Tuesday, 3 December 2024

Judge dismisses Crown appeal of acquittal of Niagara COVID lockdown protester

 
 
 


---------- Original message ---------
From: McKee, Robert Hon. (JPS/JSP) <Robert.McKee@gnb.ca>
Date: Tue, Dec 3, 2024 at 3:10 PM
Subject: Automatic reply: I called about Ed Fast's constituent Kristopher Kamienik versus the Abbotsford Police Correct?
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>

Hello,

 

Thank you for your email. Your thoughts, comments, and concerns are important. You can be assured that all correspondence is carefully read, reviewed, and taken into consideration.

 

Please note that, depending on the issues raised, and to deal with them in the most effective way, we may forward a copy of your correspondence to the appropriate government official in this department, or in another provincial department or agency. As a result, several business days may pass before a response is sent.

 

If your issue is constituency related, please contact my constituency office by phone at (506) 856-3827.

 

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Sincerely,

 

 

Hon. Robert K. McKee, K.C.

Minister of Justice, Attorney General, and Minister responsible for Addiction and Mental Health Services

 


(The Department cannot assume liability for the loss or disclosure of personal information, personal health information or other personal details when submitted via email. For more information on privacy please visit: GNB's Privacy Statement.)


— — — — — — —

 

Bonjour,

 

Merci pour votre courriel. Vos pensées, commentaires et préoccupations sont importants. Vous pouvez être assuré que toute correspondance est soigneusement lue, examinée et prise en considération.

 

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Je vous prie d’agréer mes salutations distinguées.

 


L’hon. Robert K. McKee, c.r.

Le ministre de la Justice, procureur général et ministre responsable des Services de santé mentale et de traitement des dépendances

 

 

(Le ministère ne peut être tenu responsable pour la perte ou la divulgation de renseignements personnels, de renseignements personnels sur la santé ou de tout autre détail personnel lorsqu’ils sont communiqués par courriel. Pour plus d’informations sur la confidentialité, veuillez visiter : Déclaration de confidentialité du GNB.)

 

---------- Original message ---------
From: Minister, AG AG:EX <AG.Minister@gov.bc.ca>
Date: Tue, Dec 3, 2024 at 3:06 PM
Subject: Your Email has been received
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>


Thank you for your email.

This automated response is to confirm that your email has been received.

If you have made inquiries that fall within the mandate of the Ministry of Attorney General, your email will be reviewed for consideration.

In the event that your inquiry is the responsibility of another area of government, we will refer your email appropriately for review and consideration.

We appreciate that you have taken the time to write.

Sincerely,
Minister’s Office
Attorney General
 



---------- Original message ---------
From: Ministerial Correspondence Unit - Justice Canada <mcu@justice.gc.ca>
Date: Tue, Dec 3, 2024 at 3:09 PM
Subject: Automatic Reply
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>

Thank you for writing to the Honourable Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada.

Due to the volume of correspondence addressed to the Minister, please note that there may be a delay in processing your email. Rest assured that your message will be carefully reviewed.

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Merci d'avoir écrit à l'honorable Arif Virani, ministre de la Justice et procureur général du Canada.

En raison du volume de correspondance adressée au ministre, veuillez prendre note qu'il pourrait y avoir un retard dans le traitement de votre courriel. Nous tenons à vous assurer que votre message sera lu avec soin.

Nous ne répondons pas à la correspondance contenant un langage offensant.

 


---------- Original message ---------
From: Moore, Rob - M.P. <Rob.Moore@parl.gc.ca>
Date: Tue, Dec 3, 2024 at 3:06 PM
Subject: Automatic reply: I called about Ed Fast's constituent Kristopher Kamienik versus the Abbotsford Police Correct?
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>

*This is an automated response*

 

Thank you for contacting the Honourable Rob Moore, P.C., M.P. office. We appreciate the time you took to get in touch with our office.

 

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If your question or concern is time sensitive, please call our office: 506-832-4200.

 

Again, we thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and concerns.

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Office of the Honourable Rob Moore, P.C., M.P.

Member of Parliament for Fundy Royal

rob.moore@parl.gc.ca

 

 

---------- Original message ---------
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Dec 3, 2024 at 3:03 PM
Subject: I called about Ed Fast's constituent Kristopher Kamienik versus the Abbotsford Police Correct?
To: <Ed.fast.c1a@parl.gc.ca>, Ed.Fast <Ed.Fast@parl.gc.ca>, <Mark.Jordan@abbypd.ca>, <AG.Minister@gov.bc.ca>
Cc: pm <pm@pm.gc.ca>, jagmeet.singh <jagmeet.singh@parl.gc.ca>, pierre.poilievre <pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca>, <ps.ministerofpublicsafety-ministredelasecuritepublique.sp@ps-sp.gc.ca>, mcu <mcu@justice.gc.ca>, ministryofjustice <ministryofjustice@gov.ab.ca>, rob.moore <rob.moore@parl.gc.ca>, John.Williamson <John.Williamson@parl.gc.ca>, robert.gauvin <robert.gauvin@gnb.ca>, robert.mckee <robert.mckee@gnb.ca>


https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en/constituencies/abbotsford(898)

Member of Parliament

Main office - Abbotsford
205-2825 Clearbrook Road
Abbotsford, British Columbia
V2T 6S3

Telephone: 604-557-7888



Kristopher Kamienik videoes etc speak volumes to many

Please help me make this go VIRAL!!!
- Share, share, share!
Yesterday the Abbotsford Police Department used excessive force by initiating an unprovoked attack using OCS spray without warning on Kristopher Kamienik in order to enforce a municipal parking bylaw.
Not only was this disgusting excessive use of force and the subsequent arrest unlawful given the Supreme Court case law of R v Sharma 1993, it was also a blatant violation of his right to freedom of assembly and protest.
The ladder point was demonstrated by the fact that they ransacked his home, destroyed his property and specifically ruined all his protest signs for absolutely no reason. Not to mention that the "plan of attack" was clearly pre-planned by all the officers involved.. Watch for the "👍"...
In my opinion this was clearly politically motivated retaliation and 100% an unlawful arrest. As of yet no charges have been laid.
Please help & support Kris right now by sharing the sh*t out of this video🙏


If you want to reach out to me, my number is 778-954-9601
May be an image of text
May be an image of 1 person and text
This officer gave the go ahead to douse me with pepper spray on November 24th, 2024 at 685 Lefeuvre Rd. in front of the Aldergrove Bowl regional park.
Sgt P Kelly ( bully cop)
Abbotsford police
Abbotsford, BC



---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Minister, AG AG:EX <AG.Minister@gov.bc.ca>
Date: Mon, Dec 2, 2024 at 2:18 PM
Subject: Your Email has been received
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>

Thank you for your email.

This automated response is to confirm that your email has been received.

If you have made inquiries that fall within the mandate of the Ministry of Attorney General, your email will be reviewed for consideration.

In the event that your inquiry is the responsibility of another area of government, we will refer your email appropriately for review and consideration.

We appreciate that you have taken the time to write.

Sincerely,
Minister’s Office
Attorney General
 

This was the last time I called your office Correct?

---------- Original message ----------
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 22 Jun 2022 00:04:37 -0300
Subject: Re: Ed Fast: Freedom? Yeah, right… | Ed Fast: Liberté? Et oui
Hey Bill King what will your boss and legions of Proud Canadians do if
the Crown takes Tamara Lich's Freedom after celebating the Queen's
Birthday???
To: bill.king.801@parl.gc.ca, Ed.fast.c1a@parl.gc.ca,
ambassaden.ottawa@gov.se, cynthiachung@substack.com,
xela.reniark@gmail.com, "blaine.higgs" <blaine.higgs@gnb.ca>, premier
<premier@ontario.ca>, yannvg@goulstonstorrs.com, Connie
<Connie@insightcreativecommunications.com>, dd
<dd@blackdiamondstrategies.us>, "Marco.Mendicino"
<Marco.Mendicino@parl.gc.ca>, mcu <mcu@justice.gc.ca>, washington
field <washington.field@ic.fbi.gov>, "Brenda.Lucki"
<Brenda.Lucki@rcmp-grc.gc.ca>, "Bill.Hogan" <Bill.Hogan@gnb.ca>,
ugyfelszolgalat@bm.gov.hu, Newsroom <Newsroom@globeandmail.com>,
lbayer@politico.eu, "Melanie.Joly" <Melanie.Joly@parl.gc.ca>,
David.Fraser@cbc.ca, Guy.Quenneville@cbc.ca, lgehrke@politico.eu,
"George.Soros" <George.Soros@opensocietyfoundations.org>,
"Jean.Chretien" <Jean.Chretien@dentons.com>, birgittajoy
<birgittajoy@gmail.com>, smari <smari@immi.is>, pm <pm@pm.gc.ca>,
stkhm@international.gc.ca, d.schirr@mckercher.ca,
regina@swedishconsulates.ca, joseph.lougheed@dentons.com,
calgary@swedishconsulates.ca, Matt.ehret@tutamail.com,
halifax@swedishconsulates.ca, news <news@hilltimes.com>, news-tips
<news-tips@nytimes.com>, "ed.pilkington"
<ed.pilkington@guardian.co.uk>, postur <postur@for.stjr.is>,
melanie.joly@international.gc.ca, ju.registrator@gov.se,
ju.birs@gov.se, investigations@cbc.ca, dpike@amherst.ca,
briangallant10 <briangallant10@gmail.com>, oldmaison
<oldmaison@yahoo.com>, "freedomreport.ca"
<freedomreport.ca@gmail.com>, "fin.minfinance-financemin.fin"
<fin.minfinance-financemin.fin@canada.ca>, Viva Frei
<david@vivafrei.com>, cbreton@irpp.org, jditchburn@irpp.org,
cdesjardins@irpp.org, CSR-CRS@gnb.ca, jbradley@canadian-republic.ca,
tfreda@canadian-republic.ca, info@canadian-republic.ca,
darrow.macintyre@cbc.ca, sylvie.gadoury@radio-canada.ca,
cra-arc.media@cra-arc.gc.ca, PREMIER <PREMIER@gov.ns.ca>, premier
<premier@leg.gov.mb.ca>, premier <premier@gov.nl.ca>, premier
<premier@gov.bc.ca>, premier <premier@gov.ab.ca>, Office of the
Premier <scott.moe@gov.sk.ca>, "Candice.Bergen"
<Candice.Bergen@parl.gc.ca>, "pierre.poilievre"
<pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca>, sheilagunnreid
<sheilagunnreid@gmail.com>, attorneygeneral@ontario.ca,
Moiz.Karimjee@ontario.ca
Cc: motomaniac333 <motomaniac333@gmail.com>, ltgov@gnb.ca, info@gg.ca,
Rob.McKinnon@gg.ca, alex.robichaud@gnb.ca, Judy.Wagner@gnb.ca,
sarah.cross@gnb.ca, livefromtheshed2022@gmail.com,
gord@brightlightnews.com

https://davidraymondamos3.blogspot.com/2022/05/crown-trying-to-put-freedom-convoy.html

Wednesday, 18 May 2022

Crown trying to put Freedom Convoy leader Tamara Lich back in jail



---------- Original message ----------
From: "Karimjee, Moiz (MAG)" <Moiz.Karimjee@ontario.ca>
Date: Wed, 22 Jun 2022 03:06:48 +0000
Subject: Automatic reply: Ed Fast: Freedom? Yeah, right… | Ed Fast:
Liberté? Et oui Hey Bill King what will your boss and legions of Proud
Canadians do if the Crown takes Tamara Lich's Freedom after celebating
the Queen's Birthday???
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>

I am on vacation until July 8th. For Bail Reviews (including
discussing time estimates), Superior Court, Summary Appeal, Trial,
Hate Crime or any other matter requiring immediate attention please
email Rolanda Ahadjitse at Rolanda.Ahadjitse@ontario.ca and Olivia
Khalil at olivia.khalil@ontario.ca

Moiz Karimjee
Assistant Crown Attorney



---------- Original message ----------
From: Premier of Ontario | Premier ministre de l’Ontario <Premier@ontario.ca>
Date: Wed, 22 Jun 2022 03:06:48 +0000
Subject: Automatic reply: Ed Fast: Freedom? Yeah, right… | Ed Fast:
Liberté? Et oui Hey Bill King what will your boss and legions of Proud
Canadians do if the Crown takes Tamara Lich's Freedom after celebating
the Queen's Birthday???
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>

Thank you for your email. Your thoughts, comments and input are greatly valued.

You can be assured that all emails and letters are carefully read,
reviewed and taken into consideration.

There may be occasions when, given the issues you have raised and the
need to address them effectively, we will forward a copy of your
correspondence to the appropriate government official. Accordingly, a
response may take several business days.

Thanks again for your email.
______

Merci pour votre courriel. Nous vous sommes très reconnaissants de
nous avoir fait part de vos idées, commentaires et observations.

Nous tenons à vous assurer que nous lisons attentivement et prenons en
considération tous les courriels et lettres que nous recevons.

Dans certains cas, nous transmettrons votre message au ministère
responsable afin que les questions soulevées puissent être traitées de
la manière la plus efficace possible. En conséquence, plusieurs jours
ouvrables pourraient s’écouler avant que nous puissions vous répondre.

Merci encore pour votre courriel.


---------- Original message ----------
From: "Bergen, Candice - M.P." <candice.bergen@parl.gc.ca>
Date: Wed, 22 Jun 2022 03:04:50 +0000
Subject: Automatic reply: Ed Fast: Freedom? Yeah, right… | Ed Fast:
Liberté? Et oui Hey Bill King what will your boss and legions of Proud
Canadians do if the Crown takes Tamara Lich's Freedom after celebating
the Queen's Birthday???
To: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>

On behalf of the Hon. Candice Bergen, thank you for contacting the
Office of the Leader of the Official Opposition.

Ms. Bergen greatly values feedback and input from Canadians.  We read
and review every incoming e-mail.  Please note that this account
receives a high volume of e-mails.  We reply to e-mails as quickly as
possible.

If you are a constituent of Ms. Bergen’s in Portage-Lisgar with an
urgent matter please provide complete contact information.  Not
identifying yourself as a constituent could result in a delayed
response.

Once again, thank you for writing.

Sincerely,

Office of the Leader of the Official Opposition
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Au nom de l’hon. Candice Bergen, nous vous remercions de communiquer
avec le Bureau de la cheffe de l’Opposition officielle.

Mme Bergen accorde une grande importance aux commentaires des
Canadiens.  Nous lisons et étudions tous les courriels entrants.
Veuillez noter que ce compte reçoit beaucoup de courriels.  Nous y
répondons le plus rapidement possible.

Si vous faites partie de l’électorat de Mme Bergen dans la
circonscription de Portage-Lisgar et que votre affaire est urgente,
veuillez fournir vos coordonnées complètes.  Si vous ne le faites pas,
cela pourrait retarder la réponse.

Nous vous remercions une fois encore d’avoir pris le temps d’écrire.

Veuillez agréer nos salutations distinguées,

Bureau de la cheffe de l’Opposition officielle

 

 

https://www.facebook.com/lizkramer73 

 

I wonder if the cops watched this show 
Common Nuisance w/ Cullen McDonald & Dave Freedom


 
 

Alison Langley
@nfallslangley

McDonald supporters welland MAIN


Image
David Raymond Amos
@DavidRaymondAm1
Check your email
 
 
---------- Original message ---------
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Dec 3, 2024 at 1:05 PM
Subject: Fwd: The snobby French lawyer Mirko Bibic is back in the CBC News today N'esy Pas Mr Minister of Industry?
To: <Alison.Langley@niagaradailies.com>

Alison Langley
@nfallslangley
Multi-media journalist at the Niagara Falls Review Story idea or news tip? Drop me a line at alison.langley@niagaradailies.com

https://x.com/nfallslangley/status/1844840456594808991
 

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Dec 3, 2024 at 12:47 PM
Subject: Fwd: The snobby French lawyer Mirko Bibic is back in the CBC News today N'esy Pas Mr Minister of Industry?
To: <angus.scott@niagaradailies.com>

Contact Us Niagara Falls Review

Niagara Falls Review

8 Spadina Avenue, Suite 10A, Toronto, ON M5V 0S8

Customer Service

Phone: 905-358-5711

News, Events and Letters

News tips

Do you have a news tip? Or photos for us to consider for publication? There are multiple options available for both registered and non-registered users.

Angus Scott


 

 
 

Judge dismisses Crown appeal of acquittal of Niagara COVID lockdown protester

The judge also granted Cullen McDonald’s appeal of his conviction relating to a second anti-lockdown rally and quashed the conviction.

Supporters of Cullen McDonald gather in front of the Welland courthouse on Friday. McDonald, who was charged for involvement in anti-lockdown protests during the COVID-19 pandemic, won appeals of two court decisions.

 Julie Jocsak St. Catharines Standard
By Alison LangleyReporter

A packed courtroom erupted in applause after a Welland judge dismissed a Crown appeal against a man police say played a major role in an anti-lockdown protest in Niagara Falls during the height of the pandemic.

Following a hearing in a Superior Court of Justice in Welland on Friday, Judge James Ramsay dismissed the appeal of the acquittal against Cullen McDonald, formerly of Lincoln.

The judge also granted McDonald’s appeal of his conviction relating to an anti-lockdown rally held in St. Catharines about a week after the gathering in Niagara Falls, and then quashed the conviction.

Ramsay, who told the appellant he did not need to hear his submissions during the hearing, did not provide any reasons for his decisions.

It was standing-room-only in the courtroom, and the crowd applauded after the judge made his brief ruling.

There was an increased police presence in the area as people rallied outside the courthouse in support of McDonald.

After the hearing, an emotional McDonald addressed the crowd.

“Don’t give up hope, no matter what they (expletive) throw at you,” he said.

“I said we had two options: we fight or we lose. And I fought and I won and so can everyone here.

“This is our win. This was our versus freedom and we all won.”

Friday’s court proceedings brought an end to a three-year legal battle for the 33-year-old former Niagara resident, who now lives in Mexico.

McDonald was previously found not guilty following a trial in an Ontario Court of Justice of committing a common nuisance in relation to his role in a large gathering held in the Niagara Falls tourism core.

Under the Criminal Code, a common nuisance is defined as any activity or act that is likely to endanger the lives, safety and health of the public.

The Crown appealed the acquittal to Superior Court.

McDonald, meanwhile, appealed his conviction on the same charge relating to his role in the smaller rally in St. Catharines.

Both appeals were heard simultaneously.

In spring 2021, the Ontario government responded to a surge in COVID-19 infections by declaring a state of emergency and ordering residents to stay at home.

But hundreds of unmasked people defied the stay-at-home order, including controversial People’s Party of Canada leader Maxime Bernier, at the April 17, 2021 rally in Niagara Falls.

In his verdict at the provincial court level, Judge Richard Blouin said he was not satisfied the grouping of people, in an expansive outdoor setting, constituted a risk of communication of COVID-19, thereby endangering the public.

In his submissions in Superior Court on Friday, assistant Crown attorney Michael Lucifora argued Blouin made “glaring errors” in his decision as he did not take into consideration all of the relevant facts in the relation to the spread of COVID-19.

Dr. Matthew Muller, an infectious diseases physician from Toronto, testified at both trials that the province was experiencing a significant wave of infections at the time of the Niagara demonstrations.

He said both events had the potential to create a risk of infections, but added the risk would have been lower compared to a gathering held indoors.

Lucifora at the appeal hearing said while the risk was minimized, it was not eliminated and therefore McDonald’s actions constituted committing a common nuisance.

While Blouin acquitted McDonald in the first trial, the judge who presided over the trial relating to the St. Catharines event had a diametrically different opinion.

Judge Joseph De Filippis found McDonald guilty and said participants in the May 1, 2021, rally in downtown St. Catharines chose to “shut their eyes to reality.”

“They were focused on freedom,” De Filippis said in his verdict.

“Freedom is not a licence, freedom is a responsibility. The defendant’s freedom to swing his arms ends at my nose.”

McDonald, who represented himself at both trials, testified he was simply a participant and not an organizer of either event.

He maintained he was exercising his right to participate in a peaceful assembly protected by the Canadian Bill of Rights.

“My victory in the Superior Court means a great deal to me because it stands as a challenge to government overreach and a defence of the fundamental rights of all Canadians,” McDonald wrote in an email statement Friday afternoon.

He said his case highlights the importance of addressing the “misuse of the legal system to silence dissent.”

“This win is a significant step in the fight against these injustices and in the protection of individual rights — not just for myself, but for the next generation, our children.”

AL

Alison Langley is a Niagara Falls Review reporter.

Related Stories

COVID lockdown protester who spoke at St. Catharines rally narrowly avoids jail sentence

Crown appeals acquittal of Niagara COVID lockdown protester

‘Freedom is not a licence, freedom is a responsibility:’ Niagara anti-lockdown activist found guilty

 

 
 
 
 
Posted by at No comments:

Monday, 2 December 2024

Balsam fir trees 'at risk' in New Brunswick amid a changing climate

 

Balsam fir trees 'at risk' in New Brunswick amid a changing climate

Forestry experts and farmers warn rising temperatures could harm tree health

 
Danielle McCreadie · CBC News ·
Balsam fir mortality could increase if climate change gets worse, according to new research from the University of New Brunswick. A dying balsam fir is pictured here. (Ben Ford/CBC)

While artificial Christmas trees might be the popular choice during the holiday season, nothing beats the smell of a fresh balsam fir. 

But new research out of the University of New Brunswick shows the popular tree is at risk of being harmed by climate change. 

Anthony Taylor, a forest ecologist and professor of forest management at the University of New Brunswick, said the balsam fir is an important species in the region, making up about 20 per cent of all the trees in the province.

Taylor and two other researchers have spent the past six years correlating historic climate data with previous balsam fir mortalities — or die-offs — and found these trees in particular are sensitive to high temperatures and periods of drought. 

A University of New Brunswick professor does an interview while sitting at his desk in his office. Forest ecologist Anthony Taylor used historic climate data and tree mortality mapping to conclude that balsam fir trees are highly sensitive to changes in environment. (Ben Ford/CBC)

In the spring of 2018, Taylor said people noticed evergreens along the highway were turning red — and dying. 

"They tended to be individuals or small clusters of trees, but they were bright red," said Taylor.

"And so then the question became, well, what's causing this?" 

Using historical temperature and drought data, Taylor and his team were able to draw a strong link between the clusters of red trees and climate anomalies across the province. 

"Just the year before, we had an abnormally dry summer, and it was also warm. It was a very warm, dry fall as well," he said.

"And so you had this warm, dry fall extending right into December. So you had a lot of trees basically going into dormancy in the winter time, going to sleep, under really dry, stressed conditions." 

Taylor's research found this wasn't the first time mass mortality has happened here — the same condition was reported in 1986 and was referred to then as Stillwell's syndrome. Coincidentally, 1986 was also a dry, hot year.

"And so then that led us to the conclusion that climate is a driver of this mortality." 

WATCH | Here's why you might be seeing more red balsam firs:
 

Real or fake? Christmas tree debate has a new contender: climate change

New research from the University of New Brunswick shows balsam firs are at risk of being harmed by climate change.

Shirley Brennan, executive director of the Canadian Christmas Trees Association, said drought is especially concerning for newly planted trees. 

"We used to always just rely on Mother Nature and now we're looking at, do farms need to have irrigation? Do they need to be able to have a water source?" she said. 

"So it's not a one time cure, like, oh if we all do this this is going to work. And so that's why there's ongoing research about it. But the more that we can work with the soil and find ways to keep that moisture in, the better. The better we, our industry, will be able to combat this." 

Protecting from the ground up 

Taylor hopes the research reaches the right people in New Brunswick — government officials who can put measures in place to curb climate change, but also tree farms and woodlot owners. 

One Christmas tree farmer in Keswick Ridge said he's always had to adapt his trees to changes in the environment. 

Gerry Redmond owns Red Robin Christmas Tree Farm in Keswick Ridge, near Fredericton, and he monitors his 25,000 trees very closely.

A man in a red plaid shirt with a ballcap on does an interview on his farm. Christmas tree farm owner Gerald Redmond says he’s always had to adapt his trees to changes in the environment. (Ben Ford/CBC)

It takes eight to 12 years for the balsam firs he grows to reach the size of a perfect Christmas tree, so he is always monitoring the impact of climate on his trees.

If he has a really dry May, for example, the roots of new seedlings have trouble establishing, meaning he has to take extra care with his younger trees. 

He said always plants more than he expects to harvest, because some trees don't make it, while others grow up patchy or with dry spots because of a lack of sun. 

It's industry practice on farms like his to make adjustments as you go — and there is lots of research being done to create more resilient fir trees, Redmond said. 

"There are seedlings I can get that can withstand drought or withstand too much water too." 

So far, he has not seen any significant die-off because of weather, he said.

However, with research showing "there are significant things that are coming down the line," Redmond plans to "keep alert."  

The future of the fir

Woodlot owners and tree farmers should consider introducing more diverse species into their lots, Taylor said. And on a larger scale, everyone should do their part to prevent further warming. 

"I'm not suggesting that the balsam fir is going to disappear from the landscape anytime soon. It just seems to be one of the species right now that's sensitive to warming, and the kind of warning that we're experiencing.

"And so we may see a reduction in its growth and its availability across the region."

Several evergreen trees of varying sizes are in a field, with a blue sky in the background. The balsam fir makes up about 20% of all the trees in the province, and about two million are exported each year as Christmas trees. (Danielle McCreadie/CBC)

So, what is New Brunswick without the balsam fir? 

"I don't even want to think about it," said Taylor. 

"I mean, it's our provincial tree. Especially this time of year with Christmas coming on, it's such a beautiful smell." 

"But if we do not get a handle on climate change and the climate changes as it's projected to do by the end of the century with this continued growth of emissions, it is a possibility to consider a province without balsam fir." 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 
Danielle McCreadie

Associate Producer

Danielle McCreadie produces and puts to air CBC Shift, the provincial afternoon radio show in New Brunswick. She is based out of Fredericton, and has previously worked in radio in Saint John and Halifax. Story ideas? Send an email to danielle.mccreadie@cbc.ca.

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices
 
 
 
107 Comments
 
 
David Amos
David Amos 
Bah Humbug 
 
David Amos
Reply to David Amos 
Or perhaps Merry Xmass will do? 


 
Don Corey
This balsam fir thing is simply being used here as another carbon tax scare tactic. I can wander through the woods and, if I look hard enough, find dead trees of any species that grow naturally here in NB.

Your best chance to find them is along sections of highway that are subject to lots of salt. Check them out and you'll see that cedar is especially vulnerable.

According to Christmas tree grower Mr. Redmond "So far, he has not seen any significant die-off because of weather, he said."

David Amos
Reply to Don Corey
Well put
 
 
 
Greg Abison
Some people would rather be under a couple kilometers of ice? Let's try that out.

Jimmy Cochrane
Reply to Greg Abison
You’ll be safe from the ice as long as you obey to pay your carbon taxes.

Eddy Geek
Reply to Greg Abison
How on earth did you get there?

Eddy Geek
Reply to Jimmy Cochrane
After ALL of this time and you STILL have zero clue about Canada's carbon tax

serge montague
Reply to Eddy Geek
It's not hard to figure out a tax which accomplishes Zero

Eddy Geek
Reply to serge montague
Is that what wee Pierre told you?

You have internet access, use it to actually learn something

serge montague
Reply to Eddy Geek
NO, the climate action plan auditor told me that. His report was all over the internet .

Eddy Geek
Content Deactivated
Reply to serge montague
Sure thing tea roll Buh bye

serge montague
Reply to Eddy Geek
"eddy's gettin upset!" George Costanza

Don Corey
Reply to Eddy Geek
It's simply an income redistribution scheme.

Don Corey
Reply to Eddy Geek
Perhaps you should consider following your own advice.
 
David Amos
Reply to Don Corey
Trust that he never will



Bob Leeson
Balsam fir does best in cool climates with an annual temp of 4°C, and are one of the most cold tolerant trees known in the world. Their roots need to be constantly moist, and will die if their roots dry out even for a short time.

As the climate changes, their most southern distribution is moving northward, becoming less common in many north-eastern US states. Connecticut for example has had to classify them as endangered due to being at risk from eminent extirpation.

Too bad, because although not an important forestry tree economically like red and white spruce in the Maritimes, they're invaluable to wildlife.

Jimmy Cochrane
Reply to Bob Leeson
Most of the province was very dry this summer. There is always collateral damage from a dry season. More apres peau to wave the climate change flag though.

Bob Leeson
Reply to Jimmy Cochrane
I bet many US north-eastern states wish it was just one random season due to natural variation, but unfortunately it appears to be a multi-decade trend, just as predicted in early regional climate models made in the 1980s. I wonder why governments hire scientists when they won't listen to them or heed their findings anyway?

Don Corey
Reply to Bob Leeson
Well, you're wrong about them not being economically important. Although spruce is the preferred species for NB sawmills, balsam fir is actually the dominant species available to sawmills in northern NB. That will change over time though, but more so because of spruce plantations ready for harvesting and much less so because of climate change.

Buy a piece of lumber and you'll see it's graded SPF.....means spruce, pine and fir; for NB that means spruce and fir.

Bob Leeson
Reply to Don Corey
The "F" in SPF normally stands for Douglas fir and several other species. Balsam fir is mostly used for pulp & paper. It's lightness, low strength (both compression & bending), lack of durability (it decays quickly), and lower nail holding strength make it less desirable for framing or other structural construction purposes. It's also small, and mostly sapwood. Sure it can hold up a 6" stud wall for a 1 story home, but there are much better choices available and thus they are not included in higher grades.

Don Corey
Reply to Bob Leeson
Well, you're very wrong again. Balsam fir is included in the "F", and is an important species in many NB sawmills (of which you obviously have zero knowledge, but I do).

Buy lumber graded SPF from NB, and it'll include both spruce and fir; or the fir will be sorted out at the sawmill so bundles graded SPF could be fir only.

Albalita Star
Reply to Don Corey
Hey you can't tell bob he's wrong...he's an expert in this field...well all fields really...

David Amos
Reply to Albalita Star
He is barking up the wrong tree trying to argue that topic with Don 
 
 
 
Jimmy Cochrane
This species grows like weeds.
No sign of any extinction on my acreage
Stop with your misinformation and sketchy “experts” cbc 
 
Jimmy Vee 
Reply to Jimmy Cochrane 
Can you survive 4 years of Trump? The trees will but will you?
 
David Amos
Reply to Jimmy Cochrane
Amen  
 
 
 
Jimmy Cochrane  
You know if we pay more tax this issue will go away.
 
Eddy Geek 
Reply to Jimmy Cochrane  
Why would it??
 
Oh right, you haven't a clue about how carbon taxes work or what they're designed to do

David Amos
Reply to Jimmy Cochrane
So they say  
 
Dave Sellers 
Reply to Eddy Geek
Neither does our government.. 
 
 
 
 
 
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Saturday, 30 November 2024

Sussex using drone to fast-track work on project to reduce flood impact

 

Sussex using drone to fast-track work on project to reduce flood impact

Engineering consultants use light-detecting drone to collect accurate topographical data more quickly

 
Rhythm Rathi · CBC News ·
A rainstorm in late Feberuary flooded Sussex in many areas of the town. It forced 24 people out of their homes and closed more than a dozen streets. (Luke Belyea)

Engineering technologists in the Town of Sussex are using a drone to help collect topographical data and pictures to help fast-track survey work for flood mitigation infrastructure.

The light detection and ranging drone uses light, invisible to the human eye, to measure the distance and position of objects in its path. That data is later used to create maps and 3D models of that location. 

"We're able to filter out vegetation and buildings and other obstructions and get the true earth surface," Mike Allen said, the drone's pilot and a senior technologist with Gemtec Consulting, a New Brunswick engineering consultancy that helps conduct geotechnical, material and environmental tests and surveys. 

Accurate topographical data in turn helps engineers and technicians to make better design decisions, he said

A white man with grey stubble, wear glasses, a safety vest and white helmet. Mike Allen, an engineering technologist, says he's been able to collect more accurate data using his drone than if he'd done it manually. (Rhythm Rathi/CBC)

Allen said his drone can pick up millions of data points in an hour, mapping large construction sites, while the same work would take weeks to be completed manually by a surveyor using a hand-held GPS data collector.

"I do a lot of the post processing and design work in the office afterwards and when you have [the drone] data, you know what you're dealing with. There's no second guessing what's actually there," he said.

WATCH | Data collected by drone could help control floods faster:
 

Drone helps Sussex speed up work to reduce impact of future floods

A drone is collecting topographical data to help fast track a surveying process that’s essential for designing flood mitigation infrastructure in Sussex.

Allen said his colleague also collects specific data points manually, such as hydro poles, fire hydrants and culvert inlets, as a backup.

"If a car is passing over a manhole, we might not see that in the [drone] survey, but we collect that information as a due diligence and accuracy check as well," he said.

A black drone in sky. The drone surveys the land topography, collecting data and pictures using lasers, invisible to human eye, says Allen. (Rhythm Rathi/CBC)

Scott Hatcher, the town's chief administrative officer, said this latest technology helps the town to fast-track the process of building flood mitigation infrastructure.

The town has had major flooding over a number of years, including in 2014, 2019, 2020, 2022 and early 2024.

Hatcher said building the infrastructure in a timely fashion is important to protect the residents from any further loss.

"The data would be used in several projects to make the overall strategy happen. And we're using the technology to speed up the process of the data collection and allowing our engineers to get to work sooner."

A white man with white hair and moustache, wears glasses. Scott Hatcher, chief administrative officer for Sussex, says the flood mitigation project is expected to cost more than $38 million, paid for by all three levels of government. (Rhythm Rathi/CBC)

Sussex is building a flow-diversion channel at the town's eastern limits, another such channel on Parsons Brook and storm-water infrastructure upgrades in the town's northeast and northwest corners, including two overpasses and a new berm in and around the Meadow Crescent area, Hatcher said.

The first project in the plan — a $1.2-million berm behind Gateway Mall — was completed in 2019.

Hatcher has said the project is expected to cost more than $38 million, paid for by all three levels of government. But the Meadow Crescent berm will cost an additional $2.1 million, equally divided between the province and the town.

"Within the next couple of weeks, you'll see a public tender to construct a $2.1-million berm to protect 85 homes in that subdivision. That work we believe could be completed by late summer 2025 and would provide immediate effective control of adverse flooding in that neighborhood," he said, adding that the plan is to complete the larger project by the end of 2028.

A white man with brown hair on the left, On his right is a white woman with curly brown hair. They are both standing shoulder to shoulder in front of a house. Kurtis Carter and Kassandra Chudiak moved to Sussex in late 2022 and have had their property flood about 10 times so far. Carter said they will directly benefit from the upcoming Meadow Crescent berm. (Rhythm Rathi/CBC)

Kurtis Carter, who lives in the flood-prone area of Meadow Crescent, will benefit from the berm. He said his family moved to the area in 2022 and has experienced "probably in total around 10 flooding events," with the last one leaving four feet of water in their basement.

He's grateful that work on the infrastructure is happening, as his neighbours have experienced flooding for more than a decade.

"They used to enjoy the sound of rain and now they kind of dread it," Carter said. "So ... if we could get back to a point where you enjoy the sound of rain hitting your roof and knowing that it's not going to be in the basement, then I think that's a wonderful thing."

 A white man with red hat and white hair.Elmer Cole of Sussex says he faces erosion in his backyard every time his neighbourhood floods. (Rhythm Rathi/CBC)

Elmer Cole, who lives a few away houses from Carter, has had erosion on his property.

"I lose about five feet every time it floods," said Cole, pointing to a large hole in his backyard.

He has lived in the same house for 37 years and has been fighting floods for over three decades, he said.

A large hole in grassy backyard near the woods. Sussex Resident Elmer Cole loses about five feet of top soil from his backyard in each flood, he says. (Rhythm Rathi/CBC)

He said the town's mitigation plan gives him hope that it could provide the best fix for his neighbourhood's extreme flooding.

"They're going to do it right. I know they are, because the berm is going all the way up and across by the elementary school," he said. "Hopefully it'll hold the water back."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 
Rhythm Rathi

Reporter, CBC New Brunswick

Rhythm Rathi is a reporter with CBC New Brunswick in Moncton. He was born and raised in India and attended journalism school in Ontario. Send him your story tips at rhythm.rathi@cbc.ca

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices
 
 
 
Oct 11, 2019  
Coverage of the 2019 Federal Election Debates, for the Fundy Royal Riding
 
42 Minutes I spoke of Sussex flooding
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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School on N.B. Ex site could go ahead without joint committee approval, mayor says

 

School on N.B. Ex site could go ahead without joint committee approval, mayor says

City will 'use all measures possible' to see development move faster, Kate Rogers says

 
Savannah Awde · CBC News ·
Kate Rogers, mayor of Fredericton, believes N.B. Ex is not moving fast enough on development plans. (Aidan Cox/CBC)

Fredericton's mayor says the city could strike an agreement with the province to build a new school on land it leases to the New Brunswick Exhibition without the organization's green light.

To date, Kate Rogers said plans for the land have moved through the joint decision-making authority — a committee with members from the city and the N.B. Ex. 

But she believes the group is not moving fast enough on development plans struck by both parties in 2021 to add housing and a school to the large plot of land on Smythe Street.

"We have been trying to work through that at a committee level, and now we're just saying we need to use all measures possible," Rogers said Thursday. 

"That committee has been meeting for quite some time as well, and we haven't been moving probably as quickly as we would have liked." 

WATCH | Fredericton mayor describes importance of developing exhibition grounds:
 

This Fredericton property could be used for housing and a school. What’s the holdup?

The City of Fredericton wants to see the New Brunswick Exhibition grounds developed for other uses — something N.B. Ex agreed to in 2021. But Mayor Kate Rogers says the deal isn’t moving fast enough.

It's not clear yet whether council will opt to move ahead with an agreement outside of the joint committee. Rogers was not made available to answer follow-up questions.

Council passed a motion earlier this week that called on the provincial government to co-operate with the city to "pursue all available means" to acquire ownership of the land needed for the new school. 

Maps show the current layout of the exhibition grounds compared to a proposed redevelopment plan of the site. Plan A in the city's agreed development plan is pictured on the right, next to a Google Maps image of the exhibition grounds. (Google Maps/City of Fredericton)

The motion said council "wishes to see a negotiated and mutually beneficial arrangement" with the N.B. Ex, but added that the city will "pursue all available means to expedite" the site plan.

Rogers said the move comes because members of the N.B. Ex did not vote on whether housing and school development should move forward at its annual general meeting on Sunday.

"We're just ready to move and don't know that that organization is feeling the same sense of urgency," she said. 

But Rob Kitchen, N.B. Ex president, said he was surprised by the motion and disagrees with Rogers's assessment that the organization doesn't want to move quickly.

"There's been no delay tactics or anything done by the N.B. Ex," he said. "The membership wanted more information ... They did not say no to development, they just said they need more information before they move forward." 

For example, he said, the members were seeking more information about how much land the school site would use.

Kitchen, who is a member of the joint committee, says the city did not provide enough information about the proposed developments ahead of the planned member vote. 

"It's not fair to ask the membership to vote on something with no information," he said. 

Kitchen also takes issue with making any land-use decisions outside of the joint committee, which he believes is the proper channel. 

The joint decision-making authority is set up for that reason, he said, "and at no time was the JDA given information of the size of the school or the nature of how much land it's going to take."

Rogers said part of the urgency comes as the city was given more than $10 million from Ottawa for housing development. 

The city hopes to use part of that for housing slated for the N.B. Ex site, but Rogers said there is a time limit for those funds to be spent. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Savannah Awde

Reporter

Savannah Awde is a reporter with CBC New Brunswick. You can contact her with story ideas at savannah.awde@cbc.ca.

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices
 
 
 
7 Comments


David Amos
I am enjoying this nonsense



Matt Steele
There is lots of space in the city to build apartments and schools . There is enough congestion in the downtown core already without adding in more traffic and housing . The Mayor seems out of touch with reality , and focuses only on Special Interest Groups , and their agendas .



Allan Marven
So the transformation is complete. Turn the exhibition grounds/racetrack into condominiums, and a school to ease everyones frustration with the "for money" developers . Now has anyone...ANYONE.. read the story about how the CRA ( your national walletkeeper) has been getting scammed by developers, and how they (the CRA)turn a blind eye to it?

MR Cain
Reply to Allan Marven
Nah, that is fake news.



Lauchlin Murray
Although as always, there's a little room for improvement, that Plan A schematic really looks like planners have given the proposal some excellent concepts. The 'apartments over commercial' space is a bit dubious — but after that, from my basic knowledge of urban planning, Fredericton's history and its current needs; it's one of the more feasible projects I've seen for a Canadian municipality in decades. It's too bad the mayor and council are coming up against so much reluctance by some feeling it's a threat to their playground. Mayor Rogers seems to always be thinking ahead for Fredericton's longer-term growth. I'd love to see that block stop being a brownfield and thermal generator and more of a daily use pedestrian/residential area with significant arboreal environment. OK I do have some doubts about the middle school beside the agri-complex (and on top of half a century of creosote soaked soil), even if each one's use with be in different seasons. Meh. After that, my compliments to the designers/planners/engineers and Mayor Rogers. It's the right way to revitalize that otherwise under used dead zone.

Allan Marven
Reply to Lauchlin Murray
Give us a break....real estate developement is the biggest scam in Canada....bar none. JT knows it.

MR Cain
Reply to Allan Marven
Nah, doesn't even make the top ten. As the Cons will say, let the markets decide; where there is need, there is an opportunity.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Disability advocate, PC MLA worry about how people will get benefit cheques during mail strike

 

Disability advocate, PC MLA worry about how people will get benefit cheques during mail strike

Social Development Minister Cindy Miles says she’s happy to re-open discussion

 
Hannah Rudderham · CBC News ·
    A letter from the Canadian Union of Postal Workers Atlantic Region says the union offered to continue delivery of pension and social assistance cheques during the strike, but New Brunswick was one of several provinces to refuse. (Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press)

Amid the ongoing Canada Post strike, a New Brunswick disability advocate is concerned about those who rely on mailed disability benefits. 

"An issue that's often forgotten in this type of event is our vulnerable populations," said Haley Flaro, executive director of Ability New Brunswick. 

"There's still a significant number of New Brunswickers that don't have internet access, can't make online payments or apply to programs online.

"It's impacting their ability to apply to programs. They have … disability benefits in the mail, and they don't know where they are."

Because of inflationary costs and growing poverty, Flaro said one thing that a lot of people have been cutting out is cell phones, which makes it difficult for some people to access their benefits.

WATCH | Flaro describes assumptions people might make about mail strike:
 

How the Canada Post strike is hurting disabled people living in poverty

Not everyone has internet access or a cellphone, Ability New Brunswick’s executive director says, so many people are wondering if their benefit applications will be processed during the Canada Post strike.

She said her organization has been hit with significant bills just trying to get people the information they need through Purolator. 

"People haven't stopped being diagnosed or experiencing hardships, you know, during this strike, and I think that's really forgotten," said Flaro.

Offer refused, union says

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers Atlantic Region said they have not forgotten about people who need cheques delivered. 

A letter signed by Jeff Callaghan, CUPW Atlantic director, said the union offered to continue delivery of pension and social assistance cheques during the strike, but New Brunswick was one of several provinces to refuse. 

Margaret Johnson, PC MLA and social development critic, said this came as a shock to her.

An unsmiling woman in a brown turtleneck standing in front of a black microphone   PC MLA and social development critic Margaret Johnson says she was 'dismayed' to hear that the province had advised people that, if they didn’t have direct deposit set up, they would need to make arrangements to collect their cheques at the regional office. (Radio-Canada)

During Thursday's question period in the legislature, she said was "dismayed" to hear that the Department of Social Development had advised people that, if they didn't have direct deposit set up, they would need to make arrangements to collect their cheques at the regional office.

She said that during a time of financial insecurity, it wasn't fair to ask someone from Juniper, for example, to go to Woodstock — about a 70-kilometre drive — to pick up their cheque.

Social Development Minister Cindy Miles responded, saying accommodation would be made to get cheques in the hands of those who needed them.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, Johnson said she believes Miles recognizes the decision was an error in judgment. 

"[I] sincerely believe that she's going to get back to us with some solutions," Johnson said.

"The next cheque is not due until the first week of December. However, Christmas is coming and that's a hard enough season. … You're going to be talking about relying on friends that have cars … it really just once again establishes that stigma of requiring help and needing a leg up.

"We want to make sure that we maintain the dignity of our people, and we can't ask them to have to be begging all the time for assistance."

An unsmiling woman wearing a polka-dotted shirt with a bejeweled collar. She has blond shoulder-length hair and is wearing black glasses. Minister of Social Development Cindy Miles says if someone can’t pick up their cheque, staff from the regional office will go to them. (Radio-Canada)

Miles told reporters she didn't have an explanation for why the province may have denied the union's offer to deliver the cheques.

But she said staff in the regional social development offices have been informed that if someone can't pick up their cheque, staff will go to meet them.

She also said she's willing and "more than happy" to go back and have another conversation with department officials to find the best approach forward.

"We want to meet folks where they're at all the time," she said.

Flaro wants to see something put in place to ensure basic access to mail for people, especially in New Brunswick, where she said there is a real "access to internet and technology gap."

"I had a colleague in Ontario who said to me, 'Well, everyone has internet access,'" Flaro said.

"And I went, 'Really, have you been throughout the province of New Brunswick?'" There are some areas where even if people can afford it, they can't get it, she said.

Ability New Brunswick will continue to help people who need it, she said, but it's because they don't have a choice.

"We're not going to sit here and watch people go through hardship," she said. "But I really don't think that there's an economic and social policy lens put on these issues."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Hannah Rudderham

Journalist

Hannah Rudderham is a reporter with CBC New Brunswick. She grew up in Cape Breton, N.S., and moved to Fredericton in 2018. You can send story tips to hannah.rudderham@cbc.ca.

With files from Shift

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices|
 
 
 
29 Comments



David Amos
I am enjoying this nonsense



Gregory Wulf
Way too risky to send important paper through the mail.



Walter Vrbetic
Point of the matter...

'A letter signed by Jeff Callaghan, CUPW Atlantic director, said the union offered to continue delivery of pension and social assistance cheques during the strike, but New Brunswick was one of several provinces to refuse.'

Anne Wallenberg
Reply to Walter Vrbetic
The just re-elected PC government in Nova Scotia has made the same decision, much to the frustration of the striking NS postal workers who offered to deliver these cheques.

Anne Wallenberg
Reply to Anne Wallenberg
https://globalnews.ca/video/10887726/striking-canada-post-workers-frustrated-with-nova-scotia-provincial-government-decision

Don Corey
Reply to Anne Wallenberg
Who cares. Note that this story is specific to NB. Stay relevant.

Danny Sterns
Reply to Walter Vrbetic
Did the postal workers want full pay to deliver the cheques?



Helen Cochrane
I hope they get the cheques to everyone as soon as possible.



Albalita Star
The only people who get cheques from the government rather than direct deposit need to be investigated....

Walter Vrbetic
Reply to Albalita Star
Why??



SarahRose Werner
Say that you live in Juniper, where there are no banks, and you don't have Internet access. If you receive a cheque, you're probably depositing it via ATM, then withdrawing cash from the same ATM to go back your bills. So why can't you arrange for the cheque to be directly deposited? You can still go to the same ATM to check your balance and get your cash.

As a low-income senior, I'm certainly glad I arranged for direct deposit for my CPP and OAS/GIS.

Albalita Star
Reply to SarahRose Werner
I get furious when I try to go to the ATM to get a few bucks...and someone is running their business thru the ATM...really?

Ted DiBlase
Reply to SarahRose Werner
Smart

Sam Carson
Reply to Albalita Star
Do you pay a fee to use ATM's? I haven't used one in a few years now. I get cash out from in the credit union.



Ralph Skavinsky
Surely most people would willingly drive a friend, neighbour or family member to pickup their cheque.

Albalita Star
Reply to Ralph Skavinsky
To Ottawa?...



David Webb
Who in this day and age does not have a bank account? There are plenty of free ones such as Simplii, and Tangerine. There is no excuse to not have an account and direct deposit. ATM's are widely available if you need the cash in hand. Also it is well past time for once per week delivery of mail to residential locations.

MR Cain
Reply to David Webb
Everybody likes to get mail; a holiday card or a physical cheque, always gets a smile. Speeding ticket not so much.



Alex Stevens
Why would any province refuse an offer for the continued delivery of cheques for the most vulnerable? Whoever made that decision should find employment elsewhere.

David Webb
Reply to Alex Stevens
I would suggest that it is not a significant issue. Just politicians of any stripe trying to score political points.



Fred Dee
What are they being paid? Benefits etc???? For minimal training and no education should not be making big bucks

MR Cain
Reply to Fred Dee
I believe they are required to have graduated with grade 12. No, most are not making big bucks; the cost to have a roof over the head has hit everyone hard.

SarahRose Werner
Reply to Fred Dee
Disability benefits in New Brunswick are pretty minimal. They're paid to people who are unable to work due to physical and/or mental disabilities so that these people have at least this minimal amount to live on. No one is making "big bucks" on disability benefits.



Rosco holt
Maybe news outlets should report on the postal workers work conditions? It is said many postal workers have to use soup kitchens to make ends meat.

But Canadian news outlet won't because they are bias against workers. Poor Tim can't get his Christmas package, Nana won't get her cards. Not many receive checks by the mail any more.

MR Cain
Reply to Rosco holt
Every low wage earners are finding it difficult to make ends meet. A bit disingenuous to claim news outlets are bias against workers. They report on what is provided to them. As well, many seniors prefer that cheque in the mail, whether they have internet or not.

Rosco holt
Reply to MR Cain
This story has more reporting about the impact on citizen than the plight of workers. Look at other labor conflicts it similar. How the conflict impacts the economy? Business owner whine how it negatively impacts them, politicians pressuring government to resolve the issue. Not many reports on what the employees live and why they take job action. Most news outlet paint workers/ labor movement in a bad light that is why I said they are bias just like most governments are bias.

MR Cain
Reply to Rosco holt
One of the fundamentals in collective bargaining is not to negotiate in public. Union leadership is the voice of the membership. If the news media reported on the sad state of affairs of the average postal worker, then they would be considered biased. There are those who have been with the postal service a number of years, have seniority and/or attained supervisory status. I suspect if the public got wind of their pay and benefits, any sympathy for these workers would drop.

MR Cain
Reply to Rosco holt
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/canada-post-strike-benefits-cut-1.7395774

Anne Wallenberg
Reply to Rosco holt
Yes, I see that too. Most of the information re issues relevant to this postal strike - centrally that postal workers don't want gig work conditions - I have from a Tyee article.

https://thetyee.ca/Analysis/2024/11/27/Canada-Post-Strike-Matters-All-Workers/

Don Corey
Reply to Rosco holt
I found during my working life that the best way to make ends meet was to work, 5 or 6 days a week, 12 months a year. Postal workers, when pay and benefits are considered, are much better off than the average Canadian.

The postal union is not concerned in the least for those negatively impacted by the strike.

It's time for the feds to do what they should have done a week ago.
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