John Ferguson's Lawyer Makes Case For Pension Board To Pay

A court hearing on what, if anything, the city's Pension Board should pay in legal costs for its failed defamation lawsuit launched against former Common Councillor John Ferguson is all about freedom of expression.

That, from Lawyer Rod Gillis who argues the lawsuit was frivolous, vexatious, without merit and mean't to harass and silence Ferguson. Gillis says the jury came to the same decision. For his part, Gillis says 2 and a half million dollars in costs might be on the low side.

The Pension Board's lawyer Barry Morrison argues there should be no costs awarded at all because the case was fought over principle and there was no evidence to suggest it was brought to silence anyone. He told the court the Pension Board did not operate in a scandalous, outrageous or reprehesible way.

Deputy Mayor Shelly Rinehart was among those attending the hearing. She had been following the trial long before the municipal election campaign got underway and says it's incumbant on the part of all Council members to educate themselves about the city's pension plan with the facts.

 Mr. Justice William Grant gave no indication when a decision will be made.

Your Neighborhood's Rich History On Display

David Goss is a bit of a local legend--and 2012 marks the 35th year the Saint John author and historian has been educating the masses about the Port City's history. Goss tells CHSJ News people enjoy his tours of sites like Martello Tower, the uptown area, and Fernhill Cemetery because they hit close to home. Goss says people often share stories he hasn't previously heard, even after 35 years of researching local history.

The walks are all free, with the exception of the popular Fernhill Cemetery tour, and happen every Tuesday. 

The next walk happens June 19th from 7-8:30pm at Wolastaq Park, Lancaster Avenue, West. Meet up at the Wolastaq Park Statue Adventures. 

Goss describes it as follows "Learn about the varied Albert Deveau statues of leading men and women of the area via a scavenger hunt, some games ,puzzles, etc.  Also the story of the Reversing Falls Ug Wug will be told. Bring a mug for hot chocolate. Free."

Contact: (506) 672-8601 for more details, including rain dates.

Teenage Thugs Orchestrate Hold Up

A local man getting held up by a gang of teenage thieves--the call coming in to city police around  10:40 this morning that three youths about 16 years old approached a man on Prince Edward Street near Middle Street. They threatened him with a knife and took t his medication and an MP3 player.

According to early reports one of the teenage thugs was wearing jean shorts, a hoodie and red high top sneakers.

Mickey's Boat Arrives Today

Once you board Mickey and Minnie's floating place, you may never want to leave.

The hype and excitement is building as Saint Johners look to get a glimpse of the Disney Magic making her first call to Saint John this morning.

The vessel is due to make 9 calls to Saint John between today and September.

The Disney Magic features six live productions including one on the day you board and a farewell show the day you disembark. 

In their annual reader's choice awards, the readers of Conde Nast Traveler magazine named the Disney Cruise line the #1 cruise experience.

The ship is due in port just after 9 this morning.

To learn more about the Disney Magic, click here

Man Hospitalised In Valley After Beating

A 20 year old man is behind bars after a serious assault in the K-V. 

Rothesay Regional Police tell CHSJ News the altercation happened in the Quispamsis Trailer Park on First Street and the accused is likely looking at a charge of assault causing bodily harm. 

A 19 year old man is in hospital and will have to undergo surgery for the injuries he sustained.

A Lot Of Suggestions Made On Changing Liquor Regulations

"It's time for government to unshackle us"........That message delivered at a hearing in the city on changing liquor regulations by Luc Erjavec of the Restaurant and Foodservices Association in Atlantic Canada. He say people in the industry should be concentrating on not over serving and underage drinkers instead of complying with silly regulations that serve no useful purpose. 

The hearing has been told underage drinking is out of control and was presented with a stack of fake I-D's.

Bar and restaurant owners say they want to pay a wholesale price for beer, liquour and wine instead of what the rest of us are charged.

The hearing was also told customers should be able to cork their unfinished wine and bring it home with them instead of having to guzzle it on the spot.

There was also the suggestion the time has come to start selling liquor, beer and wine in supermarkets and corner stores.

Missing KV Girl Found

A KV girl who was reported missing after falling out of contact with her family has been found. Courtni Alisha Crawford had called her mother stating she would be home shortly, but never arrived.

Sergeant Breen of the Rothesay Regional Police tells CHSJ News Crawford called in yesterday (Monday), saying she was safe with her boyfriend although she wouldn't say where.

Drunk Driver Sentenced In Highway Death

In a courtroom filled with emotional friends and family, 30-year- old Jordan Sullivan of King Street East was sentenced to 3 years in federal prison and a 3 year ban from driving. 

The sentence comes after the March 2011 death of Sheila Bayers, who was killed when Sullivan's car struck hers' going the wrong way on the Airport Arterial

The court heard several Victim Impact Statements from Bayers' family and friends, who reminded the court her death could have been prevented if Sullivan hadn't got behind the wheel while impaired. The judge noted his breathalyzer reading, while above the limit, was not considered egregious under the law.

Sullivan's mother, Marlene Titus, tells CHSJ News her son is a good man who never planned to hurt anyone. She says if there's anything positive that can come of his tragic error in judgment, it's to discourage people from getting behind the wheel after they've had any amount of alcohol to drink, no matter how seemingly insignificant.

Saint John's Sex Trade Picks Up In The Summer

The Port City might be free of many of big city problems; however, prostitution isn't one of them. That from Dr Leslie Jeffrey. She's a UNBSJ professor and a regional expert on sex work in the Maritimes. She tells CHSJ News while the population of sex workers here isn't large, it's definitely there.

Jeffrey tells CHSJ News women and young men aren't out on the streets because they want to be.
 
She says the only reason they are there is because of the money and until there are better economic opportunities for that population it will remain an option for some people.

Jeffrey says it's difficult to assess the number of sex workers in Saint John because the demographic is always changing and so much of the trade happens behind closed doors.

Port Days 2012 Officially Open In Saint John

Port Days are underway in Saint John.  The event officially kicking off with a panel discussion and opening breakfast at the Trade and Convention Centre.
President and CEO Jim Quinn was asked about a small protest outside the event aimed at MP Keith Ashfield.

He says votes late into the evening and scheduled for today prevented both Ashfield and Saint John MP Rodney Weston from attending the event.

Quinn tells us between the Community Day celebration on Sunday and fundraising at their Port Days mixer last night, they will be giving the Boys and Girls Club a cheque for $10,000.

The Port of Saint John also screening a short film at the event that was produced by Hemmings House Pictures.

To see the video, click here

Union Members Protest The Federal Government

A few members of the Canadian Auto Workers forming a small protest against the closure of the Coast Guard radio and traffic services in Saint John.

The protest aimed at MP Keith Ashfield who was due to speak at Port Days but couldn't make it due to votes in the House of Commons.

The CAW's Paul Hodder CHSJ News the government plans to close the office in two years and that move will impact 29 jobs.

He says the idea that you can move this service to Nova Scotia and get the same level of service is laughable. 

Hodder says these workers are there to ensure there are no oil spills, accidents or loss of life.

Nearly $50K In Coke Off The Street

Police in the Saint John area taking nearly a pound of cocaine worth nearly fifty grand off the street after a raid in Lakeside.

The raid took place at a home on the Hall road where a 24 year old man and two women in their twenties were arrested.

24 year old Aaron Daigle was in court and remanded until a Friday morning court appearance in Hampton.
 
Two women in the 20's will be in court at a later date.

Second Ship In Today, Disney Magic Calls Tomorrow

The second Cruise ship of the season is in Port today--it's docked at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal with 3500 passengers.
 
Tomorrow marks the first call of the Disney Magic to Saint John, a brand new cruise line in the City.

Disney Magic has 9 calls between tomorrow and September on a sailing which originates in New York and visits Saint John and Halifax.
The vessel is expected to arrive shortly after 9 am tomorrow.

The 24th cruise season include 73 ships, more than 187,000 passengers and 74,000 crew. 
The season includes 11 double cruise ship days and 2 triple cruise ship days.  

One of this season's highlight will be the September 5 opening of the new Diamond Jubilee Cruise Terminal.

To see the complete cruise ship schedule, click here

Fire Services Look At New Revenue Streams

In light of recent cuts to the city's fire services, the fire department is thinking outside the box when it comes to funding operations.  Fire Chief Kevin Clifford tells CHSJ News they are generating revenue by providing training as well as other services at Point Lepreau.

He says the Haz Mat response unit and fire units are in the process of finalizing a stand-alone agreement with the nuclear power plant, which could be an important revenue stream.

Council Talks New Solutions For Road Woes

It's not a shock to anyone that Saint John's roads are in poor condition....but our newly minted common councillors are looking at new solutions to the perennial problem. Councillor Donna Reardon suggesting the city needs to look at a more modern approach, like putting concrete under asphalt and using reflective paints on road markings.

Reardon tells CHSJ News the sidewalks in some areas of the city are also in deplorable condition, with lots of broken sections and dirt impeding the way for pedestrians.

Councillors Bill Farren and Shirley McAlary agreed, saying money needs to be found somewhere to deal with the issue. Councillor Reardon suggesting if the roads are built smarter, there would be less labour costs.

Suspicious Package Found At Jail

The perimeter of Black River Road Jail being evacuated due to reports of a suspicious package this afternoon.

Sergeant Peter Fres of the Saint John Police Force would not release any details about what was found but does tell CHSJ News the RCMP bomb squad and the Fire Department's Haz Mat were called in after the report was recieved at aproximately 1:30pm.

The package was checked over and determined not to be dangerous.

Seniors Can Celebrate The Diamond Jubilee

Seniors in Saint John will be celebrating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee at the Lily Lake Pavilion tomorrow.

They will be treated to a red carpet event, complete with Saint John Police and RCMP escorts upon their arrival.

Special recognition will be given to our local war veterans, war brides, and present local members of our armed forces.

A cold plate luncheon will be served in the style of a British High Tea.

The event begins at noon.    Tickets are $20 each and for more info call 609-1970.

Parking Rates Increase

It will cost you more to park at hourly meters starting tomorrow.
Customers will now pay $2 an hour at metered spaces.

Fees for parking at an expired meter in a no parking zone or in a handicap space have also increased. 
 
For all the details, click here

Conservative MLA's Pledge To Eat Apples & Move

Eat an apple a day and spend 30 minutes movin---that's the idea behind a health challenge between the southern New Brunswick conservative caucaus and the Saint John medical society to everyone in the province.

Dr. Theresa Koppert tells us participants can take part by signing up on the new SJ medical society website.

She says the website has made the challenge possible allowing them to have a place where people can record the exercise they are doing and that they ate an apple a day.

Wellness Minister Trevor Holder says for every dollar spent on preventative measures leads to $12 in healthcare savings down the road.
To sign up yourself, click here

Nerepis Man In Hot Water After Evading Police

A 25 year old Nerepis man has a date with a judge after speeding through Grand Bay-Westfield just after midnight on Sunday.

The mounties tell CHSJ News once they put the lights and sirens on the driver dropped his speed below the speed limit but did not stop.
The man kept driving until he reached his garage at home.

A RCMP member was assaulted but not injured during the arrest.
The man was released on conditions and is due in court later to face charges of impaired driving, failing to stop for police and assaulting a police officer.

 

Doctors To Meet With Health Authority Amid Fears They're Being Silenced

Doctors in the province say they don't want to be muzzled and the President of the New Brunswick Medical Society Dr. Robert Rae says that's how they read proposed rules that would prohibit them from making statements deemed to be detrimental to the health authority.

Donald Peters is President and C-E-O of the Horizon Health Network and he acknowledges the doctors don't want to be told you can never advocate on behalf of patients but nothing has been approved yet.

There will be a meeting tomorrow between Horizon and the doctors to iron out their differences.
 
Peters says this could all boil down to a misunderstanding or misinterpretation.

Mental Health Counsellor Talks About His Own Ordeal

Those young people from the Saint John area who go to Peer 126 on Duke Street to get help with whatever form of mental illness they're suffering from shouldn't have any trouble relating to the counselors who have been down the same road.

One of those counselors is Jason Smith who was diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic when he was working at the University of Waterloo. Smith says he thought he was hearing voices through the walls and people circling his house and this took over his life.

Smith did suffer a breakdown and found himself homeless.
 
He was eventually arrested and that may have been a good thing because he underwent a psychiatric evaluation and finally got the help he needed to recover.

To learn more, click here

"Look South" Is The Theme At Port Days

Port Days will get down to business first thing tomorrow morning by hearing from Fisheries Minister Keith Ashfield, who's also the Minister responsible for the Atlantic Gateway.

Port Authority President and C-E-O Jim Quinn says the theme this year is to develop more trade in the Caribbean and Latin America. People are here from the Dominican Republic and delegates will also be hearing about the expansion of the Panama Canal.

 Quinn says alot of the potash from Saint John already moves down south but there are more opportunities that can be had and he wants to raise the awareness of businesspeople in the city about those.

Green Party Candidate Says Quality Of Life In Rothesay Is Not Great

Patronage is not something the Green Party candidate in the June 25th Rothesay byelection is talking about, unlike the Liberals and New Democrats.

Sharon Murphy prefers to talk about quality of life issues and she is warning the drinking water in Rothesay could be destroyed for generations by fracking and then there's blasting and mountaintop removal in the Rothesay watershed.

She questions how well the riding has been represented in the past considering there are no centres for young people or seniors and no recreational trails but there are railway tracks running alongside the river.

Provincial NDP Leader Calls Patronage "An Addiction We Can't Afford Anymore"

Patronage and the appointment of former Rothesay M-L-A Margaret Ann Blaney as C-E-O of Efficiency NB have become the defining issues of the campaign thus far in the June 25th Rothesay byelection. 

That's what Provincial NDP leader Dominic Cardy says he has been hearing on doorsteps as he campaigns to try to wrest the riding away from the Conservatives. 

He argues the culture of patronage is holding the province back economically by driving young talent away and preventing businesses from setting up shop here.
 
Cardy says he would like to debate the issues with the 4 other candidates.

Federal NDP Leader Warns About Health Dangers Of Fracking

The Rothesay byelection is a priority for the NDP........That message delivered in Rothesay by Federal leader Thomas Mulcair who made his fifth trip to the province since assuming the leadership to boost the campaign of provincial party leader Dominic Cardy in the June 25th byelection. 

Mulcair not only calls shale gas development "a con job" but charges fracking is downright dangerous because the fluid used in the process of breaking up the rock to release the natural gas contains known carcinogens.

Mulcair did call for pipelines to be built from west to east so jobs can be added in this region instead of being shipped to the U.S.

Farren Says We're Making Progress With Pension

A Saint John problem which only Saint Johners can solve--that's what common councillor Bill Farren calls the 75 million dollars missing in indexing the city's pension reforms.  

Mayor Mel Norton suggesting Saint John examine the province's reforms for cost-cutting measures we could potentially adopt. Farren says he expects they'll be calling in the experts: the people who drafted the legislation.

Farren says the newly-elected council is making progress with the issue in a direction the previous government wasn't willing to pursue.

Word Expected Soon On Bridge & Interchange Projects

Construction equipment at the Harbour Bridge and One Mile Interchange sites remains parked - but - that may be about to change.
Work has been at a standstill at both sites since the spring when the primary contractor ConCreate U-S-L went into receivership -- the good news is the province had bonding in place.
And the Transportation Department tells us it's working on an agreement with the bonding company to get a replacement contractor in place -- an announcement is expected soon.
Phase 2 of the 35-million dollar Harbour Bridge make over and work on the 70-million dollar interchange were originally scheduled for completion this year.

Reid Weighs In on Police Force's Operating Costs

As the Saint John Police Force prepares for a big change to its new HQ at Peel Plaza next month, Police Chief Bill Reid tells CHSJ news the force is doing well on the financial side of things. Reid tells CHSJ News according to April's reports the police is operating at $50,000 to $150,000 under budget.

 He says although things are looking great at the moment there are always unexpected factors at play with police work--and it's hard to predict what kind of numbers they could be facing down the line.

 Reid says the police force has been on budget for the past two years but that kind of track record does mean they have to do careful monitoring.

Homeless Teens At A Loss On Getting Help

You can't turn your life around if you don't have a place to stay or food in your belly. 

So says June Breau-Nason of the Saint John Teen Resource Centre which just got 30 thousand dollars from the federal government. She says when teens who are up against it show up at the Teen Resource Centre, they are treated with respect....... It doesn't matter who they are or where they come from.
 

Breau-Nason says young people also have a tough time getting the help they need because they have trouble navigating the system and that's where the people at the Teen Resource Centre can help.

Federal NDP Leader Campaigning In Rothesay

Federal NDP leader Thomas Mulcair will be in Rothesay this afternoon to give the campaign of provincial party leader Dominic Cardy, who's running in the June 25th byelection, a boost.
 
Interim Provincial Liberal leader Victor Boudreau tells CHSJ News the appointment of former Rothesay M-L-A Margaret Ann Blaney as the C-E-O of Efficiency NB is turning more and more into a campaign issue. Both the Liberals and New Democrats have been hammering away at that appointment. 

Boudreau accuses Premier David Alward of taking patronage to a whole new level and the provincial economy to a whole new low. The Premier has countered by accusing the Liberals of increasing the provincial debt by 50 per cent during their last term in charge.
 
Mulcair will be speaking at a 1:00 rally in the Bill McGuire Community Centre.

Car Break-In Uptown

Keep your car locked and don't use it to store valuables--that from the Saint John police force in the light of a late-night car break in in the uptown area,

At around 12:30 last night police responding to a call that someone had their car window smashed on Canterbury Street and some personal items taken. Staff Sergeant Tanya Leblanc tells CHSJ News there are steps you can take to prevent thefts from your car, including hiding valuables under the seat or not leaving them in your car to begin with. 

Leblanc says people breaking into cars is a fairly regular occurrence in Saint John.

Van Struck By Bike

No serious injuries after a van getting struck by a motorcycle near Simms Corner. Sergeant Brian Wilson of the Saint John Police Force tells CHSJ News the van was hit by the bike at Bridge Road, which is near the infamous intersection. 

The driver of the motorcycle was taken to hospital by ambulance.

No word yet on the cause of the crash.

South End Food Bank Needs Some Help

The Community Food Basket, also known as the South End Food Bank on Charlotte Street, needs your help. 

The Food Bank's Brenda McIntyre tells CHSJ News they're running short of cereals of all kinds, tomato soup and glass jars which are needed to properly store the food. 

Glass is not recycled in the Saint John region and McIntyre says the jars are tough to come by. If you can help out, McIntyre says just bring the food or jars to their location. 

She says they used to get boxes and boxes of cereal coming in but not anymore.

Girl Missing From K-V

A young girl from the Valley has been reported missing. 

Rothesay Regional Police say Courtni Alisha Crawford has been among the missing since Wednesday night but is believed to be somewhere in Saint John. 

She's described as five feet three inches tall with dirty blonde hair, weighs 130 pounds and was wearing black jeans with a cream coloured hoodie.

If you know where she can be found, you can give police a call at 847-6300.

Port Community Day Set For Sunday

It was a big hit last year and tomorrow will see the second annual Port Community Day at the Marco Polo Cruise Ship Terminal on Water Street from 11 in the morning until 3 in the afternoon with activities both inside and outside. 

Port President and C-E-O Jim Quinn tells CHSJ News there will be lots to do for the kids including rides the LAV, light armoured vehicle, which is part of the military equipment being brought from C-F-B Gagetown.
 
There will also be a barbeque with all the money raised from that earmarked for the Boys and Girls Club. Last year, 10 thousand dollars was raised for the Joshua Group. 

There are also tours of the port on board the pink double decker buses and Aquila Tours is providing a free shuttle from the Carleton Community Centre to the cruise terminal.

5 Candidates In Rothesay Byelection

Five people have officially thrown their hat into the political ring for the Rothesay By-election.

The election is being held after Conservative MLA Margaret-Ann Blaney vacated the seat in order to head up Efficiency NB.

The candidates are Hugh John Flemming for the Conservatives, John Wilcox for the Liberals, Dominic Cardy for the NDP, Sharon Murphy for the Green Party, and Marjorie MacMurray will be an independent candidate.

Chief Electoral Officer for Elections NB Mike Quinn tells CHSJ News there will be advance polls for the byelection on June 16th and 18th.

Voting day is set for June 25th.

He says voter information cards will be going out on Monday.

Hampton To Host Second Anti-Bullying Rally

An anti-bullying rally will be held tomorrow in Hampton at the town's new outdoor park on Main Street starting at 11 in the morning with the theme being "Love is Louder".

Organiser Leanne Cochrane tells CHSJ News not every conflict that happens in school is bullying and the term is being misused or misunderstood. A single altercation is not bullying which, in her view, is repeated harassment or abuse.

There will be a barbeque and entertainment at the rally and an RCMP officer will talk about the ramifications of bullying and assault. 

The first rally was held over the winter to show support for a girl who said she had been bullied. Cochrane tells us the girl has since changed schools.

New Mental Health Programme Unveiled For Young People

There are 12 hundred young people, from 16 to 29, in the Saint John area suffering from some form of mental illness and that number is growing. 

That word from Kim Chenier, a programme co-ordinator at the just opened Peer 126 on Duke Street in the South End which provides help and support from counsellors who have been down the same road and can speak from first hand experience.

Chenier says young people who do suffer from mental health issues don't really trust the medical system and that's why the programme, which has been based on what has successfully been done in Halifax, is as non-clinical as you can get.

Two Arrested In North End Bust

A 29 year old man being arrested for possession of a controlled drug or substance for the purpose of trafficking as well as probation violation.

The search was done last night at a home in Victoria Street.

He will be appearing in court today.

A 24 year old woman was also arrested and released; she will be appearing in court at a later date to answer to a charge of possession of a controlled drug or substance for the purpose of trafficking.

Officers seized a small amount of marihuana and cash. 

Teen Resource Centre Gets Federal Funding

The Teen Resource Centre getting a financial boost from the federal government to the tune of 30-thousand dollars.

The money will be used to hire a case manager who can offer counselling and support programs for homeless or at risk youth.

TRC Executive Director June Breau-Nason says getting a new case manager is very important as the number of teens they are serving is on the rise.  She says the Oasis program had six hundred and fifty nine users.
 

She says the issues youth are facing are getting more complex and it's important for youth to have someone that can connect them with various resources in the community.

Justice Complex Ready This Fall

It looks like the end of the year before the new justice complex on Peel Plaza is fully operational.
A provincial spokesperson tells CHSJ News construction of the building is expected to be completed by October.
Once the building is handed over - the Justice Department expects it will take about two months to relocate courtrooms and offices now spread around the city to the new Saint John Law Courts complex.
Meantime - city police are expecting to move next month from city hall to the new police headquarters at Peel Plaza.

E-U-B Being Asked To Up Wholesale Profit Margins

The provincial Energy and Utilities Board is being asked for an increase in the wholesale profit margins on gas and home heating fuel.
Irving Oil has filed the request for an increase of just over a cent per litre saying a lot of costs have increased since the current margins of between 5 and 6-cents per litre were set.
The company has also requested documentation filed to justify its request be kept confidential to keep the information from falling into the hands of competitors.

Housing Starts Remain Sluggish

New home construction in the greater Saint John area continues to lag behind last year.
The latest numbers from Canada Mortgage and Housing show the number of new units started last month down 36-percent from May of last year.
And the survey shows housing starts since the first of the year off by 31-percent compared to the same period last year.
Both Fredericton and Moncton new home starts are up this year compared to last year.

Port Responds To Noise Complaints

There have been complaints about noise from the metal shredder at the port on the lower West Side. 

Port President and C-E-O Jim Quinn tells CHSJ News the noise isn't coming from the actual shredding of metal but from the loading of the scrap metal onto the ship. 

American Iron and Metal is aware of the concerns and new procedures will be used the next time a ship comes into the port for the scrap and that will be between June 22nd and the 24th.

Quinn says new equipment is being used and new people being trained so he expects the situation to get better with less noise.

He also points out the company has been operating around the clock at the port for years now.

Run For Fallen Soldiers Reaches Final Lap

A 13 year old's run to support our troops is reaching it's final leg today.

Since May 28th, Marshall Howard has been running the equivalent of a marathon during his lunch hours to raise money for the Pte. David Greenslade Memorial Bursary and the Oromocto Military Resource Centre for Youth programs in memory of his uncle.

He recently received a Diamond Jubilee medal for his efforts.

Marshall's mother, Dorothy, tells CHSJ News, the people in the town have been very supportive but unfortunately less than 500 dollars has been raised so far.

She's hoping people will come out to support her son and make a donation.


He will begin his run around noon at Quispamsis Middle School.

For more information about the run or to donate, click here.

More Spending On Education By Province

The provincial government will spend 38 million dollars over the next three years on early childhood education with 16.7 million to bring the total number of childcare spaces up to 10 thousand as well as increasing subsidies to make childcare more affordable. 

This follows the commitment to spend 62 million to make inclusive education better. 

Ken Pike of the Provincial Association of Community Living tells CHSJ News there's alot of misinformation about how inclusive education is hurting other students when research shows it doesn't have that effect.
 
Pike says the Association hears from families on a regular basis who want their children to be included in the classrooms of their local schools but are being met with roadblocks and discouragement.
 
Employers will be encouraged to set up daycares for their employees.

Teen Charged In Charlotte Street Fire May Never Stand Trial

19 year old Samuel Nolan will be sent back to Restigouche for further mental health evaluations. The court was told doctors are concerned about his mental capability.

He was arrested, along with two others, in connection with the Charlotte Street Fire in late April which destroyed a convenience store at the corner of Princess Street, the boarded up Lyric Theatre and another building.

Provincial Court Judge Anne Jeffries says Nolan may never face a trial because of his mental capabilities.

He was found unfit to stand trial back in May and it will be up to a review board to determine if his status changes.

NDP Candidate Makes Election Promise

NDP candidate for the vacant Rothesay MLA seat Dominic Cardy is out of the hopper first with an election promise.

Cardy says if elected, he will introduce the Rothesay Charter to End Patronage.

The charter will include a ban to hiring based on political affiliation, with the exception of employees directly employed by elected officials. It would also include new rules for hiring CEOs of Crown Corporations, that would require an impartial hiring process controlled by an independent third party.

The election takes place June 25th.