Fire Leaves Two People Homeless

A home is destroyed by fire a few kilometers north of Fredericton in McLeod Hill. We hear from the Red Cross that two people managed to get out safely but they were still in their night clothes.

The man and woman are getting emergency assistance from the Red Cross which includes somewhere to stay temporarily, food and clothing.

There's no word on what caused the blaze on Chateau Drive.

Canadian Women Curlers Win Twice

After an 8-2 win over Denmark in the afternoon, Canada, skipped by Rachel Homan, defeated the U.S. 9-3 in six ends at Harbour Station last night.

Team Canada improves to 4-1, behind only Switzerland, who won 7-3 over Denmark and has a perfect 5 and 0 record.

This morning, Canada takes on Latvia and then Scotland tonight. The Swiss will play South Korea this afternoon and the U.S. tonight.

Shale Gas Study To Be Carried Out

It's being described as its very first research initiative with half a million dollars to be spent by the New Brunswick Energy Institute on what the impact will be on groundwater of shale gas exploration.

According to the Institute, this study will provide the necessary baseline data that's required to assess shale gas extraction and the occurrance of methane gas in private water wells.

The study will examine four areas in the southern part of the province, including the Sussex area.

The Energy Institute was created by the Alward Governnment but its legitimacy was called into question after Professor Louis LaPierre resigned as the head of the Institute following controversy over his academic credentials.

Transformer Fire And Car Crashes In Musquash

Musquash firefighters responded to a transformer fire and a pair of car crashes over the weekend.

The transformer fire happened Saturday shortly after 9 o'clock in Lepreau and caused a power outage for 6 hours in that area.

One crash happened on Route 1 near New River on Sunday shortly after 2 in the morning after the car hit a guardrail. A few hours later, there was a rollover on route 790 in Musquash around 8am in which the vehicle ended up on its roof in a brook.

No one was injured in either crash. The roads were extremely slippery at the time.

CBS Workers Could Soon Strike

Canadian Blood Services workers in the province may soon be on strike, after they say the latest contract offer didn't offer enough money for the hours worked.


CUPE rep Mike Davidson tells Tide News the action could effect as many as 40 workers,
including phlebotomists, clinic assistants and drivers.

The workers will be in a legal strike position as of tomorrow. CUPE Local 1655 has requested another meeting next Thursday March 27th in hopes of negotiating a new deal.

Provincial NDP Snags Conservative

A former President of the provincial Conservative party's youth wing is jumping ship.

William Carter of Hampton is joining the NDP. Carter is also a former Conservative party staff member.

The NDP has scheduled a news conference tomorrow to introduce Carter and have him elaborate on his reasons for changing party allegiance.

Utopia Traffic Stop Leads To Coke Seizure

A Saturday night traffic stop in Utopia leading to the seizure of nearly 6 grams of coke.

The 47 year old man from Pennfield was stopped in his vehicle about 10:30pm on Johnson Lane.

He was arrested at the scene and later released with an August court date in St. Stephen provincial court.

Unique Drinking Facts For Saint Patrick's Day

It's Saint Patrick's Day in Canada's "Most Irish" City, which means the whiskey and green beer will be flowing at local watering holes.

To help your avoid feeling green tomorrow, CHSJ News has gathered a few drinking tips:

-Eat before you drink, especially proteins, fats and dense carbohydrates: they'll slow down the rate at which you get tipsy and allow you to enjoy the fun for longer.

-Pop and other carbonated mixers make your body absorb the alcohol faster, as does drinking warm drinks like Irish Coffee. Energy drinks mask your body's ability to tell you when you've had enough, making you more likely to drink more and be hungover.

- If you want to drink responsibly you should have no more than one drink per hour, or alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic ones.

-Once alcohol is in your blood neither coffee nor a cold shower will make you sober up more quickly.

-One trick for avoiding a hangover: if you're drinking bottled beer, put your bottle caps in your pocket. Count them and have that many glasses of water when you get home.

Above all, make sure that you have a plan to get home safely and don't drive if you've been celebrating.

RCMP In Grand Bay-Westfield Nab Wanted Man

A 29-year-old man from Markham, Ontario, has been arrested in Grand Bay-Westfield on charges in connection with credit card fraud and will be back in court today.

The RCMP arrested a man for violating a condition imposed by the York Regional Police and then they found out he was wanted on a number of outstanding warrants for credit card fraud in Ontario.

Zhong Cai Liu has been charged with violating a court order not to leave Ontario and not possess any credit card or any card with a magnetic strip unless it's in his name.

Additional charges related to credit card fraud are anticipated.

Canada Loses To The Swiss At Harbour Station

Team Canada, skipped by Rachel Homan, lost 8-2 to Switzerland at the Ford World Women's Curling Championship. The Swiss trailed 2-1 after five ends but Binia Feltscher made a wonderful shot in the fifth end, a double takeout to score three. Switzerland put the game away by stealing one more in the sixth, two in the seventh and one in the eighth end.

Switzerland is tied with Allison Pottinger of the U.S. at 3 and 0 atop the round-robin standings. Canada is in a four way tie for third with Russia, Sweden and South Korea.

The loss ended a 15 game winning streak for the Homan rink including an unbeaten run at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

The U.S. takes on Sweden this morning at 9:30 while the Swiss meet Latvia. Team Canada takes on Denmark this afternoon at 2:30 and then the U.S. tonight at 7:30.

St. Andrews Celebrates St. Patti's Day

Around 3 dozen St. Andrews residents braving the cold to wear their green and celebrate their Irish heritage.

The 2nd Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade coming down Water Street yesterday in below zero temperatures.

Organizer Matthew Gick -- dressed in kilt -- says the event was done in support of the Charlotte County SPCA and over the course of the weekend with another event held at The Red Herring Pub, they were able to raise over $300 for the local animal shelter.

Acadia Broadcasting Granted Approval For Moncton Station

Acadia Broadcasting is expanding - the parent company of 98.1 The Tide, Country 94 and The Wave has received approval from the Canadian Radio - Television - and - Telecommunications Commission to purchase Moncton radio station CKNI-FM from Rogers Broadcasting.
Acadia plans to move the station to newly constructed studios and launch its new music and information format later this year.
Meantime - the federal regulatory agency has given thumbs up to Newcap to purchase CHNI-FM - the Rogers station here in Saint John.
Both stations currently feature a news - talk format that Rogers has been unable to make financially successful.
Moncton becomes the 13th station for Acadia spanning New Brunswick - Nova Scotia - and - Ontario.

Canada And Sweden Considered The Favourites At World Curling Championship

Competition is expected to be intense at Harbour Station for the Ford World Women's Curling Championship with Canada and Sweden the favourites to win. Sweden won the silver medal at the Sochi Winter OLympics.

The tournment crowns a champion a week from this Sunday night with the gold medal game that will be broadcast by TSN.

Host Committee chair Jeff Lacey tells Tide News the curlers will also be meeting fans face to face next week at various times to sign autographs at the Trade and Convention Centre.

All of Canada's round robin matches will be televised by TSN which will also be showing all the playoffs.

Questions Raised About Provincial Drug Plan

The prescription drug plan being touted by the Alward Government as one of its big achievements but the opposition Liberals are hammering away at who's going to pay what after the first year which is voluntary.

The drug plan becomes mandatory in year two at a cost estimated at between 120 and 150 million dollars. Healthcare critic Donald Arsenault says he has heard 15 to 25 million dollars will be sought from business. Arsenault has also heard the possibility of a 2 per cent payroll tax increase. He also wonders what the penalties will be for those who can't pay.

New Links Between New Brunswick Producers And South Korean Markets

Soon, New Brunswick blueberries, lobster, and salmon will more easily be making their way to tables in South Korea, thanks to the recently announced Canada Korea Free Trade Agreement.

Dignitaries from Canada and South Korea marked the Atlantic Canadian implications that agreement today at the Diamond Jubilee Cruise Ship Terminal. Fundy Royal MP Rob Moore, who is also in charge of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, tells Tide News it's a landmark achievement. Negotiations took 8 years in total to complete, according to Moore.

This is Canada's first free trade agreement in Asia. New Brunswick's fish and seafood exports to South Korea were worth an average of $5.1 million annually between 2010 and 2012.

Saint Johners Arrested For Attempted Robbery In Barnesville

Two Saint Johnners are facing charges after a robbery at Kathy's Convenience in Barnesville.

It happened on March 7th around 9:45 p.m. Three masked people entered the store and demanded money and alcohol. They also scuffled with the owner, but no one was seriously injured. The three left without any money or merchandise.

A 15-year-old boy and a 20-year-old man were arrested Wednesday. The two appeared in Sussex Provincial Court on March 13. The boy, who can not be named because of his age, was charged with assault, wearing a disguise, and breaking his probation order. 20-year-old, Greg Nav, was charged with assault while attempting to steal, wearing a disguise and breach of an undertaking.

They're still looking for a third suspect . Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Hampton RCMP at 506-832-5566, or to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.crimenb.ca.

Verdict In Obstruction Of Justice Trial Will Not Be Made Immediately

The trial of a senior official in the provincial Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture for obstruction of justice has ended with a verdict to be announced June 19th.

Peter Andrews was charged in connection with the investigation of the brother of Deputy Premier Paul Robichaud on an aquaculture violation.

He has denied there was any political interference. The Deputy Premier also denying accusations that he interfered.

The defense argues the prosecution never did present any evidence showing there was political interference. The prosecution questions why this particular case was even discussed by officials at a senior level in the department.

Provincial Governemnt Urges Caution In Storm

It's looking pretty messy out there.

The provincial government is reminding New Brunswickers to think ahead have everything they need for at least 72 hours following a storm. That means: having an emergency kit for home and car, knowing what to do during power outages, and knowing how to stay safe during an emergency.


The public is also advised to monitor future forecasts and warnings.

JDI Announces $450 Million Investment To The Pulp Mill

The pulp mill on the west side never heard so much applause or saw so many standing ovations.

A huge crowd on hand as JDI annnounced it's investing 450 million dollars in a modernization program at the West side pulp and paper mill.

It will generate 1.2 million in person hours of construction over two phases which is the equivalent of 600 full time equivalent jobs.

Jim Irving says there will be further announcements in other locations.
He says there will also be money spent at mills in Doaktown, Chipman, St. Leonard's and Sussex.

Premier David Alward was asked about the timing, one day after his government's new forestry strategy was laid out.

He says a stable wood supply was essential to see any sort of investment back in the industry.

He's says it is a direct link but he feels very positive because they have found the balance of environmental sustainability.

The land available where the old Simms Brush factory used to stand will be used for overflow parking and staging but no new buildings will be constructed there.

The total investment is $513 million in three phases. Phase 2 begins this spring with a price tag of $198 million and will last for two years. It will include building a new chip screening and handling system.

Saint John To Get Lots Of National And International Coverage

Curling fans from around the world will have their eyes on Saint John beginning Saturday afternoon at Harbour Station with the Ford World Womens Curling Championship.

There will be 50 hours or so of TV coverage on TSN and 50 hours on Euro Sport.

Canada hasn't won this competition since 2008. Rachel Homan, representing Canada, won bronze last year.

Host Committee Chair Jeff Lacey tells Tide News curling turned out to be the hot sport at the recent Winter Olympics and is getting popular in the unlikliest of places such as Turkey and Brazil.

The opening ceremonies at noonhour on Saturday are free. Canada plays Russia on the opening day. Three of the teams taking part competed in the Sochi Olympics including Sweden which won the silver medal.

Forestry Plan Denounced As "Devastating", Will Result In Local Extinction of Wildlife

As politicians and business leaders celebrate JDI's $513 million dollar investment in its mills, environmental groups are condemning the Alward government's new Crown forestry plan as a tragic blow to our forests and wildlife.

Close on the heels of the new forestry plan in an announcement today at the Irving Pulp and Paper Mill, JDI spokesperson Mary Keith stated the $513 million dollar investment will create 326 new jobs in Saint John.

Tracy Glynn of the New Brunswick Conservation Council tells Tide News the idea this investment in mills will create long-term jobs is patently false--in fact, she says, modernizing the mills will ultimately reduce the amount of manpower needed.

The new forestry plan announced yesterday reduces the amount of protected old growth forest and deer habitat from 30% to 23%, and allows for 20% more softwood to be cut annually on Crown land. The rationale is that a stable supply of wood will result in greater investment in our forestry industry.

Glynn says we can expect to see the local extinction of wildlife species in the province due to the destruction of their habitat.

Gas Prices Down Again

Drivers getting another price break if they have to fill up after the weekly setting.

The maximum price for self serve regular is lower by half a cent a litre.

Diesel decreasing by almost 4 cents a litre and heating oil by just under 2 cents a litre.

The maximum price of propane falling by almost 15 cents a litre.

Storm Causes Disruptions

Schools closed today in Anglophone South from Sussex to St. Stephen including the Saint John area as well as schools in Francophone South, Anglophone West, Eastern College and Eastern Trades College.

Classes at the New Brunswick Community College in Saint John and St. Andrews and at U-N-B Saint John were also delayed.

Gelas Duguay of Environment Canada tells Tide News Saint John won't be getting as much snow as earlier forecast with just another 2 to 4 centimeters along the coastline with more the further inland you are.

In the Fredericton area, they're expecting 30 or more centimeters of snow. Duguay also telling us it will be turning a lot colder as we get into the afternoon.

Air Canada flights from Toronto and Montreal into Saint John Airport have been cancelled through noon hour, meaning no departures for Montreal and Toronto until later this afternoon. The only flight leaving the airport this morning will be at 9:40 for Halifax.

Noreaster To Hit Charlotte County Tonight

The first big storm of March -- and hopefully the last big storm of the season -- touching down on Charlotte County tonight.

Environment Canada Metoerologist Claude Cote tells Tide News its a Nor'easter that will bring wet snow, freezing rain, and ice pellets.

Cote says coastal communities in Charlotte County will see more of the wet stuff -- while inland areas like McAdam will see precipitation more so in the form of snow.

St. Stephen is calling for 15-25 cms of snow and ice by tomorrow at noontime.

The Province Makes Big Claims With New Forestry Strategy

A new forestry management strategy from the province claims it will encourage investment, maintain thousands of jobs, create hundreds of new jobs and manage Crown forests in a sustainable way.

The Alward government says the new plan is expected to lead to the harvesting of an additional 660,000 cubic metres of softwood on Crown land, creating more than an additional 500 permanent private-sector jobs and 1,200 construction jobs as mills modernize.

Premier David Alward says the strategy will be put boots in the woods by providing clarity and a framework for businesses and workers to plan for the future.

There is an announcement tomorrow (Thurs.) morning at the Irving Pulp and Paper mill on its New Brunswick forest products operation.

Rollover In Lepreau

Musquash firefighters had to break out hydraulic rescue tools to remove a woman from a vehicle after it rolled over and left the road in Lepreau yesterday night.

The call came in shortly after 8pm to Route 790.

Firefighters found single vehicle on its side, and managed to get the woman to safety. Her injuries weren't life threatening. The roads were extremely slippery at the time.

Curling Prep at Harbour Station

Preparations are underway at Harbour Station for the Ford World Women's Curling Championships.

The international athletes are being spotted around Saint John.

Opening ceremonies begin at noon on Saturday.

For more info on the event, click here

(photo courtesy of John Dykeman)

The Province Warns Against Travel In Storm

The Province is encouraging you to get ready for tonight's storm.

A statement on the government's website points out a significant winter storm bringing rain first then a mix of snow, ice pellets and freezing rain.




They do warn that heavy snow and freezing rain can lead to power outages and really bad driving.

Public safety suggests if you don't have to go anywhere don't travel during the storm.

To find the link for NB Power's list of power outages, click here

To read the full Winter Storm Advisory, click here

Gallant Skeptical Of Forestry Plan Being Announced Now

The announcement by the Alward Government of a long term plan for forestry has provincial Liberal leader Brian Gallant questioning the timing.

Gallant is wondering why now and why not a couple of years ago when the provincial economy needed a boost.

Gallant speculates the timing has more to do with a provincial election that will be held in late September or, perhaps, to divert attention from the obstruction of justice trial now going on of a senior official in the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture into the investigation of Deputy Premier Paul Robichaud's brother for an aquaculture violation.

Flights Cancelled Even Before Snow Starts Falling

We already have flight cancellations in advance of the impending storm we're expecting with the worst coming tonight into tomorrow morning.

The last flight from Toronto today flew in at noonhour and left again just after 12:30. The rest of the Air Canada flights to and from Toronto and Montreal later this afternoon as well as tomorrow morning have been cancelled.

Environment Canada is calling for as much as 20 centimeters of snow in Saint John and more in Fredericton.

M-L-A For Oromocto Talks About The End Of The Afghan Mission

Canada's military mission in Afghanistan has officially come to an end, more than 12 years after it first began.

The M-L-A for Oromocto where C-F-B Gagetown is located, Jody Carr says it represents closure, sorrow, anger and pride.

Carr says there would be worry and stress whenever word came that a Canadian soldier had died. He vividly remembers the conversation he had with his daughter when she was in grade 1 and told him her friend's father wouldn't being coming home from Afghanistan after a roadside bomb exploded in April of 2007.

Since February 2002, 158 Canadian soldiers have died in that war-torn country including Private David Greenslade of Saint John in that same roadside explosion during the Easter weekend of 2007.

The Port City Ranks 89th Overall On MoneySense Survey

MoneySense Magazine is out with its annual survey of the Best Places to Live in Canada.

The Port City does not far too well sitting 89th in the overall rankings.

Two other New Brunswick cities are ahead us with Moncton coming in 16th and Fredericton at 22.

Halifax is listed at 26.

The best place to live in our country according to the survey is St. Albert, Alberta.

To see the complete list, click here

Lots Of Room For Improvement In Health Of NBers

High blood pressure, obesity, mental health, and preventing injuries: those are the big areas in which New Brunswick needs to improve according to the Health Snapshot released by the New Brunswick Health Council.

CEO Stephane Robichaud tells Tide News identifying the problem is half the battle--and then we need to look at some strategies to fight the alarming trends.

Robichaud says another area we need to work is is making sure that young people facing mental health crises get seen by a professional in a timely way.

For a link to the full Population Health Snapshot, click here

2200 Without Power in St. George

2200 NB power customers in St. George without power today.

According to the utility's website, it's an unplanned outage.

The power should begin coming back in some areas by noon and be fully restored by 1:30 today.

Fredericton Boy Died Of Cardiac Event

Just before 8:00 a.m. on Monday, police responded to Greenfields Drive in Fredericton after a child collapsed on the side walk.

Paramedics took the boy to the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital where is was declared deceased.

An autopsy was conducted this morning in Saint John. It indicated nine-year-old Garrett Blois died from a sudden cardiac event.

Out of courtesy for the family, no more information will be released at this time.

Flemming Calls Gallant's Questions "Inept", "Cheeky, "Cheap"

Liberal leader Brian Gallant received few answers today in the legislature after posing a series of questions on the current legal woes of deputy premier Paul Robichaud.

Attorney General Ted Flemming remarked that as a lawyer, Brian Gallant should know not to risk prejudicing a case currently before the courts by discussing it in the legislature, commenting that Gallant may have been "making photocopies or getting coffee" during that portion of his "brilliant legal career".

Gallant says he simply wanted a clarification of a procedural questions, and rephrased the question a number of times.

While Flemming accused Gallant of inappropriate and repetitive questioning, Liberal MLA Victor Boudreau pointed out insulting language is also inappropriate in the provincial legislature.

Nor'Easter Coming To Charlotte County

The snow we got today is nothing compared to what is coming.

Meteorologist Claude Cote of Environment Canada tells Tide News a Noreaster is coming our way, part of a low pressure system that is currently in the state of Iowa, moving from the Gulf of Maine and through the Bay of Fundy.

He says it will start around noon tomorrow as wet snow or rain.

Cote says the worst of it will be overnight Wednesday into Thursday.

Cote says the biggest challenge will be for coastal communities because wet snow will be changing to rain -- and then back to ice pellets and freezing rain by Thursday.
He says inland Charlotte County could recieve 20+ cms of wet snow.

Common Councillors Are Unanimous On Mail Service

St. Stephen is not the only community up in arms over losing postal services -- Saint John is joining the list of municipalities calling for continuation of door to door mail delivery.

Common Councillor John MacKenzie, who works for Canada Post, says he's heard plenty from Saint Johnners and they don't like the idea of community mailboxes one little bit.

Common Councillor Bill Farren says the Federation of Canadian Municipalities is on the case.

Councillor at Large Shirley McAlary fears more community mailboxes will translate into more jobs being lost which is the last thing Saint John needs.

Councillor Gerry Lowe, who for years was the union rep for local letter carriers, says they do more than just deliver letters. They can sometimes be lifesavers by helping seniors who are alone and find themselves in distress

Kids Can Learn To Curl Through New Program

With the World Women's Curling Championship just a few days away, a program being launched to help get kids into the spirit of the sport.

New Brunswick curler Andrea Crawford on hand for the official announcement of the program which will teach students the fundamentals of curling, and she tells Tide News it's important to engage youth in the sport early on.

The Irving Oil-sponsored program will teach more than 2500 students between grades three and five throughout southern New Brunswick of curling leading up to and during the championships which start this Saturday in Saint John.

Campobello Island Man In Jail Following Fight

A 30 year old man remains in jail after an incident involving a weapon on Campobello Island.

RCMP got a complaint Sunday night about a fight involving four men at Wilson's Beach. Police were told a gun was pointed and fired but no one was hurt.

Matthew Ray Dwayne Stanley of Campobello Island was charged with uttering threats to cause death.

If you know anything about this crime, contact the RCMP at 506-755-1130 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Slippery Road Conditions Cause Succession Of Accidents

A slew of traffic accidents happening after 8:30 this morning as road conditions worsened with the latest snow we're getting.

Emergency crews in Saint John were called out to at least three accidents in less than half an hour including a car striking the guardrail going westbound on the highway at the Rothesay Avenue overpass, a car colliding with a hydro pole at McDonald Street and Park Avenue near Loch Lomand mall along with and a rollover along the highway. No serious injuries have been reported.

 Back home in Charlotte County, a schoolbus left the road on Highway 1 by the Frye Road. There were no students on board and the driver is fine.

Vigilante Justice In Alleged Microwave Assault

From provincial court: a strange tale of birthday wishes, violence, and assault with a microwave.

A 30-year-old Saint John woman pleaded guilty in court this afternoon to common assault. Crystal McGarity was charged with kicking and punching the brother of her ex-boyfriend in the parking lot of a local bottle exchange.

McGarity admitted she pulled the man out of a car and assaulted him because she heard he threw a microwave at his mother and failed to wish her a happy birthday.

McGarity was ordered to pay a $100 fine and stay out of trouble.

Be Aware of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling devastates families, friends and communities.

That from Health Minister Ted Flemming as the province marks Gambling Awareness Week

Flemming says it's important to raise awareness about the warning signs and where people can get help.

The warning signs can include a preoccupation with gambling, betting large amounts of money or borrowing money for gambling, not being able to quit or cut back and gambling to win back losses or 'chasing'.

23,000 adults in this province suffer from problem gambling.

In New Brunswick about 23,000 adults suffer from problem gambling and it can have serious consequences on finances, relationships, employment and wellness.

Information on problem gambling is available at addiction centres or by calling the confidential, toll-free, 24-hour New Brunswick Gambling Information line at 1-800-461-1234.
 

RCMP Seek Sexual Assault Suspect

RCMP releasing a sketch of a man they are looking for in relation to a sexual assault outside a Moncton apartment building.

Around 11pm on February 2nd, a woman was about to enter her home on Prince Street when a man forced her to the ground touching her in a sexual manner.

She got away and a witness called 911 and the suspect took off and could not be located.



The man is described a white and in his late twenties. He's slim and about 6 feet tall with a scruffy beard and short dair hair.

At the time he was wearing dark pants, a dark blue hoodie and a dark baseball cap.

In you know anything, contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS or call the Codiac RCMP at 506-857-2400.

Lawyer Calls Perry Inquest Hearing A Pandora's Box

There could be even more delays in the already lagging court proceedings to investigate the death of Serena Perry.

At The Court of Queen's bench, the coroner making a request for another stay of the proceedings because now that Horizon Health had been allowed standing in a February 28 court decision, the Saint John Police Force and Perry's mother have also requested to be able to cross examine and call witnesses.

The lawyer for the coroner called it a Pandora's box that has now been opened and now they have to make sure the process is fair to everyone and some interested parties in the case might not even be aware of the proceedings, or able to understand them.

The coroners office is looking to appeal the historic ruling allowing Horizon standing in the case a first in New Brunswick.

They're then asking to resume the process 30 days after the court of appeal makes its decision.

Fixing Aging School Infrastructure A Priority

Time has taken its toll on many of our schools, and the Superintendent of the Anglophone South School District Zoe Watson says fixing up aging infrastructure or putting up new facilities is always high on their list of priorities.

Watson says while they recognize money is in short supply these days, they are concerned about the state of the schools because there are a lot of aging facilities. She says it's not necessarily about building brand new schools, but receiving money for repairs and renovations.

Watson says it's similar to your home. You have to keep upgrading and doing preventative maintenance to keep it in good condition.

The newly renovated and expanded Kennebecasis Park Elementary School officially opened in Rothesay just recently. The facility was originally built back in 1964.

Two Men Stabbed

Two arrests made by City Police on King Street after two other men were stabbed outside Market Square early this morning by the red schoolhouse.

One victim sustaining serious injuries with multiple stab wounds to his back and head but his wounds are not considered life threatening. The other person suffered stab wounds to his hands.

Conservative Choose Their Candidate For Saint John East

Glenn Savoie, the M-L-A for Saint John Fundy will be the Conservative candidate in the reconfigured riding of Saint John East when the provincial election is held in September. 

Savoie, who was acclaimed without opposition, tells CHSJ News he knocked on every single door in the riding of Saint John Fundy and says most people realise tough decisions have to be made to turn around the provincial economy. He calls it short term pain for long term gain.

Savoie admits New Brunswick is in a precarious financial position but argues the Alward Government has controlled spending. Health Minister Ted Flemming is hoping to have saved 300 million dollars in healthcare spending by the time of next fall's election.

Savoie, a member of the Southern Regional Caucus, says they set three priorities.....A new "Y" in Crescent Valley, safe drinking water for the city along with more money for the Fundy Trail and all three were achieved.

Premier Defends What His Government Is Doing To Turn Province Around

Premier David Alward says there will be announcements made soon to boost forestry in the province and that will benefit the port of Saint John.

The Premier is dismissing the latest polling which shows his government trailing the Opposition Liberals in popular support by 12 per cent. Alward spoke at his party's Saint John East nomination meeting at Champlain Heights School and tells CHSJ News he knows the upcoming provincial election will be tough but the polls have been unreliable of late if you look at what happened in B-C and Alberta.

Alward maintains the decisions his government are making now, however controversial, will make the province stronger down the road.
 
Alward, also taking a shot at Provincial Liberal leader Brian Gallant, saying he's all about moratoriums whether it's shale gas or pension reform and the province can't afford a step back.

Premier Greeted By Demonstrators

There were demonstrators outside the Conservative party's Saint John East nomination meeting at Champlain Heights School and they got a chance to talk to Premier David Alward about their stalled contract negotiations. 

Local 1251 of the Canadian Union of Public Employees represents jail guards. Union President Everett Godfrey tells CHSJ News after 33 months, they haven't even talked about a wage increase and there aren't many options to get things moving because most of the union members would be deemed essential and be on the job anyway.
 
The union would like to go to binding arbitration but there has been no response from the province. Alward told Godfrey he would see what he could do, as Premier, to get some movement.