Pension Reform Criticised as Tepid

Too timid........That criticism being levelled at the attempts on reforming pension plans by the provincial government and the city with the made in Europe, shared risk model by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. 

The Federation's Atlantic Director Kevin Lacey tells CHSJ News Premier David Alward didn't want to get into a big fight with the unions.
 
Lacey concedes the reforms will lessen the unfunded liabilities but, as he sees it, will not eliminate the pension deficits altogether. The Federation is suggesting moving from a defined benefits to a defined contributions plan for new government employees would have been better for taxpayers.
 
Lacey says it is inherently unfair for taxpayers, who don't have pensions, being called on to bail out government workers who will wind up having more money to live on when they retire than those who are paying up with their tax dollars and getting fewer government services in return.

Body Of Missing Man Found

The body of a missing 60 year old man was found in woods less than a kilometre from his home.

Jeffrey Ingalls was last seen on Friday and reported missing late Monday and a ground search began early Tuesday morning.
 
Search volunteers found his body just after 3:30 p.m not far from his home on Route 760.

Foul play is not suspected but an autopsy is being conducted to find out how he died.

New Police Headquarters And Parking Garage Within Budget

The Police Commission will be announcing at its next meeting when the Police Department will be moving into its new headquarters at Peel Plaza but it's expected to be sometime between mid and late July. 

Project Manager Bill Edwards has also told Common Council there have been 160 proposed changes to the police headquarters building which would add almost another million dollars to the final cost but that's still within what was budgeted for. 

The new parking garage is scheduled to be finished sometime between mid to late October and within the budget set by the Parking Commission.

The Mounties Look Into Boat & ATV Theft

Sussex RCMP are trying to find out who broke into a garage at a cottage in Kars stealing an ATV.

It happened about 11 last (Monday) night when the Mounties heard about a young man possibly a teen leaving the cottage on the Brown's Cove Road on the stolen ATV.   Police found the vehicle nearby.

Meanwhile, the Mounties in Hampton are looking for the person who stole a boat from a pond at a home on the Upper Quaco Road.   An ATV was used to drag the boat to a road where a vehicle was waiting.

If you can help with any information on either crime you call the RCMP or Crime Stoppers 1-800-222-TIPS or click here

Harbour Bridge Contractor Chosen

A contractor is chosen to finish work on the Saint John Harbour Bridge and One Mile House Interchange by an Ontario company. Horseshoe Hill Construction Inc. will start work this week on the unfinished projects after the original contractor Concreate U-S-L went bankrupt in April -- leaving about a third of the job left.

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claude Williams tells CHSJ news local companies will take part in finishing both projects, but that will be announced by Horseshoe Hill in the future. The Minister adds the new contractor won't cost New Brunswickers an extra penny because of a bonding contract with the original contractor.

The bridge is expected to be completed by fall next year. The price of constructing the Harbour Bridge and One Mile House Interchange cost about $110 million.

Funny Signs Get Second Looks

Potential home buyers definitely tend to have a checklist of the features they want....but how about "No Dandelions"? Or "Fog Resistant"? Local realtor Jake Palmer is making such claims for some homes in Saint John. 

The funny signs have  been getting a lot of attention, especially a property on Douglas Avenue marketed as "Not Haunted."

Palmer tells CHSJ News the signs aren't 100% gimmick--and that each of the listings do have something unique to offer potential buyers, but have gone stale in a saturated market.

Palmer says they switch the signs on a regular basis and there's always debate about which one is the funniest.

Rain Contributes To Crash Near Norton

Wet and rainy weather was a contributing factor to a crash near Norton this (Tuesday) morning.

Corporal Pat Cole of the Hampton RCMP tells CHSJ news a 29 year old man was driving near Norton around 9:30am when he hydroplaned and ended up in the ditch. The man was removed from the car uninjured.

Only one car was involved in the crash.

Big Cat To Be Replaced At Zoo

The Cherry Brook Zoo saying goodbye to Pam, a Siberian Tiger living at the Cherry Brook Zoo for the past 17 years. Pam had to be put down at 23---an old age in tiger years--due to kidney failure and a number of other health problems.

Now, the zoo is looking at a replacement cage mate for its other tiger, Nila. Lynda Collrin of the Cherry Brook Zoo tells CHSJ News while the cost of the animals is minimal though breeding programs, upkeep is an entirely different story. She says pet-owners can appreciate how expensive it can be to keep even a small animal--and healthcare, food and transportation for big cats means big money.

Whatever happens Collrin says the care of the animals comes first--and to help, people should support the zoo.

Photo: A leopard at the Cherry Brook Zoo.

Randy Jones Golf Tournament To Raise Money For Babies

The 4th annual Golf Fore Kids Sake Tournament is a go tomorrow rain or shine. 

Randy Jones of the Winnipeg Jets and his family foundation are raising money for the Regional Hospital Foundation and its "Babes in Utero" project to upgrade the software and equipment needed for high risk obstetric fetal monitoring. 

Jones tells CHSJ News he didn't expect the Los Angeles Kings to win the Stanley Cup but he wasn't surprised because of the parity between teams in the NHL now.

The Jets missed out making the playoffs on the last weekend of the season. Jones says they'll have to play better on the road next season in order to get over the hump.

Retired Major Leaguer Matt Stairs, who was recently inducted into the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame, will be one of the golfers taking part at Riverside along with the chance to win a million dollars with a hole in one on the 18th.

"Get Me The Money"

You have to be a bloodhound in search of federal and provincial money for the city. 

That's what Common  Councillor Bill Farren has told the city's Inter-Governmental Affairs Co-ordinator Phil Ouellette. 

Ouellette has told Council federal and provincial money has, by and large, dried up until 2014 but Farren believes there's money to be had and argues the city can't wait that long. 

He points to the upgrade of the Trade and Convention Centre as an example.

City Retirees Said To Be Nervous

With all the uncertainty over what's going to happen with the city's pension plan has many of the city retirees a bit nervous. We get that word from Councillor Shirley McAlary who's telling them not to panic.
 
City Finance Commissioner Greg Yeomans is telling the retirees their benefits will not be clawed back with any reductions being made on a go forward basis. 

The city will start meeting with the provincial task force on pension reform July 9th and recommendations from that are expected by the end of August.

Paddlers Will Celebrate Canoe Week At Lily Lake

It's National Canoe Week and members of the Fundy Paddlers Club are celebrating with a competition at Lily Lake.
 
Participant Karen Vanderwolf tells CHSJ News the celebration begins on Saturday with a 2-kilometre race around the perimeter of Lily Lake.

She says the second part involves detailed manoeuvring of the canoes between buoys.

Vanderwolf says 4 person teams will compete in the 20 foot boat and the 6 person teams in 26 foot boat. 

It's not too late for volunteers and participants to get involved.

For more info call Evan at 672-8964 or click here

Police Search For Missing Man

The police are looking for your help in the search for a missing Charlotte County man.
60 year old Jeffery Albert Ingalls was last seen June 22 at his home on Route 760 in Oak Bay.

Ingalls is 5 foot 11 with grey hair and moustache. He's known to wear glasses, a grey leather hat and work pants, and a green khaki jacket.

If you have any information on where Ingalls can be found, contact the District 1 RCMP at 506-466-7030, or Crime Stoppers at http://www.crimenb.ca/ or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Eco-Challenge Repairs Creek's Stinky Reputation

Running, cycling, canoeing and tree-planting athletes completed a gruelling 6-hour course at the second annual Marsh Creek Eco Challenge. The Challenge, organized by ACAP, is meant to raise awareness of the Marsh Creek Watershed.

ACAP Executive Director Tim Vickers tells CHSJ News while Marsh Creek doesn't enjoy the best reputation, parts of the watershed are actually a beautiful habitat for wildlife. He says it's an underutilized resource that deserves positive publicity.

Vickers says they'd like to see trails running from the Harbour Passage to some of the scenic vistas along the Creek, and maybe even out to Rothesay.

A Spate Of Vehicles Broken Into

Don't leave your vehicle unlocked......That message from Rothesay Regional Police who report 15 to 20 vehicles were broken into in the Rothesay area in just one day. Police believe there could even be more than that. 

City Will Begin Work Soon With Provincial Task Force On Pension Reform

Mayor Mel Norton is confident as the work with the provincial task force on reforming the city's pension plan gets underway July 9th with the hope being to have something in place by the end of August. 

The city's Finance Commissioner, Greg Yeomans says, if successful, the city won't have to pay as much into the pension plan yearly but the contribution will still be substantial at 17 million dollars. 

He also believes the overall pension deficit will go down which is now at over 190 million dollars.
 
Yeomans warns if nothing changes that yearly payment from city taxpayers will be over 26 million dollars.

Long Time Volunteer Wins Top Award

President and CEO of Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation wins highest honor from Canadian Red Cross. Tim Cameron was inducted in the Order of Red Cross at it's annual general meeting this past weekend in Halifax. Cameron was a long-time Red Cross staff member and has stayed active as a volunteer for years. 

Canadian Red Cross President Ted Tanaka says Cameron is recognized for his longstanding commitment, tireless dedication and outstanding commitment to excellence.

Antique Cars, Country Music And More

Less than 1 week until your Canada Day weekend--and the Market Square Boardwalk leading up with music, antique car, and multicultural celebrations. 145 hours of music being planned for Canada's 145th anniversary.

Stephanie Peterson of the Hardman group tells CHSJ News the celebrations will have something for everyone.

Tonight--Tuesday--about 50 vintage cars will be on display on the Boardwalk starting at 6pm.

For the full schedule of what's going on at Market Square in the days before Canada Day, click here

More Smart Phone Users, More Business

We're texting less and searching products more when it comes to our mobile phones. According to a new study almost 50% of Canadian smart phone users are interested in loyalty programs, gift cards and coupons from their cell. Big Fish Media spokesperson Sarah MacQueen tells CHSJ news Canadians are relying on their phones for comparing prices, searching coupons and reading reviews.

"There's huge opportunities here for businesses. Canadians are very open to connecting with companies and brands on their mobile phones."

Businesses can reach mobile marketing audiences by apps and ads on mobile websites. Big Fish Media is an internet and mobile marketing agency in Saint John.

Rothesay Byelection Results In

Progressive Conservative Ted Flemming is the new MLA for Rothesay. Flemming says it's important for the electorate to remember the win was a team effort achieved with the support of loyal conservatives.

Liberal candidate John Wilcox says the close numbers send a message to the Conservatives and Premier. Wilcox says all three parties were quite close and that shows some people, at least, aren't content with the status quo.

NDP candidate Dominic Cardy tells CHSJ news his goal as NDP leader is to prepare his party to take government.

Flemming won with 1,568, Liberal Wilcox came second by 260 votes, NDP Cardy followed behind by just over 200 votes. 

Rothesay Byelection

Shotguns And Rifles Stolen

Nine rifles and two shotguns getting stolen out of a home and garage in Upper Loch Lomond. RCMP say a military-style rifle that can be altered into a fully automatic assault rifle is among the missing weapons.

The theft was noticed by a man who looks after the property along Highway 820 when the owners are away.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the police or Crime Stoppers. District 3 RCMP can be reached at 506-832-5566 or Crime Stoppers NB, who can be found online at www.crimenb.ca or by phone at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Millrats Reach Fundraising Goal To Help Player's Family

The Saint John Millrats raising over 15,000 dollars to help one of their players bring his wife and child here from Africa.
Modibo Diarra went to Mali in April after a coup in the country trapped his wife Mariam and daughter Cindy.
Millrats General Manager Ian McCarthy tells CHSJ News the paperwork has been filed to bring them all here.

He says they hired Lee Cohen, an immigration lawyer in Halifax, and they are waiting for the visas to come from the Federal government.

The Millrats also announcing today a new location in Brunswick Square to buy tickets and merchandise next to the Tim Horton's on Level 2.

Judge Determines Pension Board Did Not Act Outrageously

The legal costs to be awarded from the defamation lawsuit against former Common Councillor John Ferguson by the Pension Board will not be as high as previous estimates. 

Mr. Justice William Grant has determined the Pension Board did not act in a vexatious, frivolous, repugnant or outrageous way by bringing the lawsuit and, it appears to him, Ferguson saw the trial as a public inquiry into the Pension Board. 

Ferguson's lawyer Rod Gillis had previous estimated his legal costs at 2 and a half million dollars to be on the low side but the final figure will be a fraction of that.

The judge also ruled the Pension Board did not silence Ferguson.......It was the lack of support from his fellow Councillors that did that. 

The jury had recommended contemptuous damages of 100 dollars.

There will be a new hearing on July 11th.

MBS Employees Hit The Bricks

7 employees of Maritime Broadcasting says they are looking for a fair deal and that's why they are picketing today.

A union spokesperson says $10.58 an hour to start is not a living wage.

After 10 months of negotiating, they have not been able to get their first collective agreement.   

CHSJ News has learned management is doing one show at their three local stations, a replacement worker is training to possibly take over another and one is being operated remotely from Halifax.    No new talks are planned between the union and management.

Traffic Disrupted For Next Couple Of Days

Both westbound lanes at Hilyard Street will be closed to traffic until Wednesday afternoon, June 27th.

Drivers heading from the west side should use the Harbour bridge or Douglas Avenue. If you do go west on Hilyard Street, you'll be detoured along Simonds Street to Main Street North.

This work is part of the Harbour Clean-up project and includes the construction of a new lift station on Chesley Drive and sewer installation on Chesley Drive and Hilyard Street.

Don't Throw Out School Supplies

Schools out for the summer but don't throw away those school supplies because your local food bank could use them. Saint John High Teacher Barry Ogden tells CHSJ news pens, pencils and paper are needed.
 

"There's a supply and a demand, so if people have them at home or their work place, perhaps they can just take them to their food banks."

Ogden adds unused office supplies can also be donated to any of the 12 regional food banks.

Rothesay Votes Today

It may feel like a bit of a deja-vu, just a few weeks after the municipal election but there is another vote in the region today.     It's by-election day in Rothesay.

5 people are running to replace former provincial MLA Margaret Ann Blaney who resigned her post in May.

The candidates are Dominic Cardy of the NDP, Sharon Murphy of the Greens, Independent candidate Marjorie MacMurray, Liberal John Wilcox and Conservative Ted Flemming.

The polls are open from 10am to 8pm today.

Live coverage begins here after the polls close tonight.

Potential Of Partridge Island Downplayed

The estimate of 100 to 150 thousand people a year visiting Partridge Island if it's developed is low balling the potential which the General Manager of Saint John Waterfront Development Kent McIntyre calls huge considering from where all the immigrants came from before going elsewhere.

McIntyre believes the descendents, who have dispersed throughout Atlantic Canada and all down the U.S. Eastern Seaborad, would be interested in seeing where their ancestors landed. 

Besides Ireland, McIntyre says the immigrants passed through Partridge Island from Belgium, Germany, France and England.

Finance Commissioner Refutes Claim City Is Broke

Common Councillor Susan Fullerton has said the city is flat broke but that's a misperception according to Finance Commissioner Greg Yeomans. 

He says the city has more than enough assets to meet all of its financial obligations and it's debt ratio is well below what the provincial government considers precarious.
 
Nevertheless, Fullerton says the city should be looking for small efficiencies wherever they can be found because they all add up.

Yeomans does concede Saint John, like every other city, has an infrastructure deficit on such things as streets, water and sewage but points out has to maintain twice as much road as anyone else. He also complains the city is not getting as high a share of the tax pie as it should.
 
Common Council has been told by Yeomans had Saint John hosted the Memorial Cup at Harbour Station, the city would have had to pay as much as half a million dollars on chillers so ice could be made in May.

Common Council Warned About Plan SJ

A warning for the new Common Council from Chief City Planner Ken Forrest........Your feet will be held to the fire to stay the course with the new direction in development. 

Forrest tells CHSJ News there will be proposals put forward to bend the rules and Councillors will have to make some tough decisions.
 
He says the rural development that took place in the city in the 1990's in an effort to compete with what was happening in the Valley did not turn out to be good for Saint John because it's more expensive to service those areas where there are fewer people. He calls it "scatteration". 

Forrest says there was a forecast, way back when, that the population o the city would grow to a quarter of a million.

Hygiene Council Warns About Food Preparation

Preparing just one meal can contaminate 90% of surfaces touched. A new study warns people can become very sick from cross contamination of both raw meat and veggies. Dr. Donald Low of the Global Hygiene Council tells CHSJ news that everything from the plate used for thawing meat to an ingredient you touched can become contaminated.

"Now your hands are contaminated, now your utensils are contaminated, cutting board is... and what we found from the study is that people inadvertently not realizing this or just having a lapse will take that dirty hand and pick something else up."

Dr. Low adds the solution is simple --- just remember to wash your hands before touching other surfaces like taps and utensils. When barbecuing your meat, cooking hotter and longer is better to kill bacteria.

Common Council Gets Assurances About City Water

Saint John's drinking water is safe to drink........That message delivered to Common Council with the warning chlorine treatment doesn't protect the water year round. 

Council will have to decide whether all of us who live in the city will be using water meters with the aim being to reduce consumption. 

The Acting Commissioner of Water Bill Edwards tells CHSJ News meters will let you know how much water you're consuming and the more you use, the more you pay and that, according to Edwards, will save the city alot of money.

Edwards also says the estimated cost of providing safe drinking water with advanced treatment may not be as high as 280 million dollars.

Once the water is properly treated, Councillor Donna Reardon says the city could generate additional revenue by selling some of it.

City Looking At Losing A Big Percentage Of Its Workforce

The city wants to become the employer of choice as it faces the loss of almost one-quarter of its workers over the next five years through retirement. Common Council has been told 151 city workers could be retiring over the next five years. 

There has been talk some of those nearing retirement could be leaving early because they're uncertain over what's going to happen to the city's pension plan. Human Resources doesn't know how many of them will actually retire because many times they give very short notice. 

The city is making do with 70 fewer workers than it had a decade ago and there is one major job vacancy at City Hall these days.......Commissioner of Water as a decision will have to be made on universal metering and efforts continuing at reaching a funding ageeement with the federal and provincial governments on advanced treatment of drinking water.

'Superhero Shindig' Fundraiser At Rockwood Park

Spiderman working the BBQ while Bowser raises money....Those are just some of the characters you can expect in Rockwood Park tomorrow. Harbour Con-Fusion will be hosting a 'Superhero Shindig'...a fundraiser full of food, face painting and other goodies to raise money for the Animal Rescue League. Chaz Gougen from Harbour Con-Fusion tells CHSJ news everyone is welcome to dress up and bring picnic food to donate.
"We're recommending that if people want to come dressed in costume, feel free to do that! We're not limited to super heroes, whatever costume you have, if you want to wear one, feel free to bring that. But costumes aren't required to attend, if you want to show up as yourself you're welcome to."
Harbour Con-Fusion is a local non-profit organization planning a family friendly "comicon" convention for July. The event takes place from 11 until 2.

For more information on Harbour Con-Fusion, click here.

Quispamsis Says No To Fracking

The town of Quispamsis doesn't have a problem with seismic testing for shale gas and that's not why it wants a ban, according to Mayor Murray Driscoll.


"It's when they come to fracturing to find shale gas. That's the difficulty and of in our town, we have 6,000 wells with 3 major ones to look after our water supply for the entire community."

Driscoll says the town opposes anything that would jeopardise the integrity of those wells.


Driscoll  tells CHSJ News when they come up with a method for extracting the natural gas which doesn't pose a risk to drinking water from wells, the town will have another look.

Arrests Made At Westfield Establishment

Several arrests made at a venue on Westfield road last night after multiple complaints by neighbours. Saint John City Police tell CHSJ news there were several violations under the liquor control act. One man is criminally charged with criminal disturbance by swearing. Another man facing charges for drinking and driving and failing a breathalyzer. The venue itself allegedly broke a noise by-law and liquor control act. Police could not confirm how many arrests were made. The incident is under investigation.

The Princess Of Acadia Ferry Will Be Off Its Run

After picking up some fishing gear in their propulsion system, the Princess of Acadia will be off its run from tomorrow afternoon until next Thursday.

Bay Ferries spokesperson Don Cormier tells CHSJ News says the decision was made to do the work now to avoid further damage.

Tomorrow's crossing from Saint John to Digby will go ahead as normal but the vessel will not make the crossing from Digby at 4pm but head for drydock in Halifax for the repair work.

Cormier is asking travellers to keep a close eye on their website for news on when the service will resume.   To find the link, click here

Local Companies Among Best Employers

A trio of Saint John based companies are being recognized as among the top places to work in Atlantic Canada according to a survey by Progress Magazine.
The Halifax based publication says Bayview Credit Union's employee recognition program along with in-house social events are some of the things making the financial institution attractive as a place to work.
Directors Choice supplies answering services to funeral homes and makes the list by having staff members spend time with funeral directors to better understand their business and in-house fund raising activities for the Terry Fox Foundation.
CAA Atlantic also makes the list with its employee health benefits and recognition programs being cited as reasons why it's among one of the top companies in the region.

Adventure Race Kicks Off Tomorrow

Racers will be tying up their sneakers for the second Marsh Creek Eco-Challenge tomorrow. The adventure race will see forty-five 4 person teams hike, run, bike and paddle a 26 kilometre route at the creek. Tim Vickers of Atlantic Coastal Action Program Saint John tells CHSJ news proceeds of the event go towards the restoration of the Marsh Creek water shed.

"Most people know Marsh Creek for all the wrong reasons - and that being the sewage mainly - but with harbour clean up being completed this year, it's a chance for us to start to put people in the water shed so they can see the potential it has to be a real asset to the people of Saint John."

The race kicks off at 8am. More information can be found at Atlantic Coastal Action Program, Saint John.

Saint John "A Gateway" For Drug Traffickers

Saint John Deputy Chief Bruce Connell says City Police don't have their heads buried in the sand........They know drugs make it through the port destined for elsewhere in the country but still seizing 350 pounds of cocaine is a good result and it wouldn't have happened without various law enforcement agencies working together.

Connell says sometimes the drugs pass through Saint John on the way to Quebec and then wind up back in the city being sold on the street.

He wouldn't be surprised if that were the case with Operation "Crackdown" which resulted in 40 people being nabbed together with more than 230 thousand dollars worth of drugs being seized in an undercover sting.

Tide Announcer Wins Volunteer Award

He mentors a grade 6 student during the week and volunteers as well...so that is why Mark Downey wins the Judge Tom Bell Award from Big Brothers Big Sisters.

The award is named after Tom Bell who was a judge in the juvenile court system where he worked with many troubled youth and was instrumental in starting the Big Brother Big Sisters program.

Downey tells CHSJ News as a mentor he sees his pal at St. Stephen Middle School.

He says once a week they meet at the school and play sports so his mentee has a good male figure in his life because otherwise he wouldn't have that.

Saint John Big Brothers Big Sisters Executive Director Laurie Collins says Downey's name came up in discussions with their staff in Saint John, St. George and St. Stephen.

Huge Cocaine Bust At The Port

A big drug seizure at the port...............More than $21 million dollars in cocaine confiscated. 

Don Collins of the Canada Border Services Agency says there were 170 kilograms or 350 pounds and it goes for 35 or 36 thousand dollars a pound on the street.

He says it arrived in the two separate shipments on May 29th and June 5th and in both cases the drugs were seized from marine containers from Guyana, South America.

Police call Saint John a gateway for the drugs that were destined for the Toronto area where 8 arrests were made.

 

NB Exhibit At Toronto Expo Is Seeing Traffic

No doubt the Maritimers aren't used to the melting temps in Ontario right now but our contingent at the Saltscapes Expo in Toronto is still doing its best to sell a visit to this province.

Tourism Minister Trevor Holder tells CHSJ News people there understand how friendly New Brunswickers are and how we have wonderful hospitality.

He says he is more and more convinced in a crowd like this that New Brunswick has a world class product but it has to be marketed if people are going to find us.

The expo began today and finishes on Sunday and is expected to see up to 60,000 visitors per day.    Those visitors are learning about provincial attractions including our rivers, food and music.     To learn more, click here

Radio Employees to Strike Monday

Low wages, mandatory unpaid overtime, and arrogant management--those are the main reasons cited by Saint John unionists at Maritime Broadcasting, who will be on strike as of Monday if a collective agreement is not reached.

Strike negotiator Dan Oldfield says attempting to bargain with MBS has been a long and frustrating battle--and the employees are ready to take action. He says he's been negotiating for 30 years and the management at Maritime Broadcasting are the most arrogant and thoughtless he has ever encountered.

7 employees will be on strike. Oldfield says he wouldn't be surprised to see MBS employ strikebreakers.

More Singing At Market Square Tonight

It couldn't be a better night to hear country music at Market Square.

Aspiring Reba's and Kenny's get their shot as Alpine Country Star returns to the boardwalk.

Over 30 contestants will sing for the judges in their bid to walk away with the top prize of 5 thousand dollars.

Country 94's Marky B, Jim and Bobbi are your hosts when the event begins at 8 tonight on the Market Square boardwalk.

Saint John Might Break A Temperature Record Today

On the first full day of summer, we could be in for a scorcher.
 
Temperatures are set hit 27 degrees today even warmer in the humidex.
 
Environment Canada Meterologist Claude Cote tells CHSJ 
News we did not break any temperature records yesterday.

He says last night at the Saint John Airport they had a temperature of 25.5 degrees shy of the record of the record of 30 degrees set in 1953.

The hot spot in the province yesterday was St. Stephen at 32.7 degrees.

Another NDP Heavyweight Comes To Rothesay

The byelection in Rothesay is generating alot of chatter and speculation about whether the riding is up for grabs. 

Provincial NDP leader Dominic Cardy is getting alot of support from the federal party. The M-P from Burnaby-Westminster Peter Julian, who also serves as the NDP's critic for energy and natural resources is in the riding canvassing with Cardy. 

The Liberal candidate John Wilcox tells CHSJ News there are other issues he's hearing about besides patronage. These include healthcare, concerns over the high numbers of young people leaving the province for better opportunities elsewhere, tuition fees, flooding in Oakville Acres and the displacement of people on Scott Avenue to make way for a fieldhouse. 

The former M-L-A in Rothesay Margaret Ann Blaney was critical of those people being displaced for the fieldhouse as was Conservative Senator John Wallace.

Aboriginal Celebrations Today

The sound of drumming and scent of sweetgrass in the air with Aboriginal Day kicking off in front of City Hall. Local politicians, native leaders, and community members gathering together with the message that we are all one tribe.

Lieutenant Governor Graydon Nicholas tells CHSJ News the challenges faced by the aboriginal community in the province can be overcome by sharing our history and stories. He says the biggest challenge to aboriginal communities throughout Canada is that people outside their communities aren't aware of the challenges they face.

Aboriginal artist Carlos Gomes lead the ceremony, which called on the traditions of a number of different tribes.

North End Fire Quelled

City fire crews called out to the north end to a three storey apartment building at 55 Metcalf Street.

Acting Platoon Chief Mark Carey says there was a mattress and clothing on fire in a bedroom on the top floor of the building. 

There was heavy smoke but fire crews managed to keep the blaze from spreading.

The cause is now under investigation.

Gas Prices Down Again

If you have to fill up today, you won't have to pay as much as you would have just last night. 

Gas prices in the city are continuing to drop, slowly but steadily. Self serve regular falling by 2 cents a litre to $1.20.8. 

Diesel is down by under half a cent at $123.5 a litre. 

Propane is also less expensive with a listed price of 91.7 cents a litre and heating oil is at $1.06.5, a decrease of just over a cent.