David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @Kathryn98967631 and 49 others
YO Fred "Content disabled"
As per your MO you and Mo were the first to post your opinions Methinks even you must find it strange that this comment section did not open until the wee hours of Jan 2nd N'esy Pas?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/byelection-st-croix-new-brunswick-election-liberals-higgs-1.5411514
Liberal win in Saint Croix byelection would trigger provincial election, Higgs says
Premier cautions Saint Croix against splitting vote between PCs and Alliance, ending in possible Liberal win
· CBC News · Posted: Dec 31, 2019 8:07 PM AT
Premier Blaine Higgs said losing the Saint Croix and Shediac Bay-Dieppe ridings to the Liberals could lead to a full provincial election. (CBC)
Premier Blaine Higgs says a byelection win for the Opposition Liberals in the riding of Saint Croix would lead to an early provincial election and a risk of the Liberals returning to power by the end of 2020.
Higgs says he will warn voters in the riding against splitting their votes between his Progressive Conservatives and the People's Alliance, a split that could help the Liberals win the seat.
While he wants to avoid going to the polls in 2020, a Liberal win in Saint Croix "would probably put me there. I wouldn't have a choice.
"That is obviously in the back of my mind."
Liberal victories there and in another expected byelection in Shediac Bay-Dieppe would shift the standings in the legislature.
That would make it unlikely the PC minority government could win confidence votes and pass legislation even with the support of the Alliance.
"The decision [for voters in Saint Croix] is probably not so much 'Do I support the Alliance over the PCs' or vice versa," Higgs said in a year-end interview. "It's 'Do I really want to take a chance of the Liberals getting back in government?'"
Higgs's comments raise the stakes for the Saint Croix byelection, which he hasn't called yet.
The riding stretches from the village of McAdam to the Bay of Fundy, including the towns of St. Stephen and Saint Andrews.
It has been vacant since the death of PC MLA and cabinet minister Greg Thompson last September.
Will set date by March
Higgs has until March to set a date for the vote. He plans to schedule the byelection for Shediac Bay-Dieppe at the same time.
He said his choice of a date will be based in part on the possibility that losing both ridings would lead to a full provincial campaign.
The Saint Croix byelection will be the first time PC and Alliance candidates campaign against each other while the parties are co-operating in the legislature.
Normally a candidate for the governing party argues during a byelection campaign that he or she will be in the best position to influence government decisions.
But with the Alliance propping up the Tories in exchange for a role in decision-making, the Alliance candidate will be able to make the same case in Saint Croix.
While you can go chasing what might be the possibility of a majority, what we do know right now is we have the possibility to influence the outcome of the province for the better.
- Blaine Higgs, premierAsked how the PCs will counter that argument, Higgs invoked the risk of a vote split between the two parties.
"What we're going to both have to face is the risk of a Liberal candidate or a Green candidate winning, particularly a Liberal candidate," he said.
This isn't the first time Higgs has threatened an early election. In December he said he'd consider a bill on essential services in nursing homes to be a confidence matter. The bill passed with the support of the Alliance.
But this warning is different because it is aimed at voters, not a handful of MLAs in the legislature.
Despite the high stakes, the premier says he doesn't plan to back away from tough decisions because of the by-election, including planned health reforms to be announced early in the year.
"We're not going to shy away from them. I hope to be able to communicate in a way that people understand the rationale behind everything we do. I would never suggest that means everyone will like it. It's just that they'll understand why."
The premier insisted that he doesn't want an early election, even if some of his advisers believe he'd likely win a majority.
He said so far he's been able to get most of his agenda passed by the legislature, and given how polls can change during a campaign, that would be at risk if he called an election.
"I'm kind of a believer that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, that old adage," Higgs said.
"While you can go chasing what might be the possibility of a majority, what we do know right now is we have the possibility to influence the outcome of the province for the better.
"If it becomes unworkable, it's a different story."
Vote split warning is 'old argument'
One such unworkable outcome would be a defeat in Saint Croix. The PCs won the riding easily in 2018 but four years earlier, the Liberals won the riding, despite a larger combined PC-Alliance vote.
The Alliance plans to run high-profile former wildlife biologist Rod Cumberland in the byelection.
Alliance Leader Kris Austin brushed off Higgs's talk of a vote split, saying that argument "has been used, it's been done, it's an old argument."
He said his party doesn't only draw support from unhappy PCs, and its success in the last election has forced the Higgs government to be more accountable.
"I've always said you should vote for the best candidate and the best policies that line up with your views."
Another variable in the Saint Croix byelection is the Canadian Union of Public Employees, which has vowed to get involved in the campaign and work against the PCs as a response to Higgs's rejection of large wage increases for nursing-home workers.
Yet another factor could be complaints by some members of the PC riding association that a potential nomination candidate was rejected by a party vetting committee without explanation. The association president resigned earlier this week.
'Environment prompted the resignation'
Association president Vernon Card resigned this week, telling fellow PC members in an email that he was questioning the "positive characteristics" of the party.
He said in an email Wednesday that while the rejection of candidate Lorraine Gilmore Peters was "concerning, it was small compared to the overall environment. This environment prompted the resignation."
He would not do an interview and said he would elaborate in a blog post in late January or early February.
The next provincial budget will be introduced March 10, the same month Higgs plans to call the by-elections--though he is free to pick a date months later.
The PCs have scheduled their convention to nominate a candidate for Jan. 18. The Liberals have not set a date for their convention.
The other riding where a byelection must be called, Shediac Bay-Dieppe, became vacant when former premier Brian Gallant resigned last October. It's expected to stay Liberal.
170 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.
David Raymond Amos
Welcome back to the Circus folks
Methinks it is obvious that Higgy is worried about the "Tempest in Teapot" no matter what a lawyer who was a wannabe leader long ago may claim N'esy Pas?
David Raymond Amos
Methinks everybody loves this circus N'esy Pas?
Anne Berube
Who, but who could be insane enough to ever consider voting liberal!
Claude DeRoche
The Irving government is on it's way out!
David
Raymond Amos
Reply to @Claude DeRoche: Dream on
Fred Brewer
Reply to @Claude DeRoche: Only to be replaced by the Liberal Irving Government.
Same old same old. Time for Green or Purple.
Same old same old. Time for Green or Purple.
Johnny Horton
Reply to @Fred Brewer:
Greens have done nothing but give themselves raises. Same ole typical politicians. They won’t be any different than the cons or libs.
Greens have done nothing but give themselves raises. Same ole typical politicians. They won’t be any different than the cons or libs.
Mac Isaac
The Liberals would never, in a million years, do this, but wouldn't you love to see what "might" happen if the Liberals made the promise to hold off on any confidence motion...unless forced to do so by a policy that is anathema to their Liberal policies. As a Liberal of long-standing I admit there hasn't been many policies of this P.C. government to which I strongly disagree and, as a New Brunswicker of equally long-standing, I would seriously love seeing these two parties actually work together for the betterment of this province's people. As I said: "...never, in a million years..." Too bad because, like most New Brunswickers, I'm tired of political decisions being settled like a playground spat..
David
Raymond Amos
Reply to @Mac Isaac: Yea Right Tell us another one
Murray Brown
I wouldn't hold Higgs to that statement... He'll likely change his mind after the Tories lose and decide to grasp onto power for as long as he can.
Johnny Horton
Reply to @Murray Brown:
The libs don’t stand a chance in charlotte county,. Anybody thinking they do, is just out to lunch,
The libs don’t stand a chance in charlotte county,. Anybody thinking they do, is just out to lunch,
Lewis Taylor
Reply to @Johnny Horton:
the libs had it recently and if PC and PANB split vote then it could very well happen again. It would be fun if it happened just to see you lose it.
the libs had it recently and if PC and PANB split vote then it could very well happen again. It would be fun if it happened just to see you lose it.
Johnny Horton
Reply to @Lewis Taylor:
I’m not sure why you think I want the cons to win. I’ve never stated such. In fact, I want anyone running as an independent to win. Otherwise, as all the parties are about the same, I don’t really care who gets in, they’ll just be there for themselves anyway,
I’m not sure why you think I want the cons to win. I’ve never stated such. In fact, I want anyone running as an independent to win. Otherwise, as all the parties are about the same, I don’t really care who gets in, they’ll just be there for themselves anyway,
Johnny Horton
Reply to @Murray Brown:
You mean like the libs just did in the last prov election? Hang on for dear life. But sure let’s flog Higgs for it when he hasn’t even done it eat.
God, I’m not s higgs fan, but this hypocrisy is killing me.
You mean like the libs just did in the last prov election? Hang on for dear life. But sure let’s flog Higgs for it when he hasn’t even done it eat.
God, I’m not s higgs fan, but this hypocrisy is killing me.
David
Raymond Amos
Reply to @Murray
Brown: Methinks everybody knows Higgy wants an election ASAP He just
wants somebody else to make it happen so he can blame them for it N'esy
Pas?
David
Raymond Amos
Reply to @David
Raymond Amos: Methinks the last person the Irving shill would want to
win is an Independent or he would not have attacked me so viciously
during the past two elections N'esy Pas?
John Smith
i dunno im thinkin green is almost main stream now they just play for the home team thats the ledge itself we need polyspeakers to speak for unipeople
Johnny Horton
Reply to @john smith:
David c is just as much s typical politician as any blue or red or orange or now purple as well I guess.
David c is just as much s typical politician as any blue or red or orange or now purple as well I guess.
David
Raymond Amos
Reply to @john smith: Methinks you should relax and enjoy the circus you are paying for N'esy Pas?
Mike Connors
I never thought I would see the day when the Premier of this Province would threaten people to vote for him or else. Let's waste more millions on an unnecessary election because his fan club told him he would win a majority. Not from this voter, Blaine., Not from this voter.
Johnny Horton
Reply to @Mike Connors:
So who you gonna vote for instead? The libs and their ATCONs? The PA and their divisive policies? Or maybe the greens who claim they are different, yet coon has done an awesome job of being s politican and giving himself more money.
Higgs might well not be a choice, but not like there is a thing better out there.
So who you gonna vote for instead? The libs and their ATCONs? The PA and their divisive policies? Or maybe the greens who claim they are different, yet coon has done an awesome job of being s politican and giving himself more money.
Higgs might well not be a choice, but not like there is a thing better out there.
David
Raymond Amos
Reply to @Mike
Connors: Methinks everybody knows desperate political people often say
desperate things and the ones in power always do desperate things with
taxpayer funds in order to maintain their mandate N'esy Pas?
Johnny Horton
Reply to @David Raymond Amos:
Methinks citizens doing endless frivolous lawsuits have wasted far more taxpayer money...
Methinks citizens doing endless frivolous lawsuits have wasted far more taxpayer money...
David
Raymond Amos
Reply to @David Raymond Amos: Methinks many folks should agree that an Irving shill just proved my point on spades N'esy Pas?
Lewis Taylor
Reply to @Johnny Horton:
People can vote for whoever they want. it is still a democracy.
Lewis Taylor
Reply to @Johnny Horton:
People can vote for whoever they want. it is still a democracy.
Johnny Horton
Reply to @Lewis Taylor:
Sure they can snd will. Right now there’s still s lot of resentment in Charlotte county against the libs and their antics. They won’t get many votes.
Sure they can snd will. Right now there’s still s lot of resentment in Charlotte county against the libs and their antics. They won’t get many votes.
Robin Chase
Yikes, what a mess in
New Brunswick. I think that most people want the Liberals back in power,
but are just giving them a timeout in order for them to get their house
in order and be ready for a provincial election with a new leader. It
seems like Higgs won by default. People there didn't seem to want him
bad enough to give him very much power, and when they get the chance
they'll vote Liberal again. I think the next Liberal leader will be
premier. Anyway, that's my view from Toronto. Is it accurate?
Johnny Horton
Reply to @Robin Chase:
Isn’t vickers already anointed emperor?
Isn’t vickers already anointed emperor?
Fred Brewer
Reply to @Robin Chase:
With respect, I think you are dead wrong when you say most people want
the Liberals back in power. The people I talk to have not forgotten
(nor will they forget) the $70 million of taxpayer's money lost by the
Atcon 6, nor will we forget the Francophonie Games debacle and Gallant's
poor memory of exactly when he "recused" himself from the Games. The
list goes on and on. But the conservatives are just as bad, only in
different ways in my opinion. What we desperately need in NB is a breath
of fresh air from either the Greens or the Alliance.
Norman Albert
Reply to @Fred Brewer: There are no good guys in government. Ying and Yang!!!!
Mike Connors
Reply to @Fred
Brewer: Higgs wants to waste MILLIONS because his groupies told him he
will win a majority. I see a pattern here, every time Blaine doesn't get
his own way, he threatens the electorate with an election. Bring it on.
Bring it on.
Johnny Horton
Reply to @Mike Connors:
Why shouldn’t he? If s politician can’t deliver the government they want, why should they stick around, so call an election and see if you do have the support of the people.
That’s democracy.
Why shouldn’t he? If s politician can’t deliver the government they want, why should they stick around, so call an election and see if you do have the support of the people.
That’s democracy.
David
Raymond Amos
Reply to @Mike Connors: I concur
Johnny Horton
Reply to @David Raymond Amos:
And we all know what Thst is worth... about what 80 supporters,
Fred Brewer
Johnny Horton
Reply to @David Raymond Amos:
And we all know what Thst is worth... about what 80 supporters,
Fred Brewer
Reply to @Norman
Albert: With respect, I think that is a jaded view of politics
particularly since the Greens and Alliance have never been given a
chance to form government and thus we should not judge them until they
have been given that chance!
Johnny Horton
Reply to @Fred Brewer:
Without adding: how could they possibly be worse?
Without adding: how could they possibly be worse?
Terry Tibbs
Mr Higgs: no one believes you, go ahead call an election, let's see what you have.
David
Raymond Amos
Reply to @Terry Tibbs: I second that emotion
Terry TibbsReply to @David Raymond Amos:
The BEST thing that could happen would be the government fragment further. More Green and PNAB MLA's, fewer Liberals and CONServatives.
We've seen the shallow pool of talent the CONServatives have for MLA's, and none would be missed, specifically good old Dominic Cardy.
A good, old fashioned, coalition government would work best for the people of NB, though most don't know it.
Mo Bennett
hold yer nose and mark an X. doesn't matter witch one ya pick, they're all the same evil.
Ben Haroldson
Reply to @mo bennett: That's for sure.
Fred Brewer
Reply to @mo bennett:
I would agree that Red or Blue are the same evil but Purple and Green
have never had the chance to prove themselves. Since doing the same
thing over and over again for the past century has not worked, why not
give Purple or Green a chance?
Johnny Horton
Reply to @Fred Brewer:
Greens have been in for two terms here now. They havent shown thst they do anything different. They still give themselves money and buy cotes by only caring about their riding.
And panb despite the balance of power got nothing done.
Greens have been in for two terms here now. They havent shown thst they do anything different. They still give themselves money and buy cotes by only caring about their riding.
And panb despite the balance of power got nothing done.
Larry Larson
Reply to @Johnny Horton: Johnny, explain how you expect the Green Party with 3 seats to do anything.
Johnny Horton
Reply to @Larry Larson:
I expect them to act differently, start by not voting themselves more money. Follow thst uo by showing concern for ridings they aren’t in office in.
That’s be s good start to show they really will do things differently, be said so fed, it’s the same ole.
I expect them to act differently, start by not voting themselves more money. Follow thst uo by showing concern for ridings they aren’t in office in.
That’s be s good start to show they really will do things differently, be said so fed, it’s the same ole.
David
Raymond Amos
Reply to @mo bennett:
YO MO Everybody knows that is true Methinks that is why so many
ordinary folks run as Independents N"esy Pas?
David Raymond Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Fred
Brewer: As per your MO you and Mo were the first to post your
opinions.Methinks even you must find it strange that this comment
section did not open until the wee hours of Jan 2nd but say nothing
N'esy Pas?
Norman Albert
Reply to @mo bennett: If you can't vote with confidence for one vote for none. Spoiled ballots send a message. You are a concerned citizen but not so gulible as to put any of tghese self serving individuals into a position of limited power.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/lorraine-gilmore-peters-pc-nomination-race-st-croix-1.5413348
St. Stephen woman wants to know why PC party quashed Saint Croix candidacy
Lorraine Gilmore Peters says she was 'stunned' after abrupt phone call saying she was rejected
· CBC News · Posted: Jan 02, 2020 5:47 PM AT
Lorraine Gilmore Peters is not happy about 'insinuations' made by the Progressive Conservative Party, which has not told her why her can't run for the Saint Croix seat. (Facebook/Lorraine Gilmore Peters)
A St. Stephen business owner who was prevented from running for the Progressive Conservative nomination in an upcoming byelection says she hasn't been given a reason for the decision.
Lorraine Gilmore Peters tells CBC News that her vetting process was going "great" until a Dec. 20 phone call from the party's executive director telling her that she could not run for the party in the upcoming Saint Croix byelection.
"I was so stunned, I didn't even have a reply," she said.
The personal trainer and wellness coach now says she believes the controversy will hurt the PC party in the byelection, which could be crucial to the survival of the Higgs government.
"This riding has been left without representation," she said. "The executive locally is falling apart.
"People keep forgetting that this is not about [the party], this is about the voters, this is about the constituents who deserve to have great candidates put forward for them to vote for. They deserve to have representation and they've had none of that."
PC riding association president Vernon Card resigned from his position on Monday. He said in an email that the disqualification was "concerning," but it was "the overall environment" created by the party head office that led him to quit. He would not elaborate.
The Saint Croix riding has been without a member in the legislature since the death of Progressive Conservative Greg Thompson last September. The PCs are set to nominate a candidate Jan. 18 for a byelection that Premier Blaine Higgs says he will schedule in March.
Saint Croix was held for the PCs by Greg Thompson, minister of intergovernmental affairs, until he died in September at the age of 72. (Submitted by Government of New Brunswick)
So far only one candidate, Kathy Bockus, has publicly announced her candidacy.
The race could be decisive for the PC minority government because of the close standings in the legislature.
The PCs are being propped up by the People's Alliance during confidence votes, but that adds up to a narrow 24-22 margin. If the Liberals won Saint Croix and the Speaker of the legislature, a Liberal, resigned, the Tories would have a hard time passing budgets and bills.
Higgs said in a year-end interview that in that circumstance, he'd call an early provincial election.
Vetting process
Gilmore Peters went through a party process that included a criminal background check, the signing up of 25 party members to support her, and what party officials called a "social media scrub" to check for controversial posts in her past.
No red flags were raised during any of those steps, she said, and she has never posted any offensive material.
"I've been in business a long time. So has my husband. We don't have any radical extreme views about anything."
As a newcomer to the party, she said, many of her 25 signatures were people who joined the PCs to support her.
The final step was a panel interview with party officials on Dec. 19 that seemed to go well, to the point that the Tories let her in on how they plan to campaign against the People's Alliance candidate in the riding, she said.
But the next day PC executive director Rick Lafrance told her during "a very stern, authoritative, short call" by telephone that she couldn't run.
'He needs to tell me or he needs to shut up'
Lafrance said in an email statement earlier this week that the vetting process is standard for all candidates. He didn't respond to a request for further comment Thursday.
In an interview earlier this week, PC regional vice-president Cleveland Allaby said Gilmore Peters "obviously would know why" she was rejected.
But Gilmore Peters said she was not told, and she criticized Allaby for identifying anti-gay or anti-French social media posts as examples of the kind of material that can disqualify a candidate.
"If he knows why I was disqualified, then he needs to tell me or he needs to shut up before he gets himself in trouble, because I'm not going to stand by and allow the insinuations to continue," she said, adding she has counselled LGBTQ youth in a personal development program she runs.
She added that "odd things" have happened recently "that seem to point to the fact that somebody doesn't want me to make it to that nominating convention, but it's nothing that I can substantiate with fact."
Gilmore Peters said she hadn't thought ahead to whom she'll support when the byelection takes place or whether she'd consider running for another party.
"I'm going to choose to see this as an opportunity to help in some way, even if it's not necessarily myself at this point. I am going to use this as a benefit to somebody."
But "PCNB's time has expired," she said. "They don't get to say anything now.
"Through this process, I've realized that they don't meet my criteria. … They absolutely have demonstrated that they're not for women's equality. The lack of transparency and accountability is a major problem for me."
86 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.
David Peters
CBC could be running profiles of the all the candidates...in the nominating process too...in fact, isn't that what taxpayer's are paying them for? Would be nice to know a little background of the ppl running and what their views are/what they hope to accomplish if elected.
David
Raymond Amos
Reply to @David Peters: Nobody cares except Higgy
David
Raymond Amos
Reply to @David
Raymond Amos: Methinks a certain Irving shill supporting Higgy obviously
has his knickers in quite a knot as well N'esy Pas?
Toby Tolly
Reply to @David Peters:
that wouldnt be part of Jacques agenda
Johnny Horton
Reply to @David Peters:
Why the F should anyone care of who wants to run if they are not The one picked. BY the party. Waste of bloody time and money,
Yeah let’s run articles on people who think they might like to run some day and represent some party, brilliant,
Bob McGaw
She went through the vetting process and was good to go. Next day she got a phone call with the thumbs down. She asked why and they said they WON'T tell her. They can but they won't. The riding president resigns with not being comfortable with *** the party is conducting itself and the only candidate left standing is a former employee of the late MLA Greg Thompson and as of a couple of weeks ago, former employee of a current MLA. They should just be honest and tell her why. She subjected herself to scrutiny and they simply refuse to tell her. It's like a teacher giving a test and failing you but not telling you the answers you got wrong. Where do you go from there?
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Bob McGaw: Methinks many political pundits must recall the opinions generated by this article N'esy Pas?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/greg-thompson-death-1.5278834
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/greg-thompson-death-1.5278834
Johnny Horton
Reply to @Bob McGaw:
It’s A but hypocritical you blindly accept her story, and reject other sides. Of course she is trying to make herself look good and an angel.
Reply to @Bob McGaw:
It’s A but hypocritical you blindly accept her story, and reject other sides. Of course she is trying to make herself look good and an angel.
Lewis Taylor
Reply to @Johnny Horton:
If you know something then say it. if not stop trying to tarnish this person.
If you know something then say it. if not stop trying to tarnish this person.
Johnny Horton
Reply to @Lewis Taylor:
A good ‘net searcher will answer all your concerns.
A good ‘net searcher will answer all your concerns.
Kyle Woodman
Reply to @Johnny Horton: stop gaslighting this woman.
Johnny Horton
Reply to @Kyle Woodman:
Just as soon as she confirms what she did in the past,
Just as soon as she confirms what she did in the past,
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Kyle Woodman: Dream on
Crystal
Cook
Bingo..at least one reader has figured it out..An MLA got involved (one with cloat) and that was it...
Johnny Horton
Reply to @Crystal Cook:
Yet if she hadn’t gone off in social media in the last, they wouldn’thsve had a reason to ditch her, not like her hands are ckean
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Crystal
Cook: Methinks it not rocket science figuring out what motivates lawyers
no matter their gender or political stripe N'esy Pas?
JJ Carrier
Reply to @Crystal Cook: Clout...
Roy Kirk:
A decision without articulated reasons based on facts speaks of incompetence at best.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Roy Kirk: Surely you jest
Justin
Time
Let
someone from the decision making process face Lorraine Gilmore Peters
in person and tell her why she was rejected. Anything else is less than
acceptable.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Justin
Time: Methinks the lady doth protest too much. She should just laugh and
run as Independent as I always do while often quoting Groucho Marx as
my reason for doing so As someone who picked a comical name for an ID I
am sure that you agree that one would go crazy if one could not find
some fun in this madness called politicking N'esy Pas?
"I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member" Groucho Marx
"I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member" Groucho Marx
Mike Connors
Lorraine, they did you a favour. Nuff said.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Mike Connors: Methinks Higgy and the media must agree that the fat lady has not sung on this issue yet N'esy Pas?
Fred Dee
me thinks she knows why!!! She is just angry... A good reason to NOT let her run!!
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Fred Dee:
Methinks whereas you emulate my expression you should also agree that
Hell hath no fury as a woman scorned N'esy Pas?
Robin Chase
If
Higgs calls a general election, he will probably lose. That's because
it seems like the people of New Brunswick have had enough elections for
now and just want someone to govern already. If he is forced to call an
election, that's one thing, but if he decides to do it because he wants a
majority that's something else. I think Lorraine Gilmore Peters is
probably too strong a woman for the Conservatives to handle, which is
probably the real reason she was rejected as a candidate. She might want
to join the Liberals or another party where she has a chance of winning
the riding regardless of the fact she's not a PC candidate anymore.
That's probably the only way the New Brunswick PC's will get the message
that women make good candidates too. Otherwise, it will just be
business as usual.
Richard Riel
Reply to @Robin Chase: Take the long road vote NDP for a change.It will keep corporate lobbyist a bay for a while.
Marguerite
Deschamps
Reply to @Richard Riel: ... just for a while... until they get comfortable in their seat.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Marguerite
Deschamps: Methinks even you must agree it would make for an interesting
circus if the NDP/CUPE enlisted Sharon Teare to run against whomever
Higgy finally picks N'esy Pas?
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Deja Vu 4 U
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nursing-home-workers-cupe-negotiations-impasse-1.5136880
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nursing-home-workers-cupe-negotiations-impasse-1.5136880
Bob McGaw
Reply to @Robin Chase: Lorraine is furocious. No quit in her.
Johnny Horton
Reply to @David Raymond Amos:
In Charlotte county rodlike tears would get eaten alive,
. Those country folk don’t tolerate union garbage.
In Charlotte county rodlike tears would get eaten alive,
. Those country folk don’t tolerate union garbage.
Murray Brown
The
Irving's rejected her application.... After all... They are now running
the current government and the Conservative party. The odd part...
They've always been Liberal supporters, because they can rely on the
Liberals to raise taxes on everybody except the Irving's, so their
ability to infiltrate and take over the Conservative party is quite the
coup.
Ray Bungay
Reply to @Murray Brown: That is soooo out of fashion.
Clive Gibbons
Reply to @Murray Brown: Thé Irving's haven't lost an election since Louis Robichaud.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Clive Gibbons: Oh So True
Kyle Woodman
Did Greg Thompson ever get DTI to take over his private road? Isn't that the only reason he ran the last time. The PC's should be more concerned with Rod Cumberland than Lorraine Gilmore Peters. What a gong show. The PC party has been divided ever since Higgs won the leadership. Lots of loose cannons ready to go off.
Ray Bungay
Reply to @Kyle
Woodman: It appears some of those loose canons have already gone off.
Time for a new general election to clear the old boys bad air out! Grin
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Kyle Woodman: As I said to you several times Welcome to the Circus
Bob McGaw
Reply to @Kyle
Woodman: I know Lorraine and Rod both. Lorraine should have been given a
reason for decline but watch out. Rod Cumberland has an axe to grind,
he's well-known and respected by Charlotte County and area voters. This
is going to be real interesting.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Bob McGaw: Say Hey to Rod for me will ya?
DJ Redfern
First thing to learn about politics.......It's a game and a dirty one at that........
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @DJ Redfern: Methinks that why the PCO exists N'esy Pas?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/biennial-motor-vehicle-inspections-1.5410589
Biennial motor vehicle inspections come into force today
New Brunswick was one of only 2 provinces to require yearly inspections
CBC News · Posted: Jan 01, 2020 9:00 AM AT
The cost of a safety inspection rises to $45, but a vehicle won't need one as often. (Jordan Gill/CBC)
Personal passenger vehicles in the
province will have to be inspected every two years instead of one under
changes to the Motor Vehicle Act coming into effect Jan. 1.
New Brunswick has been one of the only provinces to require yearly inspections.
The new inspection regime applies to "personal passenger vehicles, family motor coaches, antique vehicles, light commercial vehicles and farm trucks with an unladen curb mass of 3,000 kilograms or less," according to the provincial government.
The cost of an inspection will rise to $45 from $35.
New cars brought to dealers from manufacturing plants won't have to be inspected for three years from the date of their arrival.
After New Brunswick switches to inspections every two years, Prince Edward Island will be the only province requiring yearly motor vehicle inspections.
But even a two-year inspection cycle would be considered excessive in some parts of the country.
In Manitoba, Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador inspections are only required when a vehicle changes owners.
In several others, including Alberta and Quebec, no inspection is required, unless that vehicle has been imported from another province.
This is the second significant change in six months related to what New Brunswickers have to show on their cars. Six months ago, the government stopped requiring front licence plates on vehicles, despite a call from law enforcement to keep them.
New Brunswick has been one of the only provinces to require yearly inspections.
The new inspection regime applies to "personal passenger vehicles, family motor coaches, antique vehicles, light commercial vehicles and farm trucks with an unladen curb mass of 3,000 kilograms or less," according to the provincial government.
The cost of an inspection will rise to $45 from $35.
After New Brunswick switches to inspections every two years, Prince Edward Island will be the only province requiring yearly motor vehicle inspections.
But even a two-year inspection cycle would be considered excessive in some parts of the country.
In Manitoba, Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador inspections are only required when a vehicle changes owners.
In several others, including Alberta and Quebec, no inspection is required, unless that vehicle has been imported from another province.
This is the second significant change in six months related to what New Brunswickers have to show on their cars. Six months ago, the government stopped requiring front licence plates on vehicles, despite a call from law enforcement to keep them.
78 Comments
John Pokiok
This is first time and thanks to PANB that we have some positive momentum in this province. Prior to this government only made decisions that would benefit corporate empire. Next stop spraying NB forests with poison and no need to keep renewing vehicles registration unless they change ownership.
Josef Blow
Reply to @John
Pokiok: “This is first time and thanks to PANB that we have some
positive momentum in this province.“ Yes, of course. What promise from
the People’s Dalliance! Earth-shaking and highly strategic thinking
from the brain cells (all three of them) of the 3 cavaliers for social
integrity and fiscal health. Pepper to the People.
Lou Bell
Reply to @Josef Blow:
Disappointment in ones Liberal / SANB parties irrelevance has fogged
the mind of many of their followers .
Lou Bell
Hopefully cops will keep an eye out for offenders. For many this just leaves the door open a little further to keep their JUNK on the road. In Maritime winters all season tires are dangerous enough. Bald tires are much more deadly ! I remember before they did MVI's . Bald tires, brake failures , carbon monoxide poisoning , all were quite prevalent and many lives were lost. If you think this is just over speculation , just look at how many still text while driving .
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: Cry me a river
Gerry Ferguson
Reply to @Lou Bell: just the opposite. It's reasonable changes like this that will keep the liberals out of power in NB
McKenzie King
Not sure why the price was increased. It wasn't long ago that it went from $28 to $35. And it's not like they will be doing anything extra for the extra $10. Vehicle inspections have always been nothing but a money grab for the garages. There is no empirical evidence that they prevent accidents. As a matter of fact, NL has found no difference since they discontinued the inspections. Time to get rid of them altogether.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @McKenzie King: YUP
Lou Bell
Each move made by the Conservatives that the majority likes is just another nail in the Liberal / SANB coffin .
Emilien Forest
Reply to @Lou Bell: What's with you and you're hatred of the SANB?
Colin Seeley
Reply to @Emilien Forest:
I would think it’s because they tend to vote Liberal .
I would think it’s because they tend to vote Liberal .
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: Methinks this was a PANB idea imposed upon your beloved conservatives N'esy Pas?
Jake Devries
Reply to @Emilien
Forest: The SANB puppets, aka Brian Gallant et all, are the reason NB is
broke today...30% of any population should never control the
majority...
Matt Steele
Another good idea that will save everyday N.B.ers some hard earned cash ; even though they should have done away with motor vehicle inspections altogether like some other provinces have . If Brian Gallants Liberals were still in power , they would probably be increasing the cost of yearly inspections as Gallant loved to tax and then squander the taxpayers cash on things like the 130 MILLION dollar Francophonie games . Was the elimination of the front license plates and MVI a PC idea , or was that a People's Alliance idea ?
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Matt Steele: Yea Right Tell us more
David Peters
Reply to @Matt Steele:
From the PA platform:
"A People’s Alliance government believes that New Brunswicker's need to see more money in their pockets. We need to remove some of the burdensome taxes that we must pay including:
Enacting a one-time only vehicle registration (automobile, ATV, snowmobiles, etc.)
Eliminating the tax on the private sale of previously owned vehicles
Eliminating the requirement for the front license plate"
https://www.peoplesalliance.ca/page.php?id=3
From the PA platform:
"A People’s Alliance government believes that New Brunswicker's need to see more money in their pockets. We need to remove some of the burdensome taxes that we must pay including:
Enacting a one-time only vehicle registration (automobile, ATV, snowmobiles, etc.)
Eliminating the tax on the private sale of previously owned vehicles
Eliminating the requirement for the front license plate"
https://www.peoplesalliance.ca/page.php?id=3
Paul Bourgoin
It appears that the why of the vehicle inspection has been forgotten by Politicians while the cost Funded by Vehicle owners!
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Paul Bourgoin: Your point is?
Michael Durant
I don't need a safety inspection to tell me driving around without brakes would not be good for me.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Michael
durant: Methinks lots of other folks will be pleased to be informed of
that fact so you will be less likely to run into us N'esy Pas?
Ian Scott
Most people still have cars into garages every 6 months or so for warranty issues and service/ tire changes etc. Glaring issues should still become evident at that point. Police can still stop vehicles without lights working etc and issue tickets warnings etc. There are still people driving around with running lights off, single lights working , no brake lights on trailers etc even with the system in place.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Ian Scott: SO???
Brian Robertson
The good news is that the government is cutting by half, the cost of automobile inspections.
The bad news is it took the over 50 years to do it.
The bad news is it took the over 50 years to do it.
Fern Robichaud
It should have been scraped altogether except when it's traded or a new owner outright.
Val Harris
Reply to @Fern Robichaud: That would make no sense unless you like driving unsafe vehicles
Jake Devries
Reply to @val harris: Are other provinces cars less safe than NB's?? Answer is no..
Mo Bennett
tax grab 102.
https://twitter.com/DavidRayAmos/with_replies
David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @Kathryn98967631 and 49 others
"Content disabled"
Methinks Higgy must
be nursing quite a headache after trying to herd cats at the circus for
over a year while Cardy begs for more butter tarts N'esy Pas?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/st-croix-riding-byelection-1.5411647
PC riding president resigns after party bars potential St. Croix candidate
Head office's unexplained decision upsets some PCs in a riding facing key byelection
· CBC News · Posted: Dec 31, 2019 4:31 PM AT
Lorraine Gilmore Peters had planned to seek the nomination at the convention scheduled for Jan. 18, until the Progressive Conservative Party declared she couldn't run. (Facebook/Lorraine Gilmore Peters)
The president of the Progressive Conservative riding association in St. Croix has resigned less than three weeks before party members there are scheduled to pick a candidate for a key byelection.
Vern Card quit on Monday, citing unspecified actions by the party's Fredericton head office that "exceeded my personal and professional comfort levels," according to an email obtained by CBC News.
His resignation happened at the same time some members of the riding executive have been complaining about the party head office rejecting a potential byelection candidate.
Card wrote in his email that in the last two weeks he experienced "situations" that made him question "the positive characteristics" of the party.
Party stopped candidacy
He said he didn't anticipate the party's behaviour to change and "these environments makes it impossible for me to continue" as riding president.
Lorraine Gilmore Peters had planned to seek the nomination at the convention scheduled for Jan. 18, but the party declared she couldn't run.
She wrote in a public Facebook post last Friday that the Women For 50 initiative to recruit more female candidates "is suddenly taking on a whole new meaning for me. We must not tolerate barriers that lack credibility and prohibit women from entering politics."
Gilmore Peters couldn't be reached for comment Tuesday, and Card refused an interview request.
Cleveland Allaby, the party's regional vice-president who chaired the search committee for potential candidates, confirmed in an interview that some members of the riding executive were upset they weren't given reasons for the rejection of Gilmore Peters.
"We don't share that with the riding association," he said. "If someone is precluded, we respect their privacy rights. … That's a personal thing between the party and the potential nominee."
Thwarted candidate knows reason
He said a majority of the riding association board in St. Croix accepted the decision and agreed to move on.
He said Gilmore Peters herself "obviously would know why."
But in a public Facebook post Tuesday afternoon, Gilmore Peters asked, "if a Person is not permitted by a political party to run in an open race, but they meet the criteria, should they be told why?"
Premier Blaine Higgs hasn't set a date for the St. Croix byelection. The riding became vacant last September when PC MLA and cabinet minister Greg Thompson died.
Last
question of 2019, please answer with yes or no; if a Person is not
permitted by a political party to run in an open race,but they meet the
criteria ,should they be told why? Or should a party be able to tell a
prospective candidate they are not permitted to run and they do not have
the right to know why?
Allaby said he doesn't think the "kerfuffle," as he called it, will hurt PC chances in the byelection.
"It's a tempest in a teapot in some regards," he said. "For other people, it's a major issue. … I think the voters in St. Croix want us to get the best local candidate we can get our hands on."
Only one candidate for the PC nomination has announced publicly: Kathy Bockus, a well-known former reporter for the St. Croix Courier newspaper who had been working as a riding assistant to Thompson when he died.
The St. Croix seat was held for the PCs by Greg Thompson, minister of intergovernmental affairs, until he died in September at the age of 72. (Submitted by Government of New Brunswick)
Allaby said at least two other potential candidates have filled out their paperwork and gone through vetting and will make a final decision about declaring before Saturday's deadline.
Provincial PC executive director Rick Lafrance said in an emailed statement that every candidate goes through the same process, including a lengthy application form and a face-to-face interview with a vetting committee.
"The committee looks into a candidate's background, using social media and a variety of other methods," he said.
Allaby said they check for any social media posts that are at odds with party policy or that make negative comments about particular communities.
9 rejected provincewide
He said examples include anti-LGBTQ or anti-French comments, though he wouldn't say if that is what led to Gilmore Peters being disqualified.
He called the process routine and said nine potential PC candidates were rejected in the last provincial election in 2018. "It's not an unusual thing for people to be declined," he said.
The Liberals haven't set a date for their nomination convention in the riding. The People's Alliance plans to nominate retired provincial biologist Rod Cumberland.
The Greens have not said when they will choose a candidate.
54 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.
David Raymond Amos
Content disabled
Methinks Higgy must
be nursing quite a headache after trying to herd cats at the circus for
over a year while Cardy begs for more butter tarts N'esy Pas?
David Raymond Amos
"Allaby said he doesn't think the "kerfuffle," as he called it, will hurt PC chances in the byelection."
Yea Right
David Davies
Reply to @David
Raymond Amos: it won't,, people already know what sort of rw club the
Cons. are. Here's hoping they go down big time and scrap this outdated
political party.
David Raymond Amos
Methinks the lawyer/former wannabe PC leader Cleveland Allaby and his blogging buddy Chucky Leblanc know why Rod Cumberland is not running for his Green Meanie pals and that the PANB and the liberals are no doubt enjoying the tempest in the teapot as much as I am N'esy Pas?
David Raymond Amos
Methinks Vern Card must be clever enough to know if the PANB wins the St. Croix seat then then the goose could be cooked for the liberal and the conservative parties in New Brunswick. If not at least he was smart enough to quit the conservative good old boys club when things started smelling bad in his neck of the woods N'esy Pas?
John Smith
Reply to @David
Raymond Amos: overpowered by fredericton the very reason the on the
ground workers stayed home in many ridings and why the tories have lost
so much rural ground then add in their desire to claim jurisdiction over
ones body leaves them almost unpalatible
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @john smith: Methinks it should be a small wonder to you why I always run as an Independent Perhaps you and many others should try it sometime N'esy Pas?
Crystal Cook
Smells of interference by someone in power. Just like my story, secret meetings to destroy me and my credibility. Bet the Same person got her nose stuck in this ! The truth will come out !
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Crystal
Cook: Methinks you and Higgy may understand why the motto of my Clan is
"Veritas Vincit" just like it was for my Forefathers N'esy Pas?
David
Raymond Amos
Reply to @Crystal Cook: Methinks you should review the comments last month N'esy Pas?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/st-george-mayor-resigns-1.539142
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/st-george-mayor-resigns-1.539142
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Crystal Cook: BTW I liked talking to your hubby
David
Raymond Amos
Reply to @Crystal
Cook: Methinks he now understands my hint about butter tarts while Higgy
and Cardy are busy herding cats N'esy Pas?
David Stairs
just another prime example as to why we need to rid the province of party politics and vote in a party that represents the people that voted these candidates in ….enough of the good ole boys club and the language elitists who think it is up to government to save their culture and language...get over yourselves and wake up...
Howard
Smith
Reply to @David Stairs:
How would you do that?
How would you do that?
David
Raymond Amos
Reply to @Howard
Smith: Methinks he makes it fairly obvious that he is tired of the good
ole boys club believes that folks should only vote for the PANB However I
favour Independents for even more obvious reasons N'esy Pas?
Grant V Bablit
In Alberta where the neo-con mafia is so busy doling out favors that they can't even come up with a logo for their clubhouse. I am suggesting that the homeless people living in the woods all around the city should set up their camps on the legislature and we could have a people's democratic assembly on the outside in the gardens. While corporate reps do their over paid squabbling and bickering inside the palace.
Howard Smith
Reply to @Grant V Bablitz:
"the neo-con mafia" using phrases like this gets your opinion dismissed off the bat.
"the neo-con mafia" using phrases like this gets your opinion dismissed off the bat.
David
Raymond Amos
Reply to @Howard Smith: Obviously not
Edward St-pierre
I am surprised more people are not talking about the people's party of Canada like they be. Because the Liberals, Conservatives and the NDP are now all parties that have no future vision for the country and it's people. It seems like the parties only care about the party they belong to. I don't hear about what's good for us the people of Canada. But I do hear a lot more about the minority groups taking the spot lite .is that where we are going, small groups only out for themselves.an I'm tired of people saying but they are this and they are that. I will never vote for someone because of what they are.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Edward
St-pierre: Methinks you must be bitter about something to keep talking
about the lawyer Maxime whats his name and his strange club of good old
boys N'esy Pas?
Maxim Waddington
Pity, but the cons in New Brunswick resemble a bunch of CLOWNS.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Maxim Waddington: Welcome to the Circus
David Davies
Another Con job.why are we not surprised by this. It seems that this entire RW organization is out of tune with reality. These Cons. are no longer a political party for the people.They are no more than another arm of that orange unit in the u.s.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @David
Davies: Trust that Trump thinks New Brunswick is a town in New Jersey
Methinks many left wingnuts in Canada would agree that the orange Yankee
has no clue who Higgy is N'esy Pas?
David Peters
People's Alliance has the best platform by far, imo.
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @David Peters: and they are the worst, imp. So?
David Peters
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps:
From your past posts, you seem to support ending corporate welfare and the destructive forestry practices clear-cutting and spraying. Those are PA cornerstones.
Why do you say they're the worst?
From your past posts, you seem to support ending corporate welfare and the destructive forestry practices clear-cutting and spraying. Those are PA cornerstones.
Why do you say they're the worst?
David
Raymond Amos
Reply to @Marguerite
Deschamps: Sow buttons or better yet methinks you should ask CBC to
repeat your local hero Marshall Button aka Lucien's recap of politics in
NB in 2019 N'esy Pas?
Lou Bell
Appears Liberal / SANB doesn't have the same vetting process.
David
Raymond Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: Yes they do
David
Raymond Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell:
Methinks you should ask your buddy Bruce Northrup why McKenna caused him
to be a turncoat and get elected as a PC N'esy Pas?
Grant Lyon
What happened to the
grass roots of the party deciding whom they want and not the party
elite? Democracy is taking a hit these days.
David
Raymond Amos
Reply to @Grant Lyon: Democracy is a myth
Mac Isaac
There
are skeletons in most everybody's cupboard and with the pervasiveness
of social media a tiny little slip can, and most likely will, be
exploded and embellished into a massive scandal. I don't know this woman
and I don't vote in this riding so it doesn't really affect me other
than as a fellow human being. As a fellow human being I think it's only
fair that the woman be told candidly and in person why she's not
acceptable. Maybe there's some remediation she can do to make herself
acceptable...maybe not, but she should be given the reason or reasons.
Peter Adamson
Reply to @Mac Isaac: I agree and maybe she was told and she is just denying it to avoid explaining to the media.
Mac Isaac
Reply to @peter
Adamson: It's possible what you suggest but I'm one of those who detests
"maybes" and/or "what ifs". They're most often wrong.
David
Raymond Amos
Reply to @peter Adamson: Methinks the lady doth protest too much N'esy Pas?
Peter Adamson
Not my party. Not my
decision. All parties aim to maximize their chance to win. They must
believe that she is not a viable asset for some reason. To make the
reason public might be unfair to her. It would seem reasonable to tell
her though.
David
Raymond Amos
Reply to @peter Adamson: I concur
Kyle Woodman
Bunch of jokers.
David
Raymond Amos
Reply to @Kyle Woodman: As I said Welcome to the Circus
Justin Time
Could it be because of one of her twitter posts where she was disappointed because she attended a Celine Dion concert only to find out it was all sung in French only, which she was not aware of beforehand. Are the PC's that sensitive?? It won't win them any votes in Charlotte county.
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @Justin Time: Tell me it ain't so!
David
Raymond Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Surely you jest
David
Raymond Amos
Reply to @David Raymond Amos: Methinks I will Tweet that one for obvious reasons N'esy Pas?
Jim Cyr
This is how the media wins elections for the Libs. The party jettisoned the best candidate. Why?? Guaranteed that this was in response to something she said or did in the past......the CPC was terrified of how the media would “spin” it if they found out. (The media is always looking to take out non-leftists, while they downplay the sins of people like Blackface Justin). But Trump has showed that you don’t have to cower in fear of what the media will try to do to you.....you can attack the media and destroy THEM before they destroy YOU. Remember, you don’t have to cower in fear of the biased media! The best defense is a good offense.
Jim Johnston
Reply to @Jim Cyr: How do you know she was the best candidate? Because you said so?
David Peters
Reply to @Jim Johnston:
How would we know? The media could be running profiles on the candidates, but they don't, for the most part.
How would we know? The media could be running profiles on the candidates, but they don't, for the most part.
David
Raymond Amos
Reply to @David Peters: What have you ever read of me in the media during 7 elections?
JJ Carrier
Unless there is going to be a parachute....
David Raymond Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @JJ Carrier: I doubt you would get through the vetting process
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @David Raymond Amos: Oh My My
Matt Steele
Maybe the prov. PCs are taking a look at what happened in Saint John recently during the federal election , and have learned a lesson about candidate selection . For whatever reason , it was decided that Rodney Weston would be the Federal CPC candidate after Weston had already been defeated previously in both prov. and federal elections . As an end result , a Saint John riding that should have easily been won by the CPC was won by Liberal candidate Wayne Long instead . Weston really had no chance of winning after being defeated in two previous elections , but the CPC decided to back a losing candidate anyway , and ended up losing the riding . Maybe the prov. PCs want to avoid the same mistake in a very important byelection
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Matt Steele: Methinks many would agree that you give them more credit than they are due N'esy Pas?
JJ Carrier
Reply to @Matt
Steele: My sources tell me they might be trying to get a big former PC
to run...And load him up for the new cabinet...
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/st-george-mayor-resigns-1.5391422
St. George mayor resigns after reaching 'breaking point' with town council
Crystal Cook was on a leave of absence after suffering 2 strokes this year
CBC News · Posted: Dec 11, 2019 5:00 AM AT
'Needless to say this has been hell for me,' said Crystal Cook, who has announced her resignation as mayor of St. George. (Submitted by Town of St. George)
The mayor of St. George has announced her resignation after taking a leave of absence earlier this year when she suffered a stroke.
Crystal Cook posted about her resignation on her Facebook page.
She cited a meeting of councillors in the southern New Brunswick town as the "breaking point."
"A private meeting to discuss me, without inviting me, like I was staff and not an elected official," said Cook.
"I should have been present."
She also said members of council called the Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick to get information on her competency and to see if they could "overthrow" her.
"Needless to say this has been hell for me having more than one level of government trying to run this town behind the scenes," she said.
Cook has suffered at least two strokes since January and had planned to continue her leave of absence into next year.
In a later Facebook post, Cook said the passwords to her town email had already been changed, even though she hadn't sent in a formal resignation.
It
is with deep regret that I am resigning as The Mayor of St George.The
private meeting on Thursday that council, CAO Jason Gaudett and a guest
,that popped in to talk about me too was the breaking point for me .A
private meeting to discuss me, without inviting me ,like I was staff
and not an elected official. I feel the guest should had of least known
with the background ,I should have been present. The phone calls made on
behalf of the Acting Mayor and two councillors to...
See More
See More
In an emailed statement, acting mayor Faith Avery said the town was aware of Cook's Facebook resignation but is still "awaiting a formal resignation from Mayor Cook."
In her email, Avery did not address Cook's allegations or the circumstances behind her resignation.
CBC News has tried to reach both Cook and the town for comment but has not received a response from either.
24 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story. Anne Bérubé
It is the word 'cowardly' here should be used to describe this town council. They should have called her in and expressed their lack of confidence and put their bullying on display. Karma will show its ugly face at some point for everyone of them.
David Peters
Reply to @Anne Bérubé:
Exactly, kind of lazy reporting by cbc, not exploring the other side of this.
Exactly, kind of lazy reporting by cbc, not exploring the other side of this.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Anne Bérubé: Why wait for Karma to do its thing?
Kevin Cormier
Awarding winning journalism via Facebook.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Kevin Cormier: YUP
Paul Krumm
In New Brunswick because of the municipalities act it is pointless being on or even having a town council. They cannot pass any meaningful by-laws or impose any fines of consequence. Toothless is being generous.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Paul Krumm: YUP
Paul Bourgoin
The fight for political control takes no prisoners and has no respect!
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Paul Bourgoin: BINGO
https://twitter.com/DavidRayAmos/with_replies
David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @Kathryn98967631 and 49 others
Methinks Higgy knows that the Irving Clan hates it when they are mentioned in a media they do not control N'esy Pas?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/higgs-new-brunswick-vaccination-mandatory-1.5410489
David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @Kathryn98967631 and 49 others
Too Too Funny Indeed Methinks folks should Google the following to understand why I am laughing N'esy Pas?
Mr Higgs and Dominic Cardy are trying to learn how to herd cats
http://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2018/01/mr-higgs-and-dominic-cardy-are-trying.html
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/higgs-new-brunswick-vaccination-mandatory-1.5410489
Year of managing clashing ministers teaches Higgs what a headache he used to be
Nothing wrong with passion, says premier
· CBC News · Posted: Dec 31, 2019 6:00 AM AT
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs says he was 'a bit of a difficult case' for former premier David Alward. (Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press)
Premier Blaine Higgs says being forced to juggle the "passions" of a diverse group of ministers in 2019 helped him realize how much of a headache he once must have been to his former boss, former premier David Alward.
Though he wouldn't elaborate, Higgs acknowledged during a year-end interview that two key ministers did not see eye-to-eye on mandatory vaccinations for schoolchildren, one of the most contentious government initiatives of the year.
"We do have a diverse group," he said. "We have a passionate bunch, and there's nothing wrong with passion, whether it be the vaccines, or other particular interests or ideas."
In August, Justice Minister Andrea Anderson-Mason said she wasn't sure how she'd vote on a bill to eliminate religious and philosophical exemptions for vaccinations.
Education Minister Dominic Cardy said any minister who couldn't support a government bill should quit, though Higgs later said he'd allow a free vote.
"I now have more of an appreciation for David Alward and what he went through, because I was like them," he said. "I was a bit of a difficult case."
As minister of finance, Higgs frequently sounded off about his fellow Progressive Conservatives pressuring him to let them spend more taxpayer dollars.
In 2012 he pointedly refused to publicly support Alward's appointment of PC MLA Margaret-Ann Blaney as CEO of a Crown corporation.
His candid comments rankled Alward and his advisers "on more than one occasion," Higgs now says.
"But it wasn't from lack of passion, it was from excessive passion. It was from a drive to get the job done and a drive to make a difference."
Now that he can see as premier how nettlesome he could be back then, he has more patience with his own ministers when they stir the pot.
I know that they're pushing to do what they believe is right. At the end of the day we have to balance that with the greater good and the greater consensus, and that's my job.
- Blaine Higgs, premier"I was always pushing the envelope and always trying to change behaviour, and so when I have folks do that, and they threaten to do this or that or the other thing, I kind of take it with a grain of salt," he said.
"I know that they're passionate. I know that they're pushing to do what they believe is right. At the end of the day we have to balance that with the greater good and the greater consensus, and that's my job."
To be debated in new year
The dynamic between Cardy and Anderson-Mason continued into the fall, when Cardy introduced a new version of the vaccination bill that includes the notwithstanding clause from the Charter of Rights.
That allows the bill to withstand a court challenge on grounds of religious discrimination.
Higgs said at the time that the notwithstanding clause was included at the urging of lawyers in Anderson-Mason's department who said the bill would be unconstitutional without it.
But Cardy told reporters that if opposition parties teamed up to remove the clause, he'd still be willing to vote for the bill, which will be debated in the new year.
$1M bridge repair to 'bridge the gap'
Opposition Liberals argued earlier this month that Robert Gauvin, the deputy premier, was another source of internal dissent. They said Higgs allowed Gauvin to announce $1 million to repair a key bridge in his riding as a way of healing a rift.
"It's more like a million dollars to bridge the gap between the premier and the deputy premier," Liberal MLA Benoît Bourque said on Dec. 13.
The 60-year-old bridge between Shippagan and Lameque, which includes a drawbridge, is the only link between the mainland Acadian Peninsula and two islands where more than 2,000 people live.
Asked why the only specific project announced in the capital budget on Dec. 10 was $1 million to begin upgrading the bridge between Shippagan and Lameque in his riding, Deputy Premier Robert Gauvin told reporters, 'Maybe I'm special.' (Ed Hunter/CBC)
It has experienced mechanical problems that Gauvin called a safety hazard when he announced the funding Dec. 10, the same day as the capital budget and one day before other projects in the budget were revealed.
In late 2018, Gauvin threatened to quit cabinet over the handling of language requirements for ambulance paramedics. But Higgs brushed off suggestions Gauvin had to be soothed again this year.
Higgs said he was firm with ministers that no individual projects would be identified in the capital budget speech itself, but "Robert was keen to have that following the budget speech. … He wanted the opportunity to be first to the plate."
So he decided "it's fine, there's no problem, there's nothing to hide, it was all coming out [the next day]," Higgs said.
Improved rapport with Alliance
Besides managing his own cabinet and caucus, Higgs also had to negotiate with three other political party leaders in the legislature to keep his minority government alive and get legislation passed.
Usually it's the People's Alliance that backs PC budgets and bills, and Higgs said his rapport with Alliance Leader Kris Austin is even better than a year ago.
"The ability for us to work together and the recognition or respect for each other has grown over the year," he said, calling Austin "very thoughtful and rational."
"If I had a choice I would rather be in a majority for sure. But if you don't have a choice and you dance with the partner that put you there. There's an obligation on both parts to make it work. I feel we've been trying to do that and they have too."
Higgs said he believes People’s Alliance Leader Kris Austin has been making an effort too. (CBC)
A year ago Higgs said he hoped to co-operate more with the Liberals and the Greens in 2019, but he said that hasn't been possible.
He blames the Liberals for avoiding co-operation because their goal is to get back in power, and in the Greens' case, "the difficulty at that end is the elements of the agenda are all or nothing."
Higgs said he hopes three recent moves would allow for more co-operation with Green Leader David Coon: the creation of a standing committee on climate change, the setting aside of more public forest for conservation, and the freezing of how much wood can be cut by major industrial companies on Crown land.
"I would think that he'd see all that as moving in a direction that brings us closer together in our alignment," he said. "But I try to bridge across a big spectrum, and I feel like the discussion I generally have with Mr. Coon can be quite narrowly focused."
86 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.
David Raymond Amos
"A year ago Higgs said he hoped to co-operate more with the Liberals and the Greens in 2019, but he said that hasn't been possible."
Surprise Surprise Surprise
David Raymond Amos"In late 2018, Gauvin threatened to quit cabinet over the handling of language requirements for ambulance paramedics. But Higgs brushed off suggestions Gauvin had to be soothed again this year."
Yea Right
David Raymond Amos
Too Too Funny Indeed Methinks folks should Google the following to understand why I am laughing N'esy Pas?
Mr Higgs and Dominic Cardy are trying to learn how to herd cats
"Though he wouldn't elaborate, Higgs acknowledged during a year-end interview that two key ministers did not see eye-to-eye on mandatory vaccinations for schoolchildren, one of the most contentious government initiatives of the year.
"We do have a diverse group," he said. "We have a passionate bunch, and there's nothing wrong with passion, whether it be the vaccines, or other particular interests or ideas."
Terry Tibbs
Reply to @David Raymond Amos:
Surely you are used to the CBC putting lipstick on a pig by now David?
Surely you are used to the CBC putting lipstick on a pig by now David?
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Terry Tibbs: Methinks you must understand what I am doing at the circus by now N'esy Pas?
David Raymond Amos
"Usually it's the People's Alliance that backs PC budgets and bills, and Higgs said his rapport with Alliance Leader Kris Austin is even better than a year ago."
Methinks much to the chagrin of the SANB the rapportt will continue as long as Higgy can keep the 3 PANB stooges fat, dumb and Happy Happy Happy N'esy Pas?
Lou Bell
Reply to @David
Raymond Amos: How many total votes have you accumulated again in ALL
the elections you have participated in again ? Would it be at 300 yet ?
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: Survey says???
Matt Steele
Politics is a rough game for sure , but Higgs certainly appears to be doing the right things for the right reasons . It wouldn't be surprising if N.B.ers will be heading to the polls in the spring as former Liberal Premier Brian Gallant's out of control spending left N.B. in a desperate and unstable state ; and Higgs may need a majority govt. in order to make the hard decisions , and get the province back on track
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Matt Steele: Dream on
David Peters
"Education Minister Dominic Cardy said any minister who couldn't support a government bill should quit, though Higgs later said he'd allow a free vote."
Cardy could be asked to resign just for saying that, imo.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @David Peters: Cry me a river
Joe Rootliek
Higgs never fixed the hospital or seniors care home problems- Shortages on the floors, not enough nursing seats, when is this guy going to if not fix at least make the health care nursing shortage go away even a little bit.
And the Liberals did not do any better. Hospitals need nurses, and the ones out on LTD, should be replaced by a larger labor pool, if needed- The Nurses Union should get together with the government and try to find common ground on getting better patient care, which New Brunswickers demand. A larger labor pool, more flexible, better trained, casuals, to replace LTD workers full time if necessary or part time, on a dime ( to save overtime costs as well, and nurse burn out)
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Joe
Rootliek: I know I am being rather redundant but methinks its only
proper Higgy and his cohorts go into the New Year still battling greedy
people within the Health Care system N'esy Pas?
Joe Rootliek
Reply to @David Raymond Amos: Greedy? Every single health care worker pays enough tax to pay for nearly 2 people on welfare.
This is not necessarily a money issue, for the less informed, it means "putting more workers on the floor"- More workers. Did not even mention the money issue for wages above. I am talking about Nurse burn out and Patient care issues.
I do agree, there is too much Administration (highly paid) in the Hospital, which should be cut. Put more people on the floor, and cut the Administration.
This is not necessarily a money issue, for the less informed, it means "putting more workers on the floor"- More workers. Did not even mention the money issue for wages above. I am talking about Nurse burn out and Patient care issues.
I do agree, there is too much Administration (highly paid) in the Hospital, which should be cut. Put more people on the floor, and cut the Administration.
Paul Bourgoin
Reply to @Joe
Rootliek: You hit the nail directly on the head! Excellent Call but no
one is listening from the Hospital Administration or government : - (
Terry Tibbs
Reply to @David Raymond Amos:
Without your so called "greedy" NB wouldn't have a tax base.
Here is a *thought*: try comparing NB "greedy" wages to federal wages for the same jobs.
Without your so called "greedy" NB wouldn't have a tax base.
Here is a *thought*: try comparing NB "greedy" wages to federal wages for the same jobs.
Terry Tibbs
Reply to @Joe Rootliek:
But Joe, you read "the news", it's all the fault of those "greedy doctors" making all that money, or that is what you are supposed to believe.
It certainly has nothing to do with Mr Higgs, or the Minister of Health, get with "the program"
But Joe, you read "the news", it's all the fault of those "greedy doctors" making all that money, or that is what you are supposed to believe.
It certainly has nothing to do with Mr Higgs, or the Minister of Health, get with "the program"
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Terry Tibbs: Methinks you need to read my words far more closely N'esy Pas?
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Joe Rootliek: How much do you pay for your Health Care?
Chantal LeBouthi
David Alward was the worst premier ever in the history of NB
Destroying the NB Forests and wildlife and clean water for is personal interests
Lou Bell
Reply to @Chantal
LeBouthi: Naw SANB backed pah pet Gallant was much worse . Spent like a
drunken sailor and cowtowed to one group of people only.
John Smith
Reply to @Lou Bell:
mackenna was pretty bad took the capitol monies nb power had saved to
cover mactaquac and point lepreau refurbishments
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @john smith: and much more
Fred Brewer
Reply to @Lou Bell: Can you clarify what you mean by naw and pah?
Chantal LeBouthi
And premier Higgs is not far behind David Alward on being worst premier in NB
Lou Bell
Reply to @Chantal LeBouthi: Gallant / McKenna already have that wrapped up !
Gabriel
Boucher
Reply to @Chantal LeBouthi:
The real question is which premier made the cut for best premier in NB. I just can't think of one that would fill up that list.
The real question is which premier made the cut for best premier in NB. I just can't think of one that would fill up that list.
John Smith
Reply to @Gabriel
Boucher: it would be pre tilley he used false flags with finnians to get
us to vote for him and landed us in confederation and soon after he
turned over the atlantic manufacturing hub and trade with boston and new
york to just be exported to upper canada since then it has just been
downhill for NB
John Smith
Reply to @john smith:
oue lifespans are just unde 100 yrs so that was only 2-3 people ago it
hasnt been that long surely we could reverse this travesty
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell:
Methinks you should be amazed that I agree with your opinion of McKenna
but Hatfield and Lord are very close seconds in taking the cake No doubt
many would agree that Gallant was just a puppet N'esy Pas?
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Chantal LeBouthi: Alward was just a puppet
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @john smith: Well put
Terry Tibbs
How about, for the new year, "we" focus on things that really need doing around here?
We get NB Power under control.
We stop paying bonuses at NB Alcohol.
We figure out where NB Cannabis is leaking money and plug the leaks.
We turn education back into education.
We fix healthcare.
And if there is any time left over we try to focus on value added industry, rather than simply exporting our natural resources.
Fred Brewer
Reply to @Terry Tibbs: I would edit your list as follows:
1) Let's privatize NB Power
2) Let's privatize NB Alcohol.
3) Let's privatize Cannabis NB.
4) The rest of your list I would agree with. Government has no business being in business and they have amply demonstrated through NB Power and Cannabis NB that they do not have the business smarts required.
1) Let's privatize NB Power
2) Let's privatize NB Alcohol.
3) Let's privatize Cannabis NB.
4) The rest of your list I would agree with. Government has no business being in business and they have amply demonstrated through NB Power and Cannabis NB that they do not have the business smarts required.
Gabriel Boucher
Reply to @Fred Brewer:
I'm not so sure about NB Power being privatized. Doing so could inflate our power bills through the roof. Just look at Ontario when they privatized a large portion of their shares a few years back. People saw a major increase in their power bills soon after.
I'm not so sure about NB Power being privatized. Doing so could inflate our power bills through the roof. Just look at Ontario when they privatized a large portion of their shares a few years back. People saw a major increase in their power bills soon after.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Gabriel Boucher: True However methinks "The Powers That Be" know that NB Power needs to be audited ASAP N'esy Pas?
Fred Brewer
Reply to @Gabriel
Boucher: What do you think NB Power's growing debt of $5 billion will do
to your power bills? NB Power was given an order to pay it down by a
paltry $1 billion over 10 years and they did not even come close. Sooner
or later our rates will have to be increased so that $5 billion can be
paid off. Hydro Quebec was willing to pay off the entire debt and lock
in power rates with any future increases subject to our very own Energy
and Utilities Board. We missed a great opportunity but there are still
potential buyers out there. Let's hang a FOR SALE sign on NB Power and
see what kind of offers we get. No harm in trying.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Fred Brewer: Methinks its time for your nap N'esy Pas?
Lou Bell
Of course SANB backed Gauvin thinks he's special !
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell:
Methinks everybody but you knows that the SANB is not fond of Gauvin and
that not all Acadians are fond of the SANB and their liberal buddies.
In fact I believe you are the perfect example N'esy Pas?
John Smith
Reply to @David
Raymond Amos: most people in nb think the lang popo is a sham
francaphones are turned away just as much the ola is just a means for
ministers and dep ministers to handpick their appointed employees
Kyle Woodman
Bunch of jokers.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Kyle Woodman: Welcome back to the Circus
Colin Seeley
Reply to @Kyle Woodman:
Higgs would be an exception to that comment.
Higgs would be an exception to that comment.
Bob Smith
Ahhh, Blaney. Perhaps the biggest symbol of cronyism in NB political history. As for Gauvin, he sounds like a politician who would jump to the Liberals in a heartbeat unless he gets preferential treatment. Like father, like son...he's in it to be fawned over...
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Bob Smith: YUP
Gabriel Boucher
While Mr. Higgs is sharing his feelings on social media, our healthcare system is deteriorating at a rapid pace and our economy is still doing very poorly.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Gabriel Boucher: YUP
John Smith
cardy should be a back bencher anyone that wants to claim so much jurisdiction as a education minister should have his wings clipped
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @john smith: FYI I you wish to do the clipping Google
Dominic Cardy Butter Tarts
Dominic Cardy Butter Tarts
John Smith
Reply to @David Raymond Amos: he didnt bill that did he not like its orange juice
Greg Smith
Higgs is nothing more of an Irving shill typical of these neoconservatives types. All they do is cut essential services under the guise of “fiscal conservatism”, and only champion smaller government because there are fewer mouths to feed from everything they’re skimming off the top line. I’m willing to bet his favourite “ability to pay” excuse won’t come into play next time they meet between midnight and 6am to award themselves raises.
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Greg Smith:
Methinks Higgy knows that the Irving Clan hates it when they are
mentioned in a media they do not control N'esy Pas?
Chantal LeBouthi
Something every NB poeples knows
In NB the real boss is Irving and our governance obey what ever Irving will say
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Chantal
LeBouthi: Methinks another fact is that I made certain that the Irving
media are well aware of these articles about Higgy byway of Twitter,
email and my blog N'esy Pas?
Chantal LeBouthi
I hope that Higgs will stop calling NB poeples Clients in 2020
We are not is that clear Mr. Higgs
David Raymond Amos
Reply to @Chantal LeBouthi: I prefer that he continues to do so because it shows how he looks upon us
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