Moncton councilors speak out…but for how long?

Some Moncton councillors are speaking out about a new policy on speaking out.

CBC reports city solicitor Nick Robicheau presented them with a new communications policy yesterday with for councillors and city staff. One part of it says all media requests to elected officials and administrative staff should be referred to the city’s director of communication.

Councillors Paul Pellerin and Paulette Theriault says they won’t be muzzled by the new strategy whether council approves it or not. Councillor Charles Leger said he doesn’t see the new policy as muzzling him…but he added as an elected official, he will always have the right to speak to whomever he wishes.

Council tabled the motion until more information is available.

Softwood lumber tariffs

Three of the four Atlantic Provionces may be exempted from the latest round of tariffs by Washington.

US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross has issued a statement that shipments of softwood lumber from Nova Scotia, PEI and Newfoundland and Labrador should be excluded from anti-dumping and countervailing duties. The statement makes no mention of New Brunswick.  A final decision on the matter is expected by late summer.

In the meantime, the Trump government has added another 6.87% on average to the anti-dumping duty.