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A young Canadian Forces member stationed at Base Gagetown has denied a serious allegation of sexual assault, and his trial will be held in a year’s time.

Kody Decelles, 19, of Dufferin Court at Base Gagetown, faces an indictable charge of sexual assault, alleged to have occurred in Fredericton on Nov. 24.

The identity of the complainant is protected by a court-ordered publication ban, and Decelles is subject to a non-communication order barring him from contact with the complainant as well.

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Saint John-based Moltex Energy Canada Inc. is hoping potential new owners for its overseas parent company will breathe new life into its development of small modular nuclear reactor technology in New Brunswick.

Covered Bridge Potato Chip Company Inc., the AV Group (which owns the fibre mill in Nackawic), and Briggs and Little Woolen Mills Ltd. are all contenders

Opportunities NB will celebrate the contributions of the province’s exporting companies at its 57th annual gala on May 1 in Fredericton.

This annual event highlights New Brunswick’s business-savvy, entrepreneurial and innovative companies that have achieved recent or ongoing success in various export markets.

“It is more important than ever to recognize the resilience and adaptability of our exporting businesses and celebrate their success,” said Luke Randall, the minister responsible for Opportunities NB. “Through initiatives like the New Brunswick Export Awards reception and gala, and ongoing efforts to support companies that are diversifying their markets and strengthening supply chains, we want exporters to be empowered to not only adapt but thrive on the global stage. Together, we are building a brighter and more prosperous future for our province.”

Awards will be presented in the following categories:

·         Exporter of the Year Award – over $5 million in exports

·         Exporter of the Year Award – under $5 million in exports

·         Global Diversification Award

·         Innovative Exporter of the Year Award – under $10 million in exports

·         Yves Maillet Emerging Exporter of the Year Award

·         Sustainable Exporter of the Year Award

In addition, two new categories will be introduced:

·         Woman in Export Excellence Award – recognizing a woman-led (at least 50 per cent ownership and/or women in “C-suite” roles) business that has demonstrated exceptional leadership, success and influence.

·         Productivity Impact Award – recognizing a company that has invested in technology and productivity improvements, enhancing competitiveness and profitability.

Local companies nominated include Covered Bridge Potato Chip Company Inc., the AV Group (which owns the fibre mill in Nackawic), and Briggs and Little Woolen Mills Ltd.

The awards evening will take place at the Fredericton Convention Centre, beginning with a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by a formal dinner with local food and beverages and the awards ceremony. Tickets are available online.

Before the event, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., a free Opportunities NB training session, Export Strategies for Thriving in Uncertainty, will be held. It will feature a keynote speaker, workshop and panel discussion focused on helping businesses navigate global trade disruptions and economic uncertainty. With insights from private sector partners and business leaders, the training session will offer practical strategies to help exporters stay competitive and seize new opportunities in international markets. Registration is required and can be completed online.

To read about the 32 companies vying for awards, visit the Opportunities NB website.

Opportunities NB is a Crown corporation and the lead economic development agency for the province. It seeks to attract and support opportunities to stimulate the economy and create jobs by providing support services for businesses.

The post Local companies compete for provincial exporting awards first appeared on River Valley Sun.

'We've never obviously experienced anything like that with the active shooter or anything at to that dynamic,' said Kingsclear First Nation Chief Gabriel Atwin.

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A Bilijk (Kingsclear) First Nation man has been remanded on several charges, including one alleging he tried to kill three Mounties with gunfire during a standoff Tuesday evening.

Michael Christopher Sabattis, 34, of Tomahawk Street, appeared in Fredericton provincial court by telephone from the cellblock at the Oromocto RCMP detachment late Wednesday afternoon.

He was charged with the attempted murder of three RCMP officers - Const. Nicholas Gilfillan, Cpl. Jeremy Hardy and Const. Pierre-Alexandre Roy - by shooting a firearm at them, and discharging a firearm with the intent to wound, maim or otherwise endanger those Mounties’ lives.

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Woodstock man remains in custody

On Sunday afternoon, April 13, members of the Woodstock Police Force (WPF) responded to a report of a domestic dispute involving a male and female who resided at the same address. During the course of the investigation, officers determined that the male suspect had produced a loaded handgun and pointed it at the female victim during the altercation.

Following this incident, WPF officers obtained and executed a search warrant at the residence, which resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of firearms, including handguns, rifles, and shotguns, as well as more than 1,500 rounds of ammunition.

Police have charged 63-year-old Allan McLaughlin of Woodstock with the following offences:
• Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose
• Pointing a Firearm
• Assault with a Weapon
• Improper Storage of a Firearm

Additional charges are anticipated as the investigation continues.

Mr. McLaughlin has been remanded into custody.

The Woodstock Police Force remains committed to ensuring community safety and responding swiftly to incidents involving firearms and domestic violence. 

The post Large quantity of firearms siezed after domestic dispute first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Heritage permitting in Saint Andrews will now be handled by the Southwest New Brunswick Service Commission (SNBSC). 

The municipal council handed over the process during a recent council meeting. 

Mayor Brad Henderson said SNBSC already handles the permitting, with some items required to come before the planning advisory committee and the council. 

“They have our planning officers,” he said during an interview with reporters. “They have the trained professionals, and it just makes sense to extend that partnership.” 

Saint Andrews has a unique history, with its downtown being designated a national historic district. It maintains the loyalist grid design, as well. The ‘town plat’ received that designation in 1995. 

In December, the council passed a heritage bylaw after three full readings and vote. It establishes heritage conservation zones, identifying more than 80 properties that fall under the bylaw. 

Those properties were identified through three criteria: 

• The building was constructed prior to 1924
• The building is registered as a local historic place on the New Brunswick Register of Historic Places on the day this bylaw was passed.
• The building is located within the town plat or Historic Business District. 

“We do have a heritage board that is local residents that are appointed to a board,” Henderson said. “So, you still get that local voice in the community that will be weighing in on issues.” 

Henderson said handing over the process will likely come with a learning process, but it did look at heritage bylaws in other areas and the best practices associated with the application. 

He said during the meeting this was something that was “long overdue in the community.”

Alexander Gopen, the senior planner with the SNBSC, was appointed the heritage inspector. He said his role will be to triage the requests for properties that fit under the bylaw. 

If a building requires a permit, he would write a report, which would be presented to the board. 

“This process is administered by the heritage board, appointed by council,” he said. “Given how the by-law is structured, I expect the board will only need to meet to issue permits a few times a year.”

Gopen explained prior to the creation of the new bylaw, there was no restriction on property owners from demolishing or altering those heritage buildings. 

“Some have been lost over time,” he said. “Architectural heritage is one of, but certainly not the only, defining features that gives Saint Andrews, its residents, and visitors a strong and tangible sense of place.” 

He said those provide the community with a strong sense of place. 

“Physical connections to history and a sense of community are the bedrock of society,” he said.

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

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.

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A defence lawyer told a court Wednesday she had concerns about her client’s mental state even as the defendant insisted on reviewing Crown disclosure for charges on which he was still unrepresented.

Timothy James Kalinowski, 36, of no fixed address, appeared in person and in custody in Fredericton provincial court Wednesday morning.

Judge Mary Jane Richards noted the proceeding was set for the purpose of scheduling trial dates for various charges to which the defendant had already pleaded not guilty.

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Side-by-side tracks purchased for future emergencies

By Zarla Gorton

Early this winter, a few men from the NorthernLights TrailBlazers Club #47 were out for a ride and witnessed something no one wants to see. A fellow snowmobiler lost control of his sled and broke his leg. Initially, after the immediate panic subsided, the man was able to use a splint and then drove himself over 20 km to the main road and got help. The incident could have been much worse.

At the next club meeting, there was a long discussion about “what if?” Some club members also volunteer with the Hartland Fire Department (HFD). They came up with a plan. They worked out the details of a three-way investment between the HFD, the NorthernLights TrailBlazers, and M&A Automotive to purchase and install a set of tracks for the fire department’s side-by-side to be used as a winter rescue vehicle.

Now, if an accident or medical emergency is ‘off the beaten path’ in the winter, a 911 call will send a rescue sleigh and potentially save a life.

The NorthernLights TrailBlazers would like to thank everyone who helped make this happen.

The post Incident spurs club to act first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Saint John scrapyards and salvage recyclers would be restricted to "heavy industrial" zones under a proposed zoning bylaws amendment.

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An Oromocto man accused of sexually assaulting and touching a teenager last summer denied the allegations Wednesday, and his trial will be held in a year’s time.

Clarke Kenneth Scott Ramage, 48, of MacLaren Drive, appeared in Fredericton provincial court Wednesday to enter pleas to two summary charges alleging sexual offences against a minor.

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Meet the Saint John-St. Croix Candidates on CHCO-TV + New Brunswick launches FireSmart program ahead of wildfire season

Original Broadcast Date: April 15, 2025

CHCO-TV NewsBreak26 is an original CHCO Television produced in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada.

Hosts Vicki Hogarth and Nathalie Sturgeon take a closer look at the top stories of the week from CHCO-TV and The Courier.

Saint Andrews Mayor Brad Henderson discusses the future of the courthouse, municipal reform, and his decision to step down as mayor, on an all-new April 2025 edition of Your Town Matters.

Original Broadcast Date: April 10, 2025

Your Town Matters is an original CHCO-TV production taped on-location at the CHCO-TV studio in Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada.

Voting the way your parents and grandparents did is a habit that has endured decades of provincial and federal elections in some New Brunswick communities, but that could be fading, according to one political scientist.

In the federal riding of Saint John-Kennebecasis, the fates of companies large and small hinge on what the U.S. does next in its trade war and how Canada responds.

A pending Moncton council vote to loosen residential zoning rules will determine whether the municipality qualifies for millions in infrastructure money it hopes to use to boost housing development.

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A former Geary man whom authorities announced a month ago as being wanted on a Canada-wide warrant has been found and arrested, says the Fredericton Police Force.

The force issued an alert March 5 through social media about Scott Alexander Morrison, 43, reporting that he was wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for being unlawfully at large.

Such warrants are typically issued for parolees believed to be in violation of the conditions of their early release from prison.

The alert noted that it was believed Morrison was in the capital region.

In an update Sunday night, the city police force reported Morrison had been found.

“He was arrested Saturday evening (April 5) on the city's north side and is now in custody,” it said, thanking the public for its assistance in the effort to find him.

Morrison is subject to a federal prison sentence stemming from convictions for drug-trafficking crimes from the summer of 2021.

He’s also suing the provincial government for his treatment while remanded on those charges. That lawsuit alleges correctional officers at the Saint John Regional Correctional Centre assaulted him in September 2022.

There’s already been a legal finding that the assault occurred as Morrison alleged. The provincial court judge presiding over his case reviewed video of the incident and found as a fact that the guards had assaulted Morrison.

That ruling led to a sentence reduction of a few months.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Saint Andrews is working to create more year-round opportunities for recreation in the picturesque town that is almost completely surrounded by the ocean.

Doucet Hennessy House in Bathurst is a finalist in the Next Great Save, a national competition where the winner gets money to go toward preserving or renewing a heritage place.

Here are just some of the events and meetings taking place in the coming weeks in the St. John River Valley

The post RVS Community Bulletin Board first appeared on River Valley Sun.

N.B. Power sent 27 crews to Ontario on Friday to assist with power restoration efforts after a week of ice, wind and rain. More than 100,000 customers in the province remain without power.

A Moncton-area area artist has collaborated with a local business to make a café space look like a walk-in colouring book.

Mental health and education officials are trying to reach students who have been missing a significant amount of class time.

N.B. Power is asking New Brunwickers to treat its employees better after a worker was allegedly assaulted in Cap-Pelé, and as telephone support workers face verbal abuse.

Mel Beaulieu is a queer Mi’kmaw artist whose work centres on Indigenous resistance, gender identity, and tradition. They say a dark political climate is informing their art.

U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a new 25 per cent auto tariff on Canada. Dominic LeBlanc is concerned about the reliability of the U.S. as a trading partner. One economic consultant says that Canada "dodged a bullet" as other countries face steeper tariffs.

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A Fredericton woman who was allowed to serve a jail term in the community for drug and property-damage crimes now finds herself in custody, alleged to have violated the conditions of her sentence.

Shelley Darlene Gosman, 38, of Doone Street, had faced June 13, 2023, charges of mischief causing damage to a 2023 Dodge Ram 1500 belonging to Budget Rent a Car and a threat to damage the business’s property, as well as to June 16, 2023, counts of cocaine possession for the purpose of trafficking and possession of proceeds of crime.

She originally denied the charges and was scheduled to stand trial on them last year, but she later admitted to the property-damage offence and a lesser, included charge of simple possession of cocaine.

Gosman was sentenced Feb. 12 to a 12-month conditional sentence for those crimes. A conditional sentence is a jail term, but one that an offender is permitted to serve in the community subject to conditions, which typically include house arrest and/or a curfew, among others.

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Nicole Poirier, vice-president of operations for N.B. Power says employees encounter public animosity both in the field and on social media.

The New Brunswick government is now testing school air quality only in schools that have had a new mechanical ventilation system installed, CBC News has learned.

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A Burton man remanded into custody on a variety of violent crimes - including sexual assault with a knife - denied the allegations against him Friday and will stand trial later this year.

Isaiah Joseph Ernest Bonnar, 23, of Irene Street in Burton, appeared in Fredericton provincial court by telephone from the Saint John Regional Correctional Centre on Friday to answer to numerous indictable charges.

Defence lawyer Isabelle Caissie said her client was electing to be tried in provincial court and pleading not guilty to all counts.

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New Brunswick Crown prosecutors want convicted murderer Zachery Murphy to spend another five years in prison for lying during the trial of Angela Walsh, who was also accused of murder in the the April 2020 homicide of Clark Greene at a park in Fredericton.

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An unhoused man’s odd behaviour ahead of his bail hearing - during which he demanded to know the outcome before it was held - prompted a judge to order an assessment to determine fitness.

Andrew Derek Washburn, 32, of no fixed address, appeared in Fredericton provincial court by video conference from the Saint John Regional Correctional Centre on Thursday, scheduled to go through a bail hearing.

He’d been charged earlier in the week with March 10 counts of committing an indecent act by masturbating in public in front of other people and obstructing a police officer.

However, Judge Scott Brittain told the accused new charges had been filed with the court Thursday as well.

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Warning: This story contains graphic descriptions of a violent crime.

A former Fredericton man who lied at his spouse’s murder trial two years ago told a judge Friday he had no choice, because he feared being beat up or worse in prison for testifying for the Crown.

Zachery David Murphy, 24, formerly of Kings College Road in Fredericton, appeared in Fredericton provincial court Friday by video conference from the Springhill Institution in Nova Scotia for the continuation of his sentencing hearing for perjury.

He’s serving a life sentence, having previously admitted to second-degree murder in the April 2020 death of Clark Ernest Hunter Greene.

Murphy was a key witness in the January 2023 first-degree murder trial of his estranged spouse, Angela April Walsh, 25, AKA Ali Morningstar.

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A rural route just outside of Fredericton was closed Friday morning after a tractor-trailer went off the road in slippery conditions, and first responders cautioned people to drive with care.

“The intersection of the 104 highway and the 105 highway in Keswick is completely blocked off due to an accident involving a tractor-trailer,” the RCMP advised on social media around 6:30 a.m. Friday.

The Keswick Valley Fire Department provided more information around the same time, advising that traffic from Route 105 to Route 104, about 20 kilometres west of Fredericton, was “blocked entirely.”

“Traffic on Route 104 heading to Route 105 is inaccessible,” it posted on Facebook on Friday morning.

“Traffic [is] being rerouted through the Keswick Landing parking lot towards the Mactaquac Dam.”

The fire department stated roads are “incredibly slick,” advising motorists to take note of conditions and to drive with care.

The Fredericton Independent can be reached at [email protected].

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A Minto man who stole firearms from a Fredericton garage two years ago and who perpetrated a series of petty crimes since then was denied the chance to serve his sentence in the community.

Bradley John Madore, 34, formerly of Bridge Street in Minto, was back before Judge Karen Lee in Fredericton provincial court Tuesday for the completion of his sentencing hearing.

The offender appeared remotely from the Saint John Regional Correctional Centre.

At the first part of his sentencing hearing last month, the Crown recommended more time in provincial jail for a series of offences committed over the course of a year and a half.

Defence lawyer Wanda Severns had recommended time already served for some of his offences and a conditional sentence, to be served in the community, for the remainder, so Madore could focus on getting help for his substance-abuse issue and reconnecting with his infant son.

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Susan Martin says most of the smart-meter bills she collected show double the kilowatt usage compared to the same month last year. Meanwhile, the province says it plans to host public consultations on the future of N.B. Power.

The idea sounded simple: bring villages, towns and local service districts in New Brunswick together under new councils. Two years later, some of those new unions have struggled with division, anger and a steep learning curve.

A month-long course in Elsipogtog, N.B., is teaching eight artists the skill of Mi’kmaw traditional hand-carved mask making. Instructor Gordon Sparks, from Pabineau, N.B., learned the skill from renowned artist Ned Bear, and is training the next generation of carvers in a course grounded in ceremony and teachings from Elders.

Takoda Christian taken into custody at Houlton border crossing

On Tuesday, March 25, officers with the Woodstock Police Force (WPF) investigated a report of a violent assault that had occurred at the AYR Motor Centre. A 16-year-old victim sustained significant injuries, requiring treatment at the Upper River Valley Hospital.

The WPF Criminal Investigation Section (CIS) led an investigation that identified 19-year-old Takoda Christian as the suspect.

In the early morning hours of Wednesday, March 26, Christian was taken into custody at the Houlton border crossing with the assistance of Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers. Subsequently, WPF Uniform Patrol officers transported Christian from the border back to Woodstock.

Christian appeared in court and was formally charged with aggravated assault later that day.

The Woodstock Police Force remains committed to investigating violent crime and ensuring those responsible are held accountable. Anyone with additional information about this incident should contact the WPF at (506) 325-4601 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)/www.crimenb.ca.

The post Woodstock Police make arrest in serious assault investigation first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Dreaming of summer bumbles

On July 27, we unloaded at Pembroke Hall (13 ATVs with 23 people) and bumbled to Nackawic for lunch at the Waterfront Pub and Eatery. The weather was warm and sunny as we bumbled through Car Siding, Millville, and then onto Nackawic. We stopped along the way to stretch our legs. The laughing and storytelling told it all. Everyone was enjoying themselves.

We arrived at the pub hungry. When we arrived, all I can say is WOW – what a reception we got! Our tables were all set up with place settings and even glasses of water, and the ladies and gentlemen were ready to serve us. I called the day before to make reservations and then again about half an hour before we arrived to give them a heads-up. The food was outstanding. The laughter and storytelling continued, and the staff were right there, joining in with us.

Our bellies were full, but we could not leave Nackawic without taking everyone across the bridge to Yum Yums, where the scoops are as big as the axe! Eating our ice cream and watching the boats travelling up and down the river was relaxing.

As the saying goes, “All good things come to an end.” It was time to climb back into the buggies and head back to Pembroke. We bid farewell to Gary and thanked him for joining us, and we bumbled back through the town to connect with the trail. What a wonderful day! Thank you to the people of Nackawic for your hospitality and for allowing us access to your downtown. Until next time, happy trails!

The post COLUMN: Beautiful Bumbles first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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All firefighters on duty were dispatched to a residential fire on the city’s north side Thursday afternoon, the Fredericton Fire Department reports, and one resident was injured in the blaze.

The fire department issued a statement on social media Thursday evening about a major call at 2:43 p.m. the same day.

“All city crews were dispatched to a structure fire on the city’s north side, with reports of multiple compressed gas cylinders inside,” it said.

“Engine 4 arrived on scene first and stretched a hose line for primary search and fire control.”

Subsequent crews worked to assist with fighting the fire and ensuring the water supply, it said.

“The incident was brought under control a few hours later, with one resident transported to hospital by [Ambulance New Brunswick] with non-life-threatening injuries,” the department reported.

“Unfortunately, despite life-saving measures by firefighters, one pet did not survive.”

Assistant deputy fire chief Dave McKinley told the Fredericton Independent that the cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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The Fredericton Police Force issued an alert Thursday, announcing a new scam is making the rounds that sees the perpetrators posing as local cops to target seniors in the capital region.

In an advisory on social media Thursday, the police force noted the scheme has followed a repeated pattern. It said scammers pose as Fredericton police officers, telling victims their bank cards were used fraudulently at local stores.

“(The) caller urges the victim to contact their banking customer-service line immediately while keeping the scammer on the line,” the advisory stated.

“The same caller then poses as an employee of the banking institution’s fraud department.”

The victim - typically a senior - is asked to verify their bank-account details and then directed to transfer a sum of money to what the caller calls “a secure account” to aid the investigation and to catch a fictional bank employee involved in the so-called fraudulent transactions.

“Three instances have been reported to police in the past week, with one victim nearly losing $115,000,” the post stated. “Quick intervention was able to stop the transfer.”

The police force urges people to be vigilant and to share the details of the new scam with friends and family members to ensure others don’t fall victim to it.

“Scams are becoming more sophisticated, making it crucial to stay informed to protect yourself and your loved ones,” the police force said.

Among the ways to avoid being victimized by such schemes, police advise people to be suspicious of calls demanding money or asking you to transfer money, to be aware that police agencies never demand immediate payment to avoid arrests, to refrain from giving out personal information to unsolicited callers, to check with a family member about the story they’ve been told, to refrain from sending money to anyone under unusual circumstances and to hang up on such scam callers.

It also encourages people to report all fraud cases to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Anyone who feels they have been a victim of such a crime should contact the Fredericton Police Force at 506-460-2300 or their police agency.

Those wishing to provide information anonymously can do so through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the secure P3 Mobile App or visiting Secure Web Tips online at www.crimenb.ca.

The Fredericton Independent can be reached at [email protected].

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A Fredericton accused of a violent robbery at an uptown store last week refused to speak with a lawyer after demanding one Thursday, and he didn’t engage with a psychiatrist for a court-ordered assessment.

Colin Jaffar Rogers, 28, of Westbrook Lane, was arrested the night of March 20 after a violent incident at Canadian Tire on Smythe Street, and after a chaotic court appearance Friday, a judge ordered that he undergo a five-day psychiatric assessment to determine if he was fit to stand trial.

The defendant was charged last week with committing an aggravated assault on Joseph Godin by wounding him and endangering his life, assaulting Fredericton police Const. Deana Joka and resisting Const. Matt MacMellan, all on March 20.

A detective with the city police force’s major crime unit laid additional charges Thursday as well, alleging Rogers assaulted Godin with a weapon (a utility knife), that he committed robbery by assaulting him with the intent to steal from Canadian Tire, and that he possessed a machete for a purpose dangerous to the public peace.

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A Sussex-area man with ties to several minor sports is now on trial in Saint John for allegations that he sexually assaulted a girl under the age of 10. 

Trump has promised to levy 25% tariffs across the board on Canada, but Premier Holt says they may be more targeted

The New Brunswick government has begun the "data analysis phase" of its investigation into undiagnosed neurological symptoms affecting hundreds of people in seven provinces and whether environmental substances, such as heavy metals and pesticides, are a factor.

Health Minister Dr. John Dornan says a new collaborative care clinic will open in St. Stephen by the end of the year. 

It was a campaign promise by the Holt government, citing 10 new clinics within the first 18 months of its mandate. 

“We have committed to starting 10 clinics in this current calendar year,” he said speaking in the legislative assembly. “St. Stephen is one of those … We have already signed contracts with groups of people who are putting together these collaborative care clinics, so while not everyone has a clinic promised in the next year, yours is one of them.” 

Dornan revealed the information after facing questions from Progressive Conservative Saint Croix MLA Kathy Bockus. 

Collaborative care clinics employ many different medical professionals to provide continuity of care for patients. This model was previously introduced by the PC government. 

“It’s not tomorrow, before the year is out,” Dornan said. 

The administration of Municipal District of St. Stephen said in a statement it is encouraged by Dornan’s commitment to opening the clinic in St. Stephen during this calendar year.

“We certainly are anxious to have the details of this important development shared with our office and the community at large, said Chief Administrative Officer Jeff Renaud.  “The ability to access primary health care is a critical component to the quality of life within our community.”

Recently, the council in St. Stephen was presented a policy for incentives it wants to give to health care professionals including doctors and nurse practitioners. 

As part of that incentives package, the council will allocate $100,000 per year. Each incentive is paid out in $25,000 increments, less for nurse practitioners, over a five year commitment. 

It is something that Renaud said should be made clear the municipal government shouldn’t have to undertake, but is required to stay competitive. 

Healthcare is a provincial responsibility, but increasingly municipalities are faced with the pressure to deliver on things like housing and healthcare in ways it hasn’t in the past. 

According to the Department of Health, about 18,631 patients in Zone 2 are yet to be matched to a permanent provider, which encompasses all of southwest New Brunswick, from St. Stephen to Sussex.

:Too many of our residents, including my own, do not have a family doctor,” Renaud said. “The opening of this clinic will be a great relief to our residents, and some welcomed news in 2025.”

Other models exist in Charlotte County, as well, like brick and mortar operations. In Saint Andrews, the wellness clinic is provided free space by the council at the W.C. O’Neill Arena Complex. 

It also has about $30,000 allocated in its budget for physician recruitment and retention. 

As well, in Eastern Charlotte, the council allocates $25,000 toward the St. George Medical Centre in the St. George mall.