Monday 5 June 2023

MLAs giving themselves big pay raises — but only if they're re-elected

 

MLAs giving themselves big pay raises — but only if they're re-elected

Legislation to increase salaries for all members will take effect after November 2024 election

 
Jacques Poitras · CBC News · Posted: Jun 05, 2023 6:00 AM ADT
 
 
A man in a blue blazer, white collared shirt and mult-coloured tie, speaks into microphones and taperecorders.
Government House leader Glen Savoie says he knows pay increases are a sensitive topic. (Michel Corriveau/Radio-Canada)

Members of the New Brunswick legislature return to the chamber this week for a final two weeks of pre-summer business that will include a vote on raising their own salaries.

A bill before the legislature increases pay levels for the premier, ministers, party leaders and all MLAs.

But there's a big caveat: they'll need to win new mandates from voters first.

The legislation says the increases take effect Nov. 1, 2024, 11 days after the scheduled date of the next provincial election.

"We're not voting this for ourselves, unless we're re-elected," Green MLA Megan Mitton said during a recent committee discussion of the bill. 

A man in a blue suit standing in a hallway with paintings on the walls. There are two handheld microphones in front of him. The salary for Premier Higgs will jump by around $34,000, if he's still in the job after the next election. (Ed Hunter/CBC)

Combined with legislation last year that unfroze cabinet-level salaries for the first time since 2015, Premier Blaine Higgs would see his total income jump from $152,150 in 2021 to $186,252, if he's still in the job then.

The committee of MLAs that studies legislation approved the bill, without objections, in just 14 minutes last month.

There was no exploration of the details of the salary formulas or how they'll translate into dollars.

"I guess when we're talking MLA compensation, perhaps that old adage 'sometimes less is more' — maybe that's the approach for the day," government House leader Glen Savoie said during the May 24 meeting.

The legislation follows the recommendations of a November 2022 report by an independent commission appointed to examine the issue.

"This is a very sensitive topic. We know how folks feel about it. But it really was something that the commissioners wanted to make sure that they got right," Savoie said during the brief committee discussion of the bill.

"They were exhaustive in their efforts to arrive at what they felt was the right number." 

A balding man with glasses is speaking inside the legislature. David Coon, leader of the Green Party, would earn $139,689, the total of his increased MLA salary, plus 50 percent of premier's ministerial salary. (Jacques Poitras/CBC)

The bill increases the base pay for all MLAs to $93,126. The premier's minister salary will be the same amount for a total of $186,252.

The premier's pay is then the starting point for a formula that sets the top-ups for other officeholders, including party leaders, house leaders, caucus chairs, whips, the speaker and deputy speakers.

The bill deviates from the commission's recommendations in two ways approved by the legislative administration committee, an all-party group of MLAs that meets in secret to oversee the legislature's operations.

Pay raise higher than recommended

The legislative committee awarded a higher pay increase to leaders of parties in the house other than the government or the official opposition, such as Green Party leader David Coon.

The independent commission recommended the top-up be 25 per cent of the premier's cabinet salary, but the committee made it 50 per cent — a change worth an additional $23,281 for Coon, assuming he is still an elected party leader in November 2024.

The committee also boosted the formula for the government caucus chair, the official opposition caucus chair and the house leader of any third parties, ensuring they'll get more money too. 

It also made the decision to have the bill take effect in November 2024, overruling a recommendation by the commission that the pay raises take effect this spring. 

The commission said in its report that waiting until after the next election created a risk that salaries "will become a political issue on the campaign trail, with all parties promising to roll back these recommendations and maintain the status quo, if elected."

But Savoie and others said setting the date after the election avoids "that perception that MLAs are voting on their own salaries."

The legislation will tie future increases to what's known as part one of the civil service — employees of government departments. The existing law links the base salary to growth in the gross domestic product. 

a woman with light hair and a blue and yellow striped shirt talks to reporters. Liberal Leader Susan Holt will earn $158,314 — the newly increased base salary for MLAs, plus 70 per cent of the premier's top-up, if she is still in that position in November 2024. (Pat Richard/CBC)

That change put an end to a series of salary gimmicks and reversals dating back more than a decade and a half.

All MLAs earn base salaries, and those that hold cabinet posts or other positions get additional money on top of that.

In 2008, the legislature froze base MLA salaries at $85,000 per year, a freeze that remained in place until last year.

Then, in 2017, the Gallant Liberal government cut back cabinet salaries with a legislative amendment that said they would return to normal levels only when the budget was balanced.

But the Liberals also forgot to pass legislation to override automatic MLA raises and keep those salaries frozen. So it retroactively refroze them and extended the reduced ministerial salaries to March 2021. 

Higgs extended that reduction to March 2022.

When it expired last spring, ministerial salaries jumped from $47,353 back to $52,614 for a total of $137,614 when the MLA base salary was added.

The premier's, at $67,150, returned to $79,000 for a total of $164,000.

The new bill raises them further thanks to the hike to the base MLA pay to $93,126.

A woman looks at someone off camera. A phone is being held in front of her to record audio. Green MLA Megan Mitton says MLAs are not voting this for themselves, unless they're re-elected. (Patrick Richard/CBC)

That base pay figure is based on what the salary would have been last year based on GDP growth, had the freeze not been in effect.

Official Opposition leader Susan Holt will earn $158,314 — the newly increased base salary for MLAs, plus 70 per cent of the premier's top-up, if she is still in that position in November 2024.

Green Leader David Coon would earn $139,689, the total of his increased MLA salary, plus 50 percent of premier's ministerial salary.

Savoie is both a cabinet minister and government house leader, but a spokesperson said he would not collect the two top-ups, only the one for his ministerial position.

MLAs who attend committee sessions will also earn an extra $125 per day on top of their travel per diems as a result of the changes. Committee chairs will get $200 per day.

The legislature begins sitting again on Tuesday.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Jacques Poitras

Provincial Affairs reporter

Jacques Poitras has been CBC's provincial affairs reporter in New Brunswick since 2000. He grew up in Moncton and covered Parliament in Ottawa for the New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal. He has reported on every New Brunswick election since 1995 and won awards from the Radio Television Digital News Association, the National Newspaper Awards and Amnesty International. He is also the author of five non-fiction books about New Brunswick politics and history.

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices
 
 
 
 
184 Comments
 
 
 
David Amos 
When apathy rules the day methinks we get the governments we deserve N'esy Pas? 




David lutz  
I'm not a fan of MLA's, but they disserve the wage increase. If you want uneducated and unqualified people running for elections then you have to pay what them. Who would put up with constant criticism from the public, constantly under the microscope and scrutinized for every decision, no matter if it's good or not. The old saying goes - you get what you pay for. For the people commenting on Nurses and health care workers not making enough, remember they all just got a raise as well. MLA's haven't gotten a raise in years, if we want to attract the right candidates we have to compensate them appropriately.  
 
 
Douglas James 
Reply to David lutz  
Without specifying 'unqualified', your first priority is worthless. What qualifies a person to be an MLA? Ditto for 'uneducated'. Common sense combined with experience in certain fields is often worth more than a university degree. You are right in saying we get what we pay for and that's why we have the current government that has failed to do anything but sock away money for a pre-election war chest. 
 
 
Ben Haroldson
Reply to David lutz 
So just what education and qualifications should you have to become a politician?  
 
 
Michael Cain
Reply to David lutz   
Maybe we should vet them when nominated based upon merit; the best qualified for the job we expect them to do. I have no idea how you would go about it due to the prevalence of patronage. The premier already hired 3 advisors; has no faith in his own cabinet. 
 
 
Ronald Miller 
Reply to Michael Cain 
All premiers have advisors that are not part of cabinet.
 
 
Bob Nystrom 
Reply to David lutz   
Since the fat cat politicians are using taxpayers' money to give themselves a raise, why not give back with the same percentage in tax cuts? Fair's fair, right? Those educated politicians would be unemployed if it weren't for dining at the public trough. Food for thought, if there were enough food to go around. 
 
 
Ronald Miller 
Reply to Bob Nystrom  
They are not giving themselves a raise, you read the article, correct? We have all received tax cuts, check it out.
 
 
Ray Skavinsky  
Reply to Ronald Miller
Yes they do and some are very good at offering sound advice. Case in point, Ms Holt was a senior advisor to Brian Gallant..oh..hhmm..I said most times,but..yeahhh..oh well..  
 
 
Rosco holt
Reply to Ronald Miller
The tax cuts didn't benefit all the last time I checked. 
 
 
Ronald Miller 
Reply to Rosco holt 
All tax brackets had a tax break. 
 
 
Ronald Miller 
Reply to Rosco holt  
We could be like Ottawa and give tax increases instead, would that be better?
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to David lutz 
Yea Right
 
 
 
 
 
Kyle Woodman 
Why should Mike Holland get a raise? He doesn't even live in NB. 
 
 
Le Wier  
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Is that why when someone contacts his office they get referred to his executive assistant Ron Hatfield? Or his second in command Holly Stewart? 
 
 
Ronald Miller 
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Where does he live, please back up with any type of fact or document. No, a poll at timmys does not count this time either.
 
 
Kyle Woodman 
Reply to Le Wier  
Yup. He's abandoned Albert County.
 
 
Ben Haroldson
Reply to Ronald Miller
Well, I do remember an illegal NS border crossing during the pandemic, around the same time the good doctor went to quebec and was fired for it.  
 
 
Ronald Miller 
Reply to Ben Haroldson
First, if you are comparing where NS was during the pandemic compared to the worst province in Quebec that would be strike 1   
 
 
Ronald Miller 
Reply to Ben Haroldson
Secondly, care to show what was illegal about going to NS? Strike 2.  
 
 
Ronald Miller 
Reply to Ben Haroldson  
Last time I checked Mr. Holland does not have the trusted care of vulnerable patients in his care, strike 3.  
 
 
Ronald Miller 
Reply to Ben Haroldson 
Mr. Holland did not have a child go to not 1 but 2 daycare centers upon return while not reporting where he was, strike 4, 5, and 6.  
 
 
Kyle Woodman 
Reply to Ronald Miller
Nova Scotia 
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to Kyle Woodman
Can you prove what you are saying about Holland not living here??? 
 
 
Kyle Woodman 
Reply to David Amos
Sure. He's my MLA. No one in my riding can ever get a hold of him. He doesn't ever have his constituency office open for hours. If you look on social media, his girlfriend still lives in NS and he is often photographed with her throughout the week.  
 
 
David Amos 

Reply to Kyle Woodman  
I have been on your ballot 3 times 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Shawn Tabor
Not to get the humans all worked up, compare the wages of other provincial MLA’s to New Brunswick. Have a great day, work hard and especially safe. 
 
 
Rosco holt
Reply to Shawn Tabor
NB government compares themselves to provinces like Quebec, Ontario and Alberta. Not to other maritime provinces. 
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to Shawn Tabor
Not funny 





Ben Haroldson
Wow, what short memories we have. higs FIRST order of business when he was elected with his minority, was a LARGE pay raise for all. Passed the vote too.  
 
 
Bobby Richards 
Reply to Ben Haroldson
They haven't had a raise since 2008  
 
 
Ben Haroldson
Reply to Bobby Richards 
Right. 


Shawn Tabor
Reply to Bobby Richards
Bob you should check on that, just saying, explain that to him Ben. Folks really do not pay attention or can not remember  
 
 
David Amos 

Reply to Shawn Tabor
You are fine one to talk  
 
 
 
 
 
Danny Debdee
But they’ll fight tooth and nail to keep civil servants and nurses pay increases under 2%  
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to Danny Debdee 
Go Figure
 
 
 
 
danny rugg  
Worst government in New Brunswick....ever. 
 
 
danny rugg 
Reply to danny rugg  
Perfect bumper sticker!
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to danny rugg  
But can you sell it? 
 



 
Murray Brown 
What we don't see is the money they make from selling out to big corporations while in office... If you add that to their salaries... They should actually be voting for decreasing their salaries.  
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to Murray Brown
Ever check the net worth of politicians? 
 
 
 
 
Doug kirby  
Wow....it was only ever about the paycheck.... 
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to Doug kirby
Nope 
 
 
 
 
jean marc michaud 
What a Joke....  
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to jean marc michaud 
Yup
 
 
 
 
Matt Steele

Ron parker
Reply to Matt Steele
Good comment, its nice when you don't blame Ottawa for every thing.  
 
 
Ben Haroldson
Reply to Matt Steele
Ah , it's just a pay raise....those guys are hurtin...what's the big deal.....  
 
 
Winston Gray
Reply to Matt Steele 
Rampant whataboutism so the blinders can stay on
 
 
David Amos 

Reply to Ron parker
Too Too Funny  
 
 
David Amos 

Reply to Ben Haroldson 
Welcome back to the circus 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Matt Steele 

Of course the Liberals and Greens criticize everything that the Premier Higgs government does , yet never said boo , or raised any concerns about these pay increases as it puts money into the pockets of all MLAs , including the Liberals and the Greens ; funny how that works....lol . It certainly speaks volumes for sure 
 

David Amos  

Reply to Matt Steele 
How long will this comment last? 
 

 

https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2022/01/minister-lashes-out-as-green-mla-stalls.html

 

Wednesday, 26 January 2022

Minister lashes out as Green MLA stalls vote on 'safe communities' bill

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Date: Wed, 2 Feb 2022 03:45:34 -0400
Subject: Re: The feud between Ted Flemming and Kevin Arseneau versus
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https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/minister-lashes-out-over-stalled-vote-1.6328639

 

Minister lashes out as Green MLA stalls vote on 'safe communities' bill

Ted Flemming clashes with Green MLA Kevin Arseneau over bill amendments

Ted Flemming lashed out at Kevin Arseneau, accusing him of wearing a "supercilious smirk" after the Kent North MLA insisted on his right to pose more questions about the bill.

Flemming had to leave the Wednesday meeting at 1:30 p.m. for an appointment, and he urged the legislative committee examining the bill to vote on it before adjourning.

Green Party MLA Kevin Arseneau wants to see data to back up Flemming's claim the SCAN program works. (Jacques Poitras/CBC News)

But MLAs have a right to unlimited questions during committee debate, and Arseneau refused to forgo that right, meaning the vote could not take place.

"I am not prepared to vote. … I have questions that have not been answered yet."

Flemming accused Arseneau of "posturing" by demanding data to back up Flemming's claim that the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act has been working well. 

"He can sit there with his supercilious smirk all he wants," Flemming said. "We don't have the information."

The minister said he was willing to get the information to him later and said Arseneau would be to blame for impeding the province's efforts to crack down on crime.

Arseneau said he should not be expected to vote based only on the minister's verbal assurances that the Safer Communities and Neighborhoods Act is working.

"What I want is data, is facts. Not just 'I've seen that it works.' That's a very discretionary way to make laws." 

Committee members have a right to ask as many questions as they want, and Arseneau's refusal to allow a vote was upheld by the committee chair. (Karissa Donkin/CBC)

Other Progressive Conservative MLAs also called for a vote, but PC MLA and committee chair Greg Turner pointed out the rules allow Arseneau to keep asking questions. The debate will resume at a later date.

The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods, or SCAN, program was passed into law in 2009 and started operating in 2010. It's designed to let authorities go through civil, not criminal, courts to force drug dealers and other criminals out of neighbourhoods.

​That means the burden of proof is not as high as establishing guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Flemming's amendments would protect the anonymity of neighbours who make complaints, which he acknowledged would "permit hearsay evidence" not normally admissible in court. 

They would also update the law to say there's a presumption a neighbourhood is "adversely affected" if a judge is satisfied "a property is being habitually used for a specified use" such as drug sales. That in turn makes it easier for the judge to issue an order under the act.

                                                  Nicole O'Byrne, an associate law professor at UNB, says one of the amendments puts a higher      burden on the accused to disprove the allegations. (Mag Hood/Submitted Nicole O'Byrne)     

University of New Brunswick law professor Nicole O'Byrne called that amendment problematic because it takes away a judge's discretion to decide how a neighbourhood is affected based on evidence.

And it also puts a higher burden on the person facing eviction to disprove the assumption.

Housing and anti-poverty activist Abram Lutes said allowing anonymous complaints opens the door to the law being abused to discriminate against poor and racialized tenants.

"It can easily be used as a pretext to get rid of people," he said. 

In 2015 an Edmundston man was evicted from an apartment after police warned his landlord he was the subject of a SCAN investigation before the case ever got to court.

In 2013, a Court of Queen's Bench judge in Saint John quashed two evictions by N.B.  Housing, the provincial government's social housing agency, that it launched after SCAN investigations.

Justice Peter Glennie's ruling was against New Brunswick Housing for not giving the tenants the chance to challenge their evictions, not against SCAN itself.

Still, Glennie said in his ruling that the SCAN investigations were "inadequate and superficial," pointing out the investigator never spoke to the tenants themselves.

Flemming's amendments have been through two readings by the full legislature and now must be approved by a committee before returning for a third and final vote. 

He said the SCAN Act has been a success.

"We have had many, many, many complaints, many investigations, many successful evictions, and many grateful people," he said. "This works. It's good legislation." 

Under the law, the SCAN unit in Flemming's department received and investigates a complaint and can then try to convince the "offending party" stop their behaviour or ask a judge to issue a "community safety order" to vacate the property.

The person named in the complaint is given a notice of that hearing so they can respond. 

But part of the amendments debated Wednesday will allow investigators to send the notice by registered mail rather than serving it to the person directly.

Public Safety Minister Ted Flemming said he didn't have the information MLA Kevin Arseneau wanted. (Jacques Poitras/CBC file photo)

Flemming said Wednesday that makes it harder for the person to avoid being served with the notice. "This allows that behaviour to not work to the advantage of a criminal," he said.

Flemming repeatedly referred to the subjects of SCAN investigations as "criminals" though at no point in the process are they charged with a crime.

Last May, Flemming told the legislature that the province's COVID-19 emergency order went "against my grain as a libertarian" because it gave the government extraordinary powers to limit personal freedoms when enforcing restrictions.

He said Wednesday the SCAN act doesn't limit a citizen's rights to procedural fairness before the courts.

"If someone doesn't like this statute they can appeal it or they can challenge it under the Constitution," he said.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jacques Poitras

Provincial Affairs reporter

Jacques Poitras has been CBC's provincial affairs reporter in New Brunswick since 2000. Raised in Moncton, he also produces the CBC political podcast Spin Reduxit.

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices

 

174 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story
 
 
 
David Amos
Methinks Higgy's circus is in fine form today N'esy Pas?
 
 


David Amos
Well wasn't that a circus???
 
 
 
 
Jarrod Yeo
Where do the criminals go after they've been evicted from one community? I'm guessing they pack up and move to another community.
 
 
phil mckay
Reply to @Jarrod Yeo: pretty sure fleming has a bleeding heart for homeless…. 
  
 
David Amos
Reply to @phil mckay: Surely you jest
 
 
 
 
 
Fran Good
From comments on here it would appear no one has had a problem which SCAN was able to identify and try to assist with helping the community become a safer place to live
 
 
David Amos
Content deactivated
Reply to @Fran Good: Methinks you must have noticed that you missed a lot N'esy Pas? 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @David Amos: Oh My
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
André Vautour
Reading these comments make it obvious at which point people distrust our representatives. Being a politician is like being a referee in sports, it is a thankless job. What I am going to say is that I think that both MLAs have pure intentions. I think Flemming is truly trying to better the drug situation, and I think Arseneau is truly trying to get actually data against which to be able to make an informed decision.

What I am going to say is that CBC is guilty of sensationalism here, as Arseneau is not stalling a vote simply by asking that affirmations made be backed by data. He is doing his job in committee, and Flemming should realize that is the role of committees. What is the point of having committees at all if you can't ask such questions. If you can say that it has been working, you should be able to back it up with data. If not, how the hell do you know it is working?
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @André Vautour: Dream on
 
 
phil mckay 
Reply to @André Vautour: sure….just have homeless drug issues…. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Robert Buck 
I guess things have changed when the Cons got a majority. This is a quote when Higgs got elected with a minority.

“Let me say clearly: I mean every word that we say, we will hold ourselves to a higher standard…When we are asked a sincere question, we will give a straight answer. When we are given a job to do, we will measure the results and share them with out spin. When we make mistakes, we will humbly own them and work to do better. When we defend out choices, we will do so with evidence and facts, not talking points and personal attacks. And we will always remember that results, not image, are the things that will keep the New Brunswick alive.”

Premier
 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @Robert Buck: Well Done Sir
 
 
DJ Redfearn 
Reply to @Robert Buck:
Ted didn't get the memo.
 
 
Robert Buck 
Reply to @DJ Redfearn: neither did Cardy!!
 
 
David Amos
Content deactivated
Reply to @Robert Buck: LOL 
Methinks everybody knows Cardy composes the memos for Higgy et al N'esy Pas?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mario Doucet
car theft, break and enter, property theft never end in this community
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @Mario Doucet: Its in the rural areas as well
 
 
Johnny Jakobs
Reply to @Mario Doucet: and very few person(s) get caught let alone convicted. This "law" would make it easier for the contracted horsemen
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Anders Jamers
Which communities are they trying to make safer? If someone is evicted from one community, will they not simply move to another community?
 
 
David Amos
Content deactivated
Reply to @Anders Jamers: Yes but Teddy and Higgy can get to keep the clients they don't like out of their towns
 
 
Marguerite Deschamps 
Reply to @David Amos: That's da plan❗
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Danny Varant 
Does Hoover Flemming also want a red phone to man the snitch line?
 
 
David Amos
Content deactivated
Reply to @Danny Varant: He prefers blue
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marguerite Deschamps 
"...but PC MLA and committee chair Greg Turner pointed out the rules allow Arseneau to keep asking questions." - Bravo Mr Turner❗
Imagine, one of his own caucus member had to tell Flemming that not only was he not way out in left field, but that he was not even in the ballpark.
 
 
David Amos
Content deactivated
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: CBC just announced on the radio that the convoy will be in Moncton soon
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bryan Crosby 
Flemmings comments to a fellow MLA are straight out of the Dominic Cardy playbook, don't believe what I say, then I will call you names and try to belittle you. Quite the Government we have here in NB.
 
 
David Amos
Content deactivated
Reply to @Bryan Crosby: Methinks they all consume way too many butter tarts N'esy Pas?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Anders Jamers 
Flemming has it completely backwards. Our elected officials should all be doing exactly what Mr. Arseneau is doing in this instance - asking for decisions to be made based on reliable data.
 
 
David Amos
Content deactivated
Reply to @Anders Jamers: They are just playing games Higgy has a majority Hence Teddy will get what he wants
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Kyle Woodman
So if I report a doctor that is overprescribing opiates will the province evict them from their residence?
 
 
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @Kyle Woodman: Nope, they are licensed pushers❗
 
 
David Amos
Content deactivated
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: I concur
 
 
 
 
 
 
Kyle Woodman
Ted Flemming seems to think the law is based on whatever nonsense he bloviates on any given day. He should not be licensed to practice law because it's apparent he has no idea how it works.
 
 
David Amos
Content deactivated 
Reply to @Kyle Woodman: Bingo
 
 
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @Kyle Woodman: Agreed❗Flemming, Ted, is a complete Moore, Ron❗
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Danny Varant
J Edgar Hoover Flemming needs to retire and participate in a wax museum, as an exhibit. "Dinosaurs of the past.'
 
 
David Amos
Content deactivated
Reply to @Danny Varant: Like his Grampy?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Matt Steele
Drug dealers thrive on the misery of others , and the drug problem has been increasing in N.B. as drug dealers know how to play the system to their advantage . Any thing that the province can do to make life uncomfortable for drug dealers is certainly welcome as the hands of the police are currently tied , with the drug dealers being in control 
.
 
David Amos
Content deactivated
Reply to @Matt Steele: Do you recall what happened in Grand Manan when the RCMP failed to do their job???

Unidentified witness says RCMP officer encouraged Grand Manan vigilantes
CBC News · Posted: Apr 04, 2007 6:12 PM AT

"A surprise Crown witness offered testimony that supported the defence on the last day of thetrial of Ronald Ross, the man at the centre of last summer's riot on Grand Manan Island.

The former Grand Manan man is accused of illegal possession of afirearm and uttering threats against his neighbours in the weeks leading up toJuly 22, 2006, which culminated in the burning of Ross's house. Ross's lawyer says those accusations are made up by people who were out to get the suspected drug dealer."
 
 
DJ Redfearn
Reply to @David Amos:
Nothing there about the RCMP officer who protected Ross from the mob eh?
 
 
David Amos
Content deactivated
Reply to @DJ Redfearn: I am already gone
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Toby Tolly
when will Jacques admit Arseault is not just a Green MLA but a former SANB prez that the liberals didnt even want in their party
theres my supercilious smirk of the day
deactivated?
 
 
Marguerite Deschamps 
Reply to @Toby Tolly: Yet, you guys elected a COR as Premier.
 
 
David Amos
Content deactivated
Reply to @Toby Tolly: Kevy Baby was also barred from the legislative properties until he was anointed as the SAN Prez
 
 
Toby Tolly 
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: i didnt know that when i voted for his party
havent voted lib since McKenna prob never will again
cause im now entrenched into the You Guys
 
 
David Amos
Content deactivated
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: I bet you never voted for me
 
 
Marguerite Deschamps 
Reply to @David Amos: You never ran in my riding.
 
 
David Amos
Content deactivated
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: I thought you were in Fundy Royal because you said you thought you saw me on a Canada or whatever
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Richard Ames 
I can understand what this law is trying to accomplish, but it seems to me to be open to abuse. In our criminal justice system, isn't there a presumption of innocence, with the burden of proof put onto the Crown. With this being absent from the civil court system, wouldn't the government be branding people as law breakers without giving them the due process the criminal court system allows.
I guess this is what the opponents to this are getting at in the story. I don't understand how the government justifies this
 
 
David Amos
Content deactivated
Reply to @Richard Ames: In a nutshell democracy and justice are myths and Teddy has been busy proving it for way past too long
 
 
David Amos
Content deactivated
Reply to @Richard Ames: BTW Say Hey to the Chief and your daddy for me will ya?
 
 
Marguerite Deschamps 
Reply to @Richard Ames:
 
 
Richard Ames 
Reply to @David Amos: You may have me mistaken for someone else. My father passed away years ago. And, I am not sure who you mean by Chief.
 
 
Marguerite Deschamps 
Reply to @Richard Ames: What really blows my mind is that it's the conceptualization of a professed lawyer to 🥾.
 
 
David Amos
Content deactivated
Reply to @Richard Ames: Excuse me are you the new MLA who was the Chief of Staff for the ex cop who had me falsely arrested in 2008?
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Your hero Dominic Leblanc is a lawyer
 
 
Anna Knorr 
Reply to @Richard Ames: exactly and you can appeal it, but really if you are poor and marginalized you probably can't afford a constitutional challenge or an appeal. Every day this government concerns me with its authoritarian moves
 
 
Marguerite Deschamps 
Reply to @David Amos: I have no hero. However, LeBlanc is not the one trying to pass this asinine law.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Danny Varant
Our very own J Edgar Hoover. What a character.
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @Danny Varant: Thats an understatement
 
 
 
 
 
 
Johnny Lawrence
Content deactivated 
Some amendments that are on the public's side as opposed to the criminals are welcomed by the majority. Arseneau has been a wasted space since he arrived, he makes outlandish requests that benefit no one but are centered more around language claims only to make things difficult. It appears he must have some relatives in the drug trade since he was the ONLY one not wanting to pass things through. Anyone on his side of the argument should be ashamed of themselves.
 
 
Danny Varant
Content deactivated 
Reply to @Johnny Lawrence: You don't seem to understand law.
 
 
Johnny Lawrence
Content deactivated 
Reply to @Danny Varant: you don't seem to understand anything.
 
 
David Amos
Content deactivated
Reply to @Danny Varant: He understands who pays him
 
 
Anna Knorr
Content deactivated 
Reply to @Johnny Lawrence: before you tar and feather someone shouldn't you have to prove their guilt beyond a reasonable doubt? How would you feel if someone trumped-up charges against YOU and all they needed to "prove" your so-called guilt was secret witnesses? Doesn't that smack of communism or fascism to YOU?
 
 
Danny Varant
Content deactivated 
Reply to @Anna Knorr: He is just not that informed. ....at all.
 
 
David Amos
Content deactivated 
Reply to @Anna Knorr: Good questions Yet why is it that I am not surprised to hear only crickets for 3 hours?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trevis L. Kingston 
Mr. Flemmings plan to force drug dealers out of one location to a future new one...
would have police spending their time playing the "shell game", constantly looking
to evict criminals instead of being given a concrete plan (which costs money) that
could reduce or eliminate the drug problem.
 
 
Johnny Lawrence
Content deactivated 
Reply to @Trevis L. Kingston: so what is your solution?
 
 
Danny Varant
Reply to @Johnny Lawrence: He just told you. Reading comprehension issues?
 
 
David Amos
Content deactivated
Reply to @Danny Varant: Nope he read Higgy's memo and started spinning
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @David Amos: Too Too Funny
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dianne MacPherson 
i side with Mr . Arseneau on his stance. SCAN has been in use since 2010.....Minister Flemming should have had no reason to come to the House without data !!
 
 
David Amos
Content deactivated
Reply to @Dianne MacPherson: Relax it just a fun little sideshow in Higgy's circus so that folks won't notice the convoy rolling by Fat Fred City
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to @David Amos: Did I touch a nerve???
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Murray Brown 
Minister Flemming is obviously forgetful... A man in Bathurst actually died as result of an 'anonymous' tip. Now he wants to evict people from their homes due to 'anonymous' tips??? Such legislation is foolishness that will come back to haunt the government long after he's been voted out of office.
Reply to @Murray Brown: That was an over zealous cop and a crime-stoppers tip, not the same thing.
 
 
David Amos
Content deactivated
Reply to @Murray Brown: Methinks Teddy has to know something before he can forget it N'esy Pas?
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @David Amos: BINGO
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Eric Plexe
“ Ted Flemming lashed out at Kevin Arseneau, accusing him of wearing a "supercilious smirk" after the Kent North MLA insisted on his right to pose more questions about the bill. “ - how dare Mr. Arseneau not bow down before a government elected by 40% of the voters.
 
 
Donald LeBlanc
Reply to @Eric Plexe: Yes, and when the numbers are further broken down, this government was elected by 26% of eligible voters.
 
 
Johnny Lawrence
Content deactivated 
Reply to @Donald LeBlanc: at least he had the popular vote win, unlike who is running Ottawa. He won a majority, end of story.
 
 
Chuck Gendron
Reply to @Donald LeBlanc: and whos fault is that?
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @Chuck Gendron: Ours
Hence Teddy gets to rub in the fact that we get the governments we deserve
 
 
Donald LeBlanc
Reply to @Johnny Lawrence: The story never ends in politics.









Noel Sherwood
there are issues with this however I know how hard it is to have a drug dealer charged and moved by the existing laws. They know how to work the system so it may be time to change the system. They are at the bottom of the barrel and people who actually pay taxes and live a good life deserve to be able to have these people displaced so they can't affect good people.
 
 
George Murphy
Reply to @Noel Sherwood: the Government does not want competition.
 
 
David Amos
Content deactivated
Reply to @George Murphy: Oh So True
 
 
 
 
 
 
Danny Varant
They had similar laws in Germany. Hearsay was plenty to have folks evicted.......
 
 
David Amos
Content deactivated
Reply to @Danny Varant: They still do
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Danny Varant
Somethinng seriously wrong with this guy.
 
 
Danny Varant
Reply to @Danny Varant: Teddy Shapiro that is.
 
 
David Amos
Content deactivated
Reply to @Danny Varant: At least I get to say I told ya so
Methinks folks should have clued in when Higgy et al sent me butter tarts as soon as Cardy and Lamrock turned coat and challenged me to run in a provincial election N'esy Pas?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jim Gootjes
It sound like someone wants to short circuit due process and can’t justify it with facts or data. Why am I not surprised?
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @Jim Gootjes: Methinks you may be blessed with a rare thing called common sense N'esy Pas?
 
 
 
 
 
Johnny Jakobs
I'd like to evict the Empire from the province. The crimes against the people of NB are too long to list. Go get em Teddy
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @Johnny Jakobs: Dream on
 
 
Rusty Shackleford
Reply to @Johnny Jakobs: you are a very confused person. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dave Corbin 
Get rid of him...Fleming that is.
 
 
Matt Adams
Reply to @Dave Corbin: Kevin A needs to go. He's hot headed, unprofessional and childish
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @Matt Adams: Yet Teddy isn't???

Methinks many would agree that they make Higgy's circus almost as entertaining as Cardy does N'esy Pas?
 
 
Graham McCormack
Reply to @Matt Adams: They both need to go. 
 
 
Christopher Harborne
Reply to @Matt Adams: You're mad he wasn't willing to just accept Flemming at his word and let people sue the province? 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Matt Steele 
I can't really say that I would want a drug dealer living in my neighborhood either ; and the druggies seem to know how to play the game to their advantage , so some new laws are probably needed . Kevin Arseneau lives in a more rural area , so he may not be aware of what is going on in some urban neighborhoods .
 
 
phil mckay
Reply to @Matt Steele: the thing he ain’t saying is he is willing to throw the entire family out into the streets….not just the known to police suspect…..the children too
 
 
phil mckay
Reply to @phil mckay: aka guilt by association
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @phil mckay: aka guilty by suspicion rather than proper prosecution
 
 
Christopher Harborne 
Reply to @Matt Steele: Your neighbour calls the snitch line on you saying "oh, I see cars coming and going at odd hours". Under the new changes, you don't have a real ability to face your accuser and set it straight. You end up having to fight court battles and cost money with the neighbour getting off free.

You think that's fair and due process? 

Reply to @Matt Steele: He is well aware. The druggies from town come to the country to commit property crimes, because they know there is less of a police presence.
 
 
Clive Gibbons
Reply to @Christopher Harborne: yes. It goes to court.
 
 
Noel Sherwood
Reply to @phil mckay: I am ok with that, if there are children in that environment then they would be better off in foster care
 
 
phil mckay
Reply to @Noel Sherwood: how about you ask the ppl who work that system before you talk like you know the system….workers who treated worse than nurses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marguerite Deschamps 
Is this Flemming guy really a lawyer❓
Where did he get his law degree❓
 
 
Johnny Jakobs 
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: crackerjack box and he got a little toy
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Methinks Teddy is walking talking proof a political dynasty just like Trudeau the Younger and his babysitter are N'esy Pas?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mandel Rooney
This sounds like a bad idea, espeically when you look at civil forfeiture laws in the US.
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @Mandel Rooney: Did the King of Lockdowns ever have a good idea???
 
 
 
 
 
 
phil mckay 
I would bet there is a very specific drug suspect off of Hampton road near Marr road…..is his entire focus……
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @phil mckay: Does Teddy know of this???
 
 
phil mckay
Reply to @David Amos: I would bet he talks to specific ppl in the kv police and knows to the event I’m thinking of very well…..
 
 
phil mckay
Reply to @David Amos: I just hope this isn’t saying something about the kv police….because the last administration’s dirty laundry sort of wasn’t look at…hidden by one leader’s very ugly behavior….and the other retired
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @phil mckay: FYI The KV cops won't return my calls or answer my emails nor will their buddy Teddy but no doubt they are reading this
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @phil mckay: My battles with the cops in that area go back to 1982
 
 
phil mckay
Reply to @David Amos: lol…..
 
 
phil mckay 
Reply to @David Amos: sort of strange they dont call u back….but that statistic is not keep public….maybe not even in house.
Paid to do a job. Cherrypicking isnt one of them
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @phil mckay: Do you know who I am???
 
 
phil mckay
Reply to @David Amos: nope
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @phil mckay: I thought so
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noel Fowles 
"public safety minister has accused a Green MLA of being "a shill for organized crime" for holding up amendments"
don't agree about something and you're a shill for organised crime. What is probably illegal is forcing somebody to move without a conviction. This won't stand up in court.
 
 
phil mckay
Reply to @Noel Fowles: I refer to him as foghorn leghorn…..I say I say
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @Noel Fowles: Thats nothing Some anti vaxxers claim that I am a shill for the RCMP
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @phil mckay: He looks more like turkey to me I wonder if Mikey Holland agrees He used to work for a turkey lady and loves to hunt them so he should be an authority
 
 
 
 
 
 
phil mckay
I would bet 100$ that Ted is pushing this because of some gun violence in quispamsis/rothesay and their poverty clusters….from older constituents complaining…. I’ve heard how “respectable” ppl talk about it….pushing poverty out of the valley is an unspoken policy.
Where is the money for the jails?
Where’s the money for the staff?
Where’s the money for lawyers and judges?

Ppl like ted have been in power for decades….they helped create the poverty that is the root of most of the crime.
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @phil mckay: Of that I have no doubt
 
 
Steve Simonds
Reply to @phil mckay: Who told you that? THey didn't tell me.
 
 
phil mckay
Reply to @Steve Simonds: maybe u don’t associate with the respectable ppl. Lol
 
 
Jim Gootjes
Reply to @phil mckay: somebody’s been watching too many Clint Eastwood movies again.
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to @Jim Gootjes: Methinks truth is stranger than fiction and far more important N'esy Pas? 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Laura Smith 
"In 2015 an Edmundston man was evicted from an apartment after police warned his landlord he was the subject of a SCAN investigation before the case ever got to court."
Was he convicted ? Where is the investigative reporting ?
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @Laura Smith: Go figure
 
 
Clive Gibbons
Reply to @Laura Smith: He just took his operation elsewhere. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
danny rugg
Kevin needs a Ricky and Julian to move in next door.
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @danny rugg: Perhaps he does
 
 
Toby Tolly
Reply to @danny rugg: that makes him Bubbles
 
 
Christopher Harborne:
Reply to @danny rugg: your comment falls apart because Ricky and Julian are convicted, a lot. This is for non-convicts.
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @Toby Tolly: or a shill for disorganized crime
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marc Bourque 
Arseneau's belt buckle says it all..Worry not folks next election he will have to get a real job!
 
 
Toby Tolly
Reply to @Marc Bourque: Jacques got on his knees for that photo
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @Marc Bourque: Heres hoping
 
 
 
 
 
 
Toby Tolly 
Heres Jacques covering all the important details again
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @Toby Tolly: LMAO
 
 
 
 
 
Josef Blow
Mr. Flemming's thoughts on the streamlined amendments that can cut legal corners and deprive a judge of his or her own discretionary powers , is reminiscent of the Harper years when the PM, Peter MacKay and other defenders of the Conservative faith collectively acted as though democracy were a hindrance to legislative efficiency.
 
 
phil mckay
Reply to @Josef Blow: he doesn’t mind to railroad them. Totally a smoke therefore fire and u wouldn’t be here if u didn’t do anything.
 
 
Tim Trites
Reply to @Josef Blow:
i couldn't figure out what discretionary powers were deprived
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @phil mckay: Hmmm
 
 
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @Josef Blow: A CONservative will do that, all the time❗
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: So do Red Coats 
 
 
Marguerite Deschamps 
Reply to @David Amos: They all need to be held in check
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Methinks any proper court-jester I will go to my grave trying to do just that Perhaps some day my ghost will be successful and like Yorik I will rest in peace grinning N'esy Pas? 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
JOHN NOWLAN
It is unheard of for a minister of the crown to go to a committee without evidence to bolster the argument she or he was making. And it is absolutely absurd for a minister to say "just trust me".
There would be a briefing book available to the minister answering most potential questions that will be proposed in committee; particularly was the program or service successful, and if so in what way. And if Fleming did not have that book or didn't bother to refer to it that is sloppy work on his, and his various assistants' part. And highly disrespectful to the legislative process.
Legislative committees exist for opposition members to hold the government of the day accountable. Not for the minister to tell the opposition and the public how great he or she is at running the department. 
 
 
Dianne Bastarache:
Reply to @JOHN NOWLAN: I absolutely agree. Then, to accuse Arsenault of being a shill for organized crime is despicable, just because he (Arsenault) wants to make sure to follow the law, which by the way, should be the primary responsibility of Flemming.
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @JOHN NOWLAN: Well put
 
 
Clive Gibbons
Reply to @JOHN NOWLAN: They spent two million dollars on the scan unit last year. Two evictions, no criminal charges. They just moved the riffraff down the road. I'm no RCMP shill (to use a Flemming word), but I'm sure that a regular police force, given the same amount of a budget boost could do better than that. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Julie Richard
I love that Kevin guy ! 🤘🏻
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @Julie Richard: Nay not I
Methinks Arseneau et al know that I am very proud of mon ami Roger Richard who has run against your hero twice thus far N'esy Pas?
 
 
Graham McCormack
Reply to @Julie Richard: You can have him. 
 
 
Julie Richard
Reply to @David Amos: roger had my vote !
 
 
Roger Richard
Reply to @David Amos: True, it was because of my concerns about the radiations coming from the smart meters and its effects on our health and environment. Those concerns are still not being taken into consideration in our societal decisions. But, M. Arsenault may be right in this article. The article is a bit confusing, so I may be mistaking. I cannot forget the anonymous complaint at Crime Stoppers that led the murder of an innocent man in Bathurst about seven years ago. These various confidential laws are very dangerous. It is my opinion that it helps the criminals rather than taking them out. 
Reply to @Roger Richard: you helped alot of people open their eyes Mr Richard. A real hero to many of us.
 
 
David Amos
Content deactivated
Reply to @Julie Richard: Thanks for making my friend smile today
 
 
David Amos
Content deactivated
Reply to @Roger Richard: Welcome to the circus You bring the popcorn and we will throw my peanuts from the gallery
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Michael Cain
What is wrong with Flemming? Looking for squealers, guilty until proven innocence? Claims he is a lawyer? he has got to go
 
 
phil mckay
Reply to @Michael Cain: truthfully, I don’t like talking to the guy…. Greasy is the feeling. I would bet the guy is also lobbying through his lawyering….
 
 
Michael Cain
Reply to @phil mckay: I have seen him ridicule and put down anybody who has an opinion; he is old school, too long in the game
 
 
David Amos 
Reply to @phil mckay: Why do you think I talked Liz Kramer into running against him and then Mayor as well?
 
 
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @David Amos: Better off to talk to Cosmo Kramer.
 
 
David Amos 
Content deactivated 
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: I double dog dare you to say that to the lady in person
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
michael levesque
this is a good thing for the communities greens should be ashamed of themselves and stick to their climate agenda.
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @michael levesque: Why?
 
 
 
 
 
Kyle Woodman
Ted Flemming is a joke. Should be disbarred.
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @Kyle Woodman: I concur
 
 
 
 
 
Douglas James
Safer communities and neighbourhoods? Saint John city council doesn't even want that, having refused to support provincial legislation allowing red-light cameras. We have an epidemic of red-light runners and speeders in the city but the city manager doesn't want to do anything until he 'knows where the money (from fines) will go. Right now the province grabs all the money and the city gets none. No excuse for the city not acting but still, if the Higgs government truly cared about safer communities and neighbourhoods they'd split the money with municipalities so they could invest more in community policing.
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @Douglas James: You ran with Arseneau a his party Correct?
 
 
Matt Steele
Reply to @Douglas James: ...Strange as I drive throughout Saint John everyday , and I haven't seen all these alleged red light runners ; nor do I see any problem with speed enforcement in the city . Other than an odd fender bender here and there , it appears that Saint Johner's are pretty good drivers .
 
 
Matt Adams
Reply to @Matt Steele: you can't speed in sj. You'd destroy your car on their streets
 
 
Douglas James
Reply to @Matt Steele: Good for you.
 
 
Douglas James
Reply to @David Amos: If you had a point, you would have made it.
 
 
David Amos
Content deactivated  
Reply to @Douglas James: I have many times and you always ignored me.

So say hey for me to your CBC/CNN buddies, Chucky Leblanc, Mr Arseneau, Mr Coon the lawyer O'Byrne and especially my cousin Madame Mitton too will ya?
 
 
David Amos
Content deactivated 
Reply to @Douglas James: Oh My My 
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @Douglas James: I just did twice 
 
 
 
 
 

Calmer tone during committee discussions of anti-drug dealer amendments

Earlier meeting saw public safety minister call Green MLA a 'shill for organized crime'

Days after calling a Green MLA a "shill for organized crime" for demanding data and facts to prove the bill was necessary, Flemming said Kevin Arseneau was asking "very legitimate" questions about it.

The changes to the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, known as the SCAN Act, would make it easier for authorities to push alleged drug dealers out of homes, apartments and neighbourhoods without having to prove them guilty of a crime.

Arseneau's lengthy questioning of the bill last week forced the committee studying it to adjourn without holding a vote, which angered Flemming at the time.

Green MLA Kevin Arseneau and Public Safety Minister Ted Flemming were at odds last week over whether a committee vote on amendments to the SCAN Act should go ahead. (Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick)

He accused Arseneau of wearing "a supercilious smirk" during the debate and said people living near drug dealers would blame him for the lack of action.

"They'll know exactly why the progress to fighting crime has been impeded. It's on you, Mr. Arseneau." 

On Tuesday, however, Flemming went out of his way to acknowledge Arseneau's questions and answer them.

The amendments to the SCAN Act would protect the anonymity of neighbours who make complaints about drug activity. The minister acknowledged last week it would "permit hearsay evidence" that is not normally admissible in court. 

They would also require a judge reviewing an application for a SCAN order to presume a neighbourhood is "adversely affected" if or she is satisfied that drugs are being sold at a property.

Critics say both of those provisions will leave the law open to abuse.

'Not to harm people'

Flemming said Tuesday that many of the same standards from criminal investigations will apply to SCAN  investigations.

Evidence gathered after a complaint goes to Crown prosecutors who make decisions whether to go ahead independently of government, he said. 

And a Court of Queen's Bench judge then holds a hearing and the owner of the property is notified and can appear and contest the order. 

Flemming argued Tuesday the only people who may suffer as a result of a SCAN order are criminals.

"This legislation is brought forward not to harm people. It is brought forward to help people." 

Arseneau said he agreed with the goal but said there should be a more holistic approach to dealing with crime. 

"Often it's not the 'what' but the 'how.' … The approaches can be very, very different." 

He said he was worried someone committing a minor offence, such as growing five marijuana plants in their own home for personal use rather than the legally permitted limit of four, could be subject to a SCAN investigation and to eviction.

Flemming again welcomed the debate. 

"It's a good part of the legislative and democratic process that he asks these questions about accountability and negative impacts and stuff like that. This is why we're here."

No support from Arseneau

After about 45 minutes of questions, Arseneau said he wasn't satisfied with Flemming's answers and could not support the bill.

But he thanked Flemming for a more polite meeting than last Wednesday. 

"To have discussions like we're having right now with a respectful tone is an important part of democracy, and I know you agree with that." 

"I agree," Flemming said.

The committee voted to approve the bill and send it back to the full legislature where it will go to a final vote in the spring. 

The committee also approved a bill to allow Cannabis N.B. to expand operations by opening around 10 smaller, privately run stores later this year.

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices
 
 
 
24 Comments
Commenting is now closed for this story.

 
 
David Amos
Surprise Surprise Surprise
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @David Amos: Guilty until proven innocent with the help of an anonymous snitch? WOW Clearly we get the government/circus we deserve
 
 
Nicholas Hale
Reply to @David Amos: "Snitch" applies when it's someone on the same side as you. Criminals "snitch" on each other. When a community member reports what they suspect to be drug dealing they are not snitching at all, they are asking for it to be looked into, on the basis they do not want drug dealing taking place near their homes.

That said there is no substitute for due process and even former and active criminals deserve due process. It's an odd enforcement tactic, to say the least. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Kyle Woodman
Is Ted Flemming even a member of the bar or does he just pretend to be a lawyer like Higgs pretends to be an engineer. Last I checked Blaine Higgs isn’t on the list of professional engineers.
 
 
Michael Collins
Reply to @Kyle Woodman:Might want to check your sources again.I believe Higgs obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of New Brunswick in 1977.
 
 
Kyle Woodman
Reply to @Michael Collins: but is he a member of the APEGNB?
 
 
Kyle Woodman
Reply to @Michael Collins: Not entitled to practice according to the Association.

https://myapegnb.apegnb.com/APEGNB-EN/Registry/Member-Details.aspx?ID=32253
 
 
Jos Allaire
Reply to @Kyle Woodman: That's a good thing!
 
 
Edward James
Reply to @Kyle Woodman: He is retired. Why would he need to practice.
 
 
Jos Allaire
Reply to @Edward James: He's retired all right!
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @Edward James: Methinks any engineer should understand the meaning of the word Integrity or bridges would fall down and many things world not work right if at all just like our government thanks to legions lawyers just like Flemming
 
 
Michael Collins
Reply to @Kyle Woodman: He's retired, not practicing engineering. Just like a lot of peoplel who stop paying union or professional dues when they retire. 
 
 
Michael Collins
Reply to @Kyle Woodman: Flemming graduated from the University of New Brunswick law school in 1978[1] and was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1992. He no longer practises law , but I'm sure he's quite capable of launching a lawsuit. Choose your battles carefully.
 
 
Graham McCormack
Reply to @Kyle Woodman: That just means he's retired. Look up any retired engineer and you will find the same thing.

I'm not a fan of Higgs but posting stuff like this makes me question your motives.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
george johnson
Sounds like "trial by ordeal", "she's a witch". This is not a road we need to go down again, impossible to always trust people's motives, We already have crime stoppers that offers people cash, this is a bad idea that could have many unexpected consequences.
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @george johnson: I have no doubt my bother has been rolling in his grave over the years. Yeas after he drowned while scuba diving a lawyer called me excited to talk to me becuase she thought I was he. She infomed that my brother was one of the guys who brought Cimestoppers to NB.. I said that explains the funny stories he told when he visited my Clan South of the Medicine Line
 
 
Graham McCormack 
Reply to @george johnson: This is a great idea. You have obviously never lived in a residential neighbourhood that has a residence that is active in organized crime.

Kevin Arseneau needs to go back to his farm and work at something he knows. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
eli white
Whatever the sentence.... it wasn't death. I'm abhorred. I've witnessed first hand the cause of death for Sappier.
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @eli white: Have you listened to the wiretaps i gave Flemming et al???
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Johnny Jakobs
There goes Teddy on his ten speed, looped handlebars and a rusted frame bicycle cruisin out of control down the path straight at a tree... Higgsy et al yelling "back pedal, back pedal, BACK PEDAL!!"
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @Johnny Jakobs: Methinks Teddy should ask Mikey his dubious deputy what Higgy was hollering about then take it to the STU Moot Court to study so that the clever students can figure it out for them N'esy Pas?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jos Allaire
Kevin sure gave a lesson on civility and the law to to professed lawyer, Teddy!
 
 
David Amos
Reply to @Jos Allaire: Yea Right Clearly you didn't get the memo

 

 

 

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