Former CTF Director Will Represent Southern NB In Ottawa

A Conservative will continue to represent Grand Bay-Westfield in the House of Commons.


New Brunswick-Southwest MP-elect John Williamson wins over the NDP's Andrew Graham. Williamson tells CHSJ News it took a team to pull this off.
Williamson is the former Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation and a former senior advisor to Stephen Harper.

Due to Elections Canada regulations, the live streaming on our website will be unavailable during local coverage of the vote until the polls close in BC at 11

Due to Elections Canada regulations, the live streaming on our website will be unavailable during local coverage of the vote until the polls close in BC at 11.

CHSJ News will provide half hour updates on election results beginning at approximately 8:34pm tonight.

No Problems With Local Polling Stations

Smooth sailing so far here in Saint John when it comes to the polls...that from Karen Janigan with Elections Canada.

She tells CHSJ News there was only one hiccup in getting the polls going today -- a deputy returning officer in St. Andrews fell ill and the poll was late to open by 30 minutes.

Although there haven't been any confirmed cases here in Saint John or in the Maritimes, Janigan does warn of voters getting calls that their polling station has moved.

She says Elections Canada does not make calls and would instead have somebody at the polling location telling voters that it has moved.

CHSJ Live Streaming Off This Evening Due To Vote

Due to Elections Canada regulations,  we will shutting down the streaming of our station on our website during local coverage of the vote when the polls close in our area.

We will not posting any results on our web page until the polls close in British Columbia.

CHSJ News will provide half hour updates on election results beginning at approximately 8:34 this evening.

Foul Play Not Suspected In Discovery Of Body

Police ruling out foul play in the discovery of a body over the weekend.

The body of a 27 year old man was discovered in Lansdowne place Sunday morning.

An autopsy being performed today to discover the cause of death.

Police Release Name Of Victim In North End Fire

Police releasing the name of the victim in Sunday's blaze in the city's north end.
19 year old Sarah Jean Connell died when a four-unit building on First Street when up in flames around 6:30 Sunday morning.
The Red Cross is currently providing temporary housing and food for five adults and seven children who lost their homes.
One other person was treated for burns and minor injuries.
Police are investigating the cause of the fire.

Canadian Red Cross Helping First Street Fire Victims

The Canadian Red Cross is currently providing temporary housing and food for five adults and seven children who lost their homes in the First Street blaze this weekend.

Police investigating the cause of the three-alarm fire that gutted a four-unit building just after 6 o'clock Sunday morning.

Fire crews weren't able to locate the young woman who died until after the fire was under control.  No name has been released at this point. 

One other person was treated for burns and minor injuries.

Revitalization Of Crescent Valley Still A Priority

Crescent Valley neighbourhood in the North End still working towards revitalization.  

That from Saint John Portland MLA Trevor Holder, who tells CHSJ News he's been working with the Minister of Social Development and hopes to see more mixed income development in the future.  He says some major strides have been made in the last few years, such as the implementation of crime prevention programs.

Holder says some issues that still need to be addressed are getting employment counciling and affordable daycare.

Traffic Change To Garden Street

A traffic change to keep in mind this week: Starting tonight at 7 drivers will no longer be able to access Garden Street from City Road or Station Street.  

The closure will continue until Thursday and drivers are advised to take alternate routes.

Sea Dogs Waits For Challenger In President's Cup Final

The city buzzing with excitement after the announcement that the first two games of the President's Cup will be played on home ice.  

Sea Dogs President Wayne Long tells CHSJ News the team is patiently waiting to find out whether they'll be playing Gatineau or Quebec in the final series.

Long says tickets are going fast, but they aren't sold out yet.  You can get tickets by visiting the Harbour Station Box Office or by calling 657-1234.

KV Triva Team Takes Provincial Title Again

The Kennebecasis Valley High School Reach for the Top Team has done it again.  The school's "A" team took home the provincial title this week-end in the trivia-style competition, earning them a spot at Nationals.  

Coach Jason Thorne tells CHSJ News the competition gets very difficult on the national level.


The team has now won 38 consecutive provincial events.  They won their first National title last year.

East Side Boy Struck By Car

A 12 year old boy is in hospital in stable condition after being hit by a car on Hickey Road at Heatherway.

City Police say no charges will be laid against the driver.

Organised Labour Unhappy With Proposed Changes At WorkSafe NB

The President of the District Labour Council is concerned about proposed tinkering with the board of Worksafe NB.

Ron Oldfield tells CHSJ News they like the balance of union and company respresentation that exists now don't want to see more people on one side than the other which will adversely the board's balance in the future.
Oldfield says Worksafe NB may be looking at adding up to 5 more seats to the board.

Oldfield says depending on what happens they may start a campaign protesting changes to the Worksafe NB board of directors.

Premier Defends Reforming Local Government

Despite some opposition from rural residents, Premier David Alward says the province needs to move forward in reforming local government.

The Premier is promising the province will work side-by-side with people who are concerned about what the changes will meanm for them.

The Alward government has put forward a plan to amalgamate New Brunswick's 370 municipalities into 54 larger ones. Alward says there will always be concerns but that doesn't mean the current system can stay the same.
 
He tells CHSJ News 15 of 20 meetings on local government have already been held across the province, and have been excellent. People in the Saint John area can have their say at a meeting this Wednesday night at the Community College on Grandview Avenue.

First Street Fire

Fire On First Street Claims Life

One person is dead and ten people are homeless following an early morning fire in an apartment building on First Street.

The three alarm blaze was called in just before 6:30 and as fire fighters arrived they found smoke and flames shooting from the three storey wood frame building.

Acting fire chief Mark Gillan tells CHSJ News his crews mounted an aggressive search and rescue effort to get people out of the building - but - failed to turn up any trace of the victim until after the flames were knocked down.

Jeremy Leslie is one of those left homeless -- he says he was awakened by neighbours and he rushed to get his family to safety.



Leslie says he doesn't have insurance and everything is gone.

So far the identity of the victim hasn't been released nor has the cause of the fire been determined.

Point Lepreau Not Like Fukushima

Point Lepreau taking measures to ensure a hydrogen explosion like the one at the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan couldn't happen here.

Station Director Wade Parker says Lepreau installed 19 hydrogen recombiners during the refurbishment.

The machines essentially suck the hydrogen out the air and eliminate the threat of explosion.

Parker says in the event of a power blackout, Lepreau has three diesel generators and two emergency generators that can power the plant.

Mayor Ready To Work With Saint John MP

Mayor Ivan Court confident common council can work with the federal government to ensure safe, clean drinking water for the city no matter who gets elected in tomorrow's election.

Court tells CHSJ News he hopes the federal government will also commit to building a new ship to replace the Princess of Acadia.

The current ferry, which travels between Saint John and Digby, Nova Scotia, is roughly 40 years old.

Court says the ferry employs more than 100 people and brings about ten million dollars to the local economy.

Police Monitoring Common Traffic Violations

A word of warning from the city police: it’s springtime and the force will be cracking down on intersection and pedestrian safety in the month of May.

Drivers are reminded that running a yellow light, a red light, or turning right on red light without stopping can result in a 172 dollar fine.

Police will also be handing out fines to drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.

Province Invests in Ferries

The provincial government investing money in the Gagetown and Belleisle ferries as part of their commitment to improve transportation in rural areas.

The 2011-2012 budget set aside 1 million dollars to return the ferries to full service.

The Shawn Graham government initially dry docked the Gagetown, Hampstead and Belleisle ferries in April of 2009 as a cost cutting measure.

The announcement comes along with a 1 million dollar investment to patch potholes and repair asphalt on rural roads.

Election Day Tomorrow

Only one more day of campaigning before Canadians cast their ballots in the country’s 41st federal election.

Polling stations are open from 8:30am to 8:30pm on Monday.

Voters need to prove their identity when voting and are instructed to bring a piece of ID with their name, photo and address, like a driver’s licence.

For more information on and how to vote and where to find your polling station go to http://www.elections.ca/.

Street Hockey Championship Raises Money For MindCare

Athletes as young as 7-years-old will be duking it out at Long Wharf today for the 4th World 3 on 3 Street Hockey Championship.

More than 900 players are fighting for the top spots in their divisions.


100 per cent of the proceeds go to MindCare raising money for community mental health programs and services in the Province.

For the spectators looking to check out the action, food and beverages will be available at the site.

The action begins at 9am today.

Imperial Theatre Celebrates Milestone Performance

The Imperial Theatre will reach an amazing milestone today...it's 2500th performance.

The stage has seen many feet trodding across it in lavish productions, community events, dance companies, childhood favourites, legends and local favourites.

To celebrate, the Imperial Theatre is celebrating with a special ticket price of 2 for $25.

For more info on the offer, you can call 674-4100, toll free at 1-800-323-7469 or visit www.imperialtheatre.nb.ca.

City Utility Unlikely To Pay Claims From Power Surge

If you have put a claim in with Saint John Energy asking them to pay for damages to electronics as a result of the west side power surge about two weeks ago then you're out of luck.

The board of directors says they are not responsible for any damages as the surge was caused by stormy weather and was beyond their control.


A fastener caught on fire which caused a live wire to fall into another, causing the power surge.

President Eric Marr tells CHSJ News Saint John Energy's insurance company will now be contacting customers who made claims and he expects the position of the insurance company will be similar to the utility's in denying liability and payment.

He estimates about 65 people have filed claims against the company to the tune of about 45 to 50 thousand dollars.

City Crews Battle North End Blaze

Fire fighters remain on the scene of a major blaze in the North End at this hour.
The blaze started in a 3-storey wood frame home at 148 Victoria Street and threatened a large apartment building next door -- that threat so severe a second alarm was sounded bringing more equipment and fire fighters.


They managed to keep it from spreading to the nearby building.

Everyone was evacuated safely but two cats had to be resuscitated with pet masks.  So far no word on the cause.

The Red Cross being called in for two people who need somewhere to stay at least for tonight.

Point Lepreau Refurbishments Move Forward

Finally some good news for Point Lepreau.  Atomic Energy of Canada Limited has successfully installed 20 per cent of the calandria tubes in the plant's nuclear reactor. 

NB Power President Gaetean Thomas says the next step will be to install pressure tubes that go inside of the calandria tubes.

The newly installed calandria tubes all passed the necessary leak tests and Thomas says AECL is currently on schedule to be done by the fall of 2012.

Glen Falls School Celebrates Arbour Day

Grade One students at Glen Falls Elementary celebrating Arbour Day with help from the Mayor and JDI.

The children receiving seedlings to plant as well as getting an education on the benefits of trees to the environment.

Environmentalist Reverend Llyod Lake tells CHSJ News kids always appreciate the event and are very knowledgeable about trees and the environment.

Three hardwood trees being planted on the school grounds as part of the celebration.

Province Told Not To Steamroll Ahead On Shale Gas

The Provincial Government is being told not to bulldoze ahead on shale gas exploration without having the proper regulations and monitoring in place. That from the Citizens for Responsible Resource Development which is holding rallies around the province at the offices of cabinet ministers.

Its President Bethany Thorne-Dykstra tells CHSJ News there is heightened concern in light of recent reports on possible consequences of how the natural gas is extracted from shale.

She goes on to say the process of fracking involves large amounts of fresh water and chemicals which can include hydrochloric acid, benzine, methane and diesel.

Thorne-Dykstra says they're looking for the province to have proper monitoring and regulations in place so well water is protected from contamination.

Health Minister Acknowledges Mental Health Week

The Provincial Health Minister acknowledging the start of Mental Health Week.  Madeline Dube says its meant as an opportunity to show support for and raise awareness of the importance of mental fitness and mental health.  It is also designed to shed light on stigmas that often create barriers for those who face mental health challenges every day.
 
One in five Canadians will experience a mental illness in his or her lifetime and 8 per cent of adults will experience major depression. Suicide accounts for 24 per cent of all deaths among 15- to 24-year-olds and suicide rates in this province exceed the national average.
Mental Health Week starts Sunday.   For more info on upcoming activites, click here

Traffic Disruptions

You can expect increased traffic over the next week near the Reversing Falls Bridge. Beginning today, hundreds of additional contractors will be working a scheduled maintenance shutdown at the Irving Pulp Mill until May 6th.

City police will be controlling traffic at the main entrance to the mill during the morning commute from 6:30 until 8:00 and during one afternoon between 4 and 6pm on election day.

Recreation Centre Road in Quispamsis is closed due to construction work.

The closure is expected to last approximately two weeks.

Drivers travelling to the Quispamsis Recreation Centre should proceed via the Q-Plex on Randy Jones Way, off Vincent Road.

UNB President Says The School Could Turn Our Fortunes Around

The president of UNB Dr. Eddy Campbell says universities and post secondary education institutions can be a major player in turning around the fortunes of the province.
He says there are four keys areas that need to be improved upon: access to post-secondary education, capitalizing on innovation, improving access to capital, and fostering regional co-operation.

Campbell tells CHSJ News UNB and the community colleges can play a vital role in boosting the population and strengthening the economy by attracting people to come and study.  He also admits more can be done to connect graduates with employers.

He says we need to do a better job of encouraging innovation rather than relying on our natural resources to power our economy.

Oldfield Calls It A Proud Day For Labour

Ron Oldfield of the Saint John District Labour Council says the unveiling of this monument is a proud moment for labour.
Oldfield says it's just not right to go to work and not come home.

Mayor Ivan Court says employers can cut corners because that may mean someone's name might end up on that list of preventable deaths.
9 workers in the Province lost their lives on the job in 2010.

Hundreds Brave Rain For Unveiling of Monument

Hundreds of people braving the rain to see a new monument at the Lily Lake Pavillion that's a tribute to workers who lost their lives or have been hurt on the job.

Bob Blakely of Canadian Building Trades tells CHSJ News he is proud of the people who made this possible.

He's proud of how important people here think this is but sad that we even need a monument because that means we're being killed at work.

Sussex artists Darren Byers and Fred Harrison designed the monument.

It was cast in bronze in Montana and shipped in pieces to Saint John where it was reassembled.

A Failing Grade For The Lifestyles Of Atlantic Canadians

Atlantic Canadians are at or close to the bottom when it comes to inactivity, smoking and eating an unhealthy diet with not enough fruits and veggies.

That bleak assessment coming from Dr. Micheal Love of the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University who adds another complicating factor is the aging of the population in this part of the country.

Dr. Love estimates between a quarter and a third of teenagers are at an unhealthy weight being overweight or obese and half are not gettng enough physical activity to remain healthy.

Flood Risk Worsens

The New Brunswick Emergency Measures Organization releasing another update on the possibility of flooding.

It reports water flows and levels continue to rise as a result of rainfall and above freezing temperatures over the entire province. In general, these flows and levels will continue to rise and it's expected that flood stages may be met or exceeded by the coming weekend at Fredericton and Jemseg if present conditions continue.

River Watch spokesperson Karl Wilmot tells CHSJ News it's best to be prepared for all scenarios as the weather in this province can be unpredictable.

Small business owners and the people who live in high risk flood areas are being advised to begin preparations to protect their properties and belongings from these elevated water levels.

River Watch will be releasing updates throughout the weekend.  For a link to their site, click here.

Construction Will Mean Traffic Delays In Quispamsis

 Recreation Centre Road in Quispamsis will be closed due to construction work beginning today.  The closure is expected to last approximately two weeks.
Drivers travelling to the Quispamsis Recreation Centre should proceed via the Q-Plex on Randy Jones Way, off Vincent Road.

Little Movement With Gas Prices

If you have to fill up today, there's not a whole lot of change with gas prices after the weekly setting.

Self serve regular has risen by the tiniest of margins at $1.30.9 a litre around town.

Diesel is down almost a cent in the city at $1.31.5.

Propane has gone up to an even $1.09 and heating oil has dropped a bit to $1.16.4.

Police To Step Up Campaign To Rid Neighbourhoods Of Criminals

City police want to create more awareness of the SCAN legislation that came into effect last year.

The legislation allows SCAN investigators to evict people out of buildings if they engage in illegal activities and is based on confidential tips from the community.

West Side Community Officer Tammy Caswell tells CHSJ News there are people around town who don't know the legislation is at their disposal.

She says there are plans to distribute flyers about the program and to hold information sessions around priority neighbourhoods. Caswell believes once people see the legislation curbing crime in their neighbourhoods, they will be less hesitant to use it.

Day Of Mourning To Be Marked With Unveiling Of Monument

A monument in honour of workers killed or injured on the job will be unveiled in a ceremony later today at the Lily Lake Pavilion.

Today is the Day of Mourning, a day that honors workers who have been killed or seriously hurt while on the job. Flags will also be at half mast at municipal buildings around the city.

Mayor Ivan Court says the monument is a true piece of art.

The last city employee to be killed on the job was a city firefighter back in 2008.

The event gets underway at the Lily Lake Pavilion at 12pm.

New Brunswick Being Held Back By Illiteracy

The NDP candidate for Saint John thinks post-secondary education in this province is vital and a productivity issue.

Rob Moir, an economist at UNB Saint John says this province suffers from high illiteracy which translates into fewer jobs because employers are looking elsewhere for a skilled workforce.

He says his university colleagues think about Saint John's potential and how they can contribute and he says the UNB Saint John Urban Studies Institute is an example of how that is working.

Moir adds many other exciting things are happening at UNB Saint John including Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick.

Saint John MLA Takes Issue With Liberal Candidate's Flyer

Saint John's Liberal candidate is raising the ire of the provincial government with a flyer pointing out few federal investments in the Saint John port.
Stephen Chase releasing this flyer to every city household which notes the higher investments given to the ports of Halifax and Sydney.
Saint John Fundy MLA Glenn Savoie tells CHSJ News the flyer gives the impression the City is only a fall destination for cruise ships.Savoie contends that's not true saying the port in open from spring to fall with millions of passengers and a lot of money into the local economy.
A spokesperson in Stephen Chase's campaign says it seems like Ottawa chose the smallest fundable port project at $4.5 million dollars where Halifax gets $50 million dollar for improvements.

Jack Layton Rally In Saint John On April 25th

NDP Leader Jack Layton hosts a rally on the boardwalk on Monday.

Watch Michael Ignatieff Speak About Cost Overruns At Point Lepreau.

Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff speaks on the cost overruns at Point Lepreau.

Weston Fears Poor Voter Turnout With Unwanted Campaign

The Conservative incumbant is hearing a lot on the doorstep from voters angry this election is even happening.


Rodney Weston says it's one of the first things to come up in conservation.

He says his first response is that he's not happy about it either and people are upset considering its the fourth election in seven years at a cost of 300 to 400 million dollars.
Weston says he worries about low voter turnout and low participation because some people are angry about the election.

Get A Custom Bike Rack Uptown

Green Feet, the environment committee of Uptown Saint John is launching a custom bike rack program in the uptown.  The intention is to animate the streets with functional bike racks to raise the profile of cycling and of businesses in the area.

Uptown Saint John is covering 75% of the cost of a custom bike rack with branding for businesses, a building or a block.  Green Feet committee chair Ann McShane tells CHSJ News a coffee shop might want a coffee cup shaped bike rack out front.
All bike rack subjects and locations require approval by Uptown Saint John and the City.
If you want more information or to register your bike rack location, call 633-9797.

NDP Charges Auto Insurance In Province Is Broken

Scathing criticism from the NDP about how insurance rates are regulated in the province in light of revelations that drivers have been overcharged to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars...... More than 500 million dollars by one company alone.

Provincial NDP leader Dominic Cardy tells CHSJ News the Energy and Utilities Board should be given the job of regulating what you pay. The E-U-B already regulates what you pay for gas.

As for getting any rebates from the insurance companies, Cardy cautions you not to hold your breath.

Cardy says the New Brunswick Insurance Board has failed to do its job and should be shut down.

He would eventually like to see the province have a public auto insurance system like the one that operates in Manitoba.

Candidates Debate Post Secondary Education At University

An all-candidates debate being held at UNB Saint John tonight to highlight election issues that deal with post-secondary education. Students have been increasingly concerned about university becoming unaffordable.

Saint John Candidates Rob Moir, Rodney Weston, Sharon Murphy Flatt and Stephen Chase will be in attendence.

Anthony Enman is a member of the University's student council and says he's hoping students will focus on the federal election now that exams are over.

Miriam Jones is V-P of the teachers association and says post-secondary education has been a hot-button issue in the province for years, particularly in Saint John. She was an outspoken opponent of turning UNB Saint John into a polytechnic by the previous provincial government.

The debate kicks off at 6pm in the Whitebone Lounge of the Thomas J. Condon Student Centre.

City Wants To Tear Down Derelict Buildings Faster

While Common Council tries to get more authority from the province in order to deal with derelict buildings in the city, the Buildings and Inspections Department has been keeping busy.

Deputy Commissioner Amy Poffenroth giving council an update on what the city has been able to do with existing legislation since 2007 by tearing down 20 derelict buildings for being unsafe and posing a threat to public safety.

She adds since 2009, there has been 22 charges laid against homeowners for substandard housing conditions which have brought fines totaling almost 40-thousand dollars.

The city is currently appealing to the province to be granted more legislative power to get rid of vacant or boarded up buildings faster.

Councillor Presses For City To Have Its Own Forester

Common Councillor Bill Farren wants the city to hire it's own forester.

He tells CHSJ News the move will have many positive benefits for the city, such as keeping the city's drinking water safe from trees that fall into the water supply, deteriorate and cause contamination.

He says other spin-offs include being able to sell the wood from city trees which would not only bring in extra money to city coffers but pay for the forester position itself.

Upgrades Coming To East Side Park

Upgrades to the Jervis Bay-Ross Memorial Park on the East Side are set to begin as soon as the weather dries up a bit.

The park is currently maintained by the city and Branch 53 of the Royal Canadian Legion. Reverend Lloyd Lake is with the Legion and tells CHSJ News they want to see the neighbourhood using the park.

The upgrades include taking down a barbed wire fence to make the park more aesthetically pleasing and filling in a small pond so children are not in danger of falling in.
 
 Kevin Watson of Leisure Services is hopeful a community group can be formed to help maintain the park.

Watch The Wedding At Brunswick Square

Royal wedding fever is hitting the Port City and you can celebrate at Brunswick Square.
Bright and early Friday morning you can head to the mall to watch the nuptials of William&Kate.  Brandi Cooper of Fortis Properties tells CHSJ News it gets underway at 7am.
She says the wedding will be broadcast on a big screen and it gives people a chance to be part of history.

Cooper adds Brunswick Square tenants are invited to take part and she hears one of the merchants is selling a lot of hats leading up to the Royal Wedding.  The broadcast runs 7am to 2pm in Level 1 of Brunswick Square this Friday.

Salvation Army Reveals New Community Response Unit

The Salvation Army in Saint John revealing a new Community Response Unit today that can provide mobile meals in the event of a disaster.
Divisional Commander Major Larry Martin tells CHSJ News depending on the need it can provide from 1000 to 3000 meals a day.
He says it will be available to assist first responders at a fire scene or another sitution where it may be needed.
Commissioner William Francis atthending the 1st annual Hope in the City luncheon today  saying this unit will help wherever it is needed. He thinks it will be a new underpinning of the community with many agencies coming together to make it happen not just the Salvation Army. Some funding for the unit came from the Harold Ballard Foundation.

Minister Says Key Generation Plants Will Be Included In Energy Policy

Energy Minister Craig Leonard says the Point Lepreau and Mactaquac generating stations will be factored into the government's 10-year energy plan.


The Liberal Opposition is questioning why there is no mention of either facility in last week's interim report from the provincial energy commission.

Leonard says these are key energy producers in our mix - but - we have to take an overall view of it and policy can't be guided by the assets themselves - it has to be the other way around.

The Minister also says the energy commission's report with its recommendations for a ten year energy plan will be tabled next month.