Sussex Walmart is Staying the Course

The layaway plan at the East Saint John Walmart is back but the Sussex store is not backing down. CHSJ News contacted manager Chris Redman to ask about layaway at his store with many of the over 500 FaceBook members of a site opposing the plan to drop layaway from the Sussex area.


Redman says this issue doesn't affect his store and told us he wasn't going to answer our question about whether his stores layaway plan was being shelved. When we told him many of the FaceBook members were from the Sussex area he then told us the layaway plan was no longer available.

New Canada-US Border Crossing to Open in November

(Photo Courtesy of Facebook)

In just over a month from now you could be crossing the new border into the United States. Minister of Veterans affairs Minister Greg Thomspon tells us depending on scheduling, the new St. Stephen and Calais border on Highway One will open November 21st:

Thomspon says the opening of the new border crossing will be the first in Canada in the last 75 years.

Walmart Saint John Re-Opens Layaway

A Facebook group annoyed that Walmart Saint John had discontinued layaway has scored a major victory. Group founder, Bonnie Cox tells CHSJ News the store on McAllister Place Drive has decided to re-open layaway until after Christmas. The group has grown to more than 500 members who were worried about low income families being able to afford Christmas gifts this year.

Cox says a spokesperson confirmed to her cancelling layaway was a corporate cost saving measure. When we contacted Walmart yesterday, they gave no comment.

Conservative Candidate Nominated for the Riding of Charlotte-Campobello

Fisherman Curtis Malloch has been elected to stand as the Conservative Candidate in the next Provincial election for the riding of Charlotte-Campobello. The provincial Tories held their nomination convention over the weekend and Malloch beat out John Craig and Joseph Moffatt.
The riding had been held by Conservative MLA Tony Huntjens since 1999.

PRO Kids teams with Kiwanis for Fundraiser

Kiwanis members are skipping a meal this week in support of PRO Kids.

PRO Kids Manager Tammy Desaulniers tells CHSJ news that Kiwanis members will donate $10 to PRO Kids to help them place local kids in positive recreation activities.
Desaulniers adds today they placed their 600th child of the year.
The fundraiser began today and runs until Friday.
To take part, call PRO Kids at 642-PLAY.

Irving Tissue Worker Slightly Injured

A man was slightly injured after an industrial accident at Irving Tissue on the West Side.


A Worksafe NB spokesperson says the man pinched his hand on a tool.

He was treated in hospital and released.

Update on Activity at Long Wharf

No doubt you have seen the progress they are making at Long Wharf. Several pilings are now drilled into the ground as 25% of the pre-construction work is finished. This as Irving Oil waits for the green light to proceed with building it's headquarters on the water front. Spokesperson Leslie McLeod tells CHSJ News, they are proceeding cautiously and remain hopeful a final decision will work in their favor.

McLeod points out all this work is being done at the companies risk and should one of the approvals not follow through, Irving Oil is responsible for returning the site to it's original state.

Saint John Company Grows

East meets West in a merger between two promotions companies. Master Promotions has announced they have purchased Square Feet Northwest Event Management Inc. based in Burnaby, British Columbia. This company brings with it hugely popular shows including the BC Boat & Sportsmen’s Show and Hunting Show.

A spokes-person for Master Promotions tells CHSJ News, they are taking one one new sales-person as a result of the sale. This will bring their compliment of staff to 29 between Saint John, Halifax and British Columbia.

Peters Appointed to Province's Human Rights Commission

Jill Peters is the new director of the Province's Human Rights Commission.
She comes to the position from Social Developent where she was manager of operational consulting for the past 7 years.
Commission chair Gordon Porter says Peters has shown her commitment to equality and social justice through her work in New Brunswick and other countries.

Point Lepreau Refit to Extend Life of Plant Longer than Expected

The President of NB Power says delays in refurbishing the Point Lepreau generating station will not hurt the crown corporations reputation. The refit is currently running 16 months behind schedule, which is costing the province one million dollars a day to purchase replacement power. President, David Hay says this is a learning experience.

Meanwhile, Hay says the refit will extend the life of the Generating Station by longer than initially thought. He says officials with Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd believe the refurbishment will keep Point Lepreau online for another 30 years, rather than the 25 years that was expected.

Fatal Crash in Drummondville

RCMP have released the name of the man killed in a Saturday crash in Drummondville. 47-year old Michel Pagé of Grand Falls passed away at the Moncton City Hospital yesterday. He was fatally wounded during a collision between his motorcycle and another vehicle on the Third Tier Road in Drummond.

Trouble Looming for Local Business

The warning bell is being sounded again by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. According to survey responses of 1,500 small business owners and data from Stats Canada, an aging population, out-migration of youth, and shortage of qualified labour are the most pressing issues facing small business in Atlantic Canada.


CFIB's Vice-President Leanne Hachey says the challenge in Atlantic Canada won't be to find jobs for people but to find people for jobs. Tax-payers will also find themselves paying for growing health and social services bills.

Walmart Scraps Layaway Plan

If you shop at Walmart, this may interest you. Notice has been posted at the East Side store they are getting rid of it's layaway plan, a move which has angered hundreds. A FaceBook group with 300 members has started in protest of the move. Bonnie Cox tells CHSJ News, In a perfect world, they would like to see the decision reversed.


Cox, who used to work at a homeless shelter tells us for most of the women clients she worked with, the layaway plan was their only option for Christmas gifts. We contacted Walmart who have no comment on the issue at this time but ask anyone with concerns about the move to call the store.

Industrial Accident

A man has been taken to hospital following an industrial accident at Irving Tissue next to the Pulp and Paper mill on the West Side. The call came in around 9:15am after the man's hand was injured in a machine. No other details are available at this time.

Robbers Busy in the City Last Night

The Simms Corner Tim Horton's the scene of the latest robbery in Saint John. Police say a man in his 40's walked in to the store around four this morning and demanded cash. No weapon was seen, but the man made off with an undisclosed amount of money.

Meanwhile, city police are investigating an attempted robbery outside the Studio 10 movie theatres on the East Side. Sgt. Pat Bonner says a 21 year old man was leaving the cinema following his shift last night when he was jumped by two young men. He suffered facial injuries but no money was stolen.

St. Stephen Border Crossing Closed Last Night

RCMP are releasing few details about the St. Stephen-Calais border crossing being shut down last night. The bomb squad was on the scene and people were questioned as the Ferry Point Border Crossing was isolated from 6pm until 1:30 this morning.

All the mounties will say at this point, is that information discovered by the Canadian Border Services Agency regarding a vehicle and its occupants led to the border crossing being closed. However, RCMP say an investigation has determined the concern was unfounded.

Close Call in Glen Falls

Fire investigators have determined the cause of a fire yesterday morning in Glen Falls. Crews were called to 954 Glen Road by the homeowner after flames started coming from the basement crawl space. About 17 fire fighters responded initially and quickly knocked down the blaze. Officials say a leaking furnace oil line is to blame and it's assumed oil leaked down the line and was ignited from an electrical current.

Power was shut down and repair crews were called in. No one was hurt.

Green Party Candidates

(Green Party Leader Elizabeth May--File Photo)

With what appears to be an election every year or so, the Leader of the green party says New Brunswick is a tough area to fill a candidate list. Elizabeth May tells CHSJ News, political life is a real committment, and annual elections really take a toll on a candidate.

May says so far the Green Party has some strong candidates for the province, and is confident as election time crawls closer they will have a full ballot.

Emergency Software

Nine Regional Communities from Grand-Bay Westfield to Norton are pooling their resources to purchase software called the "Sentinal"" that will relay information instantly in an emergency. Grand-Bay Westfield Mayor Grace Losier says the Joint Emergency Preparedness Program is helping with the cost of the software.

Losier adds if a disaster is happening in Grand-Bay Westfield it might also be affecting Saint John so it makes sense to share information.

City Police Consider New Rules for Complaints

The Saint John Police Force may soon adopt a new policy concerning anonymous complaints. The Provincial Police Commission has done this already, they require all complaints be submitted in writing and the person filing the complaint must be identified. Police Chief Bill Reid says currently there is no recourse for the accused officer and they want to build some teeth into the system so that people can face their accuser.

Reid says legal services and the police commission will consult on the matter and expects they will adopt a similar policy.

Green Party Leader

Since taking over the role in September, Jack MacDougall continues to find his pace as leader of the Provincial Green Party. He tells CHSJ News, the goal for next years election is to have a candidate in every riding and their vision remains clear to focus on the next generation, not the next election.

MacDougall adds the Green Party views success differently than the Liberals and the Tories who are only in it to win.

Province Continues Fight to Keep Blood Distribution Centre

(Health Minister Mary Schryer)

Despite what officials from Canadian Blood Services have said about it's distribution center in Millidgeville, the Province isn't ready to watch moving vans roll down the highway. Health Minister Mary Schryer tells CHSJ News, CBS continues to consult with the medical community to find the right fit to their plan to re-locate the center to Dartmouth.

CBS has said it wants this Province to remain part of it's national set-up but realizes one of the options Provincial officials are exploring is getting into the blood business on it's own.

Armed Robbery in the North End

A North End convenience store is the latest victim of an armed robbery. Just after midnight a man entered "At Your Convenience" store on Adelaide Street with a weapon demanding cash.
City Police tell us they expect there were three people involved in the incident, and the robber got away with an undisclosed amount of cash.
There were no injuries, and Major Crime is investigating.

Deal Still Being Ironed Out

[Health Minister Mary Schryer---File Photo]
After reaching a settlement in principle back on the 22nd of last month, the wording on a final contract between doctors and the province continues to be ironed out. Health Minister Mary Schryer tells CHSJ News, there isn't a lot of details she can speak about at this point:

The doctors launched legal action after the government threatened to impose a two-year wage freeze. That came after the medical society reached a tentative agreement with the province that was never implemented, but was ratified by the doctors.

Student Joins District 8 Education Council

[Elizabeth Murphy Being Sworn Into the DEC----Photo by Dave Briggs]

District 8's student representative is now a full member of the District Education Council. Elizabeth Murphy is the student council president at St. Malachy's and was sworn into the DEC earlier this week.

Murphy tells CHSJ News, the reason she wanted to join the council was to try and make a difference.
Murphy is the first student to sit on District 8's education council.

Rothesay Student Survey

Rothesay town council wants to have detailed information on the assets of youth in the community. School District 6, together with the Atlantic Health Science Corporation, is conducting a Developmental Asset Survey of students in grade 6 through 12. Spokesperson, Thelma Messer explains, the survey will give decision makers an idea of how successful teens will be:

The survey was last completed in 2002. The town has agreed to pay for data on youth specifically in Rothesay.

Green Party Okay With Ideas Being Borrowed

[Green Party Leader Elizabeth May-----file photo]
Green Party ideas being borrowed by other political parties is not an issue with it's leader.
Elizabeth May tells CHSJ News, it shows other parties are thinking about the environment.
May says it's great that Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff is retaining a lot of the green iniatives put forth by former party leader Stephane Dion.

City Police To Discuss Graffiti

[Police Chief Bill Reid---File Photo]
The City's Police Chief will sit down with the Acting City manager about Graffiti in Saint John.

Chief Bill Reid and Pat Woods may use the Halifax Graffiti Managemant Plan as a model.
Chief Reid says he remember Sgt. Jim Fleming bringing this subject to senior management at least 6 years ago.
Chief Reid will report back to the Police Commission at their next meeting in November.

EMS Development Symposium

It shouldn't be hard to find help if you need it this weekend in Saint John. The 16th annual Emergency Medical Services Development Symposium is underway at the Regional. Spokes-person Jean Boles tells CHSJ News, there is plenty for all to take part in.

Boles adds this is a great opportunity to spend time with your colleagues as well to share information on how better to serve those in need. The symposium finishes up tomorrow.

KV Chamber of Commerce has a Request

The KV Chamber of Commerce wants the town of Rothesay to review its by-laws for signage. President, Phil Brodersen says the town should develop a policy to address the issue and report back to the Chamber of Commerce in about 3 weeks.


Brodersen says they also want the town to increase lighting along Scott Avenue and work on decreasing traffic. Council has agreed to meet with the Chamber of Commerce to continue talks regarding the concerns.

Green Partys Says It Is Readey for an Election

The Leader of the Green Party says they are ready for a federal election----anytime. The party feels it was burned by Prime Minister Stephen Harpers fixed election date last year, believing it was actually a law. May tells CHSJ News, they are now prepared to prove they can run this country.


May says unlike Harper and Finance Minster Jim Flaherty, her party would reduce the payments Canadians have to make on Employment Insurance by both employees and employers.

Soldiers Setting up Shop in Sussex

Local soldiers will conduct training in the Sussex area today and tomorrow. Soldiers from the 8th Canadian Hussars will participate in several exercises within the town and the Piccadilly Potash Project Site. Officials tell us there is no need for any home-owner to be alarmed with blank ammunition being used.


Military vehicles will be travelling slower than the posted limit so try to use caution when driving in and around these vehicles.

Provincial Departments Keeping Tabs On Flaring Incident

(Heightened flaring can be seen just over container crane last Saturday afternoon - file photo)

The provincial Environment Department is waiting for a report from Canaport L-N-G on last weekend's flaring incident at the natural gas terminal.
A spokesperson tells CHSJ News the report will be reviewed by department officials to make sure all 63-terms and conditions of the facility's air quality permit were - and - are being met.
Meantime -- the Public Safety Department tells us it's not aware of any structural issues and none of the pressure vessels - piping - nor fire suppression systems were damaged.
A spokesperson tells us if any damage had occurred - the department's Technical Inspection Services would have become involved.

Money for the Huntsman Marine Science Centre

A nice chunk of cash from Ottawa and the Province for the Huntsman Marine Science Centre in St. Andrews. The centre is building a 20,000 square-foot Discovery Centre to replace its existing aquarium. Both the Province and the Federal Goverment announced 2.5 million dollars today to develop the Discovery Centre on the lower campus property of the Huntsman Marine Science Centre.

Poverty Rally in Kings Square

(Fern Bennett with Make Poverty History)
            Photo By Jim Hennessy

A sobering statistic from an anti-poverty rally today.......every three seconds, someone in the world dies from poverty. The group Make Poverty History staged the demonstration in Kings Square and spokes-person Fern Bennett tells CHSJ News, some strides have been made to help those living in poverty in Saint John but more needs to be done.

 Bennett adds she is waiting with baited breath for the Provincial Government to hand down it's budget December.1st to see if any positive changes will be made to the current social set-up.

Saint John Area Nursing Home Workers Rally

It was a double-feature in Kings Square as nursing home workers rallied to bring attention to their plight as well. They have been with-out a contract for a year after reaching a tentative deal in March. That was dismissed by the Provincial Government who ordered public sector unions to implement a two year wage freeze to deal with the projected deficit. President of Cupe Local 1603 Tammy Nadeau tells CHSJ News, any chance of getting back to the bargaining table are slim.

As for any chance of strike action......Nadeau says their union has been off the job twice in forty years and they don't want to go down that road.

Graham Government Comments on Rally

A representative from the Graham Government was on hand for the rallies. Saint John East MLA Roly MacIntyre says the Graham Government has tried to maintain a good working relationship with the nursing home workers.


MacIntyre adds the nursing home workers pension fund was short and the Graham Government topped it off with $25 million dollars or it would have been bankrupt.

A Resolution in Walsh Case

Attorney General Mike Murphy has announced that civil action between Erin Michael Walsh, the Province and others has been resolved. Walsh was convicted of second-degree murder following the shooting death of Melvin "Chi Chi" Peters in 1975 and sentenced to life in prison with no parole for 10 years. The conviction was upheld on appeal in 1982.

The Province does acknowledge and agrees that a miscarriage of justice may have occurred respecting the 1975 conviction because of the timelines, processes and procedures of the day. Both the Province and City have agreed to pay compensation to Walsh and his wife. Details of the settlement are confidential.

New Homes for Quispamsis

(New Accessible and Seniors Apartments in Quispamsis)
                   Photo by Jim Hennessy

A project that started back in June is nearing completion along the Old Hampton Highway. The finishing touches are being put on 16 new accessible and seniors apartments in Quispamsis. Total cost is $1.8 million dollars and President of Ken-Val United Church Suites Clifty Long says this is filling a need for many in the Kennebecasis Valley.

Long expects the first tenants will move into their new homes on the first week of next month. Ottawa has put $480,000 dollars toward the project and the Province is on board for one million in rent supplements.

Another Hurdle for Residents at Ten Scott Avenue

Just days after residents on Scott Avenue were breathing a sigh of relief, a new problem is on the horizon. Rothesay Council on Tuesday pulled their application to purchase the four mixed income apartment buildings on the street off the table but CHSJ News has learned, one of the buildings is up for bids at a public auction on the 26th in Sussex. The assessed owner is listed as Kenneth and Helen Griffin and an apartment building and lot at 10 Scott Avenue is just one of several properties listed under their name.


Another interesting point is at the bottom of the listing, it says the Provincial Tax Commissioner was made aware of the properties sale on the 16th of last month. Griffin is quoted as saying he had no interest in selling the property to the town.

Rallies to be Held in King Square

There will be a few extra bodies in Kings Square today at noon. This is due to a pair of rallies including one for nursing home workers in Greater Saint John. They have been on the job for a year with-out a contract after signing a tentative deal back in March. That is when the Graham Government ordered public sector unions to implement a two year wage freeze to deal with the projected deficit. The union is asking if a deal can be reached with doctors....what about them.

Also, according to Face Book.....a take action against poverty group also plans to rally in the Square to bring attention to their cause. Things also get started at noon.

Marco Polo Update

Construction on the replica of the Marco Polo project is done for another season. With colder temperatures early in the evening and mornings, work crews are putting away their tools until the spring. Project spokes-person Barry Ogden tells CHSJ News, the vessel is over 90% complete.

The problem is.....they don't have a final resting place chosen for the replica just yet. Ogden says they would love to berth it anywhere between Water Street and Long Wharf but continue to consult with the Port Authority.

Need for Self Reliant Energy

[New Brunswick Green Party Leader Jack MacDougall----Photo by Dave Briggs]

The new provincial leader of the Green party says this province doesn't need nuclear power.
Jack MacDougall tells CHSJ news, this province should start looking at ways to incorporate more self reliant sources of energy.
MacDougall says once the province supplies it's own energy, than anything left over could be exported.
He says what concerns him most about the refurbishment of Point Lepreau is what is going to happen with all of the nuclear rods when they are finished making power.

Green Party Leader Says Delays At Point Lepreau Are Predictable

[Green Party Leader Elizabeth May----Photo by Dave Briggs]

The leader of the Green Party is not holding back when saying the refit project at Point Lepreau being behind schedule was completely predictable.
Elizabeth May tells CHSJ news, her party warned the project would run behind schedule.
May says the Atomic Energy of Canada continues to prove itself as incompetent. She says the crown corporation is unable to be transparant with how it spends it's money.
May says there needs to be a massive energy retrofit program implemented across the country.

Weapons Charges for Barnesville Man

A 25-year-old Barnseville man is facing weapons offences after shots were fired in the community last night.
The RCMP Response Team conducted a search of the house around midnight when three shots were fired at the front entrance. No one was hurt in the incident.
Jeffrey Defazio is being held until a bail hearing tomorrow in Saint John.
RCMP says additional charges will be laid after a search of the home.

Could More Saint John Jobs be on the Hook?

With jobs at Canadian Blood Services on their way to Dartmouth, there is word from Fredericton more Saint John jobs could be on the line. Since June, Ottawa has been working on setting up a National Securities Commission and appointed William Belliveau to be the representative for this Province. As the model for the new commission is still being worked out, Justice and Consumer Affairs Minister Mike Murphy has sent a letter voicing a few concerns.


While he assures Ottawa they will work with them on this new set-up, he also notes that sacrificing the New Brunswick Securities Commission at the expense of a national regime is not an option. NBSC employs more than 30 people at it's office on King Street.

Moosehead Light Lime Finds a Year Round Home

If over the past few months you have become a fan of MooseHead Light Lime, there is some good news. Due to how popular the product has become in such a short time, the company has decided to make it available year round. In its first month, over 50,000 cases were sold here and on the Island.

This makes it Mooseheads third-best selling brand behind Alpine Lager and Moosehead Light.

Alward Promises Changes to Social Assistance

(Provincial Conservative Leader David Alward)
              Photo by Jim Hennessy

Provincial Conservative Leader David Alward is promising major changes to the Department of Social Development. This comes just weeks before the final draft of the Poverty Reduction Plan is due to be unveiled which they Conservative Party has been part of. The question was posed to Alward is this nothing more than trying to beat the Graham Government to the punch which he denies.
If his party is elected, Alward promises around social development include getting rid of the economic unit policy and changes to the health card including not losing drug coverage to take a job.

Liberals Puzzled by Announcement from Alward

Admitting this is politics at it's best, Saint John East Roly MacIntyre was on hand for Alward's announcement. With the Poverty Reduction Strategy set to be released in about a month, MacIntyre says the timing for this is bad considering the Conservatives were part of the discussion group.

When asked if today's announcement is nothing more than posturing with an election next fall, MacIntyre says no question, it certainly is.

Children Encouraged to Get H1N1 Vaccine

The Department of Health is encouraging parents to have their children vaccinated against the H1N1 flu virus. An information pamphlet and parent consent form will be sent home with students in the coming days. Deputy chief medical officer of health, Dr. Paul Van Buynder says it's important that parents protect their children.

Aborginals and pregnant women are among the most likely to get H1N1, but Dr. Van Buynder says outside the key targets, young children are by far the most likely to get sick.

Shots Fired At RCMP Officers

RCMP officers searching a home near Barnesville last night ended up dodging bullets. A 25 year old man is facing charges in court today after the RCMP Emergency Response Team entered the home around midnight and a man fired three shots at the front entrance. Officers quickly arrested the man and no one was injured.

Beating Poverty

Saint John continues to have some of the highest poverty rates in Canada, with more than 14 hundred poor. Wendy MacDermott with Vibrant Communities says 20 per cent of Saint Johner's a poor, compared to the national average of 15 per cent. But there is hope. MacDermott says they can beat poverty by placing more resources in communities with the highest risk.

The Saint John police commission is helping out with the appointment of Mary-Eileen Flanagan to a Leadership Rountable that will help find solutions to poverty. MacDermott says their goal is to reduce poverty rates to the national average by vititalizing neighbourhoods, improving the city's housing strategy, helping single parents and encouraging more people to look for work.

Gas Prices Dip as Loonie Soars

The price of gasoline has dropped nearly a penny a litre today. The Energy and Utilities Board has set the maximum price for regular self-serve gas at 92.3 plus a possible two cent delivery charge. Meanwhile, diesel fuel is the same as yesterday at 96.6 cents a litre and propane also remains the same at 86.8. Furnace oil is up half a cent to land at 78.3.

Teaching Money Matters

The provincial securities commission is helping parents and teachers talk to youth about financial matters. A financial literacy program has been released called, "Make it Count: A Parent's Guide to Youth Money Management." A recent survey shows 59 per cent of New Brunswickers have not taught their children about personal finance.

The guide is available on-line and in print and teaches responsible budgeting, saving and debit card use. It also gives parents ideas on how to discuss smart money decisions with their children.

Children's Wish Walk

Raising cash for a good cause is the goal for some students in East Saint John today. Bayside Middle School is taking part in this years annual Childrens Wish Walk. Over the past eight years, students have raised $120,000 dollars, $26,000 last year alone.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the walk so students have set a goal of raising $25,000 dollars. The walk gets started at 10:30am and goes 2.5 kilometers.

Businesses Honoured for Hiring Those with Disabilities

The spotlight will shine on seven businesses in Greater Saint John today. They are being honored with an award from the Partners for Workplace Inclusion Program. This is a set-up which introduces those with a physical or mental disability to the work-place. Spokes-person Laura Anderson tells CHSJ News, their clients self-esteem gets a real boost with this set-up:

The disabilities range from those who are deaf, blind or suffer from a mental health issue. The ceremony gets started at noon at the Hampton Inn and Suites.

H1N1 Up for Discussion Tonight

As the worst case scenario unfolds in Quispamsis, H1N1 will be the topic of conversation in Grand Bay-Westfiled tonight. Public Health along with the town's Emergency Measures Organization will host an info session tonight on the virus.

The meeting gets underway at 7pm at the Centrum in the Grand Bay Room.

Quispamsis to Hold Mock H1N1 Outbreak Today

The Kennebecasis Emergency Measures Organization is conducting a mock exercise of an outbreak of the H1-N1 virus today. Director Brian Shanks says it's important to conduct exercises focusing on the worst case scenerio and EMO is constantly updating information about the so called swine-flu.

The exercise will take place at Town Hall and Shanks says they will discuss what essential services will be maintained during an outbreak and staff will wear preventative flu masks. Things get underway at 8:30 and run til noon.

Politicians Visit Saint John Today

Saint John is getting a visit from provincial and federal politicians today. Official Opposition and Progressive Conservative Leader David Alward will make an election platform commitment this morning. Things get started at ten at the Crescent Valley Resource Centre.

Then this evening, Green Party Leader Elizabeth May will pay a visit to the library in Market Square. There she will meet with newly appointed leader of the provincial Green Party Jack McDougall. That gets started at seven.

City Police Chief Talks about New Tazer Guidelines

The Saint John Police Force will likely adopt new guidelines released by Tazer International.

They include not using the weapon on a suspect's chest because of a possible link between Tazer use and cardiac arrest. Police Chief Bill Reid says some officers are reluctant to use the Tazer now.
He says it's not surprising given what is going on across the country with respect to deaths from Tazers.
Reid adds the officers are well-trained but, sometimes they have to make split-second decisions.
Chief Reid says the committee responsible for Tazers will look over the new guidelines and likely include them in their future training and policies.

District 8 Preparing for a Math Attack

[Superintendent Susan Tipper---File Photo]

Grade 5 math scores are showing a decrease in the provincial testing this year in District 8.

Superintendent Susan Tipper says with the lower scores the district is going to implement an aggressive approach to teaching numeracy.
Tipper says one of the approaches is hiring more staff.
Tipper says this "math attack" will not have any influence on how the district concentrates on teaching literacy.
The districts literacy scores showed an increase for this year.

Train and Car collide in Bloomfield

A close call in Bloomfield this afternoon after a collision between a car and a train.
Hampton RCMP say it happened about 1:30pm when a car tried to cross tracks on the Bloomfield Station Road.
Amazingly, no one was hurt. Police report the lights at the crossing were working at the time.

Delays at Canaport Facility

Despite their best efforts to keep out of work local unionized trades-people from disrupting their everyday routine, work at the Canaport LNG has been anything but normal. In a two sentence statement, the company says construction has slowed due to some delays with protests occurring near the Terminal site. Yesterday (Tuesday) construction was suspended for the day for the safety and security of employees travelling to and from the Terminal site.


Construction has resumed today but in a news release, RCMP say they have been dealing with protests since late last week near Lepreau. Several out of work local unionized trades-people have been slowing down buses believed to be transporting workers to and from the site. Officers tell us charges could be laid.

Dalhousie Gets Probation

Despite an appeal, Dalhousie Universities under-graduate medical education program is being placed on probation. This term begins tomorrow, Oct.15th/2009 and many are asking, how does this affect the new medical school set to open on the campus of UNB Saint John next September? Officials tell us it doesn't as they continue to get the curriculum set up for students who will begin their studies in 2010.


Officials also point out despite the probation.....the undergraduate medical program remains accredited and the ruling doesn't affect any students ability to become a doctor.

City Fire-Fighters Get a Nice Pay Bump

Common Council has signed a collective agreement with the firefighters union---whether they wanted to or not. Councillor Chris Titus asked contract negotiater John McIntyre what if the city didn't sign and McIntyre says since it is binding arbitration there isn't much choice.


McIntyre says this deal is valid until December of next year which means future budget numbers will not be affected by it.

Deputy Mayor Will Not Re-offer on Pension Board

The Deputy Mayor will not be put his name in the hat for reappointment to the pension board. Stephen Chase says sitting on council and the board presents itself with conflicting responsibilities.

Chase says as a member of council he knows his first priority is to the tax payers and the general health of the city.

Councilor Court is Staying With Pension Board

Still with the pension board, Councillor Bruce Court says he will re-offer for his position on the pension board. Court says he has no issue distinguishing between being a councillor or a trustee on the board.


He says he always tries to make decisions that are best for the city and it's citizens.

City Hall Tourism Department is Gone

The city no longer has a Tourism Department. Common Council has accepted the proposal from the Destination Marketing Organization to handle all tourism issues relating to Greater Saint John. Deputy City Manager Andrew Beckett says full time city employees affected are not being put aside.


Beckett adds the DMO will be given an incentive to hire the one full time employee and says the part time and seasonal staff will fair well with the new structure.

Strong Housing Numbers in Grand bay Westfield

Housing values in Grand-Bay Westfield this year have already exceeded last years numbers. Mayor Grace Losier tells CHSJ News, this tells them that people want to stay in the community.

Losier adds she suspects that programs from federal and provincial governments have contributed to the numbers as well.

City Police Add Up Impact Numbers

All in all.....a successful weekend for City Police and Operation Impact. Sargeant Jeff LaFrance tells CHSJ News, they set up ten spot checks through-out the metro over a three day period and checked 2500 vehicles. 61 tickets were handed out, one suspended license was uncovered and two impaired drivers were locked up.

LaFrance adds there were 11 major and 7 minor accidents.

Cases of Fraud in Sussex

Two cases of fraud are being investigated by Sussex RCMP. This after a pair of businesses on Main Street accepted personal checks for service and items purchased. It happened back on September.30th and October.2nd and they were returned as no sufficient funds yesterday. The man who wrote the checks used a reference name from Sussex as a person he was working for but the reference was never checked out.


A suspect has been identified but officers warn businesses not to accept personal checks unless they know the person from whom they are accepting them.

Symphony NB Seeks $10,000 from Rothesay

(Dr. Thomas Condon with Symphony NB--Photo By Diane Henry)

Symphony New Brunswick is hoping to raise 2.5 million dollars to hire five full-time string musicians. The organization is asking the town of Rothesay for a one thousand dollar operating grant and a pledge of ten thousand dollars over five years. Spokesperson, Dr. Thomas Condon says the money would help them add to their orchestra, as well as help pay for travel.

The request has been referred to Rothesay's finance committee for budget deliberations.

Wintery Weather Causes Traffic Crashes

The first snowfall of the season brought with it a number of crashes last night in the city. Snow mixed with rain, reducing visibility, and five separate crashes sent at least three people to hospital.

Police say a 23 year old man may have a broken arm and leg after being hit by a car on Millidge Avenue while crossing the street last night around 8:40pm. Not long after, a three vehicle crash sent one man to hospital, after he apparently blacked out and side swiped one car, then hit head-on with another on Millidge Avenue. Also, one woman was taken to the Regional to be checked out after a crash on Lancaster Street. Rothesay Regional Police says the wet-snowy weather has made the roads slippery in the Valley this morning.

Scott Avenue Residents Score a Victory

(Joy Clowater, Resident of 10 Scott Avenue--Photo By Diane Henry)

Rothesay residents living in four mixed income apartment buildings on Scott Avenue have scored a victory. Town council has passed a motion not to move ahead at this time with plans that would displace them from their homes. Resident, Joy Clowater says the decision is not set in stone, but it's good enough.

An option was on the table for Rothesay to buy and demolish the apartment buildings in order to build a new field house on Scott Avenue. Mayor Bill Bishop tells CHSJ News that's not council's wish. Bishop says, while there is nothing they can do about future council's reversing the decision, this council is not interested in demolishing the buildings. Instead, the town is now looking at another piece of property further down the road that is larger and with only one home on it.

Unemployed Labourers Turn to Common Council for Support

Common Council is being asked where they stand in regards to non-unionized workers at the Canaport LNG terminal. Tradespeople spokesperson Mike Duncan says right now there are 104 workers from outside the province employed by Integral Energy Services Limited at the facility, rather than skilled New Brunswickers.

Duncan says there are currently 412 unemployed tradespeople in the city, which is having a negative effect on the local economy.

Council Backs Unemployed Labourers

Mayor Ivan Court says council understands the plight local union workers are facing. He says last week unionized workers from Fredericton came down to try and find a resolution:

Councillor Bill Farren says his support is behind the local workers, because this province spent so much time encouraging workers to come back and now they are being treated this way.

Grand Bay-Westfield to Get New Collector Road

The Town of Grand Bay-Westfield is one step closer to having a new core collector road. The mayor and council announced last night that the Environment Impact Assessment is complete. Mayor Grace Losier says it took about one year and a half.

Losier says preliminary work will start before the ground is frozen and the road will be finished in a year.

Is Canaport Off-Line

There are reports to our news-room this afternoon the Canaport LNG Terminal has been shut down. Our news-room has placed two calls into the facility but at this point, no confirmation or denial. The terminal was the scene of an incident on Saturday when just around noon when there was a release of vapor and LNG into the safety release flare system.


It lasted for about ten minutes and no one was hurt.

Operation Impact Update

It was a busier than normal weekend for police forces around the province and country. They were taking part in Operation Impact.....a campaign to make the roads in this country the safest in the world. In the Kennebecasis Valley....Sargeant Evan Scott tells CHSJ News, they nabbed one impaired driver and handed out 20 tickets for various violations. RCMP tell us they had 75 check-stops in this region set-up and stopped 16,000 vehicles.


All of the numbers haven't been added up but to this point they charged 18 people with drunk driving and there were over 200 tickets handed out for various charges. Sargeant Jeff LaFrance with the City Police Department tells CHSJ News, he won't have the final numbers until tomorrow.

Two of Greater Saint John Torch Runners are Found

A huge honor has been bestowed on a pair of runners from Saint John. Ellen Steeves of Rothesay and Alex Coffin have been chosen as two of the Olympic Torcher-Bearers when it comes through Greater Saint John next month. Coffin didn't apply for the duty he was nominated and tells CHSJ News, this is a dream come true.

Ellen Steeves lives and works for the Town of Rothesay. We contacted City Hall to see if the full list of names has been released and a spokes-person tells us they are under embargo by order of the Vancouver Olympic Committee. The torch will run through Greater Saint John on November.24th.

Woman is Charged After Filing False Report

Remember back in August when a woman from Noonan told RCMP she was abducted and forced to drive to Ontario. We have an update on that story today. 44-year old Marcia Simmons has been charged with public mischief with the intent to mislead police.

She will appear in Provincial Court November 2 to enter a plea.

Heart Doctor Has Nothing Concrete at This Time

By next week, we should have a yay or nay from a former heart surgeon concerning his political future. It was just a few weeks ago that Dr. Jim Parrot was spotted at the Conservative Policy Convention in Moncton and when asked why he was there by CHSJ News, Parrot told us he is giving some serious thought to offering in next falls Provincial Election.


The latest from Parrot is he is in the process of filling out some paper-work and moving forward.

Dog in Rothesay Shot Through the Neck

A family in Rothesay has plenty to be thankful for over the Long weekend after their dog was shot. Rothesay Regional Police say they were called to a home on Kallers Hill around 7:30pm Saturday night to find the animal had been shot through the neck. Amazingly, the animal was still alive and rushed to a vet and is recovering from it's wound.

Sargeant Mike Dixon tells CHSJ News, with deer hunting season just around the corner and small game underway, it's important hunters know what their target is before they fire their weapon.

Missing Man from Hampton

A man who went missing from a special care home in Hampton has been found safe.

Harold Newell went missing just after four this morning and the 81-year old suffers from Alzheimer's Disease.

Sussex Mine Closing for Two Months

It's never a good time to be out of work but this close to Christmas always hurts a little extra. This is the scenario for 80 potash mine workers as the Potash Corporation of Sussex has announced it's mine is closing for two month. General Manager Frank Fracchia tells CHSJ News, high product inventories has forced the move.

Fracchia adds this move will also impact several contractors who work at the mine.

Report Card for Francophone Schools

The report cards are in for Francophone Schools around the Province and the numbers show plenty of promise. In Grade 2, 72 per cent of francophone students are reaching or exceeding the oral reading standard and 73 per cent have achieved the objective in reading comprehension. In reading comprehension, outcomes are similar to those in 2008, with an increase of 10 percentage points since 2006. Education Minister Roland Hache says they continue to work toward the 2013 literacy target of 90 per cent of students reaching or exceeding the appropriate literacy level.

In math, 64 per cent of Grade 5 students, 58 per cent of Grade 8 students, and 53 per cent of Grade 11 students attained or exceeded the standard. In science and technology, 65 per cent of Grade 5 students reached or exceeded the standard. Report cards will be sent home with students in the coming days.

More People Using Local Food Bank

A report by the Salvation Army says the economic downturn has forced more Canadians to turn to food banks and that food is going out as quickly as it comes in. President of Saint John's North End Food Bank, Victor Boudreau, tells CHSJ news use is definitely up but in this case, so are donations.

Boudreau says about 1,000 people use the North End Food bank--most of which are single men. That's up from about 800 people six months ago.

Job Market Slows in New Brunswick

The latest job market outlook shows conditions aren't very rosy in this province. The Canadian Job Market Report by CareerAIM.com says new jobs in the fourth quarter of the year declined in every Canadian province except for Quebec and Saskatchewan.

Job postings in this province tumbled 17.2 percent between August and September this year--and--the year over year job posting rate fell sharply, down 16.4 percentage points in September. That approaches the lowest point seen so far in the current recession.

Details on Canaport LNG Accidental Vapor Release

(File Photo of Canaport LNG Facility)

We have a few more details today about an incident that happened at the Canaport LNG Terminal on Saturday afternoon. It was during a planned maintenance procedure around noon time when there was a release of vapor and LNG into the safety release flare system. The vapor cloud and large flare lasted for about ten minutes and no one was hurt but employees were sent to the nearest safety areas as a pre-caution. There were no vessels berthed at the time and the all clear was given just over an hour later.

Officials are in the process of conducting a root cause analysis to see where improvements can be made to make sure incidents like this don’t happen again.

Unemployed Union Works Head to Provincial Capital

Unionized unemployed labourer's protesting against out of Province workers at Canaport LNG are taking their fight to Fredericton. They will be on the steps of the Legislature when the fall session gets started on the 17th of next month. Shawn McAdam speaks on behalf of several men from different unions and tells CHSJ News, they don't want to lose their jobs.

C.L.A.C is the Christian Labourers Association of Canada and the protestors are upset people from that organization have been hired to work on the third storage tank at the LNG facility. McAdam adds the protests will continue leading up to their demonstration at the Legislature next month.

Liberals Gear Up for Next Year's Provincial Election

Now that some of the Federal Election talk has cooled down, it won't be long before we are smack in the middle of a Provincial Vote. September.27th is the day we go to the polls and the Graham Government continues to prepare. We know that Saint John East MLA Roly MacIntyre is stepping down from his post and Premier Graham tells CHSJ News, he won't be easy to replace. There is still no word on who the replacement candidate will be for Roly.

Energy Minister Jack Keir has confirmed to our news-room he will re-offer in the fall and Premier Graham adds they are always on the look-out for women interested in a political life.

Final Budget Consultation to be Held Tonight

With less than two months before the Graham Government hands down its budget, the last of five pre-budget consultation meetings takes place tonight in Fredericton. Finance Minister Greg Byrne and Post Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Donald Arsenault will be on hand. Both were in Saint John last week and Minister Byrne tells CHSJ News, it's important to take the public consultations to rural areas to find out how the public wants to deal with the upcoming budget.


As of right now the province is looking at a $741 million dollar deficit for the 2010-2011 budget. Tonight’s meeting gets started at seven o’clock.

Saint John Mayor Confident Tax Rate Won't Rise

The city manager will be providing the mayor and council with the prospective numbers for Saint John's year end budget tonight. Mayor Ivan Court says the goal is to maintain, or lower, the tax rate for next year.

Court says he is going to be optimistic about holding the tax rate. He says between the operating and capital budgets, all of the projects the city plans on having completed by years-end fall within the two. The year end numbers are up for discussion at tonight's council meeting.

City Staff Seek Upgrades to Spruce Lake Water Treatment Facility

Common Council will be asked for early approval on a 1.3 million dollar project dueing tonight's council meeting. Commissioner of Muncipal Operations Paul Groody is asking council to give upgrades to the Spruce Lake Water Treatment Facility early approval. The project is a top priority in the citys 2010 Water and Sewerage Utility Capital Program. Upgrades include replacing two pumps, and installing a back up diesel generator---at a cost of more than one million dollars.The design cost has a price tag of $220 thousand dollars, and the city will be hiring Dillon Consulting Limited to oversee that phase.

This will be up for discussion at tonight's council meeting getting underway at 6:30.

Loch Lomond Villa Wins Award

The Loch Lomond Villa is an award winner. It won the 2009 Logue Memorial Award from the Third Age Centre at St. Thomas University. CEO Cindy Donovan says the award recipients must show a long-term committment and dedication to seniors in the community.
The award was presented to the Loch Lomond Villa on October 1st-The International Day of Older Persons.

Break In on the West Side

Few details are available after a break in on the West Side last night.
City police say two men are in custody after allegedly breaking into CJ's Hydraulics on Fairville Boulevard.
Police say items were stolen, but the reports are not complete yet.
There were no injuries during the incident.

Car Burned

A man having car troubles got more than he bargained for after leaving it on the side of the road while he headed home from work.

The Fire Department was called to Grandview Avenue around 9 o'clock to find a Chevy impala on fire.
The passenger side of the vehicle suffered heavy damage, and the owner says the fire may have been sparked by mechanical problems.
City police say they are not ruling out arson just yet.

Search Almost Over

An announcement is expected soon from the Town of Quispamsis. This as it's search for a new manager for it's Q-Plex Facility is nearing completion. Town Manager Mike Brennan tells CHSJ News, they received 50 applications from every Province across the country.
The interview process is now complete and the Personnel Committee is going over the final list of candidates for further review.

Getting Your Vehicle Ready for Winter

[Canadian Automobile Association Logo----File Photo]
Is your vehicle ready for winter yet? The Canadian Automobile Association with a reminder to those behind the wheel that the cold season is coming and it wouldn't hurt to get an all-points inspection. Vice-President Gary Howard tells CHSJ News, the next thought should be your tires.
Howard adds an emergency kit goes along way as well. Among the things it should contain include a blanket, water, non-perishable food, flares and a cell-phone.

Common Council Asked to Ban Cell Phones While Driving

Chatting on the phone while making your daily commute may become a thing of the past sometime in our near future, as the use of cellphones and driving may meet a province wide ban. A letter submitted to Common Council asks council to adopt a resolution to urge the Provincial government to take the appropriate steps in banning cellphones while driving. Many provinces across the country have already put cellphone bans into effect, claiming the devices as an unacceptable distraction.



Common Council will discuss the matter at tomorrow nights meeting.