Meet Your Candidates: Saint John – St. Croix Votes 2025 on CHCO-TV

CHCO-TV and the Municipal District of St. Stephen present “Meet Your Candidates: Saint John – St. Croix Votes 2025 on CHCO-TV,” recorded on location at the Garcelon Civic Centre in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada.

Original Broadcast Date: April 16, 2025

Tributes were paid in the House of Assembly today as Premier Andrew Furey transitions back to private life and his medical career.

Today was the premier’s last sitting in the House of Assembly as the legislature takes a two-week Easter break followed by Constituency Week.

Premier Andrew Furey shocked his party, and the province when he announced his intention to step down from political life back in February.

John Abbott and John Hogan are in the running for the Liberal party’s top job, with a leadership convention set for May 3rd.

Government House Leader Lisa Dempster called today a “bittersweet day.”

She acknowledged that Premier Furey will be welcomed back in the operating room in his role as a skilled orthopedic surgeon.

“As I’ve traveled around the province and around my own district, many, many, many times I’ve ran into folks that have said ‘he did this for me, he did that for me.’ One guy said ‘he fixed my missus’ arm,’ and that’s just an example. Someone said ‘he put my daughter back together.” Dempster took the time to acknowledge what she called “the incredible contribution that our premier has made to Newfoundland and Labrador during his five-year tenure”.

Opposition Leader Tony Wakeham says it takes a lot of courage to offer yourself up for public service.

“It takes an extra-special commitment to take on the role of premier. So I want to congratulate the premier on his efforts for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, and I wish him and his family well into the future.”

NDP Leader Jim Dinn meanwhile says the demands of representing a large district far removed from the place where he lives is challenging enough.

He acknowledged the challenges in representing the province and it’s massive geography, and representing the province on the world stage, and the time that takes away from family and his career as a surgeon. “For those things, I thank you.”

Right-wing figures are floating Alberta secessionism if Mark Carney’s Liberals win the federal election, threatening a referendum on independence if the election doesn’t turn out the way they hope it does.

As Pierre Poilievre’s chances of winning continue dropping, right-wing voices across the province, from fringey convoy figures to the opposition leaders alike, are starting to bang the drum for Alberta’s separation from the rest of Canada.

Alberta sovereignty is a vaguely defined idea with conflicting visions on what form it would take, be it greater independence from Ottawa, full on nationhood, or complete integration with the United States, but none of this appears to be stopping western commentators from threatening it should Poilievre fail to win the next election.

A so-called “Referendum Rally” for Alberta independence is planned for May 1.

Listed speakers include right-wing influencer Marty Belanger, Freedom Convoy lawyer Keith Wilson and controversial Queens University law professor Bruce Pardy. The list also includes figures from Alberta’s independence movement, including the Republican Party of Alberta’s Cam Davies (a key figure in Jason Kenney’s “kamikaze candidate” scandal) and separatist author Michael Wagner.

Referendum Rally poster

Former opposition leader Preston Manning has also added his voice to the chorus warning of Alberta separation should Mark Carney’s Liberals form government, writing in the Globe and Mail last week that a vote for anyone other than Poilievre is a “vote for the breakup of Canada as we know it.”

“Voters, particularly in central and Atlantic Canada, need to recognize that a vote for the Carney Liberals is a vote for Western secession,” Manning wrote. “If you couldn’t care less about the concerns or actions of Western Canada, then ignore this unsolicited advice” Manning wrote.

“Understand that separation of the resources-based economic engine of Western Canada from what’s left of the rest of Canada will have dire economic and social consequences for the latter.”

Manning, the former head of the right-wing Manning Centre (now named the “Canada Strong and Free Network”)once penned a report for the Alberta government where public health officials would stand trial in a fictional scenario to punish them for their response to the pandemic.

Manning isn’t the only figure floating the idea of separation.

Convoy influencer Marty Up North used his platform of 128,000 followers to call confederation a drag on Alberta.

“I’ve been pro Alberta independence for over a decade. Up until recently, I didn’t think it would happen in my lifetime. That’s changed in the last 3 months. I believe Confederation is a failed experiment. Worse. I believe Confederation is a drag on Alberta.”

I’ve been pro Alberta independence for over a decade.

Up until recently, I didn’t think it would happen in my lifetime.

That’s changed in the last 3 months. I believe Confederation is a failed experiment. Worse. I believe Confederation is a drag on Alberta.

The events of… https://t.co/C19Ft9wA9q pic.twitter.com/y9iK12Bnom

— Martyupnorth®- Unacceptable Fact Checker (@Martyupnorth_2) March 30, 2025

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith threatened a “national unity crisis” following a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney late last month.

Later speaking to conservative commentator Ben Shapiro during a fundraiser for the climate change denialist organization PragerU in Florida, Smith took aim at the federal government.

“The Federal government has taxed and attempted to landlock our natural resource and penalize our energy and agriculture producers,” Smith said in a recording obtained by Canada’s National Observer. “It’s time to tell the federal government, no more. Canada, and Alberta included, does not need more punitive carbon taxes, does not need emissions caps, does not need net zero power grids.”

Shapiro has previously mocked Canadian sovereignty, calling for Canada to be the Puerto Rico of the north.

Figures associated with the Freedom Convoy movement have added their voices to the pro-Alberta independence movement. Convoy lawyer Keith Wilson, one of the “Referendum Rally” speakers and a main spokesperson for Freedom Convoy leaders during the occupation of Ottawa, has expressed support for Alberta independence.

Another voice platforming the idea of Alberta statehood is political commentator Rachel Parker, former contributor to the conservative media company True North. Parker has used her YouTube platform to advance the idea. This included an interview with Alberta lawyer Jeffrey Rath, who is a contributor to the sovereigntist-leaning Alberta Prosperity Project and recently visited Washington DC to pitch Alberta statehood.

“Canada left me a long time ago,” Rath told Parker. “I don’t really consider myself to be Canadian anymore, I consider myself an Albertan, full stop.”

Parker interviewed another member of the APP delegation to DC, Denis Modry, who clarified the distinction between separatism and sovereignty by laying out a vision of an Alberta that isn’t affected by Ottawa.

“Sovereignty means self governance. It means there is no higher power other than your government structures,” Modry said. “We lose our sovereignty when we are totally controlled by the federal government.”

David Parker, Rachel Parker’s spouse and the leader of right wing Alberta activist group Take Back Alberta which credits itself with bringing Danielle Smith to power, has also been outspoken on the subject of sovereignty, once claiming on a podcast that Canadian identity is little more than a “misplaced sense of superiority.”

David Parker leads the right wing group Take Back Alberta, which credits itself with bringing Danielle Smith to power.

In a posting on Take Back Alberta’s Telegram channel in March, Parker wrote that Alberta has more in common with Americans than Canadians:

“If anything, Albertans share much more in common with Americans than Ontarians, let alone the Québécois. Albertans are entrepreneurial, they value personal responsibility and merit, and most importantly they value freedom. This is why, when looking at the polling, Alberta (and to a lesser extent Saskatchewan) stand alone. They are the only provinces that are not reflecting this trend. Everywhere else in Canada is exposing their true colours. A country whose whole identity is born out of a misplaced sense of superiority, that is actually born out of envy.”

Smith until recently has shied away from calling a referendum on Alberta independence, stating that her mandate is to “fix Canada” instead. She has recently proposed a post election panel on an independence referendum.

Maxime Bernier, leader of the People’s Party of Canada, says he welcomes a referendum on independence for the province.

“Speaking about a referendum in Alberta, I’m welcoming that. You need to have a referendum,” Bernier said. “If you have a referendum, I will be the only national politician saying ‘vote yes’”

The post As Pierre Poilievre Tanks in the Polls, Disgruntled Conservatives are Floating the Idea of Alberta Joining the United States appeared first on PressProgress.

After almost four decades, a London-based organization that helps young people will have new leadership.

McGill University has obtained a 10-day court order against a pro-Palestinian student group forbidding protests on campus.

RCMP NL is warning drug users of the dangers in using cocaine. Recent seizures in this province have determined that current street-level quantities of cocaine are of an extremely high potency. Cocaine currently is the leading drug causing toxicity (overdose) deaths in Newfoundland and Labrador.

While fentanyl is a highly toxic and dangerous substance, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) has confirmed that cocaine is the most prevalent drug responsible for toxicity deaths within Newfoundland and Labrador. The OCME is reporting a marked increase in both cocaine and fentanyl related toxicity deaths since 2023.

The OCME has reported a total of 158 toxicity deaths in Newfoundland and Labrador between 2023-2024, of which 87% were accidental deaths.  49% of these deaths involved cocaine alone while 18 % of these deaths involved fentanyl and/or analogs of fentanyl alone. In the remaining deaths, a number of other drugs were detected, including other stimulants such as methylphenidate, ecstasy (MDMA), and amphetamines, other opioids such as morphine, hydromorphone, oxycodone, as well as various Benzodiazepines 

“Cocaine has caused significant harms in this province in recent years with respect to mortality and hospitalizations,” said Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Nash Denic. 

The number of deaths where cocaine has been implicated has steadily risen since 2021 with sharp increases in 2023 and 2024.”

With drastic changes in the potency of street-level cocaine over the past couple of years, the province has seen drastic increases in the number of cocaine toxicity deaths. From 2018-2022, the province had an annual average of 14 toxicity deaths attributed solely to cocaine. Between 2023-2024, this average has more than doubled, with an annual average of 36 deaths attributed solely to cocaine.

RCMP Federal Policing Eastern Region has seen a dramatic increase in the purity of street-level cocaine seized in the province, noting recent purity levels between 94-96%. “Up until about 2-3 years ago, cocaine seized at the street-level in the province was on average 15%-20% pure,” said Inspector David Emberley of RCMP Federal Policing–Eastern Region. “In the last couple of years, this purity level has risen to an average of over 90% purity, which can easily result in overdose and death. Unfortunately, many people have a cavalier attitude towards cocaine use and are likely not aware of its fatal impacts.”

After a close race in 2021, a former Hamilton NDP MPP is challenging the Liberal incumbent. 

The Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation (DNIRHF) has released its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting another impactful year of community support, record-breaking donations, and healthcare equipment and technology investments for Swift Current and rural southwest Saskatchewan.

The Foundation received nearly $942,000 in donations, a big dip from its record-breaking $4.13 million in 2023. Its total revenue was $2.35 million, and last year's expenses were $1.14 million. The most significant expenses were equipment donations, just above $319,000, leaving it with a total profit of $1.2 million.

The Foundation continued its tradition of hosting highly successful fundraising events, including:

• Darren McClellan Memorial Golf Tournament
• Bob Pollock Memorial Golf Tournament
• RibFest
• Radiothon for Healthcare, presented by Pharmasave

The Foundation's fundraising events in 2024 were met with enthusiastic community participation:

• The Radiothon exceeded its goal, raising over $183,000—well above the $150,000 target. These funds were used to purchase a cardiology stress test console and three Medtronic LifePak 15 defibrillators. With the surplus, the Foundation also committed to acquiring a transvenous pacemaker and a Tango M2 blood pressure monitor for the cardiac unit at Cypress Regional Hospital.
   
• BOB Lobster Pollock: Raised over $40,000 in the three previous years that was donated to the Linda Hallon Chemotherapy Center At Cypress Regional Hospital
   
• Cookies for a Cause: In April, the Foundation partnered with Gull Lake Ambulance and the Grainery Bakery to deliver 45 dozen cookies throughout Gull Lake. Proceeds supported the Gull Lake Ambulance and equipment needs at the Special Care Home.
   
• RibFest: Held in September in collaboration with Living Sky Casino, RibFest featured three rib vendors and various family-friendly activities. The event raised $10,000 for the Foundation's 25 Under 25 campaign.

"Our events are pretty much sold out," said Executive Director Kris Johnson. "From golf teams to hockey draft tables—always a waiting list. It's amazing to see that continued support. We're excited to grow each event and improve it every year."

The Foundation is preparing for another ambitious year, with five significant events underway. Plans are also in place to introduce a seniors-focused event, further expanding their reach.

"People continue to give," said Johnson. "Things are uncertain in the world, but we move forward daily and deal with challenges as they arise. The support we've received keeps making a difference."

The Foundation extended heartfelt thanks to all donors, volunteers, and community partners who helped make 2024 a banner year.

"Thanks to your generosity, whether through donations, events, or volunteering, we were able to enhance the patient experience and improve outcomes for so many close to home," the report concludes. "Your support truly makes a difference," said Helen Arnold

For more information on the Foundation or to get involved, click here 

Representatives from a learning centre in Regina are going to the Legislature Wednesday in the hopes of keeping the doors open.

McGill University has obtained a 10-day court order against a pro-Palestinian student group forbidding protests on campus.

A Quebec Superior Court judge granted the injunction Tuesday against Students for Palestinian Honour and Resistance.

St. Boniface Hospital is now home to a health vending machine called Our Healthbox, a program by REACH Nexus. (HANDOUT)

WINNIPEG — A new high-tech health vending machine offering free HIV self-tests, naloxone kits, and other wellness supplies is now available at St. Boniface Hospital.

The initiative, part of the national Our Healthbox program by REACH Nexus, aims to reduce health inequities and expand access to essential care.

The machine is available 24/7 and also offers harm reduction supplies, menstrual and hygiene products, and community health resources. It’s the second Healthbox installed in Winnipeg (in addition to the NorWest Co-op Community Health Clinic) and the 12th in Canada.

“Our Healthbox is a safe, non-judgmental, and anonymous way for people in our community to access the wellness supplies and support they need to stay safe and healthy,” said Katarina Lee Ameduri, director of ethics at Reseau Compassion Network and clinical ethicist at St. Boniface Hospital.

“We love our community and are passionate about harm reduction and ending the HIV epidemic. We hope people across Manitoba will see our St. Boniface Healthbox as a beacon of hope and care.”

Developed by Dr. Sean B. Rourke of St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, the initiative combines smart technology with public health tools to meet the needs of underserved communities.

“It’s about caring for and empowering people to take control of their own health and well-being, in ways that work for them — no matter where they live,” said Rourke.

The program has already distributed more than 48,000 health items nationwide and plans to expand further across Canada.

The new vending machine in Winnipeg was funded by BMO and the Canadian Foundation for AIDS Research (CANFAR).

Toronto police are set to hold an update Wednesday about a hit-and-run on a Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) walkway that left four people injured.

The post Rudyard Griffiths: If there’s one thing Canadians agree on after this election, let it be this appeared first on The Hub.

Easter weekend means adjusted hours for recycling returns

Vail’s Bottle Exchange in downtown Woodstock would like patrons to know they have limited hours this holiday weekend.

The depot will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday, April 18 and 21.

Saturday hours will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Vail’s Bottle Exchange would like to wish its customers a Happy Easter.

The post NOTICE: Vail’s Bottle Exchange holiday hours first appeared on River Valley Sun.

A Winnipeg police vehicle is photographed at a scene in Winnipeg, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski)

An interprovincial drug trafficking operation running between British Columbia and Manitoba has been dismantled following a months-long investigation by Winnipeg police.

The investigation, which began in December 2024, uncovered a large-scale operation in which illicit drugs were shipped from B.C. to Winnipeg. In early January 2025, authorities intercepted a shipment containing 10 kilograms of methamphetamine and 2 kilograms of cocaine sent from a commercial business in Surrey, B.C. The drugs were turned over to the RCMP Surrey detachment and later seized as evidence.

Between January and March, police executed several search warrants at residences and businesses across Winnipeg, as well as at Stony Mountain Institution. Seized items included drugs with an estimated street value of $180,000, nearly $46,000 in cash, drug packaging materials, stun guns, illegal cigarettes worth $36,000, vehicles with tampered VINs, cell phones, and weapons.

In total, six individuals were arrested and face a range of charges including drug trafficking, possession of proceeds of crime, weapons offences, and tampering with vehicle identification numbers. One of the suspects was already in custody at Stony Mountain Institution. While most were detained, one 30-year-old Winnipeg man was released to appear in court.

According to the Dalhousie University study, almost half of participating health care providers reported seeing cases of sexualized or domestic violence in the last six months. 

The post New study finds N.S. health care providers ill-equipped to respond to cases of sexualized and intimate partner violence appeared first on Halifax Examiner.

Years after being sanctioned, a student who was punished over protesting at Memorial University has won his say in the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador.