Category: Saint John

Common Council passed a motion unaimously at its meeting yesterday to continue working with the two senior levels of government to protect the city’s interests when it comes to softwood lumber. Officials will also try to ensure Ottawa understands the potential impact on local economies, like Saint John with the Irving Mill on the west side.

Meanwhile Washington announced a further tariff of almost 7% is being added to the duties announced in April. US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, however, also issued a statement that shipments of softwood lumber from Nova Scotia, PEI and Newfoundland and Labrador should be excluded from the duties. The statement makes no mention of New Brunswick.  A final decision on the matter is expected by late summer.

The 9 people arrested earlier this year when police raided pot shops around the city have chosen trials by judge and jury.

The 9 men and women, who either operated or worked in the marijuanna dispensaries, are charged with drug trafficking and possession. They’ll be going to trial in March.

HBB Medical CEO Hank Merchant, who owns some of the dispensarties, was not charged but stood next to his employees during their court appearance. He told CBC they help people; it’s about medicine; several thousand people depend on them every day of the week.