Category: Moncton

A major figure on the Saint John political scene has passed away.

Shirley Dysart died yesterday morning at the age of 88, according to the Telegraph-Journal.

Dysart was the long time MLA for Saint John North, first elected in 1974 and then re-elected four more times. The former teacher was the first woman to be education minister in the cabinet of Frank McKenna where she introduced the universal, full-day public kindergarten program.

McKenna told the Telegraph-Journal last night that was a towering achievement. McKenna called Dysart a magificent human being and a mentor to other women getting into politics. He said the entire caucas looked up to her.

The province’s acting Chief Medical Officer of Health would like to see the legal age for marijuanna much higher than the 18 years of age recommended by a federal task force.

Jennifer Russell told Brunswick News an internal working group set up by the province is recommending a minimum age of at least 21. She says some evidence suggests 25 would be even safer because of marijuanna’s effects on the developing brain…but there has to be a compromise somewhere and they’ve picked 21. That’s also recomended by the Canadian Medical Association.

The federal group recommended a minimum age of 18 but suggested provinces be allowed to set older age limits.