Tantramar MLA Megan Mitton confirmed as only candidate for next NB Green Party leader

Tantramar MLA Megan Mitton is officially the only candidate for leadership of the New Brunswick Green Party.

Mitton announced her intent to run early last month, and though no other names came forward, the party confirmed there had been one other candidate.

On Monday, the party confirmed Mitton is the only registered contestant in the race.

She will still need to be ratified at the party’s leadership convention in Fredericton on Dec. 5.

If ratified, Mitton will succeed leader David Coon, who announced in June that he would be stepping down after heading the party since 2012.

Sackville man will be sentenced next month on second-degree murder charge after guilty plea

A 62-year-old Sackville man is scheduled to appear in court on October 27 for sentencing after admitting to killing and dismembering his spouse nearly three years ago.

Roger Hilyard Crossman appeared in Moncton Provincial Court on Friday, September 25 by way of tele-remand, where he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, as well as improperly or indecently interfering with a dead human body or human remains. He was remanded into custody until his sentencing hearing.

His plea comes three years after Marlene Cheryl Crossman’s body was found when Sackville RCMP responded to a well-being check on the afternoon of October 12, 2023, for an individual living at a residence on King Street. Later that same day, Roger Crossman turned himself into the Antigonish RCMP detachment in Nova Scotia, and was subsequently arrested in connection with the investigation.

The New Brunswick RCMP’s Major Crime Unit determined the woman’s death to be a homicide.

The following day, (Oct 13, 2023), Crossman appeared in Moncton Provincial Court by way of tele-remand and was charged with first degree murder of his spouse. He was remanded into custody, and was ordered to undergo a 30-day psychiatric assessment.

Moncton hospital to receive over $11.5 million through new federal-provincial agreement

The Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital in Moncton is getting over $11.5 million from the federal government for renovations and redevelopment.

Announced Sept. 25, the funding comes from an agreement between the Governments of Canada and New Brunswick, which will see over $450 million in federal money support infrastructure projects relating to housing, post-secondary education and health in the province.

Part of the federal government’s Build Communities Strong fund, the agreement provides over $305 million over 10 years for housing and post-secondary education, and another $155 million in health infrastructure over three years, the release said.

For its part, the provincial government committed not to increase any fees or taxes that hinder housing supply.

The first supported project is the renovation of the Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital. Vitalité Health Network’s largest hospital will have around 13,800 sq. ft. of space renovated to create 12 endoscopy rooms.

An additional $500,000 will fund the second project, also at the hospital, for a redevelopment of the Emergency, Oncology and Obstetrics departments. The modernization will increase capacity and improve patient care.

Tantramar awards Citizen of the Year honours

Mimi Lodoen and Makaela Locke have earned Tantramar’s Citizen of the Year honours for 2026.

Both active volunteers and leaders in the community, Lodoen was recognized as Citizen of the Year and Locke was awarded Youth Citizen of the Year during Sackville Fall Fair’s opening ceremony on Sept 18.

Lodoen’s nomination described her countless volunteer efforts, fitness leadership, community involvement, and dedication to launching Age-Friendly initiatives in Tantramar as having a remarkable impact on her community.

A board member of the Greater Dorchester Moving Forward, Lodoen is also the developer and leader of physical activity programs such as Yoga Fit and Total Body Conditioning in Dorchester. She also leads walks with the Tantramar Outdoor Club and is the instructor of the popular Aquasize program in Sackville.

She has also been a key mover in getting the Age Friendly steering committee off the ground in Tantramar.

Locke’s nomination describes her dedication to 4-H, volunteerism, athletics, agriculture, and community service, and points to the remarkable impact she has made at a young age.

A former Girl Guide and a current member of the TRHS lady Titans hockey team, Locke has also been an active member of 4-H, having participated in such events as the East Gen Atlantic Showcase, a Citizenship showcase in Ottawa, the Border Classic Steer Show and Sale, and the Atlantic 4-H Conference.

During the summer months, she has been managing a children’s library and a dog library at Walton’s Beach.

Over $1 million in contraband seized at Springhill Institution

Staff at the medium-security prison in Springhill, NS, seized over $1 million worth of drugs and other contraband earlier this week.

Packages containing the unauthorized items were found at Springhill Institution on Sept. 21, according to a Sept. 23 news release from Correctional Service of Canada.

Seized items reported included methamphetamine, shatter, cannabis, hashish, tobacco and cellphones, with a total estimated institutional value of $1,161,500.

The institution is investigating, and police have been notified.

Correctional Service of Canada says it uses a number of tools to restrict contraband from entering its institutions, including a toll-free tip line that allows people to remain anonymous when reporting anything suspicious.

Trade show will put ‘spotlight’ on senior services

An upcoming trade-show style event aims to put the spotlight on programs and services for Tantramar’s aging population.

Set for Thursday, Oct. 1, the Spotlight on Seniors event is being organized by the recently-formed Age Friendly Tantramar steering committee, who has already lined up more than 20 organizations for the day. The event is expected to provide information on a variety of topics that can impact the lives of older adults – from health and nutrition, to fitness and recreation, to home care and housing, and more. There will also be several presentations from a number of groups.

The event is scheduled from 11 am to 3 pm at the Church by the Lake in Middle Sackville. For residents who’d like to attend, but don’t have a way to get there, there will be bus transportation from Rose’s Independent Grocer on Main Street in downtown Sackville at 10:45 am with a return ride at 1 pm. Call Rachelle at 506-688-4688 for more information or simply show up.

Memramcook collaborative care clinic to be expanded after $1.1M provincial investment

The Memramcook collaborative care clinic is being expanded after a $1.1 million investment from the provincial government.

That’s according to a Sept. 21 release from the government, which said the funding allowed for an expansion of the clinic’s space, as well as the addition of a phlebotomist and a licensed practical nurse.

In addition, the clinic team already included three primary care providers, a registered nurse, a social worker and two administrative assistants. 

There are ongoing plans to recruit another physician to the clinic, which cares for around 3,700 patients, including 123 patients who had been on the NB Health-Link waitlist since February 2024. There are plans to continue building on the team, with efforts ongoing to recruit another physician.

The Memramcook clinic was the 17th collaborative care clinic announced by the government since it announced 11 such clinics in 2025.

Mount Allison will celebrate Pride Week September 21–25

Mount Allison Students’ Union is preparing a week of activities and events to celebrate the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

Set to be held next week, Pride Week activities at Mount Allison will bring students and the Tantramar community together to celebrate and learn. 

“Pride Week is tradition at Mount Allison and an opportunity each year to come together in celebration and recognition of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community,” says university president Ian Sutherland. “It is a chance to celebrate with our campus and wider Tantramar community, strengthen our connections with one another, and reflect on the importance of continuing to build a community where everyone is welcome and belongs.” 

Will Stott, MASU vice-president of external affairs, said it’s important to celebrate Pride Week in September because it helps foster a welcoming and inclusive environment at the beginning of the school year when the new students are arriving back on campus.

“These events help set the tone for the year to come,” said Stott. “The events throughout the week are meant to be inclusive for all and to exist without barriers to participation for our students.” 

The events will kick off with a flag raising on Monday, Sept. 21 at 4:30 pm at the university flagpoles beside the Owens Art Gallery. Following this, the Pride Parade will proceed along York Street and Main Street to the Tantramar municipal office, where the community’s flag will be raised. 

Other events throughout the week include: a queer academic panel, Pride trivia and rainbow cookie decorating, a clothes swap, movie in the park, and Pride night at Ducky’s Pub.

Amherst Fire Chief steps down

Amherst Fire Chief Greg Jones will be leaving the Amherst Fire Department later this month.

Jones, who has been fire chief since 2014 and a member of the department for 26 years, will have his last day on September 25, after which he will pursue a new opportunity, says a release from the town.

“Chief Jones has demonstrated tremendous loyalty and dedication to the Amherst Fire Department and to the community throughout his years of service,” said the Town of Amherst’s Chief Administrative Officer Jason MacDonald. “On behalf of the organization, I want to thank him for his contributions and wish him every success as he begins this next chapter.”

In the release, Mayor Rob Small also thanked Jones for his service.

“Chief Jones has given many years of dedicated service to the Amherst Fire Department and our community,” he said. “We are grateful for his leadership and commitment to keeping Amherst residents safe, and we wish him all the best in his new opportunity.”

Further information about the fire department’s leadership and next steps will be provided when details are available, the release said.

Volunteers sought to help plant 250 trees at Beech Hill Park

Tantramar is celebrating National Forest Week with a tree planting event at Beech Hill Park and is seeking volunteers to help with the task.

The event, which will take place next Saturday, Sept 26, will see the planting of 250 trees and 100 shrubs; including placing mulch around each tree and installing tree guards to protect them from animals.

This project was made possible through a $51,280 grant funded by the government of Canada through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Growing Canada’s Community Canopies initiative.

Registration and refreshments will start at 9:30 am. The tree planting itself will run from 10 am-12 pm.

Shovels and gloves will be available, but volunteers are welcome to bring their own if they would prefer. Closed toe shoes are recommended, as well as dressing according to the weather as the event will go rain or shine.

If interested, volunteers can pre-register at at www.tantramarnb.com/programs. For any assistance for the event or more info, reach out to Jamie at j.ferguson@tantramarnb.com.

Tantramar residents asked for input as municipal budget planning for 2027 gets under way

Budget planning is about to begin for Tantramar’s 2027 municipal budget and council and staff are asking for resident’s input.

There are several ways the community can take part in the budget deliberations, and providing feedback can help inform how tax dollars are allocated.

First, Tantramar residents, groups or organizations can register to present to council at the first of several budget sessions on Tuesday, Sept. 22. Presenters get five minutes to share their input on budget-related matters or request support for their group or project.

Registration deadline to present is 4:30 pm on Wednesday, Sept. 16. Those who register past this deadline will only have two minutes to present instead of the full 5 minutes. Email Clerk@TantramarNB.com or call 506-364-4930 to register.

Another way to participate is to complete the online survey or pick up a paper copy at the Tantramar Municipal Building front desk at 31c Main Street in Sackville. The survey can be completed anytime before Monday, Oct. 12 at 4:30 pm

Residents can also review budget information online at TantramarNB.com, reach out to a member of council, or attend, watch or register to speak at an upcoming council meeting.

Charges laid in alleged sexual assault at Johnston Point summer camp

Police are seeking other possible victims after an investigation into an alleged sexual assault involving a youth in Johnston Point, N.B.

In a media release, the New Brunswick RCMP say they arrested a 46-year-old woman from Little Shemogue, N.B, and charges have been laid.

Members of the Sackville RCMP received a report on Aug. 24 of a sexual assault involving a youth that occurred by a cook at a summer camp in Johnston Point, near Shemogue.

On September 8, in connection with the investigation, authorities arrested a 46-year-old woman at a school in Port Elgin without incident. The next day, 46-year-old Jennifer Collen Abbot appeared in Moncton Provincial court and was charged with sexual assault, sexual interference, and indecent exposure to a person who is under the age of 16.

She was released on conditions and is scheduled to reappear in provincial court on October 7.

Police are investigating if the same woman committed similar offences against other youths, and the RCMP’s Sexual Violence Investigative Unit has taken over the investigation.

If you are a victim, have attended the summer camp in 2026, attended the same school and have any information related to this incident or other similar ones, contact local police. If you have information that may assist investigators and would like to remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca.

NB Health Council looking for New Brunswickers to share their hospital experiences

The New Brunswick Health Council is asking eligible patients to share their experiences to assess the quality of care received in the province.

The 2026 Hospital Acute Care Survey is meant to provide data for hospitals and decision-makers to identify areas for improvement.

Conducted every three years, responses are collected from New Brunswick residents aged 18 and over who had at least one overnight stay in a New Brunswick hospital for medical, surgical or maternity care. This year, patients who received care between April and July 2026 are eligible. Those patients should have received a confidential paper survey by mail after they were discharged from hospital. 

There is also an online version of the survey available. Those who have not completed the survey will receive a postcard and second survey package in the mail.

Age-friendly steering committee wants to hear from you

As Tantramar works toward becoming an age-friendly community, the steering committee who is working to make that happen is hoping to get more feedback from area residents.

The committee has had approximately 40 responses to its age-friendly survey to date, but is looking to have an even wider reach. Results will be used to help the committee understand residents’ experiences of aging in Tantramar, to gather people’s needs and opinions, and to determine next steps for how to make the community more age-friendly for seniors and future seniors.

The survey, open to all adults who live in the Tantramar region, takes about 20 minutes to complete. There are prizes for those who participate and enter the draw.

To help collect more input, members of the Age-Friendly Tantramar committee will be outside of the Sackville Foodland on Monday, September 14 from 1-4 pm and in front of Rose’s Independent Grocer on Monday, September 28 from 1-4 pm to answer any questions, gather feedback, or assist residents with accessing or completing the survey. They will also be at the Sackville Farmer’s Market on Saturday, September 19.

The survey is available online at tinyurl.com/age-friendly-survey or paper copies can be picked up at the local libraries or the Tantramar municipal office.

Mount Allison introduces new major in community, education, and social change

Mount Allison University is introducing a new interdisciplinary major in community, education, and social change, creating new opportunities for students to connect their academic studies with community-based learning and real-world experience.

Launching this month as part of Mount Allison’s Community Engaged Learning program, the bachelor of arts major draws on fields including Indigenous studies, geography, sociology, and religious studies.

Students will explore areas such as social justice, decolonization, community-supported education, climate change and the environment, Indigenous ways of knowing, and the theory and practice of community engagement.

At the heart of the program is learning with communities.

“The Community Engaged Learning major brings students, community members, Elders, mentors, organizations, and industry partners together in shared learning experiences that connect academic knowledge to real-life community strengths, challenges, and opportunities,” says Sacha Dewolfe, assistant professor in Indigenous studies. “By learning with communities rather than simply about them, students gain a deeper understanding of their role as citizens and professionals, while communities benefit from new ideas, energy, and relationships.”

“This program is borne from our own desires as faculty to make meaningful contributions to the community in which we live and work,” says Fiona Black, program lead. “We’re responding to students’ desires to learn how to do the same.”

Auditions coming up for Marshlight’s next show

If you’re looking forward to seeing Marshlight Theatre’s next production, why not instead audition for it?

Marshlight’s next show to hit the stage will be Norm Foster’s Self Help,  directed by Paul Griffin, in mid-November. Auditions for the show are set for September 16, 17 and 18 at Marshlight Theatre on the corner of Fairfield and Queens Road.

There are six characters in this riotous farce: Cindy Savage, a second-rate actress who becomes a successful self help guru; Hal Savage, Cindy’s husband and another actor turned guru; Ruby Delvecchio, the couple’s bossy agent, Bernice, a scattered housemaid, Detective Snow, a police investigator, and Jeremy Cash, a nosy investigative reporter.

The auditions will consist of cold reads from the script. If you’d like to read Self Help, you can find it through the database “Drama Online” in the Mount Allison library.

Send an email to info@marshlight.ca for more information. Any questions will only be answered after September 11 when the director returns to Sackville.

Public input sought on development of data centres

The New Brunswick government has developed a policy framework it claims will guide the responsible development of data centres in the province – and is seeking feedback from the public.

The government says the framework is intended to protect electricity ratepayers; support the responsible use of energy, water, land and other resources; generate measurable economic and community benefits; promote environmental sustainability; and support national data sovereignty and artificial intelligence objectives.

“This policy will guide the responsible development of any proposed data centre in New Brunswick and support national efforts to build the foundations of sovereign Canadian artificial intelligence,” said Post-Secondary Education and Training Minister Jean-Claude D’Amours.

“New Brunswick has the talent and ambition to compete in an economy being reshaped by artificial intelligence,” said Kathryn Lockhart, executive director of the McKenna Institute. “Now we need the infrastructure to keep pace. The future won’t wait for us to be ready, and a responsible, community-aligned approach is exactly what we need to prepare for what comes next and ensure development delivers meaningful benefits for New Brunswickers.”

People will have the opportunity to share their thoughts until Oct. 2 through a consultation website.

Preliminary stakeholder consultations are underway, and any required legislative or regulatory changes will begin during the 2026-27 legislative session.

Mount Allison, Dalhousie sign agreement for pathway to engineering degree

Mount Allison and Dalhousie University have signed a new agreement that will create a more direct pathway for Mount Allison students pursuing an engineering degree.

Through the five-year articulation agreement, students who successfully complete an approved first year of full-time study at Mount Allison may apply to Dalhousie’s bachelor of engineering program with advanced standing. The pathway recognizes a group of Mount Allison courses in chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, and the humanities as equivalent to first-year engineering requirements at Dalhousie.

“This agreement gives students the opportunity to begin their university experience at Mount Allison while building a strong academic foundation for continued study in engineering,” says Richard Isnor, Mount Allison’s vice-president of academic and research at Mount Allison.

Isnor explains this latest agreement reflects the university’s commitment to create flexible, student-centered pathways and to work with other post-secondary partners to expand opportunities for students.

Following admission, Dalhousie will oversee the process of placing students in an engineering discipline. Up to 10 students may enter the program through the pathway in its first year, with both universities reviewing capacity annually.

“As the faculty of engineering at Dalhousie continues to grow, building strong partnerships with outstanding institutions such as Mount Allison University is central to that plan,” says Yi Liu, acting dean of Dalhousie’s faculty of engineering.

Students interested in the pathway program or looking for more information can contact Sarah Cormier, transfer credit and pathway agreements coordinator at Mount Allison University, at scormier@mta.ca.

Wanted Nova Scotia man arrested in Wood Point

A Nova Scotia man wanted on a province-wide warrant for sexual assault and assault of a police officer, among many other charges, has been arrested.

Jerrad Wade Patriquin, 38, of Westchester, was arrested in Wood Point on Tuesday – thanks to the help of several local residents, according to CTV News.

Patriquin is facing a number of charges, including: assault by choking, suffocating or strangling (two counts); sexual assault; criminal harassment; failing to comply with probation (three counts); possession of property obtained by crime; resisting or obstructing a peace officer; assault of a police officer; and failure to comply with release order (seven counts)

He appeared in Amherst Provincial Court on Wednesday, August 5. He remains in custody until his next scheduled court appearance on August 12.

CTV reported residents reported seeing Patriquin near their home Tuesday morning and called 911. They had seen reports on social media over the weekend that a man matching Patriquin’s description was at large in the area.

Several other local residents helped police locate Patriquin in their vehicles along the marsh and he was arrested soon after.

Newly-created position at Mount A aims to help cultivate inclusive, welcoming environment for all students

A new face will be around campus this fall, as Mount Allison looks to strengthen its commitment to fostering student belonging, equity, and meaningful community engagement.

Rambo Nyirimihigo joins Mount Allison University as director of student equity and community development, a newly-created position that aims to improve connections across campus and help cultivate an inclusive and welcoming environment for students.

“I’m honoured to be joining the Mount Allison community and look forward to working alongside students, faculty, staff, and community partners to foster a campus where every student experiences a genuine sense of belonging and has the opportunity to thrive,” says Nyirimihigo.

Nyirimihigo brings more than a decade of leadership experience in post-secondary education, government, and the non-profit sector, with a strong background in student engagement, community development, and organizational leadership. Nyirimihigo’s appointment will begin August 1. 

Prior to joining Mount Allison, Nyirimihigo served as equity, diversity and inclusion advisor at Red Deer Polytechnic, where he led the development and implementation of the institution’s five-year Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education in Equity, Diversity, Social Justice, and Human Rights at Western University.

With extensive international experience across Africa, Asia, and North America, Nyirimihigo brings a global perspective to his work. Having lived, studied, and worked across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America, he has developed a collaborative and relationship-centred approach to leadership, community engagement, policy development, and organizational change.

Royal Canadian Legion marks 100 years

New Brunswickers are invited to join Canadians from coast to coast in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Founded in 1925 and officially incorporated by an act of Parliament on July 17, 1926, the legion has spent the past 100 years advocating for veterans, serving military members and their families, promoting remembrance and strengthening communities.

“As the Royal Canadian Legion celebrates its centennial year, New Brunswickers proudly join all Canadians in honouring an organization that has stood beside veterans and their families for a century,” said Premier Susan Holt.

Across New Brunswick, legion branches play a vital role by preserving Canada’s military heritage and promoting remembrance. Their work strengthens communities and helps ensure future generations understand the sacrifices made in service to the country, said Holt.

As part of its commitment to recognizing veterans and their contributions, the provincial government will modernize the veterans’ licence plate in partnership with the New Brunswick Command of the Royal Canadian Legion. More details about the updated design will be shared in the coming months.

“The legion’s centenary is an opportunity to celebrate a remarkable legacy and reaffirm our commitment to veterans, active military members, and seniors who have contributed so much to our province and country,” said Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Jean-Claude D’Amours, who is also minister responsible for military affairs.

Throughout its centennial year, the legion is marking this milestone with commemorative events and activities across the country.

Council to hear update on Centre Village gas plant at July 14 council meeting

Tonight is the last regular council meeting until September, and will be the last scheduled meeting until a committee of the whole on August 24.

There are three items on the agenda which will be held in a closed session after the public portion of the meeting, which starts at the usual time of 7 pm.

Council will first decide on several topics, including street closures for September’s Pride Parade, as well as a triathlon on August 22, liquor licensing for a proposed event at Beech Hill Park, and whether to authorize the signing of the emergency mutual aid agreement, of which Tantramar is the only municipality that has not signed. 

They will also decide on the purchase of a SCBA compressor unit for Sackville Fire and Rescue for $82,508.06, and eight gas detectors for Point De Bute and Sackville Fire totalling $23,741.75.

Moving on to public presentations, council will hear an update on the Centre Village gas plant by NB Power’s Brad Coady. There will also be presentations on the Cookville solar project, which promises to supply up to 150 megawatts of renewable electricity, the ongoing façade restoration project at Struts Gallery, and a resident presentation on the current procedural by-law.

After that, staff are expected to provide updates on the elevator for the Tantramar Veterans’ Memorial Civic Centre, as well as provide proposals for the upcoming Acadian Day, the replacement of failed pumps at the Ogden Mill Road lift station and a gifting agreement with the province regarding refurbished firefighting equipment.

Finally, there will also be a motion from Councillor Kristen Leblanc. According to reporting from Bruce Wark, Leblanc said at the recent protest against the Tantramar gas plant that she would bring forth a motion to reaffirm council’s opposition to the plant.

Mount Allison awarded accessibility grant from Rick Hansen Foundation

Mount Allison University has received a $40,000 grant that will help make the campus a bit more accessible.

The $40,000 accessibility grant, awarded from the Rick Hansen Foundation, will be used to install ACA-compliant door-opening mechanisms in several areas on campus.

University president Ian Sutherland said these funds will help accelerate important work to improve accessibility across campus

“Accessibility is a key part of Mount Allison’s mission and guides how we approach campus development and renewal,” said Sutherland. “This funding allows us to move forward quickly on upgrades that will make a meaningful difference on our campus.” 

The project will support the installation of the door-opening mechanisms in the Wallace McCain Student Centre, including the Meighen Centre, fitness centre, student life (second floor), and the MASU office. A similar upgrade was recently completed at the wellness centre. Installation is expected to be completed this summer.

The RBC Barrier Buster Grants Program was created in honour of the 40th anniversary of Rick Hansen’s Man In Motion World Tour, to assist municipalities, schools and community groups across the country with accessibility improvement projects that help remove barriers for people of all ages and abilities.

Two paramedics and patient dead after two-vehicle collision in Strait Shores

Three people are dead after a two-vehicle collision near the Confederation Bridge in New Brunswick Tuesday morning.

According to an RCMP release, a westbound ambulance collided with an eastbound transport truck on July 7, shortly after 9 am on Route 16 in Melrose, a community in Strait Shores.

The driver of the ambulance, a 56-year-old man from Warren Grove, P.E.I., along with the two passengers, a 77-year-old woman from Montague and a 23-year-old woman from Nine Mile Creek, died at the scene as result of their injuries, said RCMP.

Health PEI confirmed in a statement two of the victims were paramedics, while the third was a patient in their care.

The transport truck driver, whose age or identity were not disclosed, was taken to hospital with what police believed to be serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Both vehicles have been sent for mechanical inspection.

An RCMP collision reconstructionist, a member of the New Brunswick Coroner’s office and several provincial governmental organizations also attended the scene. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.

Premier of Prince Edward Island Rob Lantz issued a statement on Tuesday, saying “today, all Islanders are grieving.”

“The tragic loss of two Island EMS paramedics and the patient they were caring for has left our entire province in shock and mourning,” stated Lantz. “On behalf of the government of Prince Edward Island, I extend my deepest condolences to their families, friends, colleagues, and to everyone whose lives they touched.”

“This is an unimaginable tragedy for every family affected and for the many first responders, healthcare professionals, and emergency personnel who responded,” he stated.

Two charged following vehicle theft in Sackville

A man and woman from Springhill, NS, have been charged after a woman was pushed to the ground and her vehicle was stolen in Sackville. 

Around 1:15 pm on June 21, 2026, Sackville RCMP responded to a report of a vehicle theft near a business on Main Street. According to a media release, the victim was trying to get in her vehicle when she was approached by a man who grabbed her keys, pushed her to the ground and fled in the vehicle. The victim was transferred to the hospital with what police believed to be minor injuries.

Four days later, on June 25, two suspects were arrested in Sackville and remanded into custody. Zachary Chatfield, 24, and Melissa Chatfield, 45, were both charged with robbery in Moncton Provincial Court on June 26, and were remanded into custody pending a future court appearance. 

On July 2, the pair appeared in Moncton Provincial Court and were released from custody pending a future court appearance. 

The investigation is ongoing.

Mount Allison, NBCC sign agreement for business degree pathway program

Mount Allison University and New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) have signed a new agreement that will create a more direct pathway for NBCC business administration accounting diploma graduates to achieve a bachelor of commerce from Mount Allison.

The five-year agreement allows eligible students who have completed NBCC’s two-year business administration accounting program to transfer into Mount Allison’s bachelor of commerce degree program with up to 60 transfer credits. Under the agreement, students would be able to complete their bachelor of commerce degree at Mount Allison in two years, or four academic terms, of full-time study.

The agreement is part of a broader Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two institutions to create practical, student-centred pathways that recognize previous learning, reduce administrative complexity, and help students better plan their post-secondary journeys.

“This agreement reflects Mount Allison’s commitment to supporting students at different stages of their education and creating more flexible pathways into our academic programs,” says Mount Allison’s vice president of academic and research Richard Isnor. “NBCC students bring strong applied learning, professional preparation, and valuable experience.”

“Partnerships between postsecondary institutions like NBCC and Mount Allison are essential in supporting student mobility and expanding opportunities for learners,” says NBCC’s vice president of academic, innovation and student affairs Ann Drennan.

New virtual health-care service launches this week

The province’s new virtual health-care service will begin providing care to New Brunswickers today, June 30.

Virtual Care NB will offer access to virtual consultations seven days a week, with bilingual services and connections to other parts of the health-care system.

Health Minister John Dornan said this service provides another way to access timely health care.

“This service supports individuals without a primary care provider, as well as those whose provider is unavailable and who require care for an issue that cannot wait,” said Dornan.

Virtual Care NB will assess and treat many common, non-urgent illnesses, injuries, infections and general health concerns. It will also be able to support patients with services such as prescription renewals, patient followups and laboratory referrals.

The service will be available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., offering same-day or next-day scheduled appointments, and video, telephone and chat consultation options. People will be able to access the service through the Virtual Care NB webpage, the MyHealthNB website and mobile app, or through Tele-Care 811.

The online symptom checker and Tele-Care 811 will serve as the entry points for virtual care. They will assess people’s health-care needs and guide them to the most appropriate care, which could include booking an appointment with Virtual Care NB or being connected with other types of services.

Virtual Care NB will be available to all New Brunswickers with a valid medicare card. No account or specific mobile app will be required to access the service.

Amherst adopts graffiti bylaw, advances affordable housing proposal

Amherst town council has approved a new bylaw aimed at preventing graffiti while also moving forward with a proposed affordable housing development in the town’s downtown.

The new graffiti bylaw requires property owners to remove most graffiti within 15 days after receiving notice from the town. Graffiti considered offensive or hate-based must be removed within 24 hours. If owners fail to comply, the town may remove the graffiti itself and recover the cost from the property owner. The bylaw also establishes fines for violations.

During the same June 22 meeting, council gave first reading to a development agreement that would allow the YMCA of Cumberland to construct a 36-unit affordable housing development at 1 Albion Street.

Town staff say the project would add much-needed housing within walking distance of downtown services and amenities.

A public hearing on the proposed development is scheduled for Tuesday, July 8 at 5pm, after which council will decide whether to grant final approval.

Pride parade planned for September

Tantramar seems poised to move ahead with plans for this year’s Pride Parade in Sackville.

At last week’s committee of the whole meeting, council unanimously voted to send a proposed street closure for the annual parade to its July 14 regular meeting for final approval.

If approved, the parade will take place Monday, Sept. 21 as part of Pride Week. Participants will gather at Mount Allison University before marching along York Street and Main Street to the Tantramar municipal office, where a Pride flag raising is planned.

Matt Pryde, Tantramar’s director of active living and culture, explained the reason Pride Week is held in September.

“That’s when the students are here, and they really make up the bulk of the participants in the parade.”

Pryde also told council, “We’re looking at ways to grow Pride Week and make it more than just the parade.”

Sackville has held annual Pride celebrations for more than a decade. The town held its first official Pride flag raising in 2012, and annual Pride parades have become a regular part of the community calendar in recent years.

One notable chapter in that history dates back to the mid-1980s and 1990s when Mount Allison professor and United Church minister Eldon Hay became a leading advocate for LGBTQ+ rights after his son came out. Hay helped establish early Maritime chapters of PFLAG in 1996, received the New Brunswick Human Rights Award in 1997, and was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2003 for his work supporting gay, lesbian and bisexual Canadians

State funeral will be held Friday for Marilyn Trenholme Counsell

A state funeral is planned to honour and celebrate the life of former New Brunswick lieutenant-governor Marilyn Trenholme Counsell, who passed away June 17 at the age of 92.

Trenholme Counsell, who also served as MLA of Tantramar from 1987-1997 and later a Senator, was an advocate and leader who dedicated her life to serving her community, province and country.

The funeral, which will be open to the public, will take place at 2 p.m. on Friday in Convocation Hall at Mount Allison University. A reception will follow at the university’s Purdy Crawford Centre for the Arts at 152 Main Street.

Members of the public wishing to express condolences may do so by signing the condolence book online. Flags at all provincial government buildings have been placed at half-mast until sunset on the day of the funeral.

Municipality says Sackville Fire & Rescue on road to recovery, but specific actions not revealed

Municipal officials in Tantramar aren’t providing specifics on how the findings of a recent workplace investigation will end the turmoil within Sackville Fire & Rescue, but they are confident the department is now on the road to recovery.

“We are grateful that this process has concluded,” stated Tantramar Mayor Debbie Wiggins-Colwell in a press release issued by the municipality on Friday, June 19.

“It has been a difficult time for Sackville Fire & Rescue and the entire community. Now, we can focus on recovery for Sackville Fire & Rescue and on maintaining a safe, respectful workplace while providing exceptional fire service to Tantramar residents.”

The press release – which provided an update on the workplace investigation that was launched earlier this year after 12 local firefighters turned in their pagers in an effort to bring attention to issues relating to management, workplace safety and harassment – stated that the final investigation report was received by the municipality on May 13. Following a review of those findings, administration, at the direction of council, has “taken appropriate administrative actions to resolve this matter.”

The release states that administration will now meet with the members who stepped away from duty to develop a return-to-work plan for members interested in returning to duty.

“The municipality recognizes this situation is of significant public interest. However, to respect privacy obligations and maintain the integrity of the personnel process, no further details will be released regarding HR processes,” the press release reads.

Dorchester to come alive for this weekend’s Shiretown Festival

The Shiretown Festival will kick off in Dorchester this weekend, with plenty of activities for all ages.

From a kids’ parade to a bike rodeo, from a community-wide yard sale to an art event, from a games afternoon to a car show, the festival has a packed line-up of events running from Thursday, June 11 to Sunday, June 14.

The events will get under way with the opening ceremony on Thursday evening, with a Citizen of the Year award to be handed out at the Village Square. A bike rodeo will follow at the square, and the night will finish off with a Beavers and Cubs ‘bring-a-friend’ dance at the Veterans’ Community Centre.

Friday will feature a kids’ parade at the Dorchester take-out and music at the community centre.

Saturday’s line-up will include a breakfast, a community yard sale, vendors and games at the square, an art event at Station 8, an afternoon parade, a cake auction, an open house at the fire hall, and music at the take-out with Drew Moore.

A weekend-long book sale will run from Thursday to Saturday afternoon. The festival will wrap up with a car show on Sunday afternoon.

For more information, visit Tantramar’s Facebook page.

Levee on the Lake will return for another year

Sackville will play host to Levee on the Lake once again this September.

Organizers of the annual event announced their line-up last week for their seventh season, with The Barra MacNeils, Lennie Gallant, Lorne Elliott, The McMillan Camp Boys, and The Mainlanders headlining the four-day music festival from Sept. 10-13. More than a dozen other bluegrass, folk and celtic country artists will also hit the stage for various events throughout the weekend.

The festivities will kick off on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 10 with The Pig and Promenade event at the Music Barn, featuring Lennie Gallant, Marrow Bones and Matt Sanipass.

Friday night will feature The Taste of Tantramar at the festival tent, featuring the Quiet Wild, Shane Douthwright, JP Cormier, Montun Cubano, and Kevin Chase.

Saturday’s line-up will include a family Littlest Levee event – highlighted by a children’s concert at the Sackville Music Barn – and the Cattail Concert with Lorne Elliott and the McMillan Camp Boys, followed up by The Bootleggers’ Ball at the festival tent, with The Ordeals, Jacob Chevarie, The Mainlanders and The Tina Gautreau Band.

Sunday afternoon will be filled with the sounds of bluegrass at The Fawcett Dance Hall Frolic, with Payton Sanipass, Third Harmony, and Bouboul & GrassSide taking the stage. That night, get ready for The Barra MacNeils and New Brunswick’s Cameron Molloy at The Silver Lake Sessions at the festival tent.

For ticket information, visit www.leveeonthelake.com

Mount A students will see tuition hike in 2026-27

Mount Allison students will face another tuition hike this coming fall. The university approved its 2026-27 budget at its spring meeting last month, bringing with it a 3.5 per cent increase for New Brunswick students and five per cent for other Canadian and international students.

Students will also face increases to their residence and meal plan rates, as well as some of their student fees. In a response to the budget, the Mount Allison Students’ Association stated they were incredibly disappointed in these decisions “that will no doubt negatively impact the student experience.”

The university states the tuition increase will help maintain the quality of academic excellence and student experience at Mount Allison, and the decision followed careful internal review and reflected financial sustainability needs, amidst an evolving and uncertain funding and economic environment.

While MASU states it acknowledges the university’s financial realities, “tuition increases cannot continue in this fashion when the cost of living is already at a high.”

The 2026–27 university budget, available here, will see investments in areas such as equity and community development, technology, extended learning, academic supports, and campus services. It also includes a 7.3 per cent increase to student financial aid.

This year’s budget, according to a release from the university, will ensure the university maintains a disciplined approach to financial management, including a reduction in its projected deficit and continued alignment of expenditures with institutional priorities.

“This budget reflects our continued commitment to supporting students while managing significant external pressures,” says university president Ian Sutherland. “We are focused on making strategic, responsible decisions that strengthen the university today and position us for long-term success.”

Festival by the Marsh brings Chester Cole play back to the stage

Festival by the Marsh is remounting a production of the heartbreaking story of Chester Cole, a teenage speed skater from Sackville whose talent carried him from local ice to the world stage.

Chester Cole – Speed Skater, written by Ron Kelly Spurles and directed by Charlie Rhindress, is returning to the stage this week at the Sackville Curling Club.

The play, running from June 4-7, follows the life story of teenage speed skating sensation and would-be Olympian Chester Cole who, after winning a junior World Speed Skating Championship title in 1926 at 14 years old, tragically died a few years later following an accident while competing at Madison Square Gardens.

The show was originally brought to the stage in 2019 as part of Sackville’s Bordertown Festival and was titled Cole. This second production will be staged this Thursday to Sunday, with 7:30 pm shows each evening, and 2 pm matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are available on the Festival by the Marsh website.

Tantramar’s new council to be sworn in Tuesday

Tantramar’s newly-elected municipal council will officially take office this week.

A swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, June 2, at 6:30 pm in council chambers at the municipal office, located at 31C Main Street in Sackville.

The event is open to the public and is listed by the municipality as a special council meeting.

The ceremony follows May’s municipal election and marks the beginning of the new council term. The new council will be responsible for guiding municipal decisions across Tantramar, including Sackville, Dorchester, Point de Bute, Midgic and surrounding communities.

Regular council meetings are normally held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 pm. Committee of the whole meetings are held the fourth Monday of every month at 3 pm.

Tantramar students set to hit the water for annual Dragon Boat races

Tantramar Regional High School students will hit the water at Jones Lake today (Friday) as they take part once again in the Greater Moncton Dragon Boat Festival.

Tantramar will have nine boats competing in this year’s high school event, not only hoping to bring home the trophy again this year but also to recapture their title of highest fundraising school. The school has already announced it has hit the $50,000 mark through this year’s fundraising efforts and anticipates that total could reach even higher before the races get under way this afternoon.

TRHS has competed in the Dragon Boat festival since its very beginnings in 2006, when the races featured three schools in five boats. This year’s races will see 14 schools competing in 48 boats.

In the two decades Tantramar has been participating, it has been named the top fundraising school 14 times. This year, fundraising included everything from car washes to bingo nights, to silent auctions to gift basket raffles, to cake walks and much more. It also included partnerships with several local businesses, who offered a portion of sales proceeds to the school’s efforts.

Sixty per cent of the total funds raised goes to the Lions Sick Children’s Funds, while the remaining 40 per cent goes to local charities chosen by the students.

Races get under way today at 3 pm and are located at Jones Lake behind Hillcrest School.

Struts Gallery announces production fund recipients

Struts Gallery in Sackville has announced its 2026 production fund recipients.

The Media Arts Production Fund is going to Jan Martin (also known as LittleStoneCrow) of McKees Mills, while the Members Production Fund is going to Rachel Thornton of Sackville.

Martin’s project, Nature Mechanical, is an experimental film and sound work, while Thornton’s project, theriomancy, explores mythology, ecology, climate collapse, and digital experimentation.

Struts says the funds support local and regional artists working in contemporary and media arts.

Visit www.strutsgallery.ca for more information.

Amherst woman arrested twice in less than 24 hours after shoplifting complaints

Amherst Police say a 29-year-old New Brunswick woman was arrested twice in less than 24 hours in connection with separate alleged theft incidents.

Police say Nellie Landry was first arrested on May 21 after officers responded to a shoplifting complaint at a Robert Angus Drive business. Officers later found her near the Amherst Industrial Park allegedly pushing a cart full of stolen items. Police say she tried to run, but was arrested.

Landry was charged with theft under $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime, resisting arrest, and breach of probation. Police also say they executed an outstanding warrant for failing to appear on a previous Amherst theft charge from March.

She appeared in court on May 22 and was released. Amherst Police say she was arrested again shortly after 1 p.m. the same day, after a separate complaint that clothing had been stolen from a downtown business. She was charged with another count of theft under $5,000 and remanded into custody until May 25.

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Local artist awarded one of Canada’s top photography honours

A Sackville artist has been awarded one of Canada’s most prestigious honours for photographic artists.

Karen Stentaford, an associate fine arts professor at Mount Allison University, has been named this year’s winner of the Scotiabank Photography Award, becoming the first Atlantic Canadian to win the award in more than 15 years. 

Stentaford is a Mount Allison alumna, having earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1999. She also holds a Bachelor of Education with a Visual Arts Specialist focus from NSCAD University and Mount Saint Vincent University and Master of Arts in Photography from the Edinburgh College of Art.

The award, which recognizes the achievements of established mid-to-late career artists whose work has made significant contributions to contemporary photography in Canada, comes with a $50,000 cash prize, a solo Primary Exhibition at The Image Centre in Toronto, and a published book of her work, designed by Barr Gilmore and distributed internationally.

“I have been following the annual Scotiabank Photography Award since Edward Burtynsky co-founded it with Scotiabank in 2010. I have admired and celebrated the artists recognized over the years, so to hear my name called as the winner felt surreal,” Stentaford says. “It’s very exciting to be recognized by my peers on this national stage and have the opportunity to share my work more widely.”

Stentaford’s work is rooted in slow photography, repetition, and close looking — an approach that invites viewers to pause and consider the layered relationships between people, place, and the natural world. Since 2013, she has also engaged communities through participatory photography with her Photomatic Travelling Tintype Studio.
 

Ducks Unlimited Canada gearing up for Duck and Run 2026 to help support wetland conservation

Ducks Unlimited Canada is inviting runners, walkers, and wheelers to join in their annual Duck and Run fundraiser happening across Canada this June.

In Tantramar, the Duck and Run fun run is happening at the Sackville Waterfowl Park on Saturday, June 6 at 11 am.

Duck and Run is Ducks Unlimited Canada’s annual race for wetland conservation. Participants can choose to take part in person at a fun run near them, or try the virtual challenge; both directly support Ducks Unlimited’s wetland conservation efforts.

Last year, Duck and Run helped raise over $100,000 to protect Canada’s wetlands. Wetlands are incredible ecosystems, but across the populated parts of Canada, many have been lost and more are threatened every day. Wetlands play a key role in absorbing and storing carbon, reducing the impact of floods and wildfire, and cleaning water to benefit humans and animals alike. Across Canada, there are more than 550 animal and bird species that rely on wetlands, and almost 100 of those are at risk.

For more information, or to register for the event, visit www.ducks.ca/run

Bad Words for a Good Cause coming to Sackville

Ducky’s Pub will be the place to laugh and give back to the community on the night of Saturday, May 30.

Four of New Brunswick’s top stand-up comedians will take the stage that night to support the Sackville Food Bank as part of the Bad Words for a Good Cause show, including recently-announced special guest comedy queen Michelle Lynn Petite. Petite has opened for some of the biggest names in Canadian comedy.

Also performing will be Saint John comedian Cive Lucas, founder of Bad Words for a Good Cause, high-energy Moncton comic and producer Matt White, and Moncton-born storyteller David Hadaad, who has honed his comedy at Ottawa’s Yuk Yuk’s.

Advance tickets are available at Jump Comedy or visit the Bad Words for a Good Cause Facebook page. Five dollars from every ticket sold goes to the Sackville Food Bank. Tickets can also be purchased at the door. Showtime is at 7:30 pm.

Point de Bute man dies in ATV crash in Midgic

A 40-year-old man from Point de Bute has died following a single-vehicle ATV crash in Midgic.

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RCMP say members of the Sackville detachment responded to the crash at the intersection of Brooklyn Road and Goose Lake Road at around 6:40 am on Friday, May 15.

Police believe the driver was travelling southbound when the ATV failed to negotiate a turn at the intersection and struck a tree.

The driver was the only person on the ATV and died at the scene from his injuries.

The New Brunswick coroner, Sackville Fire Department, and Ambulance New Brunswick also attended the scene.

RCMP say a collision reconstructionist is assisting with the ongoing investigation. An autopsy will be conducted to determine the man’s exact cause of death.