Liberal MLA Upset Over Double Standard In Flood Study

There is alot of anxiety for residents in the St. George area.

Liberal MLA Rick Doucet says many people are worried they will lose their homes to flooding again.

Doucet says he was turned down by the government last year when he asked for a review into flooding and prevention for the Magaguadavic River.

However, he says the Alward government will be doing a flood review for Perth-Andover.

Doucet says Charlotte County residents are being treated as second-class citizens by not getting the same treatment.

Premier Alward was unable to be reached for comment.

Pension Board Lawyer Begins Closing Arguments

More closing arguments in the John Ferguson defamation trial, this time from Pension Board lawyer Barry Morrison.

Barry Morrison using an old adage in his characterization of John Ferguson when he compared the pension board to Martha Stewart and her legal woes -- if it walks like a duck and talks like a duck, it's a duck.

Morrison says Ferguson had to be talking about the pension board when making that comparison -- and therefore was casting the pension board in a bad light.

Morrison says Ferguson acted like a coward towards the pension board -- he says it is cowardly to make insinuations when your target cannot respond in a timely manner.

He ads the arguments made by Ferguson's lawyer -- that there was negligence and a breach of fiduciary duty -- are nothing but a smoke screen.

Morrison says the lawsuit is about defamation and Ferguson defamed the pension board in an attempt to become mayor in 2008.

Students Celebrate Arbour Day With A Tree Planting

A couple of grade one students from Havelock school helping out future generations by planting a tree for Arbour Day.
It's the sixth year of a partnership of between J.D. Irving, District 8 and the City of Saint John. 
Outgoing common councillor Chris Titus tells CHSJ News trees are important and the small things really make a difference.

He says the trees provide beauty, a place to climb, heat and furniture.  The Grade one students at Havelock school were given spruce seedlings to take home.

Senior City Staff Battered At Defamation Trial

The lawyer for former Common Councillor John Ferguson is accusing senior city staff of having a secret agenda and of stifling discussion of the pension plan's rising deficit.

Rod Gillis was making his closing argument to the jury at Ferguson's trial for defamation and was scathing in his criticism of then City Manager Terry Totten, City Solicitor John Nugent, then Deputy City Manager Pat Woods and former City Finance Commissioner Andrew Beckett, all of whom served on the Pension Board.

Gillis accuses the Pension Board of launching the lawsuit to silence questions and told the court it's wrong to interfere in the democratic process, if not unsavoury.

He maintains senior city staff members on the pension board in 2003 knew benefits would have to be reduced but didn't want to get flak from the civic unions and points out they, themselves, were in line for city pensions each worth over a million dollars.

Gillis telling the jury senior city staff, who served on the Pension Board, are guilty of inaction because they knew in 2003 pension benefits would have to be reduced and had specific solutions in 2005 which were not presented to Common Council.

He argues Ferguson, as a member of Council, had a duty to pursue the matter and the Pension Board will have to prove malice but no evidence of that was ever presented at trial.

Gillis claims none of Ferguson's criticisms was directed at the Pension Board and none was defamatory because he was acting in good faith whereas senior city staff were trying to stifle discussion.

Funny Police Sign Goes Viral

A humourous sign about a serious topic has gone viral on social media. 

The Saint John Police Force putting up a sign at Kennebecasis Drive by the ferry landing which reads: "On Sale! As low as $172.50. Speeding Tickets." 

The image has been making the rounds on popular sites like Facebook and Imgur. 

Community Police Officer David Hartley-Brown tells CHSJ News he is not entirely surprised the message has gone viral but says the important thing is that the message is getting out to slow down.

John Ferguson Defamation Trial Resumes

Closing Arguments To Be Given At Defamation Trial

The long defamation trial of former Common Councillor John Ferguson in now in the home stretch with closing arguments to be delivered this morning to the jury. 

Lawyer Barry Morrision made clear in his opening statement the Pension Board views Ferguson's attacks as an orchestrated campaign for him to become Mayor in 2008 and the statements he made left the impression of illegality.

Lawyer Rod Gillis has suggested Ferguson, as a member of Common Council had every right to raise questions and concerns and none of his statements were defamatory. 

As well, Gillis argues the Pension Board was unresponsive, not very transparent and senior City Staff who were serving as Pension Board trustees were in a conflict of interest with divided loyalties between the beneficiaries and the taxpayer.

Water Shut Off At Most Schools In District 8

Lead and copper levels in the water at most schools in District 8 exceed Health Canada guidelines.

As such, all the water fountains and taps at the affected schools have been shut off for the time being and jugs of water brought in.

There are just 4 schools in the district unaffected......They are Brown's Flat Elementary, Inglewood. Loch Lomand and St. Martins. 

Both the school district and public health say most children would not suffer any health problems from drinking the water unless they have multiple exposures both inside the school and outside. 

Also, the lead levels dropped significantly after the water was left running for 30 seconds or more.

Premier Says Shale Gas Handled In Responsible Manner

It may be a controversial issue - but - Premier Alward isn't making any apologies for exploring the possibility of developing a shale gas industry.

In an exclusive interview with CHSJ News - Alward says his government has a responsibility to see what future opportunities may exist if the resource is developed and how any revenue will be shared.

And the Premier says New Brunswickers will have a say on new regulations being developed for shale gas exploration -- deflecting any comment on how that will happen by saying the process will be up to Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northrup.

Rothesay Woman Opposes New Fieldhouse

A Rothesay woman is upset that two apartment buildings on Scott Avenue will be taken down to make way for a new fieldhouse.
Joy Clowater lives in one of the neighbouring building and has asked the town administration for some answers with little satisfaction.
While Joy Clowater supports the idea of more recreation in the town, she tells CHSJ News people's homes shouldn't be torn down to for it.

She tells us she has sent letters to the editor which she copied to Mayor Bill Bishop adding local MLA Margaret Ann Blaney is also helping her out.

CHSJ News has put a call into the town of Rothesay for their perspective on the matter and we have yet to hear back.

Province Establishes New Health Agency

The province will spend $500,000 this year on a temporary agency that's mandated to find ways to cut costs in the Health Department.
    
Health Minister Madeleine Dubé says former health authority executives Rino Volpe and John McGarry will be in charge of the work over the next two years.
    
Dubé says her department demands about 40 per cent of the provincial budget and that's expected to rise.
    
She says the Office of Health System Renewal can look for efficiencies and health-care innovations, while her department can concentrate on the delivery of services.
    
But Opposition Liberal Leader Victor Boudreau says the government is just creating another level of bureaucracy.
    
He says with the increase in health-care spending being held to 1.6 per cent this year, the money for the new office would be better spent on the actual delivery of services.

Charges Laid In Uptown Fire

Charges being laid to 3 people in the Charlotte Street fire.

Judge Anne Jeffries dealing out charges of intentionally and recklessly causing fire and damage.

20-year old Roger Chiasson being remanded to jail until a bail hearing on April 30th.  He elected to be tried by a provincial court judge.

19-year old Samuel Nolan being put under house arrest and will be undergoing a mental health evaluation to determine if he is fit to stand trial.  He will be back in court for a follow-up on May 10th.

A 15-year old, who cannot be named under the Young Offenders act, was put under house arrest.  He is due back in court on June 4th.

Demolition Scene On Charlotte Street

Three Arrests In Charlotte Street Fire

A third person, a 15 year old, is facing charges in the Charlotte street fire that City police tell us was deliberately set.

Two young men, ages 19 and 20, were arrested earlier and all three are due in court this afternoon.

Fire crews got the call just after 3am yesterday to the blaze which destroyed an old appliance store and the Korner Grocery.  Fire officials insisted due to safety concerns the building had to come down.

New Brunswick Food Banks Need Help

A major campaign is underway to replenish the supplies of food banks around the province.

The President of the Provincial Association of Food Banks Glenn Rioux tells CHSJ News demand is up by 22 per cent but donations have not kept pace.

He says most of the people seeking help these days are the working poor with alot of young families and the elderly. That's why the request is out for such things as baby food and accessories, cereal, oatmeal, canned fish, meat and soup, beans, peanut butter, jam, fruit and vegetable juice along with personal hygiene products.

Rioux says you can drop off non-perishable food items or make a cash donation at any Superstore until May 5th.

Saint John Airport Looking For Friendly Ambassadors

The Saint John Airport is looking for volunteers to join its Meet and Greet team.

The program lets you greet incoming travelers and provide them with information such as directions and entertainment ideas.

Director of Marketing for the airport Colleen Kemp Mitchell tells CHSJ News it is a very flexible program for those who want to take part.

She says the volunteers really enjoy the socializing with visitor and becoming ambassadors for our city.

Michell says it is an important role as the greeters are the first impression a visitor gets of the city.

For more information or to sign up for the program, call 506 638 5584 or email cmitchell@saintjohnairport.com

NB Power Going Mum On Lawsuit

NB Power downplaying allegations made by the group of insurers it is suing over delays in the refurbishment of Point Lepreau.

The utility launched the lawsuit back in February.

NB Power Spokesperson Kathleen Duguay says the company is ready to dispute allegations by the the defendants relating to damage incurred and delays associated with the calandria tube activities.

Duguay says no further comments will be made about the case since it is now before the courts.

Demolition Of Fire Ravaged Buildings Continues

A Significant Drop In Price Of Self Serve Regular

Drivers who use self serve regular are getting a big price break after the weekly setting. 

Self serve regular dropping in price by over 6 cents a litre in the city to $1.31.9. 

Diesel also dropping in price but not by as much to $1.34.3 a litre around town. 

Heating oil is listed by the Energy and Utilities Board at $1.18.4 and propane is at $1.04.3 a litre.

Man Jumps From Roof In Valley To Elude Police

Rothesay Regional Police had to deal with an unusual incident when a disgruntled former employee came to the McDonalds and began uttering threats. 

He had been drinking and made his way to the roof. After seeing police arrive, he tried to get away by jumping off the roof and taking off but was arrested. Police tell us he will be be appearing in court at a later date.

Police in the Valley also arresting a group of young people after a spate of vandalism along Vincent Road. 

Election signs were thrown into the middle of the street, town benches were overturned and there was also some lights damaged.

The young adults, as they have been described to us, had been drinking as well.

Arrest Made In Robbery

City Police telling us about a robbery in the Waterloo Street area just before 7 last night. 

An 84 year old man was taken to hospital to be treated. 

A 36 year old woman was arrested and will likely be facing a pair of changes when she appears in court.

Norton Speaks On Poverty Issues

At a recent forum on poverty, mayoral candidate Mel Norton saying it's the simple things that change the quality of life in priority neighbourhoods.

Mayoral candidate Mel Norton tells CHSJ News morale can be improved by appealing to the youth.

He says investing like the Teen Resource Centre for Youth and by actually providing opportunites for teens giving them a creative outlet to feel good about their community.

Norton says each neighbourhood is different so there are no pat answers--solutions will only come by consultation with members of each community.

Salvation Army Feeds & Comforts Firefighters and Victims

The Salvation Army lending a hand at the fire scene at Charlotte and Princess streets.

The group's Community Response Unit responding less than two hours after the fire began.
 
Darren Wiseman tells CHSJ News it provides a source of food, beverage and comfort.

He says they have been able to give them someone to talk to and point them in the direction they need to go.

Wiseman adds they have been providing to the emergency responders, the displaced and bystanders.

Arrests Made In Uptown Blaze

The Major Crime Unit of the City Police Force says the massive fire at 127 Charlotte street was set on purpose.

A 19 year old and a 20 year old are due in court tomorrow to faces charges and Police tell us a third arrest is expected.

Charlotte Street Fire Gallery

CHSJ News had a bird's eye vantage point on top of the Beatty, where reporter Tamara Steele shot these images.

Demolition Continues At Charlotte & King Street

Fire crews and heavy equipment remain on the scene of a demolition at Charlotte and Princess Streets.

The building must come down as the Saint John fire department has deemed the situation a threat to public safety.

District fire chief Eric Garland tells CHSJ News the power is cut to the burned out structure, the Lantern House and another building next to it.

Piles of bricks and other debris can be seen on the ground on Charlotte Street and Princess Street where crews have knocked down part of the building.

A crowd has gathered in the area to watch it unfold.

Candidate Goes High Tech With Campaign

Tonight you can get some virtual face time with mayoral candidate Matthew Thompson. The rookie politico is attempting to improve his name recognition by connecting with voter via an online coference from 7-10pm. 

Thompson tells CHSJ News it works like this: a few hours before the virtual conference he'll post a link to his Facebook, Twitter and website. Simply click on it and follow the instructions.

Thompson says you can simply create a screen name then fire away with questions, who will be visible via webcam. 

Visit Matthew Thompson's Facebook with a link to the webcast site

here.

The link will be posted a few hours before the Q&A, and will go live at aproximatly 6:50. Thompson encourages people not to be intimidated by the process because even his grandmother plans on logging in.

Post-Fire Demolition to Begin Soon

Onlookers are gathered near the scene of an early morning blaze on Charlotte near Princess street. 

A small crane is preparing to knock down the structure.

The home of the old Lyric Theatre, Korner grocery and an accounting office destroyed by fire this morning.

Saint John district fire chief Eric Garland tells CHSJ News it's not usual for a building this damaged by fire to come down the same day it burned.

A View Inside Burnt Out 127 Charlotte

Photo for the extinguished fire taken from the roof of the Admiral Beatty.

Demolition of Burned out Buildings Set to Begin

Crews ready equipment to tear down the burned out shell of 127-141 Charlotte Street.

Provincewide Study On Cancer Released

When it comes to cancer, where you live matters. That, according to a provincewide study carried out by Inka Milewski of the Conservation Council.

Milewski tells CHSJ News some people might be surprised where Saint John stood which is at the edge of being high. Caraquet and the Gargetown area were among the lowest.

Milewski cautions the cancer types she studied may not be the cancers that are prevalent in Saint John.

Dalhousie, Belledune, Minto and Harvey were highest on the list. Those communities with higher rates of cancer were more industrial and the men in those places were stricken with cancer more so than women.

Starlight Children's Foundation Receives Entertainment Unit

The Starlight Children's Foundation donating a Fun Center entertainment unit to the Child Life Department at the Saint John Regional Hospital. This entertainment unit is valued at approximately  $4,500 and will provide endless distraction for pediatric patients with a DVD, monitor and gaming systems.

Young Mom and Baby Killed in Crash

A woman and her baby daughter have died as a result of a two vehicle car crash in Carleton County. The crash in Glassville claiming the life of 21 year old Kaitlyn Nicole Denny, who was driving when her car was struck by a transport truck hauling lumber.

Her 7 week old daughter, Brianne Rowan, was also killed.

According to RCMP it appears the car entered the intersection crossing directly in the path of the truck. The truck driver sustained no injuries.

Some Uptown Streets Closed To Traffic

Due to the Charlotte street fire, some Uptown streets are closed to motorists and pedestrians.

Charlotte Street is closed from King Square to Horsefield Street and  Princess Street is closed from Sydney Street to Germain Street>

The Saint John Fire Department tells CHSJ News the foam being used to fight the fire is biodegradable, non-toxic and will dissolve.

Rothesay Avenue at the train bridge has been reopened to traffic after being closed to flooding.

Burned-Out Charlotte Street Buildings Will Be Knocked down

An early morning blaze that gutted through the top stories of 127 to 141 Charlotte Street will be leaving a huge gap in the neighbourhood.

A fire broke out around 3 this morning and Fire Chief Kevin Clifford tells CHSJ News the entire building will have to be demolished.

The nearby Lantern House did suffer some damage but it will not be torn down.

22 people have been displaced because of the fire and the Red Cross is providing assistance.

Fire investigators are looking into the cause of the blaze.

Clifford says it was a significant fire because seven to eight units had to respond.  He says for a typical structure fire, a four unit response is typical.

Rainfall Record Set

If you thought we received alot of rainfall earlier this week you were right. On Monday, we recorded 44.3 millimeters of rain breaking the previous record of 26.6 millimeters set on April 23rd of 1986 and then yesterday we got 39.1 millimeters breaking the record of 20.1 millimeters set on April 24th of 1970. Since Saturday night, Saint John received 116 millimters of rain, the highest in the province.

Candidates Tackle Big Issues at South End Q&A

The mayoral candidates and 4 of out 6 candidates for councillor at large gathering at Saint John the Baptist School for a Q&A session. Mayoral candidates Mel Norton and Shirley MaAlary emphasized the need to regain respect around the council horseshoe, while incumbent Ivan Court defended himself as a team player.

Former UNB Dean of Business Shelley Rinehart is running for councillor at large.

She tells CHSJ News Saint John needs to revamp its image in order to attract new investments, and rebranding will mean extensive consultation with the community.

The pension issue, clean water, and jobs also up for discussion:  MacAlary and Matt Thompson emphasized the deficit needs to be dealt with before those things can happen.

Major Uptown Fire

City Fire crews on the scene of a stubborn fire which broke out in a boarded up old appliance store on Charlotte Street. 

It then spread to the adjacent boarded up old theatre where fire was coming through the roof. Fire crews are attempting to stop the flames from spreading to the Lantern House on Princess.

There is a fear the roof of one of the buildings in the block down to Princess could collapse. 

Traffic is blocked off around the block from King Street to Princess and down to Germain. 

Smoke could be seen billowing over the uptown and it set off a smoke alarm in the nearby Admiral Beatty. There's no word yet on whether anyone has been injured.