Coming up on the CHMA daily news roundup:
Fish harvesters get federal help,
Parks Canada announces some re-opening,
And CHMA checks in with Tidewater Books
But first:
The province reported no new cases of COVID-19 yesterday in New Brunswick, for the eighth day in a row.
Public health posted 449 new test results, with 131 in the South East Region. That’s above the target set by the province.
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New Brunswick has officially extended its state of emergency for another 14 days.
People who need to renew their Class 5 drivers license will be able to do so online starting May 21st, using their current license picture.
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Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil says his province will not pursue a provincial public enquiry into the mass murder that started in Portapique on April 18. McNeil says the province will instead play a supporting role in a federal enquiry.
A former resident of Portapique told the Halifax Examiner that the mass murderer had a history of domestic abuse. She says she called the RCMP to tell them the future gunman assaulted his domestic partner and that he had illegal weapons, but the police took no action.
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Two experts are warning that Sackville Town Council’s new Code of Conduct could stifle free speech and shut down dissent.
Mount Allison politics professor Geoff Martin points to sections of the Code that prohibit members of council from sending e-mails or creating posts on social media that could be considered offensive, inappropriate, dishonest or disrespectful.
Martin says people can disagree on what is offensive and disrespectful.
He adds that the members of Sackville Town Council should have the right to speak out because they’re independently elected and should not be treated as town employees.
A law professor at the University of New Brunswick agrees.
Nicole O’Byrne suggests Sackville’s new Code of Conduct violates the Charter’s guarantee of free speech.
O’Byrne also points to a section of the Code that says councillors should arrange their private affairs so that they can bear close public scrutiny.
She says it’s no wonder people don’t want to run for public office given the abysmally low pay and lack of personal privacy.
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Another Sackville business has announced it will not be reopening as restrictions lift. Thunder and Lightning’s Glenn Barrington and Anne Herteis shared the news on Facebook yesterday, in a heartfelt post. The post reads:
“Unfortunately, the present is complicated and the future is unknown – we don’t know when small pubs like ours might re-open, and if we would be able to operate again serving drinks and sharing a small space without fear and stress for each others’ safety.”
Earlier this week, CHMA learned that the Black Duck Cafe would also not be reopening. Owners Al Barbour and Sarah Evans have instead turned to a new business: Fridgee, an online grocery store.
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New Brunswick’s Ombudsman is suggesting that Sackville warn the public about the presence of surveillance cameras in its Town Hall.
Charles Murray says it’s “best practice” to post signs so that people know they’re being watched.
Cameras have been installed in the reception area where people gather outside the Sackville council chambers.
When the presence of the cameras first became known two years ago, town officials said they were needed for public safety.
Murray says that posting warning signs would maintain public trust and honesty.
New Brunswick’s Ombudsman has oversight over privacy issues, but does not have the power to order Sackville to post signs warning about the presence of surveillance cameras in its Town Hall.
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A group of business leaders in the Amherst and Sackville area are asking Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to come up with a solution that can restore the cross-border economy.
Border restrictions in both provinces have severely disrupted businesses and daily life on both sides of the border.
Here’s Erica Butler with more:
AUDIO CLIP OPENS: “Last week a group of 30 people…
ENDS: “…Reporting for CHMA, I’m Erica Butler.”
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On Thursday the federal government announced a 470 million dollar package to support fish harvesters.
Fishers could qualify for up to $10,000 in lost income.
Those who own their own business will have access to another $10,000 in grants.
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Parks Canada will be reopening some national parks on June 1.
Some trails, day use areas, and green spaces will open at some locations, but camping will remain closed until at least June 21.
It’s not clear yet which parks will open, but Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Parks Canada will try to align with local jurisdictions.
Several New Brunswick provincial parks will reopen today, with services limited to trails and beaches, public washrooms, limited restaurant services, and camping.
Mactaquac Provincial Park, New River Beach Provincial Park, Anchorage Provincial Park, Oak Bay Provincial Park, and the Fundy Trail Parkway are all open today. Services will be limited, with no events, and no programming or co-ordinated activities.
Next week, more parks are slated for opening, including Murray Beach and Parlee Beach Provincial Parks.
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And finally on the CHMA news roundup, the next installment of The Check In, featuring Ellen Pickle of Tidewater Books in Sackville:
AUDIO – The Check In – OPENS with theme
ENDS: “… Thanks for listening.” Fade out music.
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That was the CHMA daily news roundup.
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If you have questions or concerns about life in Sackville and the Tantramar area, get in touch with us at news@chmafm.com
