Local Police Want You To Be On The Look-Out For Drunks And Texters

If you think someone's texting, or drunk behind the wheel -- don't hesitate to call 911.

That word from Sgt. Bob MacKnight with District 1 RCMP in St. Stephen leading into the May long weekend.

He says RCMP will be out in full force -- on the highways and in town -- checking for impaired and distracted driving, excessive speeds, and seatbelts.

MacKnight says our kids are informed as St. Stephen High School hosted an emotional  presentation today from MADD Canada.

Saint John Medical School To Mark Milestone

A milestone being marked tomorrow when the Class of 2014 from the medical school at U-N-B Saint John celebrates the completion of four years of undergraduate studies at the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal tomorrow. 

The Regional Director of Research for Horizon Health, Barry Strack tells Tide News Horizon Health and Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick have been working with eachother almost from day 1.


Horizon Health has over 600 active research studies with 200 of those sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry.
 
The Associate Dean of Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick, Dr. John Steeves says it can now be said the medical education program in New Brunswick has been fully implemented.

Finance Minister Defends Pension Reform As Necessary

The Alward Government is pointing to pension reform and the shared risk model as one of its accomplishments. 

The Liberals are accusing the government of not doing enough consultation which is a charge being rejected by Provincial Finance Minister Blaine Higgs.
 
Higgs is accusing the Liberals of trying to exploit this issue for votes with the provincial election in late September even though the cost would be borne by taxpayers.

Higgs argues something had to be done because pensions were in jeopardy and he accuses the Liberals of looking through the rear view mirror.

Another Big Theft Of Copper In City

If you're building anywhere in the city or own a home that's under construction, you might want to keep close tabs on it.

Another copper theft has been reported at two vacant homes in the city.

The call came in around noon to two homes on Saddlebrook Court. Police can't pinpoint when it happened other than that it was probably sometime in the last year.

The forensic unit came and processed the scenes where a large amount of copper electrical wire was stolen.

Health Minister Says Any Loss Of Federal Money Is No Big Deal

Any hope that New Brunswick will be getting more money from the Harper Government because of next year's federal budget surplus have been dashed by the Prime Minister who says he prefers to cut taxes. 

Provincial Health Minister Ted Flemming says there's a surplus in health of 44 million dollars which would be far above any reduction from Ottawa. The worst case scenario would be a loss of 18 million federal dollars.
 
The Conservatives have been hammering away at the Opposition Liberals, accusing them of financial mismanagement when they were in power and leaving the Alward Government with a huge deficit to deal with.

Conservation Plan Aims To Connect City Folk With Nature

How do you connect city-dwelling Canadians with nature?   The Harper Government will spend over 9 million bucks over the next 5 years figuring that out.
 
It's all part of a Conservation plan announced near Fredericton and the Nature Conservancy of Canada President John Lounds was there. 

He says the Feds are investing over $252 million dollars over the next 5 years in many aspects of conservation including 
funding for marine and coastal conservation, creating a national inventory of conserved areas in Canada and $50 million to restore wetlands.

It also includes $3 million dollars over three years to Earth Rangers to expand their family-oriented conservation programming.

Lounds says he's pretty pumped about the plan and can't wait to get working on it.

PaddleFest Taking Over St. Andrews

The May long weekend means lots of people on the water -- and the warmer weather will be welcome. 

Paddlefest 2014 --  the annual Music and Outdoor Recreational Festival kicking off in St. Andrews today.

You can take part in special events such as kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, or the beach-clean up -- and dozens of bands playing live music will be featured.



There will also be a fundraiser Sunday night for the Dragonfly Centre for Autism.

Environment Canada calling for sunshine Friday and Saturday, and rain on Sunday, but temperatures will be in the 20's throughout. 

For a full list of PaddleFest events, CLICK HERE

Police Seeking Saint John Man

RCMP seeking your help fniding 27-year-old Corey Hoss Melvin of Saint John. He's charged with fraud, obstruction, drug possession, theft and more.

Police believe Melvin may be in either the Saint John area or Halifax. He is described as white, 5'10 , 220lbs with brown hair and eyes.

The RCMP is asking anyone with any information to contact the Riverview RCMP Detachment at 506-387-2222 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at www.crimenb.ca or 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

You're Paying A Lot More Tax To Fill Up

Federal and provincial taxes on gas in the last five years are costing drivers in the province 25 per cent more to fill up. 

That calculation coming from the Canadian Taxpayers Federation whose Atlantic Director, Kevin Lacey estimates is around 7.8 cents a litre.
 
Lacey tells Tide News just five years ago, the price of gas in Saint John was under a dollar a litre. 

Since the Harper Government is crowing about a federal budget surplus next year, Lacey says its time to get rid of the 1.5 cent a litre deficit elimination tax which was brough in back in 1995.

Retired General Says Situation In Ukraine Is Scary

25 European Union ambassadors were asking Premier David Alward about the opportunity of getting energy exported from Saint John. 

The Premier says it's because of the unrest happening in the Ukraine and the aggressive posture adopted by Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

Retired General Rick Hillier, who made an appearance at the Boys and Girls Club, says they should be worried as he calls the situation in the Ukraine "frightening" because when people start getting killed then the genie is out of the bottle and  no one knows where this is going.

New Anti-Poverty Initiatives To Be Announced

Stay tuned........Premier David Alward says he'll be announcing in a matter of days phase two of the strategy to combat poverty after consultations that have taken place over the past year. 

Phase One happened under the previous Liberal government after a wide ranging roundtable discussion a few years ago in Market Square when Shawn Graham was Premier and Alward was Opposition Leader. 

Saint John Portland M-L-A Trevor Holder tells Tide News he's proud of what he has done in public office to tackle poverty and that's why he fought so hard to get the new "Y" built in Crescent Valley which the Premier predicts will change that part of the city for a lifetime.

Thibodeau & Hooper Facing Drugs & Weapons Charges

Two East Side men in their twenties are facing a rather lengthy list of drugs and weapons charges.

24 year old Justin James Thibodeau and 23 year old David Gordon Hooper of Courtenay Avenue are charged with possession of 600 grams of marijuana, hash, and Percocet for the purpose of trafficking. The drugs are valued at over $10,000.

They're accused as well of having cash obtained by crime, and having a loaded sawed off 12-gauge shotgun.

Hooper pleaded not guilty to all the charges and will appear in court on July 2 to set a trial date. Thibodeau's bail hearing is set for tomorrow morning at 9:30. 

An 18 year old woman will also be appearing in court on drug and weapons charges.

Premier Defends Financial Incentives As A Smart Investment

NDP Leader Dominic Cardy does not like the Alward's government repeated use of payroll rebates and forgivable loans to boost job creation.

Premier David Alward tells Tide News he can have his own opinion.

Alward question what Cardy will do adding these are smart investments in the neighbourhood of $600,000 by the time it's all finished.

Alward says this announcement means more people will have good jobs allowing them to stay here.    He considers it high value and low risk.

Charges Laid In West Side Violence

Two men appearing in provincial court to be charged after an altercation that turned deadly on the West Side Tuesday night.
 
Anthony Beckingham of Sea Street is charged with assault with a weapon after a 61 year old man was run over at Lancaster and Tower Streets. His case has been adjourned without plea until June 23rd.
 
Fred Cormier Junior also appearing in court to be charged with second degree murder in the death of 23 year old Spencer Eldridge. His case was also set over without plea until June 2nd. In the meantime, he will remain locked up. 

Dealermine To Add 135 Jobs in Saint John

The workforce at Dealermine in Saint John will be increasing.

At the Diamond Jubilee Cruise Terminal, 

Premier David Alward announcing Dealermine will add 135 jobs to it's Port City operation.

Dealermine gets a payroll rebate from the province of up to $290,000 and a forgivable loan of $150,000 if they create and maintain 135 full time jobs by March 2017.

Dealermine provides customer relations solutions to auto dealerships in North America.

Premier Says Europe Is Interested In Energy From Saint John

Provincial Tourism, Culture and Heritage Minister Trevor Holder winning the Conservative party nomination in Saint John Portland unopposed. 

Holder tells Tide News voters will have a simple choice to make on September 22nd between the guys who spent money like a drunken sailor, tried to put the locks on U-N-B Saint John and attempted to sell NB Power or the Conservatives who have reduced the provincial debt and have a plan to revitalise the economy.
 
Premier David Alward says he met recently with 25 ambassadors from the European Union and energy exports from Saint John were foremost in their thoughts because of what's happening in the Ukraine and Russia. He adds India wants to quintuple the imports of natural gas over the next six years.
 
Meantime, Bill Oliver of Kiersteadville will run for the Conservatives in Kings Centre. He most recently worked as Executive Assistant to Provincial Finance Minister Blaine Higgs.

New Program Aims To Keep Seniors Home Longer

No one wants to see mom or dad go into a nursing home or hospital and a new program called Home First is designed to keep seniors at home longer.

The idea behind the program is to make hospital admissions, lengthy stays and transfers from hospitals to residential facilities more last resorts rather than common practice as they are now.

The plan is based on feedback from seniors and health care professionals.

The province is investing 7.2 million in the first year of the program.

To learn more about the program, click here

Extra Two Weeks To Report Flood Damage

If you were impacted by the spring flooding, you now have an extra two weeks to report property damage to the province.

According to the Public Safety Minister Bruce Northrup, they have decided to extend the deadline until May 30 because over seven-hundred people have already filed reports over the past month and they are getting new reports every day.

You can report flood damage by calling Service New Brunswick 1-888-298-8555, or online by clicking here.

More Details On West Side Incident That Left Man Dead

(Clothing on road at crime scene
Photo by Doug Epton)

A fight at Lancaster Street and Tower Street on the West side leaving one man dead, one man seriously hurt and two men in police custody.

Sergeant Jay Henderson explains a 23-year-old man and a 61-year-old man with serious injuries were brought to the Regional Hospital by ambulance but the younger man, who had been stabbed, later died. The older man, who was run over by a vehicle, is being treated.

Two men ages 22 and 28 have been arrested in connection with the incident. Henderson says all of the men involved know each other.

Meantime, A 19-year-old man also being arrested in connection with a cab robbery on Orange Street, and as a follow-up to a situation involving two 16-year-old girls at Harbour View High, Henderson says one girl received a minor stab wound to the leg but they're calling the incident horseplay.

The Great Battery Roundup Is Underway

Now's your chance to safely get rid of those old batteries from cars, trucks, campers, motorcycles and boats you have hanging around. 

Gary Howard of the Canadian Automobile Association tells Tide News for the next week until the 21st, you can drop them off at Coast Tire. 

Almost everything in a battery can be recycled and 60 to 80 per cent of new batteries are made up of reclaimed materials.
 
Howard warns if batteries are dumped in landfills, their caustic materials can contaminate soil and groundwater.

Potholes Aren't The Only Problem

Potholes aren't the only spring hazards on the roads in Saint John.

Our caustic winter combination of salt and sand has also ground most of the lines off the roads and left-over sand that can result in skidding for walkers and bikers. Common councillor Donna Reardon says she thinks an oil-based paint should be permitted for painting the lines on the roads.

Common Councillor Bill Edwards says to their knowledge they use the best paints on the market for the job.

Some drivers and pedestrians are complaining without clear lines painted on the road it's much harder to navigate. Once the street-sweeping has been completed, the line-painting trucks can get out there and do their job.

Senior Provincial Government Official Acquitted In Court

A senior provincial government official in the Aquaculture Department, Peter Andrews has been found not guilty on a charge of obstructing an investigation involving the brother of Deputy Premier Paul Robichaud on the Acadian Peninsula. 

This turned into a political controversy after an anonymous letter was sent to the Opposition Liberals, prompting an RCMP investigation. 

Donat Robichaud did guilty to violating the Aquaculture Act and was fined 576 dollars.

Man Is Dead Following West Side Saint John Incident

(Clothing on road at crime scene
Photo by Doug Epton)

A 28 year old man is under arrest after a 23 year old man is dead following what unconfirmed reports indicate a fight on Lancaster Street near Tower Street.
    
Police, fire and ambulance crews were called to the scene shortly after ten last night and found two victims. One apparently hit by a car while the other had been stabbed.
    
Two ambulances followed by a police cruiser rushed the victims to the Regional Hospital.

Edwards Arrested

Saint John Police have arrested 31 year old Sirvon Edwards.

Edwards, from Markham, Ontario, was wanted in connection with a recent shooting on that area. He had been described as armed and dangerous.

Edwards was arrested by the SJPD at an apartment on Mecklenberg Street yesterday afternoon at 4pm.

Crowd Funding Site Set Up For Woman Robbed While Working

A woman cab driver who was robbed with a knife while working yesterday morning may soon have help getting back on her feet.

An account has been set up on the popular crowd-funding site GoFundMe to raise money for her. Organizer Erica Wilson-Meunier explains the cabbie even lost the damage deposit she had saved to give to her new landlord.

The site also says she may be unable to work for a while as a result of the experience. To check out the fundraising site, click here.

Hospital Auxiliary Doles Out Funding At Regional

Residents of Charlotte County will certainly appreciate some new additions around the Regional Hospital thanks to the efforts of the Saint John Regional Hospital Auxiliary.

The Auxiliary has approved over $80,000 of funding for a number of projects including new recliner chairs for the Labour and Delivery unit - and - customizable wheel chairs for the Neurology and Rehab units - president Katie Rogers says the Auxiliary has donated over 5-million dollars to patient and family comfort programs since the hospital opened in 1982.

The Auxiliary raises its funds through sales at the gift shop - the uniform shop - and - hair salon as well as patient referrals to Phillips Life Line alert systems.

Passenger Rail Service Saved In Province

Some good news for those who didn't want to see passenger rail service disappear entirely from New Brunswick altogether. 

It has been saved thanks, in part, to Via Rail giving over $10 million to Canadian National Railway to maintain over 70 kilometres of track between Bathurst and Miramichi. 

The passenger rail service goes between Halifax and Montreal through the northern part of the province. 

Transport Minister Lisa Raitt would like to see something done to increase ridership.

Big Drug Bust

City Police reporting the seizure of 16 pounds of marijuana along with 54 thousand dollars in cash after three raids on St. James Street, Ross Street and Canterbury Street. 

Three men have been arrested as part of a three month drug investigation by City Police, the RCMP, Kennebecasis Regional Police and the Canadian Border Services Agency. 

Police say the marijuana was brought into Saint John from outside the province as part of an organised crime drug distribution network. 

The three are facing charges of possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking and having the proceeds of crime but more charges are possible.

Oland Preliminary Hearing Underway

A preliminary hearing is underway on the second degree murder charge laid against 46 year old Dennis Oland for the killing of his father Richard in July of 2011 to determine if there's enough evidence to warrant a trial. 

It will be weeks before any decision is made and since there will be interruptions in the hearing, it's not expected to wind up until mid July.

Oland appeared very relaxed as he sat in the front row of the courtroom and before the proceedings began was sharing a laugh with family lawyer Bill Teed. 

Derek Oland was sitting in the second row. When Oland was arrested back in the fall, the family released a statement asserting belief in his innocence.

A ban has been imposed on the broadcasting of any evidence.

Liberal Leader Says Education Is The Key To Economic Growth

As a jobs summit begins today in Fredericton, the message in Saint John over the weekend from Provincial Liberal leader Brian Gallant was the same. His big priority is to improve education, skills training and literacy to transform New Brunswick into the smart province. 

The Liberals chose two more candidates for the provincial election in September with one being former Common Councillor Peter McGuire in Saint John Lancaster who tells Tide News he has knocked on 600 doors in the riding already.
 
Also selected over the weekend was the Principal at Rothesay High, Stephanie Tomilson to run in the riding of Rothesay which the Conservatives have held for years.

The Liberals have chosen three high school principals to run in Saint John.....Gary Keating in Saint John Fundy, Mike Butler in Saint John Portland and Tomilson.

Hearing To Start In Oland Murder Case

The murder of Richard Oland is back in the spotlight today with the start of a preliminary hearing on a charge of second degree murder laid against his son, Dennis. 

Oland was killed in July of 2011 from repeated blows to his body at his Canterbury Street office. The hearing, which is expected to last six weeks, is being held to determine if there's enough evidence to warrant a trial. 

It's expected the presiding judge will impose a ban on the broadcasting of any of the evidence from the hearing itself.

Alward Firm On Shale Gas Development

The premier isn't phased by a report by 14 scientists advocating a go-slow approach to shale gas development.

He tells Tide News that's exactly what his government is supporting--and it's a positive sign that some of the scientists that compiled that report are also members of the Energy Institute.

Alward says in the early 1990s, our average income was higher than that of Saskatchewan; nowadays, Saskatchewan's average income is 25% higher, and that's due to development of natural resources.

Warning From Police On Man Considered Dangerous

A 31 year old man from Ontario, suspected of being involved with a recent shooting in Markham, outside Toronto, is or has been in the Saint John area. That warning from City Police who say he has a history of violence, considered armed and dangerous. 

He's identified as Sirvon Edwards, who's black with several tattoos and is wanted for attempted murder. They include an Egyptian eye on his neck, the number "187" on his left forearm, the words "Loved by few" on his right wrist and "Hated by many" on his left wrist along with a cross with the words "Remember me" on the underside of his right forearm.

Police say he should not be approached. if you see him, give them a call at 648-3333 or 9-1-1.

Financial Planning Important For Those With Disabilities

If you or someone you know is one of the 3.8-million Canadians with a disability, you're being urged to map out a financial plan to ease the stress on your wallet now and for the future. 

A report by the BMO Wealth Institute says the number of Canadians who will become disabled is going to grow as the population ages and over 40-percent of us over the age of 75 identify as having some sort of disability. 

It's recommended that you think about opening an R-D-S-P or a Registered Disability Savings Plan. However, in order to be eligible you need to first quality for the Disability Tax Credit, which gives tax relief for people who have a severe and lengthy physical or mental impairment. 

The Wealth Institute says another of the top tools to improve the financial situation for those with a disability is a tax-free savings account.

Future Of Salmon Farming In NB Could Be On Land

With no more room for net pens in New Brunswick waters, the future of salmon farming in the province could be moving to dry land. 

An international conference on land-based, closed containment aquaculture being held at the Atlantic Salmon Federation in Chamcook, a method that seems to be gaining traction.

Research & Environment Director Jonathan Carr tells us diseases including infectious salmon anemia and sea lice, which is a major problem in this province, is less of a worry when you farm fish on land. Carr says if disease ever did break out on land, it's maintained in your hatchery system and won't spread to other animals.

Carr says they believe farming fish on land is a more sustainable way for producing fish in the long run at a time when the global demand for fish is on an upswing. 

This was the second conference on the subject hosted by the A-S-F.

Forestry Plan Could Impact NB's Species At Risk

The future for some of New Brunswick's endangered species could be gloomy according to one environmental planner. 

The new forestry plan for the province will see the the amount of protected old growth forest go down from 30-percent to 23-percent while allowing 20-percent more softwood to be cut on public land annually. 

Margo Sheppard, who has spent more than 30 years in the environmental field, tells us almost half of those species-at-risk in New Brunswick are associated with old forests and if those are gone, so are the animals. She says the forestry plan as its been announced is taking the province down a path of minimizing areas that are less intact for wildlife, for erosion control and for habitat.

The Alward Government says the plan will maintain and create jobs, encourage investment and manage forests in a sustainable way.

Former City Councillor To Run For Liberals In Saint John Lancaster

Former Common Councillor Peter McGuire winning the Liberal nomination in Saint John Lancaster on second ballot by 42 votes over Don Ketchum. Former Mayor Ivan Court dropped out after the first ballot and threw his support behind McGuire.

He says his priorities for the riding include building seniors housing, developing the empty lots on Fairville Boulevard and creating smarter, better schools. 

McGuire also announcing seniors housing will be built on the former Lou Murphy property on the Milford Road which is a project he's been working on for three years.

He will be running against Dorothy Shephard, the Minister of Healthy and Inclusive Communities whom McGuire calls "a great lady". He sees himself as the underdog going in to the campaign.

Liberals Chose High School Principal To Run In Rothesay

The Liberals in the Saint John area have chosen another educator to run in the provincial election. Stephanie Tomilson, the Principal of Rothesay High, winning the nomination in the riding of Rothesay over retired city police officer John Wilcox.

She says her priorities are education, the status of women and social development.

Tomilson will be trying to unseat Provincial Health Minister and Attorney-General Ted Flemming and claims her chances are pretty good since the people she talks too are conveying a message of change.

Canadian Association of Movers Offers Moving Tips

The moving process is enough to make anyone's stress levels skyrocket, and the Canadian Association of Movers has some advice to avoid being left high and dry at the last minute.

Summer is the peak demand period for moving companies so make sure to get your ducks in a row early. The C-A-M says you should check with them, your provincial government and/or the Better Business Bureau before you hire anyone. They suggest getting three on-site estimates in writing and to ask how your stuff will be protected against loss or damage and insured while it's being moved and get that, again, in writing.

The C-A-M warns do not use a mover with vague contact info. If their website doesn't have a street address and their only phone is a cell phone, don't hire them.

It's Rollerball Time

It's a pretty unique Saint John event and maybe you don't know about it.

The 3rd annual Rollerball is coming up tonight at the Barrack Green Amouries.
 
June Breau-Nason of the Teen Resource Centre tells CHSJ News they are happy to work with the Fog City Rollers. She says they wanted to do something different for fundraising and the Fog City Rollers were game to support a youth organization while the TRC is happy to highlight their amazing sport.

Rollerball features an intersquad derby bout with the Fog City Rollers and there will be a DJ and a silent auction.

It gets underway at 7pm at the Barrack Green Armouries. Tickets are $30 each and available at the Heartbreak Boutique and at the door.

Woodstock Man Killed In Crash

A car crash in Baie Verte claiming the life of a 45-year-old man from Woodstock.

The incident happening on Route 16 when his vehicle went off the road and hit a culvert. He was taken to hospital in Sackville where he died from his injuries.

RCMP are now looking into what caused the crash and say impairment and distracted driving haven't been ruled out. He was the only person in the vehicle.

Service NB Locations Closed

You're going to have to wait until Monday if you want to get anything done at Service New Brunswick.

All centres will be closed today as they do a major upgrade to their systems. Online and telephone services will also be down for vehicles renewals, the  e-mail reminder service, and auto dealer applications for businesses.

Hours and services will return to normal on Monday, May 12.

Get Rid Of Those Old Prescriptions Today

Got some Tylenol 3s or Percocets sitting in your cabinet from that back surgery years ago?

You probably held on to them in case they came in handy later--but today is Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day, where you can safely get rid of those unused pills. 

Sergeant Jay Henderson of the Saint John Police says it's a Canada-wide initiative.

Prescription medication abuse is a public safety issue throughout Canada.

Simply take prescriptions you no longer need out of the bottle with you name on it, and put them in a ziplock bag for your local pharmacy to have them safely disposed of.

Soliders And Dignitaries Gather To Honour Afghan Troops

Soldiers, politicians, and dignitaries gathered this afternoon at the Barrack Green Armouries to possibly get a sense of closure, and remember the Canadians who died, during Canada's recently-completed mission in Afghanistan.

Sergeant MacNeill served with the Lord Strathcona's Horse Regiment and has completed a number of tours overseas-- including two in Afghanistan. He tells Tide News what he often sees is a sense that everyone supports soldiers until it's time to actually do something to honour their service, in which case there is often only scant interest from the civilian population.

A gathering on Parliament Hill is also honouring the sacrifices of Canada’s 13-year military engagement in Afghanistan. In total, 158 troops lost their lives over that period.

More Liberal Candidates Will Be Chosen Tomorrow

Another sign we are barreling toward a provincial election this fall.  

There are two Liberal nomination meeting tomorrow, one in Saint John and the other in Rothesay.

Saint John Lancaster Liberals choose a candidate first and they have three people vying for the nomination...Ivan Court, Don Ketchum and Peter McGuire.

That meeting is being held at the Peter Murray arena with the nomination beginning at 11am, doors open at 830am.

A few hours later in Rothesay, another Liberal nomination meeting begins at 2pm at the Bill McGuire Memorial Centre.

Doors open at 10am for that one.

Fraud & Weapons Charges For Two Men In Their 20s

According to police, a 22 year old man is facing fraud charges after allegedly opening fake bank accounts, depositing empty envelopes, then making withdrawals.

He was arrested at a bank on King Street.

As well, a 20 year old is facing weapons charges after he was seen walking around on a path near Landsdowne Plaza with a gun, which turned out to be a pellet gun.

20 year old was ordered to drop it 3 or 4 times before he finally did it....it turned out to be a pellet gun.

When arrested, he was also found to have marijuana on him. He is also expected in court this afternoon.

Shephard Defends Alward Government's Record On Wellness

Healthy and Inclusive Communities Minister Dorothy Shephard says the Alward Government is doing more to bring about wellness than the previous Liberal Government ever did. 

She's responding to criticism from Liberal M-L-A Donald Arsenault about the obesity rate in New Brunswick being 10 per cent higher than the national average.

Shephard tells Tide News it's going to take some time to make inroads with lowering the rate of obesity when you have a culture where sugar and video games are okay.
 
There's a new documentary being released narrated by Katie Couric that blames food manufacturers for a dependency on sugar that's considered largely responsible for obesity.

Australian researchers are now saying for women age 30 and older, being a couch potato could be more hazardous to their heart health than smoking or carrying extra weight.

Unemployment Rate Rises

A disappointing report from Stats Canada on jobs with the April unemployment rate nationally staying at 6.9 per cent in spite of the economy shedding 29 thousand jobs.
 
In New Brunswick, the jobless rate rose from 9.7 per cent in March to 10 and a half per cent in April with the loss of 600 fulltime and 48 hundred part time jobs.

Police Report Strange Incident Uptown Saint John

There was a bit of a car chase that started outside City Hall on Chipman Hill late yesterday afternoon but it didn't last that long, winding up outside the courthouse on Peel Plaza right across from police headquarters. 

It began when a young man was seen urinating on Chipman Hill and when police approached he got back in the car, which turned out to be stolen in Edmunston, and took off. 

One person stayed in the car once it stopped at Peel Plaza but the second man ran down the hill, through the pedway towards Harbour Station. He was eventually arrested in a garbage dumpster along City Road.

(Photo courtesy of Mark McGraw)