Opposition Trying To Stop Changes To Employment Insurance

Seasonal workers of Charlotte County -- cross your fingers.


The Opposition Liberals are calling on members of the provincial government to sign a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper to oppose changes to employment insurance.

The changes to the E-I program take effect January 6th, and Opposition Leader Victor Boudreau says they will have a devastating impact on seasonal industries and the provincial economy. Boudreau says, "Whenever it involves speaking out against the federal government and their Tory friends in Ottawa, you know, they just lose their voice and they don't want to put action in place to send out a clear message."
Premier David Alward says he opposes the changes and supports the united position taken by the Atlantic premiers on the matter.

The new regulations will mean that recipients of the program will face stricter, more complex rules for keeping their benefits.

Woman And Child OK After Car Flipped On Roof In Bayside

A woman and her child are safe after a car crash today in Bayside.


Local police tell Tide News they received a call around 9am this morning ( December 19th, 2012 ) from the woman's cell phone.

RCMP say she lost control of her car on Route 127, near Ghost Road in Bayside, and the vehicle ended up on its roof in the ditch.

Cpl. Ross Davis of District 1 RCMP tells Tide News the woman and child were stuck inside the vehicle and unable to get out on their own.

Police, fire, and ambulance services were dispatched and still on the scene at noontime.

Davis says no injuries were reported, but the road was closed off for a short time.

Over 9000 Without Power In NB

Over 9000 people in the province are without power today.


Locally in St. Stephen, there are currently 349 customers affected by the outages. Just before 12 o'clock noon, that number was 746.
In Fredericton, more than 5000 NB Power customers are without electricity.

More than 900 customers in Woodstock are in the dark, almost 400 people in Dairytown do not have juice and it's the same story for over 1600 folks in Moncton.
In a release, a spokesperson for the Utility tells Tide News that due to the weather conditions and the high number of incidents they cannot predict when the power will be restored adding it will be sometime in the next 24 to 36 hours.

Anniversary Of Flood Brings Proposed Changes To Emergency Measures Act

We need to be proactive. We need to be prepared.


Local MLA Rick Doucet tabled a bill today in the provincial legislature that would make it mandatory for municipalities with dams to work with the EMO and have an emergency plan -- before -- flooding happens.

Doucet tells Tide News "When an emergency happens, like the flood in 2010, things change quickly, and we need to be sure things are done at just the right time." He adds, "Basically, right now what happens is operators of dams on the rivers have emergency measures plans to put in place when flooding occurs, but, the problem with the act is the enforcement of these plans does not kick in until a state of emergency has been declared by the Minister."


Doucet says the bill he introduced today will make it mandatory for areas with dams to have an emergency plan -- before there is an emergency.

Doucet tells Tide News two years ago, when the flood of 2010 hit, people in the Boney River area were upset thinking the dam had not done all it could to reduce damage. He says he sees the same thing after the flood this year in Perth Andover. "Let's get it all out in the open, so we can all work together and collaborate on some very important trigger mechanisms that are suitable for the communities."   In December 2010, much of Charlotte County was submerged under 174 mm of rain that caused widespead flooding and forced people from their homes and businesses.
During the most severe point, over 120 roads were either underwater or washed away in Charlotte County. (Picture - King Street traffic circle in St. Stephen, December 2010)  

Rainfall Warning For Charlotte County

The prospects for a white Christmas are looking worse in Charlotte County.


Environment Canada is sending out a rain warning for St. Stephen, Saint Andrews, Saint John, and Grand Manan.

Charlotte County can expect between 25 to 50 millimeters of rain by Wednesday afternoon, sometimes mixed with heavy snow.

Other areas in the province will be colder than us with a mixed forecast of warnings.
Environment Canada is calling a heavy snow warning, beginning this afternoon and continuing tonight and tomorrow for Fredericton, Quispamsis, Sussex and Woodstock.

EC says to expect between 20 and 40 centimeters of snow.

Trial Date Set After Home Invasion

A trial date has been scheduled for a 21 year old man who was stabbed and then charged after a home invasion where he lives on the lower west side of Saint John back in early November.

Christopher Reid of 341 Prince Street has pleaded not guilty with a trial set to go on September 25th on a charge of possessing a knife.

Two other men and a 16 year old youth are accused of trying to force their way into 341 Prince Street and carry out a robbery.

18 year old A-J Dennison died after he was stabbed and a warrant has been issued for the arrest of 21 year old Bradley Saia ( as seen in picture ) .

Maine Toddler Missing 1 Year

Today is a sad day for the State of Maine.


Many residents are remembering 20-month-old Ayla Reynolds who was reported missing from her father's home in Waterville, Maine on December 17th, 2011. One year ago to the day.
State police, game wardens, dive teams, and FBI agents searched neighbourhoods and lowered streams in hopes of finding the blonde-haired, blue-eyed child.

The toddler's father, Justin DiPietro insists the girl was abducted, even though he and two other adults were in the home at the time of her dissappearance.

Police say traces of Ayla's blood were found in DiPietro's basement, but he was never charged.

Officials with the Maine State Police say the case is still open, however, they believe Ayla is most likely dead.

Car Accident Traps Two Women

Two women being sent to the Saint John Regional Hospital after a two car accident on the corner of Carmarthen and Union street in uptown Saint John last night.

Saint John Fire Department Platoon Chief Roy Byers says the two women were trapped in an SUV that was flipped on it's side. Fire crews managed to pull the roof off and free the two.

The accident happened around 8 o'clock.

True Growth 2.0 Support Grows

True Growth 2.0 is getting full support from communities in Greater Saint John.

The initiative, steered by Enterprise Saint John, is a regional development strategy to develop our business and culture. When it started in 2003 it focused on improving 4 sectors (energy, health and life sciences, tourism, and ICT) but now it's hoping to attract and keep new people to the region.

The town of Rothesay is committing $86,000 a year for 3 years, or about $3,000 a year more than before. Mayor Bill Bishop tells Tide news economic development is the answer to improving our way of life and getting more tax dollars. He says if Saint John grows, it benefits the outlying communities.

Quispamsis Mayor Murray Driscoll agrees, saying if more business is brought to Saint John more people will move to Quispmasis. Driscoll says True Growth 2.0 has such a healthy attitude and provides fresh opportunities for the region. He says when that happens you can expect better things to come.

Update On Yesterdays Fire At Fuel Storage Facility

There's no damage to the environment, injuries or other damage involved in yesterdays fire at a large storage facility containing 15,000 tons of petroleum coke (or pet coke).

After 12:30 yesterday afternoon fire crews, Saint John Port Authority, Department of Environment and NB Power were on scene responding to the fire at 12 King street.

Acting Platoon Chief Roy Byers says there was a metre square burning at the base of an 11,000 ton of pet coke. The material is used as fuel by NB Power during peak demand times. The huge fuel and combustible covering the warehouse was a major concern but crews managed to safely put the fire out.

Fire crews were on scene for 5 hours.

Executive-Director Of The Boys And Girls Club Has New Job

Debbie Cooper, who has been the Executive-Director of the Saint John Boys and Girls Club, is moving on up to a new job.

Cooper will be the Regional Director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada. Cooper sees lots of potential for further development and improvement of what the Boys and Girls Clubs can offer such as early childhood education.

Cooper warns community groups are being asked these days to do alot more but without adequate support, there comes a breaking point. She will be based in Saint John but do alot of travelling throughout the region.

Pension Reform Continues To Be Hot Topic

Pension reform is a hot topic these days in the Port City and beyond--and the provincial government will host a pan-Canadian summit in 2013 to look at how governments can address pension issues.

The two-day summit will tackle challenging questions related to the future of public and private sector pensions. Human Resources Minister Troy Lifford says NB's Shared Risk Model has become of great interest to other municipalities because it offers employees better protection and reduces liabilities for taxpayers.

Ski Season Starts Today

Attention, snow bunnies and boarders: it's that time of year again!

Poley Mountain is opening today for the season after having been manufacturing snow since the end of November. General Manager Bill Anderson tells Tide News even if you're a total newbie there's something for you to enjoy at Poley, including ski camps for kids and ski school for adults.

The Chute, Snow White and Lazy Way will all be open today. Anderson says this is the earliest they've been able to open for a few years, because of last winter's weirdly warm temperatures.

Units Will Be Replaced At NB Heart Centre

Next year's Health Department budget includes funding to replace two imaging units at the New Brunswick Heart Centre in the Regional Hospital.

Health Minister Ted Flemming tells Tide News the units in the cardiac catheterization lab are nearing the end of their useful life after a refurbishment 11 years ago.

The equipment uses specialized x-ray equipment that help doctors place stents in precise locations in heart arteries guiding them to ensure they get to the right place.

Flemming adds this equipment is critical to saving lives.

Police Give Details On US School Shooting

Police have confirmed twenty-seven people were killed today at a Connecticut elementary school shooting, including the gunman, with one person dead at another scene.

The dead at the school include 18 children, ranging from kindergarden through to Grade 4. Two other children died later in hospital.

The gunman opened fire Friday morning (December 14th,2012) inside a school where his mother worked.

He blasted his way through the building as young students cowered helplessly in classrooms while their teachers and classmates were shot.

The gunman killed himself. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy says someone who lived with him also died.

Photos were taken of young students crying, others looking frightened, while being escorted by adults through a parking lot in a line, the childrens' hands on each others shoulders.

The shooting happened  in Newtown, 60 miles northeast of New York City.

The suspect is 24-year-old Ryan Lanza. Police say his younger brother is being held for questioning as a possible second shooter. A law enforcement official says the boys' mother, Nancy Lanza, is presumed dead and worked at the school as a teacher.
The official added that Ryan Lanza's girlfriend and another friend are missing in New Jersey.

According to the official, the suspect drove to the school in his mother's car. Police say three guns were found at the scene.  A rifle was recovered from the back of a car at the school, and two pistols were recovered inside the school.

Another Recall Hits Atlantic Superstore

It's more trouble for our local St. Stephen Atlantic Superstore.
Grocery chain Loblaw Companies, has recalled two more frozen beef products because of possible.... contamination from E. coli bacteria.

The affected products are Butcher's Choice Hickory Barbecue Beef Burgers with best-before dates of Feb. 1st and Feb. 10th.

The company earlier recalled Butcher's Choice Garlic Peppercorn Beef Burgers with a best-before date of March 3rd.

Beef Recall Hits Charlotte County

It's bad news affecting our local Superstore in St. Stephen.


A burger recall is in place, prompted by possible E. coli contamination.

Loblaw and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency are warning the public to avoid certain Butcher's Choice Garlic Peppercorn Beef Burgers.

The affected product is sold frozen with a best-before date of March 3rd.

The C-F-I-A says it is currently testing additional products from across the country and the recall may be expanded.

Retired Nurse Adds Author To Resume

A mother of four, a devoted pastor's wife, and a local nurse.


Melba Anderson can add now add "author" to her resume after completing her first book titled, "Windows Of Worth" a look through a devotional window for one year.


Anderson gets her life experiences from ministry, nursing, parenting, and the aging process for the collection of poems, scripture, and meditations.

Anderson is originally from Grand Manan and currently resides in Oak Bay. She spent many years as a nurse at the Charlotte County Hospital and with the ambulance service in St. Stephen. Anderson was also very active in her husband, Phil Anderson's ministry.
Anderson will be hosting a book signing tomorrow from 1-4 at the St. Croix Public Library.

SSMS Did Not Ask For The New By-Law

The Principal of St. Stephen Middle School is speaking out on a new by-law prohibiting drivers from parking anywhere near the crosswalk on Marks Street.

The by-law prohibits any parking, standing, or stopping within 30 metres and 15 metres of the crosswalk. The No Parking area stretches on one side almost to Union Street, and past the school bus driving lane on the other.

SSMS Principal Alan Dunfield tells Tide News the new by-law was not put in place due to complaints at the school or any specific incident.

Dunfield says he is not sure where it came from other than the basic rules and regulations from DOT and the Safety Board. He says, "I didn't even know about it until October." He says he was first informed the by-law would be implemented in an email he recieved from the Town of St. Stephen on October 5th, 2012.

Today Sgt. Bob MacKnight from District 1 RCMP and Citizens On Patrol were on site at the St. Stephen Middle School, passing out pamphlets and creating awareness for drivers of the new by-law.


Dunfield tells us, for the most part, the response has been great from parents. He says parents are typically good when it comes to honoring the crosswalk. Dunfield adds, in over ten years of standing outside watching the morning rush, he has never had a safety issue.
The RCMP will continue with the public education for the next 2 weeks, at which point non-compliant drivers could earn themselves a ticket.

RCMP Identify Victim Of Fatal Crash

The RCMP have identified the 29 year old man who died in a head on collision last weekend near Sussex as Jeremiah Greenwood of Waterborough.

Greenwood crossed the centre line while going eastbound along Highway 10 at Long Creek and crashed into an oncoming car with a mother and her two children who were taken to hospital.

The RCMP say alcohol and not wearing a seat belt contributed to the collision and death.

NB Health Care Gets "C" Grade

The New Brunswick Health Council giving the provincial healthcare system a grade of "C" which is no change from last year.

Health Council C-E-O Stephane Robichaud says it does well in treating people whose lives are on the line but less so when it comes to managing chronic conditions and then there's getting in to see your family doctor.


Robichaud says, "When you look at the ability to have an appointment within 48 hours, we ( New Brunswick) don't compare as well. Because of lengthier times to get an appointment, people end up going to either the emergency room or an after-hours clinic."

Robichaud says some patients are waiting longer for some surgeries including hip fractures and knee replacements.

New By-Law Says No Parking At SSMS

You'll be asking for a ticket, if you park your car too close to the St. Stephen Middle School.


A Town by-law is being implemented for Marks Street, in the area of SSMS, that prohibits any vehicles from parking, standing, or even stopping within the vicinity of the school crosswalk.

Signage is in place depicting the specified no parking area, however, ( as seen in the picture ) the signs are pointed backwards to oncoming traffic. The specified area runs close to Union Street all the way past the school bus loading exit.

Sgt Bob MacKnight with District 1 RCMP tells Tide News early mornings and mid-afternoons are congested on Marks Street with kids coming and going to school.

He says the intention of the by-law is to open the area up, so that students walking the crosswalk can do so safely.

RCMP and volunteer members of Citizens On Patrol will be educating drivers of the by-law for the next two weeks before non-compliant drivers are issued a ticket.

MacKnight says each ticket will amount to $172.50.

Police Say Snow Storm Was Accident-Free

No crashes, collisions, or ditch-divers.


District 1 RCMP tell Tide News there were no accidents to report today after St. Stephen received a few inches of snow.

Sgt. Bob MacKnight says there was very little traffic to begin with.

Saint Johners Step Up For Romero House

The 6th annual Romero House food drive is a phenomenal success filling a 53 foot trailer and more.

Donations of food and cash were accepted in the parking lot of Ritchie's on Rothesay Avenue for the soup kitchen's only annual food drive.

Carolyn McNulty tells Tide News everything donated will be used to provide meals, to help out in a food crisis, to keep their Mobile Unit on the road and full of supplies and more.

She tells us the operation is a fine balance between getting the food and having enough money to pay her staff who she adds do not make big money.

McNulty says a staff of 6 full time and two part time workers keeps everything going smoothly and in harmony.

Numerous Injuried In Hockey Team Bus Accident

Cuts, bruises and some broken bones were among the injuries of about a dozen people involved in a bus crash on a highway yesterday.

RCMP say the crash happened on Highway 11 near Sainte-Anne-de-Kent.

They say a bus carrying about 20 people from a senior men's hockey team from Cap-Pele was driving home from a game in northern New Brunswick when the driver lost control of the bus.

Police say road conditions were icy at the time of the crash.

(Courtesy of the Canadian Press).

Giving Animals A "Home 4 The Holidays"

Giving the gift of a forever home during the holiday season.

The Saint John SPCA Animal Rescue League is teaming up with Iams and over 4,000 animal rescue groups across North America to give animals a "Home 4 The Holidays".

To encourage adoptions, the SPCA will give a hand painted SPCA Christmas ornament to whoever adopts a pet with mistletoe on their cage or if you donate to the shelter. If you donate food or a new toy for the animals, your name will be entered in a draw for a gift basket.

Californian Mike Arms is the creator of Iams Home 4 the Holidays adoption campaign, and he encourages people to give an orphan a chance rather than supporting a puppy mill. He tells Tide news there's a myth that there's something wrong with animals that are up for adoption, but it's usually just that the previous owner couldn't keep them.

Arms says you need to think seriously before getting a pet, knowing they're a 15 to 16 year commitment. He says people often buy the puppy in the window on impulse, but a shelter will match the right pet for your family lifestyle.


Since the Iam Home 4 the Holidays adoption campaign started 13 years ago, over 7 million orphaned pets have been adopted.

Paying It Forward Could Prevent Crime

A new movement called Pay It Forward Saint John isn't only about loving your neighbour.

Constable Dan Weber of the Saint John Police Force tells Tide News committing random acts of kindness could actually help tackle crime. He says it takes a negative aspect to our society and replaces it with a positive, which is always a good thing.

Suggested ways to "pay it forward" include shopping at charity stores, driving friends in need to doctors appointment, or giving a pet store gift card to a homeless person with a pet.

Domestic Violence Rates Rise Around The Holidays

It's a sad reality that the holidays aren't a happy time of year for some families in Saint John.

Saint John City Police Chief Bill Reid tells Tide News some at-risk families find the stress of the holidays too much and domestic violence incidents tend to increase.

The Saint John Police Force has a Christmas card campaign to make sure people are aware of the numbers they can call if they need help. They emphasize the police are there to help stop crime before it happens and not simply deal with it after the fact.

The 24-hour line for the Hestia House women's shelter is 506-634-7570. The non-emergency line for the Saint John Police Force is 648-3200

Birders Get Set For the Christmas Count at Fundy

It's that time of year again.    The annual Christmas Bird count at Fundy National park is coming up on December 14th.

The events encourages participation from both inexperienced and experienced birders.

Binoculars are available for rent and to register for the Bird count you must contact the Fundy Guild.

The count begins on the 14th at 8:30am from the Alma Activity Centre. 

The Fundy National Park is one of 20 sites in the Province being inventoried for winter bird sightings.

For more info on the Christmas bird count including how to get involved,
you can call 506-887-6094 or click here

CBS Production & Distribution Move Next April

Staff at Canadian Blood Services learning the start date to move production and distribution to Dartmouth is now scheduled for April, 13th, 2013.

In a release, Public Affairs Manager Paul McGrath says the new production and distribution site in Dartmouth is finished and currently undergoing validation and commissioning.

Halifax functions will begin being consolidated into the Dartmouth site in February and March.

The Dartmouth Production and Distribution Site will be fully operational by the time the Saint John operations move next spring.

CBS is working with the Provincial Medical Society and others to ensure the province continues to receive the same or an improved level of service when Saint John production and distribution move to Dartmouth.

The process will be monitored before and after to ensure service levels are maintained at the same or an improved level.

5 Saint John Projects Set On Improving Our Community

Five regional projects are hoping to get enough votes to win some money through the Aviva Community Fund.

They range from a skateboard park in Hampton to getting a wheelchair accessible bus for the Kennebec Manor.

The SPCA Animal Rescue League is looking to start a new low cost spay and neuter program. Shelter Manager Kathy Illingworth says a win would mean $100,000 - 150,000 for the program.

Click any link below to view a project and cast your vote.

1. Hampton Skateboard Park

2. Ca-R-Ma Cat Rescue Maritimes, Saint John
For a trap, neuter, return program.

3. SJ SPCA Animal Rescue
For a low cost spay and neuter program.

4.  Joshua Group
Help at risk youth.

5. Kennebec Manor 
Senior facility looking for a new wheelchair accessible bus.

The votes for the semi-finals will be tallied on Wednesday.

Liberal Speaks Out On Conservative Flip-Flop

Maybe? Maybe Not.

A Liberal MLA is speaking out on the provincial government's flip-flop decision making.

Last week, Public Safety Minister Robert Trevors introduced legislation that would have removed a restriction preventing novice motorists from driving between midnight and 5 a-m.

After concerns were voiced over driver safety by Madd Canada and CAA, Trevors pulled a 180 and dropped the issue.

Charlotte-The Isles MLA Rick Doucet tells Tide News he's happy the Conservatives have  decided to leave things be. He says, "When we were in government, we brought this legislation forward, and it was contentious, but we dealt with it. At that time, they (Conservatives) played politics on it when they were in Opposition, and I think what's happened is it's been a reality check for them and they've realized that governing is about making some difficult decisions."

Doucet says he's not sure who was complaining to get the restriction lifted to begin with. He adds, "The Minister said they did some extensive consultation, but quite frankly, that was nothing but a bunch of hogwash. They really didn't consult with a lot of people. I'd say maybe they talked to young drivers in particular, but they didn't talk to the people that are really 'in the know' with young drivers and what takes place on the roads."

Canadian Automobile Association Atlantic Canada Vice President Gary Howard says evidence shows the combination of reduced visibility, fatigue and possible impairment make nighttime hazardous for new drivers.

CCAPN Honoring Women Lost To Violence

It's been 23 years since 14 women were killed in the Montreal massacre at Ecole Polytechniqe.

December 6th is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

Carol Lynn Gamblin from the Charlotte County Abuse Prevention Network tells Tide News the violence that is most prevalent in our communities today is domestic. She says, "The ability to be able to provide for yourself or for your children unfortunately leaves a lot of women feeling they can not leave an abusive or violent relationship."

St. Andrews will be hosting a tribute in honor of women we've lost to domestic violence.

Gamblin tells us the "Hour of Rememberance and Hope" is a chance to think about our own loved ones and consider reaching out to those in need.

The tribute will be held at the Wesley United Church, located at 77 William Street in St. Andrews,  tonight at 7pm.

Permits Needed For NB ATV Riders In New Year

People driving all-terrain vehicles on managed trails in New Brunswick will have to have a permit in the new year.


The provincial government and the NB All-Terrain Vehicle Federation are behind the mandatory trail permit program that goes into effect Jan. 1.

Public Safety Minister Robert Trevors says the program ensures that users pay for the cost of trail development and maintenance.

Under the Off Road Vehicle Act, anyone riding on a managed trail without a permit will be fined $172.

Permits for 2013 will consist of a three-season permit at a cost of $25, and an annual permit for $75.

Maps of managed trails are listed on the New Brunswick All-Terrain Vehicle Federation website.

Prosser Gets Life In Prison For Patterson Murder

Fred Prosser has been found guilty in the 2010 murder of 25-year-old Sabrina Patterson of Riverview.


Patterson, who is Prosser's ex-girlfriend and the mother of his children, was reported missing on October of 2010.

Her body was found on November 6 th in a wooded area near Shenstone.

Prosser was found guilty on three charges, first degree murder, sexual assault causing bodily harm and sexual assault.

He has been sentenced to life in prison with no eligibility for parole for 25 years, 7 years for sexual assault causing bodily harm and 5 years for sexual assault.

Meatless Burger Recalled

The Veggie Patch brand Ultimate Meatless Burger is being pulled off store shelves in some Atlantic provinces because of possible Listeria contamination.

The affected product was imported from the United States and sold in one kilogram packages with two best before dates: January 12th and 17th, 2013.

It was distributed here, Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia.

The importer, Costco Wholesale Canada, has recalled the burgers and the CFIA is monitoring the recall.

Search Back On For Sackville Man

The search for a missing 20-year-old man resumed yesterday after police found footwear.

RCMP say the footwear was found in Upper Sackville near the Tantramar River and was worn by Christopher Metallic before he was reported missing.

Metallic was last seen during the early morning hours of November 25 in Sackville.

Earlier this week the search was later called off for him after investigators looked in a number of areas in Sackville.

Metallic is described as aboriginal, six feet tall, 81 kilograms, with short dark black hair and glasses.

He was last seen wearing a shiny bright blue sweater and jeans.

Next Remembrance Day Could Be At Qplex

Remembrance Day in the valley could be a lot different next year.

The Royal Canada Legion Branch #58 are asking Quispamsis Council for use of the Qplex for future veteran day ceremonies.

Gordon Friars, former president and member of the legion, tells Tide news venues like the  Kings Valley Wesleyan and the Island View Lions Club are now to small for the growing number of people attending the ceremonies. 

Friars says between veterans, police, fire, scouts and the general public, it won't take long to fill the Qplex. He says it would also give people in the valley a chance to stay in their community instead of going to Harbour Station. 

Quispmasis Council is scheduled to make a decision on Tuesday.

Dog Dies In Fire

A dog is dead after being stuck in a construction trailer that was ablaze.

Saint John Fire Department were called to 10 Worden road just before 6 o'clock last night to find a construction trailer fully engulfed in fire. Platoon Chief Joe Armstrong says no person was injured but the owner's dog did pass away in the trailer.

Armstrong says the area around the trailer was a working yard containing old vehicles. Crews were on scene for 3 hours and the fire is not considered suspicious.

Wear A Red Ribbon For World AIDS Day

Today marks the 24th annual World AIDS Day, a day marked around the globe for people to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with the chronic disease and to commemorate people who died.

Julie Dingwell is the executive director at AIDS Saint John, and she tells Tide news today is a chance to pause and reflect on how we're dealing with the epidemic. She says there's still a lot of discrimination in Saint John and around the world towards people with HIV. She says it's that discrimination that sometimes discourages people from getting testing out of fear of being shunned. 

Dingwell says AIDS is no longer a death sentence here in Canada, but a chronic manageable condition. She stresses it's still a global pandemic, and our government needs to step up. Dingwell says just recently parliament voted down bill C-398 which would've let Canadian drug manufactures send medicine to Africa to help fight HIV. Only 2 batches of medicine have been sent to one country since 2008, she says.

Carrie Underwood Concert Sells Out

Carrie Underwood tickets must be a very popular Christmas gift is greater Saint John.

The show sold out in less than two hours this morning.

The American Idol winner will thrill local fans when her show hits Harbour Station on April 2nd.

It's her second appearance in the City.

Early Morning Fire On Saint Andrews Street

Saint John Fire Department putting out a fire at a vacant building at 16 Saint Andrews street in uptown.

Platoon Chief Eric Garland tells Tide news they received the call just before 6 am. He says the fire was on the second floor and caused extensive damage to the roof and right side of the house. Garland says it took 45 minutes to get the fire under control and the building suffered considerable damage.

Garland says the building appeared to be under renovations.

Sussex Tennis Court & Trails Getting An Upgrade

The tennis centre and trails in Sussex getting a big boost.

Fundy Royal MP Rob Moore announcing $30,000 from the government will be put into updating the rec facilities.

The updates mean washrooms in the tennis centre and signage for walking trails. The signs will be location specific, meaning they'll include GPS coordinates which will help locate people faster in an emergency.

The funds are part of the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund which helps projects that look to improve existing community infrastructure.

Uptown Gets Sweet With Gingerbread Houses

Here's a trail that's sweeter than Harbour Passage.

The Gingerbread Trail is a new fundraiser in Saint John, which will see 21 businesses across uptown build their own gingerbread house to be displayed and raffled off before Christmas. All proceeds from the fundraiser go straight to kids at The Joshua Group and non-profit group Gala Ballet Productions.

Gala Ballet board member Darlene Baker tells Tide news they encourage the shop owners to make the houses from scratch and use the "Land of Sweets" theme from their upcoming production of The Nutcracker.

She says the business are really excited about creating the sweet houses, and there's a prize for the best one. The Nutcracker is playing at the Imperial Theatre December 8th & 9th.

Tickets are $2 each or 3 for $5, with the draw happening on December 22nd.

To see a map of the trail, click here.

Midnight Madness Hitting St. Stephen Tonight

It's Time to "Spread the Cheer and Shop Right Here"!

Tonight is Midnight Madness in St. Stephen with many businesses staying open late for your convenience with countless sales.
Shop locally in St. Stephen at over 60 businesses and fill out a ballot to win some Christmas Cash.

Tonight will be the first draw with the St. Stephen Retailers Christmas Promotion with $250 up for grabs.

The Doors To Healthcare Will Remain Open... For Now

It came down to crunch-time, but we have the victory.


The people of Charlotte County will not lose their healthcare services at the Fundy Health Centre in Blacks Harbour -- at least for now.

Residents of Charlotte County can breathe easy knowing the Fundy Health Centre will remain open, after doctors threatened to lock-up and protest a policy from the Horizon Health Network that would charge them $1.50 per patient visit.
Doctors were planning to lock the doors and refuse patients after Friday, November 30th, 2012.

MLA for Charlotte-The Isles Rick Doucet tells Tide News Health Minister Hugh Flemming has stepped in and the doctors are talking with Horizon Health. He says, "The doctors are discussing this issue, they are dialoguing. I understand there are some parts of negotiations that are still going on, but at least this gives them some breathing room, the $1.50 is off the table, and now they can continue to do the work that they've been doing, serving the people of this area. After tomorrow (Friday) it's going to be business as usual, and doctors will continue to see patients at the facility."

Doucet says he wants to give credit where credit is due, and says he is grateful for Health Minister Hugh Flemming for stepping in on the matter. However, Doucet says,  "I've discussed this with the mayors of Blacks Harbour and St. George, and we are all very cautiously optimistic because we don't know what is in the future. That's why we'd still like to meet with the minister on this, along with the doctors, so we can talk not only about the short term, but what is the long-term future of this facility."

Town Buying Property, But Quiet On Future Plans

They're buying the property, but won't tell us what they want with it.


St. Stephen Town Council passing a motion during last night's council meeting (November 26th) to purchase a section of land off Route 170, between Car Quest and a private farm, from the Dept of Transportation.

Mayor John Quartermain tells Tide News it's a prime piece of real estate. He said they intend to flip the property and make the town some revenue. However, he wouldn't give any further details on what the town plans on doing with the property. Quartermain says, "There's reasons, there are reasons and I can't go into it right now."

The pricetag on the property is $1700.