CUPE Says Jobs Cuts At Horizon Are Just The Beginning

The Canadian Union of Public Employees is claiming the Horizon Health Network is looking to cut 4 per cent of its workforce which would be from 400 to 500 jobs.
 
131 job cuts have been announced but Ralph McBride, provincial co-ordinator for CUPE local 1252, tells Tide News that's just the beginning of the reductions because Horizon still has to reduce its budget by almost 14 million dollars and it's that amount which has healthcare workers so anxious.

McBride warns if front-line workers are cut then patient care will be adversely affected.  
Provincial Health Minister Ted Flemming argues health care should not be used to create jobs and McBridge counters that by saying it isn't because each of his members has a specific role to play to keep the system functioning.

Gas Down This Week

Drivers who have to fill up won't be displeased with gas prices which have decreased again after the weekly setting. 

They're down by a few cents with self serve regular being sold in town for $1.22.9 a litre and diesel is going for $1.26.6. 

Heating oil is also a bit less expensive with a maximum price of $1.09.4 as is propane at $1.04.1.

Cuts Announced In Healthcare

Job cuts announced by the Horizon Health Network which wants to reduce spending by almost $22 million in the 2013-14 fiscal year. 

There will be 131 union, non-union and administrative management jobs cut. That move, along with not filling vacancies and attrition, is estimated to save $8.7 million but another 12.5 million dollars in savings will still have to be found. 

Facilicorp, meantime, is consolidating its laundry operations to save 2.4 million dollars. Laundry and linen from the hospitals in Moncton will be processed by the laundry facility in Saint John.

Music NB Week To Come To Saint John

For the first time, Saint John will be hosting Music NB Week this coming October with music showcases and public performances featuring musicians from around the province. 

The event culminates with a gala awards ceremony at the Imperial Theatre with members of the public voting for the winners online.

Peter Asimakos, the General Manager of Uptown Saint John, tells Tide News this is a perfect fit with all the available venues in the city along with talented performers.

The Executive-Director of Music NB Jean Surrette tells Tide News music lovers in the city will be in seventh heaven with public performances being staged around town.

There will also be music industry types from abroad in the city searching out talent to perform overseas. Surrette says the best of the talent will be showcased to the talent spotters.

Former Saint John MP Says Trudeau Should Stay Positive

Now that Justin Trudeau is the new leader of the federal Liberals, can he turn their fortunes around and present them as a viable alternative to the Harper Government which is already out with the first attack ad? 

Former Saint John and Fundy-Royal M-P Paul Zed tells Tide News Trudeau has a good foundation to build upon having received 100 thousand votes in the leadership contest.
 
Zed says Trudeau is well connected to the Maritimes, visiting Saint John three or four times, and  he should continue travelling the country to reach out and present a positive vision for the future as a contrast to the federal Conservatives and their U.S. style negative ads.

Tide News asked Zed whether he would consider running again with Trudeau as leader and tells us "in politics, you never say never".

Weed Growers Moving Operations Outside

Spring is here: which means pot growers are increasingly taking their operations outside.

Crime Stoppers and the RCMP are asking the public to keep an eye out for people growing marijuana outdoors. Often, growers will use Crown land to avoid prosecution. The plants are sometimes surrounded by chicken wire to keep out animals with legal plants used as camouflage.

ATV and walking trails  are commonly used to get to the crops. Unsuspecting people have been known to locate a grow op simply by accident or by recognizing the 'skunk like' odor that the plants produce.Anyone with any information concerning an outdoor marijuana grow operation can call N.B. Crime Stoppers Inc. at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or visit www.crimenb.ca. If your information leads to an arrest, you could qualify for a cash award of up to $2,000.

Less Trips And Longer Trips For Grand Manan Islanders

The Grand Manan ferry will have its daily round trips cut from four daily runs to three during the low traffic season, and from seven daily runs to six during the high season. The crossing time between Blacks Harbour and Grand Manan Island will also be increased from 90 to 120 minutes.

The exact timetable is being worked out with the operator and the final schedule will be shared before any changes are made; however, it's expected the last run of the day off Grand Manan Island will be roughly 6 p.m and the last return trip from Blacks Harbour will be about 8 p.m. 

 The changes will come into effect in the next few weeks and are expected to save as much as $1.5 million. The operation and maintenance of ferry services to all the Fundy Isles costs taxpayers $13.8 million per year.

Police Seize Over 150 Marijuana Plants

Over 150 marijuana plants have been seized from a house in Mainstream. 

Police officers with the Hartland RCMP, helped out by Florenceville RCMP and the Woodstock Police Force, executed a search warrant where they found the plants, in various stages of growth and a quantity of marijuana.

They detained a 56-year-old man and a 43-year-old woman from Mainstream, but they were later released. The pair will appear in court at a later date to face charges related to the marijuana seizure.

Worst of the Snow Is Behind Us

A blanket of snow on the ground is not sight anyone would want to wake up to in the middle of April. But Mel Lemon, a meteorologist with Environment Canada tells us that snow this time of year is normal.

Lemon tells us that approximately 5cm of snow fell, but that it's hard to get an accurate reading when the ground is so warm. The system that brought us snow last night is currently moving south of Nova Scotia, but we'll still see some precipitation today: we'll see between 2-4 centimetres of snow this morning, which will taper off to flurries and showers later on this afternoon.

Snow Is On The Way For Charlotte County

Most of us can't even speak about it we're so annoyed that more snow is on the way in April.
 
Environment Canada issuing a snowfall warning for St. Stephen and northern Charlotte County, Grand Manan Island and coastal Charlotte County with rain turning to flurries and then snow with 10 centimetres overnight.

Saturday brings snow changing to showers and then flurries by noon and ending in the afternoon.
 
We could see another 5 centimetres of snow tomorrow.

Grand Manan will be worse off with ice pellets overnight and up to 15 centimetres of snow.

Son Charged With Murder Of Father While Out West

A 26 year old man from Sussex Corner named Dana Allison Craig is facing a charge of second degree murder in the stabbing death of his father, 63 year old Terrance Craig.

The two were at a motel in Brandon, Manitoba.

Terrance Craig lived in Sussex Corner and was the president of the Sussex Fish and Game Association, even being awarded their Sportsman of the Year Distinction in 1998. He was also the former manager of the Bayview Credit Union in Sussex

Reactions Grows To Teen's Suicide In Nova Scotia

The torment suffered by Nova Scotia teen Rehtaeh Parsons is being called bullycide by a frontline organization which operates out of Fredericton.

Her family says no charges were laid after she was sexually assaulted by four boys at a house party. An embarrassing photo of her was posted online and she was called all sorts of names afterwards.

Rob Frenette of Bullying Canada tells Tide News the posting of compromising photos over the internet seems to be a trend among teens.

Frenette says he would like to know why this one girl was targeted and whether the four boys have been bullied themselves.

He's not surprised at her mother's frustration with school officials because their failure to act has been a common complaint among other parents in similar situations. Frenette says its imperative school officials act quickly when they become aware of bullying and not let it drag on.

Winter Storm Could Bring 15 cms Of Snow To Charlotte County

Another winter storm could be headed our way -- even though it's supposed to be spring.

Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement which warns a low pressure system is forecast to pass just south of Nova Scotia late Friday night and Saturday. 

As of now, it's possible regions along the Fundy Coast and eastern New Brunswick - including Charlotte County - could get close to 15 centimeters of snow by Saturday afternoon.

Mom Accused Of Leaving Baby Out In The Cold Will Stand Trial

A woman accused of leaving her baby out in the cold on a Saint John street back in January will be tried on a child abandonment charge on September 12th.

27 year old Caleigh Dawn Shea pleaded not guilty to the crime which allegedly took place on a frigid day in January on Paddock Street. She has described the incident as a misunderstanding.

Lawyer Brian Munroe stating there were multiple witnesses and the trial is likely to last all day.

Bus Driver Injured In Stabbing

A man is in the hospital with stab wounds after an incident on a bus in Perth Andover.

 A 27 year old man who was a passenger on the bus was arrested.

The bus pulled into a restaurant parking lot in the village just before 10 o'clock.

Two RCMP officers inside were flagged down and told the bus driver had been stabbed. He remains in the hospital. The man arrested was also taken to hospital for treatment.

Big Weekend For Basketball Fans In Saint John

Basketball fans will be converging on Saint John this weekend for the National Basketball League's all-star weekend which starts with the all-star mixer at Vitos tomorrow at 5pm. 

Mill Rats coach David Cooper tells Tide News there will be a youth clinic held at Harbour Station this Saturday along with the Legends game, 3 point shootout and the fan's favourite... the slam dunk contest.
 
The all-star game itself will be played Sunday afternoon at 2pm.

Cooper says a basketball all-star game is better suited to individual athletic talents being showcased than other sports.

Ticket prices to see the all-star game range from 13 dollars up to 81 for a front row, courtside seat.

Man Dies In Saint John Following March Assault

A senior citizen is dead and another man facing charges is being sent up north for a mental health assessment after an assault in Saint John last month.

66 year old Duncan MacDonald was seriously injured after an incident at a rooming house at Prince William and Duke streets.
He died in hospital yesterday.
 
MacDonald was hurt on March 16th and the two men were both living in the rooming house at the time.

35 year old Nicholas Logan was arrested and detained, facing charges of resisting arrest and aggravated assault.

He will be sent to Restigouche for a mental health assessment before a court appearance in Saint John set for the 19th.

Sheriff Wants Tighter Controls On Gun Regulations

We don't need gun control -- we need sensible gun solutions.

Washington County Sheriff Donnie Smith says a serious discussion is needed between the NRA, Mental Health, law makers, and others to create better regulations for firearms.

He tells Tide News in regards to the Newtown massacre, some schools in Maine are just a heartbeat away from that. "Schools are isolated. Police response times for some of these schools could be hours, and there's a lot of firearms. So certainly, this could happen to anyone, anywhere. And these children at Newtown, they were babies. Don't they deserve some type of voice from law enforcement or politicians?"









Now, Sheriff Smith says the NRA wants him out of office for taking a stand on gun regulations.
He tells Tide News one of his fellow officers was asked by a member of the National Rifle Association if he would run against the Sheriff in the next election.

Smith says he was a member of the NRA for many years -- adding they are a very powerful organization with a lot of money. "And they're funded, not by their members. Most of their members are avid sportsmen and hunters, and that's why they are members, but the NRA is funded by gun manufacturers. That's where they get their money. That's why they are so powerful. And God forbid you don't agree with them because they're gonna come after you."

Smith says he believes in the 2nd Ammendment, but tighter gun regulations are needed to keep guns out of the wrong hands. He says he does not oppose people carrying concealed weapons, what he is asking is for the restrictions on who is carrying them to be tightened.

Smith says in the state of Maine, it's easier to get a gun than to become a truck driver.

Learn How To Keep Your Child Safe Online

How safe are your kids on the internet?

St. Stephen Elementary School is hosting an information session tonight -- strictly for parents -- called "Internet Safety: Keeping Kids Safe Online; What All Parents Should Know".

Lisa Wiliams from the RCMP will be a guest speaker, along with Technology Coordinator for the Anglophone School District South Moira Sherwood, and Ray Simpson who is the St. Stephen Education Center Senior Information Technology Lead.

The session is free, and will be held in the SSES Library from 6:30-7:30pm.

Higgs Calls Budget Most Difficult To Date

They're cleaning up the mess that the last government made. Provincial Finance Minister Blaine Higgs saying that's what the province is doing with the highly-criticized budget in a post-budget speech he made in St. Stephen.
The St. Stephen and Area Chamber Of Commerce hosting "An Evening With Blaine Higgs" at the Trinity Hall last night (April 8th).

Higgs tells Tide News that the income-tax rollback of 2008 was supposed to be offset by a bump in HST, but that didn't happen.

He says this has been the most difficult budget to date, and he tells us he acknowledges this tax increase hits every pocketbook, but that we need to get out of the hole that's been dug. The income-tax increase is a measure that's expected to generate $136 million in revenue for 2013-14.

(In Picture, left to right, St. Stephen Chamber of Commerce President Dale Weeks, St. Stephen Mayor John Quartermain, Charlotte-Campobello MLA Curtis Malloch, and Finance Minister Blaine Higgs.)

Lung Association Believes Most New Brunswickers Support Higher Tobacco Taxes

The New Brunswick Lung Association releasing the results of a survey which indicates 69 per cent of people in the province support spending more money to get people to quit smoking and 59 per cent support increasing tobacco taxes to come up with the funding needed. 

Lung Association President and CEO Barb MacKinnon tells Tide News even though tobacco taxes bring in 157 million dollars a year, illnesses caused by smoking take quite a chunk out of the healthcare budget to the tune of 111 million dollars a year in direct costs and 429 million dollars in social costs which include lost workdays. 

She also points to research that shows for every dollar spent on smoking cessation, three dollars are save in healthcare costs.
 
The smoking rate in the province at 18.8 per cent is over 2 per cent higher than the national average.
 
According to the Lung Association, it usually takes from 5 to 7 attempts before someone can give up smoking.

Pipeline Could Give Spinoff Projects For Irving

If TransCanada's proposed pipeline project is given the green light, there could be spinoff projects for Irving Oil in the future. 

Jeff Matthews, the company's business development manager tells Tide News that before that happens there is a long road ahead, but says it'll pay off if we can get there. He tells us their main focus right now is getting the pipeline to Saint John, and says that will open up opportunities for the company, the city, the province, and other third party companies.

The company has said the 14,000 kilometer pipeline would not only give them a wider base supply of crudes than they have right now, but it would also open up a new region of crude supply to Atlantic Canada.

Finance Minister Coming To St. Stephen Tonight

Do you have questions about the new provincial budget? You can talk to the guy who wrote it tonight in person.

The St. Stephen Chamber of Commerce hosting an Evening with Provincial Finance Minister Blaine Higgs tonight, April 8th, at the Trinity Hall, located at 30 Prince William Street.

Introductions will start at 6:30pm with Chamber President Dale Weeks and local MLA Curtis Malloch.

Higgs will begin a presentation at 7o'clock, followed by a question period.
The event is open to the general public.

A Third Suspicious Fire In St. Stephen Area In Less Than Three Weeks

In less than three weeks, a third house fire in the St. Stephen area is being called suspicious.

Around 2 am, Saturday morning, April 6th,  District 1 RCMP responding to a blaze on the Loop Road in Upper Mills.

Calais and St. Stephen Fire Departments were on the scene. They say no one was at home at the time.

Police tell us there was significant damage to the home and the cause is suspicious.

A home at the corner of Oak Hill and the Moores Mills Crossroad, as well as another home in Milltown on Queensway were both destroyed by fire on March 18th. Police say the causes of those fires are suspicious.

If you have any information, please contact local police or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

April Is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Many victims of sexual assault live with what happened to them in silence and shame. 

The executive director of the Fredericton Sexual Assault Crisis Centre Lorraine Whalley tells CHSJ News that less than 10% of sexual assaults are reported to police.

This April is the third annual sexual assault awareness month in the province. The theme of this year's campaign is engaging youth in conversations of sexual violence. Whalley tells us they chose to zero-in on young people to try and clear up any misconceptions about what consent is amongst youth. She says the approach they're taking is that yes means yes, as opposed to no means no.

New Brunswick Has Lowest Levels of Adult Literacy in Canada

With our province's staggering rates of functional illiteracy, you'd think more people would be jumping on the free programs available to help people upgrade their reading skills, but Deanna Allen of Laubach Literacy tells CHSJ News their literacy programs are only reaching a handful of the people that need them.

Allen says adults who can't read well often avoid situations where they'll need to read, and often develop some creative strategies to cope with their sub-par literacy skills. But she says they'd like to see the number of people enrolled in their programs double or triple. She tells CHSJ News 60% of adults in New Brunswick are functionally illiterate, compared to 40% for Canada as a whole.

Fundy Region Will Try To Break Guinness World Record

Thousands of kids will be digging in dirt one day this summer, but they won't be playing. They'll be working to beat a world record.
 
Marigold Project founder Barry Ogden tells us that the Fundy region has applied to the Guinness Book of World Records to try and beat the record for number of children planting flowers at the same time. 

They'll try and beat the record, which is currently held in China, on June 6th at 9:30 in the morning. Ogden tells us that approximately 40 schools will be taking part.

Advance Polls Open For Kent By-Election

Election day is on April 15th, but you can cast your vote in the Kent by-election early. The seat was vacated by former Premier Shawn Graham, who resigned after a conflict of interest scandal.

Advance polls are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and on Monday, April 8th. Anyone who is eligible to vote can do so in the advance polls. Voters should have received a Voter Information Card in the mail, if you didn't, check your poll location on the Elections NB website or ring the returning office at (506) 955-6022 or (888) 326-9523.

Lawyer Will Be Sentenced In June

Suspended Saint John lawyer Rod Gillis will be sentenced June 20th in Bathurst for attempting to obstruct justice. 

A sentencing hearing was held in Moncton where the legal arguments were made before Judge Irwin Lampert who found the 66 year old Gillis guilty back in January. 

Prosecutor Peter Craig is recommending a prison term from 30 to 36 months for what he calls breach of trust by a member of the bar and officer of the court. 

The defense is asking for a conditional sentence that would be served in the community. 

Gillis was charged in connection with how he represented former Liberal M-L-A and House Speaker Frank Branch in his legal battle with the North Shore Forest Products Marketing Board which included both a criminal prosecution and civil lawsuit. Branch was charged with fraud and extortion. He eventually pleaded guilty to fraud over 5 thousand dollars and was sentenced to house arrest as well as ordered to pay restitution.

Gillis has represented St. Stephen's Chief Administrative Officer John Ferguson during his long battle with the Saint john Pension Board.

Weston Responds To Parole Controversy

Since parole is a federal responsibility, it's no wonder Saint John M-P Rodney Weston is hearing a lot of concern about the release of John O'Brien, the so-called motorcycle rapist to a halfway house in the city.

Weston says the concerns expressed to him about John O'Brien are mainly about the nature of his crimes and his risk of re-offending which is described by Police Chief Bill Reid as moderate. He concedes it doesn't make him feel good as an M-P to hear the concerns and worry from his constituents.

The concerns voiced to Weston are being passed along to the federal minister of Public Safety. 

Weston tells Tide News he even considered introducing a private member's bill to deal with the issue but points out statutory release is a fact of the Canadian judicial system unless you're deemed a dangerous offender.

Victims Of Crimes Need To Be Heard

If you've ever been the victim of a crime, you know how traumatic the experience can be.

It's the job of Victim Services to ensure people feel heard throughout the judicial process. Martin Ellen Martin of Victim Services tells Tide News they rely on highly trained volunteers to deal with the fallout from a wide range of crimes from assaults to murders, sudden deaths, and thefts.

Martin says the most common call they get is when someone has unexpectedly died, and they have to counsel family members and others. 

For more information on Victim Services including how you can volunteer, click here

Saint John Lawyer Faces Possible Prison Time

A well known Saint John lawyer Rod Gillis -- who represented St. Stephen Chief Administrative Officer John Ferguson in his battle with the Saint John Pension Board -- is scheduled to be in court today in Moncton at a sentencing hearing for attempting to obstruct justice. 

The actual sentence itself won't be delivered by Judge Irwin Lampert until a later date because of all the documentation that has to be gone through.

The charge was laid in connection with Gillis's legal representation of former Liberal M-L-A Frank Branch. 

The former Speaker of the Provincial Legislature was charged with fraud and extortion. He was also also legally involved in a civil suit against the North Shore Forest Products Marketing Board.  Branch pleaded guilty to fraud over 5 thousand dollars, ordered to pay restitution and was sentenced to house arrest and probation. 

Meanwhile, according to the Law Society of New Brunswick website, Gillis has been suspended from practicing law but there's no explanation why.

Ontario Will Investigate Watered-Down Chemo Meds

An investigation will be carried out in Ontario by an independent third party into how watered down chemotherapy drugs were given to more than 1,100 patients, including 186 at the Saint John Regional Hospital.

The issue of whether privatization of the preparation of the chemo drugs might have been a factor has been raised by Ontario's Health Minister after a pharmacy technician noticed a discrepancy in the amount of fluid in some of the bags.

Chief of Staff Dr. John Dornan is promising the Regional Hospital is going to be a lot more careful in the future. He's vowing there will be more specificity with suppliers. 

Most hospitals mix the medications themselves and, even though the Regional has a new supplier, Dr. Dornan says it's a possible option.

Cameras In Uptown SJ Could Be A Reality

With repeated arson attempts, vandalism, and other issues at buildings throughout Saint John, city police are looking for better ways to remedy the ongoing issues.

Police Chief Bill Reid tells Tide News some areas including King Square could soon be outfitted with closed-circuit cameras to catch the culprits in the act.

Reid says it's not totally new -- the police force has already installed cameras where there's an ongoing crime problem with the permission of the property owners.

Britt's Fast Feet

14 minutes, 3 seconds and 48 milliseconds. That's Barry Britt's time at his 5000 metre heat, and his own personal best.

Hailing from Hampton and competing for Idaho University, the 23-year-old's time is the third fastest ever by a New Brunswick runner on the track, and also ranks the Saint John Club member 3rd in all of Canada.

Gabriel LeBlanc, the Technical Director of Athletics New Brunswick says he has no doubt that Britt will challenge the provincial record in the 5000 metre this year, and be a contender for a spot on the provincial team heading to the Jeux De La Francophonie in Nice, France. He adds that he thinks Britt will be among the elite of Canadian distance running in the upcoming years.

Green Party Will Sit Out Kent By-Election

The Green Party will not run a candidate in the riding of Kent for the April 15th by-election.

A news release says party leader David Coon visited the eastern riding earlier in the week, and he says what he heard when he was there was that people aren't happy with parties "parachuting" candidates into their communities, so the Greens have decided they won't run someone from outside.

He says the party's potential local candidates weren't able to run on such short notice, and because the general election is just 18 months away, they've decided to "wait this one out."

The seat was vacated by former premier Shawn Graham earlier this month, who left politics after he was found to be in a conflict of interest over a $50-million loan guarantee his government gave to Acton, a construction firm with ties to his father.

Celebration of the Scottish

A day of celebration is coming up for those of you with Scottish in your blood. 

Tartan Day celebrates the heritage of the Scots and the contributions that they've made in the province. Laurie Hossack, the president of the Saint Andrew's Society's tells CHSJ news that the Scots played a major role in the shipbuilding industry and commerce in Saint John.

It dates back to about 1993, when MLA Georgie Day presented a resolution to the New Brunswick Legislature to declare April 6th Tartan Day. It passed unanimously. 

On this year's Tartan Day, they'll raise Scotland's flag in front of city hall in the morning and host a Ceilidh in the evening, complete with piping, drumming, highland dancing and of course, haggis. Tickets are $10 in advance by calling (506) 696-4253 or $15 at the door at the Simonds Lions Auditorium at Loch Lomond Villa, on 185 Loch Lomond Road. 

Cardy Says Prescription Drug Programme Could be Launched Next Year

There's still no word from the Alward Government about funding for a comprehsive prescription drug programme even though it was a promise made during the last provincial election campaign.

Provincial NDP leader Dominic Cardy is trying to get either the Conservatives or Liberals to introduce an amendment to the Budget Motion which would transfer over 17 and a half million dollars from the Economic Development Department, what Cardy refers to as Corporate Welfare, to the Health Department. 

He believes a prescription drug programme could be launched by the end of next October.

New Date For Inquest Into Death Of Chinese Student

An inquest into the death of a 17 year old  Chinese student while swimming at the Aquatic Centre in Saint John in September of 2011 has been changed. 

It will be held from May 21st through the 24th at the Sydney Street Courthouse in Saint John instead of early next month. 

The circumstances surrounding the death of Yi Fan Wang remain murky. He was swimming in the pool with some friends when something happened to him. He was unconscious when taken out of the swimming pool and died two days later at the Regional Hospital's intensive care unit. 

The inquest was called to hear from witnesses about the circumstances and come up with recommendations.

Warning About Funding For Universities And Student Flight

The Alward Government is being accused of starving universities in the province. That charge made by Miriam Jones of U-N-B Saint John who's President of the New Brunswick Association of University Teachers. 

Jones says universities provide hope to young people that they can have a better future. Without that hope, Jones argues young people will move to a place where there are better prospects which is what's happening these days.

She adds the squeeze on university funding is tighter than ever.

School Buildings Will Be Looked At For Their Sustainability

Each of the 75 buildings in the Anglophone South School District from Sussex to St. Stephen will be gone over to see in how good a shape they're in and what sort of repairs are needed. 

Enrollments are generally going down in most places and many of the school buildings in Saint John, for instance, are getting long in the tooth dating back to 1924. 

School District Chair Rob Fowler says despite that, school closures are not a given. He explains that a school will only be closed if the enrollment is way down and the repairs to bring the building up to par are sky high.
 
The province wants the school districts to come up with a five year infrastructure plan by the end of June.

Medical Society Disputing Claim By Health Minister

The Alward Government and the New Brunswick Medical Society are sniping at eachother over the cap on medicare fees. 

Provincial Health Minister Ted Flemming accuses the Medical Society of not co-operating to lower the cost of healthcare. 

Medical Society President Dr. Robert Desjardins tells the Tide an extensive report complete with suggestions on how to make the healthcare system more efficient was handed over to the government last August but there was no followup.
 
Dr. Desjardins speculates the Medical Society's recommendations are gathering dust somewhere.

M-P For Charlotte County Speaks Out About Speaking Out

The unrest within the Conservative caucus over stiff party control is showing no signs of calming down. 

Three more M-Ps stood in the House of Commons to assert their freedom to say what they want in Parliament, without first being vetted by the party leadership.  

Charlotte County M-P John Williamson was among those defending the right to speak in the House about anything they wish. Ironically, Williams, who once headed the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, also served as Prime Minister Harper's Communications Director at one time. 

The backbenchers have been denounced by other Conservative M-P's as going rogue but they say this is actually a matter about the right of an M-P to represent his or her constituents.

S-U-V Flips Over After Leaving Highway

An S-U-V leaving the highway and rolling over near the Ducks Unlimited Marsh in Musquash. This happened around 4:30 yesterday afternoon. 

The Musquash Fire Department found the S-U-V on its roof. A mother and her child outside the vehicle. They sustained what appeared to be minor injuries but were sent to hospital as a precaution to be looked over. 

The S-U-V had been going westbound along Highway 1.

(Photo Courtesy Of Andrew Sanojca)

NB Liquor Changing Hours For Easter Weekend

Some new hours of operation coming with the Easter long weekend for beer, wine and spirits.

NB Liquor telling us liquor stores across the province will be closed both Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

They will be open Easter Monday from 10 to 6 with regular hours on Saturday.

CUPE Expects Job Losses With Healthcare Freeze

The contents of the provincial budget is making many of the people who work in the healthcare system nervous about their futures.

Gordon Black is Regional Director of the Canadian Union of Public Employees and he tells Tide News several hundred people could be getting their layoff notices because something has to give when healthcare costs are rising at 6 per cent a year but spending is frozen.

Black believes any cutbacks in health will take place at the smaller hospitals around the province. He claims rural New Brunswick is under attack.

Black is not surprised at being one of the few voices in favour of the tax cuts of 2008 being rolled back to the 2006 levels.

NDP Thinks Docs Will Leave NB Because Of Budget

Provincial NDP leader Dominic Cardy is criticizing the provincial budget for cutting 20 million dollars from the billable hours agreement with the province's doctors, which he says means essentially a couple of months worth of billable hours are disappearing off the table.

He worries we're likely to see them head elsewhere where they won't see their pay cut.

 

Cardy is glad to see the Alward Government dealing with what he describes as the terrible mistake the Shawn Graham Liberals made with the tax cuts in 2006.

Gallant Says Corporations Will Fare Better Than Individuals

Corporations will fare better than people when it comes to provincial tax hikes.

That's according to Liberal leader Brian Gallant, who tells Tide News that out of the $373 million expected in two years, corporations will only pay $39 million. Gallant calls that number alarming, since they received $34-47 million dollar property tax cut a few months ago. He tells us now, corporations are now in a position where they'll be paying less taxes.

Gallant says he was very disappointed with the provincial budget presentation and that the Tories broke their two election promises: that they had a plan to balance the budget and that they wouldn't raise taxes.

RCMP Still Looking For Wanted Man

The Dairytown Mounties are still looking for a man after a stabbing late last month where a woman was hurt.

It happened near Sussex on February 27th and a charge of attempted murder was laid against 49-year-old Robin White and a warrant was issued for his arrest on March 4th.  

Despite many efforts, White has still not been located.

Robin White is described as white about 5 foot 11 brown hair and brown eyes.
He was last seen wearing glasses, a black coat, jeans and black boots. 

He may be driving a 2009 grey Honda Ridgeline truck with the provincial license plate CPM 926.

If you know anything about the location of Robin White or the vehicle he was seen driving,  contact police or Crime Stoppers immediately but do not approach him.

First Meeting Tonight For Chocolate Fest 2013

It's that time of the year again!

Preparations for Chocolate Fest 2013 are underway.

The first public meeting will be held tonight in St. Stephen for anyone with questions on how to get involved in the upcoming festival this summer.

The meeting is scheduled 6:30pm at the Chocolate Museum on Milltown Blvd.

You can learn how to volunteer, host your own event, or become a sponsor.