Liberals Say Tax Hikes Are Broken Promises

Broken promises and desperate decisions...that's what the Liberals are saying about tax increases kicking in on Canada Day.
 
It was announced back in March in the provincial budget.
Tide News asked Liberal finance critic Roger Melanson if given the current fiscal situation the province really had any choice.

He says on the third budget of their mandate they made a desperate decision to increase income tax and we need to understand the impact it may have on consumer confidence and disposable income.

Melanson says corporations will pay more in taxes as well, but he says it's obvious the working person will carry the greatest tax burden.

Your Wallet Is About To Get A Lot Thinner

Tax increases go into effect as of Canada Day in the province because of the provincial budget. 

If you earn 30 thousand dollars a year, you will pay about $179 dollars more in provincial income tax and a single income earner making over 60 thousand will pay 796 dollars more. 

The Atlantic Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation Kevin Lacey tells Tide News this is a problem of the government's own making because of overspending.

The Taxpayers Federation would like to see a commitment from the Premier that once the provincial budget is balanced, these tax increases will be rolled back.

Tourism Minister Optimistic About Summer Season

The Canada Day weekend officially kicks off the summer vacation period - and - Provincial Tourism Minister Trevor Holder is excited about this year's potential.

Holder tells Tide News his department has been refocusing its promotions on key markets like the Big Apple where we showcased a video in Times Square.

He says there has been a lot of investment in refreshing our Fundy experience branding through improvements like the second cruise terminal and expansion of the Fundy Trail.

The Minister says his department is also more savvy in how it's targeting its promotions through the use of postal and zip codes - and - as result - Holder says he's feeling good about this year's summer tourism season.

Trial Of Twin Brothers Into Home Stretch

The trial of the Saia twin brothers on charges stemming from a fatal home invasion last November on the lower west side is winding down.

The prosecution wrapped up its case with police testimony about the arrest of 21 year old Brandon Saia after a foot chase at Duke and Watson Streets. The arrest happened three days after the home invasion on Prince Street West. Bradley Saia was not arrested until sometime later in Halifax.

The defense did not call any witnesses.

Closing arguments to the jury, comprised of 7 women and 5 men, will take place Tuesday morning. Jury deliberations will not take place until Wednesday after Justice Judy Clendenning delivers her instructions.

Have Your Own Personal Touch At The Playground

As you walk through the St. Andrews Community Playground, you can still find 20-year-old names and handprints cemented in the wall leading to the swingsets.

Now, Chair of the Playground Restoration Fundraising Committee, Isabelle Micheud tells Tide News they are doing it all over again.

Micheud says they are selling hand tiles you can personalize, and they will be placed in the playground during restoration in September.

She says a booth will be set up on Water Street in St. Andrews during Canada Day for the hand tiles, which are $25 each.
Micheud says they need to raise $120,000 for the restoration project by the end of July.

Grace Foundation Approached By Trudeau

It's not entirely clear whether the Grace Foundation wants its 20 thousand dollars back from Federal Liberal leader Justin Trudeau for a failed fundraiser over a year ago at the Imperial Theatre. 

That, according to a spokesperson for Trudeau who says he asked the Foundation last week to specify if it wants its money back in cash or ``some other arrangement,'' like having him headline another fundraising event for free but the foundation has yet to respond. 

No other group has sought repayment except for the Grace Foundation which released a statement claiming it was distressed over the issue becoming "a political football" and aimed some pointed criticism at Fundy Royal Conservative M-P Rob Moore for fuelling the controversy.  

Two Of Four Men Identified In Child Sex Probe

We now know where the four provincial men facing charges in the Operation Snapsnot probe are from.

On June 13th, police seized computers, cd's, dvd's and more from a Lincoln home and a 42 year old man was arrested and later released.

The next day in another search where similar material was seized 52 year old Fred Price of Frederiction was arrested.

On the 21st, a search in Lorne netted more of the same resulting in charges for a 36 year old man and on June 24th another search was conducted in Miramichi where computers and more were seized leading to charges for 48-year-old Donald Martin.

All four men have future court dates.

The investigation being led by RCMP's Internet Child Exploitation Unit with help from other units and other police forces.

Former Chicken Noodle Club Volunteer Speaks Out On Snook

There's stigma attached to the name Chicken Noodle Club ever since the arrest of former Saint John Common Councillor and pedophile Donnie Snook and his guilty pleas on more than 40 charges of child exploitation. 

Snook became the face and voice for the Chicken Noodle Club. Judith Meinert-Thomas, who was a volunteer for 4 or 5 years, says a makeover is needed to ensure its survival but she's confident it will withstand the current difficulties.

Meinert-Thomas says besides a new moniker, a new person will have to be hired who will be spotless.

She points out the lunch program feeds 18 thousand young people a year in the south end and that's nothing to sneeze at.

Weston Calls For Change To Release Of High Risk Sex Offenders

Saint John MP Rodney Weston says he is personally troubled with the number of high risk offenders being released into the community.
 
He says many people are expressing concerns to him over safety and protecting families.
 
After speaking with local police and the federal office of Public Safety, Weston says its clear changes need to be made with how known sex offenders are released, what information should be made available to the public and the locations where they are to be released.

Weston says he'll be working with the Minister of Public Safety and the province to examine the current provisions in place. 

He's calling for stronger rules to ensure more public disclosure of information surrounding the release of high risk sex offenders and the application of conditions to their release which protect the public interest.

Severe Weather Warning For St. Stephen

Charlotte County might be in for a real big storm tonight.

Environment Canada issuing a weather bulletin that states conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening.

The Network says the storms could bring heavy downpours, damaging winds, and large hail stones.

St. Stephen and Northern Charlotte County as well as areas around Fredericton are included.

Rally In The St. Croix Valley Gets Nod Of Approval

Our International Motorcycle Festival getting the official nod from St. Stephen Town Council.

Canadian Chair of the Rally in the St. Croix Valley, Bob Hamel tells Tide News he is greatful for the support -- even if it's not financial. "I hope to come back next year and convince them that funding would be an appropriate thing for us."

This year the Town decided not to contribute financially to the Rally as well as a number of other organizations as a way to save money in the community deficit.



The festival will have events for all ages, including the Parade of Lights, themed rides, and outdoor concerts.

The Rally in the St. Croix Valley will run next weekend, from July 5th through to the 7th.

City Taking Proactive Approach To Release Of Sex Offenders

Controversy has been swirling around the release of three sex offenders into the community in recent months, an issue that hasn't been lost on council. 

They voted to begin work that would result in them getting a heads up in the future. 

Deputy Mayor Shelley Rinehart says the city is very vulnerable right now, and answers are needed to understand how the numbers of sex offenders are distributed across Canada, the reasoning behind the decision to release those individuals into particular communities and whether or not the context is taken into account.

They'll also be setting up a meeting with various officials to talk about the best way to resolve the problem in a way that protects the interests and safety of the community.

Snook's Sentencing Hearing Scheduled

Donnie Snook's sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 29th and could last more than one day. 

Judge Alfred Brien also says the actual sentencing itself may not take place then. 

He has also ordered a sex offender assessment to be part of the pre-sentence report on the likelihood of re-offending.

Snook's lawyer Dennis Boyle is not ruling out further charges being laid. 

Boyle also suggested Snook is not being housed in the local jail but would not say where he is being held.

Judith Meinert was a member of the Board at the Inner City Youth Minister when Donnie Snook was the Director and also volunteered at the Chicken Noodle Club when he was there. 

She admits to being left speechless at what has come to light since early January.

Meinert says she and Snook often went to evening prayer together but obviously his life was not all it seemed with alot of compartmentalisation.

Radio Strikers Mark One Year

As of today, seven radio personalities have been on strike for 365 days. The Maritime Broadcasting strikers rallied in King's Square during lunchtime to mark a year since their strike began.

Ron Oldfield of the Saint John District of Labour Council was there, and he tells Tide  News they're asking local businesses to withdraw support from the station. He says by them advertising on the station, they're financing a strike and allowing the employer to continue on with bad practices. 

Provincial NDP leader Dominic Cardy also voiced his support for the strikers. He tells Tide News he hopes the strong show of support gets things moving so the strikers can get a first collective agreement.

Patrick Colford, the president of the provincial Federation of Labour tells Tide News the situation is a disgrace. He says they're not asking for the moon, they're asking for a fair wage.

Water Shut Off For Part Of St. Stephen

Some St. Stephen residents will be short on H2O tomorrow.

Town of St. Stephen Human Resources Alison Estey tells Tide News water will be shut off tomorrow between 9am and 1pm.

Estey says the areas affected are Boundary Street and Clark Court.

Waweig Bridge Closed For Summer

Some residents outside of St. Stephen will have a summer-long detour.

As of this morning, the Waweig Bridge No.1 on Route 170 is closed to traffic for approximately the next nine weeks.

Repairs are being made to the 54-year-old structure.

However, on July 7th, one lane of the bridge will open for participants taking part in the community triathlon.

Saia Trial Begins In Deadly Home Invasion

Two brothers are in court this morning in connection with a deadly home invasion last November on the lower West side of Saint John. 

The trial for Bradley Neil Saia and Brandon Saia begins today at the Sydney Street Courthouse. The two are facing charges in a break-in on Prince Street West on November 3 where two young men were stabbed. 

21 year-old Bradley was charged with forcible entry, robbery and having his face concealed while committing an indictable offense. His twin brother Brandon was charged with forcible entry, stealing personal property and having his face concealed with intent to commit an indictable offense. 

18 year-old Andrew Jonathan Dennison died from his injuries.

Shand Fundraiser Brings In $12,000 For Daughter's Trust

A fundraiser for the daughter of a murdered Rothesay woman bringing in $12,000 on Sunday.

The event at the Q-Plex put together by Terri Kingston and Deanna King both of whom never met Tanya Shand.

The women both empathized with her daughter and family over their tragic loss and the need to shine a light on the problem of domestic violence.

The proceeds will go to fund for Tanya's daughter Cheyenne.

BREAKING NEWS: Found Body Is A Woman

Just before 9 this morning, emergency personnel got the call about a body spotted in the water near Long Wharf in Saint John.

The body has been removed from the water and taken to the Regional to be identified and to determine a cause of death.

The body is a woman but the age is unknown.

The major crime unit is leading the investigation.

Lunch Program Founded By Snook In Turmoil

A lunch program that gives hot meals to kids could be folding in the aftermath of a scandal involving its founder: Donnie Snook.

 Judith Arsenault runs the lunch program at Saint John the Baptist School, formerly the Chicken Noodle Club, and she tells CHSJ news they desperately need volunteers and donations, as well as key items like sufficient dishes, despite the $25,000 donation the program recieved from PotashCorp back in December.

She says many people assumed the programs closed after the events of last January but that's not the case and they are still trying to feed hundreds of kids who might otherwise go hungry.

The program at Hazen White St. Francis has already had to close due to lack of volunteers.