After the test score of a 17 year old student at Oromocto High School was leaked by the Department of Education, the Opposition Liberals are calling for Education Minister Jody Carr to resign.
Education Critic Chris Collins tells CHSJ News Carr's office abused its power, likening the snafu to a Health Minister using his or her position to find out the medical test results of a patient.
The student in question had received media attention due to questions raised over whether she should write the English Language Proficiency Exam. The Liberals are asking the premier to intervene and relieve Carr of his duties.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Island View School Wins $20K For Outdoor Classroom
After 6 weeks of voting, Island View School has won a $20,000 outdoor classroom in the Majesta Trees of Knowledge contest.
The west side school gets the grand prize money, expert consultation from Tree Canada to help bring their classroom to life and outdoor learning curriculum support from Focus on Forests.
The new Island View School outdoor learning space will open in October and feature a covered amphitheatre-like classroom, learning pods to facilitate smaller group learning and a new structure to help direct rain into the school’s water garden.
After slipping to 2nd spot in the voting, the school rallied back to 1st place with community support before voting closed last month.
The west side school gets the grand prize money, expert consultation from Tree Canada to help bring their classroom to life and outdoor learning curriculum support from Focus on Forests.
The new Island View School outdoor learning space will open in October and feature a covered amphitheatre-like classroom, learning pods to facilitate smaller group learning and a new structure to help direct rain into the school’s water garden.
After slipping to 2nd spot in the voting, the school rallied back to 1st place with community support before voting closed last month.
Pay Freeze For M-L-A's
It looks like M-L-A's and provincial cabinet ministers will have their pay frozen for another year under amendments introduced in the Legislature.
Government house leader Paul Robichaud says this will freeze the wages of M-L-A's and cabinet ministers for the fourth year in a row.
Robichaud says the last time they got a raise was back in 2008.
Government house leader Paul Robichaud says this will freeze the wages of M-L-A's and cabinet ministers for the fourth year in a row.
Robichaud says the last time they got a raise was back in 2008.
Power Outages In Saint John Area
Power outages being reported this morning by NB Power in Qusipamsis and the Kingston Peninsula including MacDonald Consolidated School which will be closed for the day.
More than 730 users are affected. It's believed all the power will be back on by 10:00 but most people will have theirs restored sooner than that.
More than 730 users are affected. It's believed all the power will be back on by 10:00 but most people will have theirs restored sooner than that.
Growing The Economy Isn't About Oil, Says Academic
Saint John needs jobs--but at least one prominent academic would disagree with Mayor Mel Norton that a West-East oil pipeline is the way to get them.
Dr Sarah White was invited to give a lecture hosted by Sustainable Saint John about
the policy of building a greener future; how to add value to local economies through green technology, and efficiencies in energy, waste, and water management.
White tells CHSJ News it's foolish to repeat the same mistakes but expect different results.
She says Europe has moved toward a greener model and seen economic growth as a result, and we need to look at what's actually working everywhere else instead of to our carbon-centric past.
Dr Sarah White was invited to give a lecture hosted by Sustainable Saint John about
the policy of building a greener future; how to add value to local economies through green technology, and efficiencies in energy, waste, and water management.
White tells CHSJ News it's foolish to repeat the same mistakes but expect different results.
She says Europe has moved toward a greener model and seen economic growth as a result, and we need to look at what's actually working everywhere else instead of to our carbon-centric past.
The City Of Saint John Picks Up Two Awards For Energy Efficiency
At the 5th annual Premier's Energy Awards, the City has two winners.
The City's Energy Manager Samir Yammine has won the Energy Efficiency Champion Award with his work since 2011 saving the City an estimated 1.8 million dollars every year.
Yammine tells CHSJ News he began working in the city's energy department nearly 15 years ago.
He says when they started they were few programs like it so it was a bit of a struggle in the beginning.
The other winner is the new Police headquarters at Peel Plaza for new Commercial Construction.
The City's Energy Manager Samir Yammine has won the Energy Efficiency Champion Award with his work since 2011 saving the City an estimated 1.8 million dollars every year.
Yammine tells CHSJ News he began working in the city's energy department nearly 15 years ago.
He says when they started they were few programs like it so it was a bit of a struggle in the beginning.
The other winner is the new Police headquarters at Peel Plaza for new Commercial Construction.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Transport Truck Driver Charged With Aggravated Sexual Assault, Confinement
A 54-year-old truck driver from Québec is charged with aggravated sexual assault and forcible confinement after allegedly attacking a woman in a Moncton parking lot.
On April 25, witnesses called 911 when they saw a young woman running naked in a parking lot near the intersection of Church Street and Mountain Road. She was screaming for help after having gotten out of a transport truck, which managed to drive off.
Police tracked down the truck driver in a community on the South Shore of Montreal. Maurice Cloutier will be brought back to New Brunswick to face the charges.
On April 25, witnesses called 911 when they saw a young woman running naked in a parking lot near the intersection of Church Street and Mountain Road. She was screaming for help after having gotten out of a transport truck, which managed to drive off.
Police tracked down the truck driver in a community on the South Shore of Montreal. Maurice Cloutier will be brought back to New Brunswick to face the charges.
East Side Grass Fire Could Easily Have Been Much Worse
With a series of devastating forest fires in the province this week , City fire crews are very aware the woods are dangerously dry.
A grass fire in a wooded area off Falcon Crescent could have easily gone awry but crews were able to contain with help from some wind direction.
CHSJ News asked Platoon Chief Peter Saab about the cause of the blaze.
He says they have had a number of fires in that area in the last month and while they don't see people lighting them he's not aware of any lighting strikes lately.
Saab says they got lucky because a passerby dropped by the Loch Lomond fire station to let the crews know about it.
A grass fire in a wooded area off Falcon Crescent could have easily gone awry but crews were able to contain with help from some wind direction.
CHSJ News asked Platoon Chief Peter Saab about the cause of the blaze.
He says they have had a number of fires in that area in the last month and while they don't see people lighting them he's not aware of any lighting strikes lately.
Saab says they got lucky because a passerby dropped by the Loch Lomond fire station to let the crews know about it.
Police Commission Won't Get Pricey Social Media Training
The Saint John Police Force is getting ready to jump on the social media bandwagon with a program teaching officers the best way to communicate online.
But Mayor Mel Norton objected to Police Commission, a volunteer board, getting the same $4000 training on the taxpayers' dime.
Norton says there's no reason for the commission to get the training; however, several board members disagreed, saying it would raise public awareness of what the commission does.
Ultimately the idea was voted down. The Police Commission is a volunteer board that makes policy for the police force, provides oversight, and keeps the force accountable for the use of its resources.
But Mayor Mel Norton objected to Police Commission, a volunteer board, getting the same $4000 training on the taxpayers' dime.
Norton says there's no reason for the commission to get the training; however, several board members disagreed, saying it would raise public awareness of what the commission does.
Ultimately the idea was voted down. The Police Commission is a volunteer board that makes policy for the police force, provides oversight, and keeps the force accountable for the use of its resources.
Crews Fight Stubborn Grass Fire Out East
City fire crews bringing in more resources to battle a stubborn grass fire in East Saint John off Heather Way.
The fire near Falcon Crescent has been knocked down but crews think its needs a good drenching to keep it from flaring up again.
Crews that initially responded have called in some help due to difficulty reaching the area by vehicle and bringing water there.
The fire near Falcon Crescent has been knocked down but crews think its needs a good drenching to keep it from flaring up again.
Crews that initially responded have called in some help due to difficulty reaching the area by vehicle and bringing water there.
Perth-Andover Is Waiting For Rain
You have never seen so many people eager for rain but that's the case in our tinder dry province.
It's hoped the coming rain will help firefighters put out a blaze north of Perth-Andover where two reception centres are open to support nearly 300 people under evacuation orders or notices.
All evacuees are asked to visit the reception centre on Main Street in Tobique and register with the Red Cross disaster team giving authorites a clearer picture of how many people are impacted.
Another centre is set up in the River Valley Civic Centre in Perth-Andover.
Residents of about 200 homes in Perth-Andover, Tobique and other communities were told yesterday to evacuate as a precaution.
Schools in the area are closed today as a precaution.
For more info, call 1-800-222-9597
It's hoped the coming rain will help firefighters put out a blaze north of Perth-Andover where two reception centres are open to support nearly 300 people under evacuation orders or notices.
All evacuees are asked to visit the reception centre on Main Street in Tobique and register with the Red Cross disaster team giving authorites a clearer picture of how many people are impacted.
Another centre is set up in the River Valley Civic Centre in Perth-Andover.
Residents of about 200 homes in Perth-Andover, Tobique and other communities were told yesterday to evacuate as a precaution.
Schools in the area are closed today as a precaution.
For more info, call 1-800-222-9597
Can Saint John Get Another Domestic Airline? Not likely
All this talk about Porter Airlines flying into Saint John or Westjet returning is just wishful thinking according to the President and C-E-O at the Airport, David Allen.
He says you need from 300 to 400 thousand passengers a year to justify a second domestic airline in addition to Air Canada and last year 216 thousand people used the airport.
The airport also loses 120 thousand passengers each year who make their way to other airports in the region.
There was talk a few years ago that it might be better to have one centralised airport to serve Saint John, Fredericton and Moncton but Allen says that idea has bitten the dust because it would be too expensive.
He says you need from 300 to 400 thousand passengers a year to justify a second domestic airline in addition to Air Canada and last year 216 thousand people used the airport.
The airport also loses 120 thousand passengers each year who make their way to other airports in the region.
There was talk a few years ago that it might be better to have one centralised airport to serve Saint John, Fredericton and Moncton but Allen says that idea has bitten the dust because it would be too expensive.
Gas Prices Drop
You'll pay a bit less for gas after the weekly setting.
Prices going down by a cent or so with self serve regular around town going for $1.22.9 and diesel at $1.26.2.
The price of propane going up by just over half a cent to a maximum of $1.05.6 a litre.
Prices going down by a cent or so with self serve regular around town going for $1.22.9 and diesel at $1.26.2.
The price of propane going up by just over half a cent to a maximum of $1.05.6 a litre.
Grade 7 Student Honours War Hero Great-Grandfather
Lucas Walker is the great-grandson of Ozzie MacLean, whom our listeners might remember from the 1990s as a crusaders for veteran's rights. Lucas Walker tells CHSJ News he was inspired by how his great-grandfather pushed for merchant seamen to get the same benefits as other vets, even marching on Parliament Hill.
Walker says his great-grandfather fought bravely despite there only being a 1 in 8 chance of surviving the war in the merchant navy.
Walker will be competing with his project on Ozzie MacLean against over 70 other entries at the New Brunswick Museum tonight.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Gregoire-Trudeau Thrills A Crowd Of 400 In Market Square
400 shoe-wearing and shoe-loving women gathering in the Market Square atrium for the 6th annual A Day In Her Shoes fundraiser.
The Canadian Mental Health Association event featuring Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau as its keynote speaker.
She tells CHSJ News some of the television programming today is very damaging to the teenage psyche.
She says there are things in the media and in magazines and in fashion shows that encourage a culture of self-hatred of trying to change something about yourself.
Gregoire-Trudeau says it ranges from fakes breasts to fake nails and even calf implants.
She also spoke of an ER doctor in Montreal who sees more and more teenagers coming in with mental health problems.
All proceeds from the event go the local chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association for the programs and services.
Two Locations Identified As Possibilities For Direct Flight To U.S.
Newark and Philadelphia have been identified as two possible locations for a direct flight to the U.S. from Saint John. Airport President and C-E-O David Allen says discussions are ongoing.
The airport is also talking to Air Canada about adding a flight to Toronto.
Allen would also like to see additional flights to Halifax and St. John's, Newfoundland. He tells CHSJ News the airport has alot of potential but it's unrealised potential.
The number of passengers using the airport last year increased by more than 4 per cent to over 216 thousand.
The airport is also talking to Air Canada about adding a flight to Toronto.
Allen would also like to see additional flights to Halifax and St. John's, Newfoundland. He tells CHSJ News the airport has alot of potential but it's unrealised potential.
The number of passengers using the airport last year increased by more than 4 per cent to over 216 thousand.
Duguay Being Held After Drug Arrest
A 25 year old City man is being held in custody on drug charges.
Bradley Duguay of Dresden Avenue was arrested on Monday in an operation involving City police, Rothesay Regional Police and the RCMP.
Duguay is accused of selling cocaine, marijuana and steroids with a street value of $2300.
Following a court appearance, Duguay will remain in jail until a bail hearing set for tomorrow afternoon.
Bradley Duguay of Dresden Avenue was arrested on Monday in an operation involving City police, Rothesay Regional Police and the RCMP.
Duguay is accused of selling cocaine, marijuana and steroids with a street value of $2300.
Following a court appearance, Duguay will remain in jail until a bail hearing set for tomorrow afternoon.
Ward 3 Candidate Takes Interactive Approach To Posters
One Ward 3 Candidate is taking an outside the box approach to campaign signage.
Graeme Stewart Robertson's sign on Germain Street provides a marker and blank space for voters to write what they want to see for Ward 3. Stewart-Robertson tells CHSJ News it's a chance for people to say what they really think and get people talking about the issues.
Of course, some people have written less-than-savoury things on the poster as of this afternoon, but Stewart-Robertson says that's par for the course and the constructive comments outweigh the crude ones.
Graeme Stewart Robertson's sign on Germain Street provides a marker and blank space for voters to write what they want to see for Ward 3. Stewart-Robertson tells CHSJ News it's a chance for people to say what they really think and get people talking about the issues.
Of course, some people have written less-than-savoury things on the poster as of this afternoon, but Stewart-Robertson says that's par for the course and the constructive comments outweigh the crude ones.
Chief Says Few Leads In Choi Disappearance
Police are still searching for a Korean woman living on the West Side who went missing back on April 22, and Police Chief Bill Reid tells CHSJ News that will continue despite the absence of any solid leads.
Reid says the police force is highly conscious of the fact that there is a family at home wondering where their mother and wife is, and will follow up on any information they recieve.
Choi is described as being approximately five-feet, four-inches tall, with short dark hair and two piercings on both ears. She was last seen wearing black tights, a dark knit sweater and black calf-length boots. She was also possibly carrying a black knapsack.
A $50,000 reward has been offered for information on Choi's whereabouts.
Reid says the police force is highly conscious of the fact that there is a family at home wondering where their mother and wife is, and will follow up on any information they recieve.
Choi is described as being approximately five-feet, four-inches tall, with short dark hair and two piercings on both ears. She was last seen wearing black tights, a dark knit sweater and black calf-length boots. She was also possibly carrying a black knapsack.
A $50,000 reward has been offered for information on Choi's whereabouts.
Mayor Urges Public Not To Feed The Deer
As the Valley and Quispamsis solicit public opinions about the deer problem, Saint John's common council grapples with the same problem.
Common councillor Bill Farren had suggested a by-law prohibiting people from feeding the deer; however, common councillor Shirley McAlary points out there's no way to enforce that kind of law, since Animal Control doesn't even deal with cats anymore, let alone deer.
Mayor Mel Norton says ultimately it's the responsibilty of the citizenry to use common sense and not entice deer to residential areas where they can get hit by cars and spread Lyme-carrying deer ticks.
Common councillor Bill Farren had suggested a by-law prohibiting people from feeding the deer; however, common councillor Shirley McAlary points out there's no way to enforce that kind of law, since Animal Control doesn't even deal with cats anymore, let alone deer.
Mayor Mel Norton says ultimately it's the responsibilty of the citizenry to use common sense and not entice deer to residential areas where they can get hit by cars and spread Lyme-carrying deer ticks.
Posters Depict Ward 3 Candidate As Obese, Hairy Devil
In the final days of the Ward 3 campaign, one candidate is being accused of shady dealings via a poster campaign primarily focused on the uptown.
The anonymous posters, which have been stapled to posts and signboards, depict Gerry Lowe as an horned, hairy Satan-figure and accuse the former Vet's Taxi owner of entering the race only to pad his pockets and acquire vacant lots on which he can build on for free.
Lowe tells CHSJ News he'd not too concerned the posters will influence anyone, calling the person behind it "a very sad individual."
Lowe says his priorities do include seeing vacant lots filled up, but that is simply in order to enlarge the tax base. He says that's the only way the tax rates will come down.
The anonymous posters, which have been stapled to posts and signboards, depict Gerry Lowe as an horned, hairy Satan-figure and accuse the former Vet's Taxi owner of entering the race only to pad his pockets and acquire vacant lots on which he can build on for free.
Lowe tells CHSJ News he'd not too concerned the posters will influence anyone, calling the person behind it "a very sad individual."
Lowe says his priorities do include seeing vacant lots filled up, but that is simply in order to enlarge the tax base. He says that's the only way the tax rates will come down.
Most Trailers Will Not Pay Property Tax
Service New Brunswick is trying to clear up any confusion or misunderstanding on whether the provincial government will starting assessing the big park model trailers for property tax next year.
CHSJ News has been told by Service NB the majority of travel trailers will not be affected.
Licensable travel trailers which are 8 feet, 6 inches or 2.6 metres in width or less are not considered to be real property which translates into taxable residential property. Since that's the case, the imposition of property tax would not apply to regular travel trailers regardless of how long they stay in a campground or trailer park.
CHSJ News has been told by Service NB the majority of travel trailers will not be affected.
Licensable travel trailers which are 8 feet, 6 inches or 2.6 metres in width or less are not considered to be real property which translates into taxable residential property. Since that's the case, the imposition of property tax would not apply to regular travel trailers regardless of how long they stay in a campground or trailer park.
Drunk Driving Campaign Launched
Police along with Mothers Against Drunk Driving are urging you to call 9-1-1 if you see a drunk driver in your travels.
The 9-1-1 campaign being launched at police headquarters in Peel Plaza with the President of MADD Canada coming to town for it.
Denise Dubyk's son-in-law was a passenger in a pickup being driven by a drunk driver and died instantly in a crash back in May of 2000. He left behind a wife and two young children. She tells CHSJ News his death left the family shattered and, even over time, never really recovers. She compares it to a puzzle which always has a missing piece.
Dubyk says drunk driving is the leading criminal cause of death in the country, killing 4 people, on average, every single day as well as injuring 175 others. She adds arrests of drunk drivers because of calling 9-1-1 increase by an average of 30 per cent.
The 9-1-1 campaign being launched at police headquarters in Peel Plaza with the President of MADD Canada coming to town for it.
Denise Dubyk's son-in-law was a passenger in a pickup being driven by a drunk driver and died instantly in a crash back in May of 2000. He left behind a wife and two young children. She tells CHSJ News his death left the family shattered and, even over time, never really recovers. She compares it to a puzzle which always has a missing piece.
Dubyk says drunk driving is the leading criminal cause of death in the country, killing 4 people, on average, every single day as well as injuring 175 others. She adds arrests of drunk drivers because of calling 9-1-1 increase by an average of 30 per cent.
Saint John Getting A Visit From Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau
Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau is getting more attention now that her husband has become the new federal Liberal leader. She's in the city tonight to kick off Mental Health Week with "A Day in Her Shoes" event in the Market Square Atrium beginning at 6.
She's here to bring awareness to the importance of good mental health and try to get rid of the stigma that's attached to mental illnesses.
Gregoire-Trudeau also speaks out about eating disorders and self-esteem in women.
She's here to bring awareness to the importance of good mental health and try to get rid of the stigma that's attached to mental illnesses.
Gregoire-Trudeau also speaks out about eating disorders and self-esteem in women.
Stonehammer Geopark Looking For Financial Backing From Quispamsis
Discovering and showcasing our unique landscape isn't cheap; Stonehammer Geopark, a huge provincial geological and fossil project, asking for a sum of $10,000 from Quispamsis.
Mayor Murray Driscoll tells CHSJ News they're considering the request because of the tourism potential.
He says it's the type of thing that's going to make Saint John and the rest of the region a great place for tourists to visit and he thinks the literature that's already available on Stonehammer Geopark will make them flock here.
Merrifield telling council the park encompasses 2500 square kilometres at the moment, and they're looking at expanding their footprint.
Mayor Murray Driscoll tells CHSJ News they're considering the request because of the tourism potential.
He says it's the type of thing that's going to make Saint John and the rest of the region a great place for tourists to visit and he thinks the literature that's already available on Stonehammer Geopark will make them flock here.
Merrifield telling council the park encompasses 2500 square kilometres at the moment, and they're looking at expanding their footprint.
Net Tightening Around Suspect In Oland Murder
For the first time in the almost two years since Richard Oland was murdered in his uptown office, Police Chief Bill Reid tells CHSJ News the investigation into the businessman's death is drawing to a close.
Reid says he believes an arrest will be made by within the year, which is in line with what's been predicted for some time now.
The chief saying while no new evidence has been found per se, they are taking the file to the provincial Crown by the end of this month.
Because it's a major file, other Crowns will then be consulted and then a decision on how to move forward delivered to the police force as soon as reasonably possible. Oland was murdered on July 7, 2011.
Reid says he believes an arrest will be made by within the year, which is in line with what's been predicted for some time now.
The chief saying while no new evidence has been found per se, they are taking the file to the provincial Crown by the end of this month.
Because it's a major file, other Crowns will then be consulted and then a decision on how to move forward delivered to the police force as soon as reasonably possible. Oland was murdered on July 7, 2011.
It's McHappy Day Today
$1 from every Big Mac, Happy Meal and McCafe beverage sold today will go to the Saint John Boys and Girls club.
Amanda Masters of McDonalds tells CHSJ News locally you can help by visiting a McDonald's locations between the West side and the McDonalds at the Esso in Quispamsis and you will help the Saint John Boys and Girls club.
She says last year McHappy Day brought in $15,000 for the Saint John Boys and Girls club and they hope to do that again this year.
You might see a new face in the drive thru window today as Saint John common councillors David Merrithew, Shirly McAlary, Donna Reardon and John MacKenzie will be volunteering today along with City Police chief Bill Reid and Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishop.
You will even see Country 94's Marky B at a McDonald's locations this morning.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
RCMP Assisting With Evacuations Due To Forest Fires
The Mounties are helping fire departments in Petitcodiac and Kedgwick coordinate the evacuation of some homes due to forest fires.
A fire was reported in Petitcodiac about 2:30 today.
Some residents are being asked to leave their homes for their safety.
Traffic is also being diverted from the area and road blocks have been set up.
A second fire was reported in Kedgwick about 3:40 and some homes are being evacuated and traffic is being diverted from those roads.
Corporal Chantal Farrah says the RCMP are asking for people to stay away from both areas for their safety and to allow firefighters to do their work
Access to the areas will only be permitted once firefighters determine that it's safe.
A fire was reported in Petitcodiac about 2:30 today.
Some residents are being asked to leave their homes for their safety.
Traffic is also being diverted from the area and road blocks have been set up.
A second fire was reported in Kedgwick about 3:40 and some homes are being evacuated and traffic is being diverted from those roads.
Corporal Chantal Farrah says the RCMP are asking for people to stay away from both areas for their safety and to allow firefighters to do their work
Access to the areas will only be permitted once firefighters determine that it's safe.
Cops Investigate Complaints Of By-election Violations
Police are looking into two alleged violations of the Municipal Elections Act during the advance polls for the Ward 3 by-election.
Paul Harpelle of Elections NB tells CHSJ News there were complaints of a campaign sign being too close to a polling station during advance voting day and pieces of photocopied paper being found in King's Square without the name of the printer and publisher on the page. But these complaints won't have any effect on the election itself. Harpelle says so-called sign wars often creep up into these political events, and the election will continue as per norm.
Voters go to the polls on Monday, May 13th to elect a new city councillor to replace Donnie Snook.
Paul Harpelle of Elections NB tells CHSJ News there were complaints of a campaign sign being too close to a polling station during advance voting day and pieces of photocopied paper being found in King's Square without the name of the printer and publisher on the page. But these complaints won't have any effect on the election itself. Harpelle says so-called sign wars often creep up into these political events, and the election will continue as per norm.
Voters go to the polls on Monday, May 13th to elect a new city councillor to replace Donnie Snook.
Two Men In Court After Alleged East Side Assault
Two men have been released on conditions after an alleged assault last night on Bayside Drive.
Sylvio Saulnier is charged with 3 counts including assault with a bat and possessing a machete after the incident,which caused a major police presence to be called to the East Side street.
His roommate, Randy Ryan, also appeared in court in connection with the incident.
Both men were ordered to have no contact with the victims and are expected to enter a plea on June 18th.
A 28 year old woman and a 35 year old woman also face charges in the incident.
Council Of Canadians Bringing Healthcare Campaign To City
A new deal for healthcare........That's what the Council of Canadians claims is needed but unlikely to happen given Prime Minister Harper's inclinations.
The Council's healthcare campaigner Adrienne Silnicki, who'll be speaking in the city, tells CHSJ News Prime Minister Harper keeps talking about alternative methods of healthcare delivery which is really a parallel public-private system but they don't achieve the promised results.
Silnicki warns the cuts we're now seeing in provincial healthcare are just the tip of the iceberg if the Prime Minister goes ahead with cutting 36 billion dollars in transfer payments for health a couple of years from now.
She says that translates into enough funding for 11 hospitals as well as 30 health care centres and clinics.
Silnicki will be delivering a public talk on all this at the Church of St. Andrew and St. David on Germain Street tomorrow night at 6.
The Council's healthcare campaigner Adrienne Silnicki, who'll be speaking in the city, tells CHSJ News Prime Minister Harper keeps talking about alternative methods of healthcare delivery which is really a parallel public-private system but they don't achieve the promised results.
Silnicki warns the cuts we're now seeing in provincial healthcare are just the tip of the iceberg if the Prime Minister goes ahead with cutting 36 billion dollars in transfer payments for health a couple of years from now.
She says that translates into enough funding for 11 hospitals as well as 30 health care centres and clinics.
Silnicki will be delivering a public talk on all this at the Church of St. Andrew and St. David on Germain Street tomorrow night at 6.
Pension Coalition NB Comes Out Swinging
Despite public meetings on the shared risk model for the provincial pension plan, the retirees and the Alward Government couldn't be further away from reaching agreement.
The Pension Coalition is accusing the province of trying to divide and conquer by giving the impression that the retirees are greedy by not agreeing to changes. The Coalition's Clifford Kennedy calls this unethical telling CHSJ News the retirees, when they were working, agreed not to accept wage increases so they could have secured and guaranteed pensions.
Kennedy charges the government claims the provincial pension plan is running a billion dollar deficit but it's own records from March of last year shows a 141 million dollar surplus.
He adds when the province's pension task force was announced, it was supposed to deal with private pension plans and nothing was said, at the time, about public pensions and the Premier gave no indication the shared risk model would apply to the retirees as well as those provincial government employees still working. .
The Pension Coalition is accusing the province of trying to divide and conquer by giving the impression that the retirees are greedy by not agreeing to changes. The Coalition's Clifford Kennedy calls this unethical telling CHSJ News the retirees, when they were working, agreed not to accept wage increases so they could have secured and guaranteed pensions.
Kennedy charges the government claims the provincial pension plan is running a billion dollar deficit but it's own records from March of last year shows a 141 million dollar surplus.
He adds when the province's pension task force was announced, it was supposed to deal with private pension plans and nothing was said, at the time, about public pensions and the Premier gave no indication the shared risk model would apply to the retirees as well as those provincial government employees still working. .
A Change At The Top Of The Board Of Trade
The Saint John Board of Trade has a new chair for the next year. He's Eric Poirier of Bell Aliant who's taking over from Larry Hachey.
Poirier tells CHSJ News the business climate will be toughgoing for the foreseeable future but the people he talks to are optimistic about the future.
He promises more focus on small businesses since they make up 80 per cent of the Board's membership.
Poirier says more french will be spoken at Board of Trade events because with more than 6 thousand francophones in the area and almost 20 thousand people who are bilingual, this is an economic advantage.
Outgoing chair Larry Hachey told the annual meeting, the relationship between the Board of Trade and City Hall is much better now than it was a year ago when Saint John's reputation was taking a hit and it appeared as if the city has lost its mojo.
Poirier tells CHSJ News the business climate will be toughgoing for the foreseeable future but the people he talks to are optimistic about the future.
He promises more focus on small businesses since they make up 80 per cent of the Board's membership.
Poirier says more french will be spoken at Board of Trade events because with more than 6 thousand francophones in the area and almost 20 thousand people who are bilingual, this is an economic advantage.
Outgoing chair Larry Hachey told the annual meeting, the relationship between the Board of Trade and City Hall is much better now than it was a year ago when Saint John's reputation was taking a hit and it appeared as if the city has lost its mojo.
Two Men & Two Women Taken Into Custody After A Bayside Drive Fight

Four people face charges after a fight involving weapons on Bayside Drive.
Early last night, officers responded to the East Side arresting two men and two women.
Two women, 28 and 35 years old, face charges of causing a disturbance and have been released pending a future court date.
A man in his 40's is looking at charges of assault, damage&mischief and possession of a weapon while a 38 year old man faces two charges of possession of weapon and assault with a weapon.
The two men remain in custody before a court appearance.
Province Invests In Homeport Study
"We're moving to the next stage."
That from Tourism Minister Trevor Holder at the announcement Dillon Consulting will receive about fifty-thousand dollars to explore Saint John as a homeport for cruise ships.
The announcement this morning at the Diamond Jubilee Cruise Terminal.
Holder tells CHSJ News the cruise industry is celebrating 25 years because people said 'why not' instead of 'why can't we'.
He says we have a great product here in Saint John and across the Fundy region so now we have to figure out how to take it to the next level.
Holder says he believes the Bay of Fundy product is so world class that getting on a boat in Saint John will be very appealing to the Boston/New York market.
The results of the study are expected in late summer or early fall.
That from Tourism Minister Trevor Holder at the announcement Dillon Consulting will receive about fifty-thousand dollars to explore Saint John as a homeport for cruise ships.
The announcement this morning at the Diamond Jubilee Cruise Terminal.
Holder tells CHSJ News the cruise industry is celebrating 25 years because people said 'why not' instead of 'why can't we'.
He says we have a great product here in Saint John and across the Fundy region so now we have to figure out how to take it to the next level.
Holder says he believes the Bay of Fundy product is so world class that getting on a boat in Saint John will be very appealing to the Boston/New York market.
The results of the study are expected in late summer or early fall.
Mayor Mel Norton Heads West
Mayor Mel Norton is offering further details on his upcoming trip to Calgary.
The trip hasthe aim of enticing big oil producers to ship their product to the Port City, and is being financed by the travel budget of the mayor's office.
Energy Minister Craig Leonard and Port representatives will also be attending the meetings, which will include a stop at the Calgary-based Irving Oil office. Norton says he and the province have informed Irving of their plans and consulted with them about which producers they should meet.
Norton says we are currently in the midst of so-called open season, the period when oil producers look to fill the pipelines that could ultimately make their way to Saint John.
That period typically lasts 60 days from mid-April to mid June; as a result, Norton says he hopes to forge some connections, and secure some commitments in short order.
At the end of May the Mayor will travel to Ottawa with MP Rodney Weston to meet with federal politicians who might support bringing the West-East oil pipeline to Saint John. At the same time, they plan to consult with bureaucrats from P3 Canada to get a sense of the progress on the city's application for water funding.
More Revelations About Watered Down Chemo Medication
More details being revealed about the watered down chemotherapy drugs given 186 cancer patients at the Regional Hospital.
An organization that arranged a contract with a company that supplied the diluted chemotherapy drugs has told a legislative committee in Ontario the labels on the drugs didn't accurately describe their contents.
Officials from Medbuy, which arranged the contract between Marchese Hospital Solutions and the hospitals, say the company should have provided exact specifications on its labels. They told a legislative committee the pharmacist overseeing the production of the saline-and-drug mixtures should have accounted for the extra saline in the bags.
Extra saline in the bags effectively watered down the prescribed drug concentrations by up to 20 per cent.
The committee has heard the drug mixture Marchese Hospital Solutions produced was completely different from the one the hospitals thought they were buying and was not misadministered as suggested by Marchese.
An organization that arranged a contract with a company that supplied the diluted chemotherapy drugs has told a legislative committee in Ontario the labels on the drugs didn't accurately describe their contents.
Officials from Medbuy, which arranged the contract between Marchese Hospital Solutions and the hospitals, say the company should have provided exact specifications on its labels. They told a legislative committee the pharmacist overseeing the production of the saline-and-drug mixtures should have accounted for the extra saline in the bags.
Extra saline in the bags effectively watered down the prescribed drug concentrations by up to 20 per cent.
The committee has heard the drug mixture Marchese Hospital Solutions produced was completely different from the one the hospitals thought they were buying and was not misadministered as suggested by Marchese.
Two Fires Now Under Police Investigation
Two suspicious fires being investigated by both City Police and the fire department.
One was reported just before midnight at 6 Stillview Court in Red Head and was confined to the basement. The other one on Orange Street started when some garbage was lit and caused minor fire damage to a nearby building.
The fire department also had to quell what's described to us as a large brush and grass fire on Partridge Island. The firefighters along with their equipment had to be taken there by the Coast Guard on a Zodiac boat.
One was reported just before midnight at 6 Stillview Court in Red Head and was confined to the basement. The other one on Orange Street started when some garbage was lit and caused minor fire damage to a nearby building.
The fire department also had to quell what's described to us as a large brush and grass fire on Partridge Island. The firefighters along with their equipment had to be taken there by the Coast Guard on a Zodiac boat.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Residents Put Out Briefly By Shed Fire
An evacuation has occurred on the west side after a shed caught fire.
Platoon Chief Eric Garland tells CHSJ News that the shed was attached to a two-story building located on Victoria Street West.
The fire started in the back of the shed, but they were able to get a handle on the fire before it spread any further.
Up to 8 people were evacuated from the building, but there were allowed back in a short time later.
Platoon Chief Eric Garland tells CHSJ News that the shed was attached to a two-story building located on Victoria Street West.
The fire started in the back of the shed, but they were able to get a handle on the fire before it spread any further.
Up to 8 people were evacuated from the building, but there were allowed back in a short time later.
Local Woman Receives Order Of The Red Cross
A Saint John woman is the recipient of the highest honour given by the Canadian Red Cross. Elsa Stanley is one of two Maritime women who were given membership to the Order of The Red Cross.
You've probably seen Stanley by the pool; she's the aquatics manager of the Canada Games Aquatic Centre and has spent 36 years volunteering with the Red Cross, where she started as a water safety instructor. Now, she's a master instructor trainer.
Volunteer and Atlantic regional president of Canadian Red Cross, Peter Collens, calls Stanley an acknowledged expert in her field and that her expertise helps better their swimming and swimming safety programs.
You've probably seen Stanley by the pool; she's the aquatics manager of the Canada Games Aquatic Centre and has spent 36 years volunteering with the Red Cross, where she started as a water safety instructor. Now, she's a master instructor trainer.
Volunteer and Atlantic regional president of Canadian Red Cross, Peter Collens, calls Stanley an acknowledged expert in her field and that her expertise helps better their swimming and swimming safety programs.
RRPD Looking For Help With Trailer Theft
The Rothesay Regional Police are hoping some observant citizens can help them with a case of theft.
Last Tuesday night, a 2011 commercial trailer was stolen from a business on Enterprise Drive
Sergeant Craig MacDougall tells CHSJ News the trailer is worth about $8000 dollars.
He says they want any information listeners might have on the theft on Tuesday April 30th at 7pm.
If you know anything, contact Constable McIntyre at 847-6300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Last Tuesday night, a 2011 commercial trailer was stolen from a business on Enterprise Drive
Sergeant Craig MacDougall tells CHSJ News the trailer is worth about $8000 dollars.
He says they want any information listeners might have on the theft on Tuesday April 30th at 7pm.
If you know anything, contact Constable McIntyre at 847-6300 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Body Found Near Boisetown
Police have found the body of a man missing since last fall.
The body of 49-year-old Roger Colepaugh of Upper Derby was found in woods near Boiestown.
On Friday, Blackville RCMP did a search with the help of Police Dog Services and discovered the body.
Colepaugh had been missing since November of last year.
Police were sent to the area after a person out fishing reported seeing an abandoned truck parked in the same place for two days.
The body of 49-year-old Roger Colepaugh of Upper Derby was found in woods near Boiestown.
On Friday, Blackville RCMP did a search with the help of Police Dog Services and discovered the body.
Colepaugh had been missing since November of last year.
Police were sent to the area after a person out fishing reported seeing an abandoned truck parked in the same place for two days.
Attack Ads A Game Taxpayers Shouldn't Be Paying For Says Lacey
Attacks ads are nothing more than political parties fighting back and forth like children.
That, according to Kevin Lacey of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, who tells CHSJ News that if they want to play that game, they should pay for it out of their own pockets.
Lacey says these mailouts are little more than political ads and taxpayers shouldn't be on the hook for them. He says taxpayers expect their dollars to go towards good health care, education and roads.
His organization has given political mailouts a "teddy", a national waste award for wasting taxpayers' money.
That, according to Kevin Lacey of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, who tells CHSJ News that if they want to play that game, they should pay for it out of their own pockets.
Lacey says these mailouts are little more than political ads and taxpayers shouldn't be on the hook for them. He says taxpayers expect their dollars to go towards good health care, education and roads.
His organization has given political mailouts a "teddy", a national waste award for wasting taxpayers' money.
DNR Says Fire Ban Will Continue Until We See Rain
It's not hard to see why the entire province would be under a fire ban after a long period of warm dry weather.
Those conditions gave a boost to a series of fires on the weekend especially one forest fire in French Village.
Charles Beaulieu of the Department of Natural Resources tells CHSJ News they got a request for assistance so they sent in water bombers from Fredericton
to assist.
He says anytime they get a fire of that nature it's priority number one and they work to suppress fire in the forest while ground crews protect any nearby structures.
Beaulieu says the provincial fire ban will remain in place until we see some precipitation.
For more info, click here
Those conditions gave a boost to a series of fires on the weekend especially one forest fire in French Village.
Charles Beaulieu of the Department of Natural Resources tells CHSJ News they got a request for assistance so they sent in water bombers from Fredericton
to assist.
He says anytime they get a fire of that nature it's priority number one and they work to suppress fire in the forest while ground crews protect any nearby structures.
Beaulieu says the provincial fire ban will remain in place until we see some precipitation.
For more info, click here
Fire On Victoria Street West
City fire crews, police and ambulance responding to a fire on the West side.
Just before 1pm, the call came in that visible smoke and flames could be seen coming from 24 Victoria Street. It's located between Queen and St. James.
It's in a garage attached to a two-story building. Crews believe they have it knocked down.
Just before 1pm, the call came in that visible smoke and flames could be seen coming from 24 Victoria Street. It's located between Queen and St. James.
It's in a garage attached to a two-story building. Crews believe they have it knocked down.
Alward Government Accused Of Mishandling Healthcare
Provincial NDP leader Dominic Cardy suspects there's division within the ranks of the Alward Government on how to deal with reforming healthcare and how far to go.
Cardy tells CHSJ News getting into a slanging match with the doctors is a huge blunder which could have long term ramifications. He points out trying to get doctors to agree on anything is like trying to herd cats but Health Minister Ted Flemming has managed to do that with them in opposition to the medicare billing cap.
Cardy dismisses the open letter to doctors published last week by provincial Health Minister Ted Flemming as a P-R exercise designed to regain credibility at a cost of thousands of dollars.
He also believes Flemming and provincial Finance Minister Blaine Higgs want to see smaller government but are meeting resistence within the Conservative caucus, the bureaucracy and party ranks.
Cardy tells CHSJ News getting into a slanging match with the doctors is a huge blunder which could have long term ramifications. He points out trying to get doctors to agree on anything is like trying to herd cats but Health Minister Ted Flemming has managed to do that with them in opposition to the medicare billing cap.
Cardy dismisses the open letter to doctors published last week by provincial Health Minister Ted Flemming as a P-R exercise designed to regain credibility at a cost of thousands of dollars.
He also believes Flemming and provincial Finance Minister Blaine Higgs want to see smaller government but are meeting resistence within the Conservative caucus, the bureaucracy and party ranks.
Huberdeau Up For NHL Rookie Of The Year
Huge news for a former Sea Dog.
The NHL announcing that Jonathan Huberdeau is a finalist for the 2012-2013 Calder Memorial Trophy-- the NHL's Rookie of the Year award.
Several Hundred People In Ward 3 Vote In Advance Polls
The advance polls held Saturday for the Ward 3 byelection.......Elections NB telling us 620 votes were cast. 8 candidates are in the running.
The rest of the voters will go to the polls one week from today to elect a new member of Common Council to replace Donnie Snook.
He resigned after being arrested in January and charged with child exploitation.
The rest of the voters will go to the polls one week from today to elect a new member of Common Council to replace Donnie Snook.
He resigned after being arrested in January and charged with child exploitation.
TIANB President Says Proposed Tax Levy Won't Drive Tourists Away
The proposed 3% tax levy for campgrounds has a lot of people talking.
The president of the Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick, Kathy Weir, tells CHSJ News that in all of her years working in this field, she's never seen the level of industry input when it comes to the development of a policy. Weir says, they tried to make sure all accommodations operators had the opportunity to be at the table at each of the discussions to voice their concerns.
Some campground owners are worried that this hike will drive tourists into Maine, which has a much cheaper tax rate for campgrounds. Weir doesn't agree, saying that tourists come to the province for a reason. She says Saint John, Miramichi and Bathurst are already charging the levy.
The president of the Tourism Industry Association of New Brunswick, Kathy Weir, tells CHSJ News that in all of her years working in this field, she's never seen the level of industry input when it comes to the development of a policy. Weir says, they tried to make sure all accommodations operators had the opportunity to be at the table at each of the discussions to voice their concerns.
Some campground owners are worried that this hike will drive tourists into Maine, which has a much cheaper tax rate for campgrounds. Weir doesn't agree, saying that tourists come to the province for a reason. She says Saint John, Miramichi and Bathurst are already charging the levy.
Suspicious Fire At New Rogersville Municipal Building, Original Was Destroyed By Fire
Just last year, the Rogersville municipal building went up in flames, now, its newly built replacement is the scene of another blaze that looks to have been deliberately set.
The building was going to house the municipal offices, community room, RCMP, and ironically, the fire department. After receiving a 911 call, fire crews jumped into action from their temporary location and managed to put out the fire, but not before it damaged the roof, attic and community room.
RCMP is saying that it looks suspicious and an investigation is underway. They're asking anyone who may have seen someone or something out of the ordinary around the Rogersville Municipal Building prior to 11 a.m. on Saturday to call police or contact Crime Stoppers at www.crimenb.ca or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
The building was going to house the municipal offices, community room, RCMP, and ironically, the fire department. After receiving a 911 call, fire crews jumped into action from their temporary location and managed to put out the fire, but not before it damaged the roof, attic and community room.
RCMP is saying that it looks suspicious and an investigation is underway. They're asking anyone who may have seen someone or something out of the ordinary around the Rogersville Municipal Building prior to 11 a.m. on Saturday to call police or contact Crime Stoppers at www.crimenb.ca or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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