David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @alllibertynews and 49 others
Methinks the taxpayers would be far better served if all the lawyers were fired N'esy Pas?
https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2020/03/saint-john-mayor-cites-covid-19-crisis.html
#nbpoli #cdnpoli
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/covid-19-common-law-frustration-of-contract-legal-principle-1.5510004
---------- Original message ----------
From: Nathalie Sturgeon <sturgeon.nathalie@
Date: Thu, 12 Mar 2020 01:50:51 -0700
Subject: Out of the office Re: Methinks the Saint John's not so little Darling reconsidered our encounter yesterday N'esy Pas?
To: david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
Thank you for your message.
I am currently out of the office and not responding to emails at this
time. If this is an urgent matter related to editorial, please contact
Marie Sutherland at sutherland.marie@brunswicknews.com
I will respond to any messages upon my return March 12, 2020
All the best,
Nathalie
--
*Nathalie Sturgeon *
Editor, Kings County Record | Brunswick News Inc.
------------------------------
Mobile: 506-466-8150
sturgeon.nathalie@
https://tj.news
------------------------------
---------- Original message ----------
From: Newsroom <newsroom@globeandmail.com>
Date: Thu, 12 Mar 2020 08:50:53 +0000
Subject: Automatic reply: Methinks the Saint John's not so little
Darling reconsidered our encounter yesterday N'esy Pas?
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
Thank you for contacting The Globe and Mail.
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---------- Original message ----------
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
Date: Thu, 12 Mar 2020 05:50:46 -0300
Subject: Methinks the Saint John's not so little Darling reconsidered
our encounter yesterday N'esy Pas?
To: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
Cc: "Chuck.Thompson" <Chuck.Thompson@cbc.ca>, NHedges@entonegroup.com,
Don.Darling@saintjohn.ca, "carl.urquhart" <carl.urquhart@gnb.ca>,
"Anderson-Mason, Andrea Hon. (JAG/JPG)" <Andrea.AndersonMason@gnb.ca>,
andre <andre@jafaust.com>, Dan@polygraph-pro.com,
wayne.gallant@nbpolice.ca, "Roger.Brown" <Roger.Brown@fredericton.ca>,
oldmaison <oldmaison@yahoo.com>, AgentMargaritaville@
"Robert. Jones" <Robert.Jones@cbc.ca>, "steve.murphy"
<steve.murphy@ctv.ca>, Nathalie Sturgeon
<sturgeon.nathalie@
Newsroom <Newsroom@globeandmail.com>, lisa.taylor@ryerson.ca
Saint John Mayor Don Darling drops out of election, cites personal 'toll'
Darling's decision not to seek 2nd term takes councillors and citizens
by surprise
Bobbi-Jean MacKinnon, Connell Smith · CBC News · Posted: Mar 11, 2020
11:21 AM AT
72 Comments
David Amos
Methinks the Saint John's not so little Darling reconsidered our
encounter yesterday N'esy Pas?
Kevin Cormier
Reply to @David Amos: You have such a huge impact on people, you
should run for office... oh, wait... yeah.
Elle St Claire
Reply to @David Amos: whats with the "methinks" and the "n'esy pas"...
David Amos
Reply to @Kevin Cormier: You never answered my question are you THE
Kevin Cormier Higgy's library dude or just another SANB/liberal dude?
David Amos
Reply to @Elle St Claire: Ask my fellow Independent Mr Gauvin why I do
what i do with old English and Chiac. Methinks you know as well as I
that the former Heritage Minister is the only Independent dude holding
a public office in NB right now N'esy Pas?
On 3/10/20, David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com> wrote:
YO Mayor Don Darling we just met in person and you played dumb
Correct? Fwd: Information Mr Gold Obviously I won't keep secrets with
the Saint John cops
---------- Original message ----------
From: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 10 Mar 2020 15:35:53 -0300
Subject: YO Mayor Don Darling we just met in person and you played
dumb Correct? Fwd: Information Mr Gold Obviously I won't keep secrets
with the Saint John cops
To: "Chuck.Thompson" <Chuck.Thompson@cbc.ca>, NHedges@entonegroup.com,
Don.Darling@saintjohn.ca, "carl.urquhart" <carl.urquhart@gnb.ca>,
"Anderson-Mason, Andrea Hon. (JAG/JPG)" <Andrea.AndersonMason@gnb.ca>,
andre <andre@jafaust.com>, Dan@polygraph-pro.com,
wayne.gallant@nbpolice.ca, "Roger.Brown" <Roger.Brown@fredericton.ca>
Cc: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
<oldmaison@yahoo.com>, AgentMargaritaville@
Jones" <Robert.Jones@cbc.ca>, "steve.murphy" <steve.murphy@ctv.ca>,
Nathalie Sturgeon <sturgeon.nathalie@
<news@dailygleaner.com>, Newsroom <Newsroom@globeandmail.com>,
lisa.taylor@ryerson.ca
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 29 Sep 2017 16:32:43 -0400
Subject: Fwd: Information Mr Gold Obviously I won't keep secrets with
the Saint John cops
To: info@alandgoldlaw.com
Cc: David Amos <david.raymond.amos@gmail.com>
Alan D. Gold
Called to the bar: 1973 (ON)
Gold, Alan D., Professional Corporation
Ste. 210
20 Adelaide St. E.
Toronto, Ontario M5C 2T6
Phone: 416-368-1726
Fax: 416-368-6811
Email: info@alandgoldlaw.com
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Darling, Don" <Don.Darling@saintjohn.ca>
Date: Fri, 11 Oct 2019 17:25:44 +0000
Subject: Automatic reply: I got tired of waiting for the Quispamsis
Town Council to get back to me so they can say Hey to Mayor Clark and
the cops for me
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
Thank you for your email. My intention is to send a response directly
or through the appropriate department. Doing so is very important to
me.
We do however, receive a significant number of emails and inquires.
Should you not receive a reply within 7 days, please resend your
correspondance.
To arrange appearances or meetings please contact Patrick Beamish with
my office at Patrick.beamish@saintjohn.ca<
Thank you for your message and please celebrate the best of our city.
This e-mail communication (including any or all attachments)
is intended only for the use of the person or entity to whom it is
addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. If
you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, any use, review,
retransmission, distribution, dissemination, copying, printing, or
other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon this e-mail, is
strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please
contact the sender and delete the original and any copy of this e-mail
and any printout thereof, immediately. Your co-operation is
appreciated.
Le présent courriel (y compris toute pièce jointe) s'adresse
uniquement à son destinataire, qu'il soit une personne ou un
organisme, et pourrait comporter des renseignements privilégiés ou
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interdit d'utiliser, de revoir, de retransmettre, de distribuer, de
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présent courriel par erreur, prière de communiquer avec l'expéditeur
et d'éliminer l'original du courriel, ainsi que toute copie
électronique ou imprimée de celui-ci, immédiatement. Nous sommes
reconnaissants de votre collaboration.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Davidson, Stephen" <stephen.davidson@saintjohn.ca
Date: Wed, 20 Sep 2017 20:26:02 +0000
Subject: Information
To: "david.raymond.amos@gmail.com" <david.raymond.amos@gmail.com>
Mr. Amos,
On September-17, 2017, I was made aware that you placed a call to Mr.
Paul Veniot, a lawyer with Public Prosecutions, and left a voicemail
(attached to this email) on September 15th, 2017, regarding something
that you had read about in the news. In your message you are heard
saying, "You guys got some problems to iron out for me, for my
friend's son, again. I think I'm one of those problems."
I can only assume that you are referring to the upcoming re-trial of
Dennis Oland, please correct me if I am wrong. If so, as the
investigator assigned to this case, I am required to follow up on your
comments as to what you are referring to in your message to Mr.
Veniot, for any potential information you may have relating to the
case, or upcoming trial.
If you could, please provide me with the information you may have via
email, postal service, in person or telephone. The particulars for
contact are listed below,
Thank you,
Saint John Police Headquarters: One Peel Plaza, Saint John New Brunswick
Mailing address: Saint John Police Force, c/o Cst. Stephen Davidson -
PO Box 1971, One Peel Plaza, Saint John New Brunswick E2L 4L1
Major Crime Unit:(506) 648 3211
This e-mail communication (including any or all attachments)
is intended only for the use of the person or entity to whom it is
addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. If
you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, any use, review,
retransmission, distribution, dissemination, copying, printing, or
other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon this e-mail, is
strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please
contact the sender and delete the original and any copy of this e-mail
and any printout thereof, immediately. Your co-operation is
appreciated.
Le pr?sent courriel (y compris toute pi?ce jointe) s'adresse
uniquement ? son destinataire, qu'il soit une personne ou un
organisme, et pourrait comporter des renseignements privil?gi?s ou
confidentiels. Si vous n'?tes pas le destinataire du courriel, il est
interdit d'utiliser, de revoir, de retransmettre, de distribuer, de
diss?miner, de copier ou d'imprimer ce courriel, d'agir en vous y
fiant ou de vous en servir de toute autre fa?on. Si vous avez re?u le
pr?sent courriel par erreur, pri?re de communiquer avec l'exp?diteur
et d'?liminer l'original du courriel, ainsi que toute copie
?lectronique ou imprim?e de celui-ci, imm?diatement. Nous sommes
reconnaissants de votre collaboration.
https://www.broadcastnow.co.
‘The Suspect has the stickiness that the SVoDs like and with the
real-life crime aspect and family story, it has global appeal’
Distributor eOne International Distribution
Producer eOne
Length 4 x 60 minutes
Broadcaster CBC (Canada)
This eOne production, in association with Seven Knots Media, is a
true-crime doc that follows the retrial of Dennis Oland, who in 2015
was found guilty of the murder of his millionaire father Richard.
The sixth generation of the family-owned Moosehead Beer dynasty,
Richard Oland was a prominent businessman in Nova Scotia with several
trucking companies and an investment firm to his name.
Unravelling in the quiet port city of New Brunswick in Canada, the
vicious murder of one of the area’s most prominent and wealthy
inhabitants captured the national headlines.
This 4 x 60-minute documentary follows Dennis Oland’s retrial, as well
as highlighting a justice system broken from its very foundation – it
is alleged that once the Saint John Police Department had identified
the younger Oland, who owed his father half a million dollars for a
loan that bankrolled a divorce from his first wife, as the main
suspect, tunnel vision set in and other avenues of investigation could
have been missed.
EOne executive vice-president of acquisitions Noel Hedges says the
project has finally been revealed after being under a large cloak of
secrecy for nearly two years.
Ahead of its TX next February on CBC in Canada, The Suspect will be
taken to Mipcom, where Hedges expects to receive attention from SVoD,
digital and PSB players.
“The Suspect has the stickiness that the SVoDs like and with the
real-life crime aspect and family story, it has global appeal,” says
Hedges.
“Real crime sells all over the world and is a popular genre with
women. We expect the series to do well in Latin America and
Scandinavia, and it will make up a key show within our real-crime
slate.”
Producer and distributor eOne has been pushing hard into factual
content in recent years after making its name as the vendor of dramas
such as The Walking Dead and producer of Rookie Blue, Designated
Survivor and Private Eyes.
The company was recently sold to toy firm Hasbro for $4bn (£3.3bn) – a
deal that will bolster reserves and allow its executives to double
down on premium fare such as The Suspect.
Hedges says the documentary takes viewers through the entire case,
digging into the aftermath of the murder and winding a path full of
twists and turns up to the retrial and its verdict.
“Richard Oland wasn’t a particularly liked person and came from a
community that was relatively poor,” says Hedges. “This series raises
questions over the son’s motivation and the police activity. It is a
really interesting story, which has plenty of questions left
unanswered at the end.”
Richard Oland’s wife had said her husband was never the same after
losing a bitter family battle for the helm of Moosehead to his
brother. He was described as a “verbally and emotionally” abusive
character who had an eight-year affair.
Hedges believes The Suspect is a primetime, primarily post-watershed
show that will attract both old and younger audiences as it ticks a
lot of boxes in terms of drama, intrigue and scandal.
“This is a ‘did they, didn’t they’ story with labyrinthine complexity
and it is very much a premium show,” said Hedges.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/saint-john-mayor-don-darling-election-1.5493545
Saint John Mayor Don Darling drops out of election, cites personal 'toll'
Darling's decision not to seek 2nd term takes councillors and citizens by surprise
· CBC News · Posted: Mar 11, 2020 11:21 AM AT
Saint John Mayor Don Darling said in his blog post that he's also a dad,
a husband, a son, a sibling, a friend 'and sometimes these get lost' in
his role as mayor. (CBC)
Saint John Mayor Don Darling has withdrawn from the upcoming municipal election, citing personal reasons, just one month after he announced he would seek a second term.
"With deepest apologies to the people I have been proud to serve, my name will not be on the ballot on May 11, 2020," he posted on social media Wednesday morning.
The Twitter and Facebook posts linked to a blog post where Darling said, "something has not been right for [him]" since he announced his intention to seek re-election.
"This decision [to withdraw] was not made as a result of one event, meeting, or social media exchange," Darling wrote. "It is the result of a collection of experiences in a very challenging job."
The role, which he described as both "magical and ferocious," has "taken a toll on my family and on me personally," he said.
Darling's abrupt reversal caught many people off-guard, including members of city council.
Deputy Mayor Shirley McAlary said she only learned of his decision via an email minutes before he made the public announcement.
"This news, I think to all of us, has been a bit of a shock," she said.
It's been a challenging four-year term for Darling. The city has faced increasing financial strain with $10-million deficits expected for each of the next two years.
The city is preparing for a restructuring that will likely continue through the rest of the year and will see job losses and programming cutbacks.
Darling helped lay the groundwork for those cuts, tried to prepare the public for them and vigorously defended their necessity.
Deputy Mayor Shirley McAlary said news that Darling was dropping out of the election came as a shock. (CBC)
McAlary, who previously served as mayor for nine years, said the position requires "a thick skin."
"You serve the public and you should do everything you can to make it work for them. But you can't take it all personal. It's not a personal business, it's a serving business," she said.
"You can't let what people say about you get to you."
No other mayoral candidates
McAlary said she thought Darling had "an excellent chance" of getting re-elected. In fact, she believed he might be unopposed.
No one else has publicly announced an intention to run for mayor yet. Nominations close April 9.
McAlary said she plans to run for council again, but hasn't thought about running for mayor. She was first elected to council in 1992 and served as deputy mayor, then mayor from 1995 to 2004. She was re–elected in 2012 as a councillor–at–large and then re-elected in 2016 with more votes than any other councillor, becoming deputy mayor.
Ward 3 Coun. Donna Reardon said Darling has been a "fantastic" mayor.
"He's just been so positive, he's brought that positive energy to Saint John and … it was at a time when we needed it," she said.
"I believe he's made Saint Johners take a second look at themselves and say, 'Hey, you know what, we are worth it.'"
Reardon said Darling spread that message across the country and has a "great relationship" with the other levels of government
With deepest apologies to the people I have been proud to serve, my name will not be on the ballot on May 11, 2020.
#saintjohn #growsj #grownb ddar.ca/2W2xiTV
When Darling announced he would seek re-election, he said it was about finishing what he had started.
"A second term will allow us to work the plan we have in place, and then start to see the benefits for the community and region as a whole," he had said in a news release.
"This growth mindset is a journey we're on together. I'm committed to seeing it through, and I hope Saint John is too."
Citizens react
Citizen Karen Hatt said she's "surprised" Darling is not going to run.
"I thought he was really good. I liked that he had a good social presence and tried to explain things when things were, you know, maybe a little negative, and tried to explain why decisions were made, which I liked," she said.
Kevin Hughes said he's "sorry" Darling decided not to re-offer.
"I voted for him the last election, I think he's very proactive, very good for uptown business merchants," he said.
Chris Neal called it "disappointing."
"I think he's done a decent job. He certainly has the experience."
"The city's in a difficult position. Don understands it, he knows what we have to do. And it is very disappointing that we're going to have to elect a new mayor here and start this process over to a great degree."
Next step unclear
Darling, who was elected on May 9, 2016, could not be reached for comment Wednesday. His strategic advisor Patrick Beamish told CBC News he had nothing further to say beyond his social media post.
In the post, Darling said he's proud of council's accomplishments during his term, such as developing the first-ever long-term financial plan and pushing for municipal reform.
"The barriers holding us from our full potential have been communicated, the numbers have been shared, and the path forward has been defined. I'm hopeful that the next group of passionate and focused leaders will pick up the baton and run with it," he said.
"This will not be easy, however, leadership rarely is."
Darling, a former small business owner and consultant in the construction industry, said he isn't sure what his future holds. But he's "excited by the next adventure."
72 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.David Amos
Methinks the Saint John's not so little Darling reconsidered our encounter yesterday N'esy Pas?
Kevin
Cormier
Reply to @David Amos: You have such a huge impact on people, you should run for office... oh, wait... yeah.
Elle St
Claire
Reply to @David Amos: whats with the "methinks" and the "n'esy pas"...
David Amos
Reply to @Kevin
Cormier: You never answered my question are you THE Kevin Cormier
Higgy's library dude or just another SANB/liberal dude?
David Amos
Reply to @Elle St
Claire: Ask my fellow Independent Mr Gauvin why I do what i do with old
English and Chiac. Methinks you know as well as I that the former
Heritage Minister is the only Independent dude holding a public office
in NB right now N'esy Pas?
Donald Smith
I'm not surprised.
Hopefully a Full New Slate will be elected with the Brain Power to try
and make Saint John good again, or at least better than what it is now.
Some slashing to some services has to be done. The Big NB Liberal Bail
Out didn't seem to work.
David Amos
Reply to @Donald Smith: Methinks you were not wise to make make fun of me yesterday N'esy Pas?
Donald Smith
Reply to @Donald Smith:
What a delightfully appropriate
vicious remark !
Loved it !
What a delightfully appropriate
vicious remark !
Loved it !
David Amos
Reply to @Donald Gallant: Now you are talking to yourself Methinks its time for your nap N'esy Pas?
Norman Albert Snr
I Honestly can't
remember anyone having less impact on this city. Then I can't remember
anyone doing more either. to be expected I guess when some else is
pulling the strings.
Kevin
Cormier
Reply to @Norman Albert Snr: Ivan Court?
David Amos
Reply to @Kevin Cormier: Say Hey to Ivan for me will ya?
Norman Albert Snr
Reply to @Kevin
Cormier: Ivan promised to clean up the Glen. He failed. I liked Ivan and
his brother before Ivan took the cities top job and rolled over when
told to. Elsie tried but again..... what can you do with no real power
to make changes.
Norman Albert Snr
If you don't have the
intestinal fortitude to confront the Empire and their self centred
dictatorial DNA stay home. We will not survive under current conditions.
David Amos
Reply to @Norman Albert Snr: I concur
SarahRose Werner
I've lived in Saint
John for 21 years and can't remember a time when people did anything
except criticize and complain about the mayor. It seems to me like a
pretty thankless job. I'll be interested to see which candidates step
forward to try and take it on this time.
David Amos
Reply to @SarahRose Werner: Why don't you run???
SarahRose Werner
Reply to @David Amos:
Like I said, it seems to me like a pretty thankless job. Not sure why
any sensible person would want it.
David Amos
Reply to @SarahRose Werner: Evil will prevail if good people do nothing. Hence we get the governments we deserve Correct?
SarahRose Werner
Reply to @David Amos: Life's not about good vs evil. Life's mostly about muddling through.
Norman Albert Snr
Reply to @SarahRose
Werner: You need to be comfortable with the reality that Mayor and
council have limited authority within Irvingville. Not that difficult to
find fault as a monopolized people.
"Please sir, May I have some more?" If we ever get off our knees.....?
"Please sir, May I have some more?" If we ever get off our knees.....?
David Amos
Reply to @SarahRose Werner: I strongly disagree
SarahRose Werner
Reply to @David Amos: You're entitled to your opinion.
Bernard
McIntyre
I'd like to run but as most Canadian seniors to broke to.
CBC notes, “A new ombudsman, Charles Murray, was appointed on Friday. Murray is a civil servant and former political assistant to one-time Saint John Tory MP Elsie Wayne and to former Progressive Conservative cabinet minister Brad Green.”
David Amos
Reply to @Bernard McIntyre: I ran 7 times with no money at all
Bernard
McIntyre
Reply to @David Amos: Stupid Question but how?
David Amos
Reply to @Bernard
McIntyre: Simple answer Whereas I was homeless and broke I borrowed the
money from friends slept on their couches etc while I debated my
political foes. I paid them back when Election Canada sent their money
back.
Methinks thats not rocket science and easy to understand N'esy Pas?
Methinks thats not rocket science and easy to understand N'esy Pas?
Greg
Miller
Why not just re-name
the city Saint Irving and have the company appoint a mayor and be done
with it. WHAT A MESS! I sincerely feel sorry for the residents of
Saint John despite my sarcasm.
David Amos
Reply to @Greg
Miller: When my Yankee wife first flew into Saint John many moons ago
she asked if Saint John was in such a thing Irving County. I asked why
she asked. She said because their signs everywhere. Methinks everybody
knows why l laughed N'esy Pas?
Donald
Smith
Reply to @Greg
Miller: We're used to it Greg, [ lol ] The city is cursed. So much for
being the first Incorp City in Canada :>)
Bernard
McIntyre
Reply to @Donald
Smith: Saint John used to be the 3rd largest city in Canada in 1901 then
declined from Confederation then the Irving came and stop all
competition from setting up in Saint John and now that's the end of
Saint john.
Ray Bungay
Reply to @Greg
Miller: Sorry, you should go back to 1985 and see what panic gets you.
The Mayor snd Council caved to the workers who were on strike because
the city would give the country a bad image during the Canada games. We
have been in a mess since.
David Amos
Reply to @Ray Bungay: Cry me a river
Kevin
Cormier
I for one, want to
thank Don for his service and dedication. As a proud Westsider, I found
Don to be one of the most approachable people to have held the office
(and I used to sit behind Elsie at the Flames games). I wish him all the
best in the future!
David Amos
Reply to @Kevin
Cormier Methinks your latest comment solves a minor mystery for me. Obviously you are too old to be THE Kevin Cormier who is much in the news lately N'esy Pas? Perhaps somebody in the Council of Canadians or the all knowing Stevey Boy Murphy will tell me when the Flames won the Calder Cup 20 years ago if you were sharing your popcorn and peanuts with the welfare bum Chucky Leblanc and his buddy Chucky Murray, Higgy's new Integrity Commissioner
Deja Vu anyone?
CBC notes, “A new ombudsman, Charles Murray, was appointed on Friday. Murray is a civil servant and former political assistant to one-time Saint John Tory MP Elsie Wayne and to former Progressive Conservative cabinet minister Brad Green.”
Donald
Smith
I hope Reardon gets voted out.
David Amos
Reply to @Donald
Smith: Methinks you don't appreciate many politicians either However you
are selective about what party they support N'esy Pas?
SarahRose Werner
Reply to @Donald
Smith: Of my two ward councillors, Reardon is the one I trust. I've
approached her with concerns in the past and she's always responded.
Sometimes the response has been, "I hear you, but here's the other side
of the issue," but I appreciate that she's taking the time.
Donald
Smith
Reply to @SarahRose Werner:
She lives in the past.
She lives in the past.
David Amos
Methinks
some folks must have heard Gerry Baby tell Chucky Leblanc yesterday
that he sees old Abe nearly every day and that he ain't playing
municipal politics again Too Too Funny N'esy Pas?
Saint John considers legal options to break no-layoff clauses
City manager suggests 'common law' may allow contracts to be broken
· CBC News · Posted: Mar 26, 2020 7:00 AM AT
Ottawa-based labour and human rights lawyer Paul Champ. 'It would certainly violate the Charter.' (CBC)
City management in Saint John are looking into a rarely used area of law to see if it can break no–layoff clauses in employee collective agreements in event the municipality is hit with a COVID–19 related financial crisis.
The labour contract with the city's 278 outside workers includes a no–layoff clause. Members of the police union hired before 2012 likewise cannot be laid off.
Contracts with two other city unions, representing firefighters and inside workers, do not have such clauses.
When asked about the no–layoff clauses during a council meeting Monday, city manager John Collin said that in emergency or unavoidable cases common law "would suggest that in certain circumstances an employer could be entitled to disregard or not follow certain terms within a collective agreement."
But legal experts consulted by CBC suggest the city would have a tough time making that argument.
Senior Saint John trial lawyer John Barry says the argument is known as "frustration of contract."
'A very rare thing'
He said to succeed the employer would have to be faced with no way to do business.
He used the example of a manufacturing plant that is destroyed by fire and left with no customers and no way to make its product.
"It's a very rare thing," said Barry. "It's got to be a real disaster, with no money and no ability to carry on."
Ottawa–based labour and human rights lawyer, Paul Champ said the city would face a lot of legal hurdles in attempting to lay off workers in violation of collective agreements.
Those hurdles, he said, would likely include a constitutional challenge.
The Saint John Police Association collective agreement has a no-layoff provision for officers hired before 2012. (CBC)
"There are no
modern precedents for these doctrines to be applied in employment
contracts or collective agreements," said Champ. "The charter imposes an
obligation on the city as a public employer to discuss and negotiate
these kind of issues with the unions. In my opinion, any unilateral
action by city council would not only be suspect in common law or
contract principles but it would certainly violate the charter."
"It's a challenging, challenging principle," said Nugent. "It's not an easy principle to apply, to relieve parties of their obligations under contract, but that it is theoretically available in the appropriate cases."
Union response
Police union president Duane Squires says if the city tried to break the contract it would be challenged in court
"As a representative of an employee group, I think the employees are people you should be talking with, not at," said Squires.
Contract talks between the police union and the city broke off early in the new year. The matter is on hold because of the COVID-19 crisis.
City negotiators reached a tentative contract agreement with outside workers on March 13.
That contract has yet to be ratified by union members and city council.
It has not been revealed whether it includes a no–layoff clause.
About the Author
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David Amos
Methinks Nugent and Champ are not so wise guys N'esy Pas?
https://twitter.com/DavidRayAmos/with_replies
David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @alllibertynews and 49 others
Methinks many folks in the "Loyalist City" should say Hey to the Queen and their "Not So Little" Darling Mayor for me N'esy Pas?
https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2020/03/saint-john-mayor-cites-covid-19-crisis.html
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/covid-19-virus-economic-crisis-layoffs-budget-contract-unions-1.5507684
Saint John mayor cites COVID-19 crisis in attempt to spike labour deal
Don Darling presses for 'zero' increases for next four years
· CBC News · Posted: Mar 24, 2020 7:32 AM AT
City of Saint John Outside Workers, members of CUPE Local 18 reached a tentative contract deal with the municipality on March 13. (CBC)
A motion by Saint John Mayor Don Darling that would have spiked a tentative contract deal with city outside workers has failed.
The tentative deal was reached March 13 with CUPE Local 18, representing 278 employees who work for Saint John Water, City Works, and the recreation department.
Darling cited the COVID-19 crisis in his motion, saying he would not support any collective agreements unless they include a wage freeze "at minimum."
"We have to look at our operations through the eyes of the taxpayer that just lost their income and can't pay their rent," said Darling who described the situation as an unprecedented economic crisis.
Had it been successful, the mayor's motion would have undermined the municipality's own negotiating team which had entered the contract talks in January with a wage escalation policy approved by council in the fall.
The policy limits salary increases to a level no greater than the rate of property tax assessment growth in the city, using a formula that averages growth over the past three years — 1.3 per cent.
CUPE Local 18 represents 278 employees who work for Saint John Water, City Works, and the recreation department. (CBC)
Councillors rejected Darling's motion in an 8-2 vote.
"To make this kind of blanket decision without knowing more information, I can't go in that direction," said Deputy Mayor Shirley McAlary.
"I want to make sure we take a sound practical approach that is rooted in evidence," said Coun. David Hickey."
Coun, David Merrithew and Greg Norton supported the mayor's motion.
The actual terms of the tentative deal with Local 18 have not been revealed.
A contract ratification vote by union members that had been scheduled for Monday was cancelled following the province's declaration of a state of emergency.
The two sides were to ratify the deal on the same day.
Local 18 president Chris Patterson is saying little about Darling's move, which the mayor made public in an online blog Friday.
"We have a tentative deal," said Patterson. "There's a process to be followed and he [mayor Darling] needs to follow that process."
The proposed wage-freeze policy would have applied to all city employee groups for four years.
Saint John Mayor Don Darling, Coun. David Merrithew and senior city staff attended Monday's council meeting in person. Nine other councillors were asked to participate by phone. (City of Saint John.)
City manager John Collin told council the existing wage escalation policy and other measures recently approved by council give the municipality the tools it needs to deal with the problem without imposing the terms set out in the mayor's motion.
Because of the COVID 19 crisis Mayor Darling, Coun. David Merrithew, and a handful of senior city staff were the only people present in the council chamber Monday.
Nine other councillors participated by phone.
Speaking after the meeting Darling said he was disappointed his motion did not pass.
He said he believed it offered a "lot of latitude" and he would have been open to amending it to meet the concerns of some councillors.
Along with outside workers the city is attempting to reach agreements with both the police and fire departments.
Salary and benefit costs for the city amount to about $82 million in 2020.
The city must also pay $9.5 million a year to make up for a deficit that was allowed to grow over many years prior to 2012 in its employee pension fund.
About the Author
8 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.
David Amos
Surprise Surprise Surprise
Donald
Smith
I
don't know the Mayor at all. Maybe he should just resign and say the
Heck with it, if its affecting his Health. No position is worth that. I
see the Deputy Mayor or Council Members were in favor of pay cuts.
SarahRose Werner
Reply to @Donald
Smith: He already decided not to run for another term. He thought he'd
be free of the job come May 12. Now it's been extended indefinitely.
He's trying to hang in there.
SarahRose Werner
I feel for Don. He'd already decided not to run for another term and now his current term has been extended indefinitely until elections can be held safely.
David Amos
Reply to @SarahRose Werner: Say Hey to your "Not So Little" Darling for me will ya?
Matt Steele
Mayor Darling is probably right on this issue as the national media is reporting that Canada is set to move into a major recession , or maybe even a depression , once the Covid-19 crisis is over . All levels of govt.will have to do some cuts if they ever want another balanced budget ; but Saint John City Council seems to have a hard time grasping that concept , and that is probably why the city needed the bailout a few months ago from the province in order to keep the city afloat .
Jef Cronkhite
Reply to @Matt Steele: No wonder he won't run for another term. Can't get any support from council....
Therese Benoit
https://www.cbc.ca/news/elections/municipal-budget-labour-pension-benefits-city-workers-unions-negotiations-1.5492033
Workforce report details City of Saint John's employee costs
City has 917 full time equivalent positions
· CBC News · Posted: Mar 10, 2020 6:27 AM ET
Negotiations between the city of Saint John and the union representing police officers have broken off. (CBC)
The City of Saint John has publicly released a workforce report in the midst of contentious contract negotiations with its three main labour unions.
Contracts for outside workers, firefighters and police expired at the end of 2019.
City negotiators have tied salary increases to a formula based on the municipality's average rate of property tax revenue growth over the past three years.
After years of nearly flat growth that amounts to 1.3 per cent.
At least one set of negotiations has broken down with the Saint John Police Commission negotiators and the police union, each filing complaints against the other to the province's Post Secondary Education, Training and Labour minister, Trevor Holder.
The workforce report is being released against this backdrop.
It says the city has 917 full time equivalent positions, one for every 74 residents, and a total bill for payroll and benefits of $91 million.
It compares that to Fredericton with one employee for every 83 residents and one for every 110 residents in Moncton, although it notes the city's land area is larger than Fredericton and Moncton combined which "stresses" resources such as snow clearing, water and transit service.
The document goes on the detail salary costs by employee group, along with annual increases over the past 15 years. It also looks at demographics, including gender breakdown, average age, number of sick days, and on the job injuries per group.
"The report is designed to be factual, to provide a single source of information on our workforce that will help guide current and future decisions by the leaders of this organization," said city manager John Collin.
Salary and benefits account for $91 million of the city's $166 million annual operating budget. (Connell Smith/CBC)
But for reasons not explained Monday the document was
withheld from the council agenda, which is normally released on the
preceding Friday afternoon.
In fact it appeared on the city website at some point Monday afternoon.
The result was that salary and benefit numbers, and other data listed in it could not be discussed or confirmed with employee groups prior to the meeting.
City clerk Jonathan Taylor said the report existed Friday but was excluded from the agenda on the direction of city manager John Collin.
In a statement Tuesday, Collin said the release of city reports can be held until the council meeting if the issue is "large, or complex or very complicated or requires additional context."
He said the intent is not to withhold information from the public.
Questioned about the late release of the report, Mayor Don Darling said it "should have been provided in advance."
"When you're talking about openness and transparency the report should have been out there in advance for folks to digest," he said.
The issue is an important one because the report controversially assigns special added pension payments to each employee as if they are part of that employee's current benefits.
Annual special payments of a $12-million lump sum were mandated by New Brunswick's then pension commissioner in 2012, after the city failed over several years to keep up with a ballooning deficit in its employee pension fund.
At its peak the plan was underfunded by $161 million putting the financial security of retirees at risk.
Along with the requirement for special annual pension payments the plan was converted by the province from defined benefit to shared risk, with the potential loss of some benefits for retirees.
The exact amount of the special extra city contribution varies according to the fund's investment returns.
For 2020 it is $9,575,000.
The first Annual Workforce Report is being released by the city at a time when three major city unions are seeking new collective agreements. (City of Saint John)
For the purposes of the new report, city managers allotted a portion of this year's special payment to each employee as a "cost."
In the case of a first class police constable, the document lists the special pension payment as $17,848 for this year.
That brings the total cost for an average officer to $153,600 (including $30,762 in pension and benefits).
In fact, the city would still have to make the special pension deficit payments even if the employee's job no longer exists.
The Financial and Consumer Services Commission oversees pension plans in the province.
In a statement to CBC last fall, FCNB communications officer Alix Saulnier said special pension payments are often reflected by employers as a percentage of payroll but they "do not relate to any one employee or group of employees" because plan deficits are equally applicable to all pension plan members and retirees at the date the plan was converted to shared risk which, in the case of Saint John, was 2012.
The pensions of employees hired since 2012 are fully funded by their regular payroll contributions.
Darling said the special payments will likely have to continue until 2028, when it is expected the plan will be close to fully funded.
About the Author
25 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story. David Amos
Methinks the Financial and Consumer Services Commission should not have ignored my concerns since 2006. Now that the stock markets are taking another nosedive methinks everybody's pension will be in big trouble in short order N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Questioned about the late release of the report, Mayor Don Darling said it "should have been provided in advance."
Do ya really think it was held back without the Not So Little Darling's knowledge and assent? Methinks its a small wonder he got out Dodge today and went to Fat Fred City to beg to Higgy for help before the next municipal election N'esy Pas?
David Amos
I just crossed paths Mayor Don Darling on budget day in Fat Fred City in front of witnesses. The Not So Little Darling tried hard to pretend that he didn't know who I was and refused to answer my questions. Methinks the fact that he could not scurry away any faster was Too Too Funny Indeed N'esy Pas?
Bo Zam
Reply to @David Amos: I'm sure he was scared of your vast intellect and helpful suggestions!!
Donald
Smith
Reply to @David Amos: Wow, he is smarter than I thought :>)
David Amos
Reply to @Donald
Smith: Well at least I know where you and your strange friend stand Need
I say you get the governments you deserve? Say Hey to your buddy Donny
Baby for me will ya?
Donald Smith
Just start the slashing and lay offs and hopefully start saving some money. The Government doesn't seem to want to help.
David Amos
Reply to @Donald Smith: Why should it?
Donald Smith
Reply to @David Amos: Why should English have to help French Language out when English population is predominant ?
Terry Tibbs
Reply to @Donald Smith:
If they lay off/fire everyone it won't make a bit of difference, they are caught, having made creative accounting decisions in the past, with their pants down.
If they lay off/fire everyone it won't make a bit of difference, they are caught, having made creative accounting decisions in the past, with their pants down.
David Amos
Reply to @Donald Smith: Ask your buddy Bo Zam or Donny Baby
Terry Tibbs
So, you expect current employees to take "the hit" for the sins of your Councils of the past?
Right.
Ferdinand Boudreau
Reply to @Terry
Tibbs: agree-- Bad past council decisions is costing taxpayers. Past
gold bonds contracts is costing big time. They have to take cuts no way
out or city will be bankrupt. Its a hard pill to take however one way
or another it going to happen.
David Amos
Reply to @Terry Tibbs: You do understand why this is a comedy to me correct?
Bo Zam
Reply to @Terry
Tibbs: Give the three departments a lump sum of money and let them
decide how many workers they can afford. We can't live in the past.. yes
they made mistakes (lots of them) but that's the past.. time to make
changes no matter how hard they are.
Terry
Tibbs
Reply to @Bo Zam:
They have shorted the employee pension fund for years, got caught, and have to cough up almost $20g a year per employee to make up for their creative accounting. Do you *think* I have much in the way of sympathy?
They can lay off/fire everybody, they still have to make up for that little bit of creative accounting, it isn't going to go away, no matter how much they squirm.
They have shorted the employee pension fund for years, got caught, and have to cough up almost $20g a year per employee to make up for their creative accounting. Do you *think* I have much in the way of sympathy?
They can lay off/fire everybody, they still have to make up for that little bit of creative accounting, it isn't going to go away, no matter how much they squirm.
David Amos
Methinks folks in Saint John need to read this article real slow then take a long hard look at their mayor and his minions before they vote this spring N'esy Pas?
Terry
Tibbs
Reply to @David Amos:
There clearly is something stopping all rational thought in the city of SJ? Maybe a bad water supply?
There clearly is something stopping all rational thought in the city of SJ? Maybe a bad water supply?
Roger Thompson
If you can't afford a fair salary, then stop providing the service! don't expect the workers to work below fare wage. If you can't afford it, then reduce or stop providing the service!
David Amos
Reply to @Roger Thompson: I agree
David Amos
Reply to @Roger Thompson: Trust that I can think of many reasons why they should fire the entire Saint John Police Force
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/committee-discuss-binding-arbitration-1.5404532
Ability-to-pay' arbitration bill takes detour to municipal group for 3 months
Municipal decision-makers committee will debate controversial changes to arbitration process
Bob Davidson, a labour analyst with the New Brunswick Police Association, said the the amendments shouldn't have been proposed until the municipal committee had looked at the arbitration issue. (CBC)The bill that would add an "ability to pay" provision to binding arbitration for municipal police and firefighters will now be discussed by a municipal decision-makers committee after it didn't get its scheduled second reading in the legislature on Friday.
"We certainly welcome that committee back again, which it should have been and it was premature to bring in the Bill 13 first reading before that," said Bob Davidson, a labour analyst with the New Brunswick Police Association.
New Brunswick Labour Minister Trevor Holder proposed amendments to the arbitration process in November. One change would require the arbitrator in a contract dispute to take into consideration a municipality's ability to pay for any wage increases.
Davidson said the municipal committee should've been considered before the bill was even brought to the house.
Glenn Sullivan, the president of the Atlantic Provinces Professional Fire Fighters Association, said drafting legislation before identifying an issue is poor governance. (CBC)
"They put the cart before the horse and hopefully they learn a lesson from this," he said. "We look forward to deliberations on the committee."
The municipal decision-makers committee includes members of the New Brunswick Police Association and New Brunswick firefighters and representatives from municipalities.
Glenn Sullivan, the president of the Atlantic Provinces Professional Fire Fighters Association, said he wants to have a fact-based discussion about the proposed amendments, and it's important to have it early on.
"You go to stakeholder input first of all [and] determine if there actually is, in fact, an issue before you draft legislation.
"To draft legislation prior to even determining if there is an issue is bad governance in our view."
The municipal committee, which hasn't been brought together since the late 1990s, will meet in the next three months to discuss the amendments and come up with a report for the law amendments committee, the next step for the bill as it goes through the legislature.
Saint John Mayor Don Darling said he's pleased that the proposed amendments are going to be discussed by the committee, which includes representatives of muncipalities. (Roger Cosman/CBC)
Municipalities across the province have been calling for changes to the Industrial Relations Act, arguing the existing process is "broken" and has created a financial burden for them.
Saint John Mayor Don Darling, who is pleased the bill will be discussed by the municipal decision-makers committee, said he and other municipal leaders support the proposed changes.
"This is something that is really unprecedented, that over 90 communities, 90 municipalities in New Brunswick got together to say this is a very important issue," Darling said.
"We respect first responders immensely. However, we need common-sense changes."
Premier Blaine Higgs said the committee was brought to his attention by Green Party Leader David Coon and People's Alliance Leader Kris Austin. (CBC)
Premier Blaine Higgs said People's Alliance Leader Kris Austin and Green Party Leader David Coon both brought the municipal committee to his attention as a potential step in the process.
"When it was evident that the Greens were going to support it, and the Alliance were gonna support it, and of course, we were going support it, 'Well, OK, we'd better find a way to do this,'" Higgs said.
"So anyway at end the day, they did. Which was great. It was all parties coming together on doing what was right but that certainly wasn't the first process."
After the municipal decision-makers committee discusses the amendments, the bill will go to the law amendments committee for public hearings and then it will return to the house for second reading.
4 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.
David Amos
Methinks
Frank McKenna and the Ghost of Premier Hatfield should agree that the
old crude rude ex CUPE dude Bobby Davidson can cry quite a river N'esy
Pas?
Fred Brewer
Since governments have the power to raise taxes, there will ALWAYS be an ability to pay.
David Amos
Reply to @Fred Brewer: So you say
Unions slam binding arbitration changes for police and firefighters as 'unconstitutional'
New bill, which would consider a municipality's ability to pay, will go through public consultation process
· CBC News · Posted: Nov 22, 2019 2:17 PM AT
Labour Minister Trevor Holder said the bill will be referred to the
standing committee on law amendments to provide the public,
municipalities and the fire and police unions a chance to comment. (Ed Hunter/CBC)
New Brunswick Labour Minister Trevor Holder has introduced
legislative amendments to the binding arbitration process for police
officers and firefighters that would take into consideration a
municipality's ability to pay for any increases.
The province's eight cities have been calling for the change, arguing the existing process is "broken" and has created a financial burden for them.
"Municipalities have observed that the wages and awards determined through arbitration are higher than wages and awards arrived at through the free collective bargaining process," Holder said in a statement Friday.
Bob Davidson, a labour analyst with the New Brunswick Police Association, called the bill "unconstitutional." He pointed to the New Brunswick's Court of Appeal's recent decision that could allow 4,100 nursing home workers to go on strike in January.
"The Supreme Court has ruled that freedom of association includes the right to strike or fair independent binding arbitration," Davidson told reporters outside the legislature.
"This is not fair independent binding arbitration. This is about suppressing and denying police and fire fair wage increases."
The proposed amendments to the Industrial Relations Act would require the arbitrator to, among other things, take into consideration:
Bob Davidson, a labour analyst with the New Brunswick Police
Association, did not rule out a possible court challenge if the bill is
adopted in its present form. (Ed Hunter/CBC)The province's eight cities have been calling for the change, arguing the existing process is "broken" and has created a financial burden for them.
"Municipalities have observed that the wages and awards determined through arbitration are higher than wages and awards arrived at through the free collective bargaining process," Holder said in a statement Friday.
Bob Davidson, a labour analyst with the New Brunswick Police Association, called the bill "unconstitutional." He pointed to the New Brunswick's Court of Appeal's recent decision that could allow 4,100 nursing home workers to go on strike in January.
"The Supreme Court has ruled that freedom of association includes the right to strike or fair independent binding arbitration," Davidson told reporters outside the legislature.
"This is not fair independent binding arbitration. This is about suppressing and denying police and fire fair wage increases."
Municipalities will have zero incentive to negotiate fairly.
- Marc Doiron, CUPEUnder the Industrial Relations Act, police officers and firefighters do not have the right to strike and their employers do not have the right to declare a lockout.
When negotiations fail, arbitration is used to reach a new collective agreement.
- The results of a comparison of the terms and conditions of employment of the police officers or firefighters to other employees in the public and private sectors.
- The results of a comparison of collective bargaining settlements reached by the same local government and comparable local governments, including those reached by employees in bargaining units to which the act applies, and the "relative economic health of the local governments."
- The "economic health" of the province and the local government, including, but not limited to, changes to labour market characteristics, property tax characteristics and socio-economic characteristics.
- The employer's ability to attract and retain qualified police officers or firefighters.
- The interest and welfare of the community served by the police officers or firefighters.
- "Any local factors affecting the community."
"We saw all these politicians with crocodile tears when two of our members got shot and killed,"
said Davidson, referring to Fredericton Police Force constables Robb
Costello and Sara Burns, who were gunned down on Aug. 10, 2018, along
with citizens Donnie Robichaud and Bobbie-Lee Wright.
"Now they want to screw … the binding arbitration process that gets fire and police fair wages."
Davidson said the unions were blindsided by the bill because they were not consulted.
But
Holder said he met with labour leaders on Thursday to advise them the
legislation would be introduced on Friday and say there would be a
public consultation process.
The bill will be referred to the standing committee on law amendments to provide the public, municipalities and the fire and police unions the opportunity to comment on the proposed amendments, likely in January or February, he said.
"This is an opportunity for all of us as New Brunswickers to have an open honest and respectful debate on this issue."
'Not good governance'
Davidson argued the government put the "cart before the horse."
"The proper way of parliamentary procedure is you have an all-stakeholders committee, you have discussions. Then after that, if you need, you introduce legislation."
Asked whether the union would consider court action if the bill is adopted as is, Davidson said, "We will be looking at every avenue."
Glenn Sullivan, president of the Atlantic Provinces Professional Fire Fighters Association, agreed stakeholder input should not occur at the law amendments stage.
Glenn Sullivan, president of the Atlantic Provinces Professional Fire Fighters Association, described the bill as a 'cut and paste' of recently passed legislation in Ontario. 'We don't need Doug Ford in New Brunswick.' (Ed Hunter/CBC)
"It needs to be done prior to, to actually determine if there's any issue that should be brought forward as legislation," he said. "To come forward with legislation now with only listening to one side, I think is not good governance."
Both union leaders contend the existing process allows municipalities to argue ability to pay and that "most" collective agreements over the past 20 years have been reached through negotiation, not binding arbitration.
"So to indicate that the system is broken doesn't hold true with us," said Sullivan.
Impromptu debate in legislature rotunda between Miramichi mayor Adam Lordon and NB Police Assoc’s Bob Davidson over binding arbitration bill.
12:36 PM - Nov 22, 2019
Miramichi Mayor Adam Lordon, who got into a terse exchange with Davidson following the tabling of the legislation, disagrees.
"We [the municipalities] obviously have a difference of opinion with the union reps and we hope we can have a civilized and fact-based discourse," Lordon told reporters.
"Our position as municipalities across this province is that the current criteria is not fair and balanced.
"We believe that for the province to grow and to thrive we need communities across the province that are doing the same. So this was one of a number of priorities that we've been advocating for over the last year-plus now."
PCs opposed Liberal bill 3 years ago
Liberal MLA Keith Chiasson said he thinks "there's good arguments on both sides."
"Obviously the first [responders] they give essential service. We understand the municipalities have to juggle rising costs, but they do have a responsibility to offer that service on their territory. So we're looking forward to see what both sides are going to say during committee," he said, adding his party is not ruling out supporting the bill.
The previous Liberal government abandoned plans to implement changes to binding arbitration in 2016 amid labour opposition.
The
Progressive Conservatives also opposed the changes at the time. Holder
said he spoke against the changes in 2016 because there was no
consultation. His party's approach will allow for a "robust, open public
debate," he said.
Discretion will be 'severely limited'
The
Canadian Union of Public Employees New Brunswick and the New Brunswick
Committee of Municipal Employees issued a joint statement Friday,
opposing the bill.
"The
neutral third party's discretion will be severely limited to compensate
for municipal councillors' fiscal blunders," said CUPE NB president
Brien Watson.
"This
is what is happening in Saint John, where they want to make front-line
workers pay for council mistakes in issuing massive corporate tax
exemptions."
Marc
Doiron, a CUPE Firefighter and Municipal Committee representative,
described the bill as an "unnecessary remedy to an imagined problem."
The legislation will have "a perverse effect, because municipalities will have zero incentive to negotiate fairly," he said.
Other proposed changes
Under the amendments, the binding arbitration process would be conducted by a single arbitrator instead of the current three-member board that includes representatives of the union and municipality.
In addition, the parties would be required to provide the arbitrator with documentation of their issues in advance of the hearing, and the arbitrator would be required to, upon request of either party, provide written reasons to show how various criteria were considered.
More details on the process to be used by the standing committee on law amendments will be available in the coming weeks, Holder said.
Councils in Fredericton, Edmundston, Campbellton, Bathurst, Dieppe, Miramichi, Moncton and Saint John all voted earlier this month to support the changes for when a municipality and fire or police union can't reach a negotiated contract.
Contracts with firefighters in Fredericton, Moncton and Saint John are set to expire at the end of the year.
The province committed to consider reform as part of a report on Saint John's fiscal sustainability earlier this year.
With files from Jacques Poitras
29 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story. Drew Dangerfield
If they don't knuckle under to the unions, be careful the next time you're pulled over. You might "accidentally" trip while exiting your vehicle on demand and "accidentally" bang your head on the pavement.
George Smith
Why do taxpayers have to see their economic circumstances keep falling behind so that others can actually get more?
George Smith
Try dropping wages by 10% in offers to Police and Fire services and stick to it. That may open some eyes to the reality of the money available and how it gets distributed to our civic workforce. Is there a law or moral code somewhere that says all civic contracts have to have an increase every time a contract comes up for negotiations? No. So why do they think taxpayers should have to give more and more for the same services (or less).
George Smith
I'm not against the Police and Fire Fighters getting a fair wage. However a community shouldn't have to pay wages it can't afford. The police and fire services are there to protect the citizens but breaking the bank in times when the economy won't support higher wages is in fact endangering the public. Maybe cities like Saint John could like Moncton and others look to contracting the RCMP. We already support them with our taxes.
Doug Whittaker
Shame on you Bob Davidson! Using the shooting of two officers to sway public opinion. How can you know the difference between real and "crocodile" tears.
Robert Buck
Reply to @Doug
Whittaker: And calling Police Officers greedy and don't care about the
community is not trying to sway public opinion!
David Stairs
policework is the same no matter where you work ...it is already based on population as to how many members you can have on the payroll....how about we go after the real cost overruns to the tax payer...lawyers,judges and politicians and doctors...these are the ones that are costing us the money...but oh no,lets go after the ones who are already understaffed and underpaid and overworked for what they are doing, to keep your asses safe...
Bob Smith
Reply to @David Stairs: If you think police and firemen are underpaid in this province, you need to check your facts.
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