M-P's Told To Get Real With Their Platinum Plated Pensions

Members of Parliament are being pressured by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation to radically change their pension plan.

The Federation's Atlantic Director, Kevin Lacey tells CHSJ News each M-P can start collecting a pension at age 55 and is eligible to collect after serving for only 6 years.

Lacey points out the average M-P in the province will be eligible for a pension of over 50 thousand dollars a year.

The Federation has calculated Saint John M-P Rodney Weston can collect a pension of 33 thousand dollars a year by 2015. By contrast the average New Brunswicker receiving the Canada Pension gets 536 dollars a month.

The Federation says the MP's should be on the same type of R-R-S-P plan as anyone else instead of having taxpayers shelling out 24 dollars for every dollar being contributed by each M-P.

Blind Driver's Behind The Wheel For MIRA

Bet you've never 'seen' this before... a car race with drivers who are blind.

That's exactly what's happening tomorrow at 7 o'clock at the Centre for Speed in Shediac. The first blind driver stock car race in the Atlantic provinces will have 10 blind drivers competing in a 10 lap race.

Participant Brian Thorne tells CHSJ news each driver will have a co-pilot to give instructions, but they won't be allowed to touch the brakes or steering wheel.

All the money raised goes to the MIRA foundation, who train seeing-eye dogs.

For more information on tickets and to donate, you can call Brian Thorne at 672-5574 or e-mail atlantique@mira.ca.

Tickets are $10 each or $25 for a family pass.

Alward Government Pressed on Lepreau Compensation

The Liberals are accusing the Alward Government of dragging its heels on getting compensation for the cost overruns with the refurbishment of the Point Lepreau nuclear power station.

Liberal energy critic Brian Kenny tells CHSJ News we're talking a billion dollars and that will have some impact on what you pay for electricity each month.

Kenny is worried when he hears acting Energy Minister Craig Leonard indicate compensation may not have to be paid if the federal government helps out with projects down the road like the restoration of the Mactaquac dam.

Youth Hunting Sparks Debate

The province wants to hear from you on lowering the legal hunting age from 14 to 12 with adult supervision.

It's a polarizing subject for many given the recent gun violence in Toronto and Colorado and our listeners are speaking out online.

Matt says it gets the kids out with mom & dad to help them build responsibility while Jimmy mocks the idea saying 'let's put guns into more hands even little kids".

Wendy thinks with adult supervision, it's a great idea. Colton says all four of his daughters have shot a gun at a target adding there is absolutely nothing wrong with teaching your children to be independent and live off of the land.

Liz thinks the post is in poor taste but says there are always two sides to a debate but in her opinion, there is something not right about any child holding a weapon.

In a recent CHSJ News poll question we asked you if the legal hunting age for youth should be lowered from 14 to 12 with adult supervision and 78 per cent of you said no.

To add your voice, click here

For more info on the government's proposal, click here

Changes To Construction Work Today

Due to today's weather, paving on St. Patrick Street is postponed until Monday.

Between 8am and 6pm on Chesley Drive, traffic will be reduced to one lane in both directions.

Crown Street is closed to south bound traffic. Motorists will be detoured via Pitt Street to King Street East and back to Crown.
This work is part of Harbour Clean up and should last three weeks.

Crews Rescue Pair From The Water

A terrifying situation for two people boating on the Kennebecasis River ending with no injuries.
 
About 5:30 in the afternoon, emergency personnel in the KV including Coast Guard and the RCMP got the call about a boat sinking in the water.
 
Luckily the two people on board were able to hold on to a nearby kayak until help arrived.
 
Lieutenant Mike Boyle of the KV Fire Department tells CHSJ News the two experienced boaters who know the river were on a 16-foot power boat.

He says they actually hit something in the water hard enough causing it to sink almost immediately.

The KV Fire rescue boat picked up the boaters bringing them to the Meehan's Cove Wharf.
No word on what they may have hit in the water.

Boat Sinks On The Kennebecasis River

It would have been quite the show for those waiting for the Gondola Point ferry on the way home tonight and luckily no one was hurt.


Two experienced boaters had to be rescued after their boat struck something in the Kennebecasis causing their 16 foot power boat to sink.
 
Lieutenant Mike Boyle of the KV Fire Department tells CHSJ News luckily a kayaker in the vicinity was able to let them hang on until help could arrive.

Bus Shelter Needs Renos To Curb Loitering

A retired police sergeant offering better lighting, repairs, and a clean-up as a solution to distasteful behavior at the Sydney Street bus shelter.

Robert Buck tells CHSJ News it's become an eyesore--and a hazard.

He says there have been several incidents with groups of homeless addicts congregating in the bus shelter, drinking publicly there, and using it as a washroom. Buck recounted one incident when a woman waiting for a bus was yelled at by one of the men and charged with mischief.

Buck says better lighting is a positive step, as was the recent move to take out the bench--but more needs to be done.

Work On New Terminal Is Progressing

Construction of the new cruise ship terminal on Water street is progressing for a September opening.

Saint John Port Authority President Jim Quinn tells CHSJ News the warm weather is helping.


He says they have had great weather for the pouring of concrete.

Quinn says the cruise industry is growing in North America and this expansion will allow Saint John to have three of the larger ships in Port on the same day.

He adds the project is moving along for the Diamond Jubilee Cruise Terminal to open on time on September 5th.

Cardy Says Smart Grid Deal Needs Review

Dominic Cardy says Siemens Canada is a company with a good internatioal reputation but he does have a few issues with NB Power's new deal with them.


The Provincial NDP leader tells CHSJ News wonders if the Alward government will be putting consumers first because right now it comes with many unanswered questions.

Cardy tells us we don't know how much it's going to cost and we don't know if the prime goal is to reduce costs for consumers or large commercial clients.

He says in any other jurisdiction that could be easily fixed with a full review by the Energy and Utilities board but here it's not completely independent.

Bacchus Chapter President Pleads Guilty In Shooting Death

The 50 year old President of the Saint John chapter of the Bacchus motorcycle gang has pleaded guilty to manslaughter for shooting 31 year old Micheal Schimpf to death July 14th on Pitt Street.  

The heard what Matthew Thomas Foley of Russell Street told city police after he surrendered the night after the shooting.

City Police were told by Foley two bricks were thrown through the windows of his tattoo shop on Union Street July 6th and Schimpf was involved. 

On July 13th, Schimpf returned to the shop with two big rocks and threw them at Foley damaging some of his equipment. 

Foley got a gun and the very next night was standing outside the Bacchus clubhouse on Pitt Street when he saw Schimpf walking towards him with his hands behind his back. 

Foley claims he didn't know whether Schimpf had a weapon so he pulled out his gun. The victim started running down Pitt Street. Foley says he wanted to shoot Schimpf in the legs and had no intention of killing him. Schimpf died after his aorta was lacerated by a bullet.

Police recovered 8 shell casings from the street. The court was told Foley helped police find the gun and has written a letter of apology.

Tire Kickers Checking Out Repsol L-N-G Assets

At least one company is reported to be taking a look at Repsol's liquefied natural gas assets including its 75-percent share in the Canaport L-N-G terminal.
Industry publication Platts is reporting Spanish based Gas Natural Fenosa is giving the assets the once over to see if there's anything of interest.
Gas Natural's C-E-O told analysts in Madrid his company has been invited by Repsol to review the holdings and that will take place.
Repsol has a ten percent stake in Gas Natural which has - among other things - a fleet of 11-tankers - two of them jointly owned with Repsol.
Last week - Repsol confirmed to CHSJ News it was doing a preliminary evaluation on the possible sale of its L-N-G assets as the company looks for ways to boost its financial picture and credit ratings.

Coyote Attacks On The Rise

Hungry coyotes are ripping into the profits of local farmers...Jennifer MacDonald of the Agricultural Alliance tells CHSJ News with each calf worth $1000 or more, recent coyote attacks on nearly a dozen calves are disastrous. 

She says they've tried electric fences, keeping the calves close to barns, and shooting the varmints where possible, all to no avail. Fortunately, she's not aware of any attacks on humans so far.

MacDonald questions who the government doesn't have a program to protect farmers from wildlife attack--as one exists in every other province.

Oromocto Fires Set On Purpose

The RCMP in Oromocto are concerned after two fires were deliberately set last week and they're asking for information in order to make an arrest.

Firefighters were called July 20th to a blaze on Mockler Street. A neighbour phoned 911 to report a shed and a utility trailer on the property next door were on fire. When firefighters arrived, they noticed there was also a fire on the deck of the neighbour's home who made the 911 call.

There was significant damage after all was said and done.

Anyone with information, or who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area, is asked to contact the RCMP at 506-357-4300. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at www.crimenb.ca or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information that leads to the arrest of the person or persons responsible could qualify you for a cash award of up to $2,000.

The Latest On Gas Prices In City

Self serve regular is less expensive after the weekly setting but diesel will cost you more. 

Self serve is selling for $1.24.7 a litre in the city. 

Diesel is at $1.28 a litre. 

Heating oil is up by more than 3 cents a litre. 

Propane also rose by almost 2 cents to a maximum of 94.4 cents a litre.

St Andrews Rally Against Federal Budget Cuts

A big turnout at Indian Point in St. Andrews to protest recent federal budget cuts. 

More than 600 people turning out to rally against job reductions that will close the Biological Station Library, eliminate the Contaminants and Toxicology programme and severely cut the Habitat programme. 

The protestors also claim scientific research will be impaired with the reductions.

Car Leaves Highway One

Another reminder to drivers to take it easy when going through construction zones. One driver along Highway 1 at Prince of Wales had to swerve to avoid hitting a large rock and wound up in the ditch. There were no injuries but there was another vehicle on the shoulder nearby which was damaged after not missing the same rock. The highway is down to one lane in each direction.

There's more construction in the city to tell you about. Construction, as part of Harbour Cleanup, getting underway this morning along Rothesay Avenue. Traffic will be reduced to one lane each way from 8 in the morning until 6 at night until August 22nd.

Construction is also starting on Thorne Avenue between Egbert and Russell Streets as part of the same project.

Man Falls Off Ladder

City police, fire and ambulance called to a workplace accident in Millidgeville just before 4pm.

A man fell off a ladder hurting his ribs in the process.

It took place at a Bell Aliant building on Boar's Head Road.    Worksafe NB is looking into what happened.

12 Year Olds Could Be Allowed to Hunt

12 year olds could be allowed to hunt small game with adult supervision... if the Department of Natural Resources goes ahead with lowering the legal age from 14.

The DNR is currently looking for the public's feedback on the issue. The kids would also have to complete a course on safe shooting.

Liberals Slam Decision To Cut N-B Day Merit Awards

The Alward government is taking it on the chin over its decision to can the N-B Day Merit Awards this year -- a move the Opposition Liberals are calling lame.
The government says the awards - which recognize individuals contributions to their communities - are on hold while departments figure out various programs and initiatives following a restructuring process -- although there's no date as to when they will resume.
Liberal M-L-A Donald Arsenault says the awards were a nice pat on the back for individuals making contributions to their communities - and - he says it was simply a matter of signing one certificate and copying the rest.
Arsenault says Premier Alward should be ashamed especially after handing out what would be the biggest merit award this year with the appointment of former Rothesay M-L-A Margaret Ann Blaney to head up Efficiency N-B with a salary in the 175-thousand dollar range.