After a mural in a pedway connecting Saint John's City Hall and Market Square was destroyed the city is taking steps to make sure it doesn't happen again.

Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 9

Most Canadians move their clocks one hour ahead this Sunday for daylight saving time.

The practice is observed in most provinces and territories, except for Saskatchewan and the Yukon.

It typically begins the second Sunday in March and ends the first Sunday in November, when we revert to Standard Time.

In Canada, the first municipality to use daylight saving time was Port Arthur, Ontario (now part of Thunder Bay), on July 1, 1908.

‘Springing’ our clocks forward was initially used to save energy during wartime. By shifting the clock and work schedules, employers wouldn’t have to turn on incandescent lights until workers were almost done with their shifts.

The post This weekend we ‘spring’ ahead first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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Weight restrictions for heavy trucks are coming into effect early Monday to prevent damage to New Brunswick roads, says the provincial Department of Transportation and Infrastructure.

In a news release issued Thursday, the department announced spring weight restrictions for truck traffic will come into effect at 12:01 a.m. March 10 in southern New Brunswick, and a week later at 12:01 a.m. March 17 for northern areas of the province.

They’ll remain in place, it said, until May 11 in the south and May 18 in the north.

“Weight limits are implemented every spring in order to protect our road infrastructure from damage during the annual frost-and-thaw cycle,” Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Chuck Chiasson said in the release.

“This is an annual notice to the trucking community so they may prepare to reduce their loads or plan for alternate routes during this period.”

The department determines the length of the restriction period by keeping tabs on weather conditions, tracking how the spring thaw progresses and using sensors located around New Brunswick.

Because it’s an ongoing process, the release said, the dates announced Thursday are subject to change.

For clarity, the department noted the following roads fall under the category of northern New Brunswick routes:

• all areas within the counties of Northumberland, Gloucester, Restigouche, Madawaska and Victoria;

• the portion of Route 108 within York County; portions of Gordon Vale Road and Holtville Road within York County;

• the portion of Route 123 within Sunbury County and Queens County;

• the portion of Bloomfield Ridge Road between Holtville Road and Route 625;

• and the portion of Route 625 between Gordon Vale Road and Route 8.

More details on the restrictions and route information are available online.

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

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After more than a year of serving as the province's acting top doctor, Dr. Yves Léger has been officially named the new chief medical officer of health.

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A federal prisoner arrested after a standoff last week told a court Wednesday he’d hired private counsel to defend him on new charges, but there wasn’t a lawyer on hand in court.

Codi Timothy Martin, 32, of no fixed address, appeared in Fredericton provincial court Wednesday by telephone from the Saint John Regional Correctional Centre.

He was scheduled to elect mode of trial and enter pleas to a variety of indictable charges from last week and last fall.

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On a list of 41 Canadian cities, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce says Saint John is the city most exposed to U.S. tariffs. Mayor Donna Reardon says the trade war is hard to navigate ‘because of the volatility of the situation.’

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A Fredericton-area man awaiting trial on drug-trafficking charges who’s facing fresh allegations on similar charges opted out of going through a bail hearing Thursday.

Joel Douglas Perley, 48, of no fixed address, was charged Wednesday with indictable counts of possessing fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking and possessing the proceeds of crime, namely $1,360 in cash, alleged to have occurred Tuesday.

He was remanded pending a bail hearing set for Thursday morning.

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The St. Andrews Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Gala takes place April 10, 2025 at the Algonquin Hotel in Saint Andrews by-the-Sea. Chamber President Paul Logan sits down with host Vicki Hogarth to talk about what the awards highlight, how they are decided, and what attendees can expect at this night of celebration.

Original broadcast date: March 6, 2025

Southwest Magazine is an original CHCO Television production taped on location at the CHCO-TV studio in Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada.

Sergeant Chris Henderson and Staff Sergeant Geoff Peters of the New Brunswick RCMP sit down with host Vicki Hogarth to talk about the most common types of crime encountered in Charlotte County, and the processes involved in enforcing the law.

Original broadcast date: March 6, 2025

Southwest Magazine is an original CHCO Television production taped on-location at the CHCO-TV studio in Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada.

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An Oromocto man will return to court later this month to elect mode of trial and enter a plea to a serious allegation of sexual assault involving choking a woman.

Riley Richards, 20, of Drummond Drive, made his initial appearance in Fredericton provincial court Wednesday to answer to a charge that in committing a sexual assault on a woman, he choked her.

The charge alleges an incident in Oromocto on Nov. 17.

Crown prosecutor Monkia Berenyi sought a publication ban on information that would tend to identify the complainant, and Judge Scott Brittain issued that order.

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The Town of Saint Andrews is considering handing over heritage permitting to the Southwest New Brunswick Service Commission. 

Saint Andrews has a national historic designation in its downtown core. Many properties on Water Street have heritage designation. 

The town was originally formed by loyalists in 1783 – and currently occupies the territory of the Passamaquoddy people. 

“The town retains the four key elements of a British colonial settlement of that period: a gridiron plan, provision for public spaces, well-defined sites for defensive works, and a commons area surrounding the original townsite to provide a clear delineation between settled and non-settled areas,” according to information provided by Parks Canada. 

It received the designation in 1995. 

During his report to council, chief administrative officer Chris Spear said now that the heritage bylaw had passed and Alexander Gopen, the senior planner for SNBSC, was named heritage officer, the town would need to enter into an agreement with the the organization for the provision of heritage permitting. 

“This type of offering is not typical for other municipalities in our region,” he said. “So this service is not part of the planning services agreement with the RSC.” 

The agreement was presented to the council with a proposed fee schedule on a file basis. Spear described the fee as “reasonable.”

According to a motion presented by Coun. Lee Heenan, there is no process for managing heritage permitting in Saint Andrews. 

Ultimately, the agreement was tabled due to a few clauses the staff needed to work out with the SNBSC, according to Spear. 

Coun. Jamie Hirtle said while he didn’t disagree with the fee schedule, he asked if it could be explained. 

Alexander Gopen, who was present for the meeting virtually, said it was based on staff time. 

“I think it’s quite similar to some of the agreements we have for dangerous and slightly enforcement of a similar fee structure,” he told the council during the meeting. 

It is expected, according to Spear, to come before the council again at the next meeting.

A new reality is setting in for Campobello Island residents as tighter U.S. border restrictions make it harder for islanders without up-to-date passports to travel to mainland Canada. Many residents rely on the bridge to Lubec, Maine, as their main route to the mainland, since the privately-owned ferry to the rest of the province only operates seasonally.

Johnston Haynes and his wife Rebecca, a couple who run a framing and print business in St. Andrews, have been on a mission to help. On a Sunday morning, they made their way to the end of the St. Andrews wharf to catch a boat to Campobello to provide passport photos to island residents in need. 

“We were just sitting down to a nice coffee at Honeybeans, and this person approached us and gave us the outline of this new need for passports on Campobello,” said Haynes, who was approached by a representative from the Charlotte County Seniors Resource Centre. “And some seniors in particular were mentioned off the bat. It looks like some new regulations might leave them a bit stranded for basics and vitals to get off the island. They now require a passport, whereas previously it was just a birth certificate and driver’s licence, I believe. So all of a sudden there’s a huge need for a bunch of passports, and we couldn’t say no. It just sounded like a blast right off the bat–hop on a boat and maybe go help some folks. We’re game.”

But getting there isn’t simple. Without passports themselves, Johnston and Rebecca couldn’t cross the U.S. border. At 8:30 a.m., they waited at the wharf for Campobello Mayor Harvey Matthews to arrive in his fishing vessel to take them by water to the island, bypassing the border entirely.

             WATCH: CHCO-TV NewsBreak26 with Vicki Hogarth: March 4, 2025

The couple took 74 passport photos in total, providing a crucial service to islanders as calls for a year-round ferry to the island continue to grow.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Premier Susan Holt acknowledged the island’s unique challenges at this uncertain time in international relations but did not offer an immediate solution to the island’s increasingly isolated circumstances.

“On Campobello, we’re in a particularly challenging situation, and I thought the mayor’s initiative to help people get passports was an excellent one because we know that the ferry that currently operates from Deer Island is not available every day,” said Holt to The Courier. “It’s not available when islanders need it. So we have to come up with the access to New Brunswick that Campobello needs in order to meet their requirements as a part of New Brunswick. We can’t get a new ferry there tomorrow. That’s unfortunately not the speed of our response. But we were working with the mayor. The mayor was on a call that we held with border communities to articulate to fight the issues, to flag the supports available to him and to the other mayors along the border. And so those conversations and that collaboration is continuing.”

At the same press conference, Holt unveiled New Brunswick’s action plan in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s imposition of 25% tariffs on most Canadian goods on March 4, except for 10% on energy products.

“These illegal, unjustified tariffs will have heavy consequences for New Brunswickers, for our businesses, our communities, and our economy,” said Holt. “92 % of our exports go to the U.S. These tariffs are an attack on Canada and on who we are, and they mark a turning point for our province and our country.”

The Progressive Conservatives were critical of the plan released by the Holt government, saying it lacked detail. Opposition leader Glenn Savoie said responding to tariffs “is a challenge that demands big shifts in strategy and thinking.” As it stands, the $162-million tariff relief package will provide support to New Brunswickers through Working NB to the tune of $33-million dollars, as well as relief for New Brunswick businesses with $75-million dollars available through Opportunities New Brunswick. The province also intends to remove several interprovincial trade barriers as well promote an NB Made campaign to incentivize people to buy local.

Despite the uncertain times ahead, Campobello islanders are taking matters into their own hands, proving their resilience in the face of shifting policies beyond their control. As the challenge of securing year-round access to mainland Canada continues, the island remains a place of deep community ties and self-reliance—where a fishing boat can be a lifeline, and neighbours will always step up to help one another navigate the tides.

Miramichi-Grand Lake MP Jake Stewart announced Thursday he won't run in the upcoming federal election, citing a personal toll that a life of politics has had on his own health and his family.

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A Waasis woman whom police found at the wheel of a parked but running car last spring was fined and barred from driving for a year, but the Crown went easy on her for assaulting a police officer.

Cera Kersha Guay, 29, of Route 655, appeared in Fredericton provincial court Wednesday to answer to three criminal charges.

She was accused of alternate counts of impaired operation of a car and having an elevated blood-alcohol level within two hours of operating the vehicle, and a related charge of assaulting a police officer.

Guay pleaded guilty to the elevated blood-alcohol charge, and the Crown withdrew the impaired-driving count, as defendants can’t be convicted of both.

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Environment Canada has issued a rainfall warning for much of New Brunswick, advising that up to 100 mm of rain is expected in some parts of the province Thursday.

By Barbara Rayner, The Courier

St. George • If you feel like getting some exercise while at the same time helping to raise funds for a wheelchair accessible bus, why not take part in “Bouncing on Balls for the Bus”.

The fundraiser is being organized by Sara Ross and Jeff Stevens of Simply for Life – St George and being held at the Results 360 Studio in St. George Saturday, March 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

They are hoping to have ten teams of two people take part in the event and there must be one person bouncing on the exercise ball (available at the studio) during the entire four-hours. 

Participants can seek out sponsors either for the whole event or by the hour and the hope is that each person will be able to raise at least $50 or $100 per team. Stevens said they already have about four teams confirmed so far.

Lorraine Justason of Pocologan, who is president and treasurer of We’re Running Late Busing, is the driving force behind the campaign to raise funds for a wheelchair accessible bus which would accommodate 17 to 19 people as well as two wheelchairs and serve people from Musquash to Campobello.

To date, she said, they have raised just over $2000 towards the bus – which is estimated will cost about $95,000 – and another fundraiser is planned for Saturday March 22 when a tea social will be held at the St. George Legion from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. with sandwiches, sweets and some games. The cost will be $10 a plate.

Like other New Brunswick forestry towns, the rural community of Kedgwick is on edge.

Residents of the border town of St. Stephen are used to crossing the line over to Calais Maine for deals on groceries and gas, but those cross-border habits are being put to the test this week, with 25 percent tariffs on goods coming back into Canada.

Relying on a walker because of a hip injury is no excuse for staying indoors for an 88-year-old New Brunswicker who loves to ski.

Renovations planned for Centreville and Glassville departments

Two fire halls in the District of Carleton North (DCN) will be getting significant upgrades. The DCN council has submitted applications to the capital borrowing board for improvements and expansions of the Centreville and Glassville fire departments.

The proposed projects are extensive. For Centreville, the plans include adding a third bay, a meeting and training room, and a water cistern. The meeting and training room will also be used as an EMO command centre for the western portion of the district. In Glassville, the department will also receive an extra bay and a storage room. Both fire halls will also receive minor but necessary internal upgrades and renovations.

Centreville Fire Chief Ritchie Shaw said his department is eager for the upgrades.

“We currently have no training area, except for our small kitchen area,” he said, adding that it would be nice to have a dedicated space where they can meet their yearly training requirements. Shaw also said that having their own water source from the proposed 40,000-gallon cistern will be especially helpful, noting that it can be difficult to access water at times.

District of Carleton North Mayor Andrew Harvey said maintaining and upgrading infrastructure is essential to the district and noted that the municipal government has to keep departments updated with modern facilities and equipment. The district has not set a start date for the work to begin.

“It depends on funds being approved,” said Harvey, who was optimistic.
“We’re confident it will be approved [this spring], and as soon as it is, we will go to tender. Our goal is for the renovations to be finished by the end of this year.”

The post Upgrades planned for District of Carleton North fire halls first appeared on River Valley Sun.

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A former Geary man is wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for allegedly violating the conditions of his early release from prison and is believed to be in the Fredericton area, say police.

The Fredericton Police Force issued an advisory on social media Wednesday evening asking for the public’s help in locating Scott Alexander Morrison, 43.

The force reported there’s a Canada-wide warrant out for Morrison’s arrest for being unlawfully at large - essentially meaning Correctional Service Canada has found he’s violating the conditions of early release from prison.

“Police believe that Morrison may possibly be in the Fredericton region,” the alert said.

Morrison is described as being about 5’11” tall, weighing 250 pounds, with brown eyes and dark, greying hair.

He was sentenced after trial to four years and eight months in federal prison in late 2022 for drug-trafficking offences committed in the summer of 2021.

Morrison also has an outstanding lawsuit against the province alleging correctional officers at the Saint John Regional Correctional Centre assaulted him in September 2022 while he was remanded there pending his sentencing.

In fact, the judge presiding over his case, after reviewing video of the incident and hearing arguments from Crown and defence, found as a fact that the guards had assaulted Morrison.

Then-provincial court Judge Cameron Gunn noted he was going to impose a five-year prison term for the drug crimes, but reduced it by four months due to the assault and the violation of the offender’s rights.

Morrison later sued over that assault. The province, in its statement of defence, argues the inmate was the aggressor, not the correctional officers.

That civil action has yet to go to trial.

Anyone with information on Morrison’s whereabouts is urged to call 911 or contact the Fredericton Police Force by calling 506-460-2300 or emailing [email protected].

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.

Don MacPherson can be contacted at [email protected].

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Officers with New Brunswick’s internet child exploitation (ICE) unit arrested four men - including three in the capital region - last month as part of a national operation dubbed Project Steel, the RCMP reports.

The New Brunswick RCMP issued a news release Wednesday, announcing its ICE unit worked as part of a national online child sexual exploitation operation called Project Steel recently, and it led to arrests in this province.

“In total, four search warrants were executed in the province in connection with Project Steel, including two in Fredericton, one in Moncton, and one in Oromocto,” the release said.

Two Fredericton men, aged 37 and 35; a 35-year-old Oromocto man and a 44-year-old Moncton man were arrested and released on conditions, all with pending court dates, it said.

“A total of 26 digital devices were seized to further the investigations,” the RCMP said.

The specific dates of those arrests weren’t detailed in the release, but it noted most of the Project Steel warrants were executed between Feb. 18 and 27.

Project Steel saw the New Brunswick ICE unit working in collaboration with the Codiac Regional RCMP and municipal police forces in Fredericton, Edmundston, the Kennebecasis Valley, Saint John and Woodstock, the release said.

The national operation was one undertaken by the RCMP's National Child Exploitation Crime Centre, the Ontario Provincial Police and the Sûreté du Québec, it said, with the assistance of municipal policing agencies and other law-enforcement partners Canada-wide.

The digital forensics services unit with the New Brunswick RCMP is also assisting with the ongoing investigations in this province, it said.

The Fredericton Independent can be reached by email here.

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RCMP are investigating after they stumbled upon 40,000 pills in a wooded area near West Branch Road, in West Branch, about 19 kilometres southwest of Richibucto.

The executive director of the Atlantic Provinces Trucking Association says its members are bracing for 'devastating effects' of the tariff war with the United States.

Karen Ludwig has announced she’ll be seeking to be the candidate for the Liberal Party in the newly re-drawn riding of Saint John-Saint Croix. 

Her party will need to nominate her and vote on her candidacy, but it isn’t her first time in federal politics. Ludwig won the riding in 2015, representing the area formerly known as New Brunswick Southwest. 

“What’s taking place south of our border that’s impacting us today, in particular with the Trump tariffs on Tuesday, all three T’s, it was my calling to come back,” she said in an interview with The Courier. “And knowing that there was going to be a new leader really was reassuring in terms of taking that next step.” 

She said she has met with leadership hopeful and former governor of the Bank of Canada Mark Carney – who she said she supports as the next leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. 

“I think the same way for leadership. I think at this time, who was the best person to lead us through this that has the experience? I believe it’s Mark Carney,” she said. 

The riding of Southwest New Brunswick has been largely Conservative since 1997, only flipped Liberal once, when Ludwig ran, but the riding has an ongoing history shared between both parties representing the riding. 

There are 10 electoral districts federally in New Brunswick, six are currently represented by Liberal MPs. 

Richard Bragdon, Rob Moore, John Williamson, and Jake Stewart are the MPs representing Conservatives in New Brunswick – in the ridings of Tobique—Mactaquac, Fundy Royal, New Brunswick Southwest, and Miramichi-Grand Lake respectively. 

Ludwig said it is a difficult time to step back into any level of politics. 

WATCH: CHCO-TV NewsBreak26 with Nathalie Sturgeon: Karen Ludwig runs for Saint John-Saint Croix

“It’s difficult enough to get a female to run,” she said. “It’s much more difficult to get a female to stay, let alone return at this time. So, I’m counting on New Brunswickers to support me. I’m hoping for a clean campaign, and we do need more civility in the house, and we need to be protecting our democracy.” 

Ludwig believes her experience with free trade agreements, helping to create and implement USMCA, which was succeeded by NAFTA, is critical as Canada deals with ongoing tariffs and threats to Canadian sovereignty by U.S. President Donald Trump. 

“It’s really a time when all Canadians, all levels of government need to stand together to be unified and for our sovereignty,” she said. 

Current MP John Williamson said he welcomed Ludwig to the race but did take aim at her recording in the House of Commons, particularly her vote against Bill 61 – known as the No New Pipeline Bill. 

“This is going to be a good election, a great debate and I welcome Karen and all other candidates to join,” he said. 

The Liberal Party of Canada is slated to select a new leader on March 9 and parliament is expected to return on March 14 – and while an election could be called early, it is legislated to take place in October.

An 18-year-old woman from Waterville who was standing outside her stopped vehicle was struck and killed Tuesday when another vehicle collided with hers, say RCMP.

Carleton Manor resident to receive visitors for 99th birthday

Stillman Antworth will turn 99 years young on Saturday, March 8. The family invites friends and neighbours to join them to celebrate Stillman’s milestone. They’ll host a birthday party at Carleton Manor from 1 to 4 p.m. in the solarium at Carleton Manor in Woodstock.

Those who can’t make it on Saturday are invited to visit him in his room (#9 Lower Goodine Lane) at the manor during visiting hours throughout the week.

The post ANNOUNCEMENT: Happy Birthday Stillman Antworth first appeared on River Valley Sun.

New Brunswick businesses are reacting to a plan by Premier Susan Holt that involves setting aside $162 million for programs aimed at softening the blow expected to be felt from U.S. tariffs that took effect on Tuesday.

Saint John is a major exporter, with the vast majority of exports, including Irving Oil products, going south of the border.

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A capital-region man who faces outstanding counts alleging possession of meth, fentanyl and more for trafficking purposes last summer now finds himself in custody again on another fentanyl charge.

Joel Douglas Perley, 48, of no fixed address, appeared in Fredericton provincial court by telephone from the Fredericton police station cellblock Wednesday morning.

City police charged him with possessing fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking and possessing $1,360 in Canadian currency believed to be the proceeds of crime.

The charges allege offences in Fredericton on Tuesday.

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Former Liberal MP Karen Ludwig hopes to secure the candidacy for the newly redrawn riding of Saint John-Saint Croix in the next election. She’ll face incumbent MP John Williamson. All this as the Liberal Party of Canada works to secure a new leader.

Original broadcast date: March 5, 2025

CHCO-TV NewsBreak26 is an original production of CHCO-TV filmed on location in Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada.

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The Mounties released a photo Wednesday of a suspect they’re hoping to identify in connection with a break-in and theft at a rural residence late last month.

The Keswick detachment of the RCMP issued a news release Wednesday morning about a Feb. 24 incident in Fredericksburg, about 40 kilometres north of Fredericton.

It said officers are investigating a break, enter, and theft in that rural community.

“The theft is believed to have occurred on Feb. 24, 2025, between 3 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., at a residence on Fredericksburg Road in Fredericksburg,” the release said, noting the residence was unoccupied at the time of the offence.

“A number of items were stolen and have since been recovered.”

An image of a suspect was caught on surveillance footage, and the RCMP released it, hoping members of the public can identify him.

The male suspect is described as being about six feet (183 centimetres) tall and was wearing a green winter jacket and a toque at the time.

Anyone who witnessed suspicious activity or who has information that could aid the investigation is urged to call the Keswick detachment at 506-357-4300.

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 by email here.

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A young Waterville woman died as a result of a two-vehicle collision in that community just south of Oromocto on Tuesday morning, the RCMP reports.

The Oromocto detachment of the RCMP issued a news release Wednesday morning about a fatal accident Tuesday that occurred a few kilometres south of the model town.

“On March 4, 2025, at approximately 8:08 a.m., members of the Oromocto RCMP responded to a report of a two-vehicle collision involving a pedestrian on Waterville Road, in Waterville, Sunbury County,” the release said.

“The collision is believed to have occurred when the first vehicle, travelling westbound, struck the second vehicle that was stopped facing the same direction. The driver and sole occupant of the second vehicle, an 18-year-old woman, was outside of her vehicle at the time of the collision, causing her vehicle to collide with her.”

To be clear, while the victim was the driver of one of the vehicles, hers was parked and she was outside of her car on foot at the time of the collision, according to the RCMP.

The young woman died at the scene from her injuries, the release said, while the other driver was uninjured.

“The cause of the collision remains under investigation, although criminality is not believed to be a factor,” it said, noting the investigation is ongoing.

“An autopsy will be scheduled to determine the woman's exact cause of death.”

In addition to patrol officers with the Oromocto detachment, personnel with the Oromocto Fire Department, Ambulance New Brunswick and the New Brunswick coroner's office also attended the scene, the release said, and an RCMP traffic reconstructionist is assisting with the case.

The Fredericton Independent can be reached by email here.

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A Fredericton man accused of a variety of offences - including violence and harassment of a capital-region woman - changed his tune Wednesday on his wishes for a bail hearing.

Chad Rex Kendell, 35, of York Street, appeared in Fredericton provincial court in person and in custody Wednesday, scheduled to enter pleas to a number of charges.

He was arrested and remanded earlier this year on counts of stealing a GMC Savana van, driving while impaired, dangerous driving and breaching a judicial release order to remain within 300 feet of his residence, all alleged to have occurred Feb. 8 in Fredericton.

Kendall had also previously elected to be tried in provincial court and entered not-guilty pleas to Sept. 15 counts of stealing a woman’s cellphone and distributing an intimate image of her; breaking into that woman’s home Nov. 22; breaching a police undertaking prohibiting him from contacting that woman three times (Nov. 22, 25 and Dec. 1); uttering a threat to Megan Tallick on Dec. 5; and assaulting on the first woman, threatening to burn her property and again breaching the no-contact condition Dec. 14.

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A New Brunswick playwright's new work, premiering Wednesday, follows a family in 1914 Saint John during the railway strike riots.

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A Fredericton-area man showing clear signs of impairment refused to provide breath samples after he drove into a downtown home last summer, causing thousands in damage, court heard this week.

Ryan Leroy Fowler, 31, pleaded guilty Monday in Fredericton provincial court to a charge of refusing a breath demand.

Crown prosecutor Daniel Standing said police were dispatched to Aberdeen Street in Fredericton on Aug. 19 after receiving a report of a single-vehicle accident.

Upon arrival, he said, officers found that a vehicle had gone off the street and struck a home. The airbags in the car were deployed, court heard, and the driver - identified as Fowler - was sitting on a sidewalk.

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Fredericton and surrounding communities are among those under a rainfall warning this week, with 20 to 40 millimetres of rain forecast beginning Wednesday and continuing until Thursday evening.

Environment and Climate Change Canada’s weather service issued a rainfall warning for central, southern and western regions of New Brunswick early Wednesday morning.

The greater Fredericton region is among the areas to be affected by the unseasonably mild weather.

“Rain at times heavy and mild temperatures are expected,” the warning stated, calling for 20 to 40 mm of rain, starting Wednesday afternoon and lasting until about 6 p.m. Thursday, with more rain expected after that.

“Heavy downpours can cause flash floods and water pooling on roads,” the weather service advised. “Localized flooding in low-lying areas is possible.”

Meanwhile, it also issued a freezing-rain alert for northern parts of the province.

Environment and Climate Change Canada advised four to eight hours of freezing rain is expected for those areas beginning Wednesday night and lasting until Thursday morning, and it would make for icy conditions and pose risks of utility outages.

The Fredericton Independent can be reached by email here.

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Limestone man awaits sentencing for violent attack

Riley Cowper, 20, of Limestone, appeared for trial in provincial court in custody by video on March 3 and changed his plea to guilty on two charges related to a violent attack on another local man. He’ll be sentenced on April 22 at 1:30 p.m.

RCMP charged Cowper with attempted murder by using a hammer and a wrench to assault Rodney Butler, mischief causing property damage to a car window, uttering threats, and robbery of a vehicle in connection with an incident on Aug. 10, 2024, at Jackson Falls.

He pleaded guilty to the lesser included offences of indictable assault with a weapon and indictable theft of a motor vehicle. The crown withdrew the remaining two charges.

Cowper was arrested on Aug. 13, 2024, and ordered to have no contact with Butler, who was treated at a hospital for injuries and later released.  Cowper waived his bail and has been in custody since his arrest.

On Monday, the court heard that Cowper and Butler met at a swimming hole called the rock quarry on Critter Road outside of Woodstock. Butler was drinking that evening, so Cowper offered to drive him home to Bulls Creek. They left together in Butler’s vehicle around 10:30 p.m.

Much to Butler’s surprise, Cowper drove to a farm in Jackson Falls owned by his employer, Danny Metherall. Cowper told Butler the vehicle was low on gas, got out of the car and went into a shop nearby. Cowper then yelled for Butler to “come check this out.”

As Butler walked into the shop, Cowper struck him on the head, face and arms with a hammer and wrench. When Butler cried out, Cowper said, “shut up,” so Butler played dead on the ground. Then, he saw Cowper reaching for a bigger hammer.

Butler ran back to his vehicle, but Cowper had the car keys. He followed Butler and used the hammer to smash out a window in the car. Butler then fled on foot and hid in a nearby cornfield while Cowper yelled for him to come back.

After the attack, Cowper went to Metherall’s residence and informed his boss he had “taken care of Butler” by beating him with a hammer. Cowper then left the property in Butler’s car.

Shortly after, Butler showed up at Metherall’s door covered in blood. He said Cowper tried to kill him. The police were called, and Butler was taken to the hospital. Blood was found on the tools and the shop floor.

Butler’s vehicle was later found burned in Fredericton, and his cell phone was located in Carleton Park on the city’s north side. Cowper turned himself in to the police.

Fine and jail time for hunting offence

Tristan Dale Trafford, 29, of Tracey Mills, was sentenced on March 4 to seven days in jail, to be served on weekends, after pleading guilty to one charge laid under the Fish and Wildlife Act. He was also fined $2,400.

Conservation officers charged Trafford with hunting bear during a closed season following an incident on Sept. 24, 2024, at Rustine Lake in York County. The crown withdrew two other charges. He had no prior record.

Arthurette man has 12 more charges

Johnny Lee Bloodsworth, 39, of Arthurette, appeared in provincial court on March 4 to face 12 new charges laid by RCMP. He returns to court for plea on April 1 at 9:30 a.m.

Bloodsworth was charged with four counts of sexual assault and eight counts of touching a minor for a sexual purpose in connection with incidents between July 10, 2023, and Sept. 4, 2023, at Arthurette.

He is also scheduled for trial on other separate charges laid by the RCMP. He pleaded not guilty, and his trial date was set for May 12, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.

Bloodsworth was charged with sexual assault, two counts of touching a minor for a sexual purpose, and uttering threats in connection with an incident between April 1, 2023 and Sept. 1, 2023, at Arthurette.

He also faces several firearm charges for a separate incident on June 14, 2024, at Arthurette, including possession of multiple shotguns and rifles without a licence, possession of a prohibited firearm with ready ammunition, and possession of several restricted firearms without a licence.

Bloodsworth appeared in provincial court in custody by video on June 25, 2024, for a bail hearing and was released with conditions. He was ordered to follow a curfew and reside at a residence in Grand Falls.

Held for bail hearing

Brandon Michael Francis, 29, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court in custody via teleconference on March 3 after being arrested on a warrant. He was remanded to jail to await a bail hearing on March 6 at 1:30 p.m.

Francis was charged with breach of a release order by violating electronic monitoring (ankle bracelet) concerning an incident on Jan. 10 at Neqotkuk.

He appeared in provincial court in custody for a bail hearing on Jan. 6 and was released with conditions. RCMP charged him with breach of probation, and he was arrested on the weekend of Jan. 4. He failed to attend court on Jan. 28, and a warrant was issued. Francis has a prior criminal record.

Released with ankle bracelet

Patrick Campbell, 29, of Carlingford, appeared in provincial court in custody on March 4 to face two new charges laid by RCMP.

Campbell was charged with breaching a no-contact order and obstructing the course of justice following an incident on March 3 at Carlingford. He was released with conditions, including house arrest and wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle.

Campbell returns to court for a plea on March 11 at 9:30 a.m., when he is also scheduled to appear on six other charges.

Campbell was also charged with sexual assault involving a female victim, assault causing bodily harm, assault by choking, assault with a weapon (a knife), attempting to obstruct justice, and administering a noxious substance in connection with incidents between 2020 and 2024 in Victoria County.

House arrest, probation for assault

Garrison Cane Perley, 34, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court for sentencing on March 4 after pleading guilty to two charges of assault. He received six months of house arrest and 18 months of probation.

Perley pleaded guilty to assault by choking involving a female victim and assault with a weapon (a knife) in connection with an incident on Oct. 14, 2023, near Perth-Andover. The crown withdrew another charge of assault.

As part of his sentence, he was also ordered to register with the federal DNA database and was prohibited from weapons for five years. Perley will be able to attend work during his house arrest.

The court heard details of a violent domestic dispute at an apartment where the accused attacked a woman while he was heavily intoxicated. Police arrived and found the premises trashed, and the accused left the building with a laundry basket full of his belongings.

Defence Counsel Alex Carleton said Perley was remorseful for his actions and undertook counselling and treatment for alcohol abuse. He was gainfully employed and has been sober for the past year.

Suspended sentence, probation

Roger Powers, 63, of Wapske, received a suspended sentence and 18 months of probation when he appeared in provincial court on March 3 to be sentenced on an assault charge. He was also fined $100.

Powers appeared for trial in provincial court on Nov. 27, 2024, after pleading not guilty to sexual assault. He pleaded guilty to common assault, and the crown withdrew the sex charge.  RCMP charged him with an incident in Plaster Rock on June 3, 2023. He had a dated prior criminal record.

Wotstak man to stand trial for trafficking

Jacob Richard Sewell, 34, of Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation), appeared in provincial court on March 4 and pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking charges.

Sewell was charged with two counts of trafficking in cocaine in connection with incidents on April 24 and May 2, 2024, in Woodstock. His trial date was set for Feb. 19-20, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. A monitoring date was also set for Sept. 23 at 1:30 p.m.

Sewell was also charged with uttering threats and assault with a weapon (a knife) involving a female victim, stemming from an incident on Sept. 27, 2024, at Wotstak. He pleaded not guilty, and a trial date was set for Feb. 6, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

New charges after altercation

Cassidy Guest, 33, and Lori Guest of Grand Falls appeared in provincial court on March 4 to answer charges laid by Woodstock Police. They return to court for plea on April 1 at 9:30 a.m.

Cassidy Guest was charged by Woodstock Police with assault by choking, unlawful confinement, assault involving a female victim, uttering threats, breach of an undertaking, robbery of a cell phone, mischief causing property damage, and assault while threatening to use a weapon (a knife) concerning an incident between Feb. 15 and Feb.16 in Woodstock.  Lori Guest was charged with being an accessory after the fact in the alleged crime.

Cassidy Guest also appeared in provincial court for sentencing on Feb. 25 after pleading guilty to a separate assault charge. Judge Karen Lee adjourned the sentencing until March 18 at 1:30 p.m. to allow for further submissions from both the crown and defence counsel.

Guest was charged by RCMP in connection with an incident on July 21, 2022, at the Perth-Andover Motor Inn. The court heard Guest launched a surprise attack on another man in the parking lot and punched and kicked him. He was first charged with assault causing bodily harm but pleaded guilty to the lesser included offence of common assault.

Guest did not return for sentencing on Feb. 20, 2024, and an arrest warrant was issued. He appeared in provincial court in custody on Feb. 18 after being arrested on a warrant for failing to appear. He pleaded guilty and was released with conditions, including wearing an electronic monitoring device attached to his ankle. Guest had no prior criminal record. He had been on the lam and working out west for a year before he was arrested in February.

Two charged with break and enter

Makayla Marie Shaw, 27, of Plaster Rock, and Adam Demerchant, of Moncton, will appear in provincial court on March 18 at 9:30 a.m. for a plea on a break-and-enter charge laid by Woodstock Police.

Demerchant appeared in court in custody on March 4 and was released with conditions until his next court appearance.

Shaw appeared in custody on Feb. 25 on a charge of breaching a release order (curfew) in Woodstock between Sept. 15, 2024, and Nov. 7, 2024. She was released to return to a rehab facility in Moncton.

Woodstock Police charged the pair with breaking into a residence on Creighton Street in Woodstock on Sept. 26, 2024.

Sentencing adjourned on multiple charges

Edward Hayes Jr., 29, of Benton, appeared for sentencing in provincial court in custody by video on March 4 after changing his plea to guilty on several charges laid by the RCMP. At the request of his defence counsel, his sentencing was adjourned until March 18 at 1:30 p.m.

Hayes pleaded guilty to refusing a breathalyzer demand, resisting arrest, assaulting two police officers, dangerous driving causing bodily harm, assault causing bodily harm on a female victim, mischief causing property damage to a vehicle, and driving while prohibited in connection with an incident on Aug. 27, 2024, at Centreville.

At an earlier court appearance, Hayes also pleaded guilty to flight from police and breach of probation, shoplifting at the Superstore in Grand Falls on May 24, 2023, and breach of probation on March 14, 2023, in Grand Falls. His sentencing was adjourned to March 18 at 1:30 p.m.

Returning for plea

Jeffrey Pike of Juniper appeared in provincial court on March 4 to answer new charges laid by RCMP. He returns to court for plea on March 25 at 9:30 a.m.

Pike was charged with two counts of assault involving a female victim on Dec. 25, 2024, and Dec. 27, 2024, at Juniper; assault with a weapon (a dresser), and uttering threats between Dec. 25, 2024, and Dec. 27, 2024, at Juniper.

He also appeared in provincial court in custody on Feb. 14 on four other charges laid by RCMP. He was released with conditions, with a plea date of March 25 at 9:30 a.m.

Pike was charged with two counts of breaching an undertaking (no contact order) on Feb. 7 and Feb. 9 at Juniper and breach of an undertaking and obstructing the course of justice on Feb. 10 at Juniper. As part of his release, he was ordered to have no contact with the complainant.

Trial set on three charges

Damian Oakes, 26, of Coldstream, appeared in provincial court on March 4 and pleaded not guilty to three charges laid by RCMP. His trial date was set for Feb. 12-13, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Oakes was charged with indictable sexual assault, touching for a sexual purpose, and using a weapon to commit an assault (a lighter) in connection with an incident between Jan. 1, 2017 and Dec. 13, 2021. A pre-trial conference will be held on Sept. 9 at 1:30 p.m.

Multiple trials for Woodstock man

Logan Estey, 20, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on March 4 for monitoring about his trial on multiple charges. He confirmed he has legal counsel to proceed.

Estey pleaded not guilty on all counts, and three trial dates were set for Oct. 31 at 9:30 a.m., Feb. 4, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. and March 6, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Estey was charged by RCMP with assault, assault with a weapon (a car), and dangerous driving following an incident on July 24, 2024, at Wotstak (Woodstock First Nation).

Woodstock Police charged him with two counts of breaching a no-contact order concerning an incident in Woodstock on Aug. 3, 2024. He was ordered to have no further contact with the complainant. He appeared in provincial court in custody on Aug. 8, 2024, and was released with conditions.

He was also charged with mischief causing property damage to a window and possession of a firearm for the purpose of committing an offence in connection with an incident on Jan. 1, 2024, in Upper Woodstock. The court heard Estey is also facing more charges in Fredericton.

Not-guilty plea entered

Donald Nason, 63, of Hartland, appeared in provincial court on March 4 and pleaded not guilty to an assault charge laid by RCMP. His trial date was set for Feb. 5, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Nason was charged with assault by choking involving a female victim concerning an incident on Jan. 2 in Hartland. He was released on an undertaking until his trial.

Returning for plea

Ryan Fitzherbert, 30, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on March 4 to answer a stolen property charge laid by RCMP. The matter was adjourned for plea until April 1 at 9:30 a.m.

Fitzherbert was charged with possessing a stolen vehicle at Pembroke on Oct. 23, 2024. Woodstock Police also charged him with trespassing at the Canadian Tire Store in Woodstock.

Facing weapons charges

London Murchison, 19, of Plaster Rock, appeared in provincial court on March 4 for plea on two charges laid by RCMP. The matter was adjourned until March 18 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.

Murchison was charged with assault with a weapon (a knife) and possession of a prohibited weapon (a butterfly knife) concerning an incident on Sept. 2, 2024, at Plaster Rock.

Plea adjourned to new date

Seth McAskill, 21, of Wapske, appeared in provincial court on March 4 to answer assault charges laid by RCMP. The matter was adjourned for plea until March 18 at 9:30 a.m. at the request of his defence counsel.

McAskill appeared in provincial court in custody on Jan. 21 and was released with conditions. He was charged with two counts of assault involving a female victim on Dec. 17 and Dec. 18, 2024, at Plaster Rock and breach of an undertaking by violating a no-contact order on Jan. 20 at Plaster Rock.

Sentencing adjourned

Ronald Johnston, 68, of Lincoln, appeared for sentencing in provincial court on March 4 after changing his plea to guilty on an impaired driving charge.

RCMP charged Johnston following an incident on July 16, 2021, in Perth-Andover. His sentencing was adjourned until March 10 at 1:30 p.m.

Plea pending for Woodstock man

Justin Ryan Shea, 36, of Woodstock, appeared in provincial court on March 4 for monitoring about his trial and to confirm a date for plea on a new charge. The matter was adjourned until March 25 at 1:30 p.m.

Shea appeared in provincial court in custody by video for a bail hearing on Feb. 27 and was released with conditions. RCMP charged him with breaching his release order concerning an incident on Feb. 18 in Woodstock.

He also appeared in provincial court on Feb. 4 and pleaded not guilty to two drug trafficking charges. His trial was set for Jan. 26 and Jan. 28, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.

Shea was charged by Woodstock Police with trafficking in methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking in connection with incidents in Woodstock on June 30 and May 2, 2024. A pre-trial conference was scheduled for Oct. 15 at 9:30 a.m.

Shea appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Nov. 7, 2024, for a bail hearing and was released with conditions. Woodstock Police charged him with break-in, theft, and theft at a house on Creighton Street on Sept. 26, 2024, and an additional charge of breaching an undertaking (curfew). He pleaded not guilty, and his trial date was set for July 14 at 9:30 a.m.

A co-accused, James Blair Hovey, 27, of Perth Andover, faces charges for the same alleged break-in and will stand trial with Shea on July 14. Hovey is also facing additional charges, and he remains in custody.

Shea was also charged with mischief causing property damage and break, enter, and theft at the East Coast Truck Wash for an incident on March 17, 2024, in Lower Woodstock. He pleaded not guilty and his trial was set for Jan. 2, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. A monitoring date was scheduled for Oct. 22 at 9:30 a.m.

Two charged with theft

The court issued an arrest warrant for William (Billy) Harding, 34, of Plaster Rock, after he failed to appear in provincial court for plea on March 4.

Harding was charged by Woodstock Police with theft from the Superstore and breach of probation following an incident on Sept. 10, 2024, in Woodstock.

He appeared in provincial court in custody by video on Feb. 10 and was released with conditions.

A co-accused, Tammy Schloemer, 60, of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation), appeared in provincial court on March 4. She was also charged with theft from the Superstore for the same incident. Her matter was adjourned for plea until March 18 at 9:30 a.m.

The post Woodstock Provincial Court: Man awaits sentencing on attempted murder charge first appeared on River Valley Sun.

Now that tariffs are in place, how will they affect New Brunswickers' lives, diet, shopping habits and jobs?

As more and more apartment buildings rise in cities across New Brunswick, data from Statistics Canada shows the rents being charged for the units appear to be falling.

Lisa Whiteman previously attempted the “1,000 mile challenge,” which works out to 1,609 kilometres, but didn't make it within 24 hours. This year she tried something different.

Women-only snowmobile event slated for March 15

Women and snowmobiles will once again converge on Hartland for a great cause this March. In its third year, the Zone 4 Grocery Run raises money and food for Valley Food Bank. The event kicks off at 150 Wilmot Road in Hartland at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 15.

The fundraiser centres around women on snowmobiles riding an 80 km loop.

Zarla Gorton is a 15-year-member of the Northern Lights Trail Blazers Club 46 and the Grocery Run organizer. She says she’s always been frustrated by the lack of women participating in the sport, so she worked to organize the first run in 2023.

“I decided that if I arranged an easy 80 km loop with some fun stops along the way, offer an experienced group and a newbie group, the ladies would come, and they did,” said Gorton.

The Grocery Run aims to raise food and money for local food banks or programs. In their first year, 50 women participated, raising 163 lbs. of food (approx. $523), plus $1,200. Everything was donated to Valley Food Bank.

Last year, Mother Nature had a surprise for them. Warmer weather meant insufficient snow to host the event. This setback did not stop Gorton from meeting the group’s goal of donating to Hartland Helpers. Instead of the run, a dance was organized at the Centreville Elks Club, raising $2,200.

So far, 50 women have registered for this year’s run, and $6,700 has already been donated. The group’s goal is to raise $10,000 this year.

Gorton says she is beyond excited for this year’s ride, adding that riding to raise food and money for people who need it makes the experience more meaningful.

“As the only all-female snowmobile ride in the province of New Brunswick, it’s an incredible opportunity to bring women together, hit the trails, and support a great cause,” said Gorton.

The post Zone 4 Grocery Run to raise food and funds for third year first appeared on River Valley Sun.

A coroner's inquest into the death of a Red Seal carpenter who died from an 8.5 metre fall, concluded in Fredericton with 6 recommendations from the jury.

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The City of Fredericton’s temporary public art program is returning this year, and city hall is inviting interested artists to submit their proposals for consideration.

The temporary public art program launched in 2020 in Phoenix Square in the downtown core but later expanded to other public spaces in the capital, the city said in a news release Tuesday.

It said the proposal phase of the program is now open to professional artists from the greater Fredericton region. The deadline for submissions is April 4.

“The goal of this program is to host a vibrant outdoor space for people to enjoy in the city,” the release said, noting among the locations where the art will be displayed will be Phoenix Square, the Garrison District and Killarney Lake Park.

“... Each location will have different conditions and challenges the artist must consider.”

A jury will review project proposals and assess them for safety, sturdiness, public engagement and the environment around the installation, the release said.

“Artists are responsible for developing the concept, creating the artwork, safe installation and removal at the end of the display period,” it said.

“Artists will also need to collaborate with city staff to make necessary modifications to meet any challenges.”

Those submitting proposals are advised to submit a resume and biography, the intended location(s) for proposed temporary artwork, a design concept, an itemized budget to a maximum of $5,000 for all costs, and a timeline for the creation and installation of the project.

Submissions should be sent by email to [email protected] by the deadline, and artists can submit any questions to that email address as well.

The Fredericton Independent can be reached by email here.

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Campobello Islanders race to get passports as U.S. tightens border + Trump imposes tariffs on Canadian goods + New Brunswick unveils tariff relief plan.

Original Broadcast Date: March 4, 2025

CHCO-TV NewsBreak26 with Vicki Hogarth is an original CHCO Television production filmed on location in Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada.

Host Mary Casement visits the home of Steven Smith, the Crocker Hill Store in downtown Saint Andrews by-the-Sea, to tour Steven’s garden and sculptures on an all-new Gardening by the Bay.

Original Broadcast Date: March 4, 2025

Gardening by the Bay is an original CHCO Television production produced on location in Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada.

The New Brunswick government has unveiled a plan to respond to tariffs implemented today by U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration. 

A 25 per cent tariff has been imposed on Canadian exports and 10 per cent on energy exports so far, with Trump promising further tariffs in April. 

“These illegal, unjustified tariffs will have heavy consequences for New Brunswick,” she said during a press conference. 

In New Brunswick, about 92 per cent of the exports go to the U.S., with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce showing Saint John is likely to be the most impacted city in the country. 

“These tariffs are an attack on Canada and on who we are and they mark a turning point for our province and our country,” she said. 

Holt unveiled a plan on Tuesday that includes four pillars, and about $160 million in aid. 

Some of those included:

• $33 million to the Department of Post Secondary Education, Training and Labour to “provide support and services to those whose jobs have been affected by the tariffs.”
• $5 million to help businesses sustain operations.
• $40 million for a “competitiveness and growth program to enhance the long-term sustainability of New Brunswick’s large export-intensive companies.” 
• $4 million to support the New Brunswick Fisheries Fund. 

There was also money allocated for communities being directly impacted by tariffs, like border communities. 

The government will also move to remove interprovincial trade barriers, to allow the Canadian economy to support itself more. 

Some of those included:

• Automatically recognizing certified workers from another jurisdiction for a minimum of 120 days, allowing them to obtain any necessary provincial credentials. 
• Removing nine, narrowing one, and considering six other party-specific exceptions under the Canada Free Trade Agreement
• Participating in direct-to-consumer sales of alcohol and eliminating personal exemptions for alcohol limits.

Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs Jean Claude D’Amours said these remove about 50 per cent of the province’s exemptions. 

Holt said everything is on the table when it comes to retaliating against the trade war initiated by the Trump administration, but says cutting the energy supply to the northern parts of Maine is a tough decision to make. 

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has said he would cut energy supply to the nearly 1.5 million homes it powers in Michigan, Minnesota, and New York. 

“Our neighbours in Maine are our friends and we want to put serious consideration into decisions that might hurt people who have already spoken up against the tariffs that the president has illegally enacted,” she said. 

She said the government will consider shutting down the power in the future. 

Criticism from the opposition

Opposition Leader Glen Savoie criticised the plan, saying it lacks detail. 

“The taxpayers have been told to brace for another $160 million dollars in government spending with few details,” a statement from Savoie said. 

He said the tariffs from the Trump administration is a challenge that “demands big shifts in strategy and thinking.”

“It was disappointing to hear no reference at all to resource development as part of an overall strategy, but of course, no overall strategy was shared, either,” he said in the statement. 

Border mayors’ concerns

Holt said she has met with New Brunswick border mayors including with St. Stephen Mayor Allan MacEachern. 

She said there was a lot of talk about border security, including outmigration. Fears have risen about immigrants in the U.S. fleeing deportation who may try to enter Canada illegally. 

“We were talking about the additional surveillance and monitoring that New Brunswick and the Canadian government had put on the border, the impact of the Blackhawk that some community members were seeing, of the drones … that was the main discussion at that time.

“But now, it might be the economic impacts,” she said. 

The Border Mayors Alliance, which includes St. Stephen’s Allan MacEachern, released a statement on Tuesday saying they are on the frontlines of the trade war. 

“Let us be clear: we will not stand by,” it read. “Canada and the United States share the most successful trade relationship in human history, valued at approximately $950 billion per year supporting millions of jobs on both sides of the border.”

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The city police force is hoping members of the public can help identify a driver whose risky behaviour it says endangered people on Fredericton’s north side Sunday afternoon.

On Sunday, March 2, 2025, at approximately 4:20 p.m., (Fredericton police) officers attempted to stop a black Chevrolet Cobalt with a light bar affixed to the vehicle’s front in the parking lot of the Nashwaaksis Plaza located at 102 Main St. on Fredericton’s north side,” the force said in a news release Tuesday afternoon.

The car sported a stolen rear New Brunswick license plate of GIP 265, it said.

“When officers attempted to intercept the vehicle near Speedbumps Sports Bar, the vehicle fled from police driving dangerously, posing a significant risk to officers and members of the public in the vicinity,” the release said.

“These actions are criminal in nature, pose a risk to public safety and will not be tolerated.”

The investigation revealed the suspects - driver and passengers - have frequented Speedbumps in the past, and the police force is urging those individuals to come forward.

Police are also seeking information from the public, asking for tips on the identities of the driver and other occupants of the car, and the whereabouts of the vehicle.

Investigators are also interested in hearing from anyone who might have video footage of Sunday’s incident.

Anyone with information or evidence is urged to contact the Fredericton Police Force by calling 506-460-2300 or emailing [email protected].

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.

Tipsters can cite police file no. 25-4588.

The Fredericton Independent can be reached by email here.

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A Geary man accused of causing a car accident and hurting a woman in the process while he was under the influence at the wheel denied the allegation Tuesday.

Robert Joseph Matthew Stewart, 48, of Intervale Road - accompanied by defence lawyer Michael Mallory - appeared in Fredericton provincial court Tuesday to answer to two charges, involving drug use and possession.

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Premier Susan Holt has announced a four-pillar response to U.S. tariffs, which includes support for workers and businesses.