Risk Of Flooding Rises

The New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organisation has issued a public alert to raise awareness about the possibility of flooding.

 River levels are expected to rise over the next 72 hours thanks, in part, to the rainfall we're expecting over the next few days combined with the snow. That word coming from Karl Wilmot of River Watch who tells CHSJ News some areas could be up to flood stage by the end of the week.

Wilmot says the Woodstock area appears to be vulnerable but there is still some leeway in Fredericton and no danger of any ice jams along the St. John River.

 He adds the flood situation will be dictated largely by how much rain we get over the next 72 hours.

Frustration Poverty Has Been Ignored In Election Campaign

There's a move afoot to establish a branch of the Common Front for Social Justice in Saint John where the poverty rate still exceeds 20 per cent. Jean-Claude Basque co-chairs the Common Front which is based in Moncton.

He tells CHSJ News in 2008, poverty was responsible for adding 189 million dollars to the cost of healthcare in the province. Basque cites a study from the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives which estimates poverty costs each New Brunswicker from 15 hundred to 2 thousand dollars a year.

The Common Front is frustrated poverty has barely been mentioned during the current federal election campaign.

NDP Support Could Ensure Conservative Majority

The recent NDP surge in the polls leaving some people wondering whether the increased support will just lead to a Conservative majority.

Don Desserud, a political science professor at UNBSJ, tells CHSJ News something similar happened back in 2003. Desserud says when the Liberals were in power it was partly because the right vote was split between the Progressive Conservatives and the Canadian Alliance.

At a rally on the boardwalk, Jack Layton maintained Canadians are tired of being told they can only choose between one of two parties. He also took a shot at the Liberals saying they continually back the Conservatives in the House of Commons.

City Urged To Approve Mixed Martial Arts Competitions

A mixed martial arts organizer is hoping Common Council will approve a bylaw that will allow M-M-A events in the city.

Mixed martial arts is a combat sport that consists of striking and grappling.

Chris Archer tells CHSJ News he's hoping to start an amateur foundation in the city.

A by-law exists in Moncton that allows M-M-A and Archer says events staged in Saint John at the L-B-R would bring much needed dollars to the city.

He maintains mixed martial arts is actually safer than other contact sports such as hockey, football and even soccer.

The issue will be before the councillors tonight. The regular council session gets underway at 6:30pm.

Ferris Wheel Down For Now

If you were looking forward to going for a spin on the ferris wheel down at Market Square you're going to have to wait a little longer.

Heather Peterson with the Hardman Group says the ride was only put up for testing purposes and will now be taken down. 

City council needs to approve the use of the ride before it can be put up permanently.

If approved, the ride be a part of the vendors' market which is held during the summer.

During the testing period, police had to respond to a few calls of people climbing the structure.

Southwest Conservative Candidate Talks Long Guns And LNG Tankers

The Conservative candidate for New Brunswick Southwest says people can count on the Conservatives to deliver on the economy and the long gun registry.  

John Williamson previously worked as the National Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Association and as a senior advisor to Stephen Harper.  

Williamson tells CHSJ News he gets the most applause for the Conservative's promise to finally eliminate the long gun registry, which he says wastes money.  

Another issue specific to Williamson's riding is the opposition to LNG tankers being transported through Canadian waters.  He says Harper is the only party leader who has said the tankers should not come through Canadian waters.

As for the economy, Williamson says the Conservatives will make a modest tax reduction on businesses, but Harper has promised not to cut important programs like health care and education.

Layton Visits Port City

A wave of orange making its way to the port city this morning.  NDP Leader Jack Layton spoke to a packed boardwalk on why people should vote NDP come May 2.

On the subject of the Point Lepreau refurbishment, Layton says the federal government should take responsibility for AECL. 

Layton says Stephen Harper has some explaining to do on why a federal crown corporation has these cost overruns and delays.

Layton says the NDP does not support the public subsidy of new nuclear power generation, but does support funding green and clean energy projects throughout Atlantic Canada.

Program Increases Family Literacy At Centennial School

Centennial school in the North end hosting a family literacy program and seeing a shift in both the kids and their parents.
Community literacy co-ordinator Cheryl Brown says parents are very influential in getting their pre-school kids ready for school and helping with the family's literacy .
She says it's a cultural and social affair and when they have high literacy at home kids can function very well at school.

The program ran for 10 weeks and including one on one time with the student and parents along with group events which included a meal.

Sugar Refinery Property Being Looked At

It's all very hush hush at the moment but we're told a major customer is looking to bring new business to the port at Lower Cove or even the sugar refinery property.

Pat Riley of local 273 of the International Longshoremen's Association tells CHSJ News the specifics have to remain confidential for the time being.

Riley says if the sugar refinery property is used for industrial purposes, you don't have to worry about cleaning up the contamination which he estimates would cost something like 20 million dollars.

 The Port Authority also finds itself under alot of pressure to allow more public access along the waterfront as part of its new land use plan. That concerns the International Longshoremen's Association because, according to Riley, land for port use is at a premium.

Province Warns About Rise In Sexually Transmitted Diseases

The Health Department is alarmed by the increase in sexually transmitted diseases in the province among people in their twenties.

Public Health Officer Dr. Scott Giffen tells CHSJ News you can be treated if you're diagnosed with chlamydia, syphilis or gonnorhea.

According to the Health Department, at least 1 in 20 men and 1 in ten women between the ages of 20 and 24 in the province have contracted chlamydia.

Dr.Giffen says the risk factors include is having unprotected sex, having sex with more than one partner and frequenting prostitutes.

He wonders what role the internet has in contributing to risky sexual behaviour. He also cites poverty and homelessness as being other risk factors.

Fredericton To Mark Royal Wedding On Friday

Two events in Fredericton to honour the wedding of William and Kate will give you the chance to wear that fancy hat and eat scones and bangers.

The Lieutenent Governor is opening Governor House to royal watchers  by reservation only and we're told it's filling up fast.

Barry McKenzie of the province's Monarchist League tells CHSJ News it's the next best thing to being at Westminster Abbey.

He says for those of us who can't make it to London it's a chance to celebrate a common interest in this event.

To make a reservation with the Office of the Lieutentant-Governor call 506-453-2505 or by e-mail ltgov@gnb.ca.

For the Wedding Breakfast Buffet at the Crowne Plaza Hotel call 506-451-1804.

Port Land At A Premium

The port doesn't have enough land and is not in a good position to attract a second container line.

That word coming from Pat Riley of local 273 of the International Longshoremen's Association in a submission to the Port Authority on its land use plan for the future.

 Riley tells CHSJ News the expansion of American Iron and Metal's operation on the lower west side has a cause and effect leaving no land to spare.

 As for the east side of the harbour, Riley says the longshoremen argue Long Wharf will still be needed to handle cargo. He maintains both limestone and salt have been approved for handling at Long Wharf and environmentally are clean cargo.

Layton In Saint John As Polls Show Surge For NDP

On the heels of polls showing his party is surging in popularity, NDP Leader Jack Layton will be making a campaign stop a stop in Saint John this morning.

Layton will be holding a rally on the boardwalk outside the Hilton at Market Square. Some polls suggest the New Democrats are picking up strength and have more support nationall than the Liberals as the final week of campaigning starts.

Don Desserud, a political science professor at UNBSJ, says whether or not the gains translate into seats will depend on how spread out the support is. Desserud says it needs to be centered, like it seems to be in urban areas of Quebec, in order to make a difference.

Desserud says what Jack Layton has done well is make the party look like a viable contender for those people looking for an alternative to the Harper Conservatives.

Advanced Polls Open On Time

With the federal election just more than a week away, the advanced polls have been open for the last two days.

Karen Janigan with Elections Canada tells CHSJ News all the advanced polls opened on time and it appears things are going well.

Janigan says Elections Canada opened 4700 advanced polling stations across the country for this election, compared to only 4017 in the last election.

Advanced polls are closed today for Easter Sunday but open again tomorrow from noon until 8pm.

Southwest Candidate Says NDP Fiscally Responsible

Andrew Graham is running for the NDP in New Brunswick Southwest and says he's feeling positive about how people in the province are seeing the party.

Graham tells CHSJ News this his third time running in a federal election, which has allowed him to build a relationship with the people.

Graham says the NDP has the best fiscal management record and won't stand for giving money to wealthy corporations or spending it all on fighter jets.

Graham passion for the election is sustainable development.  He says one of the things that needs to be changed is the country's agriculture industry which is extremely reliant on oil for transportation.

NDP Experiences Surge In Polls

NDP Leader Jack Layton to make a stop in the port city tomorrow. 

Some polls suggest the New Democrats are picking up strength as the final week of the campaign looms. 

Don Desserud, a political science professor at UNBSJ, says whether or not the gains translate into seats will depend on how spread out the support is.

Desserud says the New Democrats still only have about 20 per cent of the vote and need to have at least 30 per cent to be a proper contender. 

Desserud says what Jack Layton has done well is make the party look like a viable option for those people looking for an alternative to the Harper Conservatives.

Medical Officer Warns Against Eating Rotten Easter Eggs

If you're entertaining the kids with some Easter-egg decorating this long weekend, the province's chief medical officer wants to remind you to avoid food poisoning.

Dr. Eilish Cleary issued a reminder that decorated hard-boiled eggs should not be eaten if they've been left at room temperature or if they've been in the fridge for more than a week.

Cleary says it's also best to use a non-toxic colouring dye when decorating Easter eggs.

Southwest Liberal Candidate Concerned With Unemployment

One of the other five candidates running in New Brunswick Southwest is Kelly Wilson, who's representing the Liberals.

Wilson tells CHSJ News people in her riding are concerned about jobs and unemployment, especially amongst youth.  She says unemployment for youth is the highest in the country at 16 per cent, and promises to work to bring new businesses and employers to the area if elected.

Wilson also says her riding would benefit from the Liberal's plan to create affordable child-care spaces for working families.

Candidate Brings New Party To NB For Election

If you've been driving through the riding of New Brunswick Southwest you may have noticed some different election signs out and about. 

Jason Farris is running for the Christian Heritage Party.  He tells CHSJ News its the only pro-life and pro-family party in the country. 

Farris says he wants to see more fiscal responsibility from the government for the sake of his kids.  He says the government needs to be able to say no to more government spending.

Southwest Green Candidate Wants Renewable Energy

With just ten days left before the big vote on May 2, candidates in the riding of New Brunswick Southwest are campaigning hard.
Janice Harvey is running on for the Green Party and tells CHSJ News running a political campaign is both tiring and gratifying.  Harvey says she is most concerned with the issues that aren't being talked about- like climate change.

Harvey says one of the issues specific to the Southwest riding is what will happen with Point Lepreau. She says her position is to decommission the nuclear power plant and move to a form of renewable energy.

Rothesay To Get New Director Of Operations

The town of Rothesay will be loosing an experienced staff member at the end of May.

Director of Operations Scott Hatcher is leaving to be the new town manager in Sussex.

Mayor Bill Bishop tells CHSJ News the search for a replacement will begin shortly.  Bishop says Hatcher has a wealth of knowledge and the town is sorry to loose him.

Hatcher was originally hired by the former Village of Fairvale back in the early 90's and transitioned to Rothesay during the amalgamation in 1998.

Advanced Polls Open Today

You can take care of voting in Federal election this weekend with the advance polls.  They are open from Noon to 8pm today, tomorrow and on Monday.

Karen Janigan of Elections Canada tells CHSJ News you can register to vote at the advance polls.

She says they do encourage people to register in advance but sometimes that's doesn't happen so if you haven't registered and you are not on the voter's list it is not a problem.

To find out which polling stations you should go to and anything else relating to the election go to http://www.elections.ca/ or call 1-800-463-6888.

UNB Saint John Gets Donation for Writing Centre

UNB Saint John is getting a new writing centre thanks to the Sisters of Charity of the Immaculate Conception. The Sisters donated $50,000 to the university for the project.
Sister Mary Beth McCurdy says the hope is that the centre will help students acquire writing skills that foster creativity and joy.
The Sisters of Charity been helping the Saint John community since a cholera outbreak in 1854.

Weston Responds To Moir's Criticism

The Conservative incumbant in Saint John is repeating that clean, safe drinking water for Saint John is his #1 priority.
Rodney Weston taking some heat from NDP candidate Rob Moir who says corporate tax cuts leave less money to ensure clean,safe,drinking water.

Weston tells CHSJ News in order to make this a reality everyone needs to work together. He adds all three levels of government are pledging to make sure this challenge is met.  Weston says it's very clear that we don't drive prosperity through taxation.

Police Release Photo of Robbery Suspect

City Police still looking for those responsible for a robbery at the Petro Can at Loch Lomand Road and McAllister Drive late Tuesday night.
No one was hurt but two people got away on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.
If you know anything about this crime, please call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222- Tips or Saint John Police at 648-3211.

Ignatieff Will Discuss Lepreau Overruns If Elected

If elected, Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff says he will begin talking with province immediately about the possibility of paying for the cost overruns at Point Lepreau nuclear power plant.
The refurbishments are one billion dollars over budget and Ignatieff says he is aware of how the overruns could burden New Brunswick tax payers.
He says AECL is a crown corporation and so it is the federal government's responsibility.  Ignatieff says he won't be able to engage in detailed discussion on the issue until he sits down with the province and gets the facts.
Ignatieff says it's also important to expand renewable energy in the province and find a way to meet the power needs of the next generation.

NB Liquor Announcing Easter Weekend Hours

As you run around getting everything the Easter feast and the egg hunt, remember a lot of stores are closed on holiday weekends.

NB Liquor stores will be closed for Good Friday and open regular hours Saturday.
They are closed on Sunday and open from Noon to 5 on Monday.
The NB Liquor agency outlets are open, but hours can vary from location to location.

Premier's Energy Commission Accused Of Missing The Mark

The Alliance for Community Energy is critical of the Premier's Energy Commission for what it says is missing the mark when it comes to utilising renewable energy sources. Alliance Vice-President Greg Leblanc tells CHSJ News a huge opportunity is being lost.

Leblanc says most of the wood pellets from this province are being exported to Europe to be used to lower carbon emissions there and he questions why not here. Then there's waste wood from pulp mills that could be used to generate energy.  He also argues there's enough economically viable wind energy in the province to easily offset all the fossil fuel generation. Another Alliance idea is to retrofit homes with solar hot water units to offset 50 per cent of the hot water usage which would save people alot of money.

The Alliance points out of the 50 recommendations emerging from the Energy Commission, only five directly addressed opportunities in the area of renewable energy.

Another Rise In Price Of Self Serve

Another mixed bag with gas prices after the weekly setting........Self serve regular has risen by almost two cents a litre and is being sold around town for $1.30.8.


 Diesel is a bit less expensive by just under a cent at $1.32.4.


Heating oil is also slightly cheaper at $1.17.5 and propane is virtually unchanged being listed at $1.08.3.

Power Disruption Along Pedway

Part of the pedway will be dark this morning for four hours as part of construction work in the area.

The City of Saint John telling CHSJ News the planned power interruption impacts the stretch between Harbour Station and the Canada Games Aquatic Centre.

It gets underway at 9am this morning and will impact heat, lights and elevators.

Liberal Leader Makes Stop In Saint John

Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff paying Saint John a visit on his campaign trail.

When asked about what he would do about the long surgical wait times and shortage of doctors in the province, he says he would meet with the Premiers of each province within sixty days of being elected in order to address those issues.


He says another target in his sights would be improving home-care service, noting that the Liberals are the only party to have a home-care plan in their platform.

Tillis And Morgan To Bring Combo Tour To Saint John

Two legendary country singers are bringing their two-woman show to Saint John in June.
Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan are both daughters of country royalty but have successful careers on their own.
Tillis is the daughter of singer-songwriter Mel Tillis and Morgan is the daughter of George Morgan famous for his song "Candy Kisses".
Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan bring "The Grits and Glamour Tour" to the Imperial Theatre on June 13th.
Tickets go on sale tomorrow. For the link and the number to get tickets click here

NDP Candidate Slams Conservatives Over Safe, Clean Drinking Water

The NDP candidate who's running in Saint John, Rob Moir says if the Conservatives didn't reduce the corporate tax rate, the money might have been there to help pay for safe, clean drinking water.

It's Common Council's number one priority but Moir tells CHSJ News the cupboard is bare at City Hall because there are other things that need fixing such as the roads

 Moir questions how much of a priority safe drinking water can be for incumbant Rodney Weston when he supports the lower corporate tax rate.

The city is looking for 57.4 million dollars in funding from the federal government.

Port Authority At Odds With Commercial Fishermen

Controversy has arisen over the Saint John Port Authority's new land use plan. There's no mention in that plan about there being a place at the port for commercial fishermen.

 Nicholas Paul, the policy analyst with the Maliseet Nation Conservation Council, tells CHSJ News they got a letter last month telling them to vacate the port by the end of June. The Commercial Fisheries Manager with the St. Mary's First Nation, Jeremy Paul maintains that won't happen because the order violates their treaty rights.

The President and C-E-O for the Port Authority Jim Quinn says he wants to find both a short term solution and long term one.
 
Stephen Campbell, who chairs the Board of Directors at the Port Authority, argues the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans will have to step up to the plate if there is to be a long term solution found.

Emergency Calls For The Ken Valley Now Handled By The City

The way emergency calls are being handled for the Ken Valley are undergoing a change. 

This means any 911 calls answered by the Saint John communications centre will be dispatched directly to Rothesay Police or the KV Fire Department, bypassing the Rothesay Regional Police comm centre.

Saint John Police Chief Bill Reid says this will cut down on response times compared to the old system and the process will be seamless for residents.

Rothesay is paying the Saint John Police Force about 270-thousand dollars annually for the service.

Another Robbery In City

City Police looking for two people after a holdup at the Petro Can at Loch Lomand Road and McAllister Drive.

The pair ran off with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Police tell CHSJ News no one was injured.

Protest Outside Cathedral For Women's Equality

A number of demonstrators with placards calling for the ordination of women as priests showing up last night outside the cathedral on Waterloo Street.

Cathy Holtman of the Catholic Network for Women's Equality concedes the Vatican is excommunicating those women who have been ordained along with the clerics who support them.

 She believes the Church heirarchy's heavy handedness shows how worried the Vatican is about this issue and support ordination of woman has among the parishioners.

Holtman also finds it odd the bishops who covered up the fact priests were sexually abusing young people in their dioceses have not been excommunicated.

Saint John Gets First Visit From Federal Party Leader

Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff visits the Port City today to glad hand with local party faithful.

Ignatieff will attend a Liberal party meet and greet at the Saint John Ale House at 12:15 and will speak to the media following that event. He heads to Nova Scotia from Saint John for another campaign event.

NDP Leader Jack Layton is expected in the city on Monday. The details of his visit have not been released.

Conservative leader Stephen Harper is making a quick trip to the province today as well but his itinerary doesn't include Saint John. Harper will make a quick stop in Edmundston this afternoon then it's on to Fredericton for a rally this evening.

Premier's Energy Commission Wants Baseboard Heaters Banned

Electricity consumers may soon be paying far more if they are energy hogs -- the provincial energy commission is making the recommendation based on feedback during public consultations since last fall.

Co-chair Bill Thompson says it would involve a second more expensive rate tier for electricity rates. He has heard from alot of people they find it odd the more power that was consumed resulted in a reduced rate even though it's costing more to produce that electricity.

Thompson says the commission is also recommending the government pass legislation banning electric baseboard heaters. He says we should be moving to natural gas as a transition fuel to more renewable energy sources.

The commission will send its proposed ten year energy plan to government next month.

Local Federal Candidates Discuss Poverty In Saint John

All 5 Saint John candidates in the federal election taking part in a poverty and social policy discussion earlier today.

About 75 people coming out to the event which was sponsored by the Human Development Council.

Conservative Candidate Rodney Weston tells CHSJ News while their are many angles to tackling poverty in the city, one of the key methods is collaboration with frontline groups.

NDP candidate Rob Moir says he has a two-prong approach on how to reduce poverty: a functioning education and skilled job creation.
 
Meanwhile, Liberal Candidate Stephen Chase tells CHSJ News creating a climate where the economy can thrive is one way to begin addressing poverty in Saint John.





Green Party Candidate Sharon Murphy-Flatt says a guaranteed livable wage is needed to lift people out of the poverty cycle.


And independent candidate Arthur Watson Jr. says he would support any legislation that would reduce poverty in the city.


Organizer of the event Randy Hatfield says as the income divide becomes greater between the rich and the poor, poverty and social policy will become more of a key issue in federal politics.

Brief Power Outage On The West Side

A short power interuption on the West side today.
Nearly 1000 Saint John Energy customers in the dark for 27 minutes because of a failed lightning arrrestor on King Street west.
A spokesperson tells CHSJ News the lightning arrestor will be fixed at a later date.

CCNB Split On Energy Commission Recommendations

The Provincial Conservation Council likes some of the Energy Commission's recommendations and dislikes others.

Climate and Energy Coordinator Raphael Shay tells CHSJ News they find a wide range of points to improve efficiency programs and recognition that public transporation needs greater attention encouraging.

Shay notes the recommendations gut the province's renewable energy and climate change targets adding the commissioners are betting big on natural gas without recognizing the carbon footprint that comes unconventional sources like shale gas.

Unexpected Outage On The West Side

The power is out on the lower West side near the Port after an unplanned outage.

A Saint John Energy spokesperson tells CHSJ News they expect the lights to be back on by about 3:10 this afternoon.

Province Boosts Wellness And Sport Spending

The province's budget for wellness projects is going up by $808,000 and the sports plan sees a funding increase of 25 per cent. Wellness, Culture and Sports Minister Trevor Holder tells CHSJ News says they plan to double funding to sports over the course of their mandate.
He says increases are going to programs like Kidsport and Jumpstart so underprivileged youth in the province have access to recreation programming.
Holder says the numbers on childhood obesity, diabetes and mental illness in the province have been negative in recent months, he's hoping this funding will help turn that around and give us something positive to talk about.

Alward Says 75 Per Cent Of Flooding Assistance Has Been Handed Out

According to Premier David Alward, 75 percent of the provincial disaster relief dollars has been paid out to the victims of the December floods.
He tells CHSJ News the next big item on their list to getting Charlotte Country back to normal is infrastructure repair.
Alward says a final total isn't in yet but, early estimates were in the 50 million dollar range.
He says the costs could be even higher once crews get a better look at the damage in the spring weather.

Natural Gas Pricing Will Be Tackled By Energy Commission

The Alward government's energy commission says it's being told by the public to look at ways of reducing energy costs.
Commission co-chair Bill Thompson says one of the keys to reducing the cost of energy is to be more flexible in how we source energy through renewable sources provincially and partnerships with our neighbours to tap into their renewable energy sources.

Thompson says natural gas is being suggested as a transition fuel as we move from tranditional electrical generation sources in this province.

But -- one of the challenges in transitioning to natural gas is the cost of delivery -- he says the commission will deal with the regulation of natural gas prices in its final report on a ten year enegy plan due next month.
 
The public feedback document released by the commission this morning is available here.

Ignatieff To Visit The Port City Tomorrow

Michael Ignatieff will be in Saint John tomorrow.

CHSJ News learning the Liberal leader will be making a campaign stop in the Port City likely to lend support to local candidate Stephen Chase.

Ignatieff will be the first of the party leaders to visit the city with NDP Leader Jack Layton coming on Monday.  

Millrats Leave Premier Basketball League

The Premier Basketball League is likely no more after a dispute over the officiating during the playoffs.

Saint John President and General Manager Ian McCarthy says the Millrats have decided to leave the P-B-L because Rochester home referees were being used during road games involving the Rochester Razor Sharks and they were given an advantage on the court when it came to fouls and free throws.

In addition to that, the owner of the Razor Sharks also owns the League which assigns the officials.

McCarthy tells CHSJ News pro basketball will be played in Saint John next season. One option is to have all Canadian teams including Moncton and Halifax.

Another option, according to McCarthy, is to join the NBA Development League.

Arrest Made In South End Home Invasion

One person has been arrested and one is still on the loose after a robbery just before midnight at an apartment on Mecklenberg Street.

It has been described to us as a home invasion but police tell CHSJ News this was not random and there were no injuries.

Federal Election Candidates To Debate Poverty

The five local candidates in the federal election will be taking part in a debate and Question and nswer session about poverty and social policy today at the UNB Grand Hall.

The event is being sponsored by the Human Development Council and Executive Director Randy Hatfield tells CHSJ News there won't be a shortage of topics and it's important to hear from the candidates as there are mechanisms and tools in place that the federal government can use to deal with the poverty.

He says it's important to hear from the candidates on these issues because the federal government has a direct impact on them. The event begins at 12 noon.