A group that advocates on behalf of people living in poverty says “living wage” requirements have risen again across the province.

A workshop series in November taught a group of Bilijk youth the basics of various skilled trades, in an effort to break negative misconceptions and inspire a new generation of Indigenous tradespeople.

Randy Boissonnault, the federal minister of employment and official languages, is accusing certain provincial premiers of standing in the way of Canada's "ambition."

The review comes after renewed calls by Acadian groups to rename the school as it celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. The university was named after the city — which was named for Robert Monckton, an 18th-century British military figure who was involved in the deportation of Acadians.

Francis Weil, president of the Moncton Jewish Community, says the city's decision not to allow the menorah is a profound "hurt" to the people he represents and hasn't been applied consistently to all religions. The city won't comment.

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A Fredericton man accused of possessing hard drugs - including fentanyl - for trafficking purposes is being held pending a bail hearing set for early next week.

Jason Mollins, 39, of Emmerson Court, appeared in Fredericton provincial court by telephone from a police station cellblock Friday afternoon.

He was charged with possessing methamphetamines, cocaine and fentanyl, all for the purpose of trafficking, and possessing a 9-mm handgun while prohibited by a court order from doing so.

The charges allege offences in Fredericton on Thursday.

Crown prosecutor Brett Stanford objected to Mollins’ release, and Judge Natalie LeBlanc remanded him pending a bail hearing, which she set for Monday afternoon.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Officers respond to reports of gunshots from vehicle on Chapel Street in Woodstock

The Woodstock Police Force is investigating reports of shots fired in downtown Woodstock on Friday.

In a statement released Friday afternoon, Dec. 1, Deputy Chief Mark Bennett confirmed patrol officers, along with members of the WPF’s Street Crime and Integrated Enforcement Units, earlier Friday responded to a firearm-related complaint in the vicinity of Chapel Street in Woodstock.

“Numerous witnesses described hearing two loud bangs, which they believed were gunshots and stated they appeared to come from a beige SUV,” the statement explained. “The vehicle fled at a high rate of speed and was last seen heading north on Chapel Street.”

The release included a photo of what appeared to be a computer image from a camera showing an SUV.

The Woodstock Police Force asks anyone with information to contact Sgt. Seth Cahill at (506) 325-4601 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by using the secure P3 Mobile App, or through Secure Web Tips at www.crimenb.ca.

The post Woodstock Police Force investigating possible drive-by shooting incident first appeared on River Valley Sun.

The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is reopening its call for proposals from people interested in creating more designated daycare spaces.

The Higgs government says it’s willing to extend the legislature’s sitting days closer to Christmas if that’s what it takes to pass a bill on five union pension plans.

Some businesses and business groups have asked the courts for an injunction to stop the creation of an out-of-the-cold shelter on a vacant lot near Miramichi's waterfront. 

A replacement for George Street Middle School in downtown Fredericton is one of six new school projects announced by the New Brunswick government. About time, says the Parent School Support Committee vice-chair.

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Two Fredericton men accused of a January 2022 killing in Chipman saw their preliminary inquiry on a second-degree murder charge set for the spring, but it’s likely that hearing won’t happen.

Devon Mark Hill Hood, 26, and Matthew David LeBlanc, 29, both of Fredericton, face a joint first-degree murder charge, alleging they killed Brandon Patrick Donelan on Jan. 28, 2022, in Chipman.

The case was back in Fredericton provincial court Friday to schedule a preliminary inquiry.

Hood - who’s serving a federal sentence and was recently transferred to a Quebec prison - appeared in person with his defence counsel, Brian Munro, and Matthew LeBlanc was represented by Pierrette Allain, appearing as agent for his defence lawyer Gilles Lemieux.

A preliminary inquiry is held for more serious, indictable charges to determine if there’s sufficient evidence to set such matters over for trial at a superior level of court - which in New Brunswick would be the Court of King’s Bench.

Judge Natalie LeBlanc scheduled Hood and Matthew LeBlanc’s preliminary inquiry for April 22-26.

However, it’s unlikely that hearing will go ahead as scheduled.

As of late, the Crown prosecutors’ office has been filing preferred indictments in several cases headed to trial in the Court of King’s Bench, skipping the preliminary-inquiry phase.

In fact, the Crown has already done so in a concurrent prosecution connected to the same murder.

In a separate charge before the courts in the Fredericton district, Erica Lea Ann Blyth, 40, of Newcastle Creek, and Joshua John McIsaac, 33, formerly of Penniac, are jointly accused of first-degree murder in Donelan’s death as well.

While a preliminary inquiry date had previously been scheduled for them in that prosecution for the spring as well, the Crown filed a preferred indictment in that case.

Blyth and McIsaac’s King’s Bench six-week jury trial is set to begin April 23, 2025.

Donelan was reported as missing to police Jan. 30, 2022, but his body wasn’t found until March 31, 2022, when members of the RCMP’s major crime unit found it along a snowmobile trail.

Drug, firearms charges

The RCMP arrested Hood and Blyth on June 21 when officers executed a search warrant at Blyth’s home near Chipman.

While Blyth was charged with the Donelan murder shortly after that arrest, the search also led the RCMP to file drug and firearms charges against her and Hood.

Hood and Blyth are jointly charged with possessing crystal meth, cocaine and hydromorphone (Dilaudid) for the purpose of trafficking; possessing a loaded, prohibited firearm (a sawed-off shotgun) without a licence or authorization; possessing unloaded prohibited firearms (two other sawed-off shotguns) with readily accessible ammunition; possessing the sawed-off shotguns, another shotgun and three rifles for a purpose dangerous to the public peace; possessing non-restricted firearms without a licence; and storing those seven firearms improperly.

And on his own, Hood is charged with violating a court order barring him from possessing firearms.

That case was before Judge LeBlanc on Friday as well for election of mode of trial.

Emily Cochrane, co-defence counsel for Blyth said her client was prepared to elect trial by Court of King’s Bench judge alone and would waive a preliminary inquiry.

A problem arose when it came to Hood’s election.

Munro said while he’s retained as counsel on the murder, charge, he’s yet to be assigned Hood’s case on the drug and firearms allegations. He appeared on those charges not as Hood’s counsel, but rather as a friend of the court, anticipating he’ll be given a legal-aid certificate on those counts as well.

“I haven’t seen the file,” the defence lawyer said, noting it’s difficult for him to advise Hood on how to elect before he’s officially retained as defence counsel and before reviewing disclosure.

Since Hood and Blyth are charged jointly, their election has to be the same. If the case two jointly charged defendants differ on mode of trial, the one who opts for the highest level is the one who determines the election.

For example, while Blyth is opting for a King’s Bench trial by judge alone, if Hood chooses a judge and jury trial, that’s how the matter would proceed.

The judge set the drug and firearm prosecution over to Dec. 21 for election, in the hope that Munro will be on the case and will have had a chance to review the file.  

Note: A previous report on this case erroneously indicated Donelan’s body was found by a passerby on a trail in the Chipman area when in fact RCMP officers were the ones who located his remains. We regret the error.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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A logging-truck driver lost control on Grand Lake Road in Doaktown, and the truck ended up in a cemetery. Locals say the hill has been a danger for years.

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A 14-year-old Bilijk (Kingsclear) First Nation boy who skipped his first non-custodial court appearance on robbery and other charges has been found and arrested once again.

The youth - whose identity is protected by the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act - appeared in Fredericton youth court by telephone Friday morning.

He’d previously been freed from custody subject to the conditions of a release order after being charged with several offences stemming from a dramatic attempted robbery at a downtown gas station Oct. 19.

The 14-year-old and another Bilijk First Nation boy, age 15, were both charged with attempting to rob the Irving/Circle K Convenience store at 181 King St., possessing a stolen 2018 Mercedes C300 and masking their faces during the Oct. 19 incident.

The 14-year-old faces related charges of indictable assault, uttering threats to cause death and/or bodily harm and violation of a police undertaking.

Following a bail hearing Oct. 23, the younger boy was released on conditions, while the 15-year-old was remanded pending the outcome of the charges.

The younger boy was scheduled to appear in youth court Nov. 14 to enter pleas to the charges, but contrary to the release order, he failed to appear, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Friday’s court appearance came as a result of the execution of that warrant, and Judge Natalie LeBlanc noted there were two new counts before the court.

She said the youth is now accused of breaching his release order by failing to remain at a Bilijk First Nation residence under house arrest Nov. 10 and again by failing to attend court as required Nov. 14.

Crown prosecutor Brett Stanford objected to the teen’s release and applied to revoke the previous release order.

LeBlanc remanded the boy to the New Brunswick Youth Centre in Miramichi and scheduled a bail hearing for Monday morning.  

The 15-year-old - who faces separate but related counts of assault with a weapon (the Mercedes), dangerous driving, mischief causing damage to the gas station and breach of a youth probation order - is scheduled to enter pleas on the charges Dec. 20.

All charges arose as a result of an early-morning incident at the downtown Irving station Oct. 19 when the stolen Mercedes crashed through the doors of the business.

It was reported to police as an attempted robbery, and the incident caused severe damage to the facade of the business and forced its closure for a brief period.

The two underage suspects were arrested at the scene, police reported, and one person was taken to hospital for treatment of minor injuries sustained during the incident.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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A defendant being held in custody on 17 charges alleging firearms offences and other crimes denied the various counts Friday.

Marc LeBlanc, 40, of no fixed address, appeared in the prisoner’s dock in Courtroom No. 5 in Fredericton’s Justice Building on Friday to answer to numerous charges.

Defence lawyer Edward Derrah told Fredericton provincial court Judge Natalie LeBlanc his client was electing to be tried in provincial court and pleading not guilty to all counts.

The defendant is accused of the following charges, alleged to have occurred in Oromocto on Sept. 30:

• carrying a concealed weapon - namely, a sawed-off rifle;

• two counts of possessing sawed-off rifles for a purpose dangerous to the public peace;

• possessing a loaded, prohibited firearm (a sawed-off rifle) without a licence or certificate;

• possessing firearms and ammunition while prohibited from doing so by a court order; 

• occupying a motor vehicle knowing there was a prohibited firearm therein;

• possessing an unloaded prohibited firearm (a sawed-off rifle) with readily accessible ammunition;

• possessing the rifles knowing he didn’t have a licence for them;

• storing firearms improperly;

• obstructing RCMP Const. Shawn Elhatton in the execution of his duty;

• causing more than $5,000 in property damage to a U-Haul moving cube truck;

• and four counts of possessing stolen identity documents: driver’s licences belonging to Braden Robert Kent, Joseph Frank Levi Lirette and Alex Girouard, as well as the birth certificate of Joseph Paul Daniel Fougere.

Crown prosecutor Brett Stanford said more than a day would be needed for trial, so the judge scheduled a case-management conference for Dec. 22 to see if the issues to be examined at trial can be narrowed.

It’s expected a trial date will be set at that time.

During a previous court appearance in October, Marc LeBlanc had sought a court order for a 30-day psychiatric assessment to determine if he might be exempt from criminal responsibility due to a mental disorder at the time of his alleged offences.

However, a judge declined to issue that order, noting that no information was filed with the court to show there were reasonable grounds for it.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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International students despair as cancellations leave them in a difficult situation. New Brunswick Community College has no details to share with the public, including what programs were dropped or how many students are affected.

Another deadline has come and gone for Coastal Shell Products and nothing has changed for the residents of Richibucto, says the founder of the community’s “Stop the Stink” campaign. 

A women’s shelter at Natoaganeg First Nation will serve Indigenous women, children and 2SLGBTQ people fleeing violence in the home.

Plenty of holiday events over the weekend and into the coming weeks, including town’s annual Santa Claus parade

Anyone looking to get into the holiday spirit will have plenty of chances in Woodstock over the coming days.

December 1

Those searching for unique gift ideas should check out the Woodstock First Nation Annual Christmas Bazaar on Friday, Dec. 1 and Saturday, Dec. 2, at the WFN Gymnasium at 3 Wulastook Court.

The bazaar will include food, crafts, knitting, wreaths, gifts, art, raffles and door prizes.

December 2

Kick Saturday off with the monthly Northampton Recreation Centre breakfast to fuel the body with the energy needed to enjoy all the day’s activities.

The Northampton Rec Club will serve a full breakfast at its centre at 3791 Route 105 in Northampton from 7 to 10 a.m. The cost is $12 for adults and $7 for children aged six to 12, with children under six eating free.

From 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, the NBCC Woodstock gymnasium will ring with children’s laughter as the college hosts the annual Wake Up Santa event. The entire family can enjoy hot chocolate, crafts and photos with the newly awakened Santa.

Woodstock’s Feeds’ n’ Needs will offer more photo opportunities from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, this time for the family pet. Bring the dog, cat or more exotic pets to the store on Connell Street for Festive Pet Photos taken by Wild One’s Photography, with all funds supporting the Carleton County Animal Shelter.

For the craft-minded, the AYR Motor Centre’s Sam’s Room will offer visitors a chance to make or paint their own clay ornaments.

The fundraiser in support of the community Rose Garden, between 1:30 and 3 p.m., provides the opportunity for people of all ages and skill levels to make their own clay ornament or paint a premade one.

December 3

Sunday offers several family holiday events, including the annual Santa Claus Parade, beginning at 2 p.m. at the AYR Motor Centre.

The parade will travel along Kirkpatrick Street, south on Main Street, to King Street.

The theme for the 2023 parade, sponsored by the Greater Woodstock Chamber of Commerce, is “O Christmas Tree.”

Before heading out to watch the parade, gift shoppers can take advantage of the Holly Jolly Craft Market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 11 in Woodstock.

Local vendors will offer distinctive products, while the Legion will sell hot dogs on-site.

On Sunday evening, the Woodstock Baptist Church at 785 Main Street hosts its Journey Through Bethlehem from 6 to 8 p.m. Celebrate the meaning of Christmas with the drive-through living Nativity scene.

December 10

The Woodstock Christmas scene will remain active in the weeks ahead with various entertaining family options.

On Sunday, Dec. 10, six local churches will participate in the “Christmas Open House Tour of Churches of Woodstock.

The self-guided tour from 2 to 5 p.m. will provide a chance to experience the sights and sounds of Christmas at the local churches. The churches involved are Bethel Pentecostal Assembly on St. James Street, St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church on Victoria Street, St. Gertrude’s Catholic Church on St. Gertrudes Street, Saint James United Church on Chapel Street, Woodstock Baptist Church on Main Street and St. Luke’s Anglican Church on Main Street.

Also, on Sunday, Dec. 10, the Woodstock Baptist Church will host the Brand New Hallelujah, a Christmas Worship Experience from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

December 15

Classical music will ring through St. Luke’s Anglican Church on Friday, Dec. 15, beginning at 7 p.m. when the church hosts Candle Classix.

The show, presented by Delacroix Classix, will feature Natalia Delacroix on Viola, soprano Sally Dibblee and guitarist Steven Peacock. The show will also welcome special guests from Sally’s Voice Studio.

Tickets can be purchased in advance for $20 or $25 at the door. Admission is free for students and children.

Ticket information is available online at delacroixclassix.com or by email at [email protected]

December 17

Woodstock High School will present its Holiday Concert on Sunday, Dec. 17, at 2 p.m. at the McCain Community Theatre. The concert will offer performances by choir, band, classes and individuals.

The event will include a dessert auction.

December 19

Add a little extra magic to this year’s holiday season at Christmas in the Dooryard, featuring Canadian Champion of Magic Nathaniel Rankin at the McCain Community Theatre.

The show, featuring the international award-winning magician and circus artist, begins at 7 p.m.

Tickets at $10 each are available in advance at Solstice Supply and Design.

Watch River Valley Sun for more news about upcoming Upper St. John River Valley Christmas events.

The post Greater Woodstock’s active Christmas scene first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Federal funding of $945,000 will result in the creation of two after-school hubs in Fredericton aimed at diverting youth away from criminal activity.

The Higgs government says it is accepting a series of recommendations designed to improve learning in the province’s anglophone school system, including a potentially new approach to classroom composition.

N.B. Public Safety Minister expected to approve creation of municipal force to replace RCMP in northern and central Carleton County

The union representing the 20,000 Canadian RCMP members, including those in New Brunswick’s West District, believes the District of Carleton North and Hartland councils’ plans to replace RCMP services with a municipal force is a mistake.

Through public statements and a letter-writing campaign to Carleton County residents, the National Police Federation said the councils failed to properly inform residents about the impact or cost to the communities’ taxpayers.

“Although the NPF welcomes policing service reviews, we are disappointed to see the Councils of Carleton North and Hartland move forward with a proposal for a police transition without meaningful consultation or transparency with residents,” the NPF said in a statement provided to the River Valley Sun.

The federation contends the cost estimates released by the Carleton North and Hartland Police Review Committee significantly underestimate actual costs.

“For the new police service, the councils’ projected operating costs of $3.2 million for year one and transition costs of $4.1 million simply do not square up with actual costs,” the federation stated.

It contends the committee neglected the costs of training, outfitting police vehicles, 911 dispatch services and the overlapping of the RCMP and new municipal services during the transition.

“This means that residents can expect the final bill to be much more,” said the NPF.

During two public forums held in Carleton North and Hartland on Nov. 8 and 9, Carleton North Mayor Andrew Harvey expressed confidence in the review committee’s cost estimates and proposed municipal force model.

He said the committee calculated the proposed force’s cost and level of service by examining similar municipal forces, such as the one serving residents of Beresford, Nigadoo, Petit-Rocher and Pointe-Verte in northern New Brunswick.

“We’re not reinventing the wheel here,” he said.

The two communities plan to have the new municipal force take over police services by Jan. 1, 2025.

With the RCMP requiring at least a year’s notice before it can be replaced, the committee expects approval from New Brunswick Justice and Public Safety Minister Kris Austin by Dec 1. That would allow the two councils to approve the plan at their December council meetings.

A spokesperson for Minister Austin and the department said the policing committee’s plan is still under review and couldn’t confirm if the minister’s approval would meet the Dec. 1 deadline requested by Hartland and District of Carleton North’s councils.

“The department is reviewing the proposal from the local governments, and as the review progresses, the department will be in touch with the communities,” said spokesperson Sarah Bustard in an email response to questions for the River Valley Sun.

She explained any proposal for a new police force must meet all requirements identified in the Police Service Delivery Model Process Guide.  

While the minister has not officially approved the review committee’s plan, the department approved it to take the first steps, including obtaining a design and cost estimate to convert the former Florenceville-Bristol town hall into the central police station. It will also utilize the former RCMP station in Hartland’s town hall complex as a substation.

Retired RCMP District Commander Staff Sgt John de Winter, who agreed to chair the police review committee, acknowledged at the Hartland public forum that its plan is only feasible with funding support for transition costs.

He said the province would need to cover infrastructure costs, as well as the purchase of cars, police equipment, furniture and other equipment costs.

The department spokesperson did not confirm whether the province would help with transition costs, saying only that the department’s review includes cost estimates.

“It is a local government’s responsibility to fund policing for their community,” she said.

The NPF urged Minister Austin to consider the shortcomings of the police review committee’s proposal before signing off on the plan.

“We strongly urge Public Safety Minister Kris Austin to consider the violation of the process guide and pause this proposal until all voices are heard on this important matter, and all costs are accounted for,” it said in its statement.

Citing experiences surrounding transitions in other municipalities, the NPF said unforeseen costs drove up property taxes by 15 per cent. 

“It is unfair to the residents of Carleton North and Hartland that they were not consulted on an expensive and unwanted police transition,” the NPF statement said. “Even worse, when they had the opportunity to be consulted during Open Houses, both councils only presented their completed transition plan and said the decision had already been made. On the Councils’ rushed timeline and hidden proposed police transition, residents have not had the appropriate time or platform to engage on this important issue.”

During the public forums, de Winter said local RCMP officials remain in the loop regarding the committee’s study, adding the committee listened to their proposals to improve police services in the region.

“If the RCMP came back to this committee with a better option, we’d accept it,” he said.

Harvey said the lack of police presence in the community and the rising crime rate became the most significant issue during last year’s election campaign, prompting the two communities to take action.

The NPF said the review committee did not consider the RCMP’s efforts to improve services, including the addition of six new RCMP officers to the region when making its decision.

The review committee’s proposed staffing model submitted to the minister includes a chief, deputy chief, four platoons featuring four officers each, a court officer, a receptionist, four auxiliary police officers, two casual police officers and community resources.

The committee estimates the proposed model could improve policing while covering the 2,010 sq km and 13,500 residents for the estimated $3.2 million annually. That’s less than the $3.3 million annual budget the neighbouring Woodstock Police Force requires to cover 15 sq km and 5,500 people.

Woodstock also submitted a policing plan to Minister Austin to expand the town force’s coverage to include the former local service districts, which became part of the municipality during last year’s municipal reform.

Woodstock’s detailed proposal to replace the RCMP in its rural areas estimates a cost of $7.7 million to cover just over $500 sq km and a population of approximately $11,000.

The Woodstock plan would deliver 24-7 coverage to the expanded municipality but would require doubling staff levels to more than 40. That’s double the staff levels proposed by Carleton North and Hartland.

Although Woodstock submitted its plan to Minister Austin in May, Mayor Trina Jones said the department has yet to respond.

The department spokesperson said the situation in Woodstock and other municipal forces looking at expanded municipalities differs from that in Carleton North and Hartland.

“The Department of Justice and Public Safety is assessing municipal/regional forces and their respective service delivery plans for the areas that will expand to ensure they can provide adequate services to the public,” the department spokesperson told the River Valley Sun. “The Department of Justice and Public Safety will get back to each individual municipality with a police force in the months ahead to discuss the proposed plans and the way forward.”

Mayor Jones’ said the Woodstock Police Force cannot expand its police jurisdiction to its expanded community without funding support from other levels of government.

The department failed to commit to any financial support for police services.

“Government has implemented several initiatives over the past year with the goal to make policing more efficient. This work continues,” the Justice and Public Safety Spokespersons stated in an email.

The post Carleton North and Hartland councils’ policing plan misguided, says union representing RCMP first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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A new face will be presiding over cases in provincial court in Fredericton, as the New Brunswick government announced a new appointment Thursday.

Mélanie Poirier LeBlanc has been named to the provincial court bench and will sit in Fredericton, New Brunswick Justice Minister Hugh Flemming announced in a news release.

There’s been a vacancy in provincial court in Fredericton since Judge Kenneth Oliver was suspended with pay Oct. 3, 2022, pending a judicial council hearing into misconduct.

He subsequently retired Nov. 5, 2023.

“Ms. Poirier LeBlanc has a strong legal background and is a skilled lawyer with an excellent reputation,” Flemming said in the release. 

“I am confident her expertise and professionalism will be a welcome addition to the judiciary.”

Most recently, the newly minted judge had served as the province’s deputy attorney general in charge of public prosecution services, the release said.

Poirier LeBlanc graduated from Mount Allison University with a bachelor of arts in 2000 and then went onto law school at the University of New Brunswick, graduating in 2003, the release said. She was called to the bar in 2006. 

Her appointment brings the number of full-time provincial court judges in the province to 24, the Department of Justice and Public Safety said in the release, and that includes the chief judge and the associate chief judge of the provincial court.

There are also seven supernumerary judges and three per diem judges.

All applications to become a provincial court judge are assessed by provincial judicial appointment review advisers, the release said, and those advisers represent the bench, the bar and the general public. 

They consider the professional and other qualifications of each candidate in carrying out their assessments, it said, and the appointment process also includes interviews by a committee composed of New Brunswick Chief Justice Marc Richard, the chief judge and the associate chief judge of the provincial court - Judge Marco Cloutier and Judge Brian McLean, respectively - along with a member of the general public and a senior member of the legal profession.

Events leading to the vacancy

Oliver remained on suspension with pay from the time Cloutier announced the move until early last month.

The impugned judge’s judicial council hearing, after several postponements, was scheduled to take place behind closed doors in early November 2023, but Oliver resigned from the bench and retired effective the day before the proceeding was to get underway.

Since he was no longer a judge, the judicial council lost jurisdiction over Oliver, ending the disciplinary process.

Oliver was suspended as a result of out-of-court conversations he had with two Fredericton Police Force officers who had been witnesses in the trial of Scott Alexander Morrison, 41, of Geary, on nine Aug. 7. 2021, charges, including possession of hard drugs for the purpose of trafficking.

Oliver was presiding over the trial, and he contacted the police officers to make further inquiries about a search of a vehicle in the case, one the defence had challenged.

That misconduct - which Oliver had admitted from the bench had occurred - came to the attention of a prosecutor weeks later, and the Crown’s office informed Morrison’s defence lawyer.

That lawyer, Ben Reentovich with New Brunswick Legal Aid, then filed motions with the court seeking Oliver’s recusal and a stay of proceedings, which would halt the prosecution against Morrison.

But on Oct. 3, 2022, Oliver declined to recuse himself and dismissed the motion for a stay of proceedings. Instead he declared a mistrial, restarting the prosecution against Morrison from square one.

The disgraced judge was suspended that same day.

Another judge assigned to the case also dismissed the motion of a stay, but the New Brunswick Court of Appeal overturned that decision, noting a stay was the only way to restore public confidence in the administration of justice, given the egregious nature of Oliver’s misconduct.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Gearóid Ó Treasaigh, St. Thomas University’s Visiting Scholar in Irish Studies, will be hosting an evening of multilingual poetry, December 5 at the Grad House. Writer, translator and Irish-language instructor…

The post STU’s Visiting Scholar in Irish Studies to host poetry night appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

New Brunswick’s Progressive Conservative Party is facing more internal division over its socially conservative message ahead of next year’s provincial election.

A commitment made last June by Premier Blaine Higgs to provide “extra councillors, extra support” to enhance the  care and safety of vulnerable students in schools appears to be falling short.

A lawyer has to be allowed to examine a former N.B. Liquor director who at one time allegedly claimed to have information showing how the Crown corporation didn't follow proper procedure when granting agency store licences.

The superintendent of the Anglophone East School District is happy two new schools will be built in the Moncton region but says more are needed to keep up with enrolment.

The Higgs government has introduced legislation to force five public-sector unions into shared-risk pension plans, hoping to wrap up a major piece of unfinished business from a major strike in 2021.

After five days of testimony, lawyers in the criminal trial against RCMP Const. Osama Ibrahim delivered their final remarks to the judge on Wednesday.

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The body of a Stanley man reported as missing to police in June has been found, the RCMP reports, and it doesn’t appear he was the victim of foul play.

The RCMP’s keswick detachment issued a news release in July advising officers were seeking the public’s assistance in locating Christopher Dunham, 68, of Stanley.

He’d been reported as missing to the Mounties on June 11, when he was last seen near Graveyard Hill in Stanley.

At the time, police reported they’d had no luck in finding him and were worried about his well-being.

In a followup release Wednesday, the detachment noted Dunham had been found but was deceased.

“At this time, police do not believe criminality to be a factor in his death,” the RCMP said.

“Our thoughts are with the man's family and community at this time.”

In the original release, the Mounties noted Dunham may have been travelling in a gold 2011 Toyota Echo.

The Fredericton Independent can be reached by email here.

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A health promotion group is calling for more stringent safety measures during renovations to improve school ventilation after some students experienced headaches, itchy eyes, nosebleeds and other symptoms related to poor air quality during work at Sir James Dunn Academy in Saint Andrews.

Alexandre Hayward only started cycling during the pandemic, and now, he’s a multi-medal Parapan American Games winner.

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A Saint John man who saw charges stemming from his opposition to COVID-19 precautions withdrawn Wednesday wasn’t satisfied, noting he plans to pursue legal action against public officials involved in his case.

Ivan Finton Hall, 37, of Lamda Avenue in the port city, was scheduled to stand trial in Fredericton provincial court Wednesday on two criminal charges.

The Fredericton Police Force alleged he obstructed deputy sheriff Natasha Phillips in the execution of her duty Sept. 2, 2021, at the Fredericton courthouse, and that he failed to attend court on that previous charge April 29, 2022.

Hall has been an outspoken opponent of the orders issued by the provincial government under the Emergency Measures Act during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and he’s been a leader of a protest movement dealing with such issues and touting a perspective of “natural law” that disputes the legal framework of the criminal-justice system.

When Judge Lucie Mathurin called Hall’s case Wednesday, he stood in the courtroom gallery, but he declined to identify himself.

“Is that you, Mr. Hall?” the judge asked.

“Yet to be determined by the Crown,” he answered.

When the court proceeded, believing the defendant was present, Hall took issue with that.

“Please don’t make assumptions,” he told Mathurin. “I am here to appear for Mr. Hall.”

However, the trial didn’t proceed, as prosecutor Jennifer Bueno advised the Crown was withdrawing the charges.

The gallery - filled with about two dozen of Hall’s supporters - broke out into laughter, drawing an admonishment from Mathurin, who warned she wouldn’t abide by any outbursts.

“Is that voluntarily or involuntarily withdrawn?” Hall asked, inquiring about the reason for the prosecution’s motion.

Again, laughter broke out among Hall’s supporters, and the judge cleared them from the courtroom, allowing only officers of the court and a reporter to remain.

“I need witnesses,” Hall said in protest. “There’s a couple of matters that need to be resolved before we’re finished here.”

Mathurin allowed two of those who accompanied the defendant to court to remain.

He asked if any publication bans had been ordered on his files, if any subpoenas had been issued for the scheduled trial and if the court had a list of expected Crown witnesses before it.

The judge said there’s no publication ban endorsed on the files and no indication any subpoenas were issued. She said the court wouldn’t be and wasn’t provided with a list of witnesses.

Hall also inquired about supporting documentation for an arrest warrant that had been issued for him earlier in the case, and Mathurin confirmed Cpl. Brent Legere had sworn an affidavit that was filed with the court as evidence to back up the request for the warrant.

The defendant said that’s what he had in his files as well.

“So now I know who I’m going to go after,” he said, indicating he plans to pursue actions against that Fredericton Police Force officer.

Outside the courtroom, Hall spoke with Debbie Hallihan, the head sheriff for the Fredericton district, and he told her while the charges were withdrawn, he wasn’t done with the matter.

Hall told her that the Crown’s decision meant there was no public examination of government officials’ actions in his case, and therefore no accountability.

During the height of the pandemic, access to New Brunswick courthouses were limited to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19.

At one point, only defendants, subpoenaed witnesses, lawyers and journalists were allowed to attend court in person. Court of Appeal Chief Justice Marc Richard, in a pandemic directive, noted the exception for journalists was made to ensure the open-court principle was still respected.

But Hall told Hallihan on Wednesday that he and his fellow protesters felt any restriction barring anyone from attending court violated that principle.

He said no one should have been banned from the Justice Building during the pandemic, and he was intent on ensuring there were consequences for public officials for those decisions and actions.

Hall has been active in the movement against COVID-19 emergency orders, attempting to act as “power of attorney” for various self-represented defendants and civil court litigants with similar perspectives on government reaction to the pandemic.

He has butted heads with judges while trying to interject in other defendants’ court proceedings, and he was forcibly removed from courtrooms on at least two occasions - in Fredericton and Moncton - for his insistence on representing others despite not being a lawyer.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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CBC Music makes the case for why albums by Tobi, Charlotte Cardin, Feist and more were the best of the year.

Gallery at L.P. Fisher Public Library to feature local artists

Woodstock’s L.P. Fisher Library will soon be home to The Thompson Centre Art Gallery.

The library will host the gallery’s grand opening on Thursday, Dec. 7, at 6:30 a.m., followed by a reception.

The L.P. Fisher Library Board vice chair, Karen Arnold, said the board purchased the equipment to hang art displays in the lobby area and the lower level of the building’s older section.

“Our inaugural exhibit will be a photography display by Brendan Helmuth entitled Small,” she said.

The post Thompson Centre Art Gallery to open Dec. 7 first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Chance to stock up on holiday treats

DunRoamin’ Stray and Rescue offers a chance for area residents to get a head start in stocking up on Christmas treats while helping the pet rescue centre in Florenceville-Bristol.

DunRoamin’ will hold a Christmas Bake Sale on Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Co-Op Country Store on Main Street in Florenceville-Bristol. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

All proceeds raised during the sale will help DunRoamin’ care for the growing number of strays at the rescue centre.

The post Christmas bake sale to support DunRoamin’ Stray and Rescue first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Nackawic also applying for close to a million to promote residential development

Woodstock council and staff have set their eyes on more than $5 million potentially available from the federal government to accelerate housing starts in the town.

In a report to council at the Oct. 21 council meeting, Woodstock Director of Planning and Development Andrew Garnett outlined plans to apply for up to $5.1 million through the federal government’s housing accelerator fund.

Garnett explained that the availability of the funding program happened quickly, but the town reacted in time to meet the application deadline.

The federal government announced the $4 billion program in its last budget, aiming to accelerate housing construction in the face of a national housing crisis.

Garnett said the government designed the fund to improve housing supply and help support and attract developers.

“It’s money we can spend to be more attractive to developers,” he said.

Garnett explained applications require the town to demonstrate the need and potential for housing growth.

“It’s a formula of growth and what we predict in the next few years,’ he said.

Garnett said if the town secures the funding, it must set up a process to use the money to accelerate development. He explained options could range from tax breaks to red-tape reduction.

He said the funds could spur new development or boost existing development plans, citing the redevelopment of the former Woodstock Middle School property into a multi-unit apartment complex as an example.

“Maybe we can accelerate that,” he said.

Councillors Jeff Bradbury and Will Belyea stressed the need to use federal funds to promote affordable housing in Woodstock.

Mayor Trina Jones responded by noting that the funds are available for all types of housing, but the town can direct the funds to the chosen areas.

She believes the town has a solid plan to produce a successful application.

“We’re already ahead of the process,” she said.

Nackawic-Millville Mayor Tim Fox said the rural community also applied for slightly less than $1 million through the federal accelerator fund.

He said the money could enhance a pair of projected residential developments on the drawing board, including a significant development behind the Nackawic Middle School if the application is successful.

Moncton recently became the first New Brunswick municipality to announce funding support through the federal housing accelerator program officially. Federal and municipal officials announced the fast-growing Hub City secured $15.5 million through the fund.

The Moncton announcement brought concerns from New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs about federal funds going directly to municipalities to the forefront. Earlier in November, he suggested bringing forward legislation to block such funding.

In response to Global News’s request for comment, Higgs responded with a statement but didn’t clarify what steps his government would take.

“Bypassing provincial governments is not the solution,” the statement read. “Collaboration is key here as we need all three levels of government to work together on housing and other critical files.”

The premier also stated that his government wants a program similar to Quebec, where the feds and province work together to fund projects directed at municipalities.

Moncton Mayor Dawn Arnold, excited by the funding announcement, said she welcomed the premier’s interest in housing, suggesting the provincial government match federal funds to promote affordable housing in the province further.

In Woodstock, Mayor Jones and Garnett said the federal government did not indicate a timeline on when they would respond to the town’s application.

Garnett said the government only announced funding approvals for large municipalities to date,

Jones explained Woodstock falls into the second category of municipalities with populations of 10,000 or more. She hopes to see some announcements in that category soon.

Jones explained the federal accelerator fund lays out specific requirements, including the types of proposed developments.

“They want to see densification,” she said.

Jones said Woodstock needs all housing types, including affordable options for low-income residents, students and newcomers.

“I’m hoping we land some real good money,” she said.

The post Woodstock seeking millions in federal housing funds first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Through skilled composition and arrangements, Ibex have found a way to keep extreme music fresh and exciting, and that is no easy task.   Matt Carter  Speaking both critically and constructively…

The post New Music from Ibex appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

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A Maugerville man arrested after a standoff that shut down a neighbourhood on Fredericton’s north side for six hours this summer is headed to trial on assault and firearms charges.

Andrew Jim Roberts, 39, of Copper Head Lane, appeared in Fredericton provincial court by video from jail Tuesday to elect mode of trial and enter pleas.

He’s accused of assaulting Jessica LaPointe; threatening her; possessing a sawed-off, 12-gauge, pump-action shotgun and a black CO2 revolver handgun for the purpose of committing an offence; possessing a prohibited weapon (the shotgun) without a licence; possessing it without a licence; possessing the shotgun with readily accessible ammo; possessing the firearms while prohibited by a court order; and storing the shotgun improperly.

The charges all allege events in Fredericton on Aug. 31.

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

“I think the trial will at least be a day, maybe longer,” said prosecutor Rebecca Butler.

Judge Scott Brittain set the file over to Dec. 14 for a case-management conference to determine if the issues to be explored at trial could be narrowed.

A trial date will be set at that time as well.

The judge remanded Roberts again Monday pending the conclusion of the case.

Roberts was arrested after a six-hour standoff with Fredericton Police Force officers in a Marysville neighbourhood Aug. 31.

Numerous city police officers with firearms drawn descended on the intersection of Crockett Street and Pettigrove Crescent that morning, and the area was locked down for several hours. 

The police force advised days later the incident was prompted by a report of an armed suspect inside a home in the northside neighbourhood.

In a news release, police said after six hours, the suspect was arrested without incident.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Old Order Mennonite families from southern Ontario have placed an offer on about 1,000 acres of land in Kent County, where there is hope the new community will bolster efforts to revitalize agriculture.

Members of a task force on combatting racism are recommending the City of Fredericton hire a new employee specifically to record and report on incidents of racism experienced by residents of the city.

Saint John's proposed budget for next year earmarks $550,000 for the city's first roundabout, but despite much talk about introducing the feature to the local road system, a site still hasn't been chosen.

Highly collaborative Fredericton rock ensemble Free to Grow released a pair of new singles over the weekend.  Matt Carter Free to Grow continues down its well trodden path of collaboration…

The post Two New Singles from Free to Grow appeared first on Grid City Magazine.

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The Fredericton Police Force is looking to place a Fredericton man under arrest in connection with several investigations, but it's turning to the public for help in tracking him down.

The city police force issued an advisory through social media Tuesday evening indicating officers are looking for Timothy Robert Dunphy, 50, of Fredericton, describing him as being "arrestable on several police files."

Dunphy is described as being 5’10' tall, with grey hair, brown eyes and a medium build.

He made headlines three years ago after the fatal shooting of Justin Leigh Finnemore in the capital region on May 2, 2020.

Dunphy and Kevin Mark Sexton, 39, were charged with second-degree murder in Finnemore's death, but Dunphy was sentenced to a short stint in prison after admitting to a lesser charge of being an accessory to the murder after the fact by helping Sexton avoid police.

Sexton later pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was also sentenced to prison time.

Anyone with information on Dunphy's whereabouts or that could help police to find him is urged to contact Fredericton police Const. Steve Burgess by emailing [email protected] or by calling 506-460-2300.

Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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

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COVID-19 cases continue to climb in New Brunswick, while influenza cases have shot up, according to the province's weekly Respiratory Watch report. 

The first step in a major multi-year plan to rebuild Moncton's St. George Street is set to start next year, but on a street in the city's west end.

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A Fredericton man accused of firearms offences - including possessing a shotgun with a defaced serial number - will return to court next month to enter pleas.

Benjamin Robert Hayden, 30, of Canada Street, appeared in Fredericton provincial court Monday with defence counsel Spencer MacInnis to face four charges all alleging illegal possession of firearms.

He’s accused of possessing a Cooey 12-gague shotgun knowing its serial number had been defaced, possessing a prohibited weapon - a Chippa X-Caliber 12-gauge shotgun - without a licence, possessing the Chippa shotgun as a non-restricted firearm without a licence and storing the Chippa shotgun carelessly.

The charges all allege July 4 events in Fredericton.

MacInnis told the court she hadn’t received disclosure of the Crown file yet and asked for election of mode of trial and pleas be adjourned.

Judge Scott Brittain set the case over to Dec. 18.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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The Higgs government is loosening its spending restraint as it heads into an election year, committing to build an additional six new schools in New Brunswick to accommodate soaring enrolment numbers.

A coroner's inquest will be held next month into the death of Daniel George Moore, a Hoyt carpenter who died on July 10, 2021, at the Saint John Regional Hospital after falling off a roof while working.