watson Streets just after 4 in the afternoon.
 
City Police tell CHSJ News another man was arrested around 6 last night on the east side. 

The 19 year old will likely face a charge of aggravated assault in provincial court.

A Welcomed Change With Gas Prices

You're paying less for self serve regular after the weekly setting. 

The price dropping by over 3 cents a litre to $1.34.9 around town. 

Diesel is virtually the same at $1.35.5 a litre. 

Heating oil has increased by just under a cent to a maximum of $1.19.6 and there's no change whatsoever in the maximum price that can be charged for propane. It's still at 95.6 cents a litre.

Ward 3 Voters Have Their Say

If the Ward 3 meeting is any indication, South Enders are more satisfied with North Enders when it comes to fire and police services. 30% of nearly 70 voters surveyed said they were happy with fire service, compared to just 23% in the North End.

Mayor Mel Norton tells CHSJ News while only a small section of voters might come to ward meetings, the city will be reaching more people with phone and online surveys. At the end of the day Norton tells CHSJ News public consultation is vital because the budget effects everyone.

Only 29% of Ward 3 voters surveyed said they were happy with the condition of roads.

The final Ward 4 budget consultation is tonight at Forest Hills Baptist Church.