Legion Groups Can Apply For Grants To Upgrade

The Premier taking a trip to the west side to announce funding to help vets make improvements to their buildings.
 
David Alward announcing an existing program will now allow veteran's groups to apply for grants up to 50 per cent of the project's cost not exceeding $50,000.
 
Paul Poirier of the New Brunswick Legion tells CHSJ News the work might include repairs to the roofs of a Legion or installing wheelchair ramps.

He tells us many of the branches were built in the 1950's and 1960's adding some branches are being sold and new smaller replacements are being built.

He says Branch 69 is about 8000 square feet but vets today don't need that much space.

Crescent Valley Resource Center Needs Help

The Crescent Valley Resource Center is responsible for hosting one heck of a Christmas party: of the over 300 families that live in the neighbourhood, over 200 people showed up last year. 

That means they need donations of cash, door prizes and more to make Christmas merry for kids living in the North End community. Executive Director Anne Driscoll tells CHSJ News this year they want to give every family a game they can enjoy together, like Trouble, Cranium, and Chutes and Ladders.

Door prizes like: grocery store gift cards, passes or tickets to sporting / cultural events, city transit bus passes, coffee shop gift cards, movie passes, and other family-friendly items are welcome. They also we welcome cash donations to provide children attending the party with small seasonal treats such as clementines, candy canes, and gingerbread cookies.

 To make a donation, or if you wish to help in another way, call  693-8513. The donations need to be in by November 15th, which is next week.

Doctor Says Methadone Fees Are Too Expensive

Methadone has been proven to reduce crime and help addicts quit. On top of that, the methadone clinic in uptown Saint John has the best retention rate in the country at 95%. 

Despite the much-touted success of the program, some are raising questions about pharmacies marking up the price of the anti-addiction drug. Dr Tim Christie tells CHSJ News the actual drug only costs 35 cents per daily dosage, but the pharmacies that dispense it charge $10.50 which has resulted in long waiting lists for the program.

In addition to making it harder for patients, Christie points out the dispensing fees from private companies are taxing our healthcare system. He says we can't line the pockets of the pharmacies when we have such limited resources to begin with. Another option would be to dispense methadone via not-for-profit organizations that already exist.

A call to the New Brunswick Pharmacist's Association was not immediately returned.

Rural Clinic Stopping Emergency Service

The rural communities in and around Black's Harbour could soon lose emergency service at their only medical clinic.

Doctors at the Fundy Health Center in Black's are objecting to Horizon Health charging them $1.50 for every patient they see--and the clinic will end emergency service by December 1rst.

MLA Rick Doucet tells CHSJ News closing the clinic would spell disaster for those who don't have a family doctor, because many of the fish plant workers in those communities are immigrants and don't have family connections to physicians.

30,000 people use the clinic each year, and the Mayors of Black's and Saint George are meeting with doctors and others to fight the change. If service at the Fundy Health Center ends, closest clinics will be in Saint John and Saint Stephen.

Photo Of Deceased Woman Released

The RCMP has released this photo of Alicia Dawn Boone to assist people who may have seen her, and whose information could help with the investigation.

The body of 26-year-old Boone, originally of Nackawic but recently living in Fredericton, was found on Tuesday on the side of Killarney Road.

She was approximately 7 months pregnant.

As the cause of the death has not yet been determined, it is considered suspicious and the New Brunswick RCMP's Major Crime Unit is investigating. An autopsy is being conducted.

No Water In Parts Of Millidgeville

Saint John Water is letting people who live on University Avenue from Woodhaven Drive to Millidge Avenue along with a local business on Millidge Avenue and several homes on Woodward Avenue they will be without water for most of the day.
 
Crews have been able to isolate where the watermain broke.
 
Other people in the area will experience low water pressure and are being asked to reduce water use as much as possible. 

The Regional Hospital, U-N-B Saint John and Canadian Blood Services have been advised of the situation.
 
It's expected the repairs will take most of the day.

Harbour Bridge Crash

Only one lane is moving eastbound on the Harbour Bridge after a three car collision at the Chesley Drive exit.

Emergency responders are on scene.

Two People Treated In Hospital After Separate Accidents

A workplace mishap at the Colonial Inn on City Road. The fire department is reporting a man was taken to hospital after falling through a hole in the floor.

A short time after that, a woman was injured and sent to hospital after her vehicle left Highway 1 at exit 114 and rolled over as you connect onto Highway 7 and make your way towards Grand Bay-Westfield.

Woman's Body Identified

The body of a woman discovered just north of Fredericton on Tuesday has been identified.

The woman was 26-year-old Alicia Dawn Boone, originally of Nackawic but recently living in Fredericton. Her body was found shortly before 1:30 p.m. on the side of Killarney Road. She was approximately seven months pregnant at the time.

The cause of death has not been determined but is considered suspicious. The Major Crime Unit is now on the case and they are trying to piece together what happened.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the RCMP at 1-888-506-RCMP (7267) or NB Crime Stoppers online at www.crimenb.ca or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Tax Breaks In Province Criticised For Making Deficit Higher

An economics professor at U-N-B Saint John says the provincial government's deficit is far worse because of tax cuts implemented by the Liberals under then Premier Shawn Graham back in 2008 which weren't opposed by the Conservatives who were then out of power.

Rod Hill claims two thirds of the two-thirds of the deficit can be attributed to the tax reductions and the people who didn't need a tax break benefited the most with the bottom half of taxpayers getting only 10 per cent of these reductions.   

He argues the tax breaks have cost the government over 730 million dollars in revenue over 4 years and the province finds itself borrowing over 100 million dollars annually to give tax reductions to those people earning more than 80 thousand dollars a year.

The Dogs Are Transitioning But Full Of Talent

"A team in transition" that is how the Saint John Sea Dogs president is describing the team this year.
 
Wayne Long tells CHSJ News at 9 and 9 they are happy with the team's performance.

He tells they was a lot of apprehension starting this season about how the team would be but he says the team is very competitive.

Long says losses are to be expected but they are excited about their young talent including 16 year old defenceman Oliver Leblanc.

He tells us the future is very bright for the organization and they are happy with where they are right now.

How Can Soap and Shampoo Help Fight Poverty?

The first step to getting out of poverty is getting a job, of course--and that's not easy if you don't have what you need to look clean and presentable. 

The Saint John Board of Trade’s Women in Business Forum looking to help with that this month by collecting toiletries and donating them to women in need. Imelda Gilman of the Saint John Board of Trade tells CHSJ news it's a basic health and self esteem issue.

You can drop off items to the Bare Necessities campaign at all CIBC and RBC Royal Bank branches in Saint John and at the Saint John Board of Trade at 40 King Street.

Teens Gather For Conference At Local High School

When it comes to dangerous behaviours like drinking and driving, we need to teach our children well at a young age.Teens Against Drunk Driving is hosting a provincial conference this week at KVHS where kids will learn more about preventing impaired driving and its consequences. 

Constable Anika Becker of the Rothesay Regional Police tells CHSJ news it's a key age group to target, because many kids start to be tempted to experiment with drugs and alcohol around the same time they get their licenses.

The keynote address is from special guest Retro Bill, a high energy motivation speaker affiliated with the D.A.R.E Program. Registration is from 4-6p.m. tomorrow although space is limited. The conference costs $35 to attend which includes accommodations at KVHS, snack breaks, a bag and T-shirt. For more information contact the Rothesay Regional Police.

Our Listeners Weigh In On Crime

With Police Chief Bill Reid urging folks not to worry about news reports of violent crime in the city, we had our listeners weigh in on whether they're concerned.

Listener Amanda-Dawn says: "The crime rate has always been the same. The only difference now is that before people didn't get caught as much [and] now they are."

Krista agrees, saying, "I also believe its not that the crime rate is that much higher its just that social media has made it so that all the crime is more in our faces."

Daniel says the problem isn't the criminals, but the system itself: "The worrying starts once the accused enter the justice system. The judges and lawyers in this town are the ones who deserve a good rattling."

Malcolm: "The crimes for the most part are only effecting a certain element of the city, and I’m not a part of that element. Being afraid of a crime happening to you is the same as being afraid you get hit by a bus. You can’t live your life in fear, use your head and common sense, and you should be fine."

Let us know what you think on Facebook or Twitter.

Slight Bump In New Housing Starts

New home construction activity in the greater Saint John area is running slightly ahead of last year -- that's the latest word from Canada Mortgage and Housing.
The federal agency says 44-new units were started in October compared to 27 in the same month last year - this year's number bolstered by a flurry of activity in multi-residential construction.
That is also helping to push the year to date totals just above last year's numbers for the ten month period ending in October.
Meanwhile -- C-M-H-C reports housing starts in Moncton running ahead of last year over the same ten month period while Fredericton is lagging behind last year's numbers.

Apartment Building Fire In St. Stephen

Several tenants who live in an older apartment building at 80 Union Street in St. Stephen are getting help from the Red Cross as they find themselves temporarily homeless after a fire.

One woman had to be treated for smoke inhalation. 

The cause hasn't been determined yet. 

Two of the apartments in the two storey building sustained fire damage with water and smoke damage in the others.

Xmas Decor Popping Up Across Saint John

Whether you think it's too early or not, stores and streets across Saint John are starting to get into the Christmas spirit.



Keirstead's flower shop on Charlotte street uptown now have lights and wreaths hung outside their store, and have been playing Christmas music since last week. Connie Dean works at the flower shop, and she tells CHSJ news there's many reasons why they're getting into the festive spirit before Remembrance Day. She says they used to wait until after November 11th, but says times have changed, other stores are following the trend and they need to stay current. She says a lot of people already have their Christmas shopping done, so if you want to sell anything you have to have it out early.

And with the weather getting worse and the Christmas parade looming on November 17th, they want to have the decorations out now. 

Dean admits there is mixed feelings at the store with being so festive before Sunday, but adds the store has a Remembrance Day window and the shops first floor won't be touched until after honoring out veterans.

Self Serve Regular Is More Expensive

You'll being paying more if you have to fill up with self serve regular after the weekly setting. 

It has gone up by two cents a litre and is being sold in the city for $1.23.2. 

Diesel has declined by just over a cent to $1.35.5 a litre.
 
There has been a decline as well in the price of heating oil. The maximum price is now at $1.15.9 a litre. It had been just over $1.18 and the maximum price for propane has risen to 98.9 cents a litre.

Is Violent Crime On The Upswing In SJ?

Home invasions, stabbings, mysterious trails of blood...if you've been listening to the news lately you might think there's more crime happening in Saint John than usual.

But when CHSJ asked Police Chief Bill Reid what he thinks, he was quick to dispell that impression, saying it's only because a couple of incidents have happened in a similar time frame that people are concerned.

Reid says we've actually seen a crime reduction in recent years, and the only reason we find these incidents so shocking is because we see so little of that kind of thing overall.

One Saia Brother Appears In Court

A 21 year old Saint John man sat low in his seat in a crowded courtroom, his expression worried, as he pled not guilty to all charges that he forcibly entered a West Sider home while masked and carrying a weapon.

Brandon Saia stands accused in a November 3rd home invasion that left one teenager dead. His brother, Bradley Saia, is still wanted in connection with the same incident. Another man has already appeared in court.

Saia reappears in court Tuesday afternoon.

Teens Get A Taste Of Life In The Real World

You might have noticed some pint-sized guests at your workplace today. Don't worry, though: nobody's breaking any child labour laws.

It's Take Your Kid to Work Day, which aims to help kids understand what it's like in the real, working world of deadlines and water cooler chats.

Susan Tipper of PALS (Partners Assisting Local Schools) tells CHSJ News the kids are learning a lot and having fun at the same time.

Some of the kids begged to differ though, saying while it's a great excuse to get out of school it's not the most exciting thing they've ever experienced.

250,000 Grade 9 students across Canada participate in Take Your Kid to Work Day.

Lunch Honoring Veterans Another Huge Success

Rothesay police, young cadets, city officials and more came out to respect and honor veterans from Greater Saint John at the annual Rothesay Sobeys Veterans Lunch.

For the 15th year veterans enjoyed a lunch and dessert served by volunteers while telling stories and listening to live music.

Sobeys Manager Don Gass the unique thing is they thank him so much for the lunch, when the day is about about the veterans. Gass says he and veteran John Ricketts originally started the lunch as a breakfast. Since then about 7 Sobeys across the Maritimes have started the tradition.

Although co-found John passed away a few years ago, his wife Evelyn Ricketts still comes out every year. She tells CHSJ news it's amazing to see police and young cadets honoring our vets, saying the only thing missing is John.

The lunch featured a display full of aged newspaper articles, veteran photos and a big "Lest We Forget" flag.

Cops Raise Big Money For Local Charities

A big cheque for two worthwhile charities, coming from the city's police force. The force has raised $20,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society and the city's Junior Police academy through its fundraiser ball.

Junior Officer Mike Daley of the Academy tells CHSJ News the program helped him make better choices in his young life and besides, he really enjoys it.

The Junior Police Academy is a mentorship program for at risk youth at the Boys and Girl's Club, while Cops for Cancer supports research, patient services and more through the Canadian Cancer Society.

Man Accused In Deadly Home Invasion To Appear In Court

21 year old Brandon Saia, who was wanted by City Police in connection with a home invasion last weekend during which an 18 year old man died, is expected in court this afternoon.

Arrest warrants have also been issued for his 21 year old brother, Bradley and a 16 year old.

12 Victims Have Come Forward In Estabrooks Investigation

Over 12 abuse victims of a deceased former Saint John police officer have come forward since the City of Saint John announced the hiring of a Toronto investigation firm back in August.

Ken Estabrooks was convicted of sexuallly abusing children in the 90's and died in 2005.

Dave Perry tells CHSJ News some of the victims knew each other 40 years ago and know each other now.

He says they are finding the victims are from an area of the City where they lived very close and they all grew up together and took care of each other.

Investigator Laura Bradbury tells CHSJ News the people they are speaking to say the abuse is on the surface of their lives everyday.

She says the emotions are raw and hidden and pervasive in the behaviours they use to mask the feelings such as turning to drugs and alcohol and getting into trouble with the law.

Dave Perry says they are hearing from women who are victims of Estabrooks as well adding many of the victims are taking advantage of the counselling provided by the City and they expect more victims to come forward.

City council approved $100,000 for the investigators to look into the abuse allegations against Estabrooks. When and if that money runs out, the firm would have to come back to council for additional funding.

Traffic Congestion At Gondola Point Ferry

 
The Transportation Department telling us there is just one ferry operating at Gondola Point this morning because of a mechanical malfunction and traffic is backing up.

Window Smashed Out at King Street Jewellry Store

Someone tried to smash the front glass of Cowie & Sons on King Street last night. 

City Police say the second barrier of strong glass didn't break all the way, so nothing was stolen. 

Part of the window is boarded up this morning.

Deer Ticks Could Be A Worry In Quispamsis

The weather may be getting colder but a little bug could still be hanging around.


Deer ticks tend to hang on to deer for winter, can survive the cold and could carry lyme disease. That could be an area for concern in Quispamsis, where there are plenty of deer in the area. 

Quispam Council will be meeting with the Kennebecasis Valley Regional Deer Committee on November 13th to look into doing a tick drag. The drag involves pulling a white sheet over a piece of ground to collect ticks to study in a lab to see if they're infected. A women named Anne Downey wrote a letter to council requesting they look into it. 

Mayor Murray Driscoll tells CHSJ news deer ticks have never been a big problem in Quispam, but would like to make sure it never will be considering the amount of deer in the area.

A Few Glitches, But Mostly A Smooth Move For The SJPF

Saint John's boys in blue getting a brand new home this week. Police Chief Bill Reid tells us by the time the weekend rolls around the force will have moved entirely from City Hall into the new justice complex at Peel Plaza. 

Reid tells CHSJ news everything's gone smoothly by and large, although there have been a few glitches here and there.

He says most of the units have been moved in but a few are still operating from City Hall.

Parents Have Another Option On Snow Days

Snow Days don't have to be a complete nightmare of finding emergency daycare or taking your kids to grandma's house at the last minute.
 
The Saint John Y offers programming for kids when the weather is bad and during scheduled professional development days during the school year.

Early Childhood Education Director Janet Towers tells CHSJ News the service is offered at 5 locations in Greater Saint John accomodating up to 60 children each.

She says it's first come first serve and it helps out parents who might be stuck on a snow day with nowhere to send their kids when school is cancelled.

Towers says the Snow Day programs have been offered at the Y for 15 years. 

For more info, click here

Health Care System Failing Some Seniors

If we keep going the way we're going, hospitals will be filled with seniors who have no where else to go: that's the dire warning from NB Nursing Home Association Director Micheal Keating.

Keating tells CHSJ News hospitals, nursing homes, and home support workers rarely work as a unified whole, despite serving the same population. He says that results in duplication and redundancies that damage the quality of care for everyone.

Over 300 seniors, caregivers, health professionals and others are meeting today and tomorrow at the Summit for Healthy Aging and Care in Fredericton, hoping to create a policy document on the changes that are necessary.

Crews Respond To Smoke At Deluxe French Fries

City fire crews are at the scene of Deluxe French Fries on Main street west responding to a smell of smoke.

Saint John Fire Department tells CHSJ news there's no fire, but they believe there's a problem with their ventilation systems that's causing the smoke.

Abandoned Building Owner Not Sure How To Handle Grafitti Issue

King Street's many boarded-up storefronts have become magnets for crude messages scrawled in marker.

Paul Daeres is the owner of the former Pascal and Emerson's building, which has become a popular hangout for a motley variety of people. He tells CHSJ News the look of the uptown is going downhill, with an abundance of abandoned buildings and shady bars.

Daeres says it's easy to see why there's petty crime like graffiti, but he doesn't see what he can do about it. He claims whenever he tries to clean it up, the culprits come back immediately and do it again.

Woman's Body Found

A woman's body has been found along the Killarney Road just north of Fredericton.

Oromocto RCMP say her body was found just before 1:30pm today.

Police are unsure of her identity or how she died.

Legion Asks Knitters To Stop Making Knitted Poppies

A group of 10 Fredericton women have stopped their knitted poppy production after the New Brunswick Royal Canadian Legion asked them too.

Trish Campbell, who works in a yarn shop, tells CHSJ news for over a week they've been donating their time and supplies to create knitted poppies in return for a $5 donation to the legion, with 100% of the money raised going to the vets. She says they thought it would be a nice way to donate money to the local legion.

On Tuesday morning the legion came into the shop and politely asked them to stop due to trademark infringement. Campbell says the group agreed, adding she never meant any disrespect to the legion and it never occurred to them to ask for permission.

The Legion has said they will accept the $800+ the knitters raised, but Campbell says they'll now discuss whether they'll donate the money to Fredericton's veterans' hospital or to a specific legion division. Regardless, she says 100% of the money raised will go to vets.

Campbell says it takes the knitters 22 minutes to create one poppy and have spent about $200 in materials to create them.

According to Campbell in Australia and the UK they encourage people to knit poppies, and she thinks maybe it's time our legion can make a change for the good. She will be wearing her knitted poppy on Remembrance Day.

Arrest Made In Fatal Home Invasion

City police issuing arrest warrants for two 21-year-old brothers, Bradley and Brandon Saia, relating to the home invasion on the west side over the weekend. One of the brothers was arrested early last night.

Bradley is described as 5'10" tall, 145 lbs. and brown hair.  Brandon is described as 5'9" tall, 120 lbs. and brown hair.
A warrant of arrest has also been issued for a 16-year-old involved in this incident.

An 18 year old man believed to be involved in the incident early Saturday morning was stabbed and died of his injuries.


In a release, the City police note any person found assisting or harbouring any of these people may face charges.

If you have seen them or know anything, call City police at 648-3333 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-Tips (8477).

Housing In Province To Remain Sluggish Next Year

The weakened economy is being blamed for lower tax revenue and a rising provincial government deficit and now we hear the housing market next year will be slow.

An analyst with Canada Mortgage and Housing Claude Gautreau is predicting new home construction will be tepid next year and it won't be the best time to be selling a home in Saint John, Fredericton or Moncton.

Gautreau expects a turnaround to start happening in 2014. He says there's no reason to be overly pessimistic because New Brunswick experienced non-stop growth in housing from 2000 to 2007 and 2008 so we're now in the down part of an historical cycle where supply and demand are getting more in line.

Marathon Meeting Held On City Pension Plan

We could have some answers on the city's pension plan later this month.
 
Common Council now has a long-awaited update from the Provincial Task Force on the pension plan but Mayor Mel Norton tells CHSJ News he can't reveal the content of that 5 hour closed-door meeting until the numbers are finalized.
 
In terms of the budget Norton says he doesn't anticipate any delays because city staff are preparing for all possible scenarios. 

The Mayor would like the budget to be signed, sealed and delivered before Christmas.
 
Common Councillor Susan Fullerton is calling for a Made in Saint John solution for the city's pension plan that can be compared to what the Provincial Task Force proposes.

Big News On The Future Of The Gothic Arches

An uptown landmark threatened for years with demolition has been saved by a Toronto developer who wants to turn it into high-end apartments.

The Gothic Arches have officially been sold for an unnamed figure to developer Jody McCairns.

Realtor Bob McVicar tells CHSJ News renovating old churches is a trend we're going to see more of across the country as attendance declines and some dioceses have more real estate than they know what to do with.

The former church on Wentworth Street is over 130 years old and has been on the market for 4 years.

Man Changes Plea In 2011 Murder

50-year-old Stephen Wallace Martin pleading guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter in last years death of 70-year-old Robert Ryan. Martin was originally charged with second degree murder.

Ryan's body was found in his basement on December 20th after a fire at his home at 374 Mount Pleasant Avenue North. An autopsy found Ryan died from blunt force trauma to the head. He had a broken jaw, two black eyes, defensive injuries and severe burns. Investigators discovered gasoline had been poured along the floor, over Ryan's body and into the garage. Police seized matches, an empty bleach bottle and a small metal safe from the home.
 
The court heard that Martin became angry when he woke up to Ryan performing a sexual act in front of him.  Martin then attacked Ryan with a stool. Ryan was homosexual and lived alone in his home, but Martin would often stay there.

After the incident Martin went to his brother's house where he was living and said that he had killed Robert Ryan with the bar stool legs. Martin then hid at his sister's house until his arrest on December 23, 2011.  

Victim impact statements and the pre-sentence report are scheduled to be read in court on December 10th.

Interest In Remembrance Day Growing

A slew of Remembrance Day concerts are rolling out at schools and churches in Greater Saint John leading up to the huge ceremony Sunday at Harbour Station.
 
Performers include the Loyal company band, the Saint John Chorale and the Harbour View Choral Ensemble. 

Michael Molloy of Harbour View High tells CHSJ News he's noticing that more people are becoming more interested in Remembrance Day.

He says we have seen this generation of World War 2 vets age before us becoming frail so it's hard to see the warrior of old.

Everyone attending the "A Salute To The Veterans" concert at Harbour View High on Thursday night can join in a sing-along of songs from World War II.  

Tickets for the concert are available at the school, from choir members and at the door on the night of the concert.

Special seating is being arranged for veterans,  for more info call 643-2912.

ICT Is Still Hot Despite Recent Layoffs

The presidents of our local university and college still believe there's a strong job market in the ICT sector, even in the wake of the Radian6 layoffs.

UNBSJ President Dr. Eddy Campbell says just like any business, the ICT sector has ups and downs, but he understands Radian6's marketing department was too large. He says that's small comfort to those who lost their jobs, but he was also told it wouldn't be long until they found jobs here in New Brunswick.

NBCC President Marilyn Luscombe tells CHSJ news of course it's significant that almost 100 jobs were lost, especially from a company that's been doing really well. She says she was also told that this happens with companies around the world, and it's just a matter of that industry adjusting and re-adjusting. She believes other jobs will come back and Radian6 will thrive.
 
Radian6 had received government grants back in June for hiring. At the end of October the ICT company laid off about 100 workers in Saint John and Fredericton. The company offers social media monitoring services.

Wine Remains A Hot Seller At NB Liquor

NB Liquor sales are down a bit. Total sales for the three months that finished up at the end of September were $109.2 million, down $800,000 or .8 per cent the year before.

Despite the slight decline, net earnings increased by $900,000 or two per cent to $47.6 million, primarily because of bigger profit margins.

Wine sales increased by 4.2 per cent or $800,000. The sale of hard liquor declined by 1.4 per cent or $300,000 and beer sales were down by 1.8 per cent or $1.1 million

Mystery Solved

City Police releasing more information about why they taped off an entrance to a building on Princess Street yesterday morning.
 
Two police cars and the forensic services surrounded 80 Princess Street where there was a trail of blood leading from a nearby alleyway into the building. 

City Police tell CHSJ News they answered a call about a disturbance but no one was around when they arrived. 

Upon further investigation, police discovered everyone was accounted for and the blood made the situation look worse than it turned out to be.

Charges Laid After Stabbing Death

More information has been released about charges being laid in the aftermath of a fatal weekend stabbing on the lower west side.

21 year old Ronald McCutcheon was arrested and charged with robbery after a home invasion at 341 Prince Street. 

Another 21 year old man, who was stabbed, has been released from hospital and charged with a weapons offense. 

The 18 year old man who died after being stabbed was a suspect in the home invasion. His name is not being released at the request of the family.

The Province Is Still Spending Too Much

The provincial government is facing a duel dilemma........A projected deficit that almost doubled to 356 million dollars together with a rising unemployment rate which is up to 11.6 per cent provincewide.

Finance Minister Blaine Higgs says the province is receiving $110 million less in anticipated tax revenues because of a weakened economy.

Kevin Lacey, the Atlantic Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, tells CHSJ News there's another problem.......The province, over the last five years, has been spending too much money despite recent attempts to rein it in and until that spending is tackled, the deficit will remain a problem.


Higgs concedes expense projections have also grown by $51 million.

Lacey is urging the Alward Government to avoid the temptation of raising taxes which he claims will make a bad situation even worse.

Climate Change Deniers On The Fringe

There hasn't been a whole lot of talk in the past few days after the devastating effects caused by Hurricane Sandy of climate change or global warming being some sort of scientific hoax. The climate change deniers have been silent.

Sustainability consultant Carl Diuvenvorden lives in Upper Kingsclear and has worked on agriculture projects around the world. He tells CHSJ News the climate change deniers have been given a platform in the media under the guise of balance with presenting opposite points of view but are now finding themselves on the fringe because the science is clear.

Diuvenvorden, who was one of the Canadians personally trained by former U-S Vice President Al Gore in "An Inconvenient Truth", predicts you're going to be seeing more extreme weather events taking place.

Common Councillor Wants Action On City Pension Plan

As Common Council gets ready for budget deliberations, Common Councillor Susan Fullerton is worried the Provincial Task force on reforming the city's pension plan will not be reporting back to Council before the end of the year.

In a letter to Council, Fullerton is calling for a committee to be formed with her serving as chair to come up with a Made in Saint John solution that could be compared to the Dutch model from the Provincial Pension Task Force.

Fullerton is also a member of the Pension Board but makes the admission she's completely in the dark as to what the status is and what, if any, progress has been made on changing the pension plan.