Transformer Fire And Car Crashes In Musquash

Musquash firefighters responded to a transformer fire and a pair of car crashes over the weekend.

The transformer fire happened Saturday shortly after 9 o'clock in Lepreau and caused a power outage for 6 hours in that area.

One crash happened on Route 1 near New River on Sunday shortly after 2 in the morning after the car hit a guardrail. A few hours later, there was a rollover on route 790 in Musquash around 8am in which the vehicle ended up on its roof in a brook.

No one was injured in either crash. The roads were extremely slippery at the time.

CBS Workers Could Soon Strike

Canadian Blood Services workers in the province may soon be on strike, after they say the latest contract offer didn't offer enough money for the hours worked.


CUPE rep Mike Davidson tells Tide News the action could effect as many as 40 workers,
including phlebotomists, clinic assistants and drivers.

The workers will be in a legal strike position as of tomorrow. CUPE Local 1655 has requested another meeting next Thursday March 27th in hopes of negotiating a new deal.

Provincial NDP Snags Conservative

A former President of the provincial Conservative party's youth wing is jumping ship.

William Carter of Hampton is joining the NDP. Carter is also a former Conservative party staff member.

The NDP has scheduled a news conference tomorrow to introduce Carter and have him elaborate on his reasons for changing party allegiance.

Utopia Traffic Stop Leads To Coke Seizure

A Saturday night traffic stop in Utopia leading to the seizure of nearly 6 grams of coke.

The 47 year old man from Pennfield was stopped in his vehicle about 10:30pm on Johnson Lane.

He was arrested at the scene and later released with an August court date in St. Stephen provincial court.

Unique Drinking Facts For Saint Patrick's Day

It's Saint Patrick's Day in Canada's "Most Irish" City, which means the whiskey and green beer will be flowing at local watering holes.

To help your avoid feeling green tomorrow, CHSJ News has gathered a few drinking tips:

-Eat before you drink, especially proteins, fats and dense carbohydrates: they'll slow down the rate at which you get tipsy and allow you to enjoy the fun for longer.

-Pop and other carbonated mixers make your body absorb the alcohol faster, as does drinking warm drinks like Irish Coffee. Energy drinks mask your body's ability to tell you when you've had enough, making you more likely to drink more and be hungover.

- If you want to drink responsibly you should have no more than one drink per hour, or alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic ones.

-Once alcohol is in your blood neither coffee nor a cold shower will make you sober up more quickly.

-One trick for avoiding a hangover: if you're drinking bottled beer, put your bottle caps in your pocket. Count them and have that many glasses of water when you get home.

Above all, make sure that you have a plan to get home safely and don't drive if you've been celebrating.

RCMP In Grand Bay-Westfield Nab Wanted Man

A 29-year-old man from Markham, Ontario, has been arrested in Grand Bay-Westfield on charges in connection with credit card fraud and will be back in court today.

The RCMP arrested a man for violating a condition imposed by the York Regional Police and then they found out he was wanted on a number of outstanding warrants for credit card fraud in Ontario.

Zhong Cai Liu has been charged with violating a court order not to leave Ontario and not possess any credit card or any card with a magnetic strip unless it's in his name.

Additional charges related to credit card fraud are anticipated.

Canada Loses To The Swiss At Harbour Station

Team Canada, skipped by Rachel Homan, lost 8-2 to Switzerland at the Ford World Women's Curling Championship. The Swiss trailed 2-1 after five ends but Binia Feltscher made a wonderful shot in the fifth end, a double takeout to score three. Switzerland put the game away by stealing one more in the sixth, two in the seventh and one in the eighth end.

Switzerland is tied with Allison Pottinger of the U.S. at 3 and 0 atop the round-robin standings. Canada is in a four way tie for third with Russia, Sweden and South Korea.

The loss ended a 15 game winning streak for the Homan rink including an unbeaten run at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

The U.S. takes on Sweden this morning at 9:30 while the Swiss meet Latvia. Team Canada takes on Denmark this afternoon at 2:30 and then the U.S. tonight at 7:30.

St. Andrews Celebrates St. Patti's Day

Around 3 dozen St. Andrews residents braving the cold to wear their green and celebrate their Irish heritage.

The 2nd Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade coming down Water Street yesterday in below zero temperatures.

Organizer Matthew Gick -- dressed in kilt -- says the event was done in support of the Charlotte County SPCA and over the course of the weekend with another event held at The Red Herring Pub, they were able to raise over $300 for the local animal shelter.

Acadia Broadcasting Granted Approval For Moncton Station

Acadia Broadcasting is expanding - the parent company of 98.1 The Tide, Country 94 and The Wave has received approval from the Canadian Radio - Television - and - Telecommunications Commission to purchase Moncton radio station CKNI-FM from Rogers Broadcasting.
Acadia plans to move the station to newly constructed studios and launch its new music and information format later this year.
Meantime - the federal regulatory agency has given thumbs up to Newcap to purchase CHNI-FM - the Rogers station here in Saint John.
Both stations currently feature a news - talk format that Rogers has been unable to make financially successful.
Moncton becomes the 13th station for Acadia spanning New Brunswick - Nova Scotia - and - Ontario.

Canada And Sweden Considered The Favourites At World Curling Championship

Competition is expected to be intense at Harbour Station for the Ford World Women's Curling Championship with Canada and Sweden the favourites to win. Sweden won the silver medal at the Sochi Winter OLympics.

The tournment crowns a champion a week from this Sunday night with the gold medal game that will be broadcast by TSN.

Host Committee chair Jeff Lacey tells Tide News the curlers will also be meeting fans face to face next week at various times to sign autographs at the Trade and Convention Centre.

All of Canada's round robin matches will be televised by TSN which will also be showing all the playoffs.

Questions Raised About Provincial Drug Plan

The prescription drug plan being touted by the Alward Government as one of its big achievements but the opposition Liberals are hammering away at who's going to pay what after the first year which is voluntary.

The drug plan becomes mandatory in year two at a cost estimated at between 120 and 150 million dollars. Healthcare critic Donald Arsenault says he has heard 15 to 25 million dollars will be sought from business. Arsenault has also heard the possibility of a 2 per cent payroll tax increase. He also wonders what the penalties will be for those who can't pay.

New Links Between New Brunswick Producers And South Korean Markets

Soon, New Brunswick blueberries, lobster, and salmon will more easily be making their way to tables in South Korea, thanks to the recently announced Canada Korea Free Trade Agreement.

Dignitaries from Canada and South Korea marked the Atlantic Canadian implications that agreement today at the Diamond Jubilee Cruise Ship Terminal. Fundy Royal MP Rob Moore, who is also in charge of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, tells Tide News it's a landmark achievement. Negotiations took 8 years in total to complete, according to Moore.

This is Canada's first free trade agreement in Asia. New Brunswick's fish and seafood exports to South Korea were worth an average of $5.1 million annually between 2010 and 2012.

Saint Johners Arrested For Attempted Robbery In Barnesville

Two Saint Johnners are facing charges after a robbery at Kathy's Convenience in Barnesville.

It happened on March 7th around 9:45 p.m. Three masked people entered the store and demanded money and alcohol. They also scuffled with the owner, but no one was seriously injured. The three left without any money or merchandise.

A 15-year-old boy and a 20-year-old man were arrested Wednesday. The two appeared in Sussex Provincial Court on March 13. The boy, who can not be named because of his age, was charged with assault, wearing a disguise, and breaking his probation order. 20-year-old, Greg Nav, was charged with assault while attempting to steal, wearing a disguise and breach of an undertaking.

They're still looking for a third suspect . Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Hampton RCMP at 506-832-5566, or to remain anonymous, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.crimenb.ca.

Verdict In Obstruction Of Justice Trial Will Not Be Made Immediately

The trial of a senior official in the provincial Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture for obstruction of justice has ended with a verdict to be announced June 19th.

Peter Andrews was charged in connection with the investigation of the brother of Deputy Premier Paul Robichaud on an aquaculture violation.

He has denied there was any political interference. The Deputy Premier also denying accusations that he interfered.

The defense argues the prosecution never did present any evidence showing there was political interference. The prosecution questions why this particular case was even discussed by officials at a senior level in the department.

Provincial Governemnt Urges Caution In Storm

It's looking pretty messy out there.

The provincial government is reminding New Brunswickers to think ahead have everything they need for at least 72 hours following a storm. That means: having an emergency kit for home and car, knowing what to do during power outages, and knowing how to stay safe during an emergency.


The public is also advised to monitor future forecasts and warnings.

JDI Announces $450 Million Investment To The Pulp Mill

The pulp mill on the west side never heard so much applause or saw so many standing ovations.

A huge crowd on hand as JDI annnounced it's investing 450 million dollars in a modernization program at the West side pulp and paper mill.

It will generate 1.2 million in person hours of construction over two phases which is the equivalent of 600 full time equivalent jobs.

Jim Irving says there will be further announcements in other locations.
He says there will also be money spent at mills in Doaktown, Chipman, St. Leonard's and Sussex.

Premier David Alward was asked about the timing, one day after his government's new forestry strategy was laid out.

He says a stable wood supply was essential to see any sort of investment back in the industry.

He's says it is a direct link but he feels very positive because they have found the balance of environmental sustainability.

The land available where the old Simms Brush factory used to stand will be used for overflow parking and staging but no new buildings will be constructed there.

The total investment is $513 million in three phases. Phase 2 begins this spring with a price tag of $198 million and will last for two years. It will include building a new chip screening and handling system.

Saint John To Get Lots Of National And International Coverage

Curling fans from around the world will have their eyes on Saint John beginning Saturday afternoon at Harbour Station with the Ford World Womens Curling Championship.

There will be 50 hours or so of TV coverage on TSN and 50 hours on Euro Sport.

Canada hasn't won this competition since 2008. Rachel Homan, representing Canada, won bronze last year.

Host Committee Chair Jeff Lacey tells Tide News curling turned out to be the hot sport at the recent Winter Olympics and is getting popular in the unlikliest of places such as Turkey and Brazil.

The opening ceremonies at noonhour on Saturday are free. Canada plays Russia on the opening day. Three of the teams taking part competed in the Sochi Olympics including Sweden which won the silver medal.

Forestry Plan Denounced As "Devastating", Will Result In Local Extinction of Wildlife

As politicians and business leaders celebrate JDI's $513 million dollar investment in its mills, environmental groups are condemning the Alward government's new Crown forestry plan as a tragic blow to our forests and wildlife.

Close on the heels of the new forestry plan in an announcement today at the Irving Pulp and Paper Mill, JDI spokesperson Mary Keith stated the $513 million dollar investment will create 326 new jobs in Saint John.

Tracy Glynn of the New Brunswick Conservation Council tells Tide News the idea this investment in mills will create long-term jobs is patently false--in fact, she says, modernizing the mills will ultimately reduce the amount of manpower needed.

The new forestry plan announced yesterday reduces the amount of protected old growth forest and deer habitat from 30% to 23%, and allows for 20% more softwood to be cut annually on Crown land. The rationale is that a stable supply of wood will result in greater investment in our forestry industry.

Glynn says we can expect to see the local extinction of wildlife species in the province due to the destruction of their habitat.

Gas Prices Down Again

Drivers getting another price break if they have to fill up after the weekly setting.

The maximum price for self serve regular is lower by half a cent a litre.

Diesel decreasing by almost 4 cents a litre and heating oil by just under 2 cents a litre.

The maximum price of propane falling by almost 15 cents a litre.

Storm Causes Disruptions

Schools closed today in Anglophone South from Sussex to St. Stephen including the Saint John area as well as schools in Francophone South, Anglophone West, Eastern College and Eastern Trades College.

Classes at the New Brunswick Community College in Saint John and St. Andrews and at U-N-B Saint John were also delayed.

Gelas Duguay of Environment Canada tells Tide News Saint John won't be getting as much snow as earlier forecast with just another 2 to 4 centimeters along the coastline with more the further inland you are.

In the Fredericton area, they're expecting 30 or more centimeters of snow. Duguay also telling us it will be turning a lot colder as we get into the afternoon.

Air Canada flights from Toronto and Montreal into Saint John Airport have been cancelled through noon hour, meaning no departures for Montreal and Toronto until later this afternoon. The only flight leaving the airport this morning will be at 9:40 for Halifax.