Healthcare Budget Will Have Surplus

Tide News has been told by Provincial Health Minister Ted Flemming it appears the healthcare budget is heading for a 26 million dollar surplus. 

Flemming says this turnaround would not have happened had the culture within the healthcare system not been changed and this change has been embraced by the people working in healthcare after years of political interference and bad decision making as a result.

He also says the healthcare budget next year will not be going up from this year and the government has achieved this without touching clinical services.

Man Facing 19 Charges After Shale Gas Protests In October

A 21-year-old man from Rexton, New Brunswick is facing 19 charges, after his actions during shale gas protests.

 Germain Breau was arrested in October and has been in custoday ever since. RCMP say he was arrested after police were trying to control a dangerous situation involving firearms, improvised explosive devices and other weapons.

Some of the charges against him include, careless use of a firearm, pointing a firearm at a police officer, obstructing a police officer and violating a probation order. 

 Yesterday, 15 more charges were laid against him at Moncton Provincial Court, and he will be back in court tomorrow.

New Brunswick Getting More Money From The Harper Government

The Alward Government's bottom line getting a big boost with a five per cent increase in transfer payments from Ottawa. 

Federal transfers will rise next year to over 2.6 billion dollars which comprises one-third of the provincial budget. 

Saint John M-P Rodney Weston blames the previous Liberal Government under Premier Shawn Graham, in large part, for a financial mess by spending more money than it took in, driving up the debt.
 
Weston concedes the province still finds itself in a difficult financial situation in spite of higher federal transfer payments, adding he doesn't envy the challenge faced by Provincial Finance Minister Blaine Higgs.

Shale Gas Protestor Pleads Guilty To Charges

After two months behind bars, a 47-year old man arrested during the violent clash between RCMP and shale gas protestors near Rexton has been released from jail.

47-year old James Pictou of Saint-André-de-Madawaska being sentenced to time served as he was in custody since his arrest on October 17.

Pictou pleading guilty to seven charges stemming from incidents on the Elispogtog First Nation and near Rexton, including uttering a threat towards a First Nation peacekeeper, uttering threats to kill an RCMP dog by saying "Bring that dog, I'll kill that dog" while holding a long peace of wood, and assaulting a police officer by pointing a can of bear spray at him.

He will be under house arrest for there months and under curfew for six months and is not allowed to participate in any shale gas protests in New Brunswick. He is also being ordered to stay a kilometre away from employees and equipment belonging to SWN Resources and its subcontractors.

Funeral For City Teen On Saturday

A funeral service is coming up on Saturday for 17 year old Gavin Adams of Saint John.

The Saint John High student died earlier this week after being reported missing to police on Sunday.

He is described as a dependable friend who loved to play guitar and enjoyed being on the swim team and in the choir.

Visitation is tomorrow and Friday from 2-4 and 6-8 at Brenan's on Paradise Row with the funeral on Saturday at the Church of St. Andrew and St. David at noon.

Man Who Robbed His Boss Sentenced To 4 Years

After getting drunk and robbing his own employer, 35-year-old Simon Basque gets a sentence of 4 years in jail for robbery.

He has to submit a DNA sample and he can't own any weapons for 10 years.

Basque pleaded guilty to holding up his boss's brother at knife point, demanding a debit card, the PIN number, and car keys. He then tied up the victim in a bathroom and took off in their van. He was later pulled over in Quebec and arrested.

He said he doesn't know why he did it considering he didn't want to hurt anyone and he even had money on him at the time.

It's A Greasy Drive Today

It's a pretty scene out there today...but not so pretty when you're driving. 

Sgt Dave Cowan of Saint John Police says people should be extra cautious on the roads today.
 
He tells Tide News the roads are typical for a winter storm with a lot of them being snowpacked and slushy.

He suggests drivers slow down and leave a lot of space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of them.
 
He says police have responded to about a dozen minor accidents in the Uptown area today.

To follow the storm's track, click here

No Charges In Fatal Baxter's Corner Shooting

No criminal charges will be laid in the deadly shooting of a Baxters Corner man in November 2012.

RCMP investigators had recommended to the Crown charges of murder, manslaughter and criminal negligence be considered in connection with the death of 31-year-old Ryan Firlotte; however, the Crown Prosecutors Office decided not to proceed with charges because there was no likelihood of conviction.

Ryan Firlotte and two other men were shot during an altercation in Baxters Corner with a 35-year-old man who also lived there. Firlotte and the other two men were in a vehicle that had been struck by bullets. The 35-year-old man under investigation for the shooting had been assaulted in the Saint John area earlier that same day.

The investigation determined that all the individuals involved in the incident knew one another.

NB Liquor Announces Holiday Hours

If you like a little holiday tipple, you'll want to keep in mind the holiday hours for NB Liquor locations announced today.
 
The regular hours will vary over the next 10 days or so at corporate stores, such as the ones in St. Stephen, St. Andrews, and St. George.


●    Sunday, Dec. 22: Open noon to 5 p.m.
●    Monday, Dec. 23: Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
●    Tuesday, Dec. 24: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
●    Wednesday, Dec. 25 (Christmas Day): Closed.
●    Thursday, Dec. 26 (Boxing Day): Closed.
●    Friday, Dec. 27, to Monday, Dec. 30: Regular operating hours.
●    Tuesday, Dec. 31: Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
●    Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014: Closed.
●    Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014: Regular hours resume.

NB Liquor's 80 agency outlets may open all days except Christmas Day. Hours may vary by location.

Date Set For Pleas In Blue Moon Arson Case

The man charged with burning the Blue Moon Motel being given another court date.

Defence asking for more time in St. Stephen Provincial Court this morning so Gordon Lankisch from St. Andrews, and another man from Saint John who is also charged may review disclosure in the case.

The Blue Moon Motel on Mowatt Drive in St. Andrews was significantly damaged by fire in 2010.

Judge David Walker setting the matter over until February 25th, when both men will enter a plea and elect to be tried by judge and jury, or judge alone.

Two Year Anniversary For Missing Maine Toddler

It's now been 2 years since a toddler in Maine was reprted missing from her crib.

Justin DiPietro made the call December 17, 2011 that his daughter, 20-month-old Ayla Reynolds had disappeared from his home in Waterville.

Police have said a good amount of Ayla's blood was found in DiPietro's basement.

Ayla's mother, Trista Reynolds also released to the public that police had told her the baby's blood was also found in Justin's truck, throughout the house, and on his shoes.

Community members offered a $30,000 reward for evidence or her return.

No charges have been laid and police do not believe Ayla will be found alive.

Snooks Gets An Additional 3 Months In Jail

Former Saint John Common Councillor Donnie Snook gets an extra three months in jail on three sex charges stemming from when he was living in Newfoundland.

The jail time is in addition to the 18 year sentence he received in Saint John for crimes against children.

Snook appearing in a City courtroom today looking thin, with a goatee and a shaved head.

There were four charges originally but one was withdrawn because the victim was 14 at the time.

Snook's lawyer Dennis Boyle says his client's participation in this was minimal adding it was his first sexual experience as an adult.

The Crown wanted Snook to get a year for each of the new charges to which he pleaded guilty. 

Pensioners Could Get Cost Of Living Increase

It might not entirely quell their fears about the Shared Risk Plan--but retirees who had been receiving pensions under the Public Service Superannuation Act could receive a cost-of-living increase in 2014 equal to 100 per cent of the inflation rate under the new plan.

The cost-of-living increase will depend, however, on how well the plan is funded, but in a release Finance Minister Blaine Higgs claims the new plan is designed in such a way that the likelihood of providing annual cost-of-living increases is very high. Effective Jan. 1, 2014, retirees' pensions will increase by 0.96 per cent  based on the average change in inflation.

Higgs says if a shared risk model had been adopted 20 years ago, the cost-of-living increases  retirees received would have been the same as what they were under the former plan.

City-Wide Crackdown Leads To 29 Arrests

A special operation known as Operation Sweet Tooth has been bitter news for the local criminal element.

Sergeant Jay Henderson of the Saint John Police Department explains they reassigned officers from their regular detachments and formed a special unit to undertake Operation Sweet Tooth.

In total, 29 people from all over the city were arrested and charged with over 103 criminal charges including weapons offences, drug dealing, and assaults. 

Over $102,000 in drugs and cash were also seized.

Police Confirm Identity Of Body Discovered

Saint John City Police cordoned off an area by the train bridge on Chesley Drive late yesterday afternoon as you turn left off Hilyard Street towards the former Acadian Lines bus station.  Yellow police tape could be seen.

Searchers who were out looking for 17 year old Gavin Adams came across a body late yesterday afternoon.
 
Police have now confirmed the body is that of the teen who was reported missing late Sunday afternoon. 

Adams was last seen Saturday night in the area of Chesley Drive. Police don't suspect foul play but are awaiting the medical report on cause of death.

The Dogs Looking For A GM

Need a job?   The Sea Dogs might need you.      The team is now accepting applications for a new general manager.

President Wayne Long says says the team is in a rebuild and they want to drive toward another championship.

The gm's duties are currently being shared by head coach Ross Yates and head scout Christian Vermette.

The closing date for applications is January 17th.   

To apply for the post...email waynelong@saintjohnseadogs.com

Shoplifting Great Grandmother Caught

A 65-year-old great grandmother with 9 thefts and 3 breaches of probation on her record has been sentenced to house arrest after stealing a shrub from Kredl's in Hampton.

Shirley Hazel Rogers originally gave police a fake name when police came to her door, but eventually admitted to the theft which she says was the result of a compulsion she can't control.

Judge Jamie LeMesurier saying normally repeat shoplifters get jail time but he would take into account her age.

In addition to the house arrest she's prohibited from going to any stores unless accompanied by her common law husband.

Gallant Rejects Charge Of Waffling On Shale Gas

The Alward Government has been attacking Provincial Liberal Leader Brian Gallant for what they say is his wishy-washy stance on shale gas. 

Gallant tells Tide News his call for a moratorium on shale gas development is based on evidence, and there are too many unanswered questions about the environmental and health risks involved in the process.
 
Gallant argues there are still too many unanswered questions about the effects of fracking on the environment and human health.

Police Looking For Missing Teen

Saint John City police are looking for your help in finding a missing person.

17 year old Gavin Adams was last seen on Saturday night and was reported missing to police late Sunday afternoon.

He is about 5 foot 6, 150 pounds with a slim build, short brown curly hair and brown eyes.

He was last seen wearing a tan jacket, black hoodie, jeans, and black sneakers in the area of Chesley Drive in the North end.

If you have seen him, please contact City police at 506-648-3333 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or click here.

Gov't Looking At Options To Fix Lorneville Road

Homes and businesses on the Lorneville Road are still accessible but a pipe failure under the Lorneville causeway leaving part of Lorneville Road closed to thru traffic in both directions because of safety concerns over a sinkhole.

Transportation Minister Claude Williams tells Tide News they'll have a better idea what to do about that this week. 

Williams says that was one of the pieces of infrastructure they needed to look into and there was some inspection done last summer, but you can't predict mother nature. He says this year they are dealing with over a million dollars in flood damage.

That part of Lorneville Road was flagged as a possible danger spot seven years ago.