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.

Tennis Club Celebrating Improvements To Facility

Time to practice your serve. The Quispamsis Community Tennis Club is celebrating improvements made to the facility, including the installation of a fourth court, over the last year and half.

Additionally, the courts have been refurbished, the clubhouse has been completed, new lights are in, and the new washrooms are up and running.

President Dana Brown tells CHSJ News, tennis is supposedly is the fastest-growing of the traditional sports throughout Canada, and in Quispamsis they've seen it become popular among kids. But it wasn't always that way. He says it has gone through peaks and troughs alongside national trends in tennis, but in the last six years it's seen phenomenal growth.

Man Rescued At Log Falls Dam

Photo courtesy of Musquash Fire Dept.

A man who lost his footing while fishing with friends and fell into water behind a dam, has been rescued safely. 

When the Musquash Fire Department arrived at Log Falls Dam, they spotted the man standing, almost completely submerged in water. The currents were too strong for him to get himself out of the water. 

Firefighters threw him a rope to wrap around himself, then a firefighter went to the man and brought him to shore. Though he was conscious and alert, he was brought to hospital by paramedics to be checked out. Witnesses say he went under the water multiple times.

Start Your Engines: It's Redneck Raceway Season

A dirt track, souped up cars and hard racing, that's what you'll see at the Redneck Raceway in Norton.

That's according to owner Mark Muir. He tells CHSJ News drivers put a lot of hard work into modifying their cars and that they're passionate about racing. He says that's all they live for; they work all week and race whenever they get a chance. 

When local race tracks started shutting down, Muir says they built a small track in the first season, but outgrew it that same year so they built a regulation-sized track to fit their needs. For more information, including when races are happening, visit their website: redneckraceway.ca.

Province Appoints Three New Legislative Officers

The premier has announced three new legislative officers: a new child and youth advocate, official languages commissioner and ombudsman.

Lawyer Norman Bosse has been named the child and youth advocate, the new ombudsman is Charles Murray, the executive director of the province's Electoral Boundaries and Representation Commission and filling the role of official languages commissioner is Katherine d'Entremont, who has worked in public service for over 30 years. 
 
The positions are seven year appointments.

Police Arrest Shale Gas Protestors

More arrests made by the RCMP at a shale gas protest. This one north of Moncton in the Harcourt area.

RCMP Corporal Chantal Farrah says 12 protesters were disrupting work and traffic on Highway 126. The seven men and five women are facing mischief charges.
    
This is the latest of several protests over shale gas over the last couple of weeks. Six other people have been arrested for mischief. 

Buy Local Van Touring Province This Summer

A home-grown initiative is going on the road. 

The provincial government rolling out a traveling buy local initiative, taking a specially-decorated van on a summer tour of the province. 

Agriculture & Fisheries Minister Michael Olscamp tells CHSJ News this province is brimming with healthy food produced by local farmers and fishermen, and the tour will highlight that.

They're teaming up with agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries organizations and associations to take part in the tour. They'll be making stops at fairs, festivals and markets. 

The first stop of the tour is today at the W.W. Boyce Farmer's Market in downtown Fredericton. Tim Livingstone of Strawberry Hill Farm will be there, explaining their fresh produce box program. On Sunday, June 23, there will be a "Meet Your Fisherman" day in Alma.

Trudeau Being Called On To Return His Speaking Fee

Give back your speaking fee to a Saint John charity.

That's what Fundy Royal M-P Rob Moore is calling on Federal Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau to do. 

This stems from a fundraiser that was held in June of 2012 at the Imperial Theatre. 

Trudeau came to the city to raise money for the Grace Foundation to buy furniture for local seniors. He charged $20,000 for his speaking fee but only 120 tickets were sold and as a result, the Grace Foundation wound up with a deficit of $21,000. 

Enbridge Gas Applies For Rate Increase

If Enbridge Gas has its way, large industrial and commercial users of natural gas will be paying 20 per cent more as of July 1st. The Energy and Utilities Board would have to approve the rate increase application. 

Large users like Ganongs and J-D Irving received a 32 per cent reduction in distribution costs last fall after complaining to the provincial government about how much they were paying as opposed to their competitors in other jurisdictions. 

Enbridge maintains they will still be getting an average savings of 20 per cent over their previous rates even with the propose

J-D Irving Random Alcohol Testing Makes It To The Supreme Court

The Supreme Court in a 6-3 decision overturned mandatory, random alcohol testing of workers even if their workplace is considered to be dangerous. 

Back in 2006, Irving Pulp and Paper unilaterally imposed such a policy and local 30 of the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union filed a grievance. 

The worker who was tested had a blood alcohol level of zero and called the experience unfair and humiliating.

The company says it will review the court's decision. 

The court left open the door for such a policy to be implemented if it's part of a collective agreement.

Benefit Organized For Daughter Of Murdered Woman

A benefit will be held at the Q-Plex in Rothesay on June 23rd for the 6 year old daughter of 33 year old Tanya Shand who was murdered by her common law partner, May 23rd in her Dolan Road apartment. 

The little girl was in the apartment and saw what was happening. She's now living with her grandparents. 

It's hoped a scholarship fund will be set up for her. A Facebook page has been set up and is attracting large numbers and Rothesay Town Council is throwing its support behind the effort.

Higgs Cuts Some Tax Red Tape

Some provincial tax regulations are going to be a little easier to deal with thanks to changes announced in the Legislature by Finance Minister Blaine Higgs.

One of those changes will impact the amount of sales tax you pay on a used vehicle if it's not listed in the valuation books used by Service New Brunswick - the government agency will provide what Higgs calls "a common sense estimate."

But the Minister says you will still have the option of obtaining an independent appraisal of the vehicle for tax purposes - meantime Higgs is also reducing the amount of paperwork required by companies and independent businesses to claim tax free amounts of fuel - and - reporting will now be based on the company's fiscal year rather than the provincial government's fiscal year.

Woman Dies After Being Struck By Car At Marden's

A 49-year-old woman is dead after being struck by a car over the border.
Police say the incident happened around 1:20 yesterday afternoon in the Marden's parking lot.
Calais Police Sgt. Chris Donahue tells Tide News 74-year-old Kenneth Martin of Eastport, Maine was pulling his car into a parking spot near the entrance of the store and struck the woman.
Donahue says Zina Eller of East Machias died at the scene.
He says an investigation is underway and no further details are available.

Most Of Us Think Parliamentarians Fudge Their Expenses

86 per cent of us, according to a new poll, believe Senators and M-P's, are cheating on their expense claims. The overwhelming percent of people surveyed also want to see parliamentarians make public all their expenses online. 

The Atlantic Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation Kevin Lacey tells Tide News they're just hoping the scandal over improper expense claims will just fade away which reflects how tone deaf they actually are.
 
Lacey says the one thing the Senators and M-P's agree on, no matter what party they belong to, is defending their entitlements. 

The Taxpayers Federation wants people to keep putting pressure on their M-P to bring about change and Lacey says if you look at how the M-L-A's pension plan was reformed after public outrage, it can be accomplished.

St. Andrews Native Wins Canadian National Sculpture Competition

Let the ARTrageous-ness begin!

The kick off the St. Andrews festival this afternoon, Kingsbrae Garden hosting the Canadian National Sculpture Competition Awards Ceremony.

Out of 15 finalists, St. Andrews native Alanna Baird winning the grand prize of $10,000.

Baird's sculpture titled "Salmon Vortex" features three wild salmon made from recycled copper roofing. The sculpture now sits in the centre of a pond at Kingsbrae Garden. Baird tells Tide News, "It's exciting for me as a sculptor to get my work out of my studio, out of the tools, out of a chaos, and get them into this kind of setting."

Tide News asked how long it took to make the piece. Her response? "Well, that's something everyone always asks me. I tell them it took me 21 years to figure out how to do it, and then 2 months to build it."

The ARTrageous Festival continues tonight at Kingsbrae with an evening of Jazz, and Saturday is all-day Free admission.

For details on events and tickets, go to their website www.artrageousnb.com .

Student Numbers Drop

Fewer students in the Anglophone South School District in the school year just ending means fewer teachers.
 
Enrollment numbers are down by 650 and Superintendent Zoe Watson says the one place where there had been increases, the Kennebecasis Valley, the numbers have levelled off. 

On the other side of the coin the number of foreign students this year at 15 schools exceeded 500. They're here from China,  Mexico, Colombia, Brazil and Europe.
 
The school district is hoping the foreign student programme will be expanded next year to 20 schools.

Security Exercise At Lepreau

Point Lepreau will be conducting a security exercise today.

It involves  the Nuclear Response Force team and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission testing security procedures.

Residents may see emergency vehicles in the community and hear radio communications simulating a security event at the station.

Pensioners Still Demanding Answers

Switching to the Shared Risk Model is an attempt by the provincial government to offload the pension deficit onto the shoulders of pensioners, according to Clifford Kennedy of the NB Pension Coalition.

Kennedy tells Tide News the members are considering legal action, but it's difficult where  there's no other case they can find when a guaranteed plan has been switched to the Shared Risk Model over the objections of the plan members.

Finance Minister Blaine Higgs has said despite the plan's strong returns in the past year, the changes are going to go ahead; however, Kennedy calls it "damning" that the government hasn't released to the pensioners the actual amount of the deficit.

Distracted Driving Pays High Price

Jim Morrison was right when he sang "keep your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel."

CAA is warning you that cellphones and texting aren't the only dangerous distactions to drivers. Gary Howard of CAA tells Tide News anything that takes your attention of the road dramatically increases your chances of having an accident, including audio books and even your onboard GPS.

A University of Utah study found drivers had slower reaction times, compromised brain function, and less awareness of cues like stop signs when they were distracted by a GPS system or listening to an audio book.

Howard points out phones conversations are more distracting that those you might have with passengers in the vehicle, because the person on the other end of the line can't see whether you're doing a tricky lane change or coping with difficult road conditions, and don't adjust their conversation accordingly as would a passenger.

Widespread Internet Outage Across Maritimes

If you can read this, you're one of the lucky ones.

According to a Bell representative it's not you....it's them. Customers have been complaining of no internet service all over the Atlantic provinces. The representative was unable to say how many customers are affected but confirmed it's a significant number.

Bell says it's working to resolve the problem as quickly as possible. In the meantime, you can stop desperately re-setting your router and spending your precious time on tech support.

20 Year Old Playground In Need Of Repair

A local playground -- built by the hands of many Charlotte County volunteers -- is in desperate need of a make-over.

Chair of the St. Andrews Community Playground Restoration Fundraising Committee Isabelle Micheud tells Tide News the unique playground was built 20 years ago. She says, "After 20 years, things have deteriorated. There are pieces that need to be replaced. Areas where the children are walking or touching with their hands, those are all made of wood and need to be replaced with a composite material for safety reasons."

Micheud tells us it's a really big fundraising project with a budget of $120, 000. "So far, we aren't doing too bad. We currently have raised about $70,000, but we need to raise another $50,000 by the end of July."


She adds a Lobster Roll-A-Palooza -- as part of the Seafood Festival -- will be a major fundraiser this Saturday for the project. A 62 foot lobster roll will be sold in 4-inch sections with a drink and chips. She says tickets are $15 and the event will take place at Town Hall on Water Street in St. Andrews, starting at 11am. She tells us Water Street will be barricaded off to vehicles.
Tickets for the Lobster Roll-A-Palooza can be bought at the Vincent Massey Elementary School and Cockburn's Drug Store. If you want to get your tickets Saturday, they will begin selling them at 10:30 with the big roll being made at 11am.


Micheud says they are also looking for volunteers to help rebuild the playground between September 25th to the 29th. For details on volunteering or fundraising, go to their website at www.standrewsplayground.com .

Premier Optimistic Pipeline Will Diversify Economy

The premier says the province is not putting all their eggs in one basket. That basket being the west-east pipeline. 

David Alward tells Tide News he feels better than he has in many years, because that's not the case. He says it's actually diversifying the province's opportunities.
 
He says the pipeline would spur additions in refining and the potential for petrochemicals. He adds, if we're able to tap into natural gas reserves there's even more possibility for development.

Alward and Mayor Mel Norton delivering a keynote speech to Port Days delegates. Alward telling the room, there's a sense of optimism in the province that hasn't existed in a long time.

CBS Looking For 100 Donors In Charlotte County

During National Blood Donor Week, Canadian Blood Services wants you to consider rolling up that sleeve and donating.

Michelle Thibodeau-Coates of CBS tells Tide News there is someone on the other end of that blood donation with a story.

She says there is someone who needs that blood donation to help them feel better a little longer or to potentially save their life.

There will be a blood donor clinic next Thursday, June 20th, at the Magaguadavic Centre in St. George, from 5-8pm. CBS says they are looking for at least 100 donors.

To book an appointment, call 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283) or book online by clicking 
here

More Rain For Charlotte County

A special weather statement has been issued by Environment Canada about more rain beginning today. 

It cautions a low pressure system will approach the region today and then stall near Yarmouth tomorrow. Rain associated with this system will move into southwestern New Brunswick by this afternoon and spread northeastward throughout the day. 

The rain will be heavy at times, persisting into tomorrow. Rainfall amounts may reach warning levels especially for the southernmost areas of the province. Up to 50 millimeters is being forecast for the Charlotte County area.
The network says rainfall amounts may reach warning criteria. It states the worrisome issue is the ground is already quite saturated from remnants of tropical storm Andrea -- which dumped 90mms of rain on Grand Manan Island last weekend. 

NB Doctors Release Poll On Healthcare

The President of the New Brunswick Medical Society releasing a poll from Corporate Research Associates on how 400 people around the province view the healthcare system. 

Dr. Robert Desjardins says it should be a wake-up call for the Alward Government as the poll finds 11% of respondents strongly agree the government is doing a good job managing the health system.
 
It also shows only 14% strongly agree the Alward Government has a plan to improve health care delivery. 

Only 13 per cent of people in the southern part of the province say they strongly agree the government is effectively promoting the province as a good place to practice for new doctors.

The province, meantime, is asking for the Medical Society's lawsuit over caps on Medicare billing caps be dismissed.

Charlotte County Celebrates Seafood

For 4 years now, Charlotte county has been celebrating seafood during Bay of Fundy Seafood Week. 

Co-chair Andrew Lively tells Tide News it's been changing every year with new events including a very unique one this year.

He says this weekend people can buy a piece of a 62-foot lobster roll in St. Andrew's. 

The proceeds will support the local St. Andrews playground.

Today as part of the Seafood Academy, speakers at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre including Dr. Patti Johnston of Minto on the health benefits of seafood.

For more info, click here

Criminal Case Against Doctor Expected To Be Delayed

Don't expect to see the College of Physicians and Surgeons holding a hearing anytime soon into whether a doctor in the north end should have his license to practice medicine pulled. This, despite a favourable court ruling that paves the way for further investigation. 

Dr. Alan Cockeram faces several charges of sexual misconduct while treating female patients.
 
The Registrar at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Dr. Ed Schollenberg says no hearing can be held until the criminal proceedings are finished because its feared, if that took place, Dr. Cockeram's right to a fair trial could be jeopardised. 

The 60 year old gastroenterologist is facing 9 charges but more are expected to be laid when he appears for a preliminary hearing on June 17th. The preliminary hearing is not expected to go ahead until the fall.

In the meantime, Dr. Cockeram is prevented from treating female patients.

No Appearance For Snook In Newfoundland

Nothing transpired in court today in Cornerbrook, Newfoundland even though former Common Councillor Donnie Snook's name was in the docket. 

There were four summonses beside his name, two for sexual assault and two for sexual interference against a boy under the age of 14. 

Snook reportedly was not served with a summons to appear and there's no date for him to do so. 

The charges date back to the 1990's when Snook was in his early 20's and commissioned as a senior pastor at the now closed Salvation Army Citadel in Mount Moriah.

MP Says Government Doesn't Invest In Northern NB

The building of a west-east pipeline bringing Alberta crude to the Port City has drawn comparisons to the national railway, with premier David Alward saying it would revolutionize Saint John and the rest of the province. But one MP says the government has a history of not investing in one particular area.
 
Acadie-Bathurst MP Yvon Godin tells Tide News they constantly hear announcements about investments, but never see any money. He says they don't even have proper travel infrastructure, making it difficult to get around.

Godin says he doesn't see the government helping the people living in the northern region at all, and if nothing changes, residents will have to leave the area.

Health Networks Urge Docs And Province To Resolve Dispute

Both Horizon Health Network and Vitalité Health Network urging physicians and the province to put their differences aside, and put their heads together instead. 

Doctors and the Department of Health are in disagreement over cuts to Medicare, a conflict on its way to court. But the two health authorities are asking them simply sit down and talk it out, in order to find savings and create a sustainable system. 

Vitalité board chair, Paul Couturier, says that we know the present-day system is not sustainable, and is beyond what New Brunswickers can afford. He says it's vital all the players, including doctors, work together to solve the fiscal problem. Both networks rely on services from over 1,600 doctors, and say they need their involvement to find savings and build a sustainable, patient-driven system.

The doctors’ court case will be heard on Wednesday in Fredericton.

St. Andrews To Host Triathlon In July

Adults, youth and kids will be running or biking or swimming and maybe all 3 at the first major triathlon in St. Andrew's.

Organizer Tressa Bevington hails from St. Andrews and tells Tide News it's a great location for an event like this.

She says the weekend also includes the Triathlon Canada junior elite series race which will include Reid Burrows of Grand Bay-Westfield.

Bevington says it's a really fast race about 58 minutes and within the town so spectators can check it out.

The Beat the Tide 5-miler will see runners race around Minister's Island and there is a kid's race through the trails of Kingsbrae Garden.

For more info, click here

Deadly Crash Claims One

A two car crack up west of Moncton claiming the life of a 22 year old man from Anagance last night.

RCMP are looking into the head-on collision about 10pm last night on the Homestead road in Second North River.
The drivers of the vehicles were taken to hospital.  
 
The Mounties do not believe alcohol is a contributing factor in the crash.

Post-Tropical Storm Soaks Province

Roads were closed, bridges were shut down for certain vehicles and thousands of homes went without power as post-tropical storm Andrea swept through the region, soaking everything in her path.

She dumped 57mm of rain on Saint John, brought 75 to Point Lepreau, while Grand Manan was slammed with 95mm. The Confederation bridge, linking the province to Prince Edward Island, was restricted to high-sided vehicles including tractor trailers and buses for part of the day because of the gusty winds.

Port Days Focusing On Creating Stronger Ties With South America

Looks like it's networking season in Saint John....as all levels of government attempt to court Alberta crude oil, the Port is doing its bit to strengthen trade links with South America. 

Port CEO and President Jim Quinn tells CHSJ News Port Days is chance for stakeholders and port users to hobnob and discuss future business endeavours.
 
The theme for this year is "Strengthening North South Trade Links" and delegates from all over the world are attending.  Mayor Mel Norton and Premier David Alward will each be giving a keynote address on the future of the city's port. Port Days starts with Community Day today and runs until Tuesday.

Stewards of Children Offering Childhood Sexual Abuse Prevention Workshop

If we want children to have the courage speak up about sexual abuse, we have to do the same. 

That's from Elsie McGraw of the Saint John Support Group for Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse who tells CHSJ News it's an issue that's had an air of secrecy for far too long.

McGraw says we want our children to come to us or report sexual abuse or unwanted touching, but yet, we as adults don't talk about it so we can't expect our children to do something we can't. She says open dialogue on the issue is badly needed in Saint John, especially in light of the guilty plea by former common councillor Donnie Snook. Because, she says, not only will it happen again, it's happening right now.

Starting a dialogue is the idea behind the Stewards of Children childhood sexual abuse prevention workshops.

The workshops are on June 14th from 9:30 am to noon and 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm, and on June 15 from 9:30 am to 12 noon at Millidgeville North School, 490 Woodward Avenue in Saint John. It costs $30. For more information call McGraw at 674-1627 or mcgrame@nb.sympatico.ca.

Maple Syrup Sweet & Clear This Season

It's been an especially sweet year for the province's maple syrup producers for more than one reason.

Not only did this year yield a record-breaking five million pounds of syrup, Yvon Poitras, the General Manager of the NB Maple Sugar Association, tells CHSJ News this year's syrup itself tastes sweet and is clear. 

Poitras says with the many environmental factors at play, it's hard to say what combination creates such a product, and although this syrup season was good, it's impossible to predict what will happen next year.