Sources say B.C. Premier John Horgan was forcefully against the Emergencies Act on a call with other premiers, calling it a distraction. (Mike McArthur/CBC)
The Council of the Federation can be divided on partisan and regional lines, but yesterday Canada's 13 premiers came to a quick consensus on a key message to the federal government: don't push the Emergencies Act on us.
On Thursday, the federal government sent a letter to provincial and territorial governments consulting on the never-before-used act, a necessary step if Ottawa wanted to pull the trigger on declaring a public welfare emergency amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
"This whole idea of the letter was pretty quickly shut down," said one source close to the talks, speaking on the condition they not be named.
The premiers talked among themselves after the letter was sent out and ahead of their call with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Thursday evening. Opinions ranged from deep frustration to indifference, according to provincial officials.
B.C Premier John Horgan — whose province has shown progress in flattening the curve of its coronavirus outbreak — was so angry he used an expletive and called the ordeal a waste of time, said sources.
On the call with the prime minister, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, chair of the Council of the Federation, questioned why the federal government keeps raising the act, which the provinces consider a non-starter.
Trudeau repeatedly told the premiers he doesn't want to invoke the act and was looking at it as a contingency measure, not because the federal government sees a need for it, said sources.
"Nobody wants to see this," said one source.
Act gives federal government sweeping powers
The Emergencies Act — which replaced the War Measures Act in 1988 — gives the federal government sweeping powers to regulate or prohibit travel, requisition and use property, order qualified people to provide essential services, regulate the distribution of goods, resources and services, and establish emergency shelters and hospitals.
In recent days there has been talk of using it to ensure supplies and equipment are deployed to where they're most needed across the country. One of the federal government's concerns has been about allocating supplies for Indigenous communities.
Under the act, Ottawa could redirect medical supplies — masks, ventilators and COVID-19 testing devices — to regions in dire need.
The premiers pushed back on that notion on the call and said supply chains have been secured as more Canadian companies gear up to make personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilators domestically.
Economy, support for essential workers raised
The provinces and territories have already taken extraordinary steps in calling states of emergency to restrict movements and close businesses in the bid to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.
No one can think of anything the federal government would use the Emergencies Act for that would do more good than harm, said one source.
WATCH |Trudeau lays groundwork for never-used Emergencies Act:
Sources tell CBC News that the federal government has sent a letter to provinces and territories as part of the consultation period — a required step before triggering a public welfare emergency. 6:21
According to the Prime Minister's Office, Trudeau talked about the importance of having discussions regarding the Emergencies Act.
"He encouraged premiers to share their views on how the act could be used, if required. However, he noted that current measures and the great collaboration between governments are helping Canada fight the pandemic," says the readout of the call.
The two-hour phone call between the premiers and the prime minister then shifted to concerns about the economy and what happens when the health pandemic ends, especially in the oil-dependent provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador.
Sources said there was also talk of sending money to the provinces to support benefits for essential workers, but the details still have to be hammered out.
6010 Comments I refreshed the page and the tally has shrunk to 5041 Comments
5072 Comments
David Amos WOW I refresh the page and the change in the tally says nearly 1000 opinions went poof. Methinks lots of folks must be upset by this news N'esy Pas?
David Scott Barclay Imagine if everything the Provinces needed had to pass through the tangled, convoluted Ottawa bureaucracy, and get lost in dead-ends?
David Amos
Reply to @David Scott Barclay: Methinks that happens every day of the week all day long for we the little people the bureaucracy purportedly serves N'esy Pas?
Rae Nilsson The Quarantine Act has already given the RCMP power to enter your home and arrest you WITHOUT a warrant according to the G&Mail.
David Amos
Reply to @Rae Nilsson: Methinks if the RCMP ever tried to pull such nonsense there will be some very interesting litigation in a heartbeat N'esy Pas?
Henri Hudson Glad to see the provincial premiers send a clear message to this drama instructor. United they stand.
Mike Morris
Reply to @Henri Hudson: As apposed to the failed insurance salesman Scheer who lost an election he might have won, but did't.
robert plant
Reply to @Mike Morris: But, but Scheer. This is all on the failure of the liberals.
Kat Burd
Reply to @robert plant: Failure? As the Federal Government's handling of this crisis gains support across the country and the CONnedgretaion here stays in denial?
Henri Hudson
Reply to @Kat Burd: From illegal blockades derailing the economy, to an anti oil agenda to pandering to climate radicals this government has only begun to sink our country into a abyss that I’m not sure we’ll recover from.
James MacKinnon
Reply to @Henri Hudson: 2020 price tag for Justin's solution (sarcasm) is $100 B of added on deficit for 2020...those are LIB numbers folks. That, Henri, should be more than enough to ensure the collapse of Canada as you envisioned.
Andy. Radtke
Reply to @Mike Morris: Paid for by the LPC or the Trudeau Foundation?
David Amos
Reply to @Henri Hudson: Methinks Trudeau the Younger is way behind the eight ball in this wicked game. Higgy et al already have their own little Police States N'esy Pas?
Elton Elm Reply to @Henri Hudson: “molon labe” day the premiers to the feds
Lou Parks
Reply to @Henri Hudson: The premiers probably have 30-60 days to come around on this. The Emergency Act will probably be needed
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Parks: So says a liberal spindoctor
Robert Jones Reply to @Kat Burd: "As the Federal Government's handling of this crisis "
Oh, you mean watching what Donald Trump does and then duplicating it a week or two later?
Yeah...that's not very impressive, really...
David Amos
Reply to @Robert Jones: Methinks its rather obvious you are not the Robert Jones I know. Perhaps if you want a little chuckle sometime you should Google your name and mine. Other folks should too N'esy Pas?
N.B. COVID-19 roundup: Province sees 1 new case, recoveries reach 60
Three people remain in ICU, 10 hospitalized in total
CBC News· Posted: Apr 10, 2020 1:39 PM AT
Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer of health, announced in a statement Friday there was one new confirmed case of COVID-19 in New Brunswick. (Submitted by the Government of New Brunswick)
New Brunswick has one new case of COVID-19, bringing the total to 112, the provincial government said Friday.
A news release says the new case is a person 60 to 69 years old in Zone 2, or the Saint John region. The release said of the 112 cases, 63 are travel-related, 35 are close contacts of confirmed cases, six are the result of community transmission and eight remain under investigation.
Sixty people have recovered since the outbreak began, the release said. Ten people have been hospitalized in total, and five were still in hospital Friday. Three of them are in an intensive care unit.
In the release, chief medical officer of health Dr. Jennifer Russell reminded people how important it is to stay home this long weekend.
"It is difficult to not visit our parents, other family members and friends but it would be more difficult to see them become sick because of a decision that was made not to stay home," she was quoted as saying in the release.
Premier Blaine Higgs echoed the recommendation in the release.
"By staying at home and practising physical distancing, you are making a difference," he was quoted as saying.
Lack of enforcement clarity
Local police forces and the RCMP will be out this long weekend enforcing the physical-distancing rules related to COVID-19, educating residents and handing out tickets or fines to people found violating orders related to the province's emergency declaration.
Meanwhile, Public Health recommends limiting non-essential travel within the province. It's not something that is clearly outlined in the state of emergency order, leaving some residents confused as to what they can and can't do.
"What is actually a violation of the order versus what's just not following Public Health
recommendations can sometimes get a little bit muddied," said Jamie McConnell, a constitutional lawyer based in Saint John.
McConnell said the lack of clarity raises questions about what police are being told they can and can't do, too.
"There can be concerns over increased police powers when you have a state of emergency in effect," said
McConnell said police are allowed to pull motorists over anytime under the Motor Vehicle Act, but there's nothing in the state of emergency order that requires people in the car to answer questions, unless they are coming from out-of-province.
"There's nothing in the mandatory order that says police can stop you and you have to answer questions related to COVID-19," he said.
RCMP spokesperson Hans Ouelette has previously said that officers' first impulses will be to educate, rather than hand out tickets and fines.
McConnell said that doesn't mean people shouldn't use their common sense or not take recommendations about staying home seriously.
He also expects the mandatory order will be continuously updated, as Public Health figures out the best practice for certain situations, such as carpooling to work.
Hunting, fishing season delay doesn't affect treaty rights
The delay in the recreational hunting and fishing seasons will not impact First Nations and their Aboriginal and treaty rights, according to a spokesperson for the Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development.
"However, everyone is asked to stay home and to only go out for work or essentials, avoid any non-essential travel, and practise physical distancing," Kelly Cormier said in an email Friday.
The provincial government announced Thursday it was imposing a two-week delay at minimum before re-evaluating the situation on April 30.
Should garden centres be deemed essential?
Farmer Brown's owner Lisa Brown says she believes garden centres should be deemed an essential service because of the demand for vegetable seeds and plants.
"We've had so many calls from people wanting to start their first garden, to pre-order their vegetable plants, it's just through the roof."
Brown said many people are concerned about food security.
"People want to grow their own food and they need the advice, they need the seeds, they need the starter plants, all those things."
Brown added that to date, she has sold close to 300 vegetable planters.
"That's how much people are concerned about food."
Because of the demand, Brown has hired someone to deal with the phone calls and keep an inventory of what has been ordered.
What is usually a busy time for planting has turned into a busy time for sales. "We're trying to do both at the same time."
Brown is now seeking clarity on whether garden centres can be considered essential and able to open during the state of emergency declared to control the spread of COVID-19.
New Brunswick has felt like a virtual ghost town since the state of emergency was declared and renewed. But who decided what had to close and what workers had to go home? 2:27
Brown said if garden centres were open so people could purchase flowers and shrubs for their property, people could more easily stay home.
Brown said her MLA toldl her garden centres could open as long as they maintained social distancing, but she wants the province to make this clear.
Calls to delay lobster fishing
Maritime and Quebec lobster processors say Ottawa should immediately delay fishing in all spring lobster fishing zones in the Gulf of St. Lawrence amid concerns about the COVID-19 outbreak and the cratering markets.
Twenty-four processors from the four provinces signed a letter to the premiers and Fisheries and Oceans Canada that also calls for financial aid for the industry.
The group called for a minimum two-week delay two weeks ago, but processors now say the situation has deteriorated.
"Unfortunately, the crisis has taken a significant turn for the worse and market conditions have degraded even more," the letter dated April 9 said. "A perfect storm is gathering in Canada's lobster industry."
Lobster processors want Ottawa to delay the start of the spring fishing season in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. (CBC)
Processors say they're concerned about being able to provide safe working conditions for their 10,000 workers.
"Our Canadian workers and their families are justifiably concerned about being called to work on May 1."
The group is also calling for a "significant industry contingency plan with a broad suite of support measures," including extending employment insurance benefits.
Premier Blaine Higgs said Thursday he wants the federal government to delay spring fishing.
"But I think if we had a choice it would be delayed at least for a few weeks and maybe maybe a little longer."
If the season is delayed, and especially if it's cancelled, Higgs said he would expect the federal government to provide compensation to fishers.
The federal government has postponed snow crab fishing in the gulf after consulting industry representatives.
N.B. farmers want action plan
Provincial farmers want to see an emergency plan on local food developed to improve market access and public food security, according to the president of the New Brunswick division for the National Farmers Union.
Rébeka Frazer-Chiasson told CBC News this week there are separate conversations happening in the province around helping farmers bring their products to market and what needs to be done to ensure households in need can put food on the table.
"We need to bring those conversations togethera and use New Brunswick farms to feed New Brunswick people," Frazer-Chiasson said.
Information Morning - Moncton
New Brunswick farmers call for emergency plan on local food
Rébeka Frazer-Chiasson is president of the National Farmers Union New Brunswick division. 5:54
In the weeks since restrictive emergency measures were ordered, food banks have described the deficit they're facing in supply and funding, and gaps in food security could widen in a prolonged lockdown.
Frazer-Chiasson said with government assistance, local farmers could help fill those holes. She proposed changes to regulations and quotas for small-scale operations as well as ensuring direct-to-consumer access so more products can reach the public.
She said local farms could also develop agreements with food banks, nursing homes and hospitals . Some local farmers face serious economic hurdles during the pandemic, from labour issues to cash flow, and the government aid packages are not tailored to farms.
For instance, the federal wage subsidy program requires businesses to show a 30 per cent loss of revenue, a tricky situation for farmers to report in the short term. Disruption to operations on the farm will result in lost revenue months and months from now when produce is ready to sell, she said.
With files from Hadeel Ibrahim, Danielle McCreadie, Gail Harding and Colin McPhail
96 Comments Commenting is now closed for this story.
David Amos Methinks most importantly the people who are employed to be concerned about our investments and pensions etc should have asked Higgy et al why the lawyers working for the Yankee SEC were calling me last week N'esy Pas?
David Amos Methinks Higgy et all should at least agree that is one many clever lawyers I predicted would step up to the plate N'esy Pas?
"Meanwhile, Public Health recommends limiting non-essential travel within the province. It's not something that is clearly outlined in the state of emergency order, leaving some residents confused as to what they can and can't do.
"What is actually a violation of the order versus what's just not following Public Health recommendations can sometimes get a little bit muddied," said Jamie McConnell, a constitutional lawyer based in Saint John.
McConnell said the lack of clarity raises questions about what police are being told they can and can't do, too.
"There can be concerns over increased police powers when you have a state of emergency in effect," said"
john smith Reply to @David Amos: it is what ever the population allows the mounties do thats why its ambiguous
David Amos
Reply to @john smith: True
David Amos Methinks some of Maritime lobster processors must recall our conversation last week N'esy Pas?
Jim Cyr We could certainly begin to very gradually lift the lockdown right now. But here’s the problem with that: people are generally idiots who are not very responsible. So the second you loosen the lockdown a little, 20% of the population will rush right out and wreck the whole war on Coronavirus. And we will be right back where we started. That’s why Higgs and other leaders are going so slow in loosening things.
David Amos
Reply to @Jim Cyr: Methinks many would agree that Higgy has no clue what to do and when or why. Thats why he keeps claiming to follow Russell's advice N'esy Pas?
David Amos Methinks its interesting that Rébeka Frazer-Chiasson the current president of the National Farmers Union New Brunswick and her partner a former president of the SANB don't call or write since Janet Matheson and I first crossed paths with them many years ago N'esy Pas?
Justin Gunther Let's completely wreck the economy because the generation that got $30 unionized labor jobs right out of high school, and who have all of the retirement savings and own their houses mortgage-free are scared and want to stop the world for 18 months. Again I'm not trying to be insensitive but let's get real, who really wants to wake up and smell the commmiesocialism?
Let's get real NB it appears things are trending downwards and it wasn't even that bad to begin with.
Justin Gunther
Reply to @Justin Gunther: $30/hr
Gil Murray
Reply to @Justin Gunther: You keep saying you don't want to be insensitive and yet here you are. Why are you targeting people who have paid off mortgages as if that is a bad practice? Perhaps focus your innate criticism on the many people across all generations who have built or purchased homes far beyond what they ever needed or could really afford, purchase multiple vehicles every 3 or 4 years, have massive LOC and CC debt, etc. They are the ones experiencing hard times trying to meet their massive debt payments on a very generous pandemic EI benefit because they spent far beyond their means.
David Amos
Reply to @Gil Murray: Good Point
David Amos
Reply to @Justin Gunther: Well put too
David Amos Reply to @Gil Murray: Perhaps folks should Google "Harper and Bankers"
john smith Reply to @Justin Gunther: i dont think the people want that i am very confident that this is top down driven and on recomendations by the same folks that want this to last until we are mandated to inject their medicine
Shawn McShane You can't catch the same cold twice. Corona virus. We need antibody test. There is no vaccine for the common cold/corona. This is a fools game. Get the antibody test and lets get to work. Those with underlying illness and the elderly stay home. We will work and pay taxes to support you.
Ray Oliver
Reply to @Shawn McShane: The method Sweden has chose to deal with this. But the antibody test is a must as soon as available for all
David Amos
Content disabled Reply to @Ray Oliver: So you say EH Mr Jones?
Ray Oliver
Content disabled Reply to @David Amos: Who?
David Amos
Content disabled Reply to @Ray Oliver: You
Ray Oliver
Reply to @David Amos: And its Constable Oliver to you. You should start CCing me in all your fascinating emails you send to anyone who will listen
David Amos
Content disabled Reply to @Ray Oliver: Methinks its illegal to impersonate a cop N'esy Pas?
Ray Oliver
Content disabled Reply to @David Amos: Me thinks.. tell me more law dog. How many of these big cases you filed you actually won?
David Amos
Content disabled Reply to @Ray Oliver: Methinks I will call this dude to see what he thinks of you N'esy Pas?
The RCMP is starting a new way of issuing summary offence tickets.
As of Monday, RCMP Traffic Services in North Eastern Nova Scotia, including Bible Hill, the South Shore, Bridgewater and Cape Breton have been using a new electronic, or ESOT, system. Nova Scotia is the first province in Canada to implement the program.
"Today I had the opportunity to try this out and this system will improve the speed and the performance of our officers," said Insp. Ray Oliver, officer in charge of traffic services for the province.
"This will improve the safety of the public and our front-line officers."
Oliver said the system will help officers reduce the time spent writing tickets on roadsides. He said it can take upwards of 20 minutes for one ticket to be written and inputted into the computer. However, with the new system, that number can be down to about six minutes.
"Instead of manually writing everything down, the officer can take a driver's license and swipe it into a reader in the car and all the information is automatically uploaded," said Oliver.
Ray Oliver
Reply to @David Amos: I bet with you he will pick right up on the first ring. Glad to know I've got you all worked up in that shack in the middle of nowhere your hiding in
David Amos
Reply to @Ray Oliver: Methinks you are the dude who should be nervous N'esy Pas?
Ray Oliver
Content disabled Reply to @David Amos: Sometimes I go by Inspector Gadget too or Lieutenant Dan. Give them a ring will you?
David Amos
Content disabled Reply to @Ray Oliver: Just yesterday you were Mr Jones Methinks desperate people do desperate things N'esy Pas?
Ray Oliver Reply to @David Amos: Terrified. Between your knowledge of the law and close friendly contacts in law enforcement I'll be tossing and turning all night!
Ray Oliver
Content disabled Reply to @David Amos: No I think bored people are having too much fun with someone like yourself who always has to have the last word and usually those words are as backwards as they come.
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Ray Oliver: Methinks you are trying to get my goat but you dudes know there is no goat to be had. In my humble opinion only a cop can have his ID changed while his comments remain the same Johnny Jakobs noticed that yesterday as well N'esy Pas?
David Amos Reply to @David Amos: BTW All the Feds on both sides of the 49th know that I blog and Tweet as i post
Ray Oliver Reply to @David Amos: My guess is if they even track you that closely my tone is clearly sarcasm to wind a guy up right. In no way did I use a joking tone of being a constable to gain leverage from it. They're smarter than you.
David Amos
Reply to @Ray Oliver: Methinks the real question is do you really think I am that dumb N'esy Pas?
David Amos Reply to @Ray Oliver: Trust that RCMP are very well aware of my connection with Staff Sgt Jones
Ray Oliver Reply to @David Amos: All that unnecessary typing of methinks and nesy pas. Give the thumbs a little break!
David Amos
Reply to @Ray Oliver: Methinks if you had bothered to notice I already did N'esy Pas/
Ray Oliver Reply to @David Amos: You're fun. I like you.
David Amos
Reply to @Ray Oliver: BS Furthermore things are already going "Poof" Methinks it was wise of me to blog it all first N'esy Pas?
David Amos Reply to @Ray Oliver: Methinks the editing is desperately comical N"esy Pas?
Johnny Jakobs Delay the lobster season till summer, after they molted. The foreign buyers will love the soft shell, no meat bugs and will probably pay top dollar.... Total sarcasm. Delay it to long and the fishers may miss it.
Andrew Clarkson
Reply to @Johnny Jakobs: Maybe they could give all the lobsters to the food banks? They are going to need a lot of food!
Ray Oliver
Reply to @Andrew Clarkson: Bugs and all send them to China as a THANK YOU at top dollar!
David Amos
Reply to @Johnny Jakobs: Notice Mr Jones is bacK?
David Amos Reply to @Ray Oliver: Nighty Night Mr Jones
Ray Oliver
Reply to @David Amos: Later Gator!
Johnny Jakobs
Content disabled
Reply to @David Amos: no jimmy jones sightings here
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Johnny Jakobs: His comment is above yours
David Amos Reply to @Johnny Jakobs: Methinks you should review our words N'esy Pas?
Chantal LeBouthi Have a great weekend NB poeples the majority are staying homes and doing physical distancing even if is hard especially for teenagers and young adults
To seniors like the Queen said we will meet again don’t worry
Fred Brewer
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: I believe Chantal was not comparing seniors to the Queen. She was quoting what the Queen said earlier in her address to the country and wishing the same kind thoughts for our seniors.
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Queen of the greatest Commonwealth in the world ! So mant great countries , England , Ireland , Scotland, Canada, Australia , you know all the biggies ! And their Commonwealth Games are 2nd to none ! Not like some wannabes with small countries ( and even provinces ) trying to buy relevance !
Lou Bell
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: No , not your God , hers !
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @Lou DumBell: Then you admit there's more than one? - All fabrications, just like the the monarchy, aka the malarkey. Someone believing that someone has a god-given right to rule over us trying to judge my intellect. Good one!
Tim Biddiscombe
Reply to @Lou Bell: I wouldn't count on God ;)
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @Louu Bell Bell I'm an idiot: Worry pas, she can't.
David Amos
Reply to @Tim Biddiscombe: Methinks nobody cares if you can count or not N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Methinks not one soul is worried about you N'esy Pas?
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @David Amos: Keep guessing.
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Methinks I don't have to guess when there is nobody to name N'esy Pas?
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @David Amos: Guess again.
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Methinks if you don't have a real name you don't exist N'esy Pas?
David Amos Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: For the record I did not bother with the circus today until I noticed mean old Fred made your words go "Poof" Methinks that was unusual of him to do with one of his pen pals N'esy Pas?
Marguerite Deschamps Reply to @Lou DumBell: Why should I try to keep up to what an old lady said on the other side of the pond? Which god should save her? - Zeus Bacchus, whatever? There, I posted it again just for you!
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Too Too Funny Indeed
Methinks you SANB dudes must have enjoyed the fact that I sued that lady while running in the election of the 42nd Parliament N'esy Pas?
David Amos Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Methinks your fellow Quebecker talks just like our Queen N'esy Pas?
"Quebec's schools could still reopen in early May, Premier François Legault said Friday, citing the latest numbers on the coronavirus pandemic as further evidence the first wave is stabilizing.
"When Quebec is united as one, nothing can get in our way," he said, in perhaps the most positive remarks since his daily press conferences on the pandemic began.
"We Quebecers know one thing: In the heart of winter, we still know that spring will follow. We know better days are coming."
David Amos Reply to @Toby Tolly: Methinks I made decent use of your tip N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @Fred Brewer: Methinks the cat must still have your tongue N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: Methinks you must enjoy going "Poof" too N'esy Pas?
Chantal LeBouthi Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: I will take our Majesty kind words any days of the week That you prefer a republic like the US is your choice
Im sticking with the monarchy
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @David Amos: I despise the separatists. I want a united bilingual Canada, from coast to coast to coast. "Ad Mari Usque ad Mare".
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @Chantal LeBouthi: nope, more like Germany, Ireland and many more better examples than the charade next door.
David Amos Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Methinks it would not be wise to believe anything you claim until you get a real name N'esy Pas?
Premier Blaine Higgs has been providing daily news updates throughout the work week since the outbreak started last month. (Submitted by the Government of New Brunswick)
Police and Public Safety officers have the power to pull vehicles over during the COVID-19 state of emergency to check whether the occupants are complying with the rules, Premier Blaine Higgs said Wednesday.
"We are in unusual times right now," he told reporters during the daily update in Fredericton.
"And although the directive is not to say, you know, you can't go from point A to point B within our province, the directive is, we encourage people to stay home and use their common sense and go for essential travel only."
Higgs said he personally commends the initiative being shown by officers to understand where people are going and why because that information will help the government make better decisions about what changes are required to limit possible exposure to the virus.
"The more the safety officers can glean from people, I'm not going to complain about it."
New Brunswick has three new confirmed cases of COVID-19, bringing the province's total to 108, the chief medical officer of health Dr. Jennifer Russell announced on Wednesday.
Six COVID-19 patients remain in hospital, including four in the intensive care unit.
The new cases include:
Zone 3, the Fredericton region: two people in their 60s.
Zone 6, the Acadie-Bathurst region, one person in their 80s — the first case in that region.
Three new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed on Wednesday, including the first case in the Bathurst region. (CBC)
Higgs said officers might pull over carloads of people, for example, to ensure the occupants are all members of the same household because otherwise they would be in violation of the requirement to keep a physical distance of at least six feet or about two metres.
"If someone … [drives] around their community, they don't get out of the car, they're family, they're not friends and neighbours, just travelling — you know are we going to fine them for that? No, we're not going to find them for that.
"But there is a common sense element here," he said. "Don't take anything for granted, don't take any chances."
He believes there have been instances of people travelling through different communities — and even attempting to cross New Brunswick borders — for something as basic as a cup of coffee.
Why would you put yourself at risk or why would you put others at risk at a time like this?
- Blaine Higgs, premier
"That's not an essential service. Maybe some think it is, but basically right now it's not." The province has also been getting questions from "different communities" about what to do about unwanted visitors, Higgs said.
Although he doesn't want to put up borders between communities, people have to start using their judgment and stop making unnecessary visits to communities they don't live in.
"Why would you put yourself at risk or why would you put others at risk at a time like this?"
Here is a roundup of other developments.
Weekend could be 'turning point,' Higgs says
Of the 108 cases, 60 are travel-related, 33 are close contacts of confirmed cases, six are the result of community transmission and nine remain under investigation.
The province continues to do better than many jurisdictions in terms of the number of cases and hospitalizations, chief medical officer of health Dr. Jennifer Russell told reporters during the daily update in Fredericton.
It would be tragic to see an upsurge in cases next week if New Brunswickers ignore the advice of Public Health to stay home and choose instead to gather over Easter weekend, she said.
"You may think, 'It's just my family,' or 'It's just my friends.' But the COVID-19 virus may be an uninvited guest at your table, brought along by someone who has only mild symptoms, or no symptoms at all. Do not let that happen."
Dr. Jennifer Russell, New Brunswick's chief medical officer of health, held a briefing with reporters Wednesday afternoon. (Photo: Government of New Brunswick)
In-person religious services and recreational events are also prohibited, but Premier Blaine Higgs said he is aware of at least two ATV rallies planned for the weekend.
He called them a "mistake."
"A rally exposes you to friends and neighbours unnecessarily," he said.
Fifty of the 108 infected people have recovered to date, "which shows we are gradually improving," said Higgs.
But "that could all be lost this weekend," he said.
He cited the example of a funeral in Newfoundland, where one person with no evident symptoms quickly multiplied to 143 cases.
"This long weekend could be the turning point," he stressed. This is not the time to be complacent.
"We must stay strong, stay focused and stay home."
Enforcement officers will be out over the weekend, Higgs said. The goal continues to be to educate, he said.
"Ideally, no one will be ticketed. Ideally, everyone will be following the rules."
Passover Seder will be different
For the Jewish community, Passover starts Wednesday at sundown and lasts for eight days.
Most Jewish families celebrate Seder, where they retell the story of the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt. Then, they take part in a special meal.
Afterwards, families sing traditional songs.
But this year might look a bit different.
"The fact that we cannot gather as a family anymore is going to be hard," said Francis Weil, president of Tiferes Israel Synagogue in Moncton.
New Brunswick pharmacists imposed a 30-day limit to prescription refills last month. (Elise Amendola/The Associated Press)
"Only the family [who] lives together can do it. But brothers and sisters cannot get together and that's going to be very hard this year."
Typically, observant Jews aren't supposed to use technology during this holiday, but Weil said it's a way for family to still be together during the traditional holiday.
He was celebrating Passover over Skype on Wednesday afternoon with his daughter and her family, who live in France.
"The important thing is to remain safe."
Pharmacists urge people to respect 30-day prescription rule
The New Brunswick Medical Society and New Brunswick Pharmacists' Association are urging residents to respect efforts to limit prescriptions to 30 days.
The 30-day limit on prescription refills was imposed by pharmacists in late March to protect the province's drug supply.
"We understand that this is a challenging, frustrating time for New Brunswickers," the two groups said in a news release Wednesday.
"Please do not direct your frustration on the health-care professionals who are doing their best to take care of your needs and those of your families while risking their own health and safety, as well as that of their loved ones."
All 233 pharmacies in the province have stayed open during the pandemic, medical health officer Dr. Jennifer Russell said Wednesday.
In the last few weeks, New Brunswick pharmacists have seen a surge in demand for medical supplies and medications as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Francis Weil, president of Tiferes Israel Synagogue in Moncton, talks about Passover in a Skype interview with CBC News. (Photo: CBC News)
The news release said health-care professionals are working together to try to ensure medications are available for all patients.
Once the pharmacy regulatory authorities across Canada are confident in the security of the drug supply, pharmacies will be able to return to normal practice.
"By limiting supply to 30 days, pharmacists are taking a proactive step to ensure their patients continue to have access to their medications," she said.
Expiry date for lotto tickets extended
The Atlantic Lottery Corporation has extended the expiry date for winning tickets.
In a release issued Tuesday, the corporation granted players an extra six months to claim prizes for tickets that have an expiry date from March 17, 2020, to Sept. 17, 2020.
ALC closed its prize claims offices to help curb the spread of COVID-19, but it "recognizes that these measures have affected some players' ability to claim prizes."
In addition to draw-based games, the extension also applies to scratch tickets.
Tech group develops COVID-19 tracking tool for Saint John food program
A volunteer tech group in Saint John is developing a tracking tool to help a local food program see who their employees are coming into contact with.
Civic Tech, a group that tries to come up with solutions to community problems, has created a tool to assist in tracking who relies on the Greater Saint John Emergency Food Program.
COVID-19 has led pharmacists to limit prescription refills to a 30-day supply. (NIAID-RML/The Associated Press/The Canadian Press)
This will help the non-profit organization track the potential spread of COVID-19 in the area.
"You want to be able to track who's touched what in an infectious disease situation," said Lorna Brown, a member of Civic Tech.
About 10 people are involved in building the tool, which could be used by Public Health for contact tracking.
Before Civic Tech came up with the idea, the Greater Saint John Emergency Food Program was using an Excel spreadsheet to track who had packed food bags, who delivered them and who received them.
Civic Tech is hoping to deploy the tool in the coming weeks.
RV company donates vehicles to health-care workers
An RV dealership in Moncton is donating motor-homes to frontline health-care workers needing to self-isolate.
"I just feel like it's something that we have to do," said Matthew Brown, general manager and owner of Pine Acres Moncton.
Brown saw a Facebook post from another RV company in Canada that was offering up its RVs to health-care workers, and decided he should do the same.
So far, 40 people have expressed interest in acquiring an RV.
Brown plans to restrict distribution to people living in the Moncton area.
The RVs come equipped with fridges and a bed.
Any cloth covering that fits snugly works as a face covering, said chief medical officer of health Dr. Jennifer Russell on Tuesday, but she reminded people to wash after every use. 1:31
"All they need to do is have a hot water hose and some power hookup for us."
The company will drop off the RV and set it up, without coming into contact with the person receiving the vehicle. It will also send a video via text giving a quick tour of the unit and how to use it.
There's no time limit on how long people can keep the RV.
"As long as this pandemic is still going and they're working in the health-care system, then obviously we're going to make sure that they're protecting themselves as well as their family."
The difference between allergy symptoms and COVID-19
Dr. Jennifer Russell, New Brunswick's chief medical officer of health, said there are many similarities between COVID-19, seasonal allergies and the flu.
Although COVID-19 has many symptoms, a cough and fever are still the main symptoms health-care workers are looking for.
"Most people with allergies would have burning eyes and runny nose and sneezing," she said.
What to do if you have symptoms?
Symptoms of coronavirus include fever, cough or breathlessness. In this case, residents should:
137 Comments Commenting is now closed for this story.
Meghan Clark My fiance and I still technically live apart. Are we going to be fined for walking or driving together? We are both socially distancing but law enforcement can't take our word over what it says on our licences.
David Amos
Reply to @Meghan Clark: Methinks whereas Higgy's buddy Chucky Leblanc can drive all over the province with his lady friend whom he does not live with in his welfare abode and brag of it within his blog and Facebook etc You and your fiance should not be harassed by the cops N'esy Pas?
Pat Holland Reply to @David Amos: You have seen Higgs and Leblanc driving together with an unknown woman?? Sounds like a conspiracy at the highest levels.
Johnny Almar Good. Now the cottage goers can be fined. Thank you Premier Higgs. Make them stay home.
David Amos
Reply to @Johnny Almar:Methinks you should say Hey to Higgy and your RCMP buddies for me as you snitch on your neighbours N'esy Pas?
Jim Johnston Reply to @Johnny Almar: ??? I didn't see anything about that. If someone owns two homes, a summer and winter home, and they keep to themselves regardless which house they are in, they are not breaking any of the regulations.
Jim Johnston Maybe the warning should be if we find a car load of unrelated people they will all be walking home. For many that would be enough to stay out of that situation.
David Amos Reply to @Jim Johnston: A friend called last evening to tell me about what happened to him in Higgy's Police State. He is a retired military guy who lives in the hills outside of Sussex. He does not have the Internet. Yesterday he did what he has often done for years when he comes to town. He pulled into Tim's and parked and began checking his email and the news etc byway of their free WiFi. Lets just say the RCMP pounced on him and threatened that all kinds of mean nasty ugly things would happen to him his did such a thing again. Methinks many folks know why I am grinning as I hear Higgy yapping on radio right now about property tax etc. Trust that I don't care that desperate conservatives claim I am unknown or vague or a failure as a politician Vicky et al know why Higgy and the RCMP should not enjoy an email from me later today N'esy Pas?
Terry Hughes Reply to @David Amos: Koo Koo, Koo Koo
Robert Buck Reply to @David Amos: You know there are two sides to every story.
Robert Buck Reply to @David Amos. Just read the second paragraph. That gives the authority. Do you want me to post the link for the Emergency Measures Act?
Murray Brown
There is disease referred to as hysteria and another referred to as paranoia .. Our politicians and media appear to have a very sever case of both.
David Amos
Reply to @Murray Brown: I Wholeheartedly Agree Sir
Edward Andrews Did I miss something here? Higgs is saying its ok to go from point A to point B within the province but we should stay home? Higgs its ok to go to C, D, E, F as well and I don't need permission and I don't need police to be asking me about my business as they only information they will get is what they are entitled to under law. The won't get any information about where I'm going, where I have been, what my purpose of travelling is. I'm good with distancing and not gathering as means to slow the spread but the cure is quickly becoming worse than the virus. I'm not good with Higgs suggesting there are rules in place that don't exist or that suddenly charter rights have been fully suspended.
Chantal LeBouthi
Reply to @Edward Andrews: And not much transparency
Pat Holland
Reply to @Edward Andrews: You may want to read the government’s power during a state of emergency! It is exactly that, your charter rights are suspended and you can be charged as they wish if you don’t follow the rules set out.
Chantal LeBouthi
Reply to @Pat Holland: It doesn’t mean trying to create your own marshal law
The only poeples who can declare marshal law is the federal government
Chantal LeBouthi
Reply to @Pat Holland: And this isn’t a state emergency
Is a public health emergency
Edward Andrews
Reply to @Pat Holland: You may want to read the actual declaration and the laws regarding the declaration of a state of emergency and mandatory order. Our charter rights are not suspended, some right may be limited and only in 14 day increments as the declaration must be renewed every 14 days. Yes you can be charged for not following the order under the limits prescribed within the declaration. Nothing in this order prevents movement within NB. Higgs continually infers that powers have been enacted that have not. Limiting travel into the province is indicated, (doubt it would survive a charter challenge except in the most flagrant cases) social distancing of 2m is indicated travel in and around NB is not discussed at all.
Edward Andrews
Reply to @Chantal LeBouthi: It is a state of emergency, the declaration and mandatory order has been issued and renewed most recent as April 2nd. It will need to be renewed on Apr 16 and every 14 days with the Lt Governors consent and approval. Government does have broad powers under a state of emergency but as well meaning as they may be the people will limit those powers by ignoring rules that don't make sense and this is where the sword cuts both ways. Government cracking down will lead to social disorder and breakdown as people will tolerate having they right limited for a limited time and in limited ways that serve the greater good. I have no issues with limiting this but if I'm minding my own business driving around to get out of the house I don't expect to be interfered with by police and therefore have someone breathing into my car window that has higher risks of exposure than me.
David Amos
Reply to @Edward Andrews: BINGO
Pat Holland Reply to @Edward Andrews: Because it is clear you haven't read it I thought I would put the section that applies there for you it is quite clear they can limit travel
Emergency Measures Act (R.S.N.B. 2011, c.147)
Pat Holland Reply to @Chantal LeBouthi: March 19 as per GNB website " state of emergency declared in New Brunswick" In response to a health crisis. So yes this province is under a state of emergency
Edward Andrews Reply to @Pat Holland: Oh Pat, one thing that is clear is you have not read the actual declaration and seem to believe the Act and the declaration are one and the same. The Act enables such declarations and the content of the declaration must be both reasonable and based on facts to respond to the immediate threats. Dig a bit deeper for your education Pat. I agree a SoE, as allowed under the Emergency Measures Act, has been declared. I agree the government "can" suspend charter rights under such a declaration. The fine point is "can". Now go read the actual declaration and mandatory order, its right there on the NB gov page. You'll see what powers and orders Higgs has put in place and that have been approved by the Lt Gov, as is required. If you read it you will see what rights are being limited. Those limitations not expressly included in the declaration are not limited in any way and remain intact and available to all. Higgs is making personal appeals sound like orders (not included in the declaration) and needs to not blur the two at this time and endanger the public through over zealous police enforcement.
Marguerite Deschamps Hogwash! Trumps said it would be business as usual by Easter.
Pat Holland
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: You are mis quoting that. He said it would be nice to see things open by Easter followed by wouldn’t it be nice to see people back to work by Easter and churches full of people celebrating Easter
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @Pat Holland: He may have said that later. I heard him with my two ears state that he intended to have the country opened by Easter. This is how you recognize Trump, he flip flops all the time.
Pat Holland
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: I tried sending the link to the actual video as well as the politico transcript where it it clear in his speech from the rose garden he said he would “love to open” the economy again not he was going to. It would not allow me to upload it.
Edward Andrews
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Hey ah, you do realize this is Canada and Trump isn't the PM here, right? We have our own flip flopping, character challenged politician to muse about.
David Amos
Reply to @Edward Andrews: Methinks the SANB dudes want folks to ignore those facts N'esy Pas?
Marguerite Deschamps Reply to @Pat Holland: That's the flip flop you were looking for.
Pat Holland Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Not looking for flip flop at all, But when people misquote things to push a narrative or stoke fear and hate for another it becomes troubling and not very helpful in times like these.
David Amos
Reply to @Pat Holland: Methinks you should learn to read before you attack people N'esy Pas?
Chantal LeBouthi Quebec will test every seniors in nursing home to protect the seniors
Lou Bell
Reply to @Chantal LeBouthi: They better ! Quebec's a mess !!!
Lou Bell
Reply to @Chantal LeBouthi: Too late ! That's already been compromise ! La Bigly !!
Chantal LeBouthi
Reply to @Lou Bell:
?
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @Lou DumBell: Alberta is much more of a mess right now! And how would you know about Quebec if it's lost in translation?
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: at least their Premier is able to address his minority in their language as opposed to your hero here.
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Methinks you should checkout the Anglophone webapages you are commenting on a little closer even though this is the English side of CBC Higgy is clearly speaking French on occasion N'esy Pas?
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @David Amos: I listen to both the English and French side and his French, which is improving, I admit, is almost nonexistent.
David Amos Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Methinks you SANB dudes flip flop just like Trump and Trudeau N'esy Pas?
Health Minister Patty Hajdu's office said reimbursement of the $140,000 penalty is temporary. (Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press)
The federal government took away $140,000 in transfer payments to New Brunswick as a penalty for not providing adequate abortion access.
But then gave it back.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country, the government found New Brunswick was violating the Canada Health Act by not covering out-of-hospital abortions under Medicare.
As a result, it deducted $140,216 from the annual health transfer payments that were paid out in March. That's how much money New Brunswickers spent out-of-pocket on abortions at a clinic in 2017, when they were supposed to be covered.
However, because of the pressure on the health system caused by the novel coronavirus, the federal government has decided to reimburse that amount, according to a statement shared by the Minister of Health Patty Hajdu's office.
Health Minister Ted Flemming said the Health Act has a dispute mechanism that the federal government can use, but he believes New Brunswick is compliant. (Ed Hunter/CBC)
The statement said the reimbursement was "temporary", but it did not provide a timeline.
"As the prime minister has said, we will ensure that the New Brunswick government eliminates patient charges for abortion services outside of hospitals," said Hajdu's spokesperson Cole Davidson.
The statement said discussions about reducing barriers to abortion are continuing.
During the daily COVID-19 news conference Thursday, Premier Blaine Higgs said the province's position has been clear from the beginning: "that we're not funding a private clinic in New Brunswick."
"We're meeting the Canada Health rules and the Canada Health Act," Higgs said.
Dr. Adrian Edgar, medical director of Clinic 554. (CBC)
Minister of Health Ted Flemming said the Canada Health Act is a funding statute that has a dispute resolution mechanism.
"We believe that the procedure is not in violation of the Canada Health Act ... And the ball is entirely in the federal government's court with respect to dispute resolution."
New Brunswick provides abortions in two hospitals in Moncton — the Moncton Hospital and the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre — and the Chaleur Regional Hospital in Bathurst.
In late February, Hajdu said "Obviously there is an inequity in terms of access to services, and under their proposed regime women are not covered in very specific regions."
New Brunswick received $860 million in health transfer payments in 2020.
Barriers remain
Dr. Adrian Edgar of Clinic 554, New Brunswick's only abortion clinic, said COVID-19 has thrown up even more barriers to people seeking abortion services.
He said travelling to get abortions in hospitals is riskier now because of COVID-19. He said allowing abortions in clinics would make the process safer.
"If they would just fund everything we do, including abortions, patients in the southern part of the province wouldn't have to travel during a pandemic and they wouldn't be asked to enter a hospital when we're trying to limit all unnecessary hospital visits," he said.
Geri Geldart, vice-president clinical at Horizon Health Network, said abortion services continue and the process has not changed since the pandemic reached New Brunswick.
"Patients accessing abortion services at Horizon's The Moncton Hospital will be screened before entering the hospital," she said.
Vitalite spokesperson Thomas Lizotte said surgical abortion services in Chaleur Regional Hospital and Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre are still operational despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
49 Comments Commenting is now closed for this story.
David Amos Methinks Health Minister Patty Hajdu's office should review their emails ASAP N'esy Pas?
Jef Cronkhite
Reply to @David Amos: After months of seeing this, I'm sorry, I have to say something. FIRSTLY it's "n'est pas" NOT "n'ecy pas""N'ecy pas" does NOT exist in English NOR French SECONDLY the same as every word in a sentence in English does NOT need to be capitalized, we also DO NOT capitalize every word in French, either. THIRDLY Perhaps you think ending EACH AND EVERY post with this incorrect phrase makes you appear pithy and fresh, PLEASE believe me when I tell you - IT DOES NOT....
BruceJack Speculator
Reply to @Jef Cronkhite: Thank you. Glad to see a direct response to that particular poster whose comments never add anything except various forms of "Look at me".
BruceJack Speculator
Reply to @BruceJack Speculator: or should I have said: "Regardez moi". And actually I thought what the other poster uses all the time was a fake form of "n'est-ce pas?" meaning "Is it not?"
David Amos
Reply to @BruceJack Speculator: Methinks you dudes forgot to ask me if I cared what you think about my choice of lingos However no doubt you know why I am honoured by the the fact that you hate me N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @Jef Cronkhite: "Remote Complex Technical Support Analyst"
Yea Right Methinks you should learn how to use Google N'esy Pas?
James Jones
aka Ray Oliver
Reply to @Jef Cronkhite: Hands down the best post I've read on this forum to date. Keep up the good work!!
David Amos
Reply to @James Jones: Methinks its and interesting day for you to pick a fight with me N'esy Pas?
James Jones
aka Ray Oliver
Reply to @David Amos: Why is this day any different than the previous ones? Did my RCMP buddies or best bud Higgy do something you want to tease me over? Please use material others will understand also not just you
Johnny Jakobs
Reply to @James Jones: boing
Johnny Jakobs
Reply to @James Jones: er
David Amos
Reply to @James Jones: How much of my work have you Higgy/RCMP fans already refused to read? Federal Court File No T-1557-15 is a pretty good example. Methinks everybody knows you partake of too much blue kool aid to bother arguing with and its impossible to fix stupid anyway N'esy Pas?
Harvey York
Reply to @David Amos: take a hint man. If you actually were as awesome as you think you are , you would have been elected by now...but alas, you are something out of this world for sure
David Amos
Reply to @Harvey York: Methinks I should feel honoured that you hate me N'esy Pas?
David Amos Reply to @David Amos: Methinks I should ask people who hate me so much is that any reason to justify why both Health Ministers would deny my right to Health Care? Imagine if such a time happened to you I bet you would complain N'esy Pas?
Tim Biddiscombe We were lucky to get that money back..
David Amos Reply to @Tim Biddiscombe: Methinks you have no clue how deep the rabbit hole goes N'esy Pas?
David News It is a shame that in NB our health system across the board is substandard compared to the other Canadian provinces. The government rations so many services that are generally readily available for free in the rest of the country. Lets see, blood tests, full medicals on an annual basis, oh the ability to actually go to a clinic and discuss and address more than one issue with the doctor, or better yet actually get a family doctor. Why is it a surprise that the province ration's medical services that are protected by the charter of rights for women. Only in NB eh! Shame on the current and previous provincial governments for not investing in a rigorous health system that actually address's all of the needs of N Bers
Tim Biddiscombe
Reply to @David News: It was $140k out of out over $1B and we got it back.
David Amos
Reply to @Tim Biddiscombe: Methinks on Good Friday I bet you and a lot of beancounters in Beantown recall how many beans I sued Cardinal Bernard Francis Law for in 2002 N'esy Pas?
eddy watts What about other provinces who follow the law....will they get extra $$?? Yes it's ($$) needed in NB, but not at the expense of women's rights.
David Amos
Reply to @eddy watts: Methinks everybody knows that is the problem THERE IS NO LAW N'esy Pas?
Mike Morton Liberals playing politics during the pandemic again...
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @Mike Morton: Maybe you should ask the Sheer incompetent about that too?
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps: Methinks even Lou Bell and you SANB dudes know why I am playing politics to the max with the mindless Health Ministers N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @Marguerite Deschamps Methinks your buddy Lou Bell just made and interesting statement N'esy Pas?
:"With the GREAT daily updates we're getting it has sure stifled the Liberal naysayers going after Higgs .They must be really , really be keeping their fingers crossed for some type of negative news. Marc , Maggie , and others have been pretty well muzzled . Need new orders I guess from melanson and the Shediac 5 ".
Bruce Sanders "adequate abortion access" Why should any Canadian have their hard earned taxes given to people for a life choice they have made. Well, Morgentaler would be so proud.
eddy watts
Reply to @Bruce Sanders: yes and lets make sure that smokers have no access to cancer treatment....people that drink no access to treatment.....people that eat too much (obese) no heart treatment etc etc...punishing women (only) for life choices smacks of "hate" to me.
Marguerite Deschamps
Reply to @eddy watts: Very good point!
David Amos
Reply to @Bruce Sanders: Methinks some seated politicians should finally step up to the plate and defend the unborn. Just because there is no law pertaining to abortion and its claimed that they have no rights until they breathe air it does not excuse the evil actions of Morgentaler and his many cohorts against them over the years N'esy Pas?
Axel Roosevelt How was 140k supposed to be any kind of punishment? $140,000 is less than a rounding error in government money terms, it's more like the equivalent of dropping a nickel somewhere.
David Amos
Reply to @Axel Roosevelt: Methinks if our duly elected but very mindless biased beancounters looked after our nickel and dimes then the big buck budgets would balance themselves N'esy Pas?
Frank Ward In the Last Days, Good will be called Evil . And Evil called Good.
BruceJack Speculator
Reply to @Frank Ward: ?
Matthew Smith
Reply to @Frank Ward: and bread will be called butter and butter bread, fish will be called fowl and fowl fish.... I see the game you're playing now!
David Amos
Reply to @Matthew Smith: What game are you playing?
Johnny Almar Taxpayers should not have to pay for little Suzy's night of fun.
David Amos
Reply to @Johnny Almar: So you say but what are you doing about it?
Donald Gallant
Reply to @Johnny Almar: Same for little Johnny.
Arish Moogadoo You'd think that in the middle of a pandemic that the federal government would have better things to do than to continue to persecute New Brunswick.
David Amos
Reply to @Arish Moogadoo: Exactly
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @Arish Moogadoo: More importantly to me is why do both Heath Ministers deny my right to Health Care?
David Amos
Reply to @Arish Moogadoo: Methinks its very interesting when and why things go "Poof" N'esy Pas?
Arish Moogadoo Canada has been knee capping our province since 1867 and then telling us to be grateful for the money they give us, all the while telling us how to run our province. Time to keep the borders in place once this crisis is over and get back our traditional New England trade routes. So sick of the way these Canadians treat this province and how they keep telling us what to do! Anyone notice how the national networks cover every other province but pretend New Brunswick doesn't exist? It seems we're in a federation who doesn't like us.
Jef Cronkhite
Reply to @Arish Moogadoo: Unfortunately, those "traditional New England trade routes no loner exist. YES, it sucks they way we are treated, but we're here, now, and we have to be adults about it. We can't go throwing hissy-fits, and threaten separation, like the Western Provinces, or Quebec. Like it or not we ALL live in a Global Economy, and closing borders would make matters WORSE, not better. I'm with you that we are NOT treated well compared with other regions, but we combat that by PROVING our worth, not whining and crying about it
Arish Moogadoo
Reply to @Jef Cronkhite: Yes they do exist, our forestry and petroleum sectors are very integrated. I'm not threatening separation, I'm wishing for it.
Jef Cronkhite
Reply to @Arish Moogadoo: YES, we have forest connections, but those are owned and operated by Irving and their subsidiaries. You think they're just going to hand them over to us? We DO NOT have an petroleum sectors. 100% of the oil processed here in Saint John comes from overseas. Not a single DROP of Canadian oil is processed here. What we REALLY have is fishing and farming and, although great for feeding the masses, neither is an industry we can stand alone on. I don't like it any batter than you do, but we are dependent on the rest of Canada for our survival..
.
Bruce Sanders
Reply to @Jef Cronkhite: We do not have a petroleum sector because Canada lacks leadership and knowledge as well as a weak constitution that the SC ignored that basically gave those with certain birthrights an invitation to intervene on anything they have time for; which seems like all the time.
David Amos
Reply to @Arish Moogadoo: Me Too
Johnny Jakobs Reply to @Arish Moogadoo: the point powers most of new england...
Premier Blaine Higgs said, depending how the next weeks and months, New Brunswick could begin rebooting the provincial economy this summer. (Submitted by the Government of New Brunswick)
Premier Blaine Higgs said Thursday there's a chance New Brunswick could begin jump-starting the economy and regain a sense of normalcy within a matter of months.
"There is hope New Brunswick can return to normal in some form this summer," Higgs declared during the regular afternoon media briefing after the province announced three new confirmed cases of COVID-19.
That brings the provincial total to 111, a number that officials and researchers say shows the restrictive measures in place are working — so far. But hauling back restrictions, or non-compliance, could have devastating and deadly consequences for New Brunswickers and their health-care system, according to new projections released Thursday.
Higgs said his government is considering the steps it would take to allow businesses to reopen. That includes maintaining physical distancing practices in the meantime and testing for potential carriers returning to the workplace.
"Then we look at each business and we say, 'OK, how can this one operate, how can it meet the social distancing required in the situation, and how can we allow it to start up," he said.
Opportunities New Brunswick, which is co-ordinating the program for working capital loans between $100,000 and $1 million, is now assisting 1,200 businesses.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says it will take months of Canadians'"continued, determined effort" to follow pandemic measures such as physical distancing to overcome COVID-19. 1:55
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wasn't as optimistic in his remarks Thursday, saying "this is the new normal" until a vaccine is developed, which could be a year or two away.
Higgs said any move to reopen businesses would depend on how the next weeks and months play out and the economy won't be fully restarted until there is a vaccine.
But the premier is concerned about the financial fallout.
"We believe there is a balance here because if people don't have a job, if they don't have income, if they don't have a future that they can see and a livelihood, they can become more stressed, we can have social situations that become unbearable and we don't want to see that happen," he said.
More than 64,000 people applied for the province's one-time $900 payment for affected workers.
In an interview Thursday morning with CBC News, Higgs also explained how the provincial government coffers have been hit by the pandemic. The province is losing out on $40 million in revenue per month, and Higgs said he's concerned about equalization transfer payments with Alberta's economy "devastated."
It raises questions about how the government will maintain critical services in a prolonged shutdown.
Information Morning - Fredericton
An update from the Premier
Premier Blaine Higgs talks about the pandemic, the economy, and the budget. His message to people, 'don't give up hope'. 18:41
"We're saying, 'Are we going to be able to borrow money?' We need to maintain critical services and be able to supply everyone what they need," said Higgs, who even raised the notion of applying for federal disaster funding.
"So, how we get businesses up and running and contributing again is a focus because we need that source of revenue."
Here is a roundup of other developments.
3 new cases include child, two adults in same family
The province announced three new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Thursday.
All three cases are in the Fredericton area. Cases include a person under the age of 10, a person between 30 and 39 years old and a third 40 to 49 years-old. All of the cases are in one family after one family member travelled from Ontario more than a week ago, Premier Blaine Higgs said.
"I want it to be clear how easy it is to not only have your family impacted, but how easy it is to spread to other members of the community," he said.
These new cases bring the total number of cases up to 111.
There are 111 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Brunswick. (Photo: CBC News )
The number of COVID cases continues to rise, but slowly, said Dr. Jennifer Russsell, New Brunswick's chief medical officer of health.
Fifty-three people have recovered from the virus.
Government releases COVID-19 projections
COVID-19 could kill between 550 and 1,750 New Brunswickers over the next 18 to 24 months, until a vaccine is available, projections released by the provincial government Thursday reveal.
"These aren't just figures on a graph. These are people. These are New Brunswickers," Premier Blaine Higgs said.
Had there been no public health measures, as many as 5,600 New Brunswickers could have died, said Flemming.
The number of people in intensive care could hit a peak of 84 on any given day this month, under the worst-case scenario model, which was based on northern Italy's data, he said, and acute care hospitalizations, 194.
Caution tape hangs over chairs at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital that aren't allowed to be used by patients to promote physical distancing. (Photo: Elizabeth Fraser/CBC News)
At least another two weeks of data is required to be able to project a peak of the pandemic.
Some other provinces, such as Ontario, Alberta and Quebec, previously released their projections.
Higgs said New Brunswick's relatively low numbers to date make accurate projections challenging.
"And that's been kind of the focus here is how accurate can we be?
"We want to make sure people realize this is very, very real. The potential is very, very high. And so the situation that we present … needs to be as accurate as possible."
Virus consistently turns up less frequently in New Brunswick
As of Tuesday, when New Brunswick had 105 cases of COVID-19, it had the fewest cases per capita of all the provinces.
And while New Brunswick has tested less for COVID-19 than most provinces, in testing that has been done, the virus consistently turns up less frequently in New Brunswick than elsewhere — once in every 58 tests since the beginning of the pandemic last month.
By comparison, in neighbouring Nova Scotia the virus has shown up once in every 35 tests and in Quebec, once in every 13 tests.
New Brunswick's chief medical officer of health, Dr. Jennifer Russell, said she supports making the province's projections public.
The modelling is important, she said, so the province can be prepared and adjust plans, if required.
Province delays hunting and fishing season
The province will delay the opening of recreational fishing and hunting season for a minimum of two weeks.
This position will be evaluated again on April 30.
According to the government's website, all Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development have been ordered to close until further notice.
Stay home over Easter weekend
This week, Premier Blaine Higgs and Dr. Jennifer Russell have been urging people to stay home and to avoid family gatherings and church services over the Easter weekend.
Right now, Higgs said, New Brunswickers are doing what Public Health is asking of them to flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19.
But he made it clear all that could change if people take part in social gatherings.
"If we continue to follow the rules closely, we can be a game changer in New Brunswick," Higgs said.
Earlier this week, Higgs said he was aware of at least two ATV rallies planned for the weekend, but on Thursday, Higgs said organizations like the New Brunswick All Terrain Vehicle Federation have made it clear they aren't going to sanction any rallies.
Police and RCMP officers have the authority to enforce the rules against gatherings of any kind, Higgs said.
"Will they proceed with that enforcement? I hope it won't be necessary. But if it is, yes they will. We must adhere to the rules for our own health and safety."
Province's income benefit program ends Thursday
The deadline for the provincial emergency income benefit has come to a close. The $900 was meant to help New Brunswickers who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19.
Despite concerns raised around access to the benefit, Premier Blaine Higgs remained strong that there would be no extension.
"It was very, very clearly a stopgap until the federal government benefit was going to come into play," said Higgs of the $900.
According to government's recent projections, COVID-19 could kill between 550 and 1,750 New Brunswickers over the next 12 to 24 months. (Photo: Government of New Brunswick)
New Brunswickers were told they would have until 8 p.m. Thursday night to register for the benefit. But that wasn't the case for some New Brunswickers, like Samantha Williams. The Sussex woman called the line Thursday morning, and after waiting for just over an hour, was told registration for the benefit was already closed and it could not be reopened.
"I'm definitely a little disappointed. I mean I was really counting on that money. It's a scary time for sure and you never really know what's going to happen," she said.
On Thursday morning, Higgs told Information Morning Fredericton that there were "technical issues" on the GNB website, which resulted in them closing online registration earlier than expected.
On Tuesday, Higgs said more than 60,000 people applied for the benefit to date, and more than $20 million had already been paid out.
Liberal MLA for Moncton Centre Robert McKee called on the government to extend the New Brunswick workers emergency income benefit for people who lost their jobs or had to close their business because of the COVID-19 outbreak
But McKee said members of the Liberal caucus have received "many" calls in recent days from people experiencing problems with online applications and in trying to reach someone on the phone.
Premier hopes to delay fishery
Premier Blaine Higgs says he wants Fisheries and Oceans Canada to delay the spring fishing season in New Brunswick.
The government is in discussions with other provinces about what it would mean for them, he said.
"But I think if we had a choice it would be delayed at least for a few weeks and maybe maybe a little longer."
If the season is delayed, and especially if it's cancelled, Higgs said he would expect the federal government to provide compensation to fishers.
What to do if you have symptoms?
Symptoms of coronavirus include fever, cough or breathlessness. In this case, residents should:
74 Comments Commenting is now closed for this story.
David Amos Methinks the photo is a a telling thing. In order for folks to uphold Higgy's law perhaps the hospital should put tape on two chair between each seated client before the cops opt to ticket everybody N'esy Pas?
Lou Bell With the GREAT daily updates we're getting it has sure stifled the Liberal naysayers going after Higgs .They must be really , really be keeping their fingers crossed for some type of negative news. Marc , Maggie , and others have been pretty well muzzled . Need new orders I guess from melanson and the Shediac 5 .
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: Methinks you are not reading all the comment sections N'esy Pas?
David Amos Reply to @Lou Bell: BTW Methinks you already know that I quoted you to Maggie in a heartbeat N'esy Pas?
Sean Pendragon Small business = non-essential. Walmart = essential
SarahRose Werner
Reply to @Sean Pendragon: Not true. Some of the small businesses in the Saint John City Market have remained open because they sell produce or meat or because they're able to operate on a take-out/delivery basis. "Taste of Egypt" on King Street has a sign board out on the sidewalk advertising its take-out and delivery services.
David Amos
Reply to @SarahRose Werner: WRONG I get my groceries at Walmart
SarahRose Werner
Reply to @David Amos: I wasn't saying that Walmart wasn't essential. It is. But Sean seemed to think that *all* small businesses have been deemed non-essential and this simply isn't true.
Fred Dee Sadly... do not break a tooth.... Dentists will not be back till much later!!! They need PPE"s to work!!
SarahRose Werner
Reply to @Fred Dee: I'm more worried about the possibility of breaking my glasses, as I'm pretty much blind without them and the optometrists and opticians are all closed.
David Amos
Reply to @SarahRose Werner: Methinks a lot old folks such as I are far more concerned about our toothaches to care about your fear of breaking your glasses N'esy Pas?
SarahRose Werner
Reply to @David Amos: Plenty of "old folks" (like myself) wear glasses.
David Amos
Reply to @SarahRose Werner: I don't but most of us get toothaches like the one I have right now and my friend Dr Roger Richard can't do a thing about it legally particularly while Higgy and NB Power are trying to have me arrested.
john smith why would you delay fishing and hunting thats ridiculous you can purchase everything online and you defitely practice social distancing in those activities that sort of decision makes people go hmmmm
Ben Haroldson
Reply to @john smith: Only anadromous fish are federal jurisdiction. The rest is a provincial call. Don't know if higgs knows that or not.
Lou Bell
Reply to @john smith: Many don't fish alone . And it's not an essential service. And it's more than just buying a licence . We all know how fishermen / hunters like to blame their equipment for their futility on the water !
David Amos
Reply to @Ben Haroldson: Methinks Higgy don't know as much as he thinks he does N'esy Pas? (BTW Thanks for the vote of confidence)
eddy watts ummm Canada will open when the States open.....N.B. will open when Ontario opens....You have to love Higgs ("on the world stage")
Lou Bell
Reply to @eddy watts: Everything has worked so far ! Leading in stats doesn't equate to being a follower ! Tell us how those so called leaders are being followed by Higgs ! Pay attention !
eddy watts
Reply to @Lou Bell: "leadng in stats" where are you getting this stuff?...right NB government. You need to pay attention to the countries that actually are in the center of the battle not Blaine Higgs...ok the world is a big place for you ..have a look at PEI...140,000 people you can do the math.
David Amos
Reply to @eddy watts: Methinks Little Lou thinks she knows everything N'esy Pas?
Kris Boucher Perspective
Cancer Nearly 80,000 people died from cancer in 2018, according to Statistics Canada.
Cardiovascular disease In 2018, more than 53,000 Canadians died from heart disease, according to Statistics Canada.
Accidents, including a car crash Nearly 13,300 people died from unintentional injuries in 2018, according to Statistics Canada.
The flu Influenza and pneumonia killed 8,511 people in 2018, per Statistics Canada figures.
Suicide In 2018, 3,811 people died by suicide, according to Statistics Canada.
When you cut through the hysteria and see the facts, such as the elderly and those with a compromised immune system are the ones at greater risk from the covid virus. Perhaps we should be isolating these people, but don’t shut down the country our economy will take years to come back. So far there is over 500 deaths from this virus, but over 5206 people have recovered out of the 20,682 cases in Canada.
Perspective is everything.
June Arnott
Reply to @Kris Boucher: I understand your stats. But with Covid 19, it could wipe out more people than all that put together. What has been unleashed on our world is like a bio chemistry attack. Unprecedented. We are screwed and lots will die if we don’t stop the spread.
David Amos
Reply to @Kris Boucher: Obviously I Wholeheartedly Agree
Methinks Nobody Should Deny That Is What I Have Been Harping About Since The Nonsense Began N'esy Pas?
Kris Boucher Reply to @Kris Boucher: You do need to realize that none of these causes of death with the exception of the flu are spreadable through community transmission. It's like comparing apples with oranges. And comparing the flu with COVID-19 is again incomparable, since we do have vaccines for the flu, but none with COVID-19, which is why the number of deaths from the flu are so low. We are currently in a honeymoon phase with COVID-19, where we don't know the full impact of the virus as of yet, but we are projecting over 11,000 to 22,000 deaths by the end of the year with strict measures according to experts. Without any measures, it could end up between 50,000 and 100,000.
Kris Boucher
Reply to @June Arnott: if more people are recovering than dying in Canada then it’s not the monster everyone is making it out to be. It is deadly for the elderly and those with a compromised immune system, but for folks that have strong immune system this is nothing more than the seasonal flu. Which by the way hundreds of thousands of Canadians recover from without ever getting a vaccine, their own immune system fought it off. If there were more people dying than recovering I could see your point.
Kris Boucher
Reply to @Gabriel Boucher: my point that you obviously missed, is that you could die from heart disease or cancer or the common flu before covid 19 gets you. Unless you have a compromised immune system or are elderly. Better to have hope than to live in fear, if the ratio of recovered to fatalities changes I will change my stance. But in Canada so far more people have recovered than died.
Georges Saint Yves Reply to @Gabriel Boucher: But, vaccines for the flu is incidental depending on the virus. One flu vaccine doesn't prevent all flu strains. What is needed is a herd immunity. Although one death is too many, if you look at the percentage of deaths to the people infected and the percentage of deaths to the population it is extremely low. Perhaps if we had received the actual data from China for the Wuhan flu, the projected numbers may be more accurate. Nevertheless, after the panic that Trudeau continues to preach everyday and his foolishness about not reopening the economy for abundance of months, the amount of deaths from suicide will far outnumber the amount of deaths from this virus. There is a solution if a politician is brave enough to put it forth. Trudeau's solution is to continue to raise panic so that he can move his vision of destroying an already weak economy. Canadians will start to question and there will be the possibility of anarchy in the streets.
David Amos
Reply to @Kris Boucher: I continue to agree with you. FYI I am a senior with a heart condition who has been in and out the emergency rooms for tests etc. without a Medicare Card since the last federal election Hence I have to pay for the Doctor fees and test etc out of pocket. Two scheduled visits to the hospital have been canceled because of this panic. However I don't minds because I self isolate anyway because for about 10 years or so while I was homeless if I caught a bad cold I was at death's door and had no access to health care with no money at all. Now that the economic collapse I have been predicting is upon us I have to put a stop to the New Brunswick Health Care System consuming my CPP and Old Age funds coming from the Feds. I will sue the Crown to recover lost funds etc because Higgy and Flemming have continued with their "Stay" on my Medicare Card to this very day. Methinks its obviously because I ran against their political parties and embarrassed them in public N'esy Pas?
Sean Pendragon
Reply to @Kris Boucher: You should demand an emergency meeting with the WHO and CDC to inform them of your rational perspective.
Lou Bell Reply to @Kris Boucher: New York city and other American cities were like you . DID NOTHING and look at them now ! Isolating and social distancing has paid off BIGLY !! Pay attention and comprehend if you can where all would be without following the strict parameters ! Look at Italy / Spain .You want perspective , then take off the blinders .
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: Methinks you should take your own advice N'esy Pas?
Lou Bell Reply to @David Amos: 15 to 20 votes while running in any election . Not even those signing your nomination papers voted for you . We know how much faith people are putting in your revelations !
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: Methinks you should check the data from all 7 elections like your hero Higgy does N'esy Pas?
Lou Bell
Reply to @David Amos: There is a reason no one listens to your harping . Time to do a 180 !
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: Methinks your hero Higgy needs a far smarter lawyer than Flemming if they wish to continue to deny my right to Health Care N'esy Pas?
James Jones
aka Ray Oliver Reply to @David Amos: Sounds like they've done a pretty good job withholding it so far to me
David Amos
Reply to @Ray Oliver: Methinks that may be the understatement of this comment section My question to you is what if such things had happened you? I wager you would not find it so funny then N'esy Pas?
Johnny Almar I just discovered the mute button. Good bye Mr. N'esy Pas. Rant to yourself.
Jeremy Allain
Reply to @Johnny Almar: your above comment made believe in miracles again. Lol!
David Amos
Reply to @Jeremy Allain: Dream on
Johnny Jakobs
Reply to @David Amos: yes he was. He was on a roll today. Typing under a pseudonym...
David Amos
Content disabled Reply to @Johnny Jakobs: Out of that gate every word of his first foray under his new ID last weekend went "Poof" as soon as I asked a very simple question remember?
Methinks desperate people do desperate things N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @Johnny Jakobs: Methinks desperate people do desperate things N'esy Pas?
Johnny Almar So a person returned to New Brunswick from Ontario last week and infected three people in their family. One being a child.
1) This person traveled unnecessarily. 2) The should of self-isolated for two weeks when returning. They did not. 3) This person was very selfish and I hope that they are going to be charged for breaking the law.
David Amos
Reply to @Johnny Almar: Cry me a river
Jeremy Allain
Reply to @Johnny Almar: agree one thousand percent. They willingly took a non essential trip cross border and put family members in harms way. If anything, heaven forbid; happens to those family members, they should be held responsible. Full stop.
Johnny Almar Ignore whatever worst-case scenario they say. Look at the best-case scenario divide it in half and call that the worst-case scenario because governments have over-estimated this virus from the getgo.
David Amos
Reply to @Johnny Almar: Methinks everybody wants to know how many tickets did your cop buddies serve today N'esy Pas?
Theo Lavigne:
Reply to @Johnny Almar: I think it is better to over estimate in the case of a virus we never seen before
Denis LeBlanc
Reply to @David Amos: Looking at these 3 new cases, obviously not enough.
Julianne Mcnamara
Reply to @Johnny Almar: Very true. Thanks.
Lou Bell
Reply to @David Amos: Nope , you're in your own little world on that one !
Lou Bell
Reply to @David Amos: Maybe run on that in the next election !
James Jones
aka Ray Oliver
Reply to @David Amos: I thought they were my cop buddies last week. Sure is alot of cops on here isn't there. Disagreeable cops always a buzzkill to David!!
David Amos
Reply to @James Jones: Wrong again. Methinks Lou Bell and everybody else knows that I love exposing the cops' dirty deeds to all N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @Denis LeBlanc: Methinks somebody should follow the money dudes such as Urquhart and Steeves while you chase the ambulance dudes such as Higgy and Flemming N'esy Pas?
Higgs optimistic about COVID-19 trajectory — if we don't blow it this long weekend
Normal life is a while away, but premier is already thinking about economic recovery
Sarah Morin· CBC News· Posted: Apr 09, 2020 10:36 AM AT
Premier Blaine Higgs said New Brunswick could flatten the curve within a month or two, so long as people follow the rules. (Submitted by the Government of New Brunswick)
New Brunswick is on track to being a model for the rest of the country in terms of its response to COVID-19, but only if people aren't reckless over the long weekend, Premier Blaine Higgs said Thursday.
"This may be our first big test," Higgs said in an interview with Information Morning Fredericton. New Brunswick's success depends on people following the rules, which include staying indoors and not spending time with people other than those who live in your home, Higgs said.
As of Wednesday, the province had 108 cases.
I do think with continued measures we can be talking weeks instead of months and months.
- Blaine Higgs, premier
Higgs is optimistic the government will flatten the curve in a month or two.
"I think it's hard to tell. This weekend will be telltale. We've seen our numbers decline over the last few days, but you can't jump on that and say it's getting over.
"I do think with continued measures we can be talking weeks instead of months and months." Until a vaccine is found, which may not be for a year or two, certain precautions will remain in place, Higgs said.
Higgs did not specify what those precautions could look like but said it will depend on testing for the virus.
"It'll depend on the conditions we find at the time."
119 Comments Commenting is now closed for this story.
David Amos Methinks its amazing how many people claim that they are not associated to certain parties today N'esy Pas?
Johnny Almar
Reply to @David Amos: Methinks & N'esy Pas have worn out their welcome.
Brian Decker
Reply to @Johnny Almar: AMEN TO THAT!!!
David Amos
Reply to @Johnny Almar: Methinks its your words that keep going "Poof" N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @Brian Decker: Methinks you know where you can find your words against me N'esy Pas?
Alison Jackson
Reply to @Johnny Almar: I was thinking the same exact thing,lol.
Alison Jackson
Reply to @David Amos: He stole it from the "et voilà" guy anyway.
David Amos
Reply to @Alison Jackson: Methinks Higgy and I are not surprised There are no coincidences when it comes to the actions of conservatives and their gang N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @Alison Jackson: BS
Johnny Almar
Reply to @David Amos: Funny you keep going on about us reporting people endangering lives by doing unnecessary things, yet spend you time reporting threads on here because they do not suit you.
David Amos
Reply to @Johnny Almar: BS
Bo Zam
Reply to @Johnny Almar: Glad it not just me..
Johnny Almar
Reply to @David Amos: How much does the RCMP pay you?
David Amos
Reply to @Johnny Almar: Ask them
Tom Simmons
IF WE DON"T BLOW IT! The FEDS AND PROVINCIAL BLEW IT ALREADY!
David Amos
Reply to @Tom Simmons: Yup
Peter J Hickey Reply to @Tom Simmons: How did they blow it?
Tom Simmons
Reply to @Peter J Hickey: The pandemic was evident in late January. Federal minister of health was briefed on it then. Did nothing, kept quiet in order to save political face because they knew we didn't have enough PPE to deal with what was coming and we are in bed with the Chi Comms and can't do anything to upset them like banning flights. The only person I've seen do anything pro active from government anywhere was Dominic Cardy who cancelled schools early on.
Ben Haroldson
Reply to @Tom Simmons: They blew it back when china warned us, um, when was that? December?
valmond landry
@JAMES JONES your going to change your mind and wake up in a couple of weeks from now
David Amos
Reply to @valmond landry: Of that I have no doubt
valmond landry
MR HIGGY SHOULDN'T BRAG Too MUCH ABOUT A SO Called Success THE WORSE IS YET TO COME AND THAT'S ONLY Being REALISTIC
David Amos
Reply to @valmond landry: Oh So True
James Jones
aka Ray Oliver Reply to @valmond landry: I think you might need a new keyboard you're all over the map Valmond. The worst isn't yet to come we are in decline. People keeping their distance and playing by the rules along with our provinces population density has got us in a positive place
David Amos
Reply to @James Jones: FYI I am talking about the economy not a dumb bug
James Jones
aka Ray Oliver Reply to @David Amos: Yeah that'll be in the toilet for a while no argument on that front!
Lou Bell Reply to @valmond landry: Praying won't get you the answer you're seeking !
David Amos
Reply to @James Jones: However you decide to insult me anyway??? Methinks you are just another Higgy fan N'esy Pas?
Michel Forgeron Reply to @valmond landry: It's simply a list of possibilities, not predictions. Unfortunately not everyone will see it that way.
Alison Jackson
As per usual religion will probably ruin everything.
David Amos
Reply to @Alison Jackson: You should know
June Arnott
Reply to @Alison Jackson: yup, those creationists don’t believe in science.
Bo Zam
Reply to @Alison Jackson: Watch Fox news much?
David Amos
Reply to @June Arnott: True but methinks whether they be religious or not they all worship money N'esy Pas?
Jim Cyr
Reply to @Alison Jackson: Stop being so bigoted, Alison. It's distasteful.
Tom Simmons
Reply to @Alison Jackson: Religion is the fundamental reason humans crawled out of the muck.
David Amos
Reply to @Tom Simmons: Methinks many would agree that they were just looking for something to eat N'esy Pas?
Lou Bell Reply to @David Amos: Use that in your next platform . Nothing else worked !
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: Methinks deciding what folks should eat is your forte N'esy Pas?
Jeff LeBlanc
People will blow it. That's why I'm going to drive around on Sunday snitching on people. If you live in southeast NB be warned, I'll be out there looking for lots of cars in people's driveways, etc. Enjoy your Easter!
Johnny Almar
Reply to @Jeff LeBlanc: You can drive to places you have no essential business in. So make sure to rat yourself out too.
Johnny Almar
Reply to @Johnny Almar: You *can't* drive to places you have no essential business in. So make sure to rat yourself out too.
June Arnott
Reply to @Jeff LeBlanc: um, you are not suppose to be driving around!
David Amos
Reply to @Jeff LeBlanc: Methinks it makes for very interesting days when French dudes brag of being a snitch in Conservative territory N'esy Pas?
Bo Zam
Reply to @Jeff LeBlanc: Snitches get stitches..
James Jones
aka Ray Oliver Reply to @Jeff LeBlanc: Be sure to tell that to an officer once he stops you for aimlessly driving. Good old vigilante attitude wont get you anything but trouble.
Jeff LeBlanc
Reply to @June Arnott: um yes I can if I don't get out of my car. Nothing illegal about a Sunday drive. So make sure you don't plan a gathering or I may rat you out.
Tom Simmons
Reply to @Jeff LeBlanc: Go back to east germany
Jeff LeBlanc
Reply to @Tom Simmons: I'd need a time machine, you got one?
Jeff LeBlanc
Reply to @James Jones: nothing illegal about a Sunday drive to Tim Hortons (essential service) apparently. And while on my Sunday drive if I happen to see a gathering expect a visit from the police. There is no law against that.
Jeff LeBlanc
Reply to @David Amos: methinks your first mistake was assuming I'm french.
David Amos
Reply to @Jeff LeBlanc: Methinks your name defines you N'esy Pas?
James Jones
aka Ray Oliver Reply to @Jeff LeBlanc: Someone sounds like their loneliness on Easter is going to feel the wrath of a wannabe rent a cop. Use the hotline for over the top blatant abuse of the emergency order not tying up the lines with your nonsense afternoon entertainment.
Jeff LeBlanc
Reply to @James Jones: of course I'm not going to waste my Sunday on this. But I got a lot of you worked up so much you felt the need to reply. Hopefully someone who reads this will realize there are people out there who WILL rat them out and they will think twice about hosting that Easter supper.
Jeff LeBlanc
Reply to @David Amos: so if my last name was Goldberg I'm automatically Jewish? No wonder you never get voted into office. Also Coronavirus lives in long gross beards so you might wanna shave. You are an odd duck man.
Donald Smith
Reply to @Jeff LeBlanc: Take Chill Pill Jeff. It'll be ok
Donald Smith
Reply to @Jeff LeBlanc: Yes I have one, its the Jack D Special
David Amos
Reply to @Jeff LeBlanc: Methinks your words further prove your blatant malice. Clearly you ain't no Hillbilly from my neck of the woods. Furthermore I suspect no dude named Goldberg would be so dumb as to brag that he is a snitch like the nasty French dude you definitely are N'esy Pas?
Tom Simmons Reply to @Jeff LeBlanc: We are in a time machine right now with your actions.
JC Cormier
Reply to @David Amos: Me thinks you've got a chip on your shoulder against the French, n'est-ce pas?
David Amos
Reply to @JC Cormier: Methinks everybody knows I hate nasty French men but love nice French ladies So that does not make me a bad guy just an honest one N'esy Pas?
Johnny Almar
What is being done to stop the 2 ATV rallies this weekend? Higgs said it was a bad idea but one of the groups out of Sussex is saying that the government okayed it.
Very confusing information.
David Amos
Reply to @Johnny Almar: Methinks it doesn't take much to confuse you particularly in light of the fact that you claim I work for the RCMP N'esy Pas?
Johnny Almar Reply to @David Amos: Where did I claim that?
David Amos
Reply to @Johnny Almar: Look up
Johnny Almar I have backside intel coming in on Transponder 9 from the Fandango Rangers that the emergency declaration will not be lifted until two months of little to no infections. That will take us into November. Newfoundland is factoring that in. New Brunswick is not.
Arish Moogadoo
Reply to @Johnny Almar: Newfies probably counted wrong and thought November was 2 months out from April.
David Amos
Reply to @Johnny Almar: How much are the RCMP and Higgy paying you for the Intel?
Renee Garry
Reply to @David Amos: Et voila!
Johnny Almar Premier Higgs is beginning to sounds like President Trump with his optimism.
David Amos
Reply to @Johnny Almar: Methinks that must have made your day N'esy Pas?
SarahRose Werner Higgs is taking a very pragmatic attitude. It's a bit startling to find myself agreeing with a Conservative!
Lou Bell
Reply to @SarahRose Werner: I'm not affiliated with either Libs or Cons , and yet after the stunts the liberals pulled off and attempted to pull off it'll be a long time before they get my vote again . And i did vote for them , both provincially and federally last election. Thought Trudeau was doing a decent job but have come to realize both he and Scheer are pathetic.
David Peters
Reply to @SarahRose Werner: Expanding gov't to this degree is the opposite of Conservatism.
Gabriel Boucher
Reply to @SarahRose Werner: It's a good thing that we currently have a minority government to guide our way through this. If it wasn't for that, we would've been in the same boat as other provinces that acted out late. Higgs is being pressured by the other parties to do the right thing, and it's been successful so far.
Terry Hughes
Reply to @SarahRose Werner: Higgs is doing a great job. I said in the past. Let our ELECTED leaders handle this. I also said I'm not a JT fan but he is our ELECTED leader. Let him do his job !!!!!!
Lou Bell
Reply to @Gabriel Boucher: We would have been starting with 130 million dollars less in our pockets if the Liberals had gotten elected !
Lou Bell
Reply to @SarahRose Werner: Methinks your hero Higgy should not be surprised by anything people say anymore N'esy Pas?
David Amos
Reply to @Lou Bell: Yea Right Surely you jest.
Methinks the SANB and everybody else knows there is no bigger fan of Higgy than you N'esy Pas?
Saint Andrews asks visitors to stay away during COVID-19 pandemic
Increasing vehicle traffic prompts resort town to ask tourists to stay home
Jordan Gill· CBC News· Posted: Apr 08, 2020 7:18 PM AT
Mayor Doug Naish is asking tourists to stay away from Saint Andrews during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Shane Fowler/CBC)
Saint Andrews Mayor Doug Naish is used to welcoming visitors to the seaside resort town, but now he's urging them to stay away.
The town issued a statement reminding people looking to ease their boredom that traveling to the community isn't the best option at this time.
"We don't want to send anybody away, but at this point in time it just seems that the additional risk of having people of unknown backgrounds coming here at a time when we've managed to convince our vulnerable population to take care of themselves just somehow doesn't seem fair," said Naish.
"Frankly, we don't know whether someone who's coming here to walk on our beach is supposed to be quarantined where they live. You know, we have no idea of knowing that or controlling it."
Naish said during warmer days earlier in the spring town officials noticed a lot of vehicle traffic in the community from visitors.
It was this that prompted the request.
The town of St. Andrews continues to get out-of-towners during the pandemic despite the rules, and they're looking to the province for additional law enforcement. 1:58
"It just got us thinking that perhaps as the weather gets better this may get worse," said Naish.
"There actually may be some people who are just not thinking that there's any problem with [visiting]."
Attractions shuttered
Naish said because of the COVID-19 pandemic there isn't a lot to do in the town at the moment anyway.
Most businesses are closed, except for those deemed essential.
Local beaches and parks, including the St. Andrews Blockhouse, are also closed.
The town has closed local parks to curb the spread of COVID-19. (Shane Fowler/CBC)
"We've got barricades up because again that was one of those places where two weeks ago on a sunny Saturday there were a dozen or 18 cars there and they weren't local cars," said Naish.
In the province's daily COVID-19 briefing on Tuesday, Premier Blaine Higgs said there have been talks about how to regulate travel between some tourist communities and the idea of checkpoints has been raised.
"Do we have the ability and is it a necessity to put that same kind of connection around communities, because that will be very difficult," said Higgs.
Tourist season concerns
The ongoing pandemic has business owners in the town anxious, said Naish.
The local economy is largely based on tourism, an industry that has already taken a hit in the community.
"We have a big music and outdoor festival called Paddlefest … that takes place in the middle of May," said Naish.
"That's already been cancelled and that's really the kickoff of our tourist season."
Visit, 'but not right now'
The town is also home to many summer properties.
Naish said these property owners can still come into the town, but he asks they also think about staying away during the pandemic.
And if these part-time residents do choose to go to their summer homes, Naish asks they inform the town first.
"Not just because we want to control what you're doing, but because if you're going to be there in residence, if we know about it, we've developed a good volunteer system here in the crisis and we're checking on people who are vulnerable ... in our community," said Naish.
The mayor said he hopes people will continue to visit the picturesque community, when appropriate, after the pandemic is over.
"We appreciate their business and we want them to come, but not right now," said Naish.
"There is, we believe, a significant risk ... particularly when we don't know where people are coming from."
44 Comments Commenting is now closed for this story.
Danny Devo Seems a lot of folks here do not understand the rules. Let me help. 2 meters = 6 feet (the distance you may find yourself under ground of you don't heed the rules) Do not engage in non essential travel. Translation: seek help for your hopeless addiction to timmies; make a list before you go shopping for once in your life; do not pleasure cruise; do not go to your cottage to have an awesome adventure unless you enjoy paying heavy fines. Does that help?
David Amos
Reply to @Danny Devo: Methinks you should "Premier Higgs Butter Tarts" then review the rules again N'esy Pas?
James Jones aka Ray Oliver Reply to @Danny Devo: I'll pleasure cruise alone all I want come and get me
David Amos
Reply to @James Jones: Methinks if you told the cops you were fetching Butter Tarts for Higgy et al they would likely assist you on your emergency mission N'esy Pas?
Danny Devo
Reply to @David Amos: He needs some energy. Currently looking totally exhausted, sleepy and cranky. When this is allver he'll get his butter tarts and all the health care cuts he ever wanted. That's what conservatives do. Give massive tax breaks to the corporate buddies and scrap services for citizens. Still the same ol Higgy.
David Amos
Reply to @Danny Devo: Higgy still has a "Stay" on my Medicare Card as well
Danny Devo Reply to @David Amos: Maybe you should have voted for the Green Party. Guess you learn the hard way N'est pas?
David Amos
Reply to @Danny Devo: Methinks I should ask how many times should I run against your beloved Green Party before the people who support them listen to what I have been saying instead of merely jerking my chain to hear me bark N'esy Pas?
James Jones aka Ray Oliver Reply to @Danny Devo: Not sure the fear mongering you've been saying about the "COVID death sentence" and comparing it to drunk driving thru playgrounds is something they'd be spreading if in power either. This is any politicians first run thru something of this magnitude. Leave the party platform out of it. Youd hate Higgs even if he was the guy who found the cure for COVID
Danny Devo
Reply to @David Amos: So who would you recommend then?
David Amos
Reply to @Danny Devo: There are no elections being held right now but i may run in the by election in St Andrews if Higgy get around to having the writ dropped.If so then you could pick the vegetable in mean old me. In the "Mean" time methinks the Green Meanies have the governments they deserve since laughing at me since 2004 N'esy Pas?
Danny Devo Reply to @James Jones: I don;t hate anyone. I do not appreciate what his party stands for. They are a disgrace. The libs are almost as bad. Both are corporate parties that leech from the public.
Ben Haroldson Reply to @David Amos: I wish I was in that riding. You'd get mine.
David Amos
Content disabled
Reply to @James Jones: Methinks its and interesting day for you to pick a fight with me N'esy Pas?
Danny Devo Good idea. Keep the reckless zombies out. Higgy says this pandemic may last a long time in this province. Is he talking about his government or covid 19?
David Amos
Reply to @Danny Devo: Methinks you must be a retired cop who truly enjoys Higgy's Police State N'esy Pas?
Danny Devo
Reply to @David Amos: Have not had any bad experiences with the police personally. All I know is that conservatives are the enemy of the people.
David Amos
Reply to @Danny Devo: Methinks Vicky and his old RCMP pals, the FBI, the Fat Fred City Finest and many other PDs on both sides of the 49th cannot deny that I have many bones to pick with them but I must confess that I am very surprised that you are not a fan of Higgy N'esy Pas?
Danny Devo Reply to @David Amos: The only rational choice are Greens
David Amos
Reply to @Danny Devo: Now thats truly funny
Danny Devo Reply to @David Amos: Since when is rational funny?
David Amos
Reply to @Danny Devo: Methinks you should ask the mindless lawyer who was the federal leader of your beloved party why I hung up on her 3 times in 2007 and sent her hard copy byway of tracked Canada Post after she did a hostile takeover of the aforementioned party N'esy Pas?
Johnny Jakobs Stay Home. That's what the whole world is advocating for. Why give St. Andrews flack when many other communities have already done so? Getting in a car, going for a drive and setting up lawn chairs to talk in the greenspace is not staying at home. This confuses me too.... if you dont like St Andrews and what is has to offer(when open for business), what's it matter to you? Other than spreading negativity.
Johnny Jakobs
Reply to @James Jones: I've lived in the bubble for many decades. Born in the Steve and love what Charlotte County has to offer.
David Amos
Reply to @Johnny Jakobs: It appears that Mr Jones went "Poof" Was he nasty with you too?
Ben Haroldson Only in st a. eh.....
Johnny Jakobs
Leaders lead.
David Amos
Reply to @Johnny Jakobs: Yea Right
Gerry Ferguson I'm pretty sure the police have better things to do than stop all cars going for a drive to St Andrews and tell the occupants to stay away please.
David Amos
Reply to @Gerry Ferguson: Methinks you should not bet the farm on that opinion The RCMP's buddy Higgy needs to have a win in the upcoming by election in that neighbourhood N'esy Pas?
Murray Brown Went to St. Andrews once... Have stayed away ever since. Glorified tourist trap.
David Amos
Reply to @Murray Brown: Methinks you are not alone in that regard N'esy Pas?
James Jones aka Ray Oliver There are lots of home owners down there with summer places and the mayor states hes only "suggesting" they stay put during the pandemic. How do you know they just landed and haven't been around for a while? Primary residence is a suggestion not a law
Ben Haroldson
Reply to @James Jones: More like a loophole, because it is a law.
Bruce Sanders
Reply to @James Jones: Knowing someone there, this full time resident said that there "if there are any "summer place" residents here, which primarily from Ontario, I have not seen them". And since at the NB border they are turning away people coming to stay in NB, just because they have a vacation home, I'd think there are very few. And just landed? well, the St John airport has no commercial traffic, and hasn't for a week now.
James Jones
aka Ray Oliver Reply to @Ben Haroldson: St. Andrews is always one of these places that's got it's own set of rules. Their parks are no different than any other ones nor should they be. People going for drives to get out a little if they're practicing the social distancing set in place then what's the difference?
James Jones
aka Ray Oliver Reply to @Bruce Sanders: Landed in town I meant. And if they drove recently they'd be subject to mandatory self isolation. So maybe they've been there and just out for the first time now. People see other plates alot in this Province especially Alberta ones from time to time. Practice the distancing and give people space and use common sense. NB is doing great so far but some people are taking this to the total extreme
Johnny Jakobs
Reply to @James Jones: Saint John has closed all their parks et al like many other places.
Bruce Sanders
Reply to @James Jones: "some people are taking this to the total extreme" no argument there!
David Amos
Reply to @Bruce Sanders: FYI Mr Jones just took it to the extreme with me today
Johnny Almar Yet I saw 2 vehicles from Ontario pull into town today. Go figure.
Arish Moogadoo
Reply to @Johnny Almar: I've seen a few licence plates from away. It's been a good 2-3 weeks now that people have had to get home and get where they're going, it's really time to stop letting people through. The fact is our province needs to be closed to passing through at this point because we can't trust that those people are strictly passing through. Time for transport trucks and medical workers only.
The province has ramped up enforcement of orders for physical distancing, and has made staying two metres away from people mandatory. (Fredericton Police Force/Twitter)
The first weekend under new physical distancing rules saw both residents and law enforcement figuring out how to adapt to the new normal.
On Friday, Premier Blaine Higgs announced the province would be cracking down on violations of the physical distancing order.
Staying two metres away from another person is mandatory, except in the case of members of the same household, and in some cases at work.
People found breaking the two-metre distance rule, or gathering in large groups can now be charged and fined between $292 and $10,200.
Keith Gagnon of Caraquet found out about the new enforcement rules the hard way.
On Saturday, he was handed a ticket for $292 for driving with a friend he doesn't live with. The two were on their way to get a car wash.
Keith Gagnon plans on contesting a $292 ticket for breaking the physical distancing order, because he says he didn't know the rules had changed. (Submitted by Keith Gagnon.)
Gagnon said he plans on contesting the ticket, since he doesn't feel it was fair for the officer to fine him without giving him a warning first.
"I was just finishing a night shift and never knew about that law," said Gagnon in an email to the CBC.
Despite the incident this past weekend, Gagnon said he is taking the outbreak seriously, and has been practising physical distancing as best as he can.
"I never left my home," he said. "I don't want my family to get this disease."
Education first
New Brunswick RCMP spokesperson Const. Hans Ouellette couldn't give any specifics about new ticketing practices but said it's something officers across the province are taking seriously.
"We're asking people to do what New Brunswickers do so well, which is we look out for one another.
So our primary focus still remains working with the communities to do everything that we can to reduce the spread of COVID-19."
Ouellette wouldn't give details of what officers might be on the lookout for, as each case is different, but said they are basing their response on advice from Public Health.
"That may include tickets or other enforcement actions for people who are not following the directive aimed at keeping everyone safe," he said.
RCMP are urged to educate people about new physical distancing rules before handing out tickets and fines. (CBC News)
He added that ticketing is at the discretion of each officer, but not adhering to a self-isolation order after entering the province or being within two metres of someone you don't live with are things that could potentially bring fines.
Ouellette said the officers' first reflex should be to educate rule-breakers.
"Are you going to see police officers out there with yardsticks measuring how far apart everyone is? Probably not. … Are we going to be stopping every car we see with more than two people in it? No.
"Our main goal out of all of this, before the enforcement action comes into play, is to have that collaborative work, that educational piece to really be able to help people make the right decisions."
A runner and walker keep their distance from each other on the Charlottetown boardwalk. (Brian McInnis/CBC)
No numbers for tickets or fines issued have been released by the RCMP or the province.
The Saint John Police Force said no tickets have been issued under the compliance order so far.
"The SJPF is encouraging and promoting compliance," said spokesperson Jim Hennessy in an email.
Kennebecasis Regional Police Force spokesperson Inspector Anika Becker said the force did not issue any tickets on the weekend for physical distancing violations.
Other local police forces have yet to provide comments.
David Amos Methinks a clever lawyer will see this as a ticket to the Supreme Court and the history books N'esy Pas?
David Amos Methinks Higgy knows why Keith Gagnon and I should have a long talk sometime soon N'esy Pas?
Marc Bourque People have to learn a lesson the hard way,when it hits your pocket book you will pay attention.Talking with an individual the other about what can happen.He said I will not pay any fines....I said no problem 30 days in prison would do you some good,and dont forget your soap on a rope either!
Hank Hanrattey
Reply to @Marc Bourque: You are not even remotely funny.
David Amos
Reply to @Hank Hanrattey: I concur
Mandel Rooney Ignorance of the law is no excuse. I hope the judge upholds the fine. He says he was upholding the distancing rules "as best as he can". Do better. Why was your buddy in your car with you if you were doing "your best"?
David Amos
Reply to @Mandel Rooney: Trust that I would love to meet your judge
John Grail
Reply to @Mandel Rooney: Laws that infringe on the most basic rights shouldn't be even tolerated.
Mandel Rooney
Reply to @John Grail: Fundamental human right: crusin with the bud during a pandemic. Not sure that qualifies.
John Grail
Reply to @Mandel Rooney: Freedom of association...I see authoritarianism is in vogue this season
Terry Tibbs $292............. that's a tidy little moneymaker right there.
David Amos
Reply to @Terry Tibbs: BINGO
rayma allaby would the police not have to have a reason to stop you in a vehicle. something isn't being told here or adding up.
Terry Tibbs
Reply to @rayma allaby: Sure it adds up, $292 a time, easier than enforcing the seat belt law. You see 2 in a vehicle you stop them, it's up to them to prove they are related/connected, 2 X $292.
David Amos
Reply to @rayma allaby: Methinks in Higgy's new police state the coppers have carte blanche to do anything they wish as they pass out more lucrative tax tickets for his benefit N'esy Pas?
kelly sherrard Part of the problem is that people in this province are being bombarded with information, misinformation, new regulations, new news reports of latest cases to the point that our heads are spinning.
Terry Tibbs
Reply to @kelly sherrard: The real "problem" is we are not being told the truth. We are getting our doses of fear in 2 week doses, and have been getting them since around March 15th, for the first 2 week period we were told to stay home and isolate ourselves, only going out if we can maintain distancing. Sooner, or later, this will get old, my vote is for sooner. So, here we are, into the second 2 week period of huddling in our huts living in fear. How many times will they be extending this 2 week period? The Ontario prediction is 2 years.
David Webb NB
Reply to @Terry Tibbs: Until there is herd immunity or there is an effective vaccine. Could be quite a while coming. You can bet that Canada will be far down the list obtaining said vaccine when it does become available.
David Amos
Reply to @kelly sherrard: YUP
John Grail Who didn't see this coming. Our most basic freedoms are being eroded. This is happening all across the country.
Bob Smith
Reply to @John Grail: Basic freedoms do NOT include the right to infect others with a potentially lethal virus. If experts are correct, North America will see more Corona deaths than before. Be safe and stay away as asked.
Bill Hamilton
Reply to @John Grail: Maintenance of our freedoms demands personal responsibility.
David Amos
Reply to @John Grail: Ask yourself why
David Amos
Reply to @Bill Hamilton: I concur Methinks Higgy knows thats why I ran for public office 7 times and sued the Crown as well N'esy Pas?
John Grail
Reply to @Bob Smith: Freedom of person and association are probably some of the most fundamental freedoms. If people get within someone's personal space, and they don't like it, apply the law at that point. But if everyone is willing to accept the risk, why are you fining people?
John Grail
Reply to @Bill Hamilton: Yes, like being accountable. If people choose to get close to one another, they accept that risk. It's not up to others to decide that. If you don't want to get close to people, don't, and tell them that. If they still do at that point, then I have no problem charging people.
As apposed to the failed insurance salesman Scheer who lost an election he might have won, but did't.
Elton Elm
Reply to @Henri Hudson: “molon labe” day the premiers to the feds
The premiers
probably have
30-60 days
to come around on this.
The Emergency Act
will probably be needed