Fundy Baykeeper Calls Cooke Statement Shocking And Scandalous

For the Fundy Baykeeper, the half million dollar fine that Kelly Cove Salmon has to shell out for using an illegal pesticide in salmon farms, is a bittersweet victory. 

Matthew Abbott tells Tide News that while he's appreciative of the work Environment Canada enforcement did to bring the case to light, he admits it's frustrating that one of the biggest companies in the province used the products in the first place.

Glen Cooke, the CEO of Cooke Aquaculture, which owns Kelly Cove Salmon, released a statement after-the-fact where he said he questions the allegations, but wanted to avoid a drawn-out court case. You can read Cooke's statement here. Abbott says they're contradicting themselves, since they plead guilty.

Man Charged With Stabbing Bus Driver In Court Today

A stabbing last month left an intercity bus driver in hospital undergoing surgery for multiple wounds, and today the Dalhousie man charged with the attack is due in court today in Grand Falls. 

27-year-old Ryan Jason Hickey is being charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault. Police say the attack happened when the driver pulled into the parking lot of a gas station in Perth-Andover. 

Two RCMP officers who happened to be inside the station were flagged down.

Teen Apprenticeship Program Launches In Southern New Brunswick

Teens who want a future as a carpenter or a electrician can get their career on track early with a new career training program. The Teen Apprentice Program is recruiting 30 grade 10 students from five high schools in southern New Brunswick to learn a skilled trade. 

Mark Sherman of program founding member, Irving Oil, tells CHSJ News that the average age of the building trades journey-person in the province is 50 years old, meaning many jobs will need to be filled in the future. He estimates that between 5000-8000 jobs will need to be filled just to replace a retiring workforce.

20 businesses will taken on the students, and by the time they graduate from high school, they will have completed the skilled trade apprenticeship block 1 training hours in their trade of choice.

Mother Petitioning Horizon Health for Independent Patient Advocate

Health problems are bad enough without feeling out of the loop about your treatment, and Fredericton activist Monica McNally is petitioning the board of Horizon Health for an independent patient advocate to make sure people get the answers they're seeking. 

McNally tells CHSJ News under the current system, patient advocates are hospital employees and as a result aren't exactly impartial. She'd like to see a totally independent advocate, like an ombudsman, to answer questions and make sure patients are treated with respect.

She says her son, Laurie, was misdiagnosed and treated disrespectfully by some hospital staff as he recovered from a life-altering bowel surgery. She says the province can't afford to make errors with people's treatment.

Half Million Dollar Fine For Using An Illegal Pesticide In Bay Of Fundy

Kelly Cove Salmon has been ordered to pay 500 thousand dollars after pleading guilty to two charges in St. Stephen under the Federal Fisheries Act with all other charges being dropped.

Kelly Cove Salmon is owned by Cooke Aquaculture and was charged with using an illegal pesticide in 2009 and 2010 to get rid of sea lice but hundreds of lobsters were killed in the Bay of Fundy.

400 thousand of that half million dollars will go to the Environmental Studies programme at U-N-B and scholarships. The C-E-O of Cooke Aquaculture, Glenn Cooke releasing a statement that the company decided not to fight the charges even though it questions the allegations  to avoid a long and public legal battle in court.

Fundraising and Awareness Walk For Alzheimer's Education and Support Programs In The Province

As the baby boomer generation gets older, the rates of Alzheimer's will get higher. Jamie Matthews of the Alzheimer's Society of New Brunswick tells CHSJ News it's projected that in the next quarter century, the number of people suffering from the disease will more than double. 

He tells that even though it's a disease that's all around us, we still have some misconceptions. One of which is that we often think dementia is isolated to nursing homes, but in fact, 50% of those diagnosed still live in the community. The other is that people with dementia can't make new memories, which Matthews says is untrue.

Matthews tells us there are over 13,000 people currently living with the disease in the province, and in the next year alone it's predicted we'll have 2500 new cases. If you want to help out, you can sign up for Walk for Memories, an Alzheimer's fundraising and awareness walk in Saint John. For event details and to register, click here.

Duck Watching Season Is Here

For the next 6 to 8 weeks nature-lovers will have a chance to see more wild birds than usual in their natural habitats. 

It's the season where ducks come out in droves to feed and mate before they start to settle down and build their nests. Andrew Holland of the Nature Conservancy of Canada tells CHSJ News it's a great activity for families. He says it's a beautiful and spectacular sight.

Holland says most local ponds, streams and rivers will have more wildlife activity at this time of year.

Layoffs Could Mean Longer Wait Times At Hospitals

The Horizon Health Network has announced it must find $12.5 million in efficiencies in its budget by the end of this fiscal year.

The sheer size of that sum means nearly 80 healthcare workers will be seeing layoff notices on their desks in the near future. Horizon Health Network CEO John McGarry tells Tide News the cuts will be happening on all levels from administration on down.

On the one hand, McGarry tells Tide News the cuts will not mean decreased quality of care; however, he also says the cuts will mean people have to travel to get certain types of care and wait longer for others. He says while Horizon will attempt to be as compassionate, the fact is the majority of the corporation's resources are spent on people, and thus jobs are what will need to be cut.


He blames the so-called "out of control growth" of the system in previous decades for the current cuts, adding Horizon's situation is hardly unique--on the contrary, it's a pattern that's playing out worldwide.

Country Legend George Jones Dies At 81

George Jones, the hard-living country singer who recorded dozens of hits about good times including "He Stopped Loving Her Today'' has died at the age of 81.

Publicist Kirt Webster says Jones died today at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville after being hospitalized with fever and irregular blood pressure.

Known for his clenched, precise baritone, Jones had No. 1 songs in five separate decades, 1950s to 1990s, and was idolized not just by fellow country singers, but by Frank Sinatra, Pete Townshend, Elvis Costello, James Taylor and countless others.

In a career that lasted more than 50 years, ``Possum'' recorded more than 150 albums and became the champion and symbol of traditional country music, a well-lined link to his hero, Hank Williams.

Many Elderly Patients Should Not Be In Hospitals

It is a sad fact of our healthcare system that many elderly people--especially those with dementia--end up in hospital beds when their needs would be much better provided for in nursing homes. 

Horizon Health Board Member Linda Forestall tells Tide News in NB there are 415 patients currently in that situation, which results in back logs in the hospitals. In addition to contributing to overcrowding, the hospital environment can hasten the progression of dementia and decrease the quality of life for the patient.

Those 415 represent almost 28% of all hospital beds. Forestall says better home care, getting families involved wherever possible, and developing a comprehensive plan for more nursing home development are all essential.

3 Teens Arrested For Drugs Outside SSHS

The police are closing in on our local high school.

The RCMP arresting three people as part of an ongoing investigation into the sale of illegal drugs near St. Stephen High School.

An 18-year-old man and an 18-year-old woman, both from Oak Bay have been nabbed for trafficking in marijuana. 

A 15 year old youth was also arrested for possession for the purpose of trafficking.

RCMP Says "Bottle Bombs" Are More Than Just A Prank

It might seem like a harmless childhood prank to some; however, the St Andrews RCMP is warning the public that so-called "bottle bombs" are serious business.

The RCMP is investigating reports that as many as five "bottle bombs" were set off in a residential area of the seaside village. Remnants from one of the devices indicated that plastic bottles were used to create the explosions.

Sgt. Robert MacKnight warns the public that it's more than a prank, and people caught setting them off could face criminal charges such as mischief, endangering life, or arson.

Body Indentified Near Sussex As Wanted Man

Sussex RCMP have identified the body found yesterday in a vehicle parked in the woods near the Carsonville Road in Smiths Creek.

The body is that of 49-year-old Robin White, who was wanted by Sussex RCMP in connection with a stabbing of a woman on February 27.

An autopsy has been completed and the cause of his death isn't considered suspicious.

NB Doctors Suing Alward Government For Medicare Cuts

The province's doctors are taking the Alward government to court.

The New Brunswick Medical Society is saying they've lost trust in the Tories as a result of Medicare cuts and a long line of "disrespected" written agreements. The signed agreement the government is allegedly refusing to honour binds doctors to a 0% fee increase and lasts through this year. The society says the lawsuit stems mainly from unilateral cuts Medicare, violating that agreement and their commitment to 0%.

New Brunswick Medical Society President Dr Robert Desjardins tells Tide News the history of clashes between the NB government and its doctors could be scaring off medical professionals who would otherwise want to practice here.

The last time the Medical Society pursued legal action against the province was in 2009 against the Liberals--and on the campaign trail the Tories had promised never to let that happen again.

Thousand Of Dollars In Damage After Frontloader Stolen

The RCMP in Oromocto looking for some help in finding whomever stole a front loader from a construction site near the new Highway 8 in Taymouth and caused thousands of dollars damage to highway road signs and blockades. 

At one point, a concrete barrier was lifted over an overpass and dropped on a secondary road below. The front loader was abandoned in the woods near Penniac. 

Police believe the front loader was stolen sometime between April 12th and the 14th.

Capital Region Crime Stoppers will pay up to $2,000.00 for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for this, or any other crime. 

You can contact the RCMP at 506-357-4300 or 1-888-506-RCMP (7267) or anonymously through Crime Stoppers online at crimenb.ca or by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Remains Found In Riverview Indentified As 18 Year Old From NS

The RCMP say human remains found last week in Riverview are those of an 18-year-old Halifax-area man reported missing nearly six years ago.

Police say the skeletal remains of Emmett Price were identified through dental records.

His remains were discovered in a wooded area and the cause of death remains under investigation but evidence gathered so far does not point to foul play.

At the time of his disappearance back in 2007, police in Halifax said Price left his home in Fall River with no money nor identification and without his medication for schizophrenia.

Chief Says A Closed Door Prevented Further Fire Damage To Home

Our local fire chief says closing a door prevented a house fire from spreading further.

St. Stephen Fire Chief Jeff Richardson tells Tide News the department responded to a call that came in just after 3pm yesterday (Wednesday) of a house fire in Burnt Hill, just outside of St. Stephen.

Richardson says the cause appears accidental, most likely starting from an electric heater in the bedroom and is not suspicious.

The Chief tells us there is significant smoke damage to the home, but because the bedroom door was closed, fire damage was restricted to that room alone.

He says two pets were injured in the incident.

Man Arrested With Machete Outside Of Saint John

A 51 year old man armed with a machete was arrested by Rothesay Regional Police on the Marr Road.

Police tell Tide News he was threatening his girlfriend in a car outside the Superstore in the parking lot but was disarmed and arrested without anyone being injured. 

The man, whose name can't be released until he's formally charged will be appearing in court today. 

Several charges are expected to be laid including assault with a weapon, forcible confinement and uttering threats.

Saint John Candidates Gearing Up For By-Election

Ward 3 Candidates Have Chance To Sell Themselves

More people turned out for a Meet the Ward 3 Candidates forum in the south end than expected although there was no debate. Each of the candidates got a chance to make their pitch and then answered questions.

 Former Deputy Mayor Michelle Hooten says she would not be in favour of getting rid of Enterprise Saint John but Anne Marie Mullin argues the city has to be more aggressive in attracting new businesses and jobs and Brian Boyd maintains there has to be more accountability.

Allen Leslie coming out against a 4-Plex ice surface at Long Wharf, claiming it would kill the uptown. Gerry Lowe also expressing his reservations with the worry that the neighbourhood arenas would be killed and would there be enough parking if the Sea Dogs, for instance, are playing at Harbour Station. Graeme Stewart-Robertson says he's in favour of a multi-ice surface but the big question is whether Long Wharf is the right location. 

Hooten says people want value for their tax dollars. Mullin argues the city's unionised workers will have to give a little because the city doesn't have any money and Lowe is suggesting the city, in its contract negotiations, should never opt for arbitration like it did with the firefighters. 

Lowe, Mullin, Hooten and Barb Ellemberg all touting their business experience.

One of the candidates Mark LeBlanc did not show up saying he didn't like the format because there was no debate among the candidates themselves.

Another Meet the Candidates Forum will be held tonight at the Carleton Community Centre with a starting time of 6:30.

Lawyer Argues Publishing Names in Richard Oland Murder Case Infringes on Rights of Innocents

Final arguments have been this afternoon on whether or not to release more information from the Richard Oland search warrants.

While the representatives of certain interested parties int he case called for a moratorium on the so-called "never-ending barrage" of media coverage, media lawyer David Coles tells CHSJ News enough will only be enough when the public is satisfied the police and judiciary have done their jobs.

A decision on whether to overturn the publication ban imposed by Chief Judge R. Leslie Jackson must be made within 6 months, but it's expected to take much less time than that.