Province backs away from school bus issue

Looks as if French and English students will continue riding the same buses in some areas. The Gallant Government has withdrawn its court case seeking a ruling on the constitutionality of separate buses.

Francophone parents complained their children were being taken to school on buses shared by English students and claimed that was a violation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

The government decided to go to the Court of Appeal for an opinion…but now has changed its mind. Education Minister Brian Kenny issued a statement yesterday, saying it will be up to district education councils to decide whether they ride the same bus.

Sentencing hearing for drug kingpins

A sentencing hearing was held yesterday for the drug kingpins arrested in the J-Tornado police operation in 2014.

Crown lawyer Melanie Ferron called for 13 years in prison for 34 year old Shane Williams of Smithtown and 8 and a half years 40 year old Joshua Kindred of Saint John. They were found guilty earlier on drug trafficking and other charges in connection with the drug sweep that resulted in 28 arrests. Their lawyers were recommending a lot less time in prison.

Justice William Grant said he will have his decision on how long they serve December 9th.