Visiting The Hospital? Wash Your Hands

Clean hands save lives--and the Saint John Regional Hospital is reminding the public of that by marking National Hand Hygiene Day today.

Volunteers will be at the entrance of the hospital directing visitors to alcohol-based hand rinse dispensers.

Proper hand hygiene is the easiest way of preventing infections in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities--and you should be doing it not just today, but every time you visit.

Retirees Meet In Quispamsis

Provincial Government retirees will be meeting this morning at the Q-Plex on the first stop of the provincial tour after the decision was made to take the province to court over changing to the shared risk pension plan. 

Clifford Kennedy of the Pension Coalition tells Tide News the retirees will hear from their lawyer in a video message and find out what their political strategy will be.
 
Kennedy goes on to say the province has refused to give them information they requested which makes them suspicious about whether the government's claims are true about the long term financial impact and they're confident of winning the court action because their vested rights are being violated.

Saint John Will Benefit From Additional Bucks For Two Nation Vacation Promotion

Discussions begin today on how Saint John tourism promotion will participate in a beefed up Two Nation vacation program.
The province and Maine are jointly investing one million dollars over four years to promote this region - something Discover Saint John's Ross Jefferson welcomes with open arms.
He says a large portion of tourists coming to our area are from the U-S so the additional funding will help promote even more growth locally.
Jefferson says partnerships like the Two Nation vacation program are the way of the future to promote our region.

Holder Remains Confident In Shale Gas Development

(Tourism Minister Trevor Holder)

A member of the Alward cabinet is standing firm in his support of potential shale gas development.
A recent report by a group of scientists is urging all levels of government to refrain from quick approval of shale gas development proposals - the scientists say there isn't enough information about the impact on health and the environment.
Tourism Minister Trevor Holder tells Tide News as a former Environment Minister he is confident we have some of the toughest environmental regulations in North America.

Holder does admit he hasn't had an opportunity to read the report.

Environmental Planner Calls Forestry Plan "A Bad Bet"

The Alward Government's new provincial forestry plan won't take its toll overnight, but it could spell environmental disaster down the road. 

That's according to Margo Sheppard, who has spent more than 30 years working as an environmental planner. She tells us conversations on job growth and the economy are overshadowing those on environmental sustainability when we're facing a climate crisis of unknown proportions.

The plan would decrease the amount of protected old growth forest from 30-percent to 23-percent while allowing 20-percent more softwood to be cut on public land annually. 

The government saying the strategy was created to create and maintain new jobs and manage forests in a sustainable way. Sheppard counters, saying it will impact wildlife, erosion control and more.

New Group Calls For Publicly-Funded Midwifery Care

A newly-formed group in New Brunswick is pushing for publically funded midwifery care in the province. 

Chair of NB Families for Midwives Sonya Burrill tells us they also want to educate people about the benefits of midwives not only for mothers-to-be but for new moms as well. Burrill's first baby was born under the care of midwives in Ontario and says they offered much-need postpartum support.

The provincial government cut funding to the Midwives Association of New Brunswick last summer. NB Families for Midwives launching a social media campaign coinciding with International Day of the Midwife on May 5 to officially mark their launch. Click here for more information.

Battle Of Atlantic Being Commemorated

This weekend marks the 71st anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic, the longest running battle of the World War II.
 
Veterans Affairs Minister Julian Fantino says the month of May in 1943 was a turning point in the Battle of the Atlantic when the Allies gained the upper hand over German U-boats.
 
Heroic efforts by the Royal Canadian Navy and Air Force meant a crucial victory by keeping supply routes open between North America and Britain with the loss of 46 hundred lives.
 
The Saint John service for Battle of the Atlantic begins at 10:30 in Trinity Anglican with a march from Germain Street to King Street and then to the Hilton if it's not raining.

Hillier Says Canada Can Be Proud Of The Afghan Mission

On May 9th, the men and woman involved in the military mission to Afghanistan will be honoured in Ottawa.

Retired General Rick Hillier tells us the legacy is that Canada was one of the lead nations trying to bring security and stability to a nation that was devastated.

He thinks Canada's lead role in the mission at incredible expense led us to the forefront on nations and how we shape the international community in which we live.

Hillier doesn't fear Afghanistan returning to its past ways when the multi-national force leaves adding Afghans are a hearty determined people who have the country they want now.

Name Of Victim In Fatal House Fire Released

The identity of a man killed in a house fire on the Steeves Settlement Road near Havelock has been released. 

The Mounties identifying the man as 30-year-old Peter Nicholas Scribner of Steeves Settlement. His body was found inside the home after police were called out to the blaze. 

Both the cause of the fire and the cause of death is being investigated by the RCMP with help from the New Brunswick Office of the Fire Marshal and the New Brunswick Coroner Service.

Still A Few More Days To Get Your Taxes Done

Tax time isn't everyone's favourite time of year....but it's simply a fact of life.

The Canada Revenue Agency reminding taxpayers you have until midnight on Monday to file, 5 days later than the original deadline. If you or your spouse is self-employed, it's June 16. Any balance that you owe needs to be paid by May 5.

If you owe money and don't file on time, you'll get charged  5% of the 2013 balance owing....that can grow if you have multiple years outstanding.

Even if you can't pay all your balance owing right away, you should still file your return on time.

Local Food Bank Issues Hunger Challenge

If you've never been hungry -- how do you truly know what hunger feels like?

Next week is National Hunger Awareness Week -- and the St. George and Area Food Bank is issuing the Hunger Challenge.

St. George and Area Food Bank Co-ordinator Sarah Norman tells Tide News she will be handing out a single person's food bank share to four people and ask them to live off of that share for a full 5 days.

Those individuals -- including both of our local MLA's for Charlotte County, a local Vice Principal, and a Town Councillor.

On Saturday, May 10th, you can join the participants at a community breakfest being held at the St. George Legion, beginning at 8am, and hear more about their struggles during the week. 

New Mammography Machine For CCH

Local women can breathe a little easier knowing a new mammography machine is coming to the Charlotte County Hospital.

MLA for Charlotte-Campobello tells Tide News this is one of many things that are helping the lives of people in Charlotte County. He points to the new dialysis hours at the hospital, two new doctors coming in next month, and now the mammography machine.

Malloch says breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women in New Brunswick -- and this new machine will be an important piece of women's health.

He says the machine has already been ordered and will be here soon, and fundraising efforts are already underway. He says the machine, however,  will be in place before the fundraising is complete.

Gallant Says His Position On Shale Gas Has Been Vindicated

Provincial Liberal leader Brian Gallant tells Tide News he was on the right track all along by calling for a moratorium on shale gas development in light of a report compiled by 14 scientists for Environment Canada.  The Alward Government has denounced that as dithering and pandering for votes.

The report concludes we need more research into the long term effects of shale gas exploration and fracking socially, economically and environmentally.

Gallant says you can't regulate the risks if you don't know enough about what they are and it could be decades before you do but the gas isn't going anywhere.

More Money Earmarked To Boost Tourism

The governments of New Brunswick and Maine are formalising their relationship to boost tourism by jointly investing $1 million over four years in the Two Nation Vacation marketing partnership.
 
Provincial Tourism Minister Trevor Holder tells Tide News the money will be used to develop an integrated marketing and sales campaign designed to create awareness and interest in vacationing in both countries.
 
In the past, each government invested $50,000 a year in promoting the Two Nation Vacation. That's going up to $125,000 a year each for the next four years.

The announcement was made today in St. Stephen at the Chocolate Museum. 

Grand Manan Adventure Back In Service

Now that it's turbo charger has been replaced, the Grand Manan Adventure is back in service.

Once the parts arrived from the US the work was completed quickly and Coastal Transport GM Gregg Ryder says the repair is considered a permanent fix.

The backup ferry Grand Manan V was used while the Grand Manan Adventure was out of service. 

Help For Sussex Area Flood Victims

Public Safety Minister and Sussex MLA Bruce Northrup feeling very emotional speaking about the damage flooding caused to his community last month.

The province announcing Disaster Financial Assistance Program for the 540 homes and businesses suffering damage since April 15th

The maximum assistance amount for structural repairs for homes has been expanded from a cap of $80,000 to $120,000.

Once homeowners register their flood damage at 1-888-298-8555 and are approved for assistance, the province can issue advance payments of up to $4000.

Provincial offices will be established in Sussex and in St. Leonard to assist residents.
The one in Dairytown will be open on Monday morning in the court building.

Staff at these offices will be able to help residents with the paperwork.

A Lot More Has To Be Learned About Fracking

It will be years before there's shale gas exploration in the province.......That, according to report prepared for Environment Canada by a panel of 14 scientists, half of whom are with the New Brunswick Energy Institute. 

In the meantime, the panel has determined a lot more research is needed into the environmental, economic and social implications. 

It has also determined assurances from industry that fracking can be done safely are unsubstantiated.

Two Nation Vacation Funding Announcement Tomorrow

An announcement regarding the "two-nation vacation" will be made tomorrow.

Tourism, Heritage, and Culture Minister Trevor Holder will be present, as well as the State of Maine Commissioner of Economic and Community Development George Gervais.

The announcement is in relation to funding and will take place at 10am at the Chocolate Museum in St. Stephen.

Liberal Leader Elaborates On Abortion

Provincial Liberal leader Brian Gallant says New Brunswick's position on abortion has to change because the Supreme Court ruling is being violated.
 
On requiring two doctors to approve before the government will cover the cost of an abortion, Gallant says that has to change. He also is suggesting geographical disaparities may be another barrier.

The Liberals at their policy convention last weekend called for improving access to abortion.

Things Are Looking Tough For Workers On This May Day

It's getting harder and harder for people just to get by these days........That's one of the messages on May Day, which is International Workers Day, from Patrick Colford, President of the New Brunswick Federation of Labour. 

Colford points to a single mom he was talking to a couple of weeks ago who works for two multinational companies a total of 60 hours a week and still has to go to the food bank to feed her kids.
 
Colford tells Tide News workplace health and safety provisions in the province have to be made better. He says there are also the issues of workers compensation and pay equity legislation.

Colford is urging workers to vote in their own best economic interests in September's provincial election.

Stolen School Bus Found Crashed

An abandoned school bus that was reported stolen from the Lorneville area has been found in the ditch on Highway 745 near St. Stephen.

The bus is thought to have been stolen sometime after 6:00 p.m.near Saint John.

Early this  morning, St. Stephen RCMP were also called to a break, enter and theft at a fast food joint on King Street in which some cash was taken.

If you have any information on the break-in or stolen school bus, you're being asked to contact police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Town Hires Aquatic Supervisor for Civic Centre

The Garcelon's management team is getting bigger.

The Town of St. Stephen announcing the appointment of Sarah Hebb of Island View as the Civic Centre's new Aquatic Supervisor.

Hebb has extensive experience in the aquatic industry -- working for the YMCA in Fredericton, the University of Ottawa, she has lead competitive swim teams, and Hebb holds the required certifications to fulfill the position.

She also has ties to Charlotte County with family in St. Andrews.

The Aquatic and Fitness Center at the Garcelon will include a 26 meter leisure pool, a therapy pool with a slide, and two dry saunas.

Town Council approving a one year contract for Hebb which starts today.

For details on what the Garcelon's Aquatic Center will offer, you can contact the Aquatic Supervisor by calling 466-7700.

Doucet Surprised To Hear Parrott Is Back In Caucus

While Liberal MLA Rick Doucet is surprised to hear Dr. Jim Parrott is back in the Conservative caucus, it won't change his game plan for re-election one little bit.

He says like anyone you will be stepping into the ring with, he'll be running under the Alward government's Conservative banner and this government has given the people of his constituency a rough ride over the last 4 years.

Doucet currently representing the riding of Charlotte the Isles where Dr. Parrott will be seeking the Tory nomination after sitting as in independent and a Tory in the riding of Fundy-River Valley in the last four years.

Acute Care Patients Can Fill Out A Survey

Do you have a hospital stay planned next month?

During the month of May, all medical, surgical and obstetrics inpatients discharged from Horizon Health acute-care hospital facilities will be provided a survey before they leave the hospital.

The survey is confidential and the information collected will help Horizon Health evaluate the performances of hospitals and learn how to better serve and understand the needs of patients and their families.

The survey results will be posted on Horizon's website. 

Road Reopened After Flooding

The Darlings Island road has been reopened after the potholes were filled but for how long remains to be seen with the rain on the way. 

Up to 20 millimeters expected through tonight.

There had been a shuttle boat service in place since Monday afternoon but by yesterday the water had receded from the road.

This is the third time there has been flooding at Darlings Island in the last decade.

New Brunswick Rink Wins World Title In Curling

New Brunswick can boast of a having a world champion. 

Wayne Tallon of the Capital Winter Club in Fredericton with Wade Blanchard of Saint John, Mike Flannery of Fredericton and Mike Kennedy of Edmunston, defeated Sweden 7-2 in the final to win gold at the World Senior Men's Curling Championship in Scotland. Tallon is expected to return home early tomorrow morning. 

Meantime, Nova Scotia's Colleen Pinkney of Truro won silver in the women's final after losing to Scotland 6-5.

Liberals Select Their Candidate To Run In Saint John Portland

The Liberals have chosen an educator to run in Saint John Portland and challenge longtime incumbant M-L-A and provincial cabinet minister Trevor Holder. 

Micheal Butler has worked as a teacher, principal and is the former Superintendent of the District 8 schoolboard. 

He tells Tide News too many students are graduating from high school without the skills they need to succeed.
 
Butler says all employers want from young people leaving school are is basic literacy skills which give them the ability to learn along with the desire to be lifelong learners. 

He also points out the riding hasn't really benefited from Holder's representation when you consider there's one neighbourhood in the riding that has a child poverty rate of 77 per cent.

Final Show Tonight For Green & White Review

If you missed it last night -- there's another show tonight.

The last performance of the annual Green & White Review will be held tonight at the High School Theatre.

Many students are taking part including Jenna Carson and Mitchell Walker -- who opened for Country Singer Mike Biggar last fall. Walker will perform with his band "Countdown" with bandmates, Brandon Bertin and Dustin Eldridge.


Other acts include tap dancing, freestyle beatboxing, and skits from Theatre Arts classes.

The show starts at 7pm tonight and will raise funds for the Drama Department.

Tickets will be available at the door.

( Photo: Mitchell Walker performs with band "Countdown" )

Crash During Morning Commute At SSHS

A woman sent to hospital after a crash at the St. Stephen High School.

The crash happened around 8:30 this morning at the entry to St. Stephen High School between a Dodge Charger and a red SUV.

Damage to the Charger was extensive, but the driver's husband tells Tide News she is believed to be ok.

Parrot To Rejoin Tory Caucus

Doctor Jim Parrott will be rejoining the Tory caucus effective immediately.

According to the Premier, Parrot apologized for his previous statements that were critical of the government's stance on healthcare and asked to rejoin caucus.

Parrott was elected to represent Fundy-River Valley in the 2010 general election, then ouste fo his controversial comments in 2012.

He'll be seeking the nomination for Charlotte-The-Isles for the Conservatives in the next provincial election.

You Now Have Until Monday To File Your Taxes

You still have some time to squeak in under the deadline and appease the tax man.

The CRA announcing that you have until midnight on or before May 5, 2014, to file your 2013 income tax and benefit return and pay any balance owing.

The deadline was formerly today, but there was five-day service interruption due to the Heartbleed Bug.

As a result, interest and penalties will not be applied to individual taxpayers filing their 2013 tax returns by midnight on or before May 5.

St Andrews Man Fined For Tax Evasion

You could say the tax man came knocking for a businessman in St. Andrews businessman.

Everett Kenneth Lord was fined $2,200 after pleading guilty to two counts of failing to file tax returns.

He failed to file both personal and corporate returns for 2011 and  was given until July 30, 2014 to pay up.

He was previously convicted on four charges for failure to file corporation income tax returns.

What's The Best Way To Mark Potholes?

Big potholes on the road are hard enough to avoid--and marking them with traffic cones doesn't seem to be helping the problem any, according to Saint John common councillor John Mackenzie.

He says often it appears the cones are removed or don't adequately show where the problem is.

Bill Edwards of Transportation Services says it's hard to prevent people from stealing the cones--although he has no idea what people do with them--but they're only supposed to be temporary markers, offering a warning just until crews get back to fix the pothole.

Mixed Reactions To The Darling's Island Road Closure

Early in the day the Darling's Island road is not covered by water so why the need to close road for all  residents. 

Some residents are wondering why when it's partially covered in the morning but covered later in the day when the tide is high.   The province cites concerns over structural integrity of the road itself.
 
Tide News asked Resident Angela Boudreau if she thinks DOT should have filled the potholes to avoid closing the road completely.

She tells us she's not any kind of road repair expert but it seems to her that it would be hard to keep the water off the road long enough to keep those potholes filled for very long right now.
 
One residents suggesting if DOT filled the potholes with gravel temporarily it would be a much cheaper short term fix.

Eight Department of Natural Resources trucks can be scene on the island along with two boats that are transporting people across the water.   

Some residents are very appreciative of the DNR's help in assisting them leave the island for work or school and get home again.

Breakaway Blimp Found

The mystery of where the runaway blimp promoting Budweiser that broke free on the east side over the weekend because of gusty winds has been solved. 

According to Labatts, it was discovered in a remote wooded area. 
Transport Canada had issued a warning to pilots in the area.

Supicious Fire At St. Stephen Used Car Dealership

A fire that broke out in a used car dealership near St. Stephen is considered suspicious. 

Investigators and the office of the Fire Marshal of the province are now looking into what caused the blaze at St. Croix Auto Limited, which left one employee with burns on the hands and suffering from smoke inhalation.

Autopsy Being Conducted On Body Found In Odell Park

Fredericton police awaiting the results of an autopsy on human remains found in Odell Park to find out the cause of death.

Dental records are also being processed to confirm the person's identity.

The remains were found in a remote area of the park on the city's south side shortly after 9am Monday.

Your Natural Gas Bill Will Be Going Down

Big industrial users will be paying more for natural gas under new regulations--and after a decision delivered by the EUB, it looks like residential customers will be paying a lot less.

Enbridge General Manager Gilles Volpe explains rates will be going down by 14% compared to 2013 rates.

Industrial users will soon be paying rates more in step with their actual usage, rather than getting a break as they have in the past.

Volpe called the changes important to the long term future of the gas utility.

Group Trying To Reduce Child Victimization

The Canadian Centre for Child Protection aims to reduce child victimization through programs and services for parents and children's charities.

Noni Classen tells Tide News the healing process that communities like Saint John are experiencing is very important.

She says successful prosecutions send a message to kids that it wasn't their fault because often nothing comes out and people are not caught or charged.

Classen says the sexual abuse of children is the most under reported crime there is.  

For more information, click here

Meeting On Adoption Records Postponed

A meeting on the proposal to unseal adoption record in the province scheduled for today in Saint John has been postponed.

It will now be on May 20 at the Holiday Express Inn from 7-8:30 p.m.

The meeting for Fredericton will be May 14 at the Fredericton Inn from 7-8:30 p.m

Labour Rally Outside Conservative Nomination Meeting

On the outskirts of a Conservative nomination meeting in the Kennebecasis Valley, a small group of CUPE members rallying on the state of labour in the province.

CUPE Regional Vice-President Stephen Drost tells Tide News they're unhappy with the way New Brunswick workers are being treated and say they plan on ramping up pressure on the province to treat them fairly.

Drost says from now until the election and even after that, the Alward government is going to be hearing from them. He says they're not happy with the direction the government is going and they plan on doing everything in their power to overthrow it.

He says CUPE Local 1251, which represents correctional officers, human service councilors and custodians, have been without a collective agreement for nearly three years. They were also protesting the very controversial issue of provincial pension reform, with Drost telling us they want to send a strong message to the government that they're not getting their pensions.

Dire Warning About Future Of Provincial Economy

A new book entitled "Over the Cliff" warns New Brunswick is heading for financial ruin unless tough decisions are made, sooner rather than later.

 
That dire warning is right on, according to Kevin Lacey of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. The book was written by the director-general of the Canadian Institute for Research on Public Policy and Public Administration. 

Lacey tells Tide News the longer it takes to balance the budget, the worse it will be for the province's bottom line and the less money there will be for things like health and education. He points out paying the interest on the provincial debt is the third or fourth biggest government expense.
 
The book cites a stagnant economy, bloated government bureaucracy and aging population as reasons for concern.

Lacey also agrees with Finance Minister Blaine Higgs that to even consider getting rid of the shared risk pension plan for provincial government retirees is financial lunacy and irresponsible. The Pension Coaltion has launched a lawsuit against the government in response.

Police Investigating Shooting Incident On The East Side

An incident in which an east side home off Courtenay Avenue had its window shot out in broad daylight yesterday is under investigation by Saint John Police.

Sergeant Jay Henderson explaining the homeowner called police around 3pm after hearing the shots and seeing the window had been shattered.

A car was seen speeding off after the shots were fired. No one was injured and the Major Crime Unit is trying to piece together what happened and why.

New Brunswick Family Defies The Odds In Lottery

What are the odds of this happening.

A New Brunswick mother and son winning a million dollars each in the Lotto 6/49 draw twice in just five months. 

Roger Richard and Denise Richard of St. Phillippe won a million in the November 27th draw and now Roger's mom, Evangeline, who lives in Dieppe, also won a million dollars in the April 9th Lotto 649. 

The odds of winning just one draw are just one in over 5 million.

Shots Fired On East Side Of Saint John

City Police converging on a house along Courtenay Avenue on the east side yesterday afternoon after getting a report of shots being fired. No one was injured.

A window of the two storey building looked to be shot out with broken glass strewn about. Police were out and about asking neighbours if they saw anything. 

A daycare is located close by.

Flemming & Higgs Get Conservative Nods

Two familiar faces getting Conservative nods in the K-V for the upcoming provincial election. 

Health Minister Ted Flemming officially named the candidate for Rothesay at a nomination convention at Kennebecasis Valley High School while it was announced Finance Minister Blaine Higgs will run in Quispamsis. 

Flemming tells Tide News there's a lot they want to see through, likening it to a half-painted floor saying you don't stop there and the more progress you make the enthused you get. He says the Liberals, who just held a big policy convention in Fredericton, are all about pressing pause and that the party is going nowhere.

Higgs tells us it's not just smoke and mirrors...they know what needs to be done. He says the idea that you have to spend more money to deliver better services is absolutely wrong because that way of thinking is unsustainable. He expects the provincial budget will be balanced by 2018.

Green & White Review To Hit The Stage

It's time to showcase the talent of St. Stephen High School.

The annual Green & White Review will be held at the SSHS Theatre tonight and tomorrow, April 29th and 30th.

The talent show will raise funds for the Drama Department. Tickets are $5, and you can get them during school hours at the SSHS reception desk or at the door.

Showtimes are both 7pm.

New Boss At The Candy Factory

A fifth generation Ganong taking over as the company's President and Chief Executive Officer.

Ganong Brothers Limited announcing the appointment of Bryana Ganong to the position.
Bryana has worked in a variety of roles since working full-time with Ganong's in 1997 -- the most recent being Vice President of Business Development and Brand Marketing.

The changes will be effective August 12th, and David Ganong will be leaving the position of President and CEO, after working a combined total of 33 years in those roles. 

He won't be going far though. 

David Ganong will take on the newly created position of Executive Vice Chair and will continue to provide active support to the CEO and management.

Nick Ganong will also be moving into the position of Vice President of Sales and Business Development.


(Photo from Ganong Facebook Page)

Voter Cards In The Mail

Voters in municipalities holding by-elections,  first elections, or plebiscites to form rural communities should get cards in the mail this week telling them when and where to vote.

More than 53,000 Voter Information Cards are being sent out. The cards tell you all the details on where and when to vote.

For more information, click here