Throughout March, RCMP in the Province have actively participated in Fraud Prevention Month by releasing a variety of practical tips and information about common scams in order to help the public take steps to prevent being victimized by fraud artists. As Fraud Prevention Month draws to a close, Cpl. Guy-Paul Larocque encourages New Brunswickers to remain alert to the signs of fraud.
In 2009, the top 5 schemes reported in New Brunswick were:
Offer of Service Fraud:
Scammers will offer low interest rate loans or other “too good to be true” financial services as a means of enticing borrowers to provide them with their credit card or other payment information.
Merchandise Fraud:
Scammers may sell a product – often at a very cheap price – just so they can steal your payment card or personal information. They may also take your money and send you a worthless item, or sometimes, nothing at all.
Sale of Merchandise by Complainant:
In this type of scam, you are sent a cheque for something you have sold, but the cheque is made out for more than the agreed amount. The scammer hopes you will refund the extra money before noticing that his cheque has bounced.
Personal Information:
Identity theft can occur over the Internet or telephone, or via fax or regular mail. Therefore, be particularly wary of unsolicited e-mails, telephone calls or mail attempting to extract personal or financial information from you.
Job Scams:
Scammers will post misleading ads, frequently for “Work at Home” job opportunities and then request applicants to pay advance fees in order to begin working. These types of scams may also target personal information such social insurance numbers or other data or trick people into wiring funds or receiving payments that involve the victim in criminal transactions.
To keep abreast of common scams and fraud year-round, please visit the RCMP’s website: Scams and Fraud www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/scams-fraudes/index-eng.ht
Monday, March 29, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
169 more doctors practising in New Brunswick since October 2006
There are 169 more physicians practising in the Province now than in October 2006.
The net annual increases in physicians during the last three fiscal years have been the largest annual increases since 1994. This year's net increase is projected to match or exceed them.
Since October 2006, there has been a net increase of 81 family practitioners and 88 specialists. More than 1,500 physicians are practising in the province - 736 family practitioners and 801 specialists.
The provincial government is collaborating with Dalhousie University to establish the new distributed medical education program in Saint John. The university has confirmed that placements have been offered to 30 New Brunswick students to participate in the new program, which opens in September.
According to Statistics Canada, 91 per cent of New Brunswickers reported having regular access to a family doctor. This is the third-highest percentage of any province or territory, and above the national average of 85 per cent.
The net annual increases in physicians during the last three fiscal years have been the largest annual increases since 1994. This year's net increase is projected to match or exceed them.
Since October 2006, there has been a net increase of 81 family practitioners and 88 specialists. More than 1,500 physicians are practising in the province - 736 family practitioners and 801 specialists.
The provincial government is collaborating with Dalhousie University to establish the new distributed medical education program in Saint John. The university has confirmed that placements have been offered to 30 New Brunswick students to participate in the new program, which opens in September.
According to Statistics Canada, 91 per cent of New Brunswickers reported having regular access to a family doctor. This is the third-highest percentage of any province or territory, and above the national average of 85 per cent.
Student Employment Experience Development funding Cut
Opposition MLA Carl Urquhart says now is indeed a poor time to cut funding for the provincial Student Employment Experience Development (SEED) program.
The SEED program, as it is commonly known, has helped to provide summer employment for provincial students returning to post-secondary training programs in the fall.
In recent years, each riding of the province received several hundred hours of SEED funding, which translated into 25 to 30 student positions.
“This year we’ve been informed that we have been allocated 80 work weeks of funding, which means we can only assist about 10 students in finding employment under this program,” said Urquhart. “This is a poor time to cut back on the number of student jobs. The demand is still high and now more than ever, students need to have opportunities to make money to fund their continuing education.”
Urquhart said that in his own riding of York, which includes a number of small communities including McAdam and Harvey, the village offices have confirmed that they can use ten to 12 students for the summer.
The SEED program, as it is commonly known, has helped to provide summer employment for provincial students returning to post-secondary training programs in the fall.
In recent years, each riding of the province received several hundred hours of SEED funding, which translated into 25 to 30 student positions.
“This year we’ve been informed that we have been allocated 80 work weeks of funding, which means we can only assist about 10 students in finding employment under this program,” said Urquhart. “This is a poor time to cut back on the number of student jobs. The demand is still high and now more than ever, students need to have opportunities to make money to fund their continuing education.”
Urquhart said that in his own riding of York, which includes a number of small communities including McAdam and Harvey, the village offices have confirmed that they can use ten to 12 students for the summer.
Several charges laid in connection with abduction of Moncton woman
Codiac Regional RCMP have laid several charges against 62-year-old Romeo Jacques Cormier in connection with the abduction of a Moncton woman.
The Moncton man appeared in Moncton Provincial Court this afternoon where he faced several charges including kidnapping, unlawful confinement, robbery, assault with a weapon and death threats. He was remanded into custody until his next court appearance.
The arrest was made two hours after the woman was found alive. The Moncton woman had been missing since leaving work on February 26, 2010.
The Moncton man appeared in Moncton Provincial Court this afternoon where he faced several charges including kidnapping, unlawful confinement, robbery, assault with a weapon and death threats. He was remanded into custody until his next court appearance.
The arrest was made two hours after the woman was found alive. The Moncton woman had been missing since leaving work on February 26, 2010.
Virtual-Agent Job Fair
Eager Job seeking will be out and about at the beginning of the week as The Virtual Agent Services are hosting a job fair for their offices in Saint Andrews and St. George. Forty Customer Services Representatives are needed between the two area's. The Fair kicks off on Monday at the St. Stephen Legion from 10 in the morning till 2 and then moves to The Saint Andrews Legion from 4 till 8... and ton the following day in St. George at The St. Marks Anglican Church from ten until 2. For more information go to our website and Click News.
Please send your resumes to employment@vagent.com or fax to (506) 855-2015 or visit either of your local centers: 24 Reed Ave. Unit 6, Saint Andrews or 161 Brunswick St. St. George.
Please send your resumes to employment@vagent.com or fax to (506) 855-2015 or visit either of your local centers: 24 Reed Ave. Unit 6, Saint Andrews or 161 Brunswick St. St. George.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
New Gas Prices
Gas prices remain virtually the same after the weekly setting. The maximum that can be charged for self serve regular is 104.2 a litre. The max for diesel is the same at 106.3. Furnace Oil is at 90.1 and propane is again lower at 105.2 a litre.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Baby Slings-Recall
(Courtesy of Canadian Press)
The warning issued early this month about baby slings is now upgraded to an outright recall.
More than one-million baby slings made by Infantino are being called back after claims linking them to three infant deaths.
The recall covers 15-thousand Infantino ``SlingRider'' and ``Wendy Bellissimo'' slings sold in Canada.
The U-S Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning that babies can suffocate in the soft fabric slings.
Parents are being told to stop using the slings for babies under four months immediately.
The warning issued early this month about baby slings is now upgraded to an outright recall.
More than one-million baby slings made by Infantino are being called back after claims linking them to three infant deaths.
The recall covers 15-thousand Infantino ``SlingRider'' and ``Wendy Bellissimo'' slings sold in Canada.
The U-S Consumer Product Safety Commission is warning that babies can suffocate in the soft fabric slings.
Parents are being told to stop using the slings for babies under four months immediately.
Planned Review of Maximum Margins, Delivery Costs and Full Service Charge for Gasoline and Other Petroleum Products
The New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board intends to conduct a review of the maximum margins, maximum delivery costs and maximum full service charge to determine whether or not the current maximum amounts are justified.
The Board intends to hold a public hearing in the fall of 2010 as part of this review. This hearing will be open to all market participants as well as the general public.
The Energy and Utilities board is the body responsible for setting maximum wholesale and retail prices for heating and motor fuels within the province of New Brunswick, as per the Petroleum Products Pricing Act .
The Board intends to hold a public hearing in the fall of 2010 as part of this review. This hearing will be open to all market participants as well as the general public.
The Energy and Utilities board is the body responsible for setting maximum wholesale and retail prices for heating and motor fuels within the province of New Brunswick, as per the Petroleum Products Pricing Act .
N.B. Premier Shawn Graham calls off $3.2-billion NB Power sale to Hydro-Quebec
According to The Canadian Press Premier Shawn Graham says he is no longer proceeding with the controversial $3.2-billion sale of NB Power assets to Hydro-Quebec.
Graham says changes sought by Quebec in recent weeks made the deal unacceptable for New Brunswick.
He delivered the unexpected announcement in the legislature today.
The initial $4.75-billion sale of New Brunswick's 90-year-old public utility announced last year included transmission and distribution assets.
At the time, Graham touted the deal as one that would reduce the province's staggering debt and lower power rates in his province.
But the deal was later watered down to a $3.2-billion deal for 10 power plants with transmission and distribution off the table.
Graham says changes sought by Quebec in recent weeks made the deal unacceptable for New Brunswick.
He delivered the unexpected announcement in the legislature today.
The initial $4.75-billion sale of New Brunswick's 90-year-old public utility announced last year included transmission and distribution assets.
At the time, Graham touted the deal as one that would reduce the province's staggering debt and lower power rates in his province.
But the deal was later watered down to a $3.2-billion deal for 10 power plants with transmission and distribution off the table.
NB-Power-Sale-NewsAlert
New Brunswick Premier Shawn Graham says he is no longer proceeding with the controversial $3.2-billion sale of NB Power assets to Hydro-Quebec. Keep Listening to The Tide for more details....
NB Power participating in wind integration project
About $3.6 million will be invested by NB Power in a smart electric grid pilot project using wind generation.
The initiative, known as the The Customer Load Control for Wind Integration Project, is one of 19 selected for funding in January from the federal Clean Energy Fund.
The project will use innovative technology to provide fast-acting ancillary services for wind integration by controlling commercial and residential loads without affecting the customer. Communication devices will be installed on thermal equipment and appliances in customers' homes and businesses to allow for non-intrusive control of electricity consumption to match variable supply from wind turbines.
"NB Power's smart grid pilot project is a first of its kind, and I am proud of this initiative," said Energy Minister Jack Keir. "Our government has identified the smart grid as a terrific opportunity for the New Brunswick information and communication technologies industry.
The project is estimated to cost $32 million and expected to be completed by 2014.
The initiative, known as the The Customer Load Control for Wind Integration Project, is one of 19 selected for funding in January from the federal Clean Energy Fund.
The project will use innovative technology to provide fast-acting ancillary services for wind integration by controlling commercial and residential loads without affecting the customer. Communication devices will be installed on thermal equipment and appliances in customers' homes and businesses to allow for non-intrusive control of electricity consumption to match variable supply from wind turbines.
"NB Power's smart grid pilot project is a first of its kind, and I am proud of this initiative," said Energy Minister Jack Keir. "Our government has identified the smart grid as a terrific opportunity for the New Brunswick information and communication technologies industry.
The project is estimated to cost $32 million and expected to be completed by 2014.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Crime Stoppers adds new technology with Web Tips and Anonymous Text Messaging join the fight against crime
For 25 years, Crime Stoppers has given New Brunswickers an opportunity to provide information about crimes both anonymously and securely through their toll-free hotline at 1-800-222-8477, but as cell phones and the internet become the communication tools of choice these days, the charitable organization felt it was time to expand the ways it collects these tips - many of which assist law enforcement in the province solve crucial, time-dependent cases.
The volunteer-run group is launching their 'Call, Click, and Text Anonymously' campaign, which incorporates a guaranteed system to protect the identity of the tipster - which is of the utmost importance to the Crime Stoppers program.
Tipsters can contact Crime Stoppers using their cell phones either by calling the traditional toll-free number or through easy to remember numbers initiated by Canada's largest cell providers. Bell and Telus clients are able to dial *TIPS (*8477), and Rogers customers can dial #TIPS (#8477) to reach the office, which handles calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year round.
The volunteer-run group is launching their 'Call, Click, and Text Anonymously' campaign, which incorporates a guaranteed system to protect the identity of the tipster - which is of the utmost importance to the Crime Stoppers program.
Tipsters can contact Crime Stoppers using their cell phones either by calling the traditional toll-free number or through easy to remember numbers initiated by Canada's largest cell providers. Bell and Telus clients are able to dial *TIPS (*8477), and Rogers customers can dial #TIPS (#8477) to reach the office, which handles calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year round.
Porter Airlines is introducing service from the Greater Moncton International Airport
The Greater Moncton International Airport (GMIA) is pleased to welcome Porter Airlines to Moncton. Commencing June 25, the destination will feature non-stop flights from Greater Moncton International Airport (GMIA) to Ottawa, as well as service to Porter’s downtown base at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Flights between Moncton and Toronto include a brief stop in Ottawa.
A schedule of two daily roundtrips is available for the summer season until September 7. A year-round program of four weekly flights remains in place after this time, including daily roundtrips on Thursday and Friday, plus twice daily Sunday service.
A schedule of two daily roundtrips is available for the summer season until September 7. A year-round program of four weekly flights remains in place after this time, including daily roundtrips on Thursday and Friday, plus twice daily Sunday service.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Lake Utopia Committee Seeks Members
The health of the Lake Utopia has been an ongoing issue with the blue green algae blooms. The Department Of Environment is yet to find the cause of the algae bloom but have conducted several investigative studies.
The committee is looking for new members to join and represent the diverse interests and demographic group. Executive Director of Eastern Waterway and a member of the Steering Committee the formation of the Lake association presents an opportunity to harness energy from residents and to address the issues at hand through increased access to policy making, industrial stakeholders and sources of funding...
The committee is looking for new members to join and represent the diverse interests and demographic group. Executive Director of Eastern Waterway and a member of the Steering Committee the formation of the Lake association presents an opportunity to harness energy from residents and to address the issues at hand through increased access to policy making, industrial stakeholders and sources of funding...
Golf Season Approaching
The early thaw has caught the attention of golfers around the Province hoping they might get back on the course early this year. The President of Total Golf Management at Rockwood Park Gerry Connolly tells us, the tarps were removed from the greens earlier this week and things look good:
Connolly adds if the weather forecast holds as predicted, he is optimistic the golf course might be able to open shortly after the Easter Weekend.
Connolly adds if the weather forecast holds as predicted, he is optimistic the golf course might be able to open shortly after the Easter Weekend.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Marijuana Grow Operation dismantled
District 6 Miramichi RCMP effected a search warrant in a residence in Whitney, N.B. Police dismantled a hydroponic marijuana grow operation and seized eight large marijuana plants. Eight plants of this size could potentially equate to over 20, 000 joints.
Two people were taken into custody as a result of this investigation and released pending a court appearance of June 21.
Two people were taken into custody as a result of this investigation and released pending a court appearance of June 21.
C.H.E.P. Borderless Giving Food drive shared with Cross Border Friends
Students from NBCC Saint Andrews Campus , St. Stephen's University and Washington County Community College in Calais are partnering up to collect food and donations to help the local food banks.
The drive will be held from 8 AM to 8 PM US and 9 AM to 9 PM Canadian time. Students will collect donations door-to-door and drop-off locations have been established in Calais, St. Stephen and Saint Andrews.
These schools have recently formed this partnership cal C.H.E.P (Crossborder Higher Education Partnership)
The drive will be held from 8 AM to 8 PM US and 9 AM to 9 PM Canadian time. Students will collect donations door-to-door and drop-off locations have been established in Calais, St. Stephen and Saint Andrews.
These schools have recently formed this partnership cal C.H.E.P (Crossborder Higher Education Partnership)
Maine Library District Association Receives Funding
Maine Library District Association on behalf of the Maine Regional Library System, part of the Maine State Library, recently received a $50,000.00 grant from the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation to automate small public libraries in Maine. Approximately twenty small libraries will be selected and will receive two computers, a two-year subscription to LibraryWorld software, along with consulting, planning and training assistance.
Small libraries need this project to bring them up to today’s standards and so that they can be viable in their community and in the larger Maine library world.
Small libraries need this project to bring them up to today’s standards and so that they can be viable in their community and in the larger Maine library world.
16 Year Old Hampton Girl Charged with Second Degree Murder.
Sentencing for a 16 year old Hampton area girl on a charge of second degree murder has been adjourned to April 16th. She was convicted in the stabbing death last June of 78 year old Frank Tong.
The Prosecution is calling for a four years custody during which she would undergo an intensive intervention programme. Defense lawyer Dave Lutz says no one wants to see someone so young just rot in jail without rehabilitation and the court wants to make sure she will buy into the programme.
The girl, who can't be identified, was described as being honest but extremely immature for 16 years of age. The court was told she began using drugs when she was only 9.
The Prosecution is calling for a four years custody during which she would undergo an intensive intervention programme. Defense lawyer Dave Lutz says no one wants to see someone so young just rot in jail without rehabilitation and the court wants to make sure she will buy into the programme.
The girl, who can't be identified, was described as being honest but extremely immature for 16 years of age. The court was told she began using drugs when she was only 9.
Today is the First Day of Spring
From coast to coast...this is the warmest winter on record since 1948. That stat today as we officially usher in the first day of spring. Temperatures are expected to reach 20 degrees today in Charlotte County. The long range forecast is calling for mild temps to continue.
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