Saint John M-P Hopeful About More Affordable Housing

Saint John M-P Rodney Weston is hoping to see more affordable housing built in the city because the Harper government, in the federal budget, is renewing its strategy to reduce homelessness.

Weston says the focus will be on housing first because you can't do much of anything if you don't have a roof over your head.

Saint John M-P Says There Is Money Available For Clean Drinking Water

Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty releasing a stay the course or hold the line budget with tight controls on spending while still projecting a balanced budget by 2015. 

Saint John M-P Rodney Weston tells CHSJ News there is money available to help pay for clean drinking water with construction of a water treatment plant on the east side. Weston says whether a deal is struck this year is in the control of the city. 

He adds there will also be money available for other projects, like arenas,  with the indexing of the gas tax transfer to the cites. Mayor Mel Norton has said a priority for him is to build a multiplex ice surface at Long Wharf.

Fundy-Royal M-P Rob Moore says families in his riding will benefit because they won't have to pay higher taxes. Moore claims a family of four is saving 32 hundred dollars a year in tax since the Conservatives assumed power federally and he's hoping to be able to make a funding announcement on the Fundy Trail soon.

Weston takes issue with the contention that transfer payments to the province will be frozen. He argues there will be more federal money for healthcare.           

Another Arrest Made In Convenience Store Robbery

A second person has been arrested and is expected in court sometime today to be charged in the robbery earlier this week at Daly's on Taylor Avenue. A court appearance is expected sometime today.

The first arrest was made two days ago during the storm after a 28 year old man jumped overboard into the bay from the Princess of Acadia ferry.

Black's Harbour Man Charged With Holding Woman Against Her Will

A 25 year old accused of holding a woman in a home against her will has been charged with assault with a weapon, assault, mischief and forcible confinement.

Joseph Davidson 'Sheldon' Mallaley of Black's Harbour appearing in court in Saint John to answer to the charges after he was arrested in Saint George Wednesday night. St Stephen RCMP getting the call that the woman had been held at the home in Tower Hill against her will, but the man had fled and she was able to call the cops. Police say the man and the woman knew each other.

Mallaley  is scheduled to appear in St. Stephen Provincial Court on March 25 for a bail hearing.

Two Assemblies Launch 2013 HVHS Relay For Life

Harbour View is the only high school in the province that puts on its very own Relay for Life event to raise money for people with or impacted by cancer.
Two assemblies at the school lauching the 2013 event where they hope to raise $18,000.
Grade 12 student Brynn Aucoin tells CHSJ News the assemblies are the event's official kickoff.

She tells us she lost a cousin to cancer a few years and most people have been touched by cancer in some way.

Harbour View has raised over $110 thousand dollars in the 7 years they have been taking part.
The school, it's students and staff will host a variety of fundraisers including bake sales and coffee houses between now and the event on May 31st at the school.


For more info,click here

Flooding, Ice Jams An Issue In Some Riverside Areas

A warning from the provincial government.....while an ice jam along the Nashwaak River at Stanley Bridge has stabilized,  local officials continue to monitor another ice jam is being watched down river at MacLaggan Bridge.

People living or working along streams and rivers should be on the alert for moving ice and the possibility of ice-jams which mean the water will rapidly rise.

A change in weather conditions could lead to localized flooding where drainage systems are blocked by ice and snow. You should take whatever precautions you can to guard your home against flooding at this time of year. 

Saint John Has Sad History of Race Discrimination

We think of Canada as being more racially accepting than our neighbors to the South; however, in reality there's a history of discrimination with deep roots here in Saint John.We often forget that slavery was even legal in Canada less than 200 years ago.

Randy Dickinson of the New Brunswick Human Rights Commission tells CHSJ News the YMCA used to be whites only--and the Admiral Beatty once refused to let blacks in the front door, even when those blacks were renowned jazz musicians Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong.

It wasn't until an employee of the Beatty named Lena O'Ree refused to show up for work until she was allowed in the front door that the discriminatory policy changed.

Today is the International Day For the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and there are number events celebrating equality planned throughout the province.

CUPE Wants A Solution To Overcrowding In Jails

Following a City man's extended jail sentence for a prison beatdown, the union representing prison workers is raising the red flag about overcrowding. 

Thomas Jack was attacked by his cellmate Jeremy David in November 2011 and will never work and drive again due to the impact of his injuries.

Mike Davidson of CUPE tells CHSJ News they have concerns about the current management at the provincial jail on the Old Black River road.

He says under the current management they have had a riot, an assault on an inmate and the early release of an inmate involved in a homicide.

Davidson calls overcrowding a serious issue and they haven't been too successfull with the province on resolving it.

Our newsroom has an interview request into Public Safety Minister Robert Trevors for his take on things.

Canadian Taxpayers Federation Worried About Upcoming Provincial Budget

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is a bit uneasy about the next provincial budget that will be unveiled on Tuesday.

It's Atlantic Director Kevin Lacey fears an increase in taxes and licence fees. He tells CHSJ News to look what's happening with the property assessments which are tax increases by another name.

Some homeowners are outraged by the increase they're being hit with.

Lacey says it would be a mistake to roll back the 2008 tax reductions that were implemented by the previous Liberal government under then Premier Shawn Graham.

Those tax cuts are seen by some, including Rod Hill of U-N-B Saint John who ran for the NDP, as making the provincial deficit worse and not achieving the economic growth that was hoped for.

Illegal Items Seized Outside Prison

More information has been released about the seizure of a package containing unauthorized items on the perimeter of the minimum security Westmorland Institution at Dorchester. 

The prison service estimates the contents of the package have an institutional value of more than 30 thousand dollars.
 
Police have been called in and the Correctional Service is also investigating.
 
The Correctional Service says the methods it utilises to control the flow of drugs into prisons include ion scanners and drug dogs to search buildings, prisoners and visitors.

New Child Care On The West Side For Pre-Schoolers

The "Y" will be opening up a new Child Care location on the west side. St. Mark's United Church will be the new home for "Y" Child Care to provide preschool programming for children  between the ages of 2 and 5 years from Monday to Friday. Full time and part time spaces are now available. 

The early learning programs are modeled after the NB Early Learning and Child Care curriculum and the highly regarded YMCA Playing to Learn program.
 
We're told by the "Y" space is also available in the after school program at Barnhill Memorial School with arts, crafts, organized games, learning centres and sports.
 
Volunteers are being sought for the Day Care Centre. Adults and seniors interested in interacting with children and assisting with their development are encouraged to contact the Y.
 
For additional information call the Y at 646-2111.

Gas Prices Drop

You'll get a bit of a price break with the price of gas after the weekly setting. 

Self serve regular is down in the city by less than half a cent a litre to $1.30.9 while diesel is cheaper by just over a cent a litre at $1.37.7. 

Heating oil dropped by two cents a litre with the maximum price being $1.16.9.

Donations Low But Demand High at Food Banks

Slim pickings at our local food banks, with donations hitting a yearly low. But Dianne Daigle, who manages the clothing room and emergency food service for Romero House, says demand, on the other hand, is sky-high. 

She tells CHSJ news that because of pricey winter heating bills, people simply don't have the cash to buy groceries.

Daigle says they're always looking for canned milk, pasta and kids snacks. To donate, you can drop off food at the door at 647 Brunswick Drive , or if you're unable to get there, you can call Romero House at 642-7447 and a truck driver will pick up the items.

Facebook Scam Making The Rounds

If you've been seeing a lot of notifications lately for something called Facebook Black, don't be fooled. It's actually a scam which can hijack your account and use it to spam your friends.

The scam happens when you click wall post with a link stating you can change the color of your Facebook theme from blue to black. After clicking the post, the user is then directed to a website that claims they can change their Facebook color to any color they want. The user is persuaded to click a button that says Change Your Color, and then the site hijacks the used Facebook account and installs a virus to your computer.

At the end of the day, your Facebook colour won't change. If you've fallen for the scam change your password right away and let your Facebook friends know not to click on it.

VIDEO: East Side Garage Suffers Fire Damage

Thick black smoke and flames could be seen coming from a garage on the east side this morning.
 
Saint John Fire crews responding to the fire at Crowe's Auto Body on Grandview Avenue.
 
Platoon chief Eric Garland tells us no one was in the garage at the time or in the nearby house.

He tells crews took an aggressive exterior attack because no one was inside the building not wanting to take a chance on what hazardous materials might be inside.
 
Garland says they did have concerns about propane tanks in the building but its unclear what caused an explosion but he does not think it was the acetylene. 

A fire investigator is looking into the cause.

Big Changes At This East Side Beach

Mispec has been pretty storm-damaged and hard for families to enjoy for a few years now; however, that's going to change as of May 1.

Common Councillor Ray Strowbridge tells CHSJ News the sea wall and walking trails will be repaired, changing and bathrooms will be installed at the East Side beach. The old, cracked asphalt will also be torn up and replaced with gravel.

Since much of the damage was caused by storms, the project qualified for disaster relief funding as well as money from the province.

Crook Jumps Off Digby Ferry, Gets Arrested Anyway

It's a heck of a way to celebrate the first day of spring.

One man with a warrant out for his arrest decided to risk a swim the frigid waters of the Bay of Fundy--in a blizzard, no less--rather than get arrested.

The man was on the Digby Ferry this morning when he was approached by police looking to collar him for robbing Daly's in the north end earlier this week.

According to Staff Sergeant Mike King he then jumped overboard and had to be rescued from the water. He was checked over in an ambulance but didn't appear to have sustained any injuries. He did, however, need to be brought some dry clothes.

BREAKING: Fire at Crowe Auto

Fire crews are working to knock down a blaze at Crowe's Auto Body which is 1720 Grandview Avenue.  Black smoke is visible and some wires are reportedly down.

Crews received that call around 11am to the large working garage with 3 vehicles still inside. The bulk of the fire is knocked down, but there is some still in the roof area they're working to control.

According to early reports there are some acetylene and oxygen tanks in the garage but no propane making it impossible for crews to go in. No one was inside at the time.

Crews are working to open up the roof and vent the building's attic space.

Armed Robbery On The Kingston Peninsula

The RCMP getting a 9-1-1 call around 10 last night about a robbery occurring at the Kingston General Store on Route 845 on the Peninsula.

Two men left with an undisclosed amount of cash after confronting the clerk who wasn't hurt but she was tied up with duct tape.

The RCMP set up several checkpoints and checked all vehicles coming off of the Gondola Point and Grand Bay-Westfield ferries in an effort to nab the two.

Anyone with information about the holdup to contact Hampton RCMP at 832-5566 or Crimestoppers at www.crimenb.ca or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Sebastian Auger Five-Time Winner at Sea Dogs Awards Banquet

A whopping five trophies going to the Sea Dogs' goaltender. Sebastian Auger getting half of the awards given out at the team's awards banquet. Auger tells CHSJ news that this year hasn't been a breeze for the team, but the hurdles didn't knock the dogs off their feet.
 
Team captain Pierre Durepos winning two awards. He tells CHSJ news that the team is gearing up to hit the ice against the Halifax Mooseheads on Friday, the first game of this year's playoffs. He says they've been practicing hard, and says, "Hopefully we can make a little bit of noise."

Alpine Three Stars Award: Sebastian Auger
Pepsi Top Scorer Award: Jacob Izacky 
Scotiabank Community Service Award: Jason Cameron
Saint John Airport Academic Athlete of the Year: Pierre Durepos
Tim Hortons Most Improved Player Award: Sebastian Auger
Irving Oil Team Player Award: Sebastian Auger
Sun Life Global Investments Top Defenceman: Pierre Durepos
Grant Thornton Rookie of the Year Award: Stephen Anderson and Olivier LeBlanc
Children's Wish Foundation Fan Choice Award: Sebastian Auger
Bell Aliant Most Valuable Player:  Sebastian Auger

 

First Day Of Spring Is More Like Winter

The first official day of spring comes in with a bang as a winter storm moves through the province from the Gulf of Maine. 

All schools in the Anglophone South School District from Sussex to St. Stephen are closed today because of the storm. All schools in Francophone South, which includes Samuel de Champlain, are closed as well.

Cindy Vallis of Environment Canada tells CHSJ News, as of early this morning, ten centimeters of snow had fallen with another five to ten centimeters still to come, mostly this morning before tapering off to flurries this afternoon.

She hasn't seen any sign of freezing rain or ice pellets in the mix but the snowfall warning remains in effect.

Inmate Gets Prison Time For Beating Up Cellmate

A Saint John man has been sentenced to 3 and a half more years in jail after a fight in jail left another man with a traumatic brain injury.

The court heard 36 year old Jeremy Abram David already had a string of thefts and assaults on his record when he got into a fight with his cellmate, Thomas Jack. He pleaded guilty to kicking Jack in the head three times then attempting to hide from the guards why the man was unresponsive.

Jack suffered a traumatic brain injury and will not be able to work or drive again.

David was also charged with possession and breaking a court order which were factored into his sentence.

Steele and Hitchcock Get The Call To The Hall

A couple of Greater Saint John athletes will be inducted into the Provincial sports hall of fame this year.

John Steele of Rothesay gets the nod after a golf career spanning more than 75 years. He is the only golfer to win the New Brunswick/ Prince Edward Island junior golf championship back in 1938.  With six holes inone to his name and still scoring less than 100 at age 92, Steele continues to impress on the links.

Dean Hitchcock of Saint John was instrumental in the Canadian Senior's Volleyball Team from 1977 to 1984, helping it win a bronze medal at the 1979 Pan-American Games.   He was named to the he Volleyball Canada Hall of Fame in 2001.

The other nominees include 1987-88 Campbellton Tigers who won the Hardy Cup in 1988 and George LeFeuvre of Jemseg who has been involved with cross-country skiing for almost 40 years.

The members will be inducted during a ceremony at Dalhousie Regional High on June 8. 

To see the full list of six inductees, click here

Winter Making Its Last Stand

Don't put away your parka just yet. Tomorrow might be the first day of Spring, but we're getting a blast of Winter weather tonight. 

Doug Mercer from the Atlantic Storm Prediction Centre tells CHSJ news that a storm system will be making its way up into the southwest corner between late afternoon and early evening.

He says the snowfall will be fairly widespread, but the province's southwest and central areas will be hit the hardest. There's going to be 15-20 centimetres of snow.

City School Vying For $20K In National Contest

Island View School is in the running for a $20,000 outdoor classroom as part of the Majesta Trees of Knowledge contest.
The school is one of 10 finalists across the country.
Principal Mark Blucher says the money would be used to build a central amphitheater and smaller individual learning spaces.

He says the prize is based on popular vote and they are encouraging everyone to vote not only their students but parents too.

Voting is underway now and goes until April 26th. 

If they win, Blucher tells us they will find out by late May. 

To vote for Island View School, click here

Groups Beg Council Not To Rush Decision on P3

Some concerned citizens aren't buying the idea that a public private partnership--or P3--could create jobs and cut costs when it comes to revamping the city's water treatment facility.

Andrew Graham of Common Causes tells CHSJ News Saint John has the oldest municipally-owned water system in Canada and it makes sense to keep it that way. He says by enlisting the help of multi-national corporations we're effectively ensuring any cost-savings or efficiencies we find trickle out of the province.

Dustin Bowers tells us he doubts it would be less expensive, saying any big company will be concerned with profit margin first, and delivery of quality services second.

Meanwhile City Manager Pat Woods has said there's widespread confusion about exactly what a P3 means, because it's certainly not the same as privatization.

A Rare Flurry Of Activity On Partridge Island

It's rare that Partridge Island is the site of so much activity.

Uptown dwellers may have noticed that the deserted former quarantine station is getting a number of visits from helicopters from yesterday through today. 

They're delivering construction equipment to replace the generator for the island's 54-year-old lighthouse.

There hasn't been a lighthouse keeper on the island since the 1980s and the historic foghorn was decommissioned back in 1999.

The maintenance trips are expected to last through today.

Vince Gill Returning To NB This Summer

You get 'one more last chance'...well two actually to see multiple Grammy winner and Country music hall of famer Vince Gill in Moncton this summer.

Gill is coming back to Casino New Brunswick for two shows on August 23rd and 24th.

Tickets go on sale on Friday morning at 10am.
For more info, click here

Mom Pleads Not Guilty To Leaving Baby Outside

27-year-old Caleigh Dawn Shea of Saint John pleading not guilty in a case of a baby being left outside in the January cold. 

The baby was found in its carrier in the uptown although Shea has called the entire situation a misunderstanding. Her lawyer, Brian Munro is accusing the prosecution of overreacting

The case has been set over until April 11 at 9:30am.

Seeking Baby Taylor's Parents

Crime Stoppers and the RCMP are still trying to identify the body of baby boy found near Salisbury almost four years ago.

The baby boy nicknamed 'Baby Taylor' was discovered in a snow bank on Taylor Road near Monteagle on April 4, 2009.

Police believe the body could have been left near the remote logging road anytime between October 2008 and March 2009.

Despite tips from the public and an ongoing police investigation, Baby Taylor's parents have not been identified.

You can provide info through Crime Stoppers and information that helps to solve this case could qualify you for a cash award of up to $2,000.

For more info, click here

The Biggest Project In The History Of Saint John

It's twice the size of Harbour Cleanup, and would mean investment of nearly a quarter of a billion dollars in the community. The issue? Clean drinking water, a project which the city is currently investigating how to fund. 

So far city staff appear to be favouring a public private partnership, or P3, which it's claimed could save as much as $84.5 million if no funding is available under a traditional model. 

Mayor Mel Norton tells CHSJ News nothing is written in stone unless the numbers add up and the business case is solid; however, the project would be impossible without the $50 million contribution from P3 Canada.

Norton stresses the project could well be the biggest in Saint John's 228-year history, and as such could mean the creation of new jobs. He also wants to debunk the assertion we would no longer own the water, contrary to the claims of local activist groups.

The project is expected to be completed by 2018 and the construction contracts would be awarded next year. Common councildecides whether to take the inaugural steps toward a P3 next Monday.

Highway One Reopened For Morning Commute

Everything is back to normal along highway 1 near Spruce Lake after a tanker flipped over onto the median yesterday morning. 

The highway was reopened to traffic late last night after 14 thousand litres of propane was transferred from the tanker. The fire department reporting there was no leakage or injuries.

Meantime, a  warning for drivers if you're out east today.......You might run into traffic delays at the intersection of Rothesay Avenue and Russell Street because of work being done on the One Mile Interchange.

Convenience Store Robbed

An armed holdup in the north end is under investigation. It happened last night around 8:30. 

City Police telling CHSJ News a man armed with a knife got away with what is described as an undisclosed amount of money from Daly's on Taylor Avenue.

Common Causes Host Rally Against P3 Model For Water

Common Causes hosting a rally happening today at Loyalist Plaza outlying their opposition against a public private partnership to pay for clean drinking water.

Common Council will be discussing the matter at tonight's meeting, which starts starts at 6pm.

Cardy Will Not Run In Kent Byelection

Provincial NDP leader Dominic Cardy says his hands are already too full to be running in the Kent County byelection....nevertheless he tells CHSJ News he there are several strong candidates who will soon be making their names known.

He says it's just over a year until the provincial election and he is working to build a party province-wide and it's really work on the leader can do.

Cardy tells us since Kent is historically such a Liberal stronghold he understands why Liberal leader Brian Gallant has decided to run.

RCMP & Fire Marshal Examine Bordertown Fire

The Mounties and the Provincial Fire Marshal are looking into a house fire on Queensway Way in St. Stephen early this  morning.

RCMP and firefighters from St. Stephen and Calais responded just after midnight. 

The only person living in the two-storey home saw the fire in a porch area at the rear of the home, but couldn't put it out and went to find help from his neighbours.

The cause of the blaze is considered suspicious.  Anyone with information is asked to contact the St. Stephen RCMP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Medical Event Slows Traffic On King

A medical event on a City bus slowing traffic at King and Germain.

The person may have had a seizure and are being taken to the hospital to be checked out. 

 

One Lane East & West Open On Hwy 1 Near Spruce Lake

A propane truck tipping over this morning is tying up a lot of emergency personnel resources today.

In the latest update, Higway 1 just west of Spruce Lake is open to traffic one lane in each direction.

A technical issue has prevented the removal of the propane at this time.
It was decided it would best to wait until after rush hour to close the roadway.

The roadway will now be shut down after 6pm to remove propane from the truck and remove the truck itself.

Kent County Gets Set To Vote Next Month

Premier David Alward has called a byelection for April 15 to fill the seat vacated by former premier Shawn Graham.

The seat for the riding of Kent officially became vacant last week after Graham quit politics. 

Liberal Leader Brian Gallant will run for the party and the Progressive Conservatives will choose their candidate on Wednesday.    Graham resigned after he was found to be in a conflict of interest over a $50-million loan guarantee his government gave to a construction firm in 2009.

The province's conflict of interest commissioner said Graham should have removed himself from the cabinet discussions about the loan guarantee to Acton because it had ties to his father.
 

Drug Bust in Florenceville-Bristol

The RCMP seizing hash, marijuana, marijuana plants and pills at a house in Florenceville-Bristol after carrying out a search warrant. A 37-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman who lived at the house were arrested on Friday. The two were released and will appear in court at a later date in connection with the drug bust.

Anyone with information on illegal drug activity in their neighbourhood is asked to get in touch with the RCMP or Crime Stoppers, at www.crimenb.ca, or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Highway 1 Near Spruce Lake Closing For Two Hours

Highway 1 is closing in both directions just west of Spruce Lake for two hours while propane is drained from a truck on its side.

City police and fire and the RCMP are all on the scene.

The truck slipped onto its side about 930 this morning but no one was hurt and no fluid leaked.

Super-force Not A Popular Idea In KV

Merging all the police agencies into one big, regional force ... that idea being tossed around by city mayor Mel Norton, but the proposal's not popular in the valley. 

Quispamsis mayor Murray Driscoll tells CHSJ news that they don't want to combine forces, but they do want to keep on collaborating with the city.
 
Driscoll says the Rothesay Regional Police already work closely with Saint John, sharing staff with the regional emergency tactical team, street crime drug enforcement and canine services, in addition to other areas. He says the current system isn't broken, and doesn't need fixing.

Many City Boards Need Your Spare Time

18 of the 60 organizations the Saint John Volunteer Centre recruits for are currently looking to fill vacancies on their boards.
 
Eileen McLaughlin tells CHSJ News part of the reason is people are so busy these days and have very little free time for volunteering.

She says the workplace is more demanding than usual which is impacting volunteerism because people have less time to give back.

McLaughlin says between meetings, committees and work it shakes down to a 6 to 8 hour time commitment a month.   You can apply on their website.     
For more info, click here

Propane Truck Flips On Highway

City fire crews remain on the scene after a tractor-trailer carrying propane flipped on Highway 1 westbound near Spruce Lake.

It happened about 930 this morning and no one was hurt and the vehicle is not leaking any fluid.

Diesel tanks are being drained and then propane tanks will be drained before the truck can be put upright and towed off the highway.

Plans Unveiled For New Seniors Complex In Millidgeville

Common Council being asked to approve rezoning to allow construction of a seniors complex in Millidgeville being proposed by Shannex.

The project, described as a campus style layout, would be constructed at 80 University Avenue behind Wendy's and Tim Hortons stretching along Millidge Avenue.

It would consist of a five story building with lifestyle apartments for seniors who are more active......A four storey building for traditional retirement living with two meals provided daily......A two storey building for special care and a one storey building for people suffering from Alzheimer's and dementia.

There's no word yet on a construction schedule.

World's Fastest Network Now Available

Smartphone users with Telus can cruise the web at top speed with the launch of the world's fastest wireless technology in greater Saint John. 

It's called 4G Long Term Evolution or LTE, and Ken Power, the director for Telus' Atlantic region says the old network is more like dial-up internet, where the new network is like high-speed.

 Downloads are approximately 75 megabits a second, making it seven to 10 times faster than the old network.

He says any customer with a relatively new smart phone should be on the network, but there's no fee for the upgrade.

Deer Breaks Into Bedroom

Herds of them roam outside in the valley, but one particularly adventurous deer made the jump indoors.

The animal smashed a window of a house on Bel Air Avenue over the weekend, and Corporal Joe Cantelo of the Rothesay Regional Police tells CHSJ news says they got the call after the resident had locked it inside of the bedroom. An officer from the Department of Natural Resources showed up and gave the deer a lethal dose of tranquilizer, after realizing it had fractured its legs.

Organised Labour Says No Need To Change E-I

The Employment Insurance programme is seen by the federal government, regardless of which party is in power, as being its cash cow to be used when needed to reduce the deficit even though it doesn't contribute a nickel to the fund. 

That charge being levelled by Serge Landry of the Canadian Labour Congress who was in Saint John speaking at a town hall meeting and warning workers the appeal process is being made harder.
 
Landry tells CHSJ News the E-I programme doesn't have a funding problem at all. In fact, the C-L-C has suggested there's a surplus and benefits could be increased.

Landry says last year in New Brunswick, there were 35 thousand unemployed workers with only 38 hundred available jobs.

Value For Money Study On Water Completed

Common Council has been told by Price Waterhouse Cooper, taxpayers in the city will get better value for their money by going with the public-private partnership or P-3 model to build the water treatment plant on the east side. 

Common Council has been told there would be a 10 to 15 per cent savings for ratepayers. 

Meantime, former Mayor Ivan Court says the city also has to get some of the big industrial water users to pay their fair share and not the rates they were paying in 1958.

Price Waterhouse Cooper estimates yearly water rates would range from $1,450 to $1,550  by the year 2030 under the P-3 model as opposed to $1,650 to $1,750 a year under the traditional method of funding.

Moore Says People Shouldn't Fear EI Changes

Seasonal workers in the province continue to protest reforms to employment insurance.

Fundy-Royal MP Rob Moore says not a single person has come into his office saying they have been cut off due to the changes.

He tells CHSJ News E-I isn't going anywhere.

He says for people who need Employment Insurance it will be there adding in his riding they have many seasonal workers in places like St. Martin's and Alma.

Moore says E-I staffers doing 1400 drop in visits across the country to ensure claimants are actively seeking work might amount to two visits in his riding.