Thursday, January 30, 2014

Alward Government Under The Gun Over Daycares

The Alward Government is being accused of excessive secrecy by not releasing information from daycare inspections that have taken place around the province.
 

Provincial Liberal leader Brian Gallant says for him, it's a no brainer.......It's all about the safety of children and ensuring quality standards are maintained. 

He argues if daycares get public funding then parents are entitled to know how they're doing. 

Gallant points to a study done in 2012 which found, among all the provinces, New Brunswick and Quebec were the least likely to release information.

Police Association Not Surprised At Recommendation On RCMP

The President of the New Brunswick Police Association is hoping any talk of switching Saint John over to the RCMP will end once and for all. This follows the recommendation by City Manager Pat Woods against the switch, warning of dire financial implications. 

Dean Secord tells the Tide Mayor Mel Norton should have listened to the new chair of the Police Commission, Jonathon Franklin who's well aware of Moncton's experience with the RCMP. Franklin has been vocal in his support of retaining City Police. There has also been criticism of Common Council for bypassing the Police Commission. 

City Manager Pat Woods is recommending against any switch as he warns it could sink the shared risk pension plan and result in the tax rate rising by 28 to 35 cents.

The suggestion has been made that all the talk about the RCMP was mean;t to influence contract negotiations between the city and the Saint John Police Association.

Abandoned SJ Kittens Are Doing Well

It's good news for the 7 kittens found in a laundy basket in Fernhill Cemetery in Saint John on Monday afternoon.

3 have been adopted and 4 are being fostered by Saint John SPCA Animal Rescue League president Melody McElman.


McElman tells CHSJ News says the kittens are quite young.
She tells us their teeth have just broken through so she had to bottle feed them and the next day put some older cats in the same rooom who showed the babies how to use the litterbox and eat soft food.

McElman tells us that Dr. Catherine Adams of the Fairvale Animal Hospital in 

Rothesay have offered free vet checks and the first two shots for the four kittens she is fostering.

McElman says this situation shows the serious problem of cat overpopulation and how badly a low cost spay and neuter voucher program is needed in Saint John.


All 7 kittens are spoken for.







Covered Bridge Re-opens Friday

The Maxwell Crossing Covered Bridge in Charlotte County will re-open to traffic tomorrow.

The historic structure underwent extensive repairs after sustaining significant damage when it was struck by a car crossing the bridge early last year. 

The covered bridge is located on the Maxwell Crossing Road between Route 750 and Route 3. 

There will be a ribbon cutting around 2:00 pm on Friday at the bridge to celebrate the occasion.