Category: Saint John

Premier Brian Gallant made it back to Fredericton last night to deliver his State of the Province Speech. He spent the day touring various communities hit hard by the ice storm.

In the speech, Gallant said his government will be investing $230 million more in mental health, home and general health care, saying that as long as he is premier he won’t close any rural hospitals. He also promised $7 million to improve literacy rates. Gallant says his government remains on track to reduce the deficit and balance the budget.

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission is holding hearings into a license extension for Pt. Lepreau.

The commission’s staff is recommending the five year extension with a few conditions, although they believe the nuclear plant is adequately protecting the health and safety of the public now. It just wants it beefed up to even higher seismic standards to protect against large earthquakes.

Another hearing will be held here in May where intervenors can question NB Power officials.