NCC's Moose Sex Project Gets Land Donation From Former Diplomat

The group behind a conservation project that aims to spark cross-border romance between moose has acquired hundreds of acres of land in a wilderness corridor.
 
That's largely comprised of recent land donation from former diplomat Derek Burney and Joan Burney, who donated 781 acres to the conservancy's efforts.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada now has 845 acres in an area that bridges this province, which has a healthy population of moose, with Nova Scotia, where moose are endangered with a population of only 1000 individual moose in the province.

It's called the Moose Sex Project and Andrew Holland of the organization tells CHSJ News by protecting this corridor they hope the animals can move freely between the two provinces. He says if mating between the two provinces is a success, it'll diversify the gene pool for moose in Nova Scotia.

Holland tells us the corridor is not along the Trans-Canada Highway.

Firefighters Rescue Passenger In Car Rollover

Photo courtesy of Musquash Fire Dept.

Fire crews extricating a passenger from a car that rolled over on Highway 1. Musquash firefighters used hydraulic rescue tools to get the person out of the vehicle, which went off of the road on Saturday afternoon. 

One person was already out of the car when firefighters arrived, both people were brought to the hospital by ambulance with what appears to be non-life threatening injuries.

East Side House Fire

A blaze breaking out in a single family home on the east side of Saint John. 

The fire department's division chief Mark Wilson says they got the call early in the morning and when they showed up to 1845 Golden Grove Road, they were met with heavy fire and smoke coming from the house.

He says they started an aggressive attack on the inside, and with the help of the Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department, it took crews two and a half hours to get the fire under control.

Wilson says the fire is being investigated by the city police's Major Crime Unit and the fire department's Fire Prevention and Investigation Division.

Red Cross Sends Atlantic Volunteer Group to Alberta

A volunteer team from the East Coast is out West. 

24 Red Cross volunteers are in flood-ravaged Alberta, helping with the flood relief effort on the ground. The 22 disaster volunteers and two staff who have traveled to the province will help run emergency shelters in the Calgary area and other evacuated areas. 

Meanwhile, a much larger group continues to help flood victims from offices located in Darmouth and Sydney, Nova Scotia, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, and here in Saint John. The support will continue through the Canada Day long weekend and likely all of the following week.

The volunteers from New Brunswick now in Alberta are: Catherine Vautour from Bronson Settlement, Gail Brownlee from Moncton, Glen Martin from Lower Kingsclear, Jeanette Miller from Oromocto, Julie Basterache from Jardineville, Lindsay Mitton from Moncton, and Renée Cormier from Shediac.

Police Look For Suspect In Fiery Causeway Crash

Saint John police are looking for a suspect who fled the scene of a fiery car crash on the causeway which sent a woman to hospital.

At 5pm yesterday, a car speeding on the eastern part of the causeway veered out into oncoming traffic, then swerved back, hitting another car. Both vehicles were pushed into the guardrail and the suspect's car burst into flames. 

Police say the suspect then fled the scene on foot, and the woman in the other vehicle was brought to hospital with injuries.

Mounties Reminding Motorists To Drive Safely This Holiday Weekend

Long weekends are made for kicking back and relaxing, except when you hit the roadway. The RCMP say on holiday weekends, there's a lot of traffic on the roadways, so they're reminding drivers to obey the rules of the road. 

The minimum you'll have to shell out for a violation under the provincial Motor Vehicle Act is $172.50, and you can lose demerit points. Constable Derek Black of the Oromocto RCMP says depending on the type of infraction, fines can increase. Fines for speeding can go up to nearly $292.50 when a car is going more than 25 kilometres an hour above the speed limit, and fines double when speeding in a construction zone. 

Here's a list of the most common infractions seen by the Oromocto RCMP:

-Failing to have a front license plate displayed on a vehicle
-Not being able to produce upon request from a police officer an insurance card, drivers license, vehicle registration
-Having a vehicle with tinted windows that prevent more than 30% of light to enter the vehicle
-Passing on a solid line
-Failing to wear a seatbelt, both the driver and any passenger over the age of 16 can receive a ticket. It’s also the responsibility of drivers' to ensure that children are buckled up.

Liberals Say Tax Hikes Are Broken Promises

Broken promises and desperate decisions...that's what the Liberals are saying about tax increases kicking in on Canada Day.
 
It was announced back in March in the provincial budget.
Tide News asked Liberal finance critic Roger Melanson if given the current fiscal situation the province really had any choice.

He says on the third budget of their mandate they made a desperate decision to increase income tax and we need to understand the impact it may have on consumer confidence and disposable income.

Melanson says corporations will pay more in taxes as well, but he says it's obvious the working person will carry the greatest tax burden.

Your Wallet Is About To Get A Lot Thinner

Tax increases go into effect as of Canada Day in the province because of the provincial budget. 

If you earn 30 thousand dollars a year, you will pay about $179 dollars more in provincial income tax and a single income earner making over 60 thousand will pay 796 dollars more. 

The Atlantic Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation Kevin Lacey tells Tide News this is a problem of the government's own making because of overspending.

The Taxpayers Federation would like to see a commitment from the Premier that once the provincial budget is balanced, these tax increases will be rolled back.

Tourism Minister Optimistic About Summer Season

The Canada Day weekend officially kicks off the summer vacation period - and - Provincial Tourism Minister Trevor Holder is excited about this year's potential.

Holder tells Tide News his department has been refocusing its promotions on key markets like the Big Apple where we showcased a video in Times Square.

He says there has been a lot of investment in refreshing our Fundy experience branding through improvements like the second cruise terminal and expansion of the Fundy Trail.

The Minister says his department is also more savvy in how it's targeting its promotions through the use of postal and zip codes - and - as result - Holder says he's feeling good about this year's summer tourism season.

Trial Of Twin Brothers Into Home Stretch

The trial of the Saia twin brothers on charges stemming from a fatal home invasion last November on the lower west side is winding down.

The prosecution wrapped up its case with police testimony about the arrest of 21 year old Brandon Saia after a foot chase at Duke and Watson Streets. The arrest happened three days after the home invasion on Prince Street West. Bradley Saia was not arrested until sometime later in Halifax.

The defense did not call any witnesses.

Closing arguments to the jury, comprised of 7 women and 5 men, will take place Tuesday morning. Jury deliberations will not take place until Wednesday after Justice Judy Clendenning delivers her instructions.

Have Your Own Personal Touch At The Playground

As you walk through the St. Andrews Community Playground, you can still find 20-year-old names and handprints cemented in the wall leading to the swingsets.

Now, Chair of the Playground Restoration Fundraising Committee, Isabelle Micheud tells Tide News they are doing it all over again.

Micheud says they are selling hand tiles you can personalize, and they will be placed in the playground during restoration in September.

She says a booth will be set up on Water Street in St. Andrews during Canada Day for the hand tiles, which are $25 each.
Micheud says they need to raise $120,000 for the restoration project by the end of July.

Grace Foundation Approached By Trudeau

It's not entirely clear whether the Grace Foundation wants its 20 thousand dollars back from Federal Liberal leader Justin Trudeau for a failed fundraiser over a year ago at the Imperial Theatre. 

That, according to a spokesperson for Trudeau who says he asked the Foundation last week to specify if it wants its money back in cash or ``some other arrangement,'' like having him headline another fundraising event for free but the foundation has yet to respond. 

No other group has sought repayment except for the Grace Foundation which released a statement claiming it was distressed over the issue becoming "a political football" and aimed some pointed criticism at Fundy Royal Conservative M-P Rob Moore for fuelling the controversy.  

Two Of Four Men Identified In Child Sex Probe

We now know where the four provincial men facing charges in the Operation Snapsnot probe are from.

On June 13th, police seized computers, cd's, dvd's and more from a Lincoln home and a 42 year old man was arrested and later released.

The next day in another search where similar material was seized 52 year old Fred Price of Frederiction was arrested.

On the 21st, a search in Lorne netted more of the same resulting in charges for a 36 year old man and on June 24th another search was conducted in Miramichi where computers and more were seized leading to charges for 48-year-old Donald Martin.

All four men have future court dates.

The investigation being led by RCMP's Internet Child Exploitation Unit with help from other units and other police forces.

Former Chicken Noodle Club Volunteer Speaks Out On Snook

There's stigma attached to the name Chicken Noodle Club ever since the arrest of former Saint John Common Councillor and pedophile Donnie Snook and his guilty pleas on more than 40 charges of child exploitation. 

Snook became the face and voice for the Chicken Noodle Club. Judith Meinert-Thomas, who was a volunteer for 4 or 5 years, says a makeover is needed to ensure its survival but she's confident it will withstand the current difficulties.

Meinert-Thomas says besides a new moniker, a new person will have to be hired who will be spotless.

She points out the lunch program feeds 18 thousand young people a year in the south end and that's nothing to sneeze at.

Weston Calls For Change To Release Of High Risk Sex Offenders

Saint John MP Rodney Weston says he is personally troubled with the number of high risk offenders being released into the community.
 
He says many people are expressing concerns to him over safety and protecting families.
 
After speaking with local police and the federal office of Public Safety, Weston says its clear changes need to be made with how known sex offenders are released, what information should be made available to the public and the locations where they are to be released.

Weston says he'll be working with the Minister of Public Safety and the province to examine the current provisions in place. 

He's calling for stronger rules to ensure more public disclosure of information surrounding the release of high risk sex offenders and the application of conditions to their release which protect the public interest.

Severe Weather Warning For St. Stephen

Charlotte County might be in for a real big storm tonight.

Environment Canada issuing a weather bulletin that states conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.

The Network says the storms could bring heavy downpours, damaging winds, and large hail stones.

St. Stephen and Northern Charlotte County as well as areas around Fredericton are included.

Rally In The St. Croix Valley Gets Nod Of Approval

Our International Motorcycle Festival getting the official nod from St. Stephen Town Council.

Canadian Chair of the Rally in the St. Croix Valley, Bob Hamel tells Tide News he is greatful for the support -- even if it's not financial. "I hope to come back next year and convince them that funding would be an appropriate thing for us."

This year the Town decided not to contribute financially to the Rally as well as a number of other organizations as a way to save money in the community deficit.



The festival will have events for all ages, including the Parade of Lights, themed rides, and outdoor concerts.

The Rally in the St. Croix Valley will run next weekend, from July 5th through to the 7th.

City Taking Proactive Approach To Release Of Sex Offenders

Controversy has been swirling around the release of three sex offenders into the community in recent months, an issue that hasn't been lost on council. 

They voted to begin work that would result in them getting a heads up in the future. 

Deputy Mayor Shelley Rinehart says the city is very vulnerable right now, and answers are needed to understand how the numbers of sex offenders are distributed across Canada, the reasoning behind the decision to release those individuals into particular communities and whether or not the context is taken into account.

They'll also be setting up a meeting with various officials to talk about the best way to resolve the problem in a way that protects the interests and safety of the community.

Snook's Sentencing Hearing Scheduled

Donnie Snook's sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 29th and could last more than one day. 

Judge Alfred Brien also says the actual sentencing itself may not take place then. 

He has also ordered a sex offender assessment to be part of the pre-sentence report on the likelihood of re-offending.

Snook's lawyer Dennis Boyle is not ruling out further charges being laid. 

Boyle also suggested Snook is not being housed in the local jail but would not say where he is being held.

Judith Meinert was a member of the Board at the Inner City Youth Minister when Donnie Snook was the Director and also volunteered at the Chicken Noodle Club when he was there. 

She admits to being left speechless at what has come to light since early January.

Meinert says she and Snook often went to evening prayer together but obviously his life was not all it seemed with alot of compartmentalisation.

Radio Strikers Mark One Year

As of today, seven radio personalities have been on strike for 365 days. The Maritime Broadcasting strikers rallied in King's Square during lunchtime to mark a year since their strike began.

Ron Oldfield of the Saint John District of Labour Council was there, and he tells Tide  News they're asking local businesses to withdraw support from the station. He says by them advertising on the station, they're financing a strike and allowing the employer to continue on with bad practices. 

Provincial NDP leader Dominic Cardy also voiced his support for the strikers. He tells Tide News he hopes the strong show of support gets things moving so the strikers can get a first collective agreement.

Patrick Colford, the president of the provincial Federation of Labour tells Tide News the situation is a disgrace. He says they're not asking for the moon, they're asking for a fair wage.

Water Shut Off For Part Of St. Stephen

Some St. Stephen residents will be short on H2O tomorrow.

Town of St. Stephen Human Resources Alison Estey tells Tide News water will be shut off tomorrow between 9am and 1pm.

Estey says the areas affected are Boundary Street and Clark Court.

Waweig Bridge Closed For Summer

Some residents outside of St. Stephen will have a summer-long detour.

As of this morning, the Waweig Bridge No.1 on Route 170 is closed to traffic for approximately the next nine weeks.

Repairs are being made to the 54-year-old structure.

However, on July 7th, one lane of the bridge will open for participants taking part in the community triathlon.

Saia Trial Begins In Deadly Home Invasion

Two brothers are in court this morning in connection with a deadly home invasion last November on the lower West side of Saint John. 

The trial for Bradley Neil Saia and Brandon Saia begins today at the Sydney Street Courthouse. The two are facing charges in a break-in on Prince Street West on November 3 where two young men were stabbed. 

21 year-old Bradley was charged with forcible entry, robbery and having his face concealed while committing an indictable offense. His twin brother Brandon was charged with forcible entry, stealing personal property and having his face concealed with intent to commit an indictable offense. 

18 year-old Andrew Jonathan Dennison died from his injuries.

Shand Fundraiser Brings In $12,000 For Daughter's Trust

A fundraiser for the daughter of a murdered Rothesay woman bringing in $12,000 on Sunday.

The event at the Q-Plex put together by Terri Kingston and Deanna King both of whom never met Tanya Shand.

The women both empathized with her daughter and family over their tragic loss and the need to shine a light on the problem of domestic violence.

The proceeds will go to fund for Tanya's daughter Cheyenne.

BREAKING NEWS: Found Body Is A Woman

Just before 9 this morning, emergency personnel got the call about a body spotted in the water near Long Wharf in Saint John.

The body has been removed from the water and taken to the Regional to be identified and to determine a cause of death.

The body is a woman but the age is unknown.

The major crime unit is leading the investigation.

Lunch Program Founded By Snook In Turmoil

A lunch program that gives hot meals to kids could be folding in the aftermath of a scandal involving its founder: Donnie Snook.

 Judith Arsenault runs the lunch program at Saint John the Baptist School, formerly the Chicken Noodle Club, and she tells CHSJ news they desperately need volunteers and donations, as well as key items like sufficient dishes, despite the $25,000 donation the program recieved from PotashCorp back in December.

She says many people assumed the programs closed after the events of last January but that's not the case and they are still trying to feed hundreds of kids who might otherwise go hungry.

The program at Hazen White St. Francis has already had to close due to lack of volunteers.

Quispamsis Launches Residential Tree Planting Project

If you've ever wanted a tree of your own, a new planting-program in the valley is offering you the opportunity to lay claim to one, all while greening up the community. 

Through Streetscape, you can buy a tree for $30, and it would be planted in the municipal right-of-way this Fall. Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll tells CHSJ News residents are able to sponsor the trees, having one as their own to to weed, feed and take care of.

 You have until June 28 to submit your application. For a list of the types of trees you can buy, click here. For a link to the application form, click here.

Apartment Vacancy Rate Increases - So Does Average Rent

Saint John is posting the highest apartment vacancy rate in the country according to a survey from Canada Mortgage and Housing. 

The survey shows the city's vacancy rate at 10.4-percent at the end of April compared to Edmonton and Calgary where the vacancy rate is 1.2-percent - the lowest in Canada.

As far as average rents are concerned - we appear to be in the middle with an average monthly rent of 703-dollars for a two bedroom apartment.

Vancouver is the most expensive with a two bedroom going for 1255-dollars a month while Saguenay in Quebec posted the lowest average at 560-dollars a month.

Atlantic Red Cross Team Helping Alberta Flood Evacuees

The Canadian Red Cross says a volunteer team from the Maritimes is helping flood evacuees from across Alberta. 

The volunteers are staffing call centres in Saint John, Moncton and Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. As of noon on Saturday, 500 calls had been processed at the three operations centres. John Byrne of the group says the centres collect information from flood victims such as where they live and the best way to contact them. 

Several volunteers are on stand-by to be deployed to the flood-ravaged province to manage evacuation and reception centres if need be. 

To support the Red Cross response, you can do so with a financial contribution online at redcross.ca or by calling toll-free 1-800-418-1111 and specifying your donation is for the “Alberta Flood Response.”

Saint John Y Offering Slew Of Summer Day Camps

Whether your child is an aspiring Sherlock Holmes or Picasso, the Saint John Y has a summer day camp for them. 

The Saint John Y is offering 60 day camps this summer The Y's VP of Wellness, Camping and Community Centres, Adrienne Boudreau tells CHSJ News with so many to choose from, no matter what your kid is interested in, there's a camp for them. 

Boudreau says camps are a great way for a child to test the waters of a new hobby, get active and to socialize with other children.

There's an open house at Camp Glenburn on July 6th from noon to 4 p.m. where you can learn more about the program. For a link to the Y's summer guide, click here.

Restauranteurs To Compete In Poutine Cook-Off

It's the ultimate Canadian comfort food, and local restauranteurs will be competing in a cook-off to see who makes it best. 

The first ever Poutinerie Challenge is being held to celebrate St. Jean De Baptiste Day, and the winner of best poutine gets a trophy and bragging rights. Craig Allen is on the Saint John Canada Day committee and tells CHSJ News almost 10 restaurants are competing, and he's looking forward to see what spin they put on the classic Canadian dish. 

It's happening on Monday, June 24. The chefs will start cooking around noon with samples becoming available a half hour later. Allen says it's free, and samples will be given out on a first come, first serve basis.

Three Arrests Made In String of Graffiti

A rash of graffiti in the Kennebecasis Valley leading to three arrests. 

The damage was done to buildings, signs, equipment, and road structures. Two young offenders are facing charges under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, and Rothesay Regional Police say they're expecting to make more arrests. 

Police are asking the public to keep an eye out for people doing graffiti, since to get rid of and fix it the damage can cost thousands of dollars.

From Lobster To The Golf Course

Forget the mayo--62 feet of lobster roll brings in a lot of dough.

Chair of the St. Andrews Playground Fundraising Committee Isabelle Micheud says the Lobster Roll-A-Palooza last weekend sold out in 40 minutes and raised over $28 hundred dollars for the restoration of the community playground.

Micheud tells Tide News the next fundraiser is a golf tournament at the Algonquin Resort and if you're interested, teams of 4 can register at the Scotiabank. Micheud says, "And the reason we are asking folks to register at the Scotiabank is because Scotiabank has agreed to match any of the entry fees that are made at the bank." She says the entry fee is $300 for a team of four and they still have room for a few more teams.

Micheud says they have raised $80,000 so far, but need a total of $120,000 by the end of July for the restoration project.

Man Tries ( And Fails ) To Take Stolen Dock For Joyride

A 65 year old man who allegedly stole a floating dock to travel downriver is now facing several charges.

The Fredericton Rowing Club reported the dock missing earlier this week, but it was found 13 kilometres down the shore.

The unidentified Huckleberry Finn wanna-be who was arrested told them he was using the dock to travel to Saint John.

He's facing charges of theft, drug possession and breach of a court order.

Well-Known City Lawyer Gets Jail Time

A well-known Saint John lawyer has been sentenced to 22 months in jail for obstruction of justice.

In 2009 Gillis was representing former Liberal MLA Frank Branch in a civil lawsuit against the North Shore Forest Products Marketing Board and on charges of fraud and extortion.

Gillis was found guilty in January of attempting to obstruct justice by trying to keep witnesses from testifying against his client.

Gillis, who is 66 years old, was formerly was the managing partner at Gilbert McGloan Gillis, but has since resigned. He was also suspended by the New Brunswick Law Society. 

Gillis also represented St. Stephen's Town Manager, John Ferguson, in the defamation lawsuit with the Saint John Pension Board. 

Moore Claims Grace Foundation Approached Him

The Grace Foundation Board Of Directors has issued a public statement, saying that it never asked Rob Moore--or any other political person---to put pressure on Justin Trudeau to return $20,000 the Liberal leader received to speak at a failed fundraiser.

But Moore tells Tide News the exact opposite, saying members of the Grace Foundation solicited his assistance.

The Grace Foundation has further said it is deeply distressed by Moore's comments about the Foundation.

A request for comment on Moore's most recent has not yet been returned.

100 Blood Donors Needed In St. George

Don't forget to donate blood in the summertime.   

Canadian Blood Services wants you to remember the summer months are a time when the need is greatest.

Michelle Thibodeau-Coates of CBS tells Tide News they see a dip in donations during the summer. "They're getting on the road, they are going on vacation, they are out of their regular routine, and they are not donating as often or they are not around enough to make their donations. So it's extremely important this time of year to help them build up a strong inventory."

A blood donor clinic will be held at the Magaguadavic Centre in St. George, tomorrow, from 5-8pm.
CBS says they are looking for at least 100 donors.

To make an appointment, log on to the CBS website at www.blood.ca or call 1-888-2-DONATE.

Promise Made On Catastrophic Drug Plan

A complete prescription and catastrophic drug program will be in place before the next provincial election in September of 2014. 

That promise being made by Provincial Health Minister Ted Flemming who says he expects to begin rolling out parts of a catastrophic drug program as early as this fall.
    
Liberal health critic Donald Arseneault is accusing the Alward government of delaying the program in order to buy votes ahead of the next election.     

Flemming denies that, claiming time is needed to make sure it's done right because of the program's complexity.

Man Almost Throws Away Winning Lotto Ticket

A Sussex area man almost threw out a lottery ticket that turned out to be worth nearly 300 thousand dollars.

Randy McElroy of Campbell Settlement bought a Lotto Max ticket for the May 10th draw which sat in his truck for weeks.

He considered throwing it away after hearing gossip that someone had already claimed the prize but is glad he didn't.

He may now take the summer off after collecting a cheque for more than 297 thousand dollars from the Lottery Corporation.

Organizing A Fundraiser For A Woman They Never Met

The idea to raise money for a little girl who lost her mom last month has huge local support.

Deanna King and Terri Kingston started a Facebook group in memory of 33 year old Tanya Shand of Rothesay and within 48 hours it had 5000 people.

Co-organizer Terri Kingston tells Tide News she identifies with Tanya as a mom and she wants to spread awareness about domestic violence.

Kingston says in the end Cheyenne lost both of her parents because of it adding she wants to see an end to domestic violence and she hopes her community would do the same for her and her kids if it happened to her.

The fundraiser for Cheyenne Shand is coming up on Sunday at the Q-plex from 11am to 3pm.  Donations can be made in her name at any TD Canada Trust branch.

MLA Welcomes Protest In To His Office

Our local MLA says he is bringing your concerns to the legislature today.

Charlotte-Campobello MLA Curtis Malloch speaking on a CUPE protest representing nursing home workers that set up in front of his Milltown Blvd. office yesterday in St. Stephen.

Malloch tells Tide News it was a friendly protest and he welcomed them into his office. "We had a great talk. They basically asked from me, you know, 'Will you bring our concerns to the Minister of Social Development' and I said 'I absolutely will.'"

Malloch says the workers are concerned over future cuts to the department and how many of their jobs are on the line after linen services were contracted out to Saint John back in February.

Malloch tells Tide News, right now, the province is doing more for less because we've got no new money to throw at these problems. "I think it's really important that people know that we are trying to find answers, trying to find a way to generate more revenue in the province so we can secure and keep providing the services that we have in place today." Malloch says contracting out the linens is a way to create revenue without disrupting services for residents.

He says he promised the group he would take their concerns to the legislature today, and a meeting has been set for July 4th for CUPE to meet with Minister Madeline Dube.

Motorcycle Driver Suffers Head Injuries In Crash With Deer

A 38 year old man on a motorcycle suffering serious head injuries after a crash this morning with a deer.

The deer died in the crash.

It happened on the highway in Saint John, near the Wall Street exit just before 9.

Eastbound traffic is being re-routed up the Wall street ramp and down again.

Robber Gets Double Recomended Sentence

A 33 year old Saint John man getting more than he bargained for for his part in a major break-in at a home on Old Black River Road. Ashley James Charlton pleading guilty this afternoon to breaking and entering, theft, and breaching a court over.

Police originally received the call back in November of 2012 from a woman who had left shortly after 7am and returned around 4 to find her home destroyed. Everything from jewelry, family photos, food, the oven, light fixtures, cameras, linens and Christmas gifts had been stolen and the place trashed. The victim, a widowed single mother of a special needs child, stated in a victim impact statement the sense of violation was even worse than the loss of $15-thousand dollars worth of items--none of which were ever recovered.

While the crown recommended 6 months in jail, Judge Henrink Tonning called that "insignificant" and gave Charlton double that, saying given the length of his record a year was the least he deserved.

CUPE Protests In Front Of MLA's Office In St. Stephen

Milltown Blvd. being bombarded with a protest in front of Conservative MLA Curtis Malloch's office today.

President of the NB Council of Nursing Home Unions Wayne Brown tells Tide News the province keeps saying there will be no lay-offs, but in reality, there's too much money they are looking to save. "We're here in front of the MLA's office, bringing our concerns to him and that we are not happy with the announcement of sixteen nursing homes losing their linen service, the bedding, the towels, etc that they are now contracting out to Saint John."

Brown says there has been talk about contracting out dietaries or housekeeping services in the homes, and they are worried what will be cut next.
Brown says he doesn't see how $3 million in savings can be reached without someone getting axed.

Curtis Malloch says he welcomed the protestors to his office and promises to bring the issue to the legislature tomorrow.

Prosecution Of Saint John Doctor Delayed

There has been a delay in setting a date for a preliminary hearing on 9 charges of sexual assault laid against a Saint John doctor.
 
More charges were not laid against Dr. Alan Cockeram although his lawyer Brian Munro says they're pending. Munro told the court he was having trouble getting disclosure from the prosecution with the explanation that the investigation is ongoing and he may have to go to the Court of Queen's Bench. 

The prosecution says more people have come forward.

Munro is suggesting some of the complaints may be frivolous. 

The case has been adjourned to July 18th to have a date set for a preliminary hearing.

Victims' Rep For Youth & Training Centre Case Named Child & Youth Advocate

The lawyer who represented sexual abuse victims of the Youth Training Centre in Kingsclear in the early nineties has been appointed the province's Child & Youth Advocate. 

Norman Bossé tells Tide  News we can't forget about the breakdown in the system that allowed abuse to continue when pedophile Karl Toft was at the centre, and we have to work to prevent it from happening again.

He says as members of society, if and when we recognize abuse of children, we have a responsibility to report it. He says we have to work together to protect the province's children and youth.

Bossé will be leaving his post at law firm McInnes Cooper at the end of July to step into his new role.

Hunters Can Now Apply For Deer Draw

If you're a hunter who's feeling lucky, you can now enter this year's antlerless deer draw.

There are 3,450 deer permits available for the random, computerized draw. The province's deer population has stayed relatively stable over the last year, so the number of permits are at the same level as they were a year ago. 

The results come in the week of August 19, and successful applications will get a validation sticker in the mail before October 1. Click here for more information, including how to apply.

Stolen Truck Found Disassembled

A truck stolen from a local business in Rothesay has been found in pieces.

Rothesay Regional Police finding the stolen 2011 Ford F250 pickup truck disassembled into parts.

Charges of Theft Over $5000 and Removal of a Vehicle Identification Number are pending against a 32 year-old Rothesay man and a 39 year-old Quispamsis man. They'll appear in Saint John Court on June 25th.

Trudeau To Compensate Grace Foundation

Federal Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau saying he'll make it right with charities that paid him a speaking fee to take part in fundraising events, including Saint John's Grace Foundation. 

Trudeau was paid $20,000 to speak at a fundraising event to raise money to buy furniture for local seniors. Only 120 tickets were sold, and the foundation was left with a $21,000 deficit. 

Trudeau tells CTV's Question Period he'll either give back the money to each organization, or find another way to make it up to them.

Fundy Royal MP Rob Moore has called on Trudeau to give the speaking fee back to the Grace Foundation, and Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall has said Trudeau should return the $20,000 he was paid for speaking at a literacy conference last year in Saskatoon.