Gallant Speaks On Hope and Fear

A full house at the Delta to hear the Liberal leader give a speech to the Board of Trade with the theme of hope versus fear.

Brian Gallant tells CHSJ News he is someone who is focused on hope.

He says people in the province don't focus on instilling pride in themselves enough but if we work together we can get our province back on track when it comes to the economy and jobs.

Gallant re-iterated his pause stance on a shale gas industry adding there are two major studies coming out this year and he thinks government should wait to see what they say.

Concern Over Release Of Sex Offender In Sussex Area

People who live in a small community north of Sussex are up in arms after learning a convicted sex offender is returning after serving his time, albeit with a list of conditions. 

54 year old Terrance Leger was convicted on three charges of sexual interference involving young boys. 

Dave Mantin is Director of the Sexual Abuse Network of Canada and tells CHSJ News where Leger plans to live is too close for comfort with a school bus stop and church nearby. He claims Leger will be violating the conditions of his release everytime he walks out his front door and wonders if the RCMP ever checked where he was going to reside.
 
The Parole Board concluded Leger was at high risk to reoffend. According to Mantin, 68 per cent of sex offenders who have a preference for young boys reoffend. 

A public meeting on this will be held tomorrow night at the Millstream Recreation Centre starting at 6:30.

Woman Facing Coke Dealing Charges

A 29 year old woman is looking at charges of dealing coke after an operation involving RCMP and the Fredericton police.

Last Wednesday, Laura Karen Burton was arrested facing two counts of trafficking cocaine and one count of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

She was in court the next day and will remain in custody until her next court appearance tomorrow.

Police Commission Chair Concerned Over Escalating Policing Costs

The escalating costs of policing are an issue facing municipalities across the world, and newly-minted Saint John Police Commission Chair Jonathan Franklin tells CHSJ News the expenditures in some areas are simply unsustainable. 

He says if we built high rises and concentrated the population of Saint John into a smaller area, we could cut our policing budget by half, but the fact is that we're spread out and that makes policing more complex.

Franklin had been scheduled to present a report on policing costs to common council, but the request was withdrawn after commission members raised concerns the report didn't represent their views. 

He emphasized the report wasn't personal, it was just a look at the facts, and there needs to be more discussion of the options.

Man Arrested With Weapon

City Police tell CHSJ News they were called to an uptown bar early this morning after a man was threatened. 

Two other men were arrested, one of whom was armed with a weapon.

Counsellor Delivering Workshop On Sexual Ethics

Most of us get our sexual health education in high school, but New Brunswick Community College counselor suggests we may not be learning enough. 

Kris Trotter is giving a Valentine's Day presentation in the Port City on sexual ethics, something she says isn't really covered in our educational system. Trotter tells CHSJ News teachers and parents tell her that young people are learning about the hardware, they know about biology and sexual acts, but there hasn't been enough in terms of managing what she calls the software.

Trotter says it's largely about being able to accurately read someone's body language and checking in if you're unsure. The workshop is being held on Friday, February 14 at 7pm at Saint John High School and is being offered through UNB Saint John Leisure Learning Courses. For more information contact pce-saintjohn@unb.ca or call 648-5962.

Warning About Deer Attracting More Coyotes

There's a lack of acknowledgement about the presence of Lyme Disease in the province.....So says Anne Downey of Model Farm Road whose dog "Gus" was diagnosed with Lyme Disease. 

She likens dogs to canaries in the mine shaft because once a family pet is afflicted, it's just a matter of time because it spreads to people. She also warns the growing number of deer are attracting coyotes that see the deer as lunch.

Downey's husband, Robert tells CHSJ News they also have a real problem with deer on Darling's Island, Millidgeville and Deer Island.
 
Downey also says just one deer eats a ton of food a year and for every one you see, there are six others roaming about. He blames the Bambi syndrome for inaction thus far but would like to see people fined for feeding deer and special permits issued to bow hunters.

Cabinet Minister Says Province Is Doing Teachers A Favour

Provincial Finance Minister Blaine Higgs wants legislation passed during this session of the Legislature to change teacher pensions to the shared risk model.
 
Higgs maintains the government can’t continue to make special payments that have averaged $83 million annually over the last 10 years. 

Provincial Attorney General Ted Flemming tells CHSJ News there's been a lot of fear mongering on the part of those who want to keep the status quo.
 
Flemming says the change means teachers will have to contribute more to their pension plan, if they decide to retire in their mid fifties then they'll get less than if they worked longer and cost of living increases will depend on how well the fund performs.

He also argues the government is actually doing the teachers a favour if you look at what is happening elsewhere. Flemming points out even a city such as San Jose, California in Silicon Valley, no less, is on the verge of bankruptcy because of unfunded pension liabilities.

War Amps Of Canada Mailing Out Key Tags

War Amps Canada beginning this year's Key Tag campaign, mailing out 250,000 tags to New Brunswickers. 

The tag has a confidentially coded number on it linked to your name and address so if you ever lose your keys, the person who finds them can drop them in a mailbox or call the number on the back of the tag and a courier will drop them off on your doorstep.

The service is free, but any donations the group gets from the key tag campaign goes to fund artificial limbs and programs for adult and child amputees across the province.

Over 300 New Brunswickers getting their lost keys back last year thanks to the tags. Click here for more information on the service.

Woman Who Had Autoimmune Disorder Encourages Blood Donation

A woman who had a rare autoimmune disorder requiring 32 units of blood after having a liver transplant where her spleen was also removed.

While Kristin Wheaten supported blood and organ donation before, she is a vocal supporter now.

She tells CHSJ News a third of the population is undecided when it comes to donating blood, so she encourages people to really think about it and if they do decide they want to give plasma, to let their families know about their decision.

Wheaton, who works at the Loch Lommond Villa foundation, tells us she chooses to believe that 32 different people took an hour of their day to donate and help save her life and she couldn't be more grateful. To book an appointment to give blood, call 1-888-2-Donate.

Firefighters Battle Golden Grove Road Blaze

Fire crews responding to a fire in a basement on the East side.

Smoke could be seen coming out of the building at 2623 Golden Grove Road. Crews knocking down the fire shortly after it broke out.

It appears everyone made it out safely.

Arson On Elgin Street

A firebug causing property damage in the North End of the city. 

Saint John Police investigating an arson on Elgin Street just after 2:30 this morning. City Fire telling us it was a van fire.

More details to come as they become available.

Hanwell Fire Destroys Auto Repair Shop, Vehicles

Photo Courtesy Of Fredericton Firefighters Association

An auto repair shop on the Hanwell Road just outside of Fredericton being completely gutted by fire. 

Fredericton Fire Department Platoon Captain Mike Mizner tells CHSJ News about seven vehicles around the building were also destroyed. There were several explosions as firefighters were battling the blaze, which sent fireballs 30 to 40 feet in the air. 

The New Maryland, Oromocto and Upper Kingsclear Fire Departments were called in to assist, and crews were on the scene for about eight hours. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

BREAKING: Major Structure Fire In Hanwell

Fire crews in the Fredericton area asking drivers to steer clear of the scene of a large structure fire in Hanwell. 

Flames and thick, black smoke can be seen coming from a building on the Hanwell Road and there are reports of multiple, small explosions. 

You can see pictures of the blaze on the Fredericton Fire Department's Twitter account.

Warning About Olympic Scams

Buyers, beware: the Maritime Better Business Bureau is sending out a warning to shoppers who want to show their support for the Sochi Olympics. Ccounterfeit goods and scams are all over the place.

A recent eBay search turning up a fake Olympic Torch for Sochi 2014 at a cost of $7,000.

And if you or someone you know plan on heading to Sochi...the Olympic Committee is sending a similar message about tickets saying if you plan on buying them on a website other than tickets.sochi2014.com, they strongly reccommend you make sure they're authorized to sell them---otherwise, you could end up buying fakes then then getting turned away at the door.

Saint John Chef Cast On Reality Cooking Show

A Saint John chef will soon be cooking up a storm on your television screen. 

Jesse Vergen of the Saint John Alehouse and the Smoking Pig Real BBQ will be appearing on Top Chef Canada. Vergen tells CHSJ News for his audition he cooked wild black duck with periwinkles, foraged sea greens from the Bay of Fundy with cattail salad.

It seems he's not too concerned about the speed factor, telling us he's been trained to work fast and tells us anyone who works in the restaurant or hospitality industry knows you don't just walk to a table, you walk briskly.

The show premiers on March 10 on the Food Network. You can check out Vergen's audition tape by going to their website.

Health Canada Updates Safety Info For Bipolar Drug

If you or someone you know is taking lithium, Health Canada wants you to be aware of new safety information and treatment recommendations for the drug.

Lithium is used to treat bipolar disorder, however, taking it can cause high levels of calcium in the bloodstream which may or may not be accompanied by an increased level of parathormone, also known as hyperparathyroidism.

Health Canada is now working with companies to update the product labels for the drugs. If you're on lithium, the federal department says do not stop treatment unless you've talked over the benefits and the risks of your treatment with your doctor.

Seven medications containing lithium are available in Canada.

UNB Students Officially Lose March Reading Week

The University of New Brunswick Academic Senates giving the official green-light to the cancellation of the March Reading Week as a way to make up for time lost due to a more than two week long faculty strike last month, according to reports.

No exams or tests will be held during that time, and a reading day for students has been added the day before the start of exams. Thee deadline for payment of fees for this semester's term courses being extended to this upcoming Friday.

You can find a link to the revised Academic Dates Calender for undergraduate students by clicking here. According to UNB, additional details including academic dates for graduate students will be circulated by email as soon as they are finalized. Follow more updates as they become available by clicking here.

City Hall Might Not Be At The Foot Of King For Much Longer

City Hall's been at the foot of King for a few decades now--but that could soon change. 

The city is currently getting quotes from a developer, talking to property owners, and inquiring about the heritage status of other buildings that might be cheaper for council. City Manager Pat Woods explains there are a few different options: build, buy or lease, and they've had ongoing discussion with their current landlord.

No specific sites have been named--although some conspicuously vacant buildings in the uptown include the former Synagogue on Wellington Row, and the former Sydney St courthouse.

Not A Big Reader? You Can Still Help Your Kids Learn

Bookworms aren't exactly a flourishing breed here in New Brunswick.
 
According to Natasha Bozek of the Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick the majority of adults in this province don't have the literacy skills you'd expect--and that means they're not passing them on to their kids.

Bozek suggests if you're a parent who struggles with reading, work along with your kids when they do their homework and make reading together a bonding experience.

Sex Workers Will No Longer Be Prosecuted For Plying Trade

With the Supreme Court recently ruling it's unconstitutional to prosecute prostitution-related offenses, Police Chief Bill Reid tells CHSJ News he completely agrees and the force has been hearing the same thing from the Sex Trade Action committee for a long time.

He says there are only about 25 workers actively plying the trade in the Saint John area, and what they need are compassionate people working with them, not further persecution.

Real Estate Market Outlook Decent For Buyers And Sellers Heading Into Spring

If you are wondering about whether it's a good time to buy or sell a home - the outgoing president of the Saint John Real Estate Board - Jason Stephen - is suggesting "why not?"
Find out why in the video below.

The average sale price of a home last year came in at $179,489 - up slightly from 2012 helping to make the city one of the most affordable housing markets in the country.

Survey Aims To Improve Cancer Care For Kids

The parent of kids who had cancer in their teens or childhood being asked to take part in a survey.

The Pediatric Oncology Patient Navigator Program is conducting a confidential, online survey with the aim to improve children’s cancer care services across the province.

They would like parents or guardians of children or teens that had cancer under the age of 17 between 2005 and 2013 to provide feedback about the service they received during their time of treatment.

To take part in the survey click, here

SJ No Longer Has Highest Unemployment Rate

The unemployment rate in Saint John went down in February from 6.8 to 6.4 per cent which is a lower rate than in Moncton and Halifax.

Provincial unemployment rose to 9.9 per cent with the loss of 24 hundred jobs. Nationally, the jobless rate is 7 per cent with the addition of 29 thousand jobs when the analysts expected 20 thousand.

Conservatives And Liberals Spar Over TV Ads

Premier David Alward's TV ads coming up in the Legislature with Provincial Liberal leader Brian Gallant saying the Olympic coverage should not be polluted by his message of despair. The Premier responded by saying the only pollution is being spewed by the Liberals.

Alward has taken to calling the Liberals, the party of press pause and moratoriums with no new ideas on offer to grow the provincial economy.

University Students Getting Some Money Back

The U-N-B Board of Governors will be giving the money the university saved during the recent strike by faculty back to the students because of the hardship and inconvenience they suffered. 

The Board of Governors deciding the university should not financially benefit because of the strike.
 
The exact figures and details are still not known but it's thought full-time students will receive a lump sum credit on their account of over $200 with part time students getting a lesser amount.

UNB Teachers Vote To Accept New Deal

UNB teachers across the province voting to accept the tentative collective agreement signed with administration on January 30th.

90% of those who cast a ballot voted for acceptance.  The next step in the process is ratification by the Board of Governors.

Union president Miriam Jones says they owe a huge debt of gratitude to their bargaining team adding they did difficult work for more than a year.

Jones says the strike was difficult for everyone but she says their members have come out of it reinvigorated and ready to work to reclaim their university.

Booze Sales Suffer From Ice Storm Fallout

NB Liquor releasing its third quarter results and total sales were more than $100 million unchanged from the same time in 2012.

VP of Finance Chris Evans says power outages combined with extreme winter weather contributed to a decline in customer visits on key selling dates.

Wine sales are up 3.9 per cent, beer sales slipped 2.4 per cent and sales of other beverages increased 4.5 per cent.

The third quarter ended on December 29th.

Cardy Lays Out Plan To Save Province Money

The NDP leader for New Brunswick suggesting trimming the fat in the government's senior management sector as one of many ways the province can save money. 

Dominic Cardy laying out a plan to save more than $213-million as a way to help balance the budget. Cardy says he would cut the size of the cabinet down to 10 from 17, the number of deputy ministers to 14 from 27 and the number of senior managers to 50 from over 100.

He also estimates taxpayers would save around $2-million if MLAs used spare offices in government buildings instead of paying rent for office space. Another more than $74-million could be saved by delivering on the promise of the last Liberal government to centralize common government services, according to Cardy.

Cardy coming out with the plan just after the release of the Alward Government's budget.

Irving Oil Unveils New Fire Truck And Training Partnership

A brand new ladder truck being unveiled at the Irving Oil Emergency Services building on Grandview Avenue.

In addition, the City and Irving Oil announcing a partnership on creating a training facility for firefighters that both companies can use and third parties.
 
Fire Chief Kevin Clifford says he's been concerned about their firefighters not having a place to train and soon they will.

He says they are not at elevated positions every day so having a training facility is incredibly important for a community like this and the response profile they have.

The training facility for the Saint John Fire Department will open in May.

Mental Health Fundraiser Coming Up This Weekend

Sharpen those ice skates because this year's Investors Group Skate to Care event is coming up this weekend. 

Director of Development with the Regional Hospital Foundation & Mindcare Victoria Clarke says this year they're focusing on mental health first aid. She describes it as the mental health equivalent of being a first responder, training people to recognize signs of stress, anxiety and depression in children. 

Clarke says we still have a ways to go when it comes to increasing awareness of mental illness and erasing the stigma, but seeing the community rallying around an event like this tells her the groundswell is coming.

The event is happening at Harbour Station on Saturday from 10am-2pm. Click here for more information on the event, including how to join or support a team.

College Students Feel Let Down

University students are disappointed the provincial budget did not contain measures to ease their financial burden.
 
Pat Joyce of the New Brunswick Student Alliance tells CHSJ News the province had saved money with a lower interest rate on what it had borrowed to provide financial aid to students. They were hoping that money would be used to help them out but such was not the case. 

Joyce points the cost of higher education is getting more onerous with the rising costs of tuition, textbooks and housing. He worries post secondary education is becoming less accessible for many young people and argues helping students out financially is really investing in the provincial economy as more and more jobs require higher skills.

Traffic Disruption On West Side

Because of the stormy weather yesterday there has been a delay in a traffic disruption on the west side.

Traffic will be reduced this afternoon on Bridge Road by Simms Corner because of the demolition of the Simms Brush factory between 3 and 4. 

Drivers are being urged to use the Harbour Bridge if they don't want to be delayed.

WATCH: Police Nab 22-Year Old In Stolen Vehicle

City police involved in a brief pursuit trying to stop a man in a stolen vehicle.

Sgt. Jay Henderson says Sussex RCMP let City police know the vehicle had been taken from their area a few days earlier. As the officer attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver took off. The officer pursued the vehicle but given the road conditions and the potential for others being hurt it was called off. 

A short time later another officer found the driver and vehicle on Gladstone Avenue which is a dead end street. He fled into the woods and was caught a short time later. 

A 22 year old man is several charges of theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving and failing to stop for police. He's in jail until a court appearance.

If you know anything about any crime, you can contact City police at 648-3333 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. You can watch today's SJPD Crime Report by clicking here.

Price Changes For Gas After Weekly Setting

There has been a slight rise in the price of self serve regular and a bit of a drop in what you'll pay for diesel. 

Self serve regular is selling in the city for $1.30 a litre with diesel at $1.50. 

The maximum price for heating oil is up by half a cent a litre to $1.33.6 and propane countinues to rise with a a maximum price of $1.51 a litre.

Energy East Pipeline Would Add Greenhouse Gas Emissions

A new environmental report is claiming the Energy East pipeline that would bring oilsands bitumen to the Irving Oil refinery will increase greenhouse gas emissions enough to wipe out all the gains caused by the elimination of coal-fired power plants in Ontario and be the equivalent of adding 7 million new cars on the roads.
 
Clare Demerse of the Pembina Institute, who wrote the report, says regulators should consider the proposed pipeline’s effect on climate change when hearings are held on the project.
 
The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers and the National Energy Board have said the expected tripling of output from the oilsands over the next 16 years depends heavily on new pipelines being built.

The Drive Home Is Not Fun For Some

Thanks to a road warrior for telling us that Hwy 7 between Welsford and Colonel Nase Boulevard is snow covered and slippery with one vehicle off the road.

We hear the road conditions from Hampton to Saint John are not so fun right now.

We are looking at another 5-10 centimetres of snow before the snow ends after midnight.

Natural Gas Prices High & Will Stay High

Natural gas customers will continue to feel the sting of high prices well into this month, and possibly March.

The high prices are being caused by demand in New England where pipeline capacity is limiting the supply. The shortage is limiting the gas in Boston and driving up prices through the region.

There are plans to expand pipeline capacity to New England which would limit this kind of price hike--but that won't be finished until next winter.

In a statement, the Energy and Utilities Board stated the price for natural gas is set by the regional market, and not the Board.

Two Under Arrest After Bay Street Bust

A 47 year old man and a 36 year old woman are in some trouble following a bust on Bay Street.

Troy Beveridge and Sandra L. Ross are facing charges of trafficking drugs and possession of the proceeds of crime.

Ross is also facing an obstruction charge relating to the arrest.

Members of the Street unit made the arrest on Tuesday afternoon.   The unit is made up of RCMP officers along with Saint John and Rothesay police.

Both are due back in court on Friday for a bail hearing.

Check Ahead On Flights In & Out Of YSJ

If you planning to fly somewhere or pick someone up at the airport...that flight could be late or not going at all.

The Saint John airport's website shows delayed and cancelled flights for Toronto and Halifax both leaving and arriving.

Be sure to check ahead before you make the trek out there.

To find out, click here

Two Hurt In Highway 1 Tractor Trailer Blaze

The driver of a tractor trailer that caught on fire and the man who stopped to help both hurt in the highway incident. 

Saint John Police say they are both suffering from minor injuries. The fire breaking out during rush hour on Highway 1 near Foster Thurston Drive and traffic was impacted for a while as crews cleared away the scene. 

One of our road warriors telling us it looked like the back wheels were melted to the ground.

Fear Grows Over Lyme Disease in Valley

The Deer Committee wants a deer management plan put in place in Quispamsis, Rothesay and Hampton sooner rather than later. Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll says the problem with deer is growing in the K-V and there's also a growing level of frustration on the Deer Committee itself.

The Health Department is being asked to do scientific testing of ticks to find out the extent of the problem and risk of people contracting Lyme Disease.

Vacant Lots Abound In Uptown And Beyond

First the Paramount:, now the Simm's Brush Factory, and the former site of a pawn shop on the corner of Waterloo and Union.

In light of all these recent examples, some might say Saint John's looking like a prime location to shoot a disaster movie. Mayor Mel Norton tells CHSJ News the key to rehabilitating all these empty lots is obvious--economic development.

The Mayor says he hasn't heard about any plans for the site on Union, but one thing is certain: we want to see buildings and people, not more parking lots.

Man Admits To Possession But Not Illegal Weapon

A 41 year old Saint John man has admitting to having cocaine---but not to possession of an unlawful weapon.

Kenneth Ward of Charlotte Street was found with 17 rocks of crack valued at $340, $120 in cash, and two cell phones when he was searched by police last summer. The investigating officer also found a switchblade-like knife, which could be illegal.

It's up to the court to decide whether the specific knife found on Ward is prohibited by law and if the cocaine was for the purpose of trafficking.

Gallant Slams Government For Not Balancing the Books

The Provincial Liberal leader says the Government is cheering and applauding while they break their biggest election promise to balance the books during their mandate.
 
Brian Gallant tells CHSJ News instead they have added another 2 billion dollars to our debt.

He says they overestimate how the economy will perform and they have done it for three budgets and even though there is a drop on the deficit we still expect it to be higher.

Gallant says only one mention of Saint John in the provincial budget show the government has no plan.

Heritage Designation Both Blessing And Curse

A heritage designation on a building might be a blessing for tourists, history buffs, and preservationists; however, it's something of a curse for parishioners at St George's Church on Watson Street on the city's West Side.

Common Council has voted to keep the heritage designation on the nearly two hundred year old church, which means there's a lot less flexibility about how the dilapidated building can be repaired.

Susan Jack is the church warden, and she says they'll be out of funds by 2015.

The congregation has asked for permission from the diocese to sell the building and are now waiting to see whether that will be granted.

Crime Rates On A Major Downward Turn Since 2009

In Saint John, it seems we still see our share of car break ins, thefts, and other crime--however, their frequency is apparently far less now than in the recent past, according to Police Chief Bill Reid.

Reid tells CHSJ News there's been an overall crime reduction of 16%, and in certain areas like robberies that has skyrocketed to 60%. Reid tells CHSJ News the methadone maintenance program has been a huge factor and it's having positive spin-offs for solving crime as well.

Reid says when the police force goes before council to offer a review of its operations in March, intelligence-based policing and the methadone program will be non-negotiables as far as he's concerned.

NDP Leader Says Alward Govt's Budget Priorities Skewed

The provincial NDP Leader says the Alward Government has its budget priorities all wrong. 

While Dominic Cardy is glad to hear they'll be holding the line on new, large capital projects, he tells CHSJ News huge amounts of money are being wasted on programs that don't benefit New Brunswickers and there's a lack of investment in those that are needed. 

He says cutting money from Education and Early Childhood Development at the same time as you're putting more money into corporate welfare programs just doesn't make any sense.

While he wasn't surprised by anything in the new budget, Cardy says one thing worth noting is that while Premier David Alward made his commitment to shale gas very clear during his State Of The Province address, there wasn't anything in the budget about how that will change our financial outlook.

It's predicted the budget will be balanced by the year 2017-2018, but Cardy says he doesn't think that's going to happen with this government.

Saint John Is Home To National CBS Contact Centre

Saint John is home to the second national contact centre for Canadian Blood Services.
 
Atlantic Canada Donor Relations Director Peter MacDonald tells CHSJ News the new centre opened in the fall.

He says since late October they have made 175,000 calls and booked over 10,000 appointments to give blood.

MacDonald says 20 people were hired in the first phase.

The other national contact centre for Canadian Blood Services is located in Sudbury, Ontario.