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David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @alllibertynews and 49 others
Methinks it was incredible that Steven Guilbeault our latest Minister for Canadian Heritage decided to put a stop on Canada Day festivities and that Higgy and the local Mayors agreed N'esy Pas?
https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2020/04/covid-19-could-cancel-canada-day-events.html
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/covid-19-new-brunswick-canada-day-higgs-summer-festivals-1.5535876
COVID-19 could cancel Canada Day events across New Brunswick
Premier told municipal leaders some summer festivals and celebrations are likely to be cancelled or postponed
· CBC News · Posted: Apr 18, 2020 9:47 AM AT
Paul Wentzell, co-chair of the Fredericton Canada Day committee, pictured here with his wife, Anne, said residents are ready for 'a bit of normalcy' and local bands are anxious for the work the event would provide. (Submitted by Paul Wentzell)
For 26 years, Paul Wentzell has helped organize the Canada Day celebrations in Fredericton. He jokes he's a "poor succession planner."
But he's proud of the annual event that packs up to 8,000 people into the downtown core for live music, children's activities, food vendors and fireworks.
"So I just keep doing it till I get too old or too tired."
This year's headline act is already booked and secured with a deposit, said the co-chair of the organizing committee.
But COVID-19 has put the rest of the planning on hold though, he said.
Fredericton, like other municipalities across New Brunswick, is awaiting direction from the provincial government, "as to what we are going to be able to do, if anything" for July 1.
Musical acts like David Myles typically draw huge crowds for the Canada Day festivities in Fredericton every year. (Submitted by Paul Wentzell)
"We're going to have to make a final go or no-go decision probably within a week or two," Wentzell said.
New Brunswick remains under a state of emergency, with large gatherings prohibited and physical distancing of at least six feet required to prevent the spread of the virus.
There were 117 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the province, as of Friday afternoon's update.
Premier Blaine Higgs said he told 114 municipal leaders during a morning conference call that some summer festivals and celebrations are "likely to be cancelled or postponed this year."
"Even once the current restrictions are reduced, I must caution all New Brunswickers … we are not going back to business as usual any time soon," Higgs told reporters.
Premier Blaine Higgs said Friday the province cannot make the mistake of becoming complacent because of its relatively low number of COVID-19 cases and returning to normal life too soon 'because we could jump right back into the woods in a real hurry.' (Photo: Government of New Brunswick)
Asked to clarify whether the province has told festival organizers there won't be any events this summer, Higgs said he doesn't think there's been "an official decree, as such.
"But I think everyone is reading the ... writing on the wall.
"There is no likelihood really at this point in time that we could be in a position to have mass gatherings like a concert or like a big festival. That really is not going to be in the cards this summer," he said.
Experts have said a vaccine could take up to 18 months to develop, but at least 70 research teams, including some in Canada, are now working at an accelerated pace, hoping to come up with a vaccine within a year.
Federal celebration will be virtual
Canada Day celebrations organized by the federal government will be virtual this year, Minister of Canadian Heritage Steven Guilbeault announced on Friday."In light of the current and ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in Canada and around the world, our government has decided to celebrate Canada Day differently this year, in a way that will allow us to come together virtually to share our pride in being Canadian," he said in a statement.
Steven Guilbeault, minister for Canadian heritage, says Canada Day festivities will take place online this year as restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 remain in place. 0:36
The federal government is working with Canadian artists and artisans to put together a virtual program that reflects the country's diversity, values and talent, said Guilbeault. More details about the online event will be announced soon, he said.
'Evaluating all options'
Moncton is "evaluating all options including virtual celebrations," said spokesperson Isabelle LeBlanc"There is no set timeline to make a decision; however, we do want to be able to provide an update as quickly as possible," she said in an email.
Moncton will let residents know as soon as possible whether Canada Day festivities, such as these fireworks over the Petitcodiac River, will proceed as usual, said spokesperson Isabelle LeBlanc. (Submitted by Jeff Clements)
Saint John's Canada Day committee will need to know in May if the restrictions on large gatherings will be lifted, said Mayor Don Darling.
Tens of thousands of people flock to the uptown area every year for the festivities.
"It is a very important event for the local economy, for coming together and celebrating our nation," said Darling.
"But you know, I think at this stage, we're not in a normal circumstance," he said.
Saint John Mayor Don Darling said New Brunswickers had to celebrate Easter differently this year because of COVID-19 and if need be, they will find another way to celebrate Canada Day. (Joseph Tunney/CBC)
In addition to COVID-19 "we're dealing with … a whole bunch of issues related to social and economic recoveries and now we're sprinkling in … watching the floodwaters."
Organizers might need to get creative, he said, citing a virtual event as an example.
"Just like we celebrated Easter differently this past weekend, we may find ourselves in a position that we have to celebrate Canada Day differently."
Saint John funding at risk
A virtual event would save the cash-strapped city some money.Saint John was already projecting a $10 million deficit in 2021, but because of COVID-19, it now faces a financial hit this year of between $4.2 million in the "best-case scenario" of the pandemic lasting three months and upwards of $9 million if it lasts all of 2020, said Darling.
"We don't know yet all of the decisions that will be made to balance our books, but we do know that we must balance our books," he said.
The city's $15,000 contribution to the Canada Day festivities is "at risk," he said.
Coronavirus is 'calling the shots'
In Bathurst, the total Canada Day budget is only about $11,000 and organizers can wait up until mid-June for a decision about whether they have to "pull the plug," said spokesperson Luc Foulem."I'm not going to say it's a turnkey operation but … we've been using [the same] model for a number of years now," he said.
That includes a family-oriented event at either Youghall Beach Park or Coronation Park during the day, with a variety of activities, games and cake, followed by activities around the promenade waterfront, culminating in the evening fireworks.
Bathurst spokesperson Luc Foulem says event organizers have until mid-June to decide whether to cancel Canada Day celebrations. (Bridget Yard/CBC)
"So logistically, we have a pretty good set of operating procedures," said Foulem.
"It would be a positive thing to be able to hold that event," he said, because people have been "cooped up."
"But obviously that is not of our choosing and it is not of the provincial government's choosing either. … The coronavirus is the one calling the shots on this, unfortunately.
"So we just have to abide by what the situation is right now and we have to adjust accordingly."
Canada Day in September?
Wentzell said he'd like to see Fredericton's Canada Day event proceed, as usual.But "in the big picture of what's going on in the world, it's pretty small potatoes."
If it gets cancelled, Wentzell said the committee could look into holding a virtual event.
Paul Wentzell said if Fredericton's Canada Day event doesn't proceed this year, the organizing committee will pick right up where it left off next year. (Submitted by Paul Wentzell)
Another option, he said, could be celebrating Canada Day on Labour Day weekend.
Wentzell acknowledges it would be unorthodox, but said these are unprecedented times.
"We're celebrating the nation, right? So you know maybe we look at it as more of a celebration of making it through this, or thanking everybody who worked so hard to get us through it."
17 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this storyGerry Ferguson
I'll be at my camp by the fire drinking beer. Don't really give a hoot about crowds WITH or WITHOUT the virus.
David Amos
Methinks the rural folks won't notice anything different this year except that they can have more fun with their ATVs in the woods because no doubt the RCMP and the public safety dudes will be busy passing out Higgy's new fines for coming to close to others in the cities N'esy Pas?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/green-leader-pc-budget-1.5496809
Unprecedented day in legislature as budget, carbon tax bills pass in 17 minutes
Green leader's vote was key to getting the budget passed and avoiding spring election
· CBC News · Posted: Mar 13, 2020 1:35 PM AT
All four party leaders, from left, Premier Blaine Higgs, People's Alliance Leader Kris Austin, Liberal Leader Kevin Vickers, and Green Leader David Coon, talked to reporters after the speedy passage of the budget. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
In a series of high-speed procedural votes, the New Brunswick legislature passed the Higgs government's budget Friday afternoon, clearing the way for politicians and civil servants to turn their full attention to the COVID-19 outbreak.
MLAs crammed what would normally take weeks of debate, committee sessions and votes into a 17-minute blitz that also passed the government's carbon-tax legislation.
But the most dramatic turn of events was a 24-0 vote in which the budget passed, guaranteeing there will be no provincial election this spring.
PC and People's Alliance MLAs were joined by Green Leader David Coon in voting for the motion. All Liberals, as well as Green members Kevin Arseneau and Megan Mitton and independent MLA Robert Gauvin, abstained.
He praised all MLAs for allowing the votes to move quickly and gave them a guarantee on an issue that first led the Opposition Liberals to push for an early election: health reforms announced and then cancelled in February.
"There's been a lot of angst created over the past few weeks and months over the 24-hour emergency care in these rural hospitals," he said.
"I want to set the record straight: there will be emergency services 24/7 in these hospitals, but we will be facing together what our challenges are in the health system. And I'm asking for the same co-operation that we've seen today to work together for solutions."
Liberal Leader Kevin Vickers told reporters the party abandoned its hard line against the budget because of the COVID-19 crisis.
"Today is a day for all of us to come together to ensure the health and safety of our citizens," he said.People's Alliance Leader Kris Austin called it "a historic moment."
The vote on the carbon tax had to happen before April 1. Without it passing, the higher federal carbon tax would have remained in effect in New Brunswick.
The legislature promptly adjourned so that Higgs could take part in a conference call with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the other Canadian premiers.
PC house leader Glen Savoie said the house will return Tuesday as planned but added the weekend would give officials the chance to sort out what has to happen next.
That, and the rushed carbon-tax vote, suggests the house may not sit beyond Tuesday.
Coon's decision pivotal
The budget vote became a foregone conclusion Friday morning when Coon said he would not vote against it.Coon said there are elements of the budget that represent "progress," and he wanted to see them passed so that his party can use its newfound leverage in the legislature to improve them and push for more.
"This is a minority government where my colleagues and I in the Green caucus hold the balance of responsibility," he said. "We don't need to trust this government to safeguard the public good. Not a single piece of legislation can pass without our support."
Coon says there are elements in the PC budget that have potential and he hopes they can be improved upon. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
"I know many have lost trust in Premier Higgs, and many lack confidence in [Liberal leader] Kevin Vickers. … I ask that you trust me. We have your back, New Brunswick."
Shortly after his announcement, Coon and the other three party leaders in the legislature huddled to discuss accelerating the budget vote. Negotiations dragged on from around noon to just after 2 p.m.
One item of business that might need to come before MLAs on Tuesday is legislation to postpone municipal elections scheduled for May 11.
Chief electoral officer Kim Poffenroth issued a statement Friday saying that given the elections will require hundreds of thousands of people to vote in polling stations staffed by thousands of election workers, "there are obvious concerns over public safety."
She said there is no "easy solution" to reduce the risk of infection but that under the Local
Governance Act she doesn't have the power to postpone the vote without the legislature passing amendments.
About the Author
79 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.
David Amos
Methinks it all over but the crying now and Higgy's circus will go on for another year. I have no doubt that the EUB will say OK to "Not So Smart" Meters in short order and allow NB Power will get to spend another 100 million loonies we cannot afford N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Methinks the most telling thing to me about the vote was that Bobby Baby Gauvin was not man enough to keep his word and vote against his old buddy Higgy N'esy Pas?
Joe Campbell
Reply to @David Amos:
Methinks that I am glad you are not voting on the budget. Seriously
man, voting against it would have been provincial suicide!
David Amos
Reply to @Joe Campbell: Dream on
Joe Campbell
Reply to @David Amos: Oh right, province is already on the suicide train!
Matt Steele
It looks like the Green Party has been looking at possible election dates if they force an early election , and have realised that an early election could happen in June when the University students are away . Two of the Green Party MLAs owe their being elected to University students in both Fredericton and Sackville ; so if an election happened to fall during the summer University break , then say goodbye to at least TWO of the Green MLAs . Of course , the Green Party is trying to portray their decision as if they are concerned over the public , when they are actually concerned over keeping their high paying jobs , and banking time for their gold plated pension . Lots of SPIN going on there for sure .
DJ Redfern
Reply to @Matt Steele:
Once again Mr. Steele you have stated this very well, certainly mirrors "my take" on the Greens.....
Once again Mr. Steele you have stated this very well, certainly mirrors "my take" on the Greens.....
David Amos
Reply to @Matt Steele: Methinks everybody knows the Greens will never win in Kent County again N'esy Pas?
Kelly Alder
Reply to @Matt
Steele: Bang In Mittons riding. She made sure (along with her
environmental warriors) to make sure to grab well into the 90% rate of
the mta student vote. And the fact no one actually verified wether or
not the student was even living in the riding long enough to be eligible
didn’t help either.
Pierre LaRoches
Mr Coon just saved Vickers a butt kicking. Plus we all know the Greens have no money for an election right now.
David Amos
Reply to @Pierre
LaRoches: Methinks many folks would agree that all the Party Leaders
just saved the seats for their butts to park in as they ride on the
Gravy Train for another year N'esy Pas?
Matthew Smith
Reply to @David Amos:
telling as well, N'esy Pas, that you keep trying to join that self same
gravy train? Methinks you'll have the same results everytime
Paul Burgoin
Reply to @Pierre
LaRoches: If the Greens are needed to topple ,well money in politics has
a mysterious way of appearing in coffers at the right time when needed!
David Amos
Reply to @Matthew Smith: Why is it that I feel honoured that you hate me?
Josef Blow
Reply to @David Amos: Dave, you deserve empathy instead of hate. Poor boy.
https://twitter.com/DavidRayAmos/with_replies
David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @alllibertynews and 49 others
Methinks the most telling thing to me about the vote was that Bobby Baby Gauvin was not man enough to keep his word and vote against his old buddy Higgy N'esy Pas?
https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2020/03/liberals-soften-budget-vote-stance-in.html
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/liberals-budget-vote-election-1.5495381
Liberals soften budget vote stance in light of COVID-19
Party leaving decision up to chief medical officer, says MLA Roger Melanson
· CBC News · Posted: Mar 12, 2020 3:35 PM AT
'We will follow the advice of the chief medical officer and Public Health officials in regards to how to go about moving forward," said Liberal finance critic and Dieppe MLA Roger Melanson. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
The Liberal opposition opened the door a little wider Thursday to abandoning their push for an early provincial election now that New Brunswick has its first case of COVID-19.
Finance critic and Dieppe MLA Roger Melanson told reporters the party was essentially leaving it up to Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Jennifer Russell whether it should try to send New Brunswickers to the polls next week.
"We will follow the advice of the chief medical officer and Public Health officials in regards to how to go about moving forward," Melanson said.
"If that means we need to make decisions or changes, we'll listen."
The PCs withdrew the plan five days later, but in the legislature Thursday morning Melanson said New Brunswickers had lost trust in the government over the fiasco, and that's why his party will try to vote down the budget, triggering an election.
He repeated that on a CBC political panel Thursday, to which PC Finance Minister Ernie Steeves replied: "You think calling an election now would bring the trust back to you?"
Melanson said if the government believes an election isn't warranted it could delay the legislature's vote on the budget expected Friday March 20. "They have that right," he said.
But Steeves said the vote will go ahead next week. "The budget is the budget."
COVID-19 concerns
Earlier this week Green Party Leader David Coon said an election might not be a good idea given that it can involve many large gatherings and a lot of social contact.On Thursday the Quebec government banned public events of more than 250 people after the number of cases there jumped from nine to 13.
Melanson said it was too early to speculate about how such a decision here would affect an election.
"It would be very different as a campaign. But we're not making those decisions today."
The Liberals announced Feb. 11 that they would attempt to force an election after the Progressive Conservative minority government announced health reforms that included the nighttime closure of six small-hospital emergency rooms. (Graham Thompson/CBC)
Asked by reporters if there was any room for the PCs and Liberals to work together on a compromise about the budget and election timing, Melanson said it was "too early to make any decision or any consideration like that" and the party would heed Russell's guidance.
"She's quite credible and she has a lot of knowledge and we'll listen carefully and make decisions accordingly," he said.
Russell said Thursday afternoon that she was recommending the cancellation of any public events of more than 150 people — a size that covers many typical election events — but wouldn't comment further.
"Whether there's an election or not, it would have to be considered in light of these particular issues," she said.
Coon said a special committee of the premier, key cabinet ministers and all political party leaders will hold its first meeting tomorrow night to discuss the response to COVID-19.
David Coon, New Brunswick's Green Party leader, will announce his plans on the budget vote Friday. (CBC)
The committee could discuss "how that election might proceed based on the advice of the chief medical officer of health, with all four party leaders in the same room on this committee," Coon said.
"Obviously it wasn't just set up for that discussion but it's going to be an important opportunity where that discussion can occur if it's needed."
Coon is a pivotal vote on the budget and he plans to reveal Friday morning how he will vote on the document.
Premier Blaine Higgs said he hopes the all-party committee will let "cooler heads prevail" on a possible campaign.
"I won't be talking about the possibility of an election because I don't think we should have one, but it'll be up to my colleagues in the legislature to decide that next Friday," he said.
"I think our full focus has to be on this situation, and we should have all hands on deck and that should be our main task."
Accusations fly
Melanson's official response to the budget in the legislature Thursday was punctuated by a series of procedural complaints by the PC government over his choice of words.The Liberal MLA said the government had "deliberately deceived" the legislature, one example of violating the parliamentary rule against accusing another member of lying.
PC house leader Glen Savoie asked Melanson to withdraw the comments and he did, but not before Liberal house leader Guy Arseneault said he wanted to congratulate Melanson for the speech.
Melanson violated the parliamentary rule against accusing another member of lying and later withdrew his comments. (CBC)
"I like it, I like it, I like it," Arseneault shouted to the applause of Liberal MLAs.
Coon said he didn't think the sharp partisan exchange was a sign the parties couldn't work together on a major issue like COVID-19.
"There's always lots of political theatre in the legislative assembly, and I think what you were seeing was political theatre. When the rubber hits the road, I think the political theatre will be put aside."
About the Author
98 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.David Amos
Methinks this circus get more entertaining by the hour these days N'esy Pas?
Lou Bell
Higgs has done such a good job even Marc uerite has gone into hiding !
Marguerite
Deschamps
Reply to @Lou DumBell: droll, very droll !
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: Methinks if you speak of the devil he is sure to appear N'esy Pas?
Lou Bell
Reply to @Marguerite
Deschamps: Where's the next meeting ? And I expect Gauvin , Arsenault
will be attending. Plan B didn't work and Liberals have lost supporters
faster than a sheep being sheared in the sprintime loses it's wool.
Looks very Baaaaaadd for the Liberals. More than even Farmer Arsenault
would have answers to.
Lou Bell
Even Amos has more credibility than the Liberals ! Other than their " me first " agendas.
Donald Smith
Reply to @Lou Bell: lolololo
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell:
Methinks the lady doth jest too much The Fat Lady ain't singing until
March 20th and that is a eternity for your Hero Higgy In the "Mean" time
obviously I am enjoying the circus as usual N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Lou Bell:
Methinks I have every right to say that you have no credibility
whatsoever. I would lay odds that you would be complaining more than I
am if your hero Higgy put a "Stay" on your Medicare Card and you had to
pay the emergency room bills and the the doctors fees out of pocket like
I am forced to do N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @David Amos:
Oh My MY Methinks somebody can't handle the awful truth in a replay to
someone who attacked me N'esy Pas?
John Pokiok
I can't believe that
Irving has bought every politician in this province this is crazy. This
budget only benefits the rich business owners nothing absolutely nothing
for working class. In a mist when everyone is asking for tax reform to
get heavy industry to pay their fair share this government gives them
break. Higgs is Irving man you have to be blind to not see it shame.
Dianne
MacPherson
Terry Hughes
Nessy paw this. It's a very good budget. Mr. Higgs is doing a good job. His solutions are not "plant a tree and all is well"
David Amos
Reply to @Terry Hughes: Methinks you must work for Higgy or the Irving Clan or both N'esy Pas?
David Amos
I wonder what I am not permitted to read
David Amos
David Amos
Reply to @John Pokiok:
You didn't read the budget either.
Give it a rest !!!!
You didn't read the budget either.
Give it a rest !!!!
Lou Bell
Reply to @John
Pokiok: Meanwhile , Anglophones in NB who voted Liberal last election
have come to realize who they really represent. Never again . That 130
million dollar undisclosed giveaway will be the bee in the elephants
behind for the Liberals for decades to come.
David Webb NB
Reply to @Lou Bell: Nope, not the ones that were dyed red at birth
Bobby Burke
Reply to @Dianne
MacPherson: - Not necessarily so, but, nice “Job Security” work here.
If you can’t see that the Irving’s are destroying NB, then the Education
System continues to do it’s job, ...so very sad, by those who can see
this “ROBBERY”!
John
Pokiok
Reply to @Dianne
MacPherson: I read the budget small increase to welfare recepeints and
8.75% property tax reduction for Industry. My assessment went up how
about yours. Whats in it for working class?
Bobby Burke
Reply to @Dianne
MacPherson: - You must not have heard, or read, ...MILLIONS TO THE
GLUTTONOUS IRVING FAMILY, & pennies to The down trodden. Only if you
or a loved one works for the EMPIRE, can I understand your post.
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell:
Methinks you need to learn to speak for yourself Trust that you have no
right whatsoever to speak for any other Anglophone in NB no matter which
political party they opt to support or no politician at all N'esy Pas?
Terry Hughes
Nessy paw this. It's a very good budget. Mr. Higgs is doing a good job. His solutions are not "plant a tree and all is well"
David Amos
Reply to @Terry Hughes: Methinks you must work for Higgy or the Irving Clan or both N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @Terry
Hughes: Methinks the awful truth is that Higgy has been the Premier for
18 months or so only because the PANB supported him. Now the Green Party
claim to hold the reigns of power which only proves my point that this
is quite a circus and the we get the governments we deserve when blindly
vote for political parties instead of people N'esy Pas?
Too Too Funny Indeed I doubt the Greens or the PANB will have as many seats as they now enjoy when the Fat Lady sings after the the next election. Nessy paw this
"This is a minority government where my colleagues and I in the Green caucus hold the balance of responsibility," he said. "We don't need to trust this government to safeguard the public good. Not a single piece of legislation can pass without our support."
He said many people have lost trust in Premier Blaine Higgs and many lack confidence in Liberal Leader Kevin Vickers.
"I ask that you trust me," Coon said. "We have your back, New Brunswick."
Too Too Funny Indeed I doubt the Greens or the PANB will have as many seats as they now enjoy when the Fat Lady sings after the the next election. Nessy paw this
"This is a minority government where my colleagues and I in the Green caucus hold the balance of responsibility," he said. "We don't need to trust this government to safeguard the public good. Not a single piece of legislation can pass without our support."
He said many people have lost trust in Premier Blaine Higgs and many lack confidence in Liberal Leader Kevin Vickers.
"I ask that you trust me," Coon said. "We have your back, New Brunswick."
David Amos
Reply to @Terry Hughes: Your wish was my command but I doubt that you will get to read it
David Amos
I wonder what I am not permitted to read
David Amos
Content disabled
Methinks lots of folks are just like me and sincerely wish that the comments others did not go "Poof" N'esy Pas? I read the news today Did you?? If Not Go figure
From The Associated Press, updated at 7:30 a.m. ET
"China, where the virus emerged late last year, still accounts for more than 60 per cent of global infections. But on Friday it reported just eight new cases and seven deaths. More than 64,000 people have been released from hospitals.
With China's caseload slowing, the government was helping other countries with its expertise. A Chinese medical crew was heading to Italy and surplus supplies were sent to Iran."
"China reported just 8 cases of the coronavirus on Friday, with no new domestic infections outside the epicentre of Hubei province"
"South Korea reported 114 new cases and was near 8,000 overall. Officials said 177 patients were released from hospitals, making Friday the first day recoveries outnumbered new infections since the country's first patient was confirmed on Jan. 20."
Lou Bell
Kinda hard to vote against a budget that everyone likes ! And I suspect there's not an UNDISCLOSED 130 million dollar giveaway hidden somewhere after it's approval !!
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell:
Speak for yourself Methinks I may not be a part of Trudeau The Younger's
beloved "Peoplekind" but I don't like Higgy's budget nor do many other
folks you don't like N'esy Pas?
Lou Bell
Polls are NOT a virus ! Time to man up and admit it's not the Covid-19 responsible for their bailout of an election ! It's also become quite obvious who's running the Liberal Party ! Melanson and his SANB cohorts . A true leader would be making announcments like this
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell:
Methinks you should not advise another to "man up" in light of the fact
that you can't do so yourself N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell:
Polls or a virus may make you feel ill but at least you have a Medicare
Card yet make fun of the fact that I do not
Joe Rootliek
Hard to have an election around COVID - 19, could infect everyone at the polls.
David Amos
Reply to @Joe
Rootliek: Methinks this latest virus scare is working out very well for
certain politicians and their banksters buddies N'esy Pas?
Fred Brewer
Reply to @Joe Rootliek: Not if e-voting were allowed. Vote from the comfort of your home or from anywhere in the world.
Paul Estey
Leaving the decision up to the Chief Medical Officer to call an election, when she doesnt even have a vote in the Legislatture??? What happened to the Leader of the Liberal Party who has the one calling for the vote to drop the House since before the budget was even presented. Sounds like the sitting members have taken decision making from their leader. Thats a first.
Joe Rootliek
Reply to @Paul Estey:
You trust what happens behind a computer. You cannot see where your
vote goes, you are only told where it goes.
David Amos
Reply to @Paul Estey:
Methinks according to the Canadian Constitution whereas the leader of
the Liberal Party cannot vote in the legislature because he has no seat
then it should not matter what Vicky says about anything in the media
because political parties have no standing in our Constitution N'esy
Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @Paul Estey:
Methinks we are the ones with the true power These dudes are elected
only on a temporary basis to speak for us Nobody voted for Vicky. Hence
he has no more say as to whether the government should stand or fall
than you do N'esy Pas?
Fred Brewer
When will Canada and its provinces allow online voting? Online voting would:
1) Reduce the cost of elections drastically.
2) Allow almost instant results.
3) Allow elections to proceed despite disruptions like weather or pandemics.
4) It could allow polling of the electorate by plebiscite or referendum on any important issues.
Joe Rootliek
Reply to @Fred
Brewer: You trust what happens behind a computer. You cannot see where
your vote goes, you are only told where it goes.
Joe
Rootliek
Reply to @Joe
Rootliek: The costs- you still have to hire technical support, virus
support, to make sure things are up and up.
Fred
Brewer
Reply to @Joe
Rootliek: And after your paper ballot goes into the ballot box or into
the scanner you have to TRUST that it is handled and recorded properly.
Do not be afraid of technology. An electronic voting system leaves an
auditable trail that can be verified by the political parties or judges
if necessary. Also bear in mind that many countries have already
adopted e-voting systems for a decade or more. If they can do it, why
can't we?
Fred
Brewer
Reply to @Joe
Rootliek: The government has its own IT department, so there really
would be no extra cost for tech support or virus support.
Fred
Brewer
Reply to @Joe
Rootliek: Speaking of trust, did you not follow what happened in the
last election where Gerry Lowe and Barry Ogden fought an expensive,
lengthy court battle over voter fraud? There were 71 voter
irregularities and Lowe won by 10 votes. More than 20 voters voted twice
and Court costs exceeded $400,000. E-voting would make double voting
impossible.
David Amos
Reply to @Fred Brewer: Cry me a river
Peter C. Shearer
Bahhhhhhhh something good coming from this virus... it's giving the greens and libs and excuse to vote for the budget and not cause an election that they would lose. Finally listened to the people of NB whp said we don't want an election yet.
David Amos
Reply to @Peter C. Shearer: Methinks not all the Feds think like you N'esy Pas?
Dan Armitage
Go ahead push an election . GOOD LUCK!
David Amos
Reply to @Dan Armitage: What will you do with no sports or circus to watch?
Yves Savoie
If the Liberals have to use Vickers as their leader, they are really going down the tank...
David Amos
Reply to @Yves Savoie: Methinks many would agree that they were always there N'esy Pas?
Yves Savoie
Look at the first picture, I think Melanson should see a doctor ASAP!
David Amos
Reply to @Yves
Savoie: At least Melanason has a Medicare Card Higgy is keeping the
"Stay" on mine so I have to pay for health care for no reason I will
ever understand.
Colin
Seeley
“ Socialism is the Philosophy of Failure “ -
Winston Churchill.
Winston Churchill.
Michel
Forgeron
Reply to @Colin
Seeley: “The liberty of a democracy is not safe if the people tolerated
the growth of private power to a point where it becomes stronger than
the democratic state itself. That in its essence is fascism: ownership
of government by an individual, by a group, or any controlling private
power.”
― Franklin D. Roosevelt
― Franklin D. Roosevelt
David Amos
Reply to @Michel
Forgeron: Benjamin Franklin once said: "Those who would give up
essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve
neither Liberty nor Safety."
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/new-brunswick-budget-double-tax-cut-private-sector-1.5493205
'Double taxation' cut will energize private sector, say N.B. business leaders
Province reducing tax on buildings like rental properties by 50%
· CBC News · Posted: Mar 10, 2020 8:44 PM AT
Finance Minister Ernie Steeves unveiled a handful of tax breaks for the private sector during Tuesday's budget announcement. (Ed Hunter/CBC)
Rental property owners and business officials say new tax cuts announced by the Progressive Conservative government Tuesday will help stoke the New Brunswick economy and spur construction.
Finance Minister Ernie Steeves announced a 50 per cent reduction in the provincial non-owner-occupied property residential tax over a four-year period starting in the 2021 taxation year.
Owners and developers have long sought to scrap the so-called "double tax" which levies a provincial tax on top of the municipal tax for buildings like rental properties and cottages.
Willy Scholten, president of the New Brunswick Apartment Owners Association, said his group has been lobbying government officials on the issue since 2004.
He believes the move will lead to new construction.
Non-owner-occupied properties, like rental properties, must also pay a provincial tax in additional to the municipal tax. (Bryan Eneas/CBC)
"We have a lot of issues right now with not enough supply of rental apartments in the province, and a lot of our association attributes a lot of that to this double taxation," Scholten said following Steeves's address in the legislature.
"We don't have outside people coming to the province and saying this is a good place to do business."
The tax rate will drop from $1.233 per $100 of assessed value to $0.5617 — or about 14.04 cents per year until 2024.
The owners' association has proposed phasing the tax out completely over a three-year period, but Scholten said this is a step in the right direction.
"We hope that they continue after here to the eventual full elimination, so we are no longer offside with the rest of the country," said Scholten, adding New Brunswick is the lone Canadian jurisdiction to impose such a tax.
More budget day coverage:
"It's not a full elimination and we don't know what's going to happen with assessments either along the way," he said. "So we'll have to wait to see what happens with our property tax bills."
The PCs also plan to reduce the non-residential property tax rate — including commercial and industrial buildings — by 8.25 cents per year until 2024. That will decrease the rate from $2.1860 per $100 of assessment to $1.8560.
PC's balanced budget promises higher social assistance rates and reduction in some property taxes. 2:47
The $10.2-billion provincial budget projects a $92.4-million surplus and to reduce the net debt by $129.3 million. The budget is buoyed, however, by a $200-million increase in federal transfer payments.
"We have to, beyond balancing the budget, give back," Steeves told reporters.
"We thought [the tax reductions] were ones that would help businesses and, ultimately, help a lot of New Brunswickers and, ultimately, help the economy of New Brunswick."
'You have to focus on the private sector'
The budget struck a chord with People's Alliance Leader Kris Austin. His party has long argued against double taxation for non-owner-occupied properties."If you want true economic growth, you have to focus on the private sector," he said. "The best way to that is tax reduction and deregulation."
Austin said all three Alliance members will vote in favour, while Liberal Leader Kevin Vickers maintained that his party will vote against the budget in an attempt to topple the government.
Speaking to reporters at the New Brunswick Legislature on Tuesday, People's Alliance Leader Kris Austin said, 'It's a good budget.' (Ed Hunter/CBC)
Green Leader David Coon told reporters his caucus — and its three crucial votes — has reserved a decision until meeting to discuss.
Also included in the budget is the Higgs government's carbon pricing plan. It will be set at 6.6 cents per litre at the pumps — same as the federal backstop — but the Tories will cut the New Brunswick gas tax by 4.6 cents, creating a net two-cent increase.
The government has not passed its carbon tax legislation and if the budget is defeated and an election is called, it won't get the chance, meaning the federal price will be in place on April 1.
David Duplisea, CEO of the Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce, said if that's the case, it will make New Brunswick less competitive with neighbouring provinces like Nova Scotia.
Encouraged by the private-sector support, Duplisea said there isn't anything in or not in the budget worth toppling the government over.
The CBC's Jacques Poitras breaks down the possible scenarios that might trigger an election after the provincial budget Tuesday. 2:22
He said many of his 700 members wanted the tax breaks in one form or another, and this creates a "positive investment climate."
"These items … we have been asking for these and we're confident that this will help to spur investment in our respective regions and in the province as a whole," Duplisea said.
Both the Saint John and Fredericton chambers of commerce lauded the government for reducing the net debt and balancing the budget.
Krista Ross, CEO of the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce, specifically highlighted the double taxation policy in a statement Tuesday.
"This will make business in New Brunswick more competitive and give us a chance to build economic momentum, which in turn will allow government to further reduce debt and deliver more services," Ross said.
"In the coming years, this will be even more important as we cannot expect to receive large increases in equalization payments on an annual basis."
With files from Jacques Poitras and Ed Hunter
132 Comments
David Amos
It truly is quite comical that nobody can see through this nonsense Its a mad mad world.
Shawn Tabor
Yes, why can’t folks see threw this. A very sad state of mind. I like to read the praises from the human folks. The Perfect Storm just got better, hang onto your hat, it might get a little windy. LOL
David Amos
Reply to @Shawn
Tabor: Methinks your buddies should at least agree that we get the
government we deserve after their beloved Green Party supports Higgy's
budget N'esy Pas?
Roy Kirk
The results of this experiment may be instructive. Government is a major leasee of commercial office space in NB. So it an other leasees should get a proportionate reduction in the rents they they pay for such space, right?
No, I can hear the excuse now: 'Rents haven't gone down, but they're lover than they otherwise might have been.' The response to incontrovertible data is usually unprovable speculation. ;-)
Dan
Armitage
Reply to @Roy Kirk:
your right Roy myself I will not be lowering the rent nor will I be
raising it since I keep it as low as possible for my tenants. If this
tax break did not get fixed the rent would be going up. With the
increase at other levels insurance water sewage pretty much everything
has gone up and like always we the consumers have to pay to stay.
Marc
Martin
Reply to @Dan Armitage: *myself I will not be lowering the rent* Finally one that is honest.
Lou Bell
Reply to @Dan
Armitage: So are you an owner or a renter ? In one sentence you claim
you are one , in the next the other ! So which is it ??
Lou Bell
Reply to @Marc
Martin: If you could understand his last sentence , he says " we the
consumers have to pay to stay " !!! Something doesn't add up !!!!!!!
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell:
Methinks your SANB/liberal buddy is crying quite a river just as I
predicted and your other buddy Deschamps is clever enough stay out of
the fray thus far N'esy Pas?
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/new-brunswick-budget-steeves-1.5491938
Higgs government delivers 2nd balanced budget, projects $92M surplus in 2020-21
People's Alliance likes budget, but Green MLAs still making up mind
· CBC News · Posted: Mar 10, 2020 8:00 AM AT
Finance Minister Ernie Steeves delivered the 2020-21 provincial budget on Tuesday. (Mike Heenan/CBC)
The Higgs government has delivered a second consecutive balanced budget, a fiscal plan with nods to both tax reductions and increased social spending and some carbon tax sleight of hand.
The budget also projects a surplus of $92.4 million in the 2020-21 fiscal year, leading to a $129.3 million reduction to New Brunswick's accumulated debt.
The small but significant increases in social assistance rates and reductions in property tax rates could help the budget win the support of other parties in the legislature, where the Progressive Conservative government does not have a majority.
"We've turned our situation around in order to allow us today to protect our most vulnerable, our communities, help our businesses grow, and allow us to better protect our province against unexpected events," Finance Minister Ernie Steeves said in his budget speech in the legislature Tuesday.
But he also said the balancing act was not politically motivated to help the PCs win a key vote on the budget next week.
WATCH: Highlights of Finance Minister Ernie Steeves as he delivers balanced budget
PC's balanced budget promises higher social assistance rates and reduction in some property taxes. 2:47
"This is to save New Brunswick, not to save our government," he told reporters.
The black ink is helped by a major increase in federal transfer payments for the coming year. Those payments are jumping by more than $200 million.
"Certainly the choices weren't as hard this year as they were last year," Steeves said, though he credited prudent management by the Tories more than the injection of cash from Ottawa.
The rosier financial picture will allow the province to spend more money, including an increase of five per cent in the three main social assistance programs affecting single recipients.
About 15,000 people in the three programs, or about two-thirds of all recipients, will see the increase May 1.
Green Party Leader David Coon said he and his two fellow Green MLAs will take time to review the budget before deciding how to vote. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
A year later, the rates in those three categories will be indexed to the consumer price index, meaning they'll rise automatically at the rate of inflation. Other rates will stay the same.
Green Party Leader David Coon had been calling for increases and his vote could be key to the budget passing or being defeated in a vote expected March 20. A rejection of the budget would trigger a provincial election.
He said he and his two fellow Green MLAs were not ready yet to decide how they'll vote.
"The balance of power has shifted in this legislature toward the Green caucus, so we take that responsibility very seriously," he said.
"So we're going to take our time to reflect on the budget, discuss it, and in the end come up with a decision that in our view is in the best interests of our province."
People's Alliance Leader Kris Austin said he supports the budget, given the property tax cuts. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
Health spending will also increase by 3.9 per cent, with some of that increase paying for 26 new nurse practitioner positions around the province.
The Progressive Conservatives also plan to begin gradually reducing some taxes in the coming year, a move the People's Alliance has been calling for.
Starting in April, the so-called "double taxation" of apartment properties will start to be reduced with a goal of cutting it in half over four years.
"We're very pleased to see it's a decrease," said People's Alliance Leader Kris Austin. "It's not as much as we'd like. We'd like to see the elimination a lot sooner but it is certainly a step in the right direction."
The PCs will also reduce the non-residential property tax rate, which applies to private businesses, by 8.25 per cent per year until 2024.
Austin said the tax measures have prompted all three Alliance MLAs to support the budget.
"It's going to be a hard budget to vote against," he said.
Fears of plans to revive ER closures
Liberal Leader Kevin Vickers said his party still plans to vote no in the hopes of defeating the government and triggering an election.He said comments by Steeves about the need for health reform to continue shows the PC government plans to revive its cancelled plan to close small-hospital emergency departments.
"The budget is going to serve as the cornerstone for the government to continue its cuts to health care," Vickers said.
Steeves fielded questions from reporters Tuesday. (Mike Heenan/CBC)
Saint John Harbour Liberal MLA Gerry Lowe has said in recent weeks he may vote for the budget, depending on what's in it.
Lowe left the legislature Tuesday without speaking to reporters.
Vickers said Lowe will face consequences if he breaks ranks with the party to vote for the budget, a move that could help keep the PCs in power.
"Obviously, there would be consequences," Vickers said. "This will be a whipped vote, and if he votes against the directions of the party there would be consequences."
Carbon tax plan
The budget also lays out specific numbers for the Higgs government's carbon tax, which is set to replace the federal carbon price in New Brunswick on April 1 — but only if legislation passes in time.The federal price for consumers was set to rise to 6.6 cents per litre on April 1. The new provincial tax will be the same amount, but the PCs will cut the New Brunswick gas tax by 4.6 cents, leading to a net two-cent carbon tax at the pumps.
The CBC's Jacques Poitras breaks down the possible scenarios that might trigger an election after the provincial budget Tuesday. 2:22
The province will collect $129 million from the carbon tax. Of that, $36 million will go into a fund for climate change projects.
"There are exciting projects that I'm sure the Green Party and others throughout the province, throughout the government, will come up with," Steeves said.
The rest will offset the impact of the carbon tax: $83 million will go into the province's general revenues to replace the gas-tax reduction, and $9 million will go to natural gas distributor Liberty Utilities to offset the impact of the carbon tax.
Ottawa's climate plan requires the provincial carbon tax to apply to natural gas, but by giving $9 million — the same amount it will collect — to Liberty Utilities, the province is erasing the impact of the tax on the company.
The reduction in the debt, to $13.7 billion by the end of the fiscal year, translates into a $20 million reduction in what the province will have to spend on interest payments on the debt.
286 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.
David Amos
"Obviously, there would be consequences," Vickers said. "This will be a whipped vote, and if he votes against the directions of the party there would be consequences."
Too Too Funny Methinks Vicky is gonna have to whip Gerry Baby from the peanut gallery.N'esy Pas?
Lowe avoided the media but he told Higgy's buddy Chucky Leblanc that he is not gonna go back to municipal politicking. Perhaps Lowe will cross the floor before being abused by Vicky and his old buddies. In my humble opinion it make for a great circus act to see Lowe challenge Vicky's leadership abilities and go for his job but we all know the Irving Clan and the SANB would have none of that but I bet the PANB would love it EH?
Cory Kamermans
Reply to @David Amos: why do you end every comment with N'esy Pas?
Shawn Tabor
92 million, why does that number stand out. Anyone, LOL.
David Amos
Methinks Higgy must be overjoyed to see that everybody is Happy Happy Happy and that Minister Mikey Holland will make certain that not only will we have a turkey hunt to look forward to but no doubt the EUB he oversees will say OK to the Green Party's wish for "Not So Smart" Meters too as long as they support this budget N'esy Pas?
Lewis
Taylor
Reply to @David Amos:
Easy on the edibles.
Easy on the edibles.
David Amos
Reply to @Lewis
Taylor:Folks who know me are well aware that. I don't smoke dope or eat
it and rarely have a drink and never had a beer in my life. Tobacco and
coffee are contain the drugs I ingest. That said methinks Cardy no doubt
knows whether or not you have had more than enough questionable butter
tarts for the both of us N'esy Pas?
Kevin Cormier
Less for roads? Min. Steeves may need hiking boots to get over those pot holes.
David Amos
Reply to @Kevin
Cormier: Methinks you need some of Cardy's special butter tarts to calm
you down so you can get the knots out of your fancy red knickers N'esy
Pas?
Kevin Cormier
$92million in surplus... ok, so what didn't get done.
David Amos
Reply to @Kevin Cormier: Ask Higgy
Kyle Woodman
Can't wait for my property company to voluntarily lower my rent.
SarahRose Werner
Reply to @Kyle
Woodman: *snort* If you think the decrease in property tax is going to
get passed on to the tenants, I have to wonder what you're smoking.
David Amos
Reply to @SarahRose Werner: Me Too but methinks the young fella was merely being facetious N'esy Pas?
Fred
Brewer
Reply to @SarahRose
Werner: A lesson in basic economics involves supply, demand and price.
If I own a rental property, and I get a reduction in tax and can use
that reduction to reduce rent charged to my tenants and thus fill my
vacant apartments then I will do so. It makes no sense to have empty
apartments. Then my competition who also has empty apartments will also
lower their rents. This my friends is the beauty of a free market
economy. It may not happen overnight but trust me, it will happen. The
market will always respond.
Roy Nicholl
Reply to @SarahRose Werner wrote:
" If you think the decrease in property tax is going to get passed on to the tenants, I have to wonder what you're smoking."
What decrease in property tax? The assessment - and, consequently, the amount of taxes due - went up on all of our properties this year.
" If you think the decrease in property tax is going to get passed on to the tenants, I have to wonder what you're smoking."
What decrease in property tax? The assessment - and, consequently, the amount of taxes due - went up on all of our properties this year.
David
Peters
Reply to @Kyle Woodman:
There would have to massive reform in areas like building/tax/fire codes as well as massive property tax reductions.
A miniscule reduction on one inch of the miles of red tape is more gimmicky than anything else, imo.
There would have to massive reform in areas like building/tax/fire codes as well as massive property tax reductions.
A miniscule reduction on one inch of the miles of red tape is more gimmicky than anything else, imo.
Marc Martin
Reply to @Kyle Woodman: Your waiting for nothing.
Samual Johnston
Reply to @Kyle
Woodman: if passed the tax measure may not give you a decrease in rent
but it will help slow down increases for many.
Ferdinand Boudreau
Reply to @Kyle
Woodman: The government got to put something in place to insure the
renters get the benefit not the owners. This should me a move to lower
rents to make the province more affordable to reside in? There should be
strong fines to owners who absorb the tax cut without passing it on.
Let see what happens?
SarahRose Werner
Reply to @Roy Nicholl: Read the story, Roy.
SarahRose Werner
Reply to @Fred
Brewer: Your argument only works if landlords have vacant apartments to
fill. When vacancy rates are low, as they are now, landlords have no
incentive to pass along their savings. When vacancy rates are high,
landlords stop increasing rents no matter what the property tax rates
do.
David
Peters
Reply to @SarahRose Werner:
When vacancy rates get high enough, what's the point of ownership?
Red tape and high taxes are the problem, not the solution.
When vacancy rates get high enough, what's the point of ownership?
Red tape and high taxes are the problem, not the solution.
David
Peters
Reply to @SarahRose Werner:
Even charities cannot afford to give away housing to the needy, as was reported on recently.
Building maintenance costs have skyrocketed due to local and provincial governments using them as cash cows. This didn't happen overnight, but this is where we are now, unfortunately.
Even charities cannot afford to give away housing to the needy, as was reported on recently.
Building maintenance costs have skyrocketed due to local and provincial governments using them as cash cows. This didn't happen overnight, but this is where we are now, unfortunately.
SarahRose Werner
Reply to @David
Peters: When vacancy rates get high enough, the point of ownership is
hanging on to the building until vacancy rates go down again, at which
point the landlord can either raise rents again or sell the building for
a better price than they would have gotten when vacancy rates were
high.
Marc Martin
Reply to @SarahRose Werner: There is no vacancy in any building, if you think rent is going down your in for a bad surprise.
David Amos
Reply to @SarahRose Werner: Methinks you don't have to read deep to see that I was agreeing with you and figured that the young fella was as well N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @SarahRose Werner: OOPS My apologies It is I who can't read deep You were obviously addressing the Peters dude not mean old me. Methinks its time me to enjoy a long winters nap and chuckle at the nonsense of it all N'esy Pas?
Marc Martin
*including an end to so-called "double taxation" on apartment buildings* By removing the double taxe the CoRservatives will have to get more revenues somewhere brace for impact.
Jerry Dion
Reply to @Marc
Martin: Kinda how like the liberals had 10 tax/fee increases to fund
their promises? and still wasn't enough to fund said promises lol. Red
and blue both the same
"Despite 10 tax increases in 2 years to bring in $500M, Liberals haven't delivered on 2014 platform"
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/gallant-government-anniversary-analysis-1.3772934
"Despite 10 tax increases in 2 years to bring in $500M, Liberals haven't delivered on 2014 platform"
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/gallant-government-anniversary-analysis-1.3772934
Marc Martin
Reply to @Jerry Dion: That tax was opposed by Higgs why hasn't he removed it yet ?
Jerry Dion
Reply to @Marc
Martin: Many things get opposed and promised, doesn't mean its done
right away. This is the second budget of this government and we don't
know whats in it so i would wait and see before sitting there and
criticizing.
Marc Martin
Reply to @Jerry Dion:
Well we do know by removing the tax he will give more money to the
rich...Unless your a building owner or a rich person with several
properties that is not a good sign for anyone.
David Peters
Reply to @Marc Martin:
Lowering property ownership costs allows for, possibly, increased affordable housing supply.
That benefits practically everyone.
Lowering property ownership costs allows for, possibly, increased affordable housing supply.
That benefits practically everyone.
Steve Gordon
Reply to @Marc
Martin: Maybe because he is now stuck trying to pay the credit card
gallant and his buddies racked up during their 4 years of non stop
spending.
David Amos
Reply to @Marc
Martin: Methinks we should brace ourselves for the storm of crocodile
tears that you SANB/liberal dudes will rain down upon us until the
budget vote N'esy Pas?
Marc Martin
Reply to @David Peters: Affordable housing will not be hapening why would these rich builders lower prices ?
Marc Martin
Reply to @David Amos:
Your harrassing me again Davis ? Maybe you should give me the phone
number of your imaginary sheriff so i can send him to you.
David Amos
Reply to @Marc Martin: Your buddy Davis may enjoy talking to this dude 506-658-2569
Marc Martin
*including an end to so-called "double taxation" on apartment buildings* There ya go help the people who have money, the Con way.
Jason Inness
Reply to @Marc
Martin: No, this helps people that are renting. Their rent includes the
double tax. It needs to in order for renters to turn a profit.
Removing this double taxation will put downward pressure on rents, and
through competition, I think you will see a reduction in rents.
Marc Martin
Reply to @Jason Inness: You really think the building owners will lower the rent ???? wow no wonder NB is in a mess...
Bryan
Jones
Reply to @Marc
Martin: I sometimes wonder whether you're joking. The people who WILL
have the money will be the renters, and they are definitely not the
rich/elite. You've previously suggested that it's not double taxation
but the primary property rate includes a discount. So, if we call it a
discount, why are Saint John's rates without a discount $3.70 per $100
of value and Vancouver's $0.22? Who is that helping?
Marc Martin
Reply to @Bryan
Jones: Again do you believe the owners will lower the rent when they get
that tax break ??? Seriously ??? And that tax revenue will be lost and
will need to be replaced, where do you think the CoRservatives get that
money ? Tha average Joe and the poor will pay trough cut into service
and health reforms, you people have no clue.
Bryan
Jones
Reply to @Marc Martin:
It's the market that will decide what the rents paid will be. Many
landlords set rents at the price they do, not because they want to screw
the poor whilst at the same time paying for their yacht in Monaco but
because if they charged less then they would make a loss. If their
taxes reduce they it will only take a few to reduce the rent and the
renters will move to them if they get a better deal for a similar
property. And when one provider gives the public what they want then
the others will have to follow suit or they lose out, it's called
competition.
Marc Martin
Reply to @Bryan
Jones: Your living in a dreamland buddy. *It's the market that will
decide what the rents paid will be* And thats why the rent will not go
down.
Bryan
Jones
Reply to @Marc Martin: You've got a serious issue with people who own rental property, haven't you? Leave it, move on.
Jason Inness
Reply to @Marc
Martin: It only takes a couple of renters, with some vacancy, to lower
their prices to start the whole thing. A few years ago in Moncton
renters were paying moving costs, giving away big screen TVs, giving a
free month rent, etc. to get people to move into their empty units.
When you have a large number of suppliers (i.e. Renters) of a commodity
(i.e. rental units), it doesn't take much to drive prices down.
Archie Levesque
Reply to @Bryan
Jones: No Marc's big issue is that it is a non-Liberal government in
power. If it was Vickers offering up the same plan he would be all for
it
Bryan
Jones
Reply to @Archie Levesque: Good point. You will let me know when Vickers has any plan, won't you?
Archie Levesque
Reply to @Bryan
Jones: Sorry but they will have to form a new committee to study the
issue further to find out that the other recent studies that were
performed provided the same results.
Joseph Vacher
Reply to @Marc Martin: dont be pissed at your lack of success in life
David Amos
Reply to @Joseph Vacher: Methinks many agree that he certainly should be disappointed with himself N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Welcome to the circus
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/budget-new-brunswick-david-coon-covid-19-election-1.5491069
Coon may help keep Higgs in power to avoid election during potential COVID-19 outbreak
PC minority government to table budget Tuesday, Liberals have vowed to try to defeat government
· CBC News · Posted: Mar 09, 2020 3:36 PM AT
Green Party Leader David Coon held a news conference Monday afternoon to voice his concerns about what impact COVID-19 might have on a potential election campaign. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
Green Party Leader
David Coon is opening the door to keeping the Higgs minority government
in power to avoid sending New Brunswickers to the polls in the midst of a
potential COVID-19 outbreak.
No
one in the province has tested positive for the virus, but Coon says
one way to limit the spread of the disease when it arrives would be to
avoid the large gatherings that are part and parcel of an election
campaign.
"The
coronavirus is in my thinking, of course," Coon told reporters Monday
afternoon. "How can it not be? There's got to be an adult in the room on
this.
"Exactly
how do you campaign if you're got an outbreak of coronavirus? How do
you have rallies if you've got an outbreak of coronavirus? These are all
important questions that we're all grappling with right now."
Municipal elections are scheduled for May 11, and Higgs said Elections New Brunswick told him it would be easier to not have overlapping campaign periods.
But he said the COVID-19 risk "absolutely played a role" in the decision as well.
Voters in Saint Croix and Shediac Bay-Dieppe have been without members in the legislature since last year.
Higgs said if a serious outbreak happens closer to the byelection dates, he has the power to postpone the votes in the two ridings.
"If it gets to a point where it would be a risk, we'll have to think about that and readjust."
The CBC's Jacques Poitras breaks down the possible scenarios that might trigger an election after the provincial budget Tuesday. 2:22
Liberals lack votes to topple government
Higgs's Progressive Conservative minority government will table its second budget on Tuesday, kicking off a debate that could culminate in the legislature rejecting the document and triggering an early provincial election.
Liberal
Leader Kevin Vickers has vowed that his party will do everything it can
to bring down the government and send voters to the polls.
But the Liberals lack the votes to do that on their own and would likely need the support of the Greens to make it happen.
Coon
has so far refused to say how he'll vote, laying out a list of things
he'd like to see in the budget without clearly indicating if any of them
would lead him to cast his vote with the PCs.
On Monday afternoon,
Finance Minister Ernie Steeves said Coon had been briefed on the
contents of the budget, including what Steeves called a "significant"
increase in social assistance benefits — something the Green leader has
asked for.
"I find that
Mr. Coon is a thoughtful man, but he certainly didn't give me an
indication on how he's going to vote," Steeves said.
But
just hours later Coon introduced the new factor in his thinking: the
near-certainty that cases of COVID-19 will show up in New Brunswick.
The
Green Party leader said he's confident that provincial institutions
such as Public Health and the Emergency Measures Organization are "very
well prepared" and he believes they could function well even during a
campaign.
During a pre-budget tease Monday, when Finance Minister Ernie Steeves displayed his new budget shoes, he announced the budget will have a surplus, will exceed a $125 million debt-reduction target, and will increase social assistance payments. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)
But
he said many typical campaign activities, such as door-to-door
campaigning and handshaking, and large rallies with supporters, would be
unwise if the virus reaches the province.
"A campaign would have to look quite different. I don't know what it would look like, exactly, but it would have to change."
He did not say explicitly that he would vote for the PC budget to avoid a campaign.
"I'm just saying it needs to be a discussion among all the parties to see what people's views are on that," he said.
"It's
a serious matter and I think all the political parties need to think
about what this government needs to do and what this legislature needs
to do regarding the soon-to-arrive coronavirus in New Brunswick … so we
need to have that discussion in the legislature."
"I always thought they should rethink their plans," he said. "Certainly for this reason, I think it's a consideration that we don't put people at risk.
"I think there are a lot of additional reasons they should be rethinking their plans, but this might actually be one that gets traction."
A spokesperson for Vickers said he was not in Fredericton on Monday to comment.
45 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.David Amos
Surprise Surprise Surprise
David Amos
Reply to @David Amos:
This is not news Some folks should recall the Green Meanie boss saying
he was going to support since Higgy aka Mr Flip Flop hauled in his horns
over the emergency room nonsense and Vicky's pants caught fire N'esy
Pas?
David Amos
The latest wicked game at the circus begins today. Methinks Higgy wins again N'esy Pas?
What say you?
Survey Says?
https://twitter.com/DavidRayAmos/with_replies
David Raymond Amos @DavidRayAmos
Replying to @DavidRayAmos @alllibertynews and 49 others
Reply to @David Amos: Methinks Mayor Nancy Grant and a few of her fellow town councilpersons should not deny that I tried to talk to them today N'esy Pas?
https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2020/04/covid-19-could-cancel-canada-day-events.html
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/don-darling-property-tax-rothesay-quispamsis-1.5546160
Saint John mayor defends property tax levy in outlying communities
Levy would add about $265 per year to the average household property tax in places like Quispamsis, Rothesay
CBC News · Posted: Apr 27, 2020 1:17 PM AT
Saint John Mayor Don Darling said the money collected from a property tax levy in outlying communities would be used partly to make the region more attractive for people to live in and visit.
After flak from suburban neighbours, Saint John Mayor Don Darling is defending a city proposal that would tax the residents of outlying communities.
"Part of the strategy does call for strengthening the core of Saint John, but the end goal is a stronger region," Darling said in an interview with Information Morning Saint John.
The proposal would allow the city to collect $6 million annually from outlying communities through a property tax levy or by putting road tolls at key entrance points to the city.
A levy would add about $265 per year to the average household property tax in communities outside city limits.
Darling said the cost-sharing model between Saint John and the suburbs is broken and needs to be fixed.
"We've got regions outside the city that are thriving, and we've got a region inside the city that isn't that has lots of social challenge and lots of other issues."
The additional money would be used to lower taxes and debt and make the region more attractive for people to live, Darling said.
On Friday, the mayors of Quispamsis and Rothesay said they were blindsided by the proposal.
Quispamsis Mayor Gary Clark and Rothesay Mayor Nancy Grant said they were not consulted either.
"Our residents are being asked to add hundreds of dollars to their tax bills … to go straight to Saint John, with our having no say in how it's going to be used," said Grant.
Information Morning - Saint John
Saint John mayor responds to KV mayors
Darling said meetings were held last year where the idea of sharing costs was discussed, and a report was
published by the province.
"There were conversations, there were meetings," Darling said.
Clark said he was disappointed by the decision but not surprised.
Information Morning - Saint John
Rothesay, Quispamsis mayors respond to Saint John's financial support ideas
Gary Clark is mayor of Quispamsis. Nancy Grant is mayor of Rothesay. 10:16
"I flatly reject any suggestion that we don't already contribute our fair share to the city," Clark said, noting that Quispamsis already contributes money to regional facilities commissions and economic development initiatives.
The City of Saint John receives about $17 million from outlying communities annually.
The city's proposal also calls for the province to make major property tax reforms for heavy industry and slash jobs.
The reforms could mean a $1.3 million cut to the police force, the closure of a city rink, $750,000 removed from the public transit budget and reduced street maintenance.
With files from Information Morning Saint John
142 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.
David Amos
Methinks Mayor Nancy Grant and her cohorts know that I was happy that her town council did not go along with NB Power's "Not So Smart" Meter plan N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @David Amos: Methinks Mayor Nancy Grant and a few of her fellow town councilpersons should not deny that I tried to talk to them today N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Methinks Don Darling
will never forget crossing paths with me in a bank in Fat Fred City on
Higgy's Big Budget Day this year and the email I sent him immediately
afterwards that caused him to announce the very next day that he had
changed his mind about running for another term as Mayor N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Methinks I should
remind the folks of Quispamsis that Blaine Higgs represented the riding
of Quispamsis in 2018 (and still does) when his chief of staff Dominic
Cardy and his cohorts were teasing me about their fondness for butter
tarts and sending Tim's treats in the mail with a signed note Trust that
I made certain that Mayor Gary Clark and his cohorts never everything
about the Premier and I when I ran in Fundy Royal again in 2019 N'esy
Pas?
David Amos
Too Too Funny Indeed
David Peters
Reply to @David Amos:
...you might find it less funny if it were your property tax bill going up by $265.
...you might find it less funny if it were your property tax bill going up by $265.
David Amos
Reply to @David Peters: My home was stolen remember?
Lou Bell
Reply to @David Amos: I think I saw it on the back of a 3/4 ton going through Wirral ! How many years ago was that ?
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: Methinks you need a lawyer N'eys Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: You claimed you talk to Cardy Well what did he think of his recent emails???
Lou Bell
Reply to @David Amos: Haven't needed a Lawyer for years . Never needed one !
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: You do now
Lou Bell
Reply to @David Amos:
I'd never be that close to anyone to want to know about their personal
emails , whether they're legit or harrassments , that's their own
personal business.
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: Methinks you forgot the you INVITED me to name you in my next lawsuit N'esy Pas?
Lou Bell
Reply to @David Amos: Don't recall I ever did . You did mention you were suing the Queen though
.
.
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @Lou DumBell: I know how you like queenie. You must not be amused.
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: You also told me about you and Cardy laughing at me this weekend CORRECT?
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: The "Best Man" at Cardy's wedding is YOUR MP as well as mine CORRECT?
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: Who said my emails to Cardy and Higgy were harrassment?
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell:
How is it even remotely funny that I don't have the right to the same
Health Care you enjoy because your heroes won't take the "Stay" of my
Medicare Card?
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: At least you pretended to care about the fact that I do not have a Medicare Card
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @David Amos: I can't prove to you that I care. Whatever...
Bo Zam
Reply to @David Amos: David sued the Queen?? The band or the Monarch??
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Methinks your friend Bo is no doubt a member of the SANB N'esy Pas?
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @David Amos: Contrary to what you profess, I was never a member of the SANB and do not intend to ever be. Are you a member of the Mason lodge or Orange league, as there are many in your neck (red) of the woods?
Marguerite Deschamps
And I am not privy to the SANB membership list. Therefore, i have no clue.
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Yea Right
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: And thats your real name too Correct?
Douglas James
Not lot ago, I sat in on a meeting of Quispamsis Town Council in which civic officials were warned that they would eventually have to put up their tax rate to fund future infrastructure maintenance. In other words, put aside money for a rainy day. For some reason Mayor Don Darling thinks these outlying areas 'have it easy' and property owners can afford to help him fund his city too (after it wasted its money instead of saving for a rainy day). As a resident and taxpayer in Saint John, I am vehemently opposed to taxing anyone who doesn't have a say in the running of our city. Darling and others need to look at the economic boost these outlying residents provide Saint John instead of trying to blame them for his own failures to solve the deep structural problems his administration has added to over the past 4 years.
David Amos
Reply to @Douglas James: Say Hey to Don Darling and Quispamsis Town Council for me will ya?
Bryan Jones
There's an influential family that lives in Rothesay, how would they feel about paying more property tax? Oh, hang on, they live in a church so don't pay any property tax. Okay then Don, you have their permission to go ahead.
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @Bryan Jones: No taxes if used for church purposes. What an aberration!
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Its a joke
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @David Amos: Droll, but not in the sense of funny!
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Methinks that because the joke was on you N'esy Pas?
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @David Amos: Churches do not pay taxes, it's a fact.
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: So?
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Clearly you still don't get the joke
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @David Amos: I refer you back to my first reply: - "It's an aberration!"
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Do you recall why I sued the Cardinal in Beantown???
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @David Amos: Should I laugh now... or later?
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Methinks I am having more fun watching you cry N'esy Pas?
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @David Amos: I recall you posting about it. But I have no clue why. Needless to sate that I have no use for them.
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: So you do admit that you are not all that clever or are you a failure at playing dumb?
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: My reply went "Poof" Surprise Surprise Surprise
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Marguerite
Deschamps: Lets just say I sued the Cardinal for his involvement in the
cover up of tax fraud and the theft of my Clan's assets
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @David Amos: Maybe because you weren't nice to me?
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: CB and C is still thinking about another one but you know where to find it all anyway correct?
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite
Deschamps: "He sued a high ranking Catholic religious guru and
continuously sues queenie, another religious guru here in Canada. Si he
says."
Methinks you forgot posting this elsewhere before I asked the question N'esy Pas?
Methinks you forgot posting this elsewhere before I asked the question N'esy Pas?
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @David Amos: Nope, I did not forget
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Then you can guess what my answers were correct?
Stew Block
Saint John city council passed special legislation to let Irving Canaport avoid millions in taxes for close to a decade. Did people think the missed tax revenue was just going to appear out of no where? Of course the average citizen is going to pay it, that's how this province works. Irving gets to avoid taxes, and they tell the government to increase HST or raise municipal taxes to offset.
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @Stew Block: And they have the indefectible puppet in Fredericton whose strings they are pulling.
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite
Deschamps: Methinks you SANB dudes think you are oh so clever but you
can't see the forest for the trees N'esy Pas?
Marguerite
Deschamps
Reply to @David Amos: And i think I'm clever! Wooooo!!!!
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Trust that you are not
Marguerite
Deschamps
Reply to @David Amos: I read you, stable genius. Mules dwell in stables too, you know!
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite
Deschamps: Methinks I am a lot like the farmer who used to work for me
as a mechanic He use to proclaim " You can't fool me because I am too
stupid" He was best man ever saw who practiced the fine art of playing
dumb. I trusted him with my life and all my money and did my best to
learn from him for obvious reasons N'esy Pas?
Marguerite
Deschamps
Reply to @David Amos: You're giving yourself too much credit.
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: At least you can't fool me whether I have any credit for being dumb or not
David Amos
Reply to @David Amos: Methinks at least I am smarter than any bear in your neck of the woods N'esy Pas?
Marguerite
Deschamps
Reply to @David Amos: Smarter than the average bear? I'll give you that Yogi!
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite
Deschamps: I also paid my two bits to see a High Diving act and I am
gonna see a High Diving act So Jump Rabbit
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/covid-19-municipality-parking-passes-monthly-motorists-uptown-work-from-home-1.5534823
Saint John Parking Commission loses $48K in monthly parking fees
Hundreds of monthly passes cancelled in Parking Commission lots
· CBC News · Posted: Apr 17, 2020 8:00 AM AT
Parking lots in Saint John's uptown have been largely vacant since the province's March 17 declaration of a state of emergency. Nearly 500 have cancelled their parking passes in lots owned or managed by the city. (Graham Thompson, CBC)
Motorists who are now unemployed or working from home as a result of the COVID-19 crisis are cancelling their Saint John parking passes in large numbers.
The city reports 476 people so far have cancelled monthly passes at lots owned or managed by the Saint John Parking Commission.
That lost revenue will cost the commission about $48,000 a month.
A report to city council last week said total parking–related revenue losses to the municipality now amount to $240,000 a month.
Councillor Donna Reardon suspects some of those who have cancelled still work in the uptown but chose to park their vehicles on the street last month when parking enforcement officers were taken off the job following the declaration by the province of a state of emergency.
Parking enforcement resumed this week.
She's hoping those motorists will now return their cars to parking lots owned or managed by the city.
"I think we've got to figure it out as we move forward," said Reardon. "I think part of all this, of ticketing, is to try to get a grip on what is actually happening and where are we with all this stuff."
Saint John Councillor Donna Reardon hopes the return of parking enforcement officers to uptown streets will push motorists back into city owned lots. (Roger Cosman, CBC)
Reardon said the state of emergency has thrown city budgets into chaos while provincial legislation prevents municipalities from running deficits.
In the meantime operators of private parking lots, who in many cases charge lower rates than the city, report few cancellations even though their spaces, like the city's, are largely empty.
Shane Cassidy of KBL International, a company that offers parking at the Chinese Commerce Centre on Coburg Street, says people want to ensure they still have a place to park when the time come to return to the office.
"I'm not giving away any spots, but I'm not chasing people for money, either," said Cassidy.
Paul Daeres, who has multiple lots and Uptown parking spaces renting for as low as $60 per month, estimates 90 percent of his clients continue to pay for their spots, especially those in coveted locations closest to the city centre, where there's a waiting list.
"Some, they've given up, they can't afford it. I can understand that, if they come back I'll probably give it back to them anyway," said Daeres.
About the Author
19 Comments
David Amos
Methinks some folks must recall that immediately after I met the Not Darling Mayor of Saint John in Fat Fred City on Higgy's Budget Day he announced the he did not wish to be a Mayor anymore N'esy Pas?
David Amos
They can cry me a river Perhaps Darling et al will answer their emails and return my phone calls now
Calmer Siloqeey
Reply to @David Amos:
A few months ago Darling was too busy informing people that Saint John
was going to change and that they'd better get used to it whether they
like it or not. He was too busy pushing his vision of a new Saint John
and sitting on some rug down a "c u l t u r a l l y" enriching activity
to actually focus on running the city. Boy do those days of virtue
signally from a few months ago seem like a lifetime ago. I guess we
have real problems now.
Douglas James
Reply to @David Amos:
Apparently he has a new Facebook page 'Mayor Don Darling". Mr. Flip
Flop would be a more appropriate title.
David Amos
Reply to @Douglas James: Its too bad you could not read my replies yesterday
Terry Tibbs
A bonus installment this week of: Tales of Woe from Saint John NB.
David Amos
Reply to @Terry Tibbs: The circus must go on
Terry Tibbs
Reply to @David Amos:
SJ is not a circus......... it's a bloody train wreck, you know the kind where the one car goes off the track, and in almost slow motion (it seems) the rest just keep piling up.
SJ is not a circus......... it's a bloody train wreck, you know the kind where the one car goes off the track, and in almost slow motion (it seems) the rest just keep piling up.
Lou Bell
Daily rants and ravings about Saint John miseries ! We're ALL IN THIS ! They are not alone !
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: Don Darling is
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/sustainability-deficit-property-tax-reform-industry-trucking-budget-1.5555510
Council decides Saint John Energy is not for sale
Council also rejects plan to charge permit fees for heavy trucks
· CBC News · Posted: May 05, 2020 7:00 AM AT
The city of Saint John will look for ways to get some revenue from its municipally owned electrical utility, but city council has removed selling the company from the list of options. (CBC)
Saint John councillors have put the brakes on any plan to sell Saint John Energy.
The sale of the municipally owned utility was being considered as an option for the cash-strapped city and could have generated a dividend of between $4 million and $7 million per year.
But it would also have seen residential electricity costs increase 10 per cent after three years to match those of NB Power.
On the other hand councillors did approve a long list of measures to reduce operational costs and increase fees to deal with estimated $10 million deficits projected in 2021 and 2022.
"Let there be no doubt there will be significant workforce reduction," said city manager John Collin.
The plan will also see the Saint John Transit Commission disbanded and control over the bus system moved back to city hall. The transit budget is to be reduced by $750,000.
Workforce costs are to be reduced $1.1 million at the police department and $1.3 million at the fire department.
Low tax growth
The city has struggled for several years with limited or near zero tax-assessment growth while costs in many areas, chiefly labour, have increased.
Saint John city manager, John Collin: 'There will be significant workforce reduction.' (Connell Smith, CBC)
Councillors also turned their backs on a proposal that would have seen the municipality set up a permit system for heavy trucks that would have created an additional $1.1 million in annual revenue.
They elected instead to find that money on the cost side through job cuts, bringing total payroll cuts up to $6 million by the end of this year.
The truck permit plan was opposed by most of the city's heavy industries, the Chamber of Commerce and by the Canadian Manufacturers Association and had very little support among councillors.
"The business people of this city have made it very clear to me they're not teaming up with us until we cut our own staff, if that's what it takes, but we have to cut what's inside of our own city [government]," said Deputy Mayor Shirley McAlary, who authored the motion to take the heavy truck permit plan off the list of recommendations to raise new revenue.
But even larger, long term reforms aimed at putting the city on track for growth are viewed as dependant on the introduction of major changes by the provincial government.
The first would have seen the province's share of the property tax on Saint John heavy industries — about $8 million annually — turned over to the city until promised property tax reforms of some sort are introduced in 2022.
The other would have seen legislation to force the city's neighbours to contribute considerably more money to offset the costs Saint John incurs as a regional hub.
Jeff Carr, New Brunswick's Minister of Environment and Local Government: The city must demonstrate 'substantial and measurable progress.' (CBC)
In an email to city council Monday, Local Government Minister Jeff Carr put a damper on both requests, suggesting the city has not yet done enough to rein in its own costs.
"While the province is committed to maintaining our track record of support for the City, it strongly encourages the City of Saint John to take the required steps to demonstrate it is prepared to address the foundational constraints that are holding it back from building a financially sustainable future," wrote Carr.
The minister said he would not reconvene a regional management task force that had been looking into cost-sharing between the city and its neighbours until Saint John "has demonstrated substantial and measurable progress" on sustainability.
About the Author
20 Comments
David Amos
Methinks all the people who attended the secret meetings of the EUB last summer know why I am a giggling at General Collin's nonsense N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @David Amos: I bet Ray Robinson and his nasty lawyer are sweating about now for fear i might let some cat out the bag
Gary MacKay"there will be significant work force reduction". Then the city also needs to recognize it will not have the ability to service many / much of the outlying areas and needs to reduce the size by returning areas back to the province (now LSD) to deal with.
Mac Isaac
Reply to @Gary MacKay:
Like you I've often wondered why Saint John, back in the days of
willy-nilly amalgamations, took on such a large area to not only govern
as part of the city, but also be forced to service. It made little sense
then and makes even less now. Part of the reason I think both the City
of Fredericton and the City of Moncton have maintained excellent books
is they have taken on more than they can service. Many of us look at
Saint John and we see a mismanaged city but I wonder if that's the case
or is it that they bit off more than they could chew back when they did
those amalgamations?
Lou Bell
Reply to @Mac Isaac:
Size. They wanted to remain the largest city in the province, be it h--l
or high water . Areas amalgamated by Fredericton already had most / all
services when added except for two or three minor exceptions . AS we
saw a few months ago Saint John has let wages , especially for their
Police and Fire Depts. get well out of hand and they bowed to the unions
BIGLY. It appears overtime runs rampant , as do abuse of sick leave and
any other benefits the workers can abuse. Better off to get rid of the
massive overtime cost and hire a FEW extra Police officers and would
still have lots of money left over. I'd suspect with retirements the
targets can be achieved quite quickly.
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Lou Bell: Too Too Funny Indeed Controversial dry dock wrested from province's grasp headed back to New Brunswick
Dry dock at centre of spat between province, Groupe Océan headed to Saint John port
Jacques Poitras · CBC News · Posted: May 06, 2020 5:00 AM AT
12 Comments
Lou Bell
Another Liberal / SANB failure !
Marguerite DesChamps
Reply to @Lou DumBell: Your hero, the elusive Higgs Bozon (without the "n") will not raise his little finger to help anything north of Albert county and they will remember. He will never win another mandate. He's not a COR for nothing.
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell:
Methinks you will never quit pounding on that drum and Maggie will
always remind you of Higgy's past because everybody knows that leopards
can't change their spots N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Methinks If I told Old Fred who I thought it was that wanted buy Saint John Energy he would not read it nor would he care to believe anyway N'esy Pas?
Fred Brewer
Now that the deal to sell Saint John Energy is dead, it is time to reveal who the potential buyer was.
GARY
MERCER
Reply to @Fred
Brewer: Well Fred, if they were willing to pay a dividend of 4 to 6
million, then my figures were not far off, once they matched the NBPower
rate. When Saint Johner's pay equal to us for that, power cost PLUS A
$260 DEBT LEVY ( to even the field then we can begin the discussion of
Assisting SJ dollar for dollar. and I said discussion.
Fred
Brewer
Reply to @GARY
MERCER: Off topic. This post is about learning the identity of the
potential buyer. I think the public has a right to know. It better not
have been Mr. Magic Beans himself.
GARY
MERCER
Reply to @Fred Brewer: Interesting that it is off-topic, when you know the info is right!
---------- Original message ----------
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
Date: Thu, 12 Mar 2020 11:53:34 -0300
Subject: Re Province takes pass on funding for Saint John waterfront project
To: "kris.austin" <kris.austin@gnb.ca>, "Arseneau, Kevin (LEG)"
<kevin.a.arseneau@gnb.ca>, "Kevin.Vickers" <Kevin.Vickers@gnb.ca>,
jennifer.brennan@gnb.ca, denis.gallant2@gnb.ca, kevin.kearns@gnb.ca,
Rob.Kelly@gnb.ca, Cindy.Lanteigne@gnb.ca, Cade.Libby@gnb.ca
Cc: motomaniac333 <motomaniac333@gmail.com>, "Wayne.Long"
<Wayne.Long@parl.gc.ca>, "george.oram" <george.oram@gnb.ca>,
"gerry.lowe" <gerry.lowe@gnb.ca>, "Trevor.Holder"
<Trevor.Holder@gnb.ca>
Province takes pass on funding for Saint John waterfront project
Federal funding for site development contingent on province being on board
Connell Smith · CBC News · Posted: Mar 11, 2020 7:00 AM AT
Commenting is now closed for this story.
David Amos
Methinks Dr Elias and I should talk N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Content disabled
Methinks the doctor must have heard of me by now N'esy Pas?
"Real Estate development isn’t Elias’s only entrepreneurial venture.
He is also the president and CEO of Canadian Health Solutions, which
develops and provides health solutions to the third-party market,
which includes public security, policing, workers compensation, and
other areas that are outside medicare.
“Entrepreneurship is really interesting in that it’s providing
solutions,” said Elias. “It gives you the opportunity to identify
situations and try to provide a solution and sometimes it allows you
to innovate and to think outside the box. If you can succeed at that,
it’s very rewarding.”
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @David Amos: I wonder if he knows why Higgy is keeping a
"Stay" on my Medicare Card.
Jonas Smith
JHC - If Dr. David Elias is involved, so is Liberal money.
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Jonas Smith: Methinks there is no doubt that Elias and Higgy
ain't the best of buddies but at least he is wise enough to clam up. I
bet Higgy is wondering if I have called Elias particularly after
Darling suddenly announced that he is gonna quit politicking N'esy
Pas?
"The company is headed by Dr. David Elias of Rothesay. He could not be
reached Tuesday for comment."
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Jonas Smith: Go figure
"The company is headed by Dr. David Elias of Rothesay. He could not be
reached Tuesday for comment."
---------- Original message ----------
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
Date: Thu, 12 Mar 2020 10:10:50 -0300
Subject: Re Fundy Quay
To: katie@thisisduke.com
Cc: motomaniac333 <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
For further information (EMG or FQI):
Katie Bowden
Duke Creative Collective
506.654.2446
katie@thisisduke.com
City Council greenlights Option Agreement with local developer–
December 2, 2019 – SAINT JOHN, NB— Saint John City Council has
greenlighted a new plan for Fundy Quay, the former Coast Guard site on
the city’s waterfront.
Council voted to approve a legal agreement between Fundy Quay
Developments Inc., a subsidiary of Elias Management Group, and the
City of Saint John, which includes an exclusive 2-year development
option while site preparation work is completed, and a 25-year
lease-to-own agreement structured to incentivize development.
“Fundy Quay is arguably the City’s most valuable real property asset,”
says Steve Carson, CEO of Develop Saint John. “We cannot let the false
starts of the past prevent us from moving forward. Taxpayers deserve
to see this property achieve its potential for the City – both from a
use perspective and from a property tax revenue perspective.”
The developer attached to the deal is Elias Management Group (EMG).
EMG was the successful proponent in a Request for Proposal process
launched in April 2019.
“EMG’s proposal checked all the boxes for us,” says Carson. “Their
vision is perfectly aligned with the community’s priorities outlined
in the Central Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan, their proposal doesn’t
rely on Provincial government leasing participation, and they want to
take a phased approach – which means the City’s rental market will
have time to adjust to growth in available inventory as construction
proceeds. Plus they’re a local business, and that means a lot.”
EMG is the developer behind a variety of successful projects in the
province, including Fundy Harbour Estates and Vimy Estates in Saint
John. They are also a partner in the redevelopment of the City Hall
building.
The first step in the plan, once the agreements are signed, is to
prepare the site for development. This will include repairs to the sea
wall – a project that will take approximately two years to complete.
During the site preparation phase of the project, the developer will
consult with the community and complete final design specifications
for the development – a process that includes a business plan,
detailed engineering analysis, and architect’s renderings.
“Sensitive to the community’s priorities, we’re going to be creating a
mixed-use development,” says David Elias, CEO of EMG Group. “It could
include residential units, retail and commercial space, a hotel, arts
and culture space, public access to the waterfront, and green space.
It will unlock the potential of our waterfront, making it the most
significant development in Saint John since Market Square.”
Project information, including a timeline, will be available on the
Develop Saint John website.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
Date: Thu, 12 Mar 2020 09:52:27 -0300
Subject: Fwd: A little Deja Vu for Mr Teed
To: brian.irving@saintjohn.ca
Cc: motomaniac333 <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.
Date: Thu, 12 Mar 2020 08:51:01 -0300
Subject: A little Deja Vu for Mr Teed
To: wteed@coxandpalmer.com
Cc: motomaniac333 <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: David Amos <motomaniac333@gmail.com>
Date: Thu, 28 Jan 2016 12:53:56 -0400
Subject: Re Our calls Mr Teed please allow me to inroduce you to Mr
Brydon if the Oland's wish to hire a PI to check the work of the Saint
John PD I could assist Mr Brydon with no conflict of interests
To: wteed@coxandpalmer.com, bbrydon@commissionaires.ns.ca
Cc: David Amos <david.raymond.amos@gmail.com>
http://www.coxandpalmerlaw.
William H. Teed, QC
Practice Areas
Corporate & Commercial |Energy & Natural Resources |Real Estate
|Securities & Corporate Finance | Partner
Saint John
Phone: (506) 633-2718
Fax: (506) 632-8809
Cell: (506) 647-8747
wteed@coxandpalmer.com
---------- Forwarded 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.
If your matter pertains to newspaper delivery or you require technical
support, please contact our Customer Service department at
1-800-387-5400 or send an email to customerservice@globeandmail.
If you are reporting a factual error please forward your email to
publiceditor@globeandmail.com<
Letters to the Editor can be sent to letters@globeandmail.com
This is the correct email address for requests for news coverage and
press releases.
---------- Forwarded 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
> ---------- 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
> confidentiels. Si vous n'êtes pas le destinataire du courriel, il est
> interdit d'utiliser, de revoir, de retransmettre, de distribuer, de
> disséminer, de copier ou d'imprimer ce courriel, d'agir en vous y
> fiant ou de vous en servir de toute autre façon. Si vous avez reçu le
> 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.
>
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