Relay For Life Changes Time To Get More Spectators

One of St. Stephen's biggest community events is a little over a week away.

The Relay for Life 2014 has made some changes this year.

In an effort to attract more participants and spectators, this year will not be an overnight event -- instead taking place behind the St. Stephen High School from 12noon to midnight, next Saturday, June 7th.

The Relay for Life raises money for the Canadian Cancer Society.

It's not too late to start a Relay team. If you would like to get involved, contact the Relay For Life Chair Alan Gilmore at 466-4236.

Playground Grand Opening Tomorrow

Built by volunteers -- rebuilt by volunteers.

The St. Andrews Community Playground will be holding its Grand Opening tomorrow and families, friends, and children of all ages and abilities are invited.

Restoration Fundraising Chair Isabelle Micheud tells Tide News the Shriners will be putting on a parade and a BBQ to celebrate. She says the parade will begin at the W.C. O'neill Arena at 10:30, go down Harriet Street, Water Street, Up Frederick Street and end at the playground, where there will be a BBQ, a clown, a Mega Bloks play area, and lots of playtime.

Micheud says it was a major rebuild, and the playground is now much safer and is accessible for children of all abilities -- including wheelchairs and strollers.

Nursing Home Week Is June 1-7

There are 65 nursing homes across New Brunswick--and Nursing Home Week from June 1-7 is a good time to appreciate the hard work that nursing home employees do to care for our seniors.

Social Development Minister Madeline Dube released a statement applauding their hard work, and expressing support for new technologies and  investments in nursing home renovation and replacements.

According to the statement 354 nursing home beds are being created across the province.

Rough Night Out For 25-Year-Old Man With St. George Warrant

You might call it a rough night out, but that would be a bit of an understatement.

A 25 year old man was picked up by police around 12:30am for causing a disturbance at a bar on Dorchester Street in Saint John. 

He started vomiting then passed out while being questioned by police and was taken to hospital, but once he got there got rowdy and assaulted one of the police officers.

Sergeant Jay Henderson explains he was then found to be wanted on an outstanding warrant out of St. George.

He's now facing additional charges for uttering threats and assaulting the cop.
He'll be appearing in provincial court today.

St. Mac's Students Win Award for Their Green Video

Two St. Mac's students getting some green for their earth-friendly video.
Brittany Steeves and Rachel Milne receiving $1000 each being chosen one of the winners in the Department of Environment's video contest.

17 year old Rachel Milne is the actor in the video and tells Tide News she learned a lot during the process.

She says after the video she does feel more passionate about the environment adding the youth can do something about it.

16 year old Brittany Steeves also wins the award for doing the filming and editing.
The school will also receive $1000 because of Rachel and Brittany's win.

UNB Saint John Students Graduate Today

The dream of a degree coming true for the students at UNB Saint John today.

The 40th Spring convocation happening this afternoon in the G. Forbes Elliot Athletics Centre.

Back in May of 1974, the first convocation for grads took place in Saint John.
The school will be marking it's 50th anniverary this year with celebrations beginning in September.

Employment Insurance Is Seen As A Cushion

The Premiers of Atlantic Canada have voiced opposition to changes being implemented by the Harper Government on Employment Insurance while a new Harris Poll shows 56 per cent of respondents who are unemployed say they haven't had to look for work as hard as they might because of unemployment insurance.

77 per cent of the respondents to a Harris Poll, who are without work, say unemployment insurance has been a cushion with almost three-quarters adding it has allowed them to take time for themselves. 86 per cent say it gives them time to find the right job but 39 per cent have given up looking for work entirely. Only 8 per cent of those surveyed say they spend more than 31 hours a week looking for a job with 32 per cent spending five or fewer hours.

As for relocating to another city, 37 per cent say they're not willing to do that and 62 per cent say they wouldn't be willing to move to another province. Just over half of those surveyed say they have no plans to go back to school to enhance their employability.

Medical Society Putting Political Parties In The Province On The Spot

The Medical Society is calling on all of the provincial political parties to support legislative change to ensure Public Health Officers are able to speak independently about issues, no matter how controversial and even if their views differ from those of the government.

Other provinces have such legislation in place but not New Brunswick.

An example being cited is Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Eilish Cleary being asked to give her opinion on what impact shale gas exploration and fracking would have on human health.

The Provincial NDP has been first off the mark to come out in support.

Concern Over Hypersexualisation of Girls

The hypersexualisation of young girls has captured the attention of Atlantic Canadian ministers who are responsible for the status of women.

They are worried about what the effect will be on the girls themselves in how they view themselves and how they are viewed by others.

The cybersafegirl.ca website will be expanded with a new section containing information on the hypersexualization of young girls.

This is an effort to counteract what the ministers see as the hypersexualization of girls who are being bombarded with hypersexual images on TV, in music videos, music lyrics, movies, magazines, video games, the internet, social media and advertising.

New Strategy Released On Flood Prevention

The province released a new strategy today to try and minimize the damage from flooding in New Brunswick. Several government departments and stakeholders worked on the report.

The strategy centres around recognizing where the flood risks are, planning for communities, and ways of lessening the existing flood risk. It also contains measures arelated to public education, engagement of residents, and sharing resources.

To read the full text, click here