Country Life Still Alive And Well in NB

In a rapidly changing world it's nice to hear about people doing things the old fashioned way. Susan Tyler and Clark Phillips have owned Whaelghinbran Farm for nearly 50 years. Now in their 70s, they worried they'd have to sell the organic farm at a loss when they hit retirement age. But instead they're teaching a new generation how to live off the land.

Susan Tyler tells CHSJ News they've partnered with Community Forests International and found a crew of young workers they're teaching how to farm without pesticides or clear cutting. The young people have even brought the farm to the 21st century by promoting it on a blog and Facebook, and taking orders for produce via email.

With the help of CFI and other groups they're selling the produce at the Kingston Market as well as offering monthly veggie orders to be picked up uptown. 

For more information on the farm's long and interesting history and how to order your veggies click here


Photo: Courtesy of Whaelghinbran Farm

Saint John MP Defends EI Changes

Saint John MP Rodney Weston is throwing his support behind the Federal government's upcoming changes to employment insurance.

He tells CHSJ News the changes are not only reasonable but necessary as the program needs to be fiscally balanced.

The changes, which will go into effect in 2013, will require workers to take lower paying jobs in their field or even jobs in other sectors if they frequently receive EI payments.

He says there is a lot of misinformation out there and criticism has been premature.

2 Months Later, Perth-Andover Still In Trouble

The flood-ravaged northwestern village of Perth Andover still struggling with major damage just over two months after the worst flood in its history.

Bill Lawlor of the Canadian Red Cross tells CHSJ News while the government's response has been swift, the villagers are still frustrated with the long wait times associated with disaster financial aid. He says no matter how quickly the government can respond to trauma, it's still a long process to get the claims assessed.

Although most of the schools have re-opened, the hospital remains closed and over 100 households remain displaced.

Warmer Weather Is On The Way

You can expect an up and down summer according to the latest forecast released by the Weather Network. 

Meterologist Gina Ressler expects daytime temperatures during June to be around 20 degrees and the reason for our unseasonably cold temperatures this week is due to a blocking pattern. 

The Weather Network is also predicting 300 millimeters of rain for the Saint John area over the next three months or so but, by and large, it will be a normal summer season for us. 

Ressler also telling us there could be a change developing in the weather pattern that could suppress the intensity of tropical storms during the hurricane season.

Harbour Passage Shouldn't Be Closed, Says Fullerton

It's a major tourist attraction as well as being used constantly by cyclists and pedestrians--and according to common councilor Susan Fullerton, the Harbour Passage needs to be kept usable.

The passage has been closed for months each summer for the past few years due to construction on the Harbour Bridge. Fullerton tells CHSJ News not using it is a waste, considering the big bucks that were shelled out for its construction in the first place.

Building Inspector Bill Edwards saying the completion of the bridge will depend on the contractors--and they're still in talks to select one. USL Concreate had been hired to do work on the bridge but they filed for receivership several months ago.

People's Alliance Endorse Cardy In Rothesay

N-D-P Leader Dominic Cardy is getting support from another party in his bid to win the Rothesay byelection on the 25th.
People's Alliance Leader Kris Austin says his party is endorsing Cardy's bid to win a seat in the Legislature in the by-election to replace Tory Margaret-Ann Blaney.
Austin says it's a way to make sure the two parties don't draw votes from one another allowing the Tories or Liberals to come up the middle.
The Conservatives have selected Ted Flemming while the Liberals select their candidate this evening.
Meantime - nominations for the by-election close Friday afternoon at 2.

Province To Dedicate Highway Of Heroes

The Alward government is getting onboard with other provinces in honouring fallen armed forces personnel.
CHSJ News has confirmed the government is giving the green light to dedicating Highway 2 as the Highway of Heroes.
An official dedication ceremony is planned for late July.

Snook Says Derelict Buildings Must Go

After recent fires in derelict buildings on Victoria Street and Charlotte Street, the newly-minted Mayor and Common Councillors weighing in on solutions for unsafe abandoned structures.

Councillor Donnie Snook motioning that razing or re-purposing derelict buildings should be a top priority. Snook tells CHSJ News the buildings are a source of fear for residents, attract illegal activity, and send the wrong message about certain neighbourhoods. As a result, he says, it's something the city needs to act on sooner rather than later.

Councillors Shirley McAlary and David Merrithew telling council it's a pricey issue that should wait until budget time for a firm commitment. The motion was referred to the City Manager to gather more information on the best options.

Liberals Will Vote On Rothesay Candidate Tonight

John Wilcox and Bill Gulliver throwing their hats in the ring for the Liberal nomination in Rothesay tonight.

Gulliver has 25 years of experience in the business community and says he's keen on creating better recreational facilities for youth, as well as stepping up the standard for education. Wilcox, a former policeman, is pushing environmental concerns like safe drinking water and conservation.

The vote happens June 25th. The premier called the by-election after appointing Margaret Ann Blaney as CEO of Efficiency NB.

Firefighters Union Concerned About Possible Changes To Pension Act

The Saint John Firefighters Association not happy with the city looking to repeal the Pension Act.

Repealing the Act would give the city the power to make changes to the pension plan without needing approval from the province.

The association will be going to the legislature this morning to express their concerns.

It has been critical of the recent cuts to the fire department budget as a way to deal with the city's pension deficit.

Moncton and Fredericton run their pension plans through city by-laws.

Suspicious Fire in North End

It could be yet another case of arson.......That's what the fire department suspects after a one storey wooden garage in the north end on Elgin Street goes up in smoke. There were no injuries.

And City Police making two arrests along Highway One as well as confiscating what they describe as a quantity of marijuana. The pair expected in court later today to be formally charged.

Province To Overhaul Liquor Control Act

The provincial government is planning a complete overhaul of the Liquor Control Act.
The act covers all aspects of liquor control - sales - and - licensing in the province.
It's been in place since 1961 with a number of amendments over the years - but - there hasn't been a complete review in several years.
Part of the review will include a sit down with all those involved in sales and serving of liquor.
Four sessions are planned around the province with a stop here in the city next Tuesday - for more information - click here.

Port Eyes New Highway As Big Advantage

Renewed talk of a connector highway between Calais and Sherbrooke is capturing the attention of Saint John Port Authority boss Jim Quinn.
Quinn tells CHSJ News our port is positioned perfectly to take advantage of the proposed direct highway link - and - can also offer good rail connections through New Brunswick Southern Railway
He also says the proposed highway would be beneficial to tourism in the region.
Quinn recently travelled to Maine to meet with proponents of the new highway to discuss the advantages of having that kind of link with our port.

Trial Date Set For Accused In Charlotte Street Fire

The trial for 20 year old Roger Chiasson will be held on August 9th.

He is pleading not guilty to an arson charge in connection with the Charlotte Street fire last month.

The fire resulted in the destruction of a convenience store, an accounting business, and the old Lyric Theatre.

19 year old Samuel Nolan and a 15 year old were also arrested in connection with the blaze.

Charges Expected In Hammond River Crash

Charges are anticipated in a single vehicle crash that happened around 2:30 a.m. on June 2, on Highway 1 near Hammond River

A 63-year-old Saint John man was sent to hospital with injuries after the vehicle he was driving left the road and rolled over.

Alcohol is suspected to be a factor in the crash.

West Side Residents Could Have Reduced Water Pressure

West Side residents might notice a drop in water pressure or even some dirty water for the next few weeks -- the city is flushing fire hydrants in the area in order to clean up some water pipes.

The flushing will take place from 8 in the morning until 8 at night.  Affected areas will include King William Road, Ocean Westway, Manawagonish Road,  Dever Road, Fairville Boulevard, Main Street West, and Milford/Randolph.

Customers may experience dirty water for up to 20 minutes if they use water during the time that the line on their street is being flushed.

Labour Union Marches Down King Street

A protest snaking it's way through King Street this afternoon -- the New Brunswick Federation of Labour holding a demonstration over the recent public sector job cuts on both the provincial and federal level.

Marilyn Quinn is the President of the NB Nurses Union and she tells CHSJ News there are hidden costs to constant tax cuts.

She says less taxes mean reduced services which will result in less money for the community

She says less taxes affects healthcare, education, and highways.

Quinn believes the solution lies in the fair taxation of people and corporations.

Firefighters Union Concerned With Possible Changes To Pension Act

The Saint John Firefighters Association not happy with the city looking to repeal the Pension Act.

Repealing the Act would give the city the power to make changes to the pension plan without needing approval from the province.

The association will be going to the legislature this morning to express their concerns.

It has been critical of the recent cuts to the fire department budget as a way to deal with the city's pension deficit.

Moncton and Fredericton run their pension plans through city by-laws.

Mayor Norton Speaks Out On Mistakes

Mistakes were made, but they won't be repeated--that from Mayor Mel Norton regarding a so-called "sneaky" clause included in a list of pension reforms submitted to the superintendent of pensions. The clause stipulating highly-paid city staffers could retire early with full benefits was not voted on by council.

Norton says he appreciates the gravity of a clause like that making it through and there were clearly numerous mistakes that beg thorough investigation.

The Mayor is reportedly behind enforcing a by law to make sure councilors have enough time to look over documents before being asked to vote.

NDP'ers In Rothesay To Select Candidate For Byelection

The NDP in Rothesay will be choosing their candidate for the June 25th provincial byelection tonight and that will be party lesder Dominic Cardy who says voters in the riding should be offered a clear alternative which the Liberals are failing to do.

He doesn't find it an odd riding to be running in considering it is probably the wealthiest in the province.

Cardy tells CHSJ News just because you're affluent doesn't mean you won't vote for the NDP claiming business in the province has been held back by political patronage and that's the reason the byelection is being held because of the appointment of former Rothesay M-L-A Margaret Ann Blaney to be C-E-O at Efficiency NB.

Cardy is already facing the charge levelled by Conservative candidate Ted Flemming of being a parchute candidate because he doesn't live in the riding.