More Than $1.5 Million In Unclaimed Lottery Money

 No one wants to miss out on winning some cash, especially during the holiday season.

 Atlantic Lottery telling us there's more than 1.5 million dollars in unclaimed lottery money. That's just for the month of December. 

Carla Burque of Atlantic Lottery, tells Tide News, 

"People have these ticket on their counters, in their wallets, in their purses. They're worth some money." 

She says smaller prizes may not change your life, but they could pay for dinner, coffee or something you may have had your eye on for a while.

After a year, unclaimed prizes are returned to a special fund and offered back to players through some form of prizing.

Tonight Is Algonquin Night!

Tonight is Algonquin Night at Kingsbrae Garden.

The annual Festival of Trees in St. Andrews is a silent auction on Christmas Trees loaded with goodies from local businesses, as well as collecting food and monetary donations for the food bank.

Volunteer Centre of Charlotte County Co-ordinator Donna Linton tells Tide News people are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items or a suggested donation of $3 for admission to the Festival of Trees.

For "Algonquin Night", the Algonquin Hotel will match the weight of food donations that are raised tonight.

The Festival is open from 5-9, and you will be able to bid on any of the Christmas trees until December 29th.

Slushy And Slippery Roads In Charlotte County This Weekend

Get ready for a big slushy mess.

Environment Canada issuing a freezing rain warning for the weekend in Charlotte County.

The national forecaster says periods of snow will be mixed with ice pellets and freezing rain by tonight.

That will continue into tomorrow evening when the temperature rises to 2 degrees above zero and we'll have some rain showers.

Sunday is also calling for more snow and freezing rain.

2 Hurt In 5 Vehicle Crash On Highway 1

5 vehicles in a major crash on Highway 1 westbound near the Tourist bureau leaving two people seriously hurt.

It happened in the middle of rush hour causing a major traffic problem.

Saint John City police tell Tide News it looks light one of the cars crossed the centre line into the oncoming traffic.

The highway was closed but is now back open to traffic.

Warning About Synthetic Drugs Seized By City Police

The seizure of two synthetic drugs in the north end prompting City Police to issue a warning about their dangers. 

Sergeant Jay Henderson says both D-M-T and 2-5-I (eye) cause users to hallucinate to the point where they could be dangerously unaware of their surroundings.
 
Police say there's no known medical use for these drugs which will be chemically analysed.

Woman Pleads Guilty To Stealing Drugs From Hospital

After stealing morphine, oxycodone, percocet and other types of drugs from the Regional Hospital, Erin Munn says she wants to make things right.

The woman pleading guilty in provincial court to taking drugs from the hospital's surgery department this summer while she was working as a cleaner in the building. Munn was caught after a surveillance camera was installed near the cabinets.

She says she has written a letter to the hospital and wants to get back on track. Her employer has hired her back on and the Crown says she's taking steps to get help for her pill addiction. The judge giving her a six-month conditional sentence saying rehabilitation is the key here.

Smith Inquest Jury Rules Her 07 Death A Homicide

The jury at the Ashley Smith inquest in Toronto ruling her death was the result of a homicide.

The Moncton teen died in her prison cell in Kitchener, Ontario in 2007. She choked to death of pieces of material after jail guards were told not to rush and help her.

Among its many recommendations, the jury is recommending that indefinite solitary confinement be abolished and until that happens, they suggest it be restricted to a maximum of 15 days.

Another recommendation is for Smith's story to be used a case study for front line workers at the Correctional Service of Canada.

For nearly a year, the jury has been listening to thousands of hours of testimony and reviewing hundreds of exhibits of Smith's time in federal prison.

Work Underway On The 2014 Vote

Next year's provincial vote is a big undertaking and the work is already underway at Elections NB.

Chief Electoral Officer Mike Quinn tells Tide News says during the last vote they began a pilot project with full returning offices on campuses in Fredericton, Saint John, Moncton, and Edmunston.

He says they are looking at ways of changing that service around and make it better so that students get to vote all through the election.

Quinn says they are preparing the new polling division map because of the riding changes shrinking the number of ridings from 55 to 49.

Healthcare Budget Will Have Surplus

Tide News has been told by Provincial Health Minister Ted Flemming it appears the healthcare budget is heading for a 26 million dollar surplus. 

Flemming says this turnaround would not have happened had the culture within the healthcare system not been changed and this change has been embraced by the people working in healthcare after years of political interference and bad decision making as a result.

He also says the healthcare budget next year will not be going up from this year and the government has achieved this without touching clinical services.

Man Facing 19 Charges After Shale Gas Protests In October

A 21-year-old man from Rexton, New Brunswick is facing 19 charges, after his actions during shale gas protests.

 Germain Breau was arrested in October and has been in custoday ever since. RCMP say he was arrested after police were trying to control a dangerous situation involving firearms, improvised explosive devices and other weapons.

Some of the charges against him include, careless use of a firearm, pointing a firearm at a police officer, obstructing a police officer and violating a probation order. 

 Yesterday, 15 more charges were laid against him at Moncton Provincial Court, and he will be back in court tomorrow.

New Brunswick Getting More Money From The Harper Government

The Alward Government's bottom line getting a big boost with a five per cent increase in transfer payments from Ottawa. 

Federal transfers will rise next year to over 2.6 billion dollars which comprises one-third of the provincial budget. 

Saint John M-P Rodney Weston blames the previous Liberal Government under Premier Shawn Graham, in large part, for a financial mess by spending more money than it took in, driving up the debt.
 
Weston concedes the province still finds itself in a difficult financial situation in spite of higher federal transfer payments, adding he doesn't envy the challenge faced by Provincial Finance Minister Blaine Higgs.

Shale Gas Protestor Pleads Guilty To Charges

After two months behind bars, a 47-year old man arrested during the violent clash between RCMP and shale gas protestors near Rexton has been released from jail.

47-year old James Pictou of Saint-André-de-Madawaska being sentenced to time served as he was in custody since his arrest on October 17.

Pictou pleading guilty to seven charges stemming from incidents on the Elispogtog First Nation and near Rexton, including uttering a threat towards a First Nation peacekeeper, uttering threats to kill an RCMP dog by saying "Bring that dog, I'll kill that dog" while holding a long peace of wood, and assaulting a police officer by pointing a can of bear spray at him.

He will be under house arrest for there months and under curfew for six months and is not allowed to participate in any shale gas protests in New Brunswick. He is also being ordered to stay a kilometre away from employees and equipment belonging to SWN Resources and its subcontractors.

Funeral For City Teen On Saturday

A funeral service is coming up on Saturday for 17 year old Gavin Adams of Saint John.

The Saint John High student died earlier this week after being reported missing to police on Sunday.

He is described as a dependable friend who loved to play guitar and enjoyed being on the swim team and in the choir.

Visitation is tomorrow and Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 at Brenan's on Paradise Row with the funeral on Saturday at the Church of St. Andrew and St. David at noon.

Man Who Robbed His Boss Sentenced To 4 Years

After getting drunk and robbing his own employer, 35-year-old Simon Basque gets a sentence of 4 years in jail for robbery.

He has to submit a DNA sample and he can't own any weapons for 10 years.

Basque pleaded guilty to holding up his boss's brother at knife point, demanding a debit card, the PIN number, and car keys. He then tied up the victim in a bathroom and took off in their van. He was later pulled over in Quebec and arrested.

He said he doesn't know why he did it considering he didn't want to hurt anyone and he even had money on him at the time.

It's A Greasy Drive Today

It's a pretty scene out there today...but not so pretty when you're driving. 

Sgt Dave Cowan of Saint John Police says people should be extra cautious on the roads today.
 
He tells Tide News the roads are typical for a winter storm with a lot of them being snowpacked and slushy.

He suggests drivers slow down and leave a lot of space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of them.
 
He says police have responded to about a dozen minor accidents in the Uptown area today.

To follow the storm's track, click here

No Charges In Fatal Baxter's Corner Shooting

No criminal charges will be laid in the deadly shooting of a Baxters Corner man in November 2012.

RCMP investigators had recommended to the Crown charges of murder, manslaughter and criminal negligence be considered in connection with the death of 31-year-old Ryan Firlotte; however, the Crown Prosecutors Office decided not to proceed with charges because there was no likelihood of conviction.

Ryan Firlotte and two other men were shot during an altercation in Baxters Corner with a 35-year-old man who also lived there. Firlotte and the other two men were in a vehicle that had been struck by bullets. The 35-year-old man under investigation for the shooting had been assaulted in the Saint John area earlier that same day.

The investigation determined that all the individuals involved in the incident knew one another.

NB Liquor Announces Holiday Hours

If you like a little holiday tipple, you'll want to keep in mind the holiday hours for NB Liquor locations announced today.
 
The regular hours will vary over the next 10 days or so at corporate stores, such as the ones in St. Stephen, St. Andrews, and St. George.


●    Sunday, Dec. 22: Open noon to 5 p.m.
●    Monday, Dec. 23: Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
●    Tuesday, Dec. 24: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
●    Wednesday, Dec. 25 (Christmas Day): Closed.
●    Thursday, Dec. 26 (Boxing Day): Closed.
●    Friday, Dec. 27, to Monday, Dec. 30: Regular operating hours.
●    Tuesday, Dec. 31: Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
●    Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014: Closed.
●    Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014: Regular hours resume.

NB Liquor's 80 agency outlets may open all days except Christmas Day. Hours may vary by location.

Date Set For Pleas In Blue Moon Arson Case

The man charged with burning the Blue Moon Motel being given another court date.

Defence asking for more time in St. Stephen Provincial Court this morning so Gordon Lankisch from St. Andrews, and another man from Saint John who is also charged may review disclosure in the case.

The Blue Moon Motel on Mowatt Drive in St. Andrews was significantly damaged by fire in 2010.

Judge David Walker setting the matter over until February 25th, when both men will enter a plea and elect to be tried by judge and jury, or judge alone.

Two Year Anniversary For Missing Maine Toddler

It's now been 2 years since a toddler in Maine was reprted missing from her crib.

Justin DiPietro made the call December 17, 2011 that his daughter, 20-month-old Ayla Reynolds had disappeared from his home in Waterville.

Police have said a good amount of Ayla's blood was found in DiPietro's basement.

Ayla's mother, Trista Reynolds also released to the public that police had told her the baby's blood was also found in Justin's truck, throughout the house, and on his shoes.

Community members offered a $30,000 reward for evidence or her return.

No charges have been laid and police do not believe Ayla will be found alive.

Snooks Gets An Additional 3 Months In Jail

Former Saint John Common Councillor Donnie Snook gets an extra three months in jail on three sex charges stemming from when he was living in Newfoundland.

The jail time is in addition to the 18 year sentence he received in Saint John for crimes against children.

Snook appearing in a City courtroom today looking thin, with a goatee and a shaved head.

There were four charges originally but one was withdrawn because the victim was 14 at the time.

Snook's lawyer Dennis Boyle says his client's participation in this was minimal adding it was his first sexual experience as an adult.

The Crown wanted Snook to get a year for each of the new charges to which he pleaded guilty. 

Pensioners Could Get Cost Of Living Increase

It might not entirely quell their fears about the Shared Risk Plan--but retirees who had been receiving pensions under the Public Service Superannuation Act could receive a cost-of-living increase in 2014 equal to 100 per cent of the inflation rate under the new plan.

The cost-of-living increase will depend, however, on how well the plan is funded, but in a release Finance Minister Blaine Higgs claims the new plan is designed in such a way that the likelihood of providing annual cost-of-living increases is very high. Effective Jan. 1, 2014, retirees' pensions will increase by 0.96 per cent  based on the average change in inflation.

Higgs says if a shared risk model had been adopted 20 years ago, the cost-of-living increases  retirees received would have been the same as what they were under the former plan.

City-Wide Crackdown Leads To 29 Arrests

A special operation known as Operation Sweet Tooth has been bitter news for the local criminal element.

Sergeant Jay Henderson of the Saint John Police Department explains they reassigned officers from their regular detachments and formed a special unit to undertake Operation Sweet Tooth.

In total, 29 people from all over the city were arrested and charged with over 103 criminal charges including weapons offences, drug dealing, and assaults. 

Over $102,000 in drugs and cash were also seized.

Police Confirm Identity Of Body Discovered

Saint John City Police cordoned off an area by the train bridge on Chesley Drive late yesterday afternoon as you turn left off Hilyard Street towards the former Acadian Lines bus station.  Yellow police tape could be seen.

Searchers who were out looking for 17 year old Gavin Adams came across a body late yesterday afternoon.
 
Police have now confirmed the body is that of the teen who was reported missing late Sunday afternoon. 

Adams was last seen Saturday night in the area of Chesley Drive. Police don't suspect foul play but are awaiting the medical report on cause of death.

The Dogs Looking For A GM

Need a job?   The Sea Dogs might need you.      The team is now accepting applications for a new general manager.

President Wayne Long says says the team is in a rebuild and they want to drive toward another championship.

The gm's duties are currently being shared by head coach Ross Yates and head scout Christian Vermette.

The closing date for applications is January 17th.   

To apply for the post...email waynelong@saintjohnseadogs.com

Shoplifting Great Grandmother Caught

A 65-year-old great grandmother with 9 thefts and 3 breaches of probation on her record has been sentenced to house arrest after stealing a shrub from Kredl's in Hampton.

Shirley Hazel Rogers originally gave police a fake name when police came to her door, but eventually admitted to the theft which she says was the result of a compulsion she can't control.

Judge Jamie LeMesurier saying normally repeat shoplifters get jail time but he would take into account her age.

In addition to the house arrest she's prohibited from going to any stores unless accompanied by her common law husband.

Gallant Rejects Charge Of Waffling On Shale Gas

The Alward Government has been attacking Provincial Liberal Leader Brian Gallant for what they say is his wishy-washy stance on shale gas. 

Gallant tells Tide News his call for a moratorium on shale gas development is based on evidence, and there are too many unanswered questions about the environmental and health risks involved in the process.
 
Gallant argues there are still too many unanswered questions about the effects of fracking on the environment and human health.

Police Looking For Missing Teen

Saint John City police are looking for your help in finding a missing person.

17 year old Gavin Adams was last seen on Saturday night and was reported missing to police late Sunday afternoon.

He is about 5 foot 6, 150 pounds with a slim build, short brown curly hair and brown eyes.

He was last seen wearing a tan jacket, black hoodie, jeans, and black sneakers in the area of Chesley Drive in the North end.

If you have seen him, please contact City police at 506-648-3333 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or click here.

Gov't Looking At Options To Fix Lorneville Road

Homes and businesses on the Lorneville Road are still accessible but a pipe failure under the Lorneville causeway leaving part of Lorneville Road closed to thru traffic in both directions because of safety concerns over a sinkhole.

Transportation Minister Claude Williams tells Tide News they'll have a better idea what to do about that this week. 

Williams says that was one of the pieces of infrastructure they needed to look into and there was some inspection done last summer, but you can't predict mother nature. He says this year they are dealing with over a million dollars in flood damage.

That part of Lorneville Road was flagged as a possible danger spot seven years ago.

More Snow For Charlotte County

St. Stephen reporting 21 centimeters of snow from yesterday's storm. Grand Manan topping out the snow charts at 35 cms.
Darin Borgel of Environment Canada tells Tide News it's back to the deep freeze with temperatures falling throughout the day.
 
Another weather maker comes into the region on Wednesday.
Borgel says we could be getting another 10 to 15 centimeters of snow.

How To Survive Being "Storm-Stayed" In Your Vehicle.

As we're hit with the first big blast of winter this season, the Canadian Automobile Association is offering up some tips on how to survive being "storm-stayed" in your vehicle.

To be ready for the possibility, C-A-A's Gary Howard says your winter tires should have been put on long ago, you should have a cell phone on you, your battery should be top-notch and have a winter driving kit handy.

Howard says above all, if you have to be out, drive slower than normal if visibility is low and driving is slippery.

Alert family and friends of where you're going and check for road condition reports before heading out.

A Winter Wonderland Today

It has been a busy day for snowplow operators and snow clearing crews in the Maritimers.

Between 15 to 30 centimeters falling in Southern New Brunswick today, and about 15 to 12 in Nova Scotia, followed by rain. 

Many airlines have been cancelled throughout the Maritimes. Make sure to check your local road conditions before heading out. 

Environment Canada telling us depending on where you live in New Brunswick, the snow should end this evening. Expect ice pellets along the Fundy coast this evening. 

The winds are expected to gust northeast 30km/h, gusting to 50.
 

Saint John Council Endorsing Shale Gas Development

Common Council in Saint John offering its official endorsement of shale gas development. Mayor Mel Norton tells us, the timing has nothing to with this fall's tumultuous season of seismic testing by SWN Resources, but rather in what they've heard from business interests.

"We recognize that there's a provincial dynamic, and we recognize that there's another dynamic that's been happening the province. But our interest as city councilors is only in relation to this city," he says.

The Mayor says he's already spoken at meetings in Toronto and Calgary about the importance of shale gas, and he's committed to keep pushing for responsible development.

"Mindful Eating" Over The Holiday Season

The Holidays season is here, and that always mean lots of food.  
Saint John dietitian Vanessa MacLellan tells Tide News, some ways to eat healthy during the holiday season.

"When we're having Christmas gatherings there's are a lot of healthier food choices out there that we could be entertaining with, like whole grain crackers and a lot fat cheese. Fruits and vegetables are always popular," she says.  She recommends mindful eating, and stick to the foods that you're really going to enjoy.

Saint John Hotel On Reality TV

It might be a first for Saint John with one of the city's hotels being featured on a reality TV show "Hotel Impossible" with host Anthony Melchiorri  but that's what happened with Chipman Hill Suites owned by Common Councillor Susan Fullerton. 

She admits it was a nerve wracking experience but accomplished what she was hoping for with Melchiorri concluding Chipman Hill Suites being one of the cleanest hotels he's ever seen. That, according to Fullerton is what Chipman Hill Suites bases its reputation on. 

She does concede Anthony also accused her of being a micro manager which Fullerton does not dispute.

Major Winter Storm To Begin Early Tomorrow

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A major winter storm tomorrow is expected to dump from 20 to 30 centimeters of snow on southern New Brunswick and the south shore of Nova Scotia with up to 40 centimeters in Grand Manan. 

Gelas Duguay of Environment Canada tells CHSJ News the snow will start around daybreak and continue for much of the day before ending tomorrow night. There will also be strong winds.  

More snow is expected on Monday but Duguay doesn't expect there will be very much before turning colder on Tuesday.

Charlotte County Marks 3 Years Since Great Flood

This weekend will mark 3 years since the Great Flood we will never forget.

On December 15th, 2010, 174 mms of rain fell on our area, putting communities such as St. Stephen and St. George under a few feet of water.

All roads and bridges were submerged leading into Bonny River, homes were covered to the rooftops, with some being swept down river.

Premier David Alward was quoted as saying, "The damage left behind is beyond imagination".

At one point, 120 roads were either partially flooded or completely submerged.

Food Bank 2/3 Of The Way To Filling Hamper Boxes

They are 2 thirds of the way to feeding the hungry this Christmas.

Co-ordinator at the St. George Food Bank Sarah Norman tells Tide News they have collected 101 turkeys to fill hamper boxes so far, but they need 49 more to fill the requests of the local families over the holiday season.

She says tomorrow (Saturday) the Food Bank is hosting its annual Hamper Packing Party, inviting the public to spread the holiday cheer, pack a few boxes, and meet with friends and family. That will begin at 9am.
She says last year, they had such a good turn-out, they were finished packing the hampers after only an hour.

Norman tells us the turkeys can be dropped off right at the Food Bank, located at 124 Main Street in St. George, and they can accept the turkeys up until December 20th.

Canadian Medical Association Calling For A National Strategy On Dementia

The Canadian Medical Association saying the number of people with dementia is expected to increase, and the country needs a plan. 

Dr. Chris Simpson is President of the Association. He tells Tide News, families are looking for "assurances that the health care system will provide top notch, safe, appropriate care for patients, and preferably out of hospitals. Supporting them at home for as long as possible is really important to people," he says.

He adds, "The individual stories are really heart wrenching."

There are about 3 quarters of Canadians who have Alzheimer's and Dementia, and is expected to increase to 1.4 million. The cost of caring for these patients in Canada is 33 billion dollars per year. That covers hospital, healthcare costs, and the lost salaries of families taking care of patients.

It's estimated this will increase to 300 billion dollars by 2040, based on the growing number of patients with dementia.

Schofield In Court For Meth & Pot Charges

44 year old Brian Schofield of Public Landing in court today answering to charges of possession of methamphetamine and marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.

Undercover officer Darrell Clark testifying Schofield's phone records show hundreds of texts and dozens of calls in code indicating a pretty serious involvement in the drug trade.

But Schofield's defence lawyer suggesting it was a friends-only sort of operation and it wasn't anything that Schofield would be getting rich on.

Police found several ounces of marijuana and 144 speed pills at the former Bacchus leader's home in Public Landing.

He's due back in court on December 27th for sentencing.

Government Plane Expected To Be Sold For Between $2M-$3M

The Ontario company hired as a broker in the sale of the provincial government's airplane, expects the aircraft will be sold for between $2 million and $3 million.

Transportation Minister Claude Williams estimates the plane is worth about $3.8 million.
 
The Director of Sales and Marketing for Flying Colours of Peterborough, Gary Wood points out there are between 70 and 80 aircraft of the same model already on the market and it could take six to nine months to sell the King Air B-200.

Storm Warning Issued

A special weather statement has been issued by Environment Canada which says an Arctic airmass has brought unseasonably cold temperatures which will remain with us through tomorrow. 

A low pressure system is forecast to develop tomorrow over the Southeastern United States and is expected to intensify as it moves towards Atlantic Canada during the day. 

There is the potential for significant snow, strong winds and blowing snow on Sunday for Southern New Brunswick.
 
Linda Libby of Environment Canada tells Tide News regions along the Fundy coastline can expect 15 to 20 centimetres of snow with strong winds even though the track of the storm is expected to pass south of Nova Scotia.

Resident Cautiously Optimistic About New Drug Plan

Lots of patients have been waiting for the prescription and catastrophic drug plan unveiled earlier this week. 

One of them is Saint John resident Mark Brennan, who tells Tide News, he has a very serious kidney condition called PHP and the medication to treat it would cost 6 figures if he had to pay for it out of pocket.

"If it is covered under this new plan, it would certainly be a big load off of my mind. I know I don't just speak for myself in that regard, a lot of people have been waiting for this," he says. 


Brennan says he's cautiously optimistic that the plan will be a game-changer for him and others in his situation.

Prosecution Argues Snook Should Spend More Time Locked Up

The Prosecution claims former Saint John Common Councillor Donnie Snook should spend more time in prison and is appealing the 18 year sentence he received on 46 charges of sexually abusing boys.
 
Prosecutor Karen Lee Lamrock argues Judge Alfred Brien erred by giving Snook too much credit for time he served in jail prior to sentencing. 

She also says the judge failed to consider a section of the Criminal Code that would require an offender to serve half their sentence or 10 years, whichever is less, before coming up for parole. Snook is eligible for parole after serving just over 6 years of his sentence.

At the trial, Lamrock told the court if Snook were sentenced on each individual charge, he would serve 75 years in prison.

Premier Alward Sings Praises Of New Drug Plan

The Premier says while we can always wish that the new prescription and catastrophic drug plan would have been rolled out sooner, he's more than thrilled it's happening now.

Liberal Leader Brian Gallant had asked the Health Minister if the plan is voluntary in the first phase...David Alward tells Tide News it is to begin with but by May of 2015 it will become mandatory for all New Brunswickers without a health care plan to have insurance. 

He says the plan will be set up based on a person's ability to pay, meaning, that means a person or family's income will determine the amount they contribute.

Alward says volunteers alone spent 6000 hours developing the plan, and that number speaks to the amount of work that has gone into the creation of the program. He says all of that work has produced a good end result for New Brunswickers.

Road Closed

Part of the Lorneville Road is closed to traffic in both directions until further notice because concerns over the structural integrity of a large underground pipe which has compromised the road itself.

Repair options are being examined.

Flemming and Gallant Duke It Out Over The Drug Plan

A lively back and forth on the new drug plan in the Legislature this morning.

Liberal Liberal Brian Gallant asking the health minister if the program is voluntary in the first phase beginning next spring.

He asking Flemming if its true in the second phase of the plan after April 2015 that it will be mandatory for New Brunswickers to pay into the plan.

Health Minister Ted Flemming says the first phase of the plan is voluntary where people can assess their drug use and the extent to which they have to pay and they have the option to make that kind of decision.

Gallant does say the Liberals do support the new drug plan in principle but they do have questions they think the government should answer.

Union Questions Millions Being Paid To Quebec Consulting Firm

When the Canadian Union of Public Employees complained about cuts to the winter highway maintenance program, the more than 6 million dollars that could be paid to a consultant was prominently mentioned. 

The President of CUPE Local 1190 Andy Hardy has more to say on that.

"What they were hired to do was to find a savings of 44.5 million dollars in the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Budget, and if they do that, they're going to be paid 6.2 million dollars," he says.

Hardy says, the consulting work has been going on all year. He has no doubt there will recommendations forthcoming to save the designated amount of money.

Threat Leads To Another High School Evacuation

Police in Fredericton are on the scene at Fredericton High School, which received an unspecified threat earlier this morning.

The students were dismissed to return home beginning at 10:30am--and students were dismissed from the Ecole Ste. Anne location as well.

No word on the exact nature of the threat but Simonds High School received a call earlier this month about weapons in the school that turned out to be the work of online hackers. No one was injured and no weapons were found.

Prison Drug Bust

Authorities at the maximum security prison at Renous are investigating after a drug seizure. 

An arrest was made after an attempt to smuggle between 15 and 20 thousand dollars worth of drugs into the penetentiary. 

The drugs confiscated included hash, hash oil and hydromorphone.