Dennis Oland Prime Suspect In Richard Oland's Murder

Speculation has been running in this direction since the investigation began, but now we are able to report that Dennis Oland is considered the prime suspect in his father Richard Oland's murder according to search warrants.

There had been a broadcast ban on Oland's name since last fall, but that was lifted today by Justice William Grant. We had previously been able to report that Dennis Oland's home and boat had been searched, but not that he is considered the prime suspect.

Grant agreed with media lawyer David Coles that the broadcast ban served no purpose and went against the principle of an open court.

Flemming Jokes About His Cabinet Colleagues

Provincial Health Minister Ted Flemming may have missed his calling as a stand up comedian. He displayed these hidden talents at the announcement of the Innovation Fund as he acknowledged various members of the provincial cabinet.
 
Flemming joked about how well dressed Saint John Portland MLA Trevor Holder always is, describing him as "a dapper dude" who one day looks like Donald Trump and the next day resembles Al Capone.
He also says Saint John Lancaster M-L-A Dorothy Shephard tries to keep him on the straight and narrow but sometimes tells her if he wanted to be nagged, he would go home.

Flemming also talked about Premier David Alward's character, telling how he could have gotten his son a job anywhere in New Brunswick but instead put him on a plane to Alberta, saying when he brings all New Brunswick young people home to work in the gas industry, then he'll bring his own son back with them.

Paramount Film Makes International Debut

 A made-in-Saint-John film about the long-derelict Paramount Theatre will have its American debut tonight in Chicago.

Producer Greg Hemmings tells CHSJ News everyone can relate to the loss of community theatres which are being rapidly replaced by big-box cinemas.

The film, The Paramount, has gathered national attention since its release last year. The actual theatre has not fared as well, with efforts to repurpose the building apparently at a standstill.

Premier Announces New Scheme To Get Provincial Economy Moving

"The rocket fuel for economic growth"........That's how Premier David Alward describes innovation. 
 
His government is spending over 7 million dollars on a new innovation fund that will pair small and medium sized companies in the province with scientific research talent. 

Bob Hatheway chairs the New Brunswick Innovation Foundation and tells CHSJ News the aim is to get ideas from the desktop into commercial production so money can be made and jobs created. This is a first for the Foundation which, up until now, has dealt exclusively with start up companies.

The fund will cover as much as 80 per cent of the cost of collaboration up to 80 thousand dollars.  

Scandal-Fuelled Departure of Senator Raises Questions

With the news much-maligned Senator Mike Duffy is stepping down from the caucus, MP Rodney Weston is remaining tight-lipped about the inquest into allegations Duffy--who campaigned on his behalf in 2011--dipped into public money for his private expenses.

Weston simply said he would prefer to leave the investigation to the RCMP and ethic commission.

Premier David Alward tells CHSJ News it opens a valid debate over whether we should have an elected Senate.

Duffy is charged with making over $90,000 in improperly-claimed living expenses.

NB TAP Gets A $245,000 Investment

It began as a pilot project at the Irving Oil Refinery last year as a way to get grade 10 students thinking about a career in the skilled trades. 

Today with a Simonds High shop class in the background, the Province announcing a $245,000 investment in the New Brunswick Teen Apprentice Program. 

The students learn in the classroom during the school year and work in the summer learning specific trades from employer mentors.

The funding will allow other employers to join the program and more schools. 

17-year-old Brandon Laroque is one of the original six from Simonds High who took part in the pilot project at the Irving Oil Refinery.
He says it was a bit intimidating at first describing it as another city. 

This summer he'll be with the pipefitters working with his mentor and his cousin David who is also in the NB-TAP program.

Bike Auction Soon In The K-V

Rothesay Regional Police will be holding their annual Bicycle Auction June 1st at the their police station.

Viewing will start at 10:00 that morning with the auction beginning at 11:00. 

There are over 25 bikes on offer as well as other property to be auctioned off this year. 

A complete list of items will be made available as we get closer to the auction.

The Feds and Province Announce $7.9 Million For The Fundy Trail

A large group trekked far into the woods this afternoon for a huge announcement on the 
Fundy Trail.   With the interpretive centre as a backdrop, MP's Rob Moore & Rodney Weston along with Premier David Alward announced more than 7.9 million dollars in funding for the next phase of the Fundy trail parkway.

The funding will allow the Fundy Trail Development Authority to start the next phase of engineering and construction of the parkway.

It's estimated a completed Fundy Trail parkway would create a signature destination that will contribute $32.5 million a year to the tourism sector and 750 jobs on an ongoing basis.

Saint John Fundy MLA Glen Savoie says a big reason this is happening is because of the people of St. Martin's.

New List Of Inductees Into Saint John Sports Hall Of Fame

Five Saint John athletes and one local team are getting a major nod next month.

The Saint John Sports Hall of Fame will be inducting new members at a ceremony and dinner at the Lily Lake Pavilion.

The 22nd Saint John Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony will honour Hanlon Senior Curling, Raymond Jenkins (bowling), Tara McIntyre-Olsen (volleyball), Gidden Titus (bodybuilding), Nancy Morrision (softball and basketball) and Gina Spear-Burrows (triathlon and running).

The Hall of Fame honours athletes that display excellence in their chosen sport and also a sense of respect and fair play. The event happens Thursday, June 27 at 7pm. Tickets are $60.

Imagining A World Without Hatred

A world without hatred and intolerance would be better for everyone.

That's the simple message of the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. Former Ward 3 Candidate Brian Boyd tells CHSJ News attitudes are slowly changing but it's still important to fight the stereotypes and try to accept everyone for who they are. 

As we hear about tragic cases like the murder of Raymond Taavel and the suicide of Raeteah Parsons, Boyd says we need to make sure we treat our fellow men and women with respect.

Boyd says we all have a friend, acquaintance, or relative that's part of the gay community so homophobia is an issue that effects everyone.

The Heart Centre Gets $250K For A Research Endowment

Cardiac research at the New Brunswick Heart Centre just got a big boost.
 
The J.T. Clark Family Foundation announcing at $250K research endowment at the Regional hospital.
 
Dr. Marc Pelletier tells CHSJ News it's hoped research being done at Dalhousie Medicine NB can help those here at home.

He says unfortuneately we have some of the highest rates of cardiac risk factors in the country with diabetes, obesity and smoking.   He says targeting the research may help them have a better impact.

Acting Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation CEO Victoria Clarke says it will also allow them to retain and attract the best who work in cardiac care.

MP Calls Criticism Of P3 "Ironic"

Conservative MP Rodney Weston visited the Imperial Theater this morning to announce an endowment fund of over $120,000 dollars has been granted to the iconic uptown theatre.

While pleased to announce the Harper government will match the public's donations to the theater, Weston tells CHSJ News he's much less enthusiastic about recent comments by former Commissioner of Municipal Operations Paul Groody, who spoke to a crowd of activists last night on the pitfalls of the P3 model--one of which that they tend to cost up to 16% more than a traditional tendering process.

Weston says his government has done its homework on P3 and one of the benefits is that any cost overruns are the responsibility of the corporate doing the work, not the taxpayers. 

He also called it "ironic" that Groody would criticize a public-private partnership on the basis of potential cost overruns when Groody was responsible for Harbour Cleanup. Weston says, as he recalls, that project ended up coming in 20% over budget.

Local Economy Boosted By Higher Education

Unlike Halifax, Saint John is not seen as being the same type of education centre. But the Vice-President in charge of U-N-B Saint John, Dr. Robert MacKinnon tells CHSJ News most people would be surprised at learning how big a part learning plays in the local economy.

He says when you put universities together with the college in Saint John, Private sector training, and secondary schools, overall education has a big impact on the Saint John economy.

Dr. MacKinnon also says we need a vibrant urban core in Saint John.

New Rules For Preparation Of Chemotherapy Medication

The Ontario government says a gap in oversight has now been shut tight after about 12 hundred patients received diluted chemotherapy drugs including 186 at the Regional Hospital.
    
Starting immediately, the government will ensure hospitals buy drugs only from accredited, licensed or otherwise approved suppliers.

The Ontario College of Pharmacists will also be responsible for inspecting drug preparation facilities. Previously, there had been no oversight.

Gas Is More Expensive

Gas prices rise over a cent a litre after the weekly setting. 

Self serve regular in the city is selling for $1.24.3 a litre with diesel at an even $1.27.
 
Propane has gone down by just over a half a cent a litre with the maximum price of $1.05 while the maximum price of heating oil has risen to $1.09.2 a litre.

Your Water Rates Could Spike Due To P3, Warns Former City Employee

Saint John's former Commissioner of Municipal Operations speaking out against the not-so-distant possibility of a public-private partnership for the city's water utility.

Paul Groody tells CHSJ News P3s usually cost 16% more than a traditional tendering process. At the end of the day, he claims that cost will get placed firmly on the taxpayers shoulders--meaning a spike in your water rates.
 
Groody is urging the public to contact politicians and ask for them to look into other options, like a municipally owned corporation that will bring money back to Saint John. 

We are expected to find out whether Saint John's application to P3 Canada has been accepted later this month.

Minister Puts End ToTalk About Emergency Room Closures

Some good news on the health care front - Health Minister Ted Flemming is turning aside speculation some hospital emergency rooms will be shuttered.
Appearing before a Legislature committee - Flemmng is putting to rest any concerns - at least for now.
The Health Minister told the committee there are no hospital or emergency room closures in his department's spending estimates for the current budget year that ends next March.
But - Flemming isn't being pinned down on potential closures beyond this budget year - he says he's looking for other ways to find savings because we simply can't afford to continue to maintain the current level of spending on health care.

Local and International Students Beautify The City

Students from Rothesay-Netherwood School and others around the globe making the City prettier in several community services projects.
 
It started at Glen Falls school this morning with work on a playground and the creation of an outdoor classroom.
 
RNS student Olivia Murphy is a delegate for the conference and CHSJ News asked her about the benefits of building a bridge on a Rockwood Park trail with other international students.

She says she thinks it gives people a better perspective on what's going in the world and she is happy to help out in her own community.

The students are also working on projects at the Forest Hills sports complex and launching a community garden at Lorne Middle School.

Coastguard Chopper Flying From Saint John To Grand Manan

A Coastguard chopper flying in Saint John's sky isn't an everyday sight, and some may be wondering what it was doing.

Stephen Bornais of Fisheries and Oceans Canada tells CHSJ News that the helicopter was traveling from Saint John to Grand Manan to do maintenance on the Gannet Rock lighthouse.

New Business Program Being Offered For Tradespeople

A new program is being offered for tradespeople who want to break into the business world. 

The Atlantic Trades Business Seal is a certification program that will teach people in the trades how to open up their own business or move up in an already existing business.

It's being offered in five colleges across the east coast including the New Brunswick Community College. In order to achieve the business seal, program participants are required to complete 150 hours of study in five different areas.

Training and Labour Minister Danny Soucy says that this program provides the link between the skills required for the respective trade, and the skills it takes to run a business, which he says, are two very different things.

The Conference Board of Canada saying that nearly one million positions in trades will open up nationwide due to retirements by 2020.

For more information on the program, click here.

Convictions Against City Police Officer Thrown Out

The Court of Appeal has ruled in favour of a suspended city police officer who was convicted on charges of assault and making threats after his house was broken into.

Constable Chris Messer was convicted of threatening Brett McAdam behind the Canadian Tire store on the east side and assaulting Randy King while in a police car outside the city lockup. Both testified Messer accused them of breaking into his home which later had bullets fired into it in a drive by shooting. 

Both of those convictions have been overturned.

The Court of Appeal still has to decide in the next few months whether Messer will be acquitted on the assault charge or stand trial again. His status as a police officer still has to be determined.

Fire Damage Called Significant

A coffee shop in Oromocto sustaining significant damage from an overnight fire reported shortly before 1:00.
    
The fire was in the restaurant area of the Sour Grapes Cafe on Restigouche Road and no one was hurt.
     
There was, however,extensive smoke, water and heat damage. There's no word yet on how it got started.
   

Oil and Gas Industry Executive Describes Meeting With NB Politicians From His Perspective

The province's movers and shakers made a case in Calgary for bringing oil and gas to the Port City, but what did that case look like from the other side?

Greg Stringham of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers tells CHSJ News it was crystal-clear to him that mayor Mel Norton believes that this would revive our economy and keep our workforce from migrating to Alberta.

Stringham tells us what he took away from the meeting was that they are clearly focused on not only the opportunities it would bring in terms of jobs in New Brunswick, but the opportunuity for additional businesses and for workers in the province to be able to have those opportunities close to home. He says that was emphasized to them.

Only time will tell whether their pitch will be accepted. Stringham tells us that they'll be able to make a call when TransCanada's open-season ends in mid-June.

D.A.R.E. Brings In A Unique Motivational Speaker For Simonds Students

In an effort to keep high school kids on the right track, the local D.A.R.E program bringing in a motivational speaker to tell Simonds High students about the pitfalls of drugs and alcohol.


Retro Bill tells us he was bullied and he lost some friends but he tell kids to treat others with respect.

He says what you put out in this world comes back to you and every day isn't easy but like the incline on a hula hoop you have to work through stuff.

Retro Bill's presentation will make its way through many regional schools this week between Saint John and Grand Manan and beyond.

 For more info, click here

Norton And Others Made Case for Crude To Come To New Brunswick While Out West

Politicians from all levels of government touched down in Calgary to convince oil and gas producers to ship their black gold to the Port City. 

Mayor Mel Norton was joined by Energy Minister Craig Leonard, MP Rodney Weston and more, and Norton tells CHSJ News that it's rare that you see municipal, provincial and federal politicians working together towards the same goal.

He tells us they pitched Saint John to the producers, saying that we have Canada's largest oil refinery, a deep water port and we are the closest of any Canadian port to markets in the U.S., Europe and India. And while producers can't come out and say what their decision will be, he says reception has be 'wonderful'.

Norton tells us they didn't shy away from telling oil and gas producers why they want this; he says that it's no secret that many workers in the province leave for Alberta and never return, and they want to retain a workforce

Man Charged In Beating Diagnosed With Schizophrenia

A man charged with aggravated assault for a March 16th beating in an uptown rooming house has been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.

Judge Henrik Tonning told the couty he's looked over the psychiatric report prepared on 35-year-old Nicholas Logan at Restigouche, and he may not have been criminally
responsible for the death of 66 year old Duncan MacDonald.

A hearing to decide Logan's level of responsibility will be held on June 18th.

Controversy Over Rothesay Common

It's a picturesque space in the centre of Rothesay, and some residents believe that it's under threat. 

Margaret Leahey Bailey saying that changes to the common will destroy the heart of the community, with Jim Crosby echoing that sentiment, saying that the common should be left alone. 

Mayor Bill Bishop tells CHSJ News that that they're only looking into general maintenance, which will include updating the drainage, the outdoor skating rink and the already-existing rink-house.
 
Bishop says their primarily concern seems to be that council will break the covenant, which says there's to be no building on the common, and he says council respects that.

Common Council Offers Congrats To Lowe

The mayor and council are extending their congratulations to newly-minted Ward 3 councillor Gerry Lowe.

Councillor at large Shirley McAlary tells CHSJ News Lowe has been an asset to the Planning and Advisory Committee and she has very confidence in his abilities.

While voter turnout was low as usual, 8 people is a lot to run in a by-election--and McAlary says everyone ran an excellent campaign.

City Market Seniors May Not Be Left Out In The Cold

There may be no city money available for the City Market Seniors to pursue their project of an age friendly Saint John but provincial money may be a different story.

Councillor at Large Shirley McAlary says that's the indication given to the Cities of New Brunswick by Dorothy Sheppard, the M-L-A for Saint John Lancaster, who's also in charge of healthy and inclusive communities for the provincial government.

Some type of public engagement is supposed to happen on June 4th according to the city which is being organised by the province. The City's Recreation Manager Kevin Watson says there will be more public engagement to follow.

Spring Spike In Illegal Dumping

Doing some spring cleaning? Don't clean your house by fouling up our woods and waterways.

The Department of Natural Resources is warning the public illegal dumping carries fines from $500 to $20,500 for individuals and from $1,000 to $1 million for companies.

They say there tends to be a spike in illegal dumping at this time of year. 

If you see someone dumping illegally, contact police or Crime Stoppers.

A New Focus At City Hall On Seeing Things Get Done

The city budget is no longer just about how much money is being spent.......It's more about whether the money is being spent to actually get things done with targets being met. That's the focus of the service based budget City Manager Pat Woods is talking about.

He says this new budget approach will give members of Common Council a better idea about whether taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely because they'll be able to tell Saint Johnners exactly what their dollars were spent on.

Woods says every organisation needs a strategic plan because if you don't know your destination, how do you know when you gewt there.

Traffic Disruptions

Bayside Drive between Mount Pleasant and Courtney Avenue will be down to one lane north bound as you make your way towards Thorne Avenue for sewer repairs. Work is expected to begin at 7:30 this morning and continue until 5 this afternoon.

The Department of Transportation telling us the Evandale ferry will be off its run at 10 this morning for engine maintenance.

Most Community Groups Get the Grant Money They Asked For

152 thousand dollars in neighbourhood grants have been approved by Common Council for community groups including One Change in the Old North End, the Teen Resource Centre and the Around the Block newspaper.

West Side Councillor Greg Norton makes note the report states, at times, it's difficult to measure the return on investment of tax dollars.
 
North end Councillor John MacKenzie says he has no doubt how valuable these organisations are in the priority neighbourhoods.

Norton, who's a principal in the north end at Lorne School, adds he has no doubt about the social return on investment in these neighbourhoods.

The City Market Seniors who requested 25 thousand dollars for a project called "Toward an age friendly Saint John" were turned down and told to approach the province.

Re-zoning Proposal Passed By Rothesay Council, Town Will See Duplexes And New Road

Flooding, noise and tree cutting were the main concerns raised by a handful of people who spoke up at a public hearing against rezoning an area in Rothesay so that duplexes and a road can be built on Gibbon Road. One resident in favour of the project saying it's a classic case of 'not in my backyard' syndrome. 

The proposal passed after a council vote, six to one, with councillor Pat Gallagher Jette opposed. Mayor Bill Bishop tells CHSJ News that their decision to rezone the area isn't an indication that the municipal plan is breaking down; he says they look at these projects on their own merit so precendents won't have much sway in the town of Rothesay.

Jeff Harriman, who is the director of Cachal Property investments and lives in Rothesay, tells us whether they build single or double family dwellings, they'll be contending with the same issues and working with the town to address them. 

He says this will be the first new construction in the area in a long time and that it's important for the town to develop.

Reasoning Behind Rejection Of New Sunday Shopping Hours Being Called Not Pro-Business

Business decisions should be made by business owners, not by the government.

That's according to Jim Cormier of the Retail Council of Canada in reaction to the Board of Trade's rejection of their recommendation to change Sunday shopping hours.

He tells CHSJ News that what his organization is asking for governments to stop dictating to retailers the hours they choose for opening on a Sunday. Cormier says, they're saying that you cannot open during hours that may be best for your business.

The Board of Trade's argument is that that possible consumer demand for more business hours would put pressure on small retailers to stay open beyond what they can afford.

Flemming Hopeful The Province & Its Doctors Can Work Things Out

Provincial Health Minister Ted Flemming doesn't think there is a conflict between the government and the doctors.
 
CHSJ News asked the minister about the response to his open letter to doctors following word of the Medical society's plan to sue the province over a
medicare billing cap.

He thinks if they get together and have some discussions this thing can be fixed up.

Flemming says he's been low key on the matter lately but still giving it a lot of thought and he does expect to have some discussions on this matter as the week rolls on.

Police Investigate Possible Child Luring

Details of a possible child-luring incident involving a 12 year old girl in Oromocto have been released by the RCMP.
    
They say the girl reported being approached by a stranger in a dark-coloured vehicle in Mazerolle Settlement Friday afternoon at about 5:00.
    
Police have been told the man offered to give her a drive but she ran home and told her parents.
    
The man is described as being between 50 and 70 years old, with a thin build, reddish-coloured skin and was driving a four door vehicle with tinted windows and a grey interior.
  

Lowe Wins By-Election

The results are in from the by-election in Ward 3.

Former Vet's Taxi owner Gerry Lowe won with 1028 votes. Michelle Hooton came in second at 816.

Lowe tells CHSJ News he plans to get to work on filling vacant lots and increasing the tax base, but he's ultimately there to learn and plans to ask a lot of questions.

The voter turnout rate for the by-election was a weak 23.8%.

BREAKING: Lowe Leading Polls So Far

Results are starting to come back from Elections NB in the Ward 3 by-election.


At this point, Gerry Lowe as 556 votes, Michelle Hooton 290. Graeme Stewart-Robertson is third at 63.

Ward 3 Voter Turnout Weak So Far

If you live in Ward 3, today's the day you can exercise your democratic right to vote; however Mike Quinn of Elections NB tells CHSJ News the turnout hasn't exactly been amazing so far.
 
As of 2pm, only about 13,00 people had voted out of the over 17,000 eligible voters.
 
Those numbers are expected to rise by the time the polls close at 8 tonight. 

Be sure to tune in to CHSJ or visit our website tonight for the election results.

University Seen As Playing A Key Role In Finding Energy Solutions

U-N-B Saint John wants to get involved in energy development in a big way because universities can come up with creative solutions to our energy needs while, at the same time, protect the environment. 

That message delivered to the Cities of New Brunswick by University Vice-President Dr. Robert MacKinnon. He tells CHSJ News energy success depends on collaboration.
            
Dr. MacKinnon universities can play a big role in developing innovative ways to better protect the environment because when people think of energy development these days, the first thought that comes to mind is more pollution.

He also says there's a need to improve energy literacy so people know what they're talking about.

Fire Truck In Collision With Retaining Wall

"It looked alot worse than it turned out to be".......That's Fire Chief Kevin Clifford who tells CHSJ News minor damage was caused after a fire truck backed onto a retaining wall at Ragged Point early last night after answering a medical call. 

The fire department arrived first and the fire truck was backing up at the time to allow an ambulance in because there wasn't alot of room to maneuver. 

A tow truck was called in to remove the fire truck in order to prevent any damage to the undercarraige.

Hockey NB To Talk About Bodychecking Ban

Hockey New Brunswick will be deciding on whether to ban bodychecking among the younger pre-teen pee wee players between the ages of 11 and 12 when it holds its annual meeting in Saint John is early June. 

Executive-Director Brian Whitehead tells CHSJ News Hockey NB wants to see what Hockey Canada does when it meets later this month on P-E-I.

Whitehead doesn't expect much pushback if the decision is made to go ahead with the same ban approved in both Nova Scotia and Alberta. He concedes parents are concerned about concussions that are suffered by younger players.

Flemming On Hand To Announce The Healthy Toddler Assessment

The Province announcing a healthy toddler assessment for 18-month-olds by a public health nurse.
 
The aim being that they will allow for earlier detection of health concerns and provide better cooperation between the Department of Education and the early Childhood Development preschool assessments.
 
Health Minister Ted Flemming says the move from home or daycare to school or pre-school is pretty dramatic so early detection is key.

He says the sooner you know anything medically the sooner you can have the appropriate medical intervention.

Flemming says the great thing about this program is that it's available at all Department of Health clinics throughout the province.

North End Traffic Disruption

Construction beginning today at the intersection of Wellesley Avenue and Somerset Street. 

Traffic will be detoured as the street is being reconstructed along with storm sewer installation. 

The work will last a month.

Ward 3 Voters Decide Today

The next member of the council horseshoe will be chosen today. Voters will decide which of the eight candidates in the running should be the next councillor for Ward 3, and we've got the details on how you can cast your bid.

The polls open at 10 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. There are four polling stations......The Boys and Girls Club, the Carleton Community Centre , the Simonds Lions Auditorium at Loch Lomand Villa and St. John the Baptist-King Edward School in the south end. 

You should have received a Voter Information Card in the mail, but if you didn't, don't worry. Voters don't need the card to vote, it just makes the process faster. Workers will still be able to search for you on their computers. You should bring along a couple of pieces of I-D with you, preferably one with a picture.

We'll have up-to-date results live on country94, twitter and our website.

To contact the Returning Office, visit 70 Crown Street, Suite 235, call them at (877) 830-5601 or e-mail them at R.O.M09@gnb.ca. You can get in touch with Elections NB by calling (888) 858-8683.

CHSJ News Honoured For Excellence

The Atlantic Journalism awards were handed out over the weekend and CHSJ News picked up a Silver Certificate of excellence in the Best Newscast category.

Board Of Trade Wants No Change With Sunday Shopping

The Saint John Board of Trade is not going along with a recommendation from the Retail Council to change Sunday shopping hours. 

The Board talked about the change but it was decided 12 to 5 on Sundays places everyone on a level playing field. The Retail Council wanted store owners to decide when it was best for them to open and close on Sundays. 

In a letter to Council, The Board of Trade says there was a fear consumers would want extended shopping hours on Sundays which would be beyond what's feasible for many small businesses.

Airport Seeks Better Relationship With Air Canada

The Saint John Airport Authority is going out of its way to make Air Canada feel welcome even though the airline has been servicing the city for decades. 

Airport Authority chair Norm MacFarlane tells CHSJ News Air Canada was being taken for granted because it was felt the airline would always be here but, in this day and age, that doesn't necessarily have to be the case. He points out Air Canada flies in and out of 3 airports in a province which has a population of under 800 thousand.

Consultants concluded Air Canada is the airport's best bet for future sustainability.

The Airport Authority would like to see Air Canada add flights to Toronto, Halifax and St. John's.

MADD Pressing For Crackdown On Drunk Driving

Don't be surprised to see tougher laws against drunk driving. That's what Mothers Against Drunk Driving or MADD would like to see. 

MADD President Denise Dubyk, who was in Saint John for the launch of the 9-1-1 campaign, tells CHSJ News a meeting was held with M-P's on the government side in late April and they appear to be receptive.

MADD is pushing for random breath testing which it claims would reduce deaths and injuries from drunk driving by at least 20 per cent and tougher sentences for those impaired drivers convicted of causing death or injuries.