Memorandum of Understanding on Wait Times

(Health Minister Schryer(Center) Cuts the Ribbon on New Accelerator)
                       (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

Provincial Health Departments in Atlantic Canada have a memorandum of understanding on the table when it comes to the issue of wait times for radiation treatment. Health Minister Mary Schryer tells CHSJ News, when patients are ready to be treated, the wait time will not exceed two months.


Schryer says the wait time around the Province is currently at four weeks with 90% of patients receiving treatment. The deal is expected to be signed and put into effect by the end of next month.

Temporary Change of Command at CFB Gagetown

   (GageTown Crest)

Even though his rank stays the same, there is a new man being saluted as the person in charge at CFB Gagetown. Lieutenant-Colonel Tony Weber is Acting Base Commander while Colonel Michael Pearson is participating as a member of the Board of Inquiry investigating the June 2006 Afghanistan detainee incident.
No word on when the board of inquiry will wrap things up.

Social Groups Looking At Impact Of N-B Power Deal

Social agencies are beginning to ask questions about the impact of the proposed sale of N-B Power to Hydro Quebec.
Energy Minister Jack Keir is suggesting it will benefit those living in poverty with lower power rates and new job creation opportunities.
But -- Randy Hatfield of the Human Development Council tells CHSJ News there are other issues to be addressed like the disconnect policy or the block rate system of declining cost versus usage.
Hatfield says various local agencies will have to start going over the proposed agreement more closely to determine the impact it will have on low income people.

Linear Accelarators at the Regional Now On-Line

(Horizon Health Network CEO Don Peters at the Podium)
                 (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

A huge part of the renovation work at the Regional Hospital is now finished. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held today which officially opens a specialized bunker to house two new linear accelerators. Don Peters is CEO of the Horizon Health Network and says this is a great day not only for Saint John but anyone needing cancer treatment around the Province.


The Regional will now house three linear accelerators with one of the older models staying in service. Total cost of the project is $14.4 million with the second phase of the proposal expected to be finished by April.

Watermain Break Along Prince William Street

A watermain break along Prince William Street is described as major and will take most of the day to fix. Those people between Duke and Princess Streets will be without water until the repairs are done. CHSJ News has been told the pipe that broke was cast iron. Drivers are being warned the water is pooling and freezing quickly.

Independent Panel Report on NB Power Deal with Hydro Quebec

A six member independent panel who evaluated the proposed NB power deal with Hydro-Quebec has concluded the deal is good for this province.
The panel, chaired by David Ganong and which included former Provincial NDP Leader Elizabeth Weir, was commissioned to study the proposed $3.2 billion sale of 10 NB Power plants, including the Point Lepreau nuclear generating station.
Ganong says the deal would result in lower power rates in the near and long-term and would reduce the financial risks associated with the aging facilities.
The panel is recommending the Energy and Utilities Board be given more authority to eliminate any government interference in its decisions. Opposition leader David Alward has been quick to dismiss the report as a public relations exercise.

Video Excerpt Of Energy Minister Jack Keir's Speech To Board Of Trade

Energy Minister Speaks to Board of Trade

     (Energy Minister Keir Speaks to Board of Trade)
                    (Photo by Jim Hennessy)

The praises of the NB Power-Hydro-Quebec second memorandum of understanding were being sung to a Board of Trade Breakfast today. The guest speaker was Energy Minister Jack Keir who says both companies and home-owners will prosper when this deal is finalized.


Many people opposed to the deal say it is former Premier Frank McKenna who orchestrated this proposal behind the scenes but Minister Keir says that is absolute nonsense.

Milk Costs More Beginning Today

If you're heading to the store for some milk this morning, make sure to take a few extra pennies. Starting today milk will be increasing by one cent a litre. The Farm Products Commission is calling the increase modest saying operating costs were kept down because of lower fuel prices. School milk prices will remain the same.

Black History Month

Today kicks off the beginning of Black History Month, and Prude is getting the word out on what's going on around the city. Program Director Jocelyn Stevens tells CHSJ news, one of the main goals for this year is raising awareness of race issues among young people. Stevens says the efforts by Prude go on after Black History Month, specficially teaching young people about the cultures of immigrants. Stevens says culture shock is a major concern for newly immigrated residents, and it's her groups job to try and ease the transition. Prude will also be hosting an African Culture exhibit at UNBSJ on February 25th.

Provincial Energy Minister Before the Board of Trade

(Provincial Energy Minister Jack Keir)

(File Photo)

Provincial Energy Minister Jack Keir is expected to make the case this morning for the revised, downscale version of the NB Power deal with Hydro Quebec before the Saint John Board of Trade. Keir says one big concern he has heard is who will control energy policy in the future. Keir says the province retains control of both the transmission and distribution systems as well as regulating rates. As such, he argues consumers should not fear huge rate increases after the five year rate freeze comes to an end. Keir vows you will see more projects in the Saint John energy hub with lower power rates and reduced taxes.
The Board of Trade expressed some concerns about the original proposal but has not staked out a position yet on the revise 3.2 billion dollar agreement.

Harbour Bridge Repairs

(Common Councillor Chris Titus)

(File Photo)

A Common Councillor is looking to gain the support of the provincial government to fund repairs on the Harbour Bridge. Chris Titus is submitting a motion to ask the province to agree to cost share the cost of repairs to the bridge with the federal government.If the province gets on board, Titus is suggesting the project get started this year. Also, in the motion is a request to Provincial Conservative leader David Alward to include repairs on the Harbour Bridge in his party platform in the September election. Common Council meets tonight in the council chambers at 6:30.

Local Craft Fair at Lily Lake Pavillion

A Saint John teenager is looking to raise some cash to help build a school in Sri Lanka.

17 year old Zoe Caddell and Anna Duncan have organized a local arts and craft fair at the Lily Lake Pavillion on behalf of Free the Children.
Caddell tells CHSJ news, the goal is to raise money to build a school, but to also get people thinking about buying local.
Things get underway today at noon at the Lily Lake Pavillion.

Cruise Symposium Coming to the Port City

For the first time since 1998, Saint John will host the Canada New England Cruise Symposium.
Over 225 participants will be in the city to hear industry experts talk about trends in the industry.
Betty MacMillan of Saint John Port Authority tells CHSJ news they expect the new cruise ship season to bring in about 30 million dollars with more passengers than last year.
The first call of the new cruise ship season is in late May with the symposium coming up in June at the Trade and Convention Centre.

Kids Guide at New Brunswick Museum

The New Brunswick Museum at Market Square got some help from grade 4 and 5 students at Prince Charles School in puting together a kids guide to the Museum. Wendy Martindale is head of community services at the museum. She tells CHSJ News the perspective of children differs from that of adults.
Martindale says it's hoped the kids guide will result in more young people becoming interested in what's going on at the museum.

Home Renovation Tax Credit Ends Tonight

[M-P Rodney Weston---File Photo]

A popular program aiming to put money back into the economy by giving citizens money for home renovations is coming to an end tonight.
Saint John M-P Rodney Weston tells CHSJ News, he's not sure if there are any discussions to extend the Home Renovations Tax Credit, but he's heard a lot of positive feedback about it.
Weston says the program did exactly what it set out to do.
Weston says since he's not privy to discussions between Finance Minister Jim Flaherty and Prime Minister Harper, he's not sure what the status of extending the program is.

Radio Renovations Week Four

Skate to Care

It's not just officials at the Regional Hospital Foundation getting geared up for this years Investors Group Skate to Care. Angela Morris is getting Musquash ready to stage it's own event. This is the fourth year they have done it, the second where they registered. Morris tells CHSJ News, it's plenty of fun for the entire community:

Morris says last year theye raised $2400 dollars and hope to get close to $3000 next month.

Provincial Leaders Recognize Senate Appointment

[M-L-A Rose-May Poirer----File Photo]

The Premier is extending his congratulations to recent senate appointee New Brunswick MLA Rose-May Poirer.
Shawn Graham says although the two have disagreed on public policy matters in the past, he has always held Poirer in high regard for her work on behalf of the province.
Poirer will be one of the newest members of the senate as of February 28th.
Provincial Tory Leader David Alward is also congratulating Poirer on the recent appointment.

New Brunswick Student Alliance Responds to State of the Province Address

The New Brunswick Student Alliance is pleased with the Premiers commitment to make post secondary education more affordable.
During the State of the Province Address, Premier Graham said twice his government will be working to further expand programs on students loans, and will make post secondary education more affordable for students.
President Duncan Gallant says it's necessary the Graham Government follow through on the commitments because right now many students do not qualify for the student debt cap, or the timely completion benefit.