Provincial Finance Minister Told Not To Panic

Saint Johnners get a chance to have their say on the upcoming provincial budget tomorrow night in the community college on Grandview Avenue starting at 6:30.

Provincial Finance Minister Blaine Higgs will be holding his first pre-budget consultation.

The Atlantic Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, Kevin Lacey tells CHSJ News he's hoping Higgs and the Premier will stick to their guns and cut spending but not raise taxes.

Lacey is optimistic that will happen, pointing out Higgs last week cut so called golden hand shakes for provincial government workers which saved the government an estimated 50 million dollars.

Cap-Pelé Man Dies In Car Accident

A two vehicle crash on Highway 16 near Port Elgin has taken the life of a Cap-Pelé man.


RCMP say the 28-year-old man died at the scene from his injuries. The collision happened around 10:30 last night between a car and a transport truck. The victim was driving the car heading westbound when it crossed the centre line and collided with an oncoming transport truck.


The 52-year-old man from Garnett Settlement who was driving the truck wasn't hurt.

Saint John Under 'Dome Of Cold'

We're all thinking the same thing... man, it's cold!

Environment Canada Meteorologist Claude Cote tells CHSJ we're currently under a dome of cold, arctic air and brisk worth west winds. The weather will slowly start to get warmer on Friday, but there will still be a strong wind chill. We're experiencing weather that's 10-15 degrees below normal, and it's not until Tuesday that normal weather winter conditions will be back.

Cote says the second half of January is called the "Dead of Winter," a time where we typically experience the coldest temperatures of the year. The ice cold arctic air mass is coming down from the North West Territories, making Edmunston the coldest area with a temp of -35. The hot spot in the province is Point Lepreau, with a beachy high of -18.

No cold records have been broken.

Bitter Cold Hits The Port City

Old man winter has taken hold of Saint John with bitterly cold temperatures that in the wind feel like minus 30 or worse today, tonight and tomorrow.
Environment Canada says the wind chill factor will dip as low as -41 across parts of the province today.   Half of North America is experiencing the cold snap along with us.

Hospitals React To Spread Of The Flu

Sharing get well wishes is all well and good as long as you don't share the flu while you're at it.

Horizon Health wants to make sure visitors to local hospitals aren't coughing, feverish, sneezing, or suffering from a sore throat. If you're displaying flu symptoms, regional lead Marita MacMillan says the guidelines are clear.......You should stay away.

Even if you are not under the weather yourself and you visit, wear a mask and clean your hands with an alcohol based hand rub. You can get surgical masks and hand rub at the entrances to all hospitals.

If you have any questions you're asked to contact the hospital.

You Can Start Planning Your Summer Now

Your camping trips this summer could be going a little more hi-tech.

A new online system for booking campground spots and cabins at provincial park lets potential visitors to complete their reservation online.

Visitors can reserve in advance and ensure they get the site they want; that means no waiting entrance gate to complete their reservation. There's also no disappointment at finding the campsite you were hoping to get is already booked. Tourism Minister Trevor Holder says the system brings New Brunswick's services in line with what other provinces and the federal government are doing.

To check out a the new online campground booking service click here

Taxpayers Federation And Business Council Differ Over H-S-T

Some of the largest companies in the province, represented by the New Brunswick Council, are proposing the H-S-T be raised. 

That suggestion has drawn a swift reaction from the Canadian Taxpayers Federation whose Atlantic Director Kevin Lacey tells CHSJ News it's the wrong prescription for what ails the provincial economy.

Lacey argues the average taxpayer is falling behind the cost of living. He also estimates a 2 per cent rise in the H-S-T would cost every man, woman and child in the province over 500 dollars.

Lacey points out businesses in the province get over 200 million dollars in government grants each year and expect taxpayers to pick up the tab.

Gallant Supports Proactive Solutions To Challenges

The Liberal leader thinks the Alward government should have a glass full approach to solving the province's fiscal challenges. 

Brian Gallant was asked if he thinks Health Minister Ted Flemming took a negative approach to the issue of revealing doctor's salaries. 

He says he thinks some of the comments were necessary and if we want to reach out to the people on the front lines we have to be very clear that we want them helping us out.

Premier Alward and Health Minister Ted Flemming will be attending the New Brunswick Medical Society's meeting this weekend.     

City Releases New Urban Development Booklet

A slick new booklet released by the city touting how much urban development has taken place in Saint John and future potential.

Former Chief City Planner Ken Forrest points out  there are a lot of old and outdated bylaws on the books that will have to be rewritten.

He says then they need to carefully design a development process to make sure that people can enter the process, provide information and get a permit on the other side as quickly as possible.

Forrest says developers complain they can't figure out what the city wants so there has to be more collaboration to move forward and see more building take place.

Rothesay Police Need Your Help On Investigations

Rothesay Police need your help with a few of their investigations, most of occurring this month.

One involves a break-in on Chelsea Drive back in November where several items including a TV, laptop and jewelry were stolen. Contact Cst. James McKay.

On New Years Day a set of air horns were stolen overnight from a transport truck that was parked in the Dolan Road Irving parking lot. Contact Cst. Nathan McIntyre.

On the morning of January 9th a 2003 gray Toyota Tundra was involved in a hit and run accident on Hutson Street. Damage was done to the driver’s side door, mirror, and window. Police are looking for a high-sided vehicle or trailer that may have backed in to it. Contact Cst. Anika Becker.

Last Wednesday in the wee hours of the morning a truck was on fire by the train tracks near the Shadetree Lane & Hampton Road intersection. The 1993 Chevrolet Pick-up was stolen from Palmer Brook Road. Contact Cst. Mark Roberts.

And this time last week several cars parked in the Universal Truck and Trailer lot on Enterprise Drive had windows broken and damage done to the interior of the vehicles.

Listeners React To Idea of East-West Oil Pipline

Is an East-West oil pipeline a golden opportunity for Atlantic Canada? Or could it be a bureaucratic and environmental nightmare? Our listeners have some strong thoughts on the matter.

Tom says Saint John needs to get behind the idea because "people here are defeatist haters who look down on every opportunity.

Rosa says she doesn't buy that oil and gas prices are going to go down, warning "If anything, it might go up due to operational costs."

Trish writes the pipeline would be something to look forward to in our beleaguered economy.

Got an opinion? Join the conversation on Facebook or Twitter.

Flu Season Is Officially Upon Us

It's officially 'flu season.

Now that the season of runny noses and sore throats is upon us, Horizon Health wants to ensure you're not spreading infection as you spread good cheer to friends and family in the hospital.

If you're coughing, feverish, sneezing, or have a sore throat, you're asked to avoid visiting.. Or if you can't avoid a trip to the hospital while under the weather, wear a mask and clean your hands with an alcohol based hand rub upon entering and exiting.

You can get surgical masks and hand rub at the entrances of all hospitals. If you have any questions you're asked to contact your local health-care facility.

Shopping & Living Planned For Old Coast Guard Site

A place to shop, work and live is in the works for the old Coast Guard site.

Waterfront Development GM Kent MacIntyre says they're planning a mixed development building for the newly named Fundy Quay that would contain apartments or condos with stores on the first floor.

MacIntyre says they're currently checking how environmentally sound the site is, which determines what's contaminated and how to clean it up. He says it's a perfectly normal process, and the area is not high in contaminants.

MacIntyre adds they're still working with the developer, and more information will be released in the coming weeks. In the meantime, test drilling equipment will be used and technical workers will be on the site.

Fire Dept Needs Own Training Facility, Says Chief

With around 80 city buildings set for upgrades in the 2013 general capital budget, Common Council wanting to know if it's necessary to install a training tower for the fire department.

Fire Chief Kevin Clifford says it's as essential as a fire truck. Clifford telling council he's noticed a decline in skill and judgement with fire crews since they lost their facility in Millidgeville 5 years ago when it became unsafe and old. He adds that the closest training centre is 40 minutes away, which would greatly decrease response time in an emergency if crews were training out of town.

Training is also not weekly or monthly, but ideally a daily hour and a half practice. Clifford says they need a site where 2 or 3 fire trucks can operate and simulate an emergency situation, which is something they could never practice on a public street. And although crews practice basic skills in a basement in Millidgeville, it's not ideal and they can't accurately simulate fire situations.

Upgrades Suggested For Many Well Known Rec Buildings

City Manager Pat Woods presenting Common Council with a recommendation on where to spend funds in the 2013 general capital budget.

This is the last of 4 budgets that focuses more on major projects and investments such as land purchases and building development. The recommendation is based around Plan SJ, council priorities and being cautious with city funds. Staff is recommending more development on underground infrastructure, road repairs and upgrading many old recreational buildings.

The 30 year-old Canada Games Aquatic Centre is on the list, as well as the Nick Nicolle Community Centre, Harbour Station and the Trade & Convention Centre. Woods says if we want more development, work needs to be done on underground infrastructure which has a recurring problem of flooding. The report also recommends using 2.3 million dollars in new money from the gas tax fund to use on roads and sidewalks.

Mayor Mel Norton says he's pleased with how the budget is drafted, saying it reflects many of the city's priorities. Council will now consider the recommendation and vote on it at the end of the month when all councillors are in attendance.

The over capital program for 2013 is set at 11 million, but the total budget is higher than that because they can get additional funding from federal funds and sales of assets.

Smith's Creek Man Facing Drug Charges

The RCMP executing a search warrant at the home of 50-year-old Stanley Lafrance of Smith's Creek....Smith has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking as marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, drug paraphernalia and cash were seized.

RCMP also investigating a theft from a car wash on Main Street in Hampton. A quantity of money was taken from the coin operated machines.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or click here

Spinach Shortage Jeopardizes Healthy New Years Resolutions

Your New Years resolution to each more greens could be in jeopardy.

Some local businesses are complaining that the price of spinach has rocketed up in recent weeks by as much as $10.50 per unit. 

Sue Hooten is the manager of the Wild Carrot Cafe in the City Market and she tells CHSJ News they're feeling the pinch with no end to the soaring prices in sight.

The shortage is being blamed on erratic weather. It isn't expected to last more than a few weeks so fortunately the price of your salad isn't likely to change in the near future.

Gallant Speaks To Rotarians On Possible Pipeline

The Province's Liberal leader speaking to a Saint John business audience on his party's support of a West-East oil pipeline. 

In a speech to the Rotary club today, Brian Gallant says the project faces challenges including at least one in Quebec.

He says once the pipeline arrives in Quebec, some groups could say this is east enough and they want to refine the oil there and be the access point to global markets.    Gallant also says there could be environmental challenges that it faces in Quebec as well.

He adds all the players should start today in trying to make the project a reality sooner rather than later.

Watch For Warning Signs Of A Grow-Op Near You

With winter upon us, some criminals have moved their illegal operations indoors.

Crime Stoppers and New Brunswick RCMP is asking the public  report any information they may have about possible indoor marijuana grow ops. Growing marijuana indoors can pose a number of risks, including criminal activity, risks of fire and toxic chemical exposure. 

Signs of a grow-op include heavy condensation and dark coverings over the windows, an unusual number of vents, increased security measures, and a strange odour coming from the house.

If you have a tip regarding a grow op in your area, contact Crime Stoppers. There is a $2,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.

Electric Baseboard Heating Will Be Costly With Cold Snap

This cold snap is expected to last into the weekend and that means alot of people will be jacking up the thermostat to keep warm.

 Energy sustainability consultant Carl Diuvenvorden tells CHSJ News if you have electric baseboard heating, it's going to cost you when the temperature plummets. He advocates the use of heat pumps which are also known as mini splits.

Diuvenvorden says a baseboard heater gives you one unit of heat per unit of electricity whereas with the heat pumps, for each unit of electricity, you will get three or even four units of heat.

Diuvenvorden says his mother, who lives in the northern part of the province, saw her heating bills go down by 50 per cent with the installation of two heat pumps and a few other upgrades. There are upfront costs which some people might find prohibitive depending on your finances.

Woman Credits Smoke Detector With Saving Her & Her Daughter

A Hampton woman credits a smoke detector with saving the life of her and her daughter after a weekend blaze.
 
Sue Hansen tells CHSJ News the smoke detector went off just after 1am Sunday morning alerting to smoke in her basement at 414 Hall Road.

She tells us when the smoke alarm woke her up she went down and opened the door to her basement and the smoke just about knocked her over.

While the cause is still undetermined, Hansen says they think it has something to do with the wood stove in the basement.      Hansen and her daughter were unharmed and are staying with family.

Snook To Remain In Jail Until March 11

Donnie Snook has again waived his right to a bail hearing, meaning a delays of some weeks before the councillor will reappear in court.

The bail hearing, which was originally scheduled in provincial court this morning, has now been postponed until March 11 pending completion of the police investigation. He will remain in provincial jail until then.

Police expect it will take 6-4 weeks to identify the victims in images found on Snook's computer as well as other potential victims. Since the initial charges came to light several more people have also contacted city police and RCMP alleging they have been sexually abused by the 40-year-old.

Snook has been suspended with pay as the director of the Inner City Youth Minister pending further information and resigned from his seat at common council last week. 

His lawyer, Dennis Boyle, says he will enter a plea on March 11.

Another Water Main Break And Drivers Should Be Aware

The flucuating temperatures causing problems for Saint John Water.

 A small water main break occurring this morning along Union Street as you approach the Causeway. City Works telling CHSJ News water service has not been disrupted but that's a busy stretch of road and the water will ice up fast because of the cold. 

There was a water main break yesterday along Rothesay Avenue which did cause people to be without any water. That has now been fixed and everything is back to normal.

Taxpayers Federation Says It's Not All Doom And Gloom With Provincial Economy

There's been no official decision by the Alward Government but the Canadian Taxpayers Federation is pretty sure shale gas exploration in the province will happen. 

The Federation's Atlantic Director Kevin Lacey is also optimistic about an east-west pipeline being built to Saint John, telling CHSJ News he didn't think the idea would go this far.

Lacey says spending cuts alone will not be able to get rid of the burgeoning provincial government deficit. It has to be combined with growing the provincial economy. He sees both shale gas development and the pipeline as ways to give some life to the New Brunswick economy.

Common Council To Get Snook Resignation and Report on Prostitution

Common Council will be officially accepting Donnie Snook's resignation tonight which will pave the way for a byelection in Ward 3 on May 13th. 

After a one week delay, Council will also be getting the report from the Police Commission which rejects using sidewalk and traffic bylaws to move prostitutes from soliciting on uptown streets. 

The Executive-Director of Aids Saint John Julie Dingwell tells CHSJ News the street level sex trade workers in the city are struggling with drug addiction and criminalising them isn't the answer. Dingwell says evidence from across the country shows police crackdowns on street level prostitution make it less safe for the sex trade workers. 

She believes it would still be a good idea for the Sex Trade Action Committee to make a presentation to Council.

Fire Damages Home In Hampton

Hampton Fire crews busy fighting a house that was ablaze on Hall road.

Captain Mike Raeburn tells CHSJ news they were called to the fire around 1:30 Sunday morning. Four trucks from Nauwigewauk, Upham, Bellisle, KV and Simonds Fire departments also being called in. The smoke detector alerted the woman and her teenage daughter living in the home.

Fire crews battled the fire for about 4 hours. No word on what caused the blaze.

150-Year-Old Building Engulfed In Fire

A major fire last night at a historic building known as Kings Grant in lower Greenwich.

Greenwich Fire Chief Kevin Worden tells CHSJ news it took them over 10 hours to battle the blaze that started before 11 o'clock. He says the 150-year-old building on Dave's Corner was saved but might not be up for long, considering it still suffered major smoke and water damage. A kitchen and a tool shed attached to the building was destroyed but the fire doesn't look suspicious.

Worden says a family lives in the home, but only one man was in the home at the time of the fire. He managed to get out safely.

Water Main Break On Rothesay Avenue

Part of East Saint John is without water after a water main break on Rothesay Avenue. 

No word yet on when water will be back.

Saint John Man Thought To Be Dead, Very Much Alive

Being told your dead by your bank isn't a very normal experience.

But that's exactly what happened to Saint Johnner Steve Fudge. The 36-year-old received a letter from CIBC offering him their condolences for his passing. Fudge then took the letter and his license to the bank to show he was breathing and very much alive. The bank has since apologized profusely to Fudge, saying human error is to blame for the mistake. Fudge tells CHSJ news the mistake hasn't caused any problems so far, and he's been assured by the bank that it won't affect his credit.

Fudge says it's a shocking and amusing situation, but adds it's great to be alive.

Parking Ban On Tonight

An overnight snow ban has been declared for the South Central Peninsula starting at 11 o'clock tonight until tomorrow morning at 7 am.

That means no on-street parking or your car will be towed. There's 6 parking lots cleared that are available if you don't have private parking:

•  corner of Princess Street and Charlotte Street
• King Street East
• Peters Street
• Carmarthen Street/Vineyard Church
• Mecklenburg Street at Wentworth Street
• corner of Charlotte and Queen Street at Key Industries (entrance on Queen Street)

Brunswick and Market Square also offer a discount overnight rate of $4 if there's a ban.

More Alleged Victims Coming Forward Against Snook

Several people coming forward to both City Police and RCMP alleging they've been sexually abused by former Common Councillor Donnie Snook.

In a release, police say they're also trying to identify victims from the computer images seized from Snook's laptop. 40-year-old Snook is facing 8 charges in total, relating to child pornography, child exploitation, and sexual interference with a child under 16.

Police and the RCMP'S Internet Child Exploitation Unit are asking anyone with information relating to this matter to contact them.  Saint John Police Force at 506-648-3333, RCMP at 1-888-506-7267 or N.B. Crime Stoppers anonymously online at www.crimenb.ca  or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Snook was arrested at his home on January 9th and resigned as a councillor on Thursday. He's set to appear in court tomorrow for a bail hearing.

New Affordable Housing In Fredericton

Those searching for affordable housing in the Fredericton area may soon have a little more choice...

The government announcing the opening of 8 new units for low-income individuals at 411 St. Mary's St., and 75 units for seniors, non-elderly singles and people with disabilities at Brookside and Terrace Courts.

The Feds contributed $3 million in funding for the  Brookside Drive development, and the provincial and federal government contributed equally to the $75 million dollar costs for the development on St Mary's Street.

Human Resources Minister Troy Lifford referred to the developments as part of the mission to enhance taxpayers quality of life while also living within their means.

Few Accidents Caused By Snow

Yesterday's slippery slopes didn't cause many car accidents.

The 10+ centimeters only caused around 5 minor accidents, according to Saint John City Police

A chance of flurries is expected for Tuesday, Friday and Saturday this week.

Liberals Call On Health Minister For Apology

The opposition critic of health is not impressed with various actions by Health Minister Ted Flemming this week.

Donald Arsenault tells CHSJ news he knows Flemming has a plan in place to reduce 22 emergency rooms to 15, but it's the way he's doing it that's frustrating. Arsenault says the way he's attacked doctors and referred to New Brunswicker's as hillbillies for not jumping on the shale gas bandwagon is not a proper comment to make.

He says if the minister is thinking about shutting down ER's to save money, he should be honest with the public and say where they are. Arsenault worries it's the province's rural areas that would suffer the reduction in health care.

Arsenault is calling on Flemming to make an apology, and be more open with the public in a less aggressive way.

No Plow Problems In Quispamsis

Despite Saint John's woes over waiting for streets to be plowed after a snow storm, Quispamsis hasn't received any complaints.

That's according to the town's Mayor Murray Driscoll. He tells CHSJ news they have a 4.5 hour turn around for snow plowing, and had 2 pieces of equipment break down during the last big storm at the end of December.

Driscoll attributes the cleaned sidewalks to hard work and good equipment. Councillor Emil Olsen says the town has 205 kilomentres of roads and 11 snow routes to clear.

Improving The View Of The Kennebecasis River

A problem that's been growing is going to be taken care of.

Rothesay Council is looking into removing a few unpleasant looking trees and shrubs along the CN rail line. The tree removal is not clear cutting, but just removing certain shrubs that have overgrown and are blocking the view of the Kennebecasis River.

Mayor Bill Bishop tells CHSJ news residents, councillors and he himself have noticed the overgrowth. He says they'll look at removing the ones in bad shape, so the view driving from East Riverside Park to Fox Farm road is improved.

Operation Cat Nip Takes Off Today

There's many four-legged early risers this morning.

Volunteers and staff at the Saint John SPCA Animal Rescue League are packing up 35 cats and supplies for their trip to UPEI'S Veterinary College. It's the start of Operation Cat Nip, a new initiative where all the cats will be spayed and neutered at a minimal cost to help lower Port City's vast amount of stray felines.

The SPCA calls it a "win-win" for both the shelter and students, who gain clinical experience from the surgeries and the cats are fixed for a low cost.

Cats who have been fixed are less likely to roam, mark their territory, and have a reduced risk of illness. All the cat surgeries will take place today and the felines will be checked over before coming back home to Saint John.

Another Person Is Sick With E. Coli

An investigation is underway to determine the source of a new case of E. coli which has been confirmed in the province. 

Lab results show there's a link with six other cases already reported and Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Eilish Cleary says the most likely cause is shredded lettuce distributed by FreshPoint.
 
Seven people have now been diagnosed with E. coli in New Brunswick. There are other cases in Nova Scotia and Ontario. 

She says if you're going to eat lettuce or cabbage, throw the outer leaves away and then remove the remaining leaves before thoroughly rinsing them in water for about 30 seconds.

Those Drowning In Debt Seek Help

Now's the time the credit card bills from Christmas are coming in and that's putting a strain on the finances of many households. 

John Eisener, the President of Credit Counselling Services for Atlantic Canada, tells CHSJ News the average debt loads of the people who are coming into his office for held are anywhere from 26 to 28 thousand dollars.


He says if you made minimum payments each month, it would take you from 20 to 30 years to pay it all off.

Eisener says the rising cost of living is putting a strain on households and if your finances are causing you to lose sleep at night or arguments at home then you need some help to get out of the hole.

Layoffs At Local Call Center

Some layoffs are happening at the IBM call center in Place 400 but just how many isn't being spelled out because the company is refusing to say.

Big Blue isn't confirming the full extent of what it calls a "workforce remix", it isn't putting any fears to rest, either. Nor is it denying if people have already lost their jobs through layoffs. We are told the strong Canadian dollar is being blamed for the layoffs, which will reportedly take effect by the end of March. 

CHSJ News contacted IBM's corporate office in Toronto for details. In an email, the corporation would only say it doesn't publicly discuss the details of its staffing plans and change is constant in IT sector.

The call center employs several hundred people.

Snook's Seat To Remain Empty Until Spring

With the official resignation of ward 3 councillor Donnie Snook, the picture of will happen to his seat around the council horseshoe is becoming much more clear. 

Mike Quinn of Elections NB tells CHSJ News the are regular scheduled by-elections to fill vacant seats that arise throughout the province.

The next round of by-elections is scheduled for Monday, May 13th, so Snook's seat will remain vacant until then. There are currently 6 different requests for by-elections from 6 different municipalities throughout the province, and the number will be 7 if Saint John council votes to move in that direction.

Doctors' Pay Will Not Be Made Public

The idea, put forward by provincial Auditor-General Kim McPherson, to make the individual pay of doctors public has been rejected by the Alward Government. 

Health Minister Ted Flemming met with the New Brunswick Medical Society to talk about the concerns raised by her about double billing on the part of some doctors. 

Anthony Knight of the Medical Society says it supports addressing what he calls rare inconsistencies but tells CHSJ News the doctors have gone out of their way to help out the province financially with a two year freeze on any increases in their Medicare fee schedules. He questions how much value the provincial government has placed on that.
 
The Medical Society has told us doctors believe they have been under attack of late in some sort of campaign to taint the public's perception of them but adds they're looking forward to a stronger relationship with the Department of Health.

BREAKING: Donnie Snook Resigns

Mayor Mel Norton has just released an official statement regarding Common Councillor Donnie Snook. It reads as follows:

"Today I received a letter addressed to the Mayor and Common Council from Councillor Donnie Snook, via his lawyer, tendering his resignation. This was a result of a personal matter for Councillor Snook.  I thank Councillor Snook for dealing with this matter in a final and timely manner.

I have notified members of Council. The letter has been forwarded to the Common Clerk and staff will follow procedures regarding vacancies as outlined in the Municipalities Act.

The Department of Environment and Local Government is the body responsible for administering the Municipalities Act.

There will be no further comment provided from the City of Saint John."

Snook was re-elected last May to Common Council and first elected in 2008; a by-election now must be held in the coming months to fill the empty seat in ward 3.

The councilor is  facing 3 counts of sexual interference on a child under 16, 2 counts of possession of child pornography, 1 count of making child pornography, and 2 counts of making child pornography available. He had already been suspended with pay as director of the Inner City Youth Ministry pending further information about the case.

Snook's bail hearing is scheduled for Monday morning.

Women Deserve A Fair Wage

The New Brunswick Coalition for Pay Equity wants to take wage parity one step farther.

Executive Director Johanne Perron tells CHSJ News the coalition would like to see the government to use more complete to calculate what women in female-dominated fields like daycare, homecare, and women's transition houses should earn. In such fields, where there are no male-dominated jobs,she says the government needs to work with pay equity experts and pro-equality groups if it hopes to get a realistic measure of pay equity.

Perron tells CHSJ News New Brunswick has a few lessons to learn from other provinces when it comes to developing a fair system. In particular, she says the NB government has closely studied Quebec's solutions to the problem; however, some aspects of their systems have been lost in the attempt to bring them to bear them locally.

The Coalition is hoping to work closely with the government to develop fair wages for female-dominated work.

This Canadian Music Icon's Tour Stops Here

One of Canada's most influential singer-songwriters is making a stop in Saint John.

Leonard Cohen will be coming to Harbour Station on April 15th.

The Montreal native is famed for such classics as "Suzanne", "Bird On A Wire" and "Chelsea Hotel"

Tickets range from $20 for upper bowl to $263 for floor seats. Regular sales start tomorrow at the Harbour Station Box Office. 

For more information click here.

Verdict In Point Lepreau Hearing Could Be Reached In A Few Weeks

Closing arguments by NB Power's legal counsel wrapping up the 5 day hearing into the deferral account and cost overruns for the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station.

The hearing covered how much is in the deferral account and how long the plant is expected to run. NB Power's legal counsel John Furey summarized internal and expert reports showing NB Power did its duty to incur accurate costs and didn't charge more than necessary.

The EUB will spend the next several weeks reviewing evidence before rendering any decisions.

Astronaut Chris Hadfield Talks With Local Students

Elementary school students having an experience that's out of this world.

Canadian Astronaut Commander Chris Hadfield answered 20 questions from the students, straight from the International Space Station. Held at Saint Rose Elementary School, over 400 students plus grade 6 kids from Barnhill Elementary were in awe of the astronaut.

In a packed gymnasium, select students went up to a microphone and asked the Commander various questions, like how cold it is, if he can see a solar eclipse and how long oxygen can last. Hadfield saying his favourite part about being an astronaut is working with wonderful and friendly people. He was 9 years old when he first saw people walking on the moon, which is when he chose that career path. A good chuckle came from the crowd when Hadfield admitted that yes, he often gets lost floating around the ISS -- which is the size of 5 NHL rinks. He says he can clearly see Saint John from space, saying with our coast lines, rivers and harbours it really pops out.

It was in April when Greg D'Entremont and his Loyalist Amateur Radio Club team found out the ISS was looking for one school in each province to have a chat with the astronaut. After many meetings and setting up antennas, the plan was ago. D'Entremont said he was involved last time the ISS did this in Quispamsis, which took over 3 years to get ready.

Principal Victoria Moseley tells CHSJ news the kids did various space themed projects leading up to the talk, and this event was the climax of so much learning. She says they were the only school that actually had enough time for all the students to ask their questions.

Mayor Mel Norton had the chance to watch, and says everyone in the room felt like they were 6 years old with all the energy and excitement. 

Can't We All Get Along?

Tensions between the local service districts and the Mayors on the Fundy Regional Service Commission have boiled to the surface after just one meeting.

Commission chair Mayor Grace Losier of Grand Bay-Westfield tells CHSJ News there are bound to be growing pains with a brand new Commission.

Losier says the main goal of the Commission appears to be the provision of services to the local service districts but it would also like to eliminate, as much as possible, duplication of services with more collaboration in the region.


Losier says this new body has been legislated by the province and she assumes everyone on the commission is acting in good faith.

Some Gas Is Cheaper

Self serve regular is slightly less expensive after the weekly setting. The price falling by just over a cent a litre and is being sold in the city this morning for $1.21.4.

Diesel rose by a cent a litre to $1.36.9.
 
Heating oil will also cost you more with a maximum price of $1.18.6 a litre and propane is higher as well at 96.6 cents.

Guilty Pleas In Hampton To Tax Evasion

A Hampton businessman has pleaded guilty to five charges of failing to file tax returns and has been fined 5 thousand dollars as well as paying the tax owed. 

Dwight Allen Bond failed to file corporate tax returns for Bonded Builders Company Limited for 2006 through 2010. 

Bond has been given until February 8th to pay the federal government the back tax.