Liberal leader Brian Gallant is announcing he will run in the by-election for the riding of Kent recently vacated by former premier Shawn Graham.
Last week, NB's conflict of interest commissioner determined Graham was in a conflict when he assisted in an agreement to provide financial help to a subsidary of now-defunct Atcon, which had ties to his father.
Gallant said he looks forward to the opportunity to represent the riding of Kent as a member of the Legislative Assemply and he'd like to zero in on changes to EI and twinning Route 11 in addition to ministering to the province's flagging economy. He also pointed to the potential for shale gas development in the province as a concern.
Gallant said he hopes Premier Alward will call a by-election as soon as possible. He was elected leader of the provincial Liberals on October 27, 2012 defeating two other candidates. He is a lawyer by profession.
The New Brunswick Council of Nursing Homes lashing out at the provincial government for its decision to close laundry facilities in 16 nursing homes across the province...which they believe will lead to the loss of 60 jobs despite the government's claims the workers will merely be transferred to other departments. Nursing Home Union President Wayne Brown doesn't buy the assurances.
For its part, the government claims the job-sharing plan will save nearly $600,000 annually; however, the union representatives say if the government had wanted to find efficiencies it should have consulted with them. Locally, employees at Passamaquoddy Lodge, Kennebec Manor, Kings Way Centre and Rocmaura Nursing Home will be affected.
Some reactions from listeners in the Saint John area on the decision not to install a roundabout at one of the city's most notorious intersections: Simm's Corner.
Nancy-Leigh says "I think to many transports go through there for a roundabout. Maybe reconfigure it into a proper intersection and put in lights."
Paul says: "Yes for roundabout."
Victoria "We shouldn't have a roundabout there. How it would work without everyone getting cut off?"
Natasha agrees saying Simms Corner is too small, logistically, to put in a traffic circle. "It is easy to get through if you follow the flow of traffic and the signs... I go through it daily ( a few times) and I never have an issue."
What do you think about Simm's Corner? Have your say on Facebook or Twitter.
Hillsborough residents are concerned about oil and gas drilling and production being approved without the provincial government making an assessment of the community's baseline health status.
An assessment was reccomended by the chief medical officer for the province, Dr Eilish Cleary, in a report last year.
A new well in Edgett's Landing is less than 2km from both village water wells and .5km from residential areas according to a local citizen group, Water and Environmental Protection for Albert County, who are concerned about potential adverse effects.
Hillsborough Village Council and citizens groups have sent a letter with over 100 signatures to the Minister of Health asking that province establish baseline health and socio-economic status and water/air quality, before more developments are approved.
For those seeking out new ways to cope with bullying have another option in the K.V.
"The B Factor" is a support group and information resource for victims of bullying and for the parents and guardians of those who have been bullied.
Constable Krystal Daley of the Rothesay Regional Police tells CHSJ News they meet every month in the KV Superstore community room.
She says they started last fall and they have either a guest speaker or a presentation by someone in the community relating to bullying and what is being done in the schools.
Daley says they've been meeting every month in the community room of the KV Superstore and they will again tonight at 7.
Tonight's presentation is about internet safety and anyone who is interested can just show up.
Saint John firefighters responding to a fire last night in Redhead.
The call came in about 630 for 189 Ocean Drive and on arrival crews found heavy smoke and fire in the kitchen.
One firefighter was slightly injured, while one person suffered a slight burns to a leg and another person suffered smoke inhalation.
The cause of the blaze has been deemed accidental.
No answer yet when it comes to tackling the tricky traffic spot at Simm's Corner. Common Councillor Bill Farren tells CHSJ that he thinks the spot is most problematic for drivers unfamiliar with the area, not west siders. After the idea to install a roundabout was shot down, Farren wants to see a permanent solution put into place.
He calls the choice not to install the traffic fixture "disappointing".
A damaged covered bridge may get a new lease on life if some petitioners have their way.
Locals are presenting a petition to Curtis Malloch, MLA for Charlotte-Campobello, urging the provincial government to restore the damaged covered bridge at Maxwell Crossing.
The bridge was heavily damaged in a January 21 single-vehicle collision and the Department of Transport suggested the bridge might not be repaired, but replaced with a bailey bridge. The petition has been signed by more than 900 people.
The repairs would cost some $500,000. The province has lost almost 240 of its historic covered bridges in the last 50 years.The bridge at Maxwell Crossing was built 103 years ago.
