Budget Legislation Has Unanimous Support

Proposed legislation that has all party support will see all election promises costed out before the September 22nd vote. 

Provincial Liberal Leader Brian Gallant tells CHSJ News he doesn't want to see voters be taken in by unrealistic promises but instead support the party that comes up with a realistic plan to turn around the fortunes of the province. He says his promises will be fiscally prudent

The Atlantic Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation Kevin Lacey says people in the province can't afford any more auctions for their votes as they get hit with higher taxes.
 
Lacey warns unless there are jobs, people will continue moving out of the province.

Copper Thieves Strike Again

There has been yet another theft of copper in the city. 

Police say this took place in the dark of night earlier in the week at a vacant home on Mount Pleasant Avenue East. 

 Police have acknowledged an increase in copper thefts of late and they're in the process of coming up with a strategy in response.

Some West Siders Given Boil Order

People who live along a portion of Rodney Street on the lower west side will have to boil their drinking water. 

A localised boil water order has been issued for 229 to 263 Rodney Street because of a water main break. 

A sinkhole developed along part of the street which almost swallowed up an SUV which had to be pulled out by a tow truck. That portion of Rodney Street has now been closed to traffic. 

There's no indication from the city on when the localised boil order will end.

A Price Break For Drivers

There has been a significant drop in the price of self serve regular after the weekly setting. 

In the city, it's down by almost 4 cents a litre to $1.35.4. 

Diesel is almost 2 and a half cents a litre less expensive at $1.37.3. 

The maximum price for propane is now $1.08.2 and for heating oil it's $1.25.1.

MacDonnell Shares Personal Tragedy But Offers Hopeful Advice

A big crowd enjoying food, fashion, shoes and advice for maintaining your mental health at the  "A Days In Her Shoes" fundraiser.

Women and Wellness founder Helen MacDonnell lost her brother to suicide and to cope began sharing her story with anyone who would listen which lead to many events where thousands of woman have heard her story and were able to share their own.

She offered a few of her 'Helen's hints' which include 7 hugs a day for optimal health.

She also recommends 15 minutes in nature a day to soothe the soul, eating to avoid being hungry and angry and to send letters and write notes to people.

All proceeds from "A Day in Her Shoes" will support the programs of the Canadian Mental Health Association in Saint John.

A Summer Tradition Starts Soon

It's an exciting thought...the return of Volleyball on the Boardwalk.

The 21st season begins May 26th and runs for 10 weeks.

Registration is underway with several divisions including co-ed competitive, co-ed intermediate and co-ed recreational. 

There is only space left in the women's 4's, men's 2's and the co-ed intermediate divisions.

To register a team,  the registration form must be completed and full payment received at the Y of Greater Saint John’s Prince Edward Square location.
 
The registration fee for teams of four is $275 and teams of two cost $165.

For more info, call the Y at 693-YMCA.

St Martins Teens Charged

Two St Martins teens have been arrested in connection with a string of thefts in that area.

A 17-year-old, who cannot be named,pleaded not guilty to charges of stealing from a vehicle, which was later found destroyed.

18 year old Koby Loughery pleaded guilty to stealing from a vehicle and also a breaking and enter on Main Street in Saint Martins.  Both will appear in court later this spring.

The RCMP are also investigating a third person.

Author Farley Mowat Has Died

Famed Canadian writer Farley Mowat has died.

Originally from Belleville, Ontario, Mowat was best-known for works like Owls in the Family, The Dog Who Wouldn’t Be, and Never Cry Wolf.

His career spanned 50 years and he received numerous awards, including the Governor General’s Award for literature, the Order of Canada and a number of honorary university degrees.

Mowat was 92 years old.

Alward Meets With American Ambassador

Jobs and the energy future of New Brunswick were big topics of conversation between Premier David Alward and Bruce Heyman.

The US ambassador to Canada. Both Alward and Heyman were speakers at the Canadian Building Trades Conference in Gatineau, Quebec. Alward tells CHSJ News they had a good working relationship with the last ambassador, and they hope to continue that with Heyman, who was just appointed by Barrack Obama.

Alward said he also emphasized the importance of open borders between the US and Canada, since 86% of what is manufactured in this province is exported to the US.

More Money For Medicare

Provincial Health Minister Ted Flemming has announced the province's new medicare deal with the New Brunswick Medical Society has been given the thumbs up by doctors.

He says the agreement with the province focuses on improving the healthcare system and increasing its sustainability--and further, the NB Medical Society voted overwhelmingly in favour of the agreement.

There will be an increase in the medicare budget--but Liberal MLA Donald Arsenault says it wasn't so long ago that Flemming was fighting tooth and nail with the doctors. He says Flemming is only increasing the Medicare budget because there's an election coming up.

Arsenault predicts despite the increase, voters will be showing the Conservatives the door in September.

Big Industry, Quality of Life Not Mutually Exclusive

Big industry and quality of life aren't mutually exclusive.

That's according to Mayor Mel Norton after CHSJ News asked his thoughts on the new scientific report on shale gas development suggesting more research is needed into the long-term effects. 

He tell us they know the environment is important and can't be compromised, pointing to Canaport LNG and Mispec Beach as an example of industry co-existing with the environment.
 
Norton says economic development is not political, and they have an obligation as representatives of the city to do everything they can to drive economic development. He suggests the big question is, are we ready to embrace economic prosperity?

City Council endorsing shale gas development late last year.

Energy Minister Dismisses Risk Of Shale Gas To Groundwater In Province

Debate over the safety of shale gas continuing in the Legislature fuelled by last week's report by a panel of 14 scientists. 

Provincial Liberal leader Brian Gallant says the drilling will be taking place closer to where people live in New Brunswick as opposed to what's happening out west and that makes it riskier.
 
Provincial Energy Minister Craig Leonard is rejecting Gallant's call for a moratorium, saying the government is doing what the scientists are recommending and that's a slow and safe approach to shale gas,
 
Leonard says the government has been told by geologists that because of the rock formation in the province, the risk to groundwater is non-existent.

New Look, New Territory For Board Of Trade

The Saint John Board of Trade has officially announced its new, regional incarnation.

The board will now incorporate Grand Bay Westfield, Rothesay, and Quispamsis in its territory as it promotes this region as a good place to do business.

The Board of Trade reported disappointing revenues in 2013, with membership revenues failing to meet expectations. They've since launched an extensive review of their operations, including a new name and logo. It's now known as The Saint Region Chamber of Commerce.

They've also appointed a new Chairperson, lawyer Andy Lodge.

9 People Wanted On Outstanding Warrants

The Kennebecasis Regional Police are looking for some people wanted on warrants....and they want your help. They're offering rewards of $500 for any information that leads to the arrest of individuals wanted on Criminal Warrants of Arrest.

The ages of the 9 wanted parties range from 20 to 49, and while some are traffic offences, they also include thefts, break and enters, and probation violations. For a full list of name and offenses click here

If anyone has any information they are asked to contact the KRPF at 847-6300 or NB Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

2013 Was A Good Year For The Airport

Saint John Airport had a 9 per cent increase in passenger traffic last year with more than 235 thousand, the highest number since 2008. 

Airport President and C-E-O David Allen tells CHSJ News the decision by Air Canada to harmonise pricing has levelled the playing field between the airports in Saint John, Fredericton and Moncton. 

Sunwing added a third destination and its passenger numbers increased by 59 per cent.
 
The airport also reports a 5 per cent increase in revenue and a surplus for 2013 of just more than 387 thousand dollars. 

Passenger traffic for the the first quarter of this year, despite the bad weather we had, was up by five per cent. 

Allen adds the airport is looking at staging an air show in 2015 or 2016. He says it takes a year of planning to bring it about.

The airport also estimates it will cost 50 million dollars over the next twenty years to maintain its aging infrastructure and do upgrades.

Council Asked To Contribute To Playground Project

Quispamsis council being asked to pull out the town checkbook to help fund a playground for the new French Elementary School in the Kennebecasis Valley. 

Construction is underway on the school at the end of Pettinghill Road with plans to open the doors in the fall, and in the meantime students have been going to school at the Pettinghill Strip Mall Plaza. 

Principal Anik Duplessis tells CHSJ News the kids have been dreaming about a playground for the last three years. She says it would be the best gift they could give the students other than a great education. Duplessis adding that the playground would be for the community, and would not just be exclusive to French families.

They are looking at around $200,000 for phase one of the project and have received $80,000 from the province but they are currently short about $60,000. Quispamsis council being asked to contribute and they decided to refer it to finance for the 2015 budget.

Clash At Police Commission Between Mayor And Commission Chair

There appears to be mounting friction among members of the Saint John Police Commission.

At the most recent meeting of the commission, Mayor Mel Norton and Councillor Greg Norton both voted against Commission Chair Jonathan Franklin representing Saint John at The Canadian Association of Police Governance. The CAPG is Canada's only national organization dedicated to excellence in police governance.

The Mayor tells us the lack of support for Franklin isn't personal--rather, he'd prefer to see a focus on what's happening here at home, rather than being distracted by broader, national concerns.

Yet Jonathan Franklin believes the mayor's decision was actually based on a grudge. Franklin tells CHSJ News he believes the mayor was responding to the goings-on at a prior meeting, in which he says Norton started "yelling" and "bullying" him until Franklin threatened to have the Mayor removed.

Tensions have run high at police commission over proposed cuts that could effect the force. Ultimately, Franklin's nomination was passed with only the Mayor and Councillor Norton voting against.

City Council Reviews Growth & Community Development Dept Budget

The Growth and Community Development department painting a bleak picture for kids recreation in the city if their budget doesn't get a boost over the next couple years.

Commissioner Jacqueline Hamilton says if the budget is frozen the neighbourhood planning program could be delayed to at least 2017, there could be big cuts to playground programs and the Somerset Community Centre could close, and more.

Mayor Mel Norton says it's clear this department is an important area for council and they're seeing a return on investment. He says building permits in the first quarter of 2014 are 45-million while all of last year was about $85-million.

Hamilton says to maintain the service level over the next couple of years there would need to be a 5-percent budget increase over 2014. The presentation is part of a sustainable services review by the city.

Make Your Mental Health A Priority This Week

The first week of May is Mental Health Week across Canada.

This year, the association is focusing on women's mental health and mental illness.  Over the last three years, the government has invested $4.8 million to improve mental-health services, reduce the stigma of mental illness and improve the well-being of New Brunswickers.

The province encourages all New Brunswickers to make their mental well-being  a priority this week and throughout the year.

Fredericton To Introduce Crime Mapping

Starting Thursday, you'll be able to see exactly where crime has been reported in our provincial capital.

The Fredericton Police Force will be launching a website to map robbery, arson, break & enter, property damage, car thefts, theft from cars, and general theft.

Saint John already has a Crime Mapping service, available to view  here

Teen Arrested With Knife And Wooden Club

A 19 year old has a court date after brandishing a knife in an afternoon altercation on Princess Street.

At 4:30pm yesterday, police got the call about a man armed with a knife threatening people at a home in the South End. The teen was tracked down off Orange Street, and when he was arrested he had a steak knife tucked down his pants and a wooden club up his sleeve.

He has a court date later today on weapons charged and breaking a court order to keep the peace.

As well, a break and enter was reported yesterday afternoon on King Street. Several offices were rummaged through and a small amount of cash was taken.

Crescent Valley Mom Says Her Home Has Been Destroyed

A 29-year-old single mom who lives in Crescent Valley says her home has been destroyed by vandals--and neither the housing board or the police have helped her find a solution.

Dezerai Zaid Jardana tells CHSJ News three windows were smashed, her tires slashed, and her car window broken at her home on Coronation Court over Friday and Saturday. Now the windows of her home are boarded up, which she says could be extremely dangerous in the event of a fire.

Jardana, who is a student at UNB, says she and her family have been losing sleep since the incidents happened. According to her, disputes with various neighbours escalated into vandalism--and although one woman has been charged, the harassment has continued.

She says she wants to raise awareness of the situation for families in the boulevards.

Province To Partner With VON on FAS Centre

The Victorian Order of Nurses will operate the provincial fetal alcohol spectrum disorder centre of excellence.

Health Minister Ted Flemming says the VON is a solid partner that has been around for more than 100 years in the province.

The centre of excellence will provide prevention, diagnosis and intervention services with the central office in Moncton and regional program facilitators all over the province.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is an umbrella term used to describe the spectrum of disabilities associated with prenatal exposure to alcohol.

Court Say Pensions Should Be Protected

Imagine starting a job you love in your 20's and working for 50 years? 

That is possible under changes to the Teacher's pension plan that could see them teaching to age 71.

Retired teacher Ivan Court tells CHSJ News its becoming a national issue because the Harper government is looking at shared risk and using our province as an example.

He says Saint John had a pension problem and then the province and now the Feds are supporting the shared risk model and considering it for the country.

Court is not happy about it saying shared risk takes the risk away from the province who sign contracts with unions and then don't want to honour them.

Shale Gas Drilling May Not Be Restricted To Remote Areas

There's a difference of opinion in the Kennebecasis Valley when it comes to shale gas. Rothesay Mayor Bill Bishop is in favour while Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll is opposed to shale gas exploration happening within his town but not elsewhere. 

Jim Emberger of the Anti-Shale Gas Alliance tells CHSJ News just because drilling for shale gas may not be taking place in your backyard, doesn't mean you won't be affected because a growing problem is air pollution as well as the threat, as he sees it, to groundwater.

Emberger warns any bylaw passed by a town or city to prevent drilling from taking place within their jurisdictions can be overruled by the province because this has happened elsewhere. He has also seen drilling wells within city limits in both Texas and Alberta.

Human Remains Identified

The remains discovered in a remote area of Odell Park on April 28th have been identified as 31-year old Joshua David Jewett of Fredericton.  

Jewett had been reported missing by his family in early February. 

Fredericton Police say there was no foul play involved.

Province Will Test Your Well Water At No Charge If You Were Flooded

Free well water testing in the aftermath of the recent flooding will be conducted for private well owners who have been affected at no charge. 

Residents will need to supply a property identification number which is found on your property tax bill and should have their damages already registered with Service New Brunswick. 

You're reminded you must wait 10 days after the water has receded before beginning chlorination and sampling.

Prince William Could Become Pedestrian-Only Street In The Near Future

A pilot project to turn Prince William into a temporary pedestrian-only street for festivals, concerts and other uptown events could be coming sooner rather than later. 

Anne McShane of Uptown Saint John speaking to city council saying they want to build on what's happening with the Market Square Boardwalk which is a permanent pedestrian street. 

She says we want to make sure whatever they do works with that and doesn't compete with or cannibalize that.

Councillor Bill Farren raising some concerns about the project since Prince William is being refurbished into the fall and Councillor Shirley McAlary worried about the potential price-tag. Mayor Mel Norton explains he wants to see it in place by this summer, saying in large part it goes back to adding quality of life which will attract people and also says it also drives economic development. 

Council passing a motion to ask City Staff to bring back a report of recommendations.

Foul Play Not Suspected After Body Found In Park

Police in Fredericton say at this time foul play is not suspected after human remains were found in a city park.

They're waiting on the results of the autopsy and a review of the dental records before they release the person's identity, upon notification of next of kin.

The body was found in a remote area of Odell Park on April 28.

NB Fisherman Charged In Employment Insurance Fraud Scheme

A 28-year-old fisherman from the Burnt Church First Nation is facing charges in connection with an Employment Insurance fraud scheme, which resulted in almost $400-thousand in losses to the federal government in E-I benefits payments.

Ryan Michael Wade Bear is charged with fraud, making fake Records of Employment and selling and/or transferring Records of Employment. 

The RCMP were tipped off last June that people were involved in a possible scheme and they started investigating.............they say Bear sold or transferred 33 Records of Employment between April of 2012 and January of last year.

Police say most of the claimants paid Bear for the service.

Six-Week Adjournment In Second Degree Murder Case

The crown and prosecution have recommended a six-week adjournment in the case of Joseph Irving, who is charged with second degree murder in the death of his wife Cynthia.

During that time, forensic reports will be gathered and the evidence seized at the scene will reviewed. Irving, who made his appearance by video, will be back in court June 16.

Pension Coalition To Proceed With Legal Challenge In June

A legal challenge against the Shared Risk model will be filed by the Pension Coalition in June.
 
On it's third provincial tour, the group informing retirees of the plan at a meeting at the qplex.

Bonny Hoyt-Hallet tells CHSJ News they never said there didn't need to be some pension changes.

She says parts of this model might be good for some but with the Shared Risk model and the memorandum of understanding the way it is now, they need to start back at square one.

The coalition is planning on getting a map of all the new ridings and contacting all candidates for the provincial election.
 
Attendees were also asked by the coalition to contribute what they can to the group's operating and legal fund.    

They expect the legal challenge will cost $200,000.

Prince William Street Seen As The Festival Street

Uptown Saint John is recommending Prince William Street become a pedestrian only Festival Street for special events only, warning it would be premature to close off the street to traffic permanently.  

Prince William is viewed as holding the greatest potential because it's already the restaurant district with greenery, it has good connections to the Market Square Boardwalk along with Harbour Passage and rerouting traffic would not be that difficult.

Some questions still need to be answered which include what effect this might have on businesses.

Anti-Shale Gas Alliance Coming To Town

The New Brunswick Anti-Shale Gas Alliance claims no jurisdiction has regulations that can make shale gas exploration safe. 

Former Provincial Environment Minister Trevor Holder maintains New Brunswick's regulations are among the toughest in North America. Jim Emberger of the Anti-Shale Gas Alliance tells CHSJ News they still fall short when it comes to how close you can drill to homes and schools without risking health.
 
The Anti-Shale Gas Alliance will be giving a presentation tomorrow night at the K-V Library in Quispamsis that's scheduled to get underway at 6:30.

Liberal Leader Predicts Alward Government Will Not Backtrack On Shale Gas

What to do about shale gas development is bound to be an election issue in the province. 

Provincial Liberal leader Brian Gallant tells CHSJ News the Alward Government is not going to backtrack on its support for shale gas exploration because to do so would be an admission it was on the wrong track and the governing Conservatives see it as their saviour in turning around the provincial economy.
 
New Brunswick has been at the bottom among provinces in economic growth over the past four years. 

Provincial Finance Minister Blaine Higgs is arguing shale gas development along with the Energy East pipeline are ways to bring young New Brunswickers, who have gone out west to work in the oil and gas industry, back home again.

Drunk Drivers An Issue Over The Weekend

City police had issues with a number of drunk drivers over the weekend.

Sergeant Jay Henderson explains one 35 year old man crashed his car and kept right on driving on the rim of his front tire, with sparks shooting out of it. He was arrested a short time later near Reversing Falls after a concerned driver called police.
 
Three other men--all in their twenties--were also charged with drunk driving over the weekend in separate incidents.

Visiting The Hospital? Wash Your Hands

Clean hands save lives--and the Saint John Regional Hospital is reminding the public of that by marking National Hand Hygiene Day today.

Volunteers will be at the entrance of the hospital directing visitors to alcohol-based hand rinse dispensers.

Proper hand hygiene is the easiest way of preventing infections in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities--and you should be doing it not just today, but every time you visit.

Does A Coffee (or Peanut Butter) Burger Sound Good To You?

What better way to celebrate BBQ season? Uptown restaurants are inventing new creations for a brand new event called Uptown Burger Week, which runs in the uptown from today until the 11.

Tracy Hansen of Uptown Saint John tells CHSJ News some of the more interesting burgers include a dessert burger from East Coast Bistro and the Double Double Burger from Ryan Duffy's which is infused with coffee. Hansen says there will be plenty available for vegans and vegetarians as well as the carnivores among us.

The specialty burgers will be offered at 15 different uptown restaurants for a limited time only.

For a menu of the weird, wonderful, and delicious offerings click here

Retirees Meet In Quispamsis

Provincial Government retirees will be meeting this morning at the Q-Plex on the first stop of the provincial tour after the decision was made to take the province to court over changing to the shared risk pension plan. 

Clifford Kennedy of the Pension Coalition tells CHSJ News the retirees will hear from their lawyer in a video message and find out what their political strategy will be.
 
Kennedy goes on to say the province has refused to give them information they requested which makes them suspicious about whether the government's claims are true about the long term financial impact and they're confident of winning the court action because their vested rights are being violated.

Three Young People Rescued From Beach

City Police, the RCMP and the fire department spent the morning looking for three young people who went missing in the woods off the Old Black River Road as it comes to a dead end near the Garnett Settlement Road.
 
They apparently made their way down a steep hill to the beach a long way in from the road itself but can't get back up. 

After a few hours, Police finally got in contact by cellphone with them and the three told them they were safe. The fire department brought in its argo along with a four wheel drive truck which can make their way along the trails which are described as pretty rugged. 

The Coast Guard put out an all points bulletin and the three were picked up from the beach by a zodiac.

Saint John Will Benefit From Additional Bucks For Two Nation Vacation Promotion

Discussions begin today on how Saint John tourism promotion will participate in a beefed up Two Nation vacation program.
The province and Maine are jointly investing one million dollars over four years to promote this region - something Discover Saint John's Ross Jefferson welcomes with open arms.
He says a large portion of tourists coming to our area are from the U-S so the additional funding will help promote even more growth locally.
Jefferson says partnerships like the Two Nation vacation program are the way of the future to promote our region.

Holder Remains Confident In Shale Gas Development

(Tourism Minister Trevor Holder)

A local member of the Alward cabinet is standing firm in his support of potential shale gas development.
A recent report by a group of scientists is urging all levels of government to refrain from quick approval of shale gas development proposals - the scientists say there isn't enough information about the impact on health and the environment.
Tourism Minister Trevor Holder tells CHSJ News as a former Environment Minister he is confident we have some of the toughest environmental regulations in North America.

Holder does admit he hasn't had an opportunity to read the report.

A YMCA Can Transform A Community

One of the goals of the YMCA is to help families raise healthy kids--which in turn promote health communities.

There currently are over 50 YMCAS serving 1000 communities in Canada, providing child care, gym services, and and a place where people can gather. The Y's Shiloh Boucher tells it's a way to attract people to a healthy lifestyle, and no one care about anyone else's background.

Boucher says Ys attract people from all walks of life and and environment where everyone can learn from one another, which can really transform a community.

Environmental Planner Calls Forestry Plan "A Bad Bet"

The Alward Government's new provincial forestry plan won't take its toll overnight, but it could spell environmental disaster down the road. 

That's according to Margo Sheppard, who has spent more than 30 years working as an environmental planner. She tells CHSJ News conversations on job growth and the economy are overshadowing those on environmental sustainability when we're facing a climate crisis of unknown proportions.

The plan would decrease the amount of protected old growth forest from 30-percent to 23-percent while allowing 20-percent more softwood to be cut on public land annually. 

The government saying the strategy was created to create and maintain new jobs and manage forests in a sustainable way. Sheppard counters, saying it will impact wildlife, erosion control and more.

New Group Calls For Publicly-Funded Midwifery Care

A newly-formed group in New Brunswick is pushing for publically funded midwifery care in the province. 

Chair of NB Families for Midwives Sonya Burrill tells CHSJ News they also want to educate people about the benefits of midwives not only for mothers-to-be but for new moms as well. Burrill's first baby was born under the care of midwives in Ontario and says they offered much-need postpartum support.

The provincial government cut funding to the Midwives Association of New Brunswick last summer. NB Families for Midwives launching a social media campaign coinciding with International Day of the Midwife on May 5 to officially mark their launch. Click here for more information.

Fire And Fireworks In The Uptown

Crews responding to a blaze at Britt's Pub and Eatery on Princess Street. Britt's tweeting that there was a small fire in one of the upstairs units but no one was hurt and the restaurant reopened shortly afterwards. 

And if you were in the uptown area, you may have woken up with a bit of a fright as a loud display of fireworks went off around midnight lasting for about 15 minutes. City Police tell CHSJ News someone set them off for a wedding.

Battle Of Atlantic To Be Commemorated

This weekend marks the 71st anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic, the longest running battle of the World War II.
 
Veterans Affairs Minister Julian Fantino says the month of May in 1943 was a turning point in the Battle of the Atlantic when the Allies gained the upper hand over German U-boats.
 
Heroic efforts by the Royal Canadian Navy and Air Force meant a crucial victory by keeping supply routes open between North America and Britain with the loss of 46 hundred lives.
 
The Saint John service for Battle of the Atlantic begins at 10:30 in Trinity Anglican with a march from Germain Street to King Street and then to the Hilton if it's not raining.

Hillier Says Canada Can Be Proud Of The Afghan Mission

On May 9th, the men and woman involved in the military mission to Afghanistan will be honoured in Ottawa.

Retired General Rick Hillier tells CHSJ News the legacy is that Canada was one of the lead nations trying to bring security and stability to a nation that was devastated.

He thinks Canada's lead role in the mission at incredible expense led us to the forefront on nations and how we shape the international community in which we live.

Hillier doesn't fear Afghanistan returning to its past ways when the multi-national force leaves adding Afghans are a hearty determined people who have the country they want now.

It's Time To Clean Up Glen Falls

The City of Saint John and ACAP Saint John encourage you to do your part for Mother Earth today.

Glen Falls is hosting its annual Spring Clean Up until Noon.

All volunteers should meet at Glen Falls Elementary school and you should wear boots, a hat and the right clothing.

If you have a rake, bring it along.   The clean up will be followed by a bbq at 1pm.

Name Of Victim In Fatal House Fire Released

The identity of a man killed in a house fire on the Steeves Settlement Road near Havelock has been released. 

The Mounties identifying the man as 30-year-old Peter Nicholas Scribner of Steeves Settlement. His body was found inside the home after police were called out to the blaze. 

Both the cause of the fire and the cause of death is being investigated by the RCMP with help from the New Brunswick Office of the Fire Marshal and the New Brunswick Coroner Service.