Fallen Firefighters Honoured

Various services will march in Halifax to honour firefighters and others who have died in the line of duty. The march takes place tomorrow (Sunday) at 1:40 beginning at St. Agnes Church, corner of Mumford Road & Chebucto Road.

Saint John Fire Chief Kevin Clifford tells CHSJ News they're going to raise donations for the national recognition of fallen firefighters.

He says SAint John has experienced at least 9 deaths in the line of duty and it's important to remember that so best safety practices are at the forefront of everyone's mind.

Wheelchair-Bound Man Stabbed

Few details being released on what's described as a stabbing incident on the streets of the North End of Saint John this morning.

In the early morning hours, a man in a wheelchair reported being stabbed on the corner of Duke and Charlotte

Sergeant Callan of the force confirmed the man was seen at the hospital but described his injuries as minor. No description of the assailant has been released, although police are looking into what happened.

Car Crashes Into Building

A motorist is probably feeling a little red in the face after an accident that left one Hampton business with significant damage.

Police receiving the call around 1:30pm yesterday a driver had confused the brake with the gas and plowed into the window of Crazy Frog secondhand clothing store at 184 Hampton Road.

No one was injured but according to eyewitness reports the driver also dented her car. Rothesay Police tells us insurance will pay for the damages.

Farmer's Market Opens Today

Over 90 vendors are registered at The Kingston Farmers Market, which is will be opening for its 15th season today. It's open from 8:00 am until 1:00 pm, with Breakfast from 8:00 am until noon.

Rothesay's Mike Biggar, a recent ECMA winner for Gospel Recording Album of the Year, will be performing starting at 9:30 am.  A fire truck will also be there for the kids to enjoy, and donations to the Peninsula Fire Department will be accepted,.

Fresh herbs and perennials will be available with some fresh produce farmers scheduled for return on the May long weekend.

Vote Early Today

If you're going to be too busy or otherwise engaged when it comes time to vote on May 14th, you're in luck. Advance polling for the May 14 municipal, education council and health authority elections will take place today, and on May 7th. Polls will be open on both days from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Mike Quinn Tells CHSJ News you should already have been mailed the information you need on which polling station to go to with your voter card.

Voters also have the option of voting by special ballot, which are available at the 23 returning offices and satellite offices around the province up to and including election day.

NB Highway Of Heroes Still Just A Dream

The dream to have one of the highways in the province designated a Highway of Heroes remains just that - a dream.
The idea was first floated almost a year ago by some military veterans to honour our fallen soldiers - but - Premier Alward tells Tide News there is still work to be done before a final decision can be made.
Alward says he realizes it's an important issue to a lot of people.
The military vets want to see the Trans-Canada highway running through our province receive the designation -- a number of other provinces have designated stretches of roads or complete highways as a Highway of Heroes.

More Money For Wellness And Sports

It appears the Alward government is getting more serious about investing in preventative measures as a way to reduce future health care costs.
The wellness and sports branches are getting a 25-percent increase in each of their budgets this year.
Healthy Living Minister Trevor Holder says his department will be working closely with anti-poverty groups - for example - providing grants for things like community gardens getting people outdoors - close to the land - thinking about their food and their own well being.
And Holder says studies show that can pay big dividends with every dollar spent on wellness will net between eight and twelve dollars in savings on health care in the future.

Local Coach Wants To Bring Fresh Perspective To Town Council

One of our local High School coaches is running for St. Stephen Town Council.


John Ames says he believes the town needs fresh ideas and a new perspective.

"As the youngest, and possibly the poorest, I understand the struggle of keeping young people in St. Stephen."

But the answer is simple -- he says we need jobs.

Ames agrees with the construction of the Garcelon Civic Center, saying "anything that is an outlet to our youth is a positive thing to me."

The municipal elections are May 14th.

Water Leak Construction On Milltown Blvd.

Look out for construction on Milltown Blvd.


The Town of St. Stephen telling Tide News of a water leak that needs to be repaired.

Water lines will be shut off from King Street to the Customs building starting at noontime.

The Town says they are working diligently and efficiently, and the lines will be turned back on after a short period.

Ferguson Found Not Liable In Defamation Trial

After 12 long weeks and eight hours of deliberation, a verdict has been reached at the John Ferguson defamation trial in Saint John.

The former Common Councillor has been found not liable for defaming the city's Pension Board over statements he made about the city's financially beleaguered pension plan.

Outside the court, Ferguson became emotional.
His voice breaking Ferguson said it was a long road, he thanked his team of lawyers adding David Rogers worked for 5 years on this case. He also thanked everyone who stood with him.

Ferguson's lawyer, Rod Gillis, tells CHSJ News Saint Johnners know alot more about how the Pension Board operates than they did before the trial began.
He says the public is much informed and intelligent and they know the problems of the pension board.

The jury found only one of Ferguson's statements to be defamatory because it implied deceit but because, as a Common Councillor he had qualified privilege, Ferguson was shielded from liability.

Pension board lawyer Barry Morrison declined to comment.

Tourism Minister Looking For Banner Year

Tourism Minister Trevor Holder is predicting a good year for the tourism sector this season.
Holder is proud of his department's new web site with links to social media like FaceBook and YouTube - in addition we've received some positive ink in respected international publications like National Geographic and recognition with the bid to have the Bay of Fundy named as one of the top 7 natural wonders in the world.
And he's quick to dismiss a popular myth that we are basically just a drive through province - Holder says this is a place that people want to come - they want to experience.

Wheelers Stolen Near St. Stephen

Two royal blue four-wheelers were stolen near St. Stephen last night.


District 1 RCMP says the bikes were last seen parked beside the Schoodic Motel on Route 170, around 10 last night ( Sunday, April 29th ).

Cst. Julie Messina tells Tide News one is a 2000 KODIAK 400 Ultramatic 4x4 and the other is a 2001 model KODIAK Ultramatic 4x4.

She says the liscence plates are J4922 and XK6000, however, the plates may be removed by now.

You are asked to contact District 1 RCMP ( 466-7030 ) if you know the whereabouts of the four-wheelers, or who is responsible for the incident.

Morrison Calls Ferguson "Callous And Reckless"

In his closing arguments, Pension Board Lawyer Barry Morrison portrays former Saint John Common Councillor John Ferguson as being callous and reckless by misrepresenting reality in his campaign to discredit the pension board.

Ferguson is currently the Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of St. Stephen.

Morrison contends in that campaign, decency and respect for others played no role.


Morrison repeatedly pointed out to the jury, Ferguson missed many opportunities to reveal his alleged conversation with a pension board trustee about disability pensions being illegally approved, which would would be breach of trust to his fellow council members.

The pension board argues that the conversation never took place.

Morrison also telling the jury Ferguson never produced any documentation to back up his criticisms because it was all smoke and mirrors.

Elm Street Park Getting A Clean-Up

The President of the Elm Street Park Society is preparing for a cleanup tomorrow.


Wilf Torunski says the Society wants to get the park ready so the Town can declare it safe.
He says they want to open the south side where all the trails are, hoping by the end of this weekend the park will be safe enough for Town Council to rule it open again.

The clean-up starts at 10am Saturday (April 28th ).

Torunski is also running as a candidate for St. Stephen Town Council.

Let's Get This Dam Issue Resolved!

There is alot of anxiety for residents in the St. George area.


Liberal MLA for Charlotte and The Isles, Rick Doucet says many people are worried they will lose their homes to flooding again.

He points out we had a tremendous rainfall this past week and we need to look at the question, "What can be done differently with the dam situation in St. George?"

Doucet says he was turned down by the government last year, when he tabled a petition with over 800 signatures from local residents, asking for a review into flooding and prevention for the Magaguadavic River.

The reason he was turned down? Doucet says the provincial government didn't think a review in our area was necessary.

He says now, the Alward government has announced, they WILL be doing a review for Perth-Andover.

Doucet says Charlotte County residents are being treated as second-class citizens by not getting the same treatment.

Doucet sending a message to Premier David Alward, quote "might I suggest the Premier put on his big boy pants and get this dam issue resolved."
Premier Alward was unable to be reached for comment.

Closing Arguments in Ferguson Trial

The John Ferguson defamation trial resuming today with the closing arguments. First up is Ferguson's lawyer Rod Gillis, who was scathing in his criticism of senior city staff.


He tells the jury the Pension Board launched lawsuit to stifle discussion of what had to be done to get a handle on rising pension plan deficit. Rod Gillis also points out each senior city staff member who served on Pension Board has a pension worth more than a million dollars.

Gillis says no one on the Pension Board had an obligation to taxpayers and senior city staff frustrated Common Council on the city pension plan's rising deficit -- even though solutions to erase deficit were known in 2005.

John Ferguson, as a member of Common Council, had a duty to pursue issue.

Ferguson is currently the Chief Administrative Officer of St. Stephen.

Premier Says Shale Gas Being Handled In Responsible Manner

It may be a controversial issue - but - Premier Alward isn't making any apologies for exploring the possibility of developing a shale gas industry.
In an exclusive interview with Tide News - Alward says his government has a responsibility to see what future opportunities may exist if the resource is developed and how any revenue will be shared.
And the Premier says New Brunswickers will have a say on new regulations being developed for shale gas exploration -- deflecting any comment on how that will happen by saying the process will be up to Natural Resources Minister Bruce Northrup.

Thursday is Candidates Night In St. Stephen

St. Stephen is getting prepared for a big election next month.


Tomorrow ( Thursday, April 26th ) is Candidates Night, with 22 candidates vying for 7 positions on the St. Stephen Town Council.

Three men are running for Mayor, Robert Tinker, John Quartermain, and Kenneth Parker.

Current Mayor Jed Purcell did not re-offer.

The event will take place in the St. Stephen High School Auditorium between 7-9pm.

The municipal elections are May 14th.

French Immersion Information Meeting Tonight

There will be a meeting tonight for those interested in French Immersion for next year.


Parents and students in Grade 2 from St. George, Back Bay, Blacks Harbour, and Pennfield can find out more about the program.

The meeting starts at 6:30 at St. George Elementary School.

Grand March Scholarship Deadline Is Tonight

Today is the last chance for Graduates of SSHS to apply for a special Prom Scholarship.


Shannon-May Photography partnering with other businesses in St. Stephen, offering a prize package with goodies for Grand March to girls graduating this year.

The winner will be someone who has been a voice of encouragement to friends and classmates, to be positive and confident in who they are, and let their inner beauty shine.

The deadline to apply is tonight at midnight.

Here is the link to apply for the scholarship: http://seniorportraits.shannonmayphotography.com/#/grand-march-scholarship/