I might make a stopover and asks if I can help?
This message is for/from Meals on Wheels.
We are in desperate need of volunteers to deliver meals on either side of the river and every day of the week. “Regular” volunteers deliver once a week and “Spare” volunteers are called when needed. It takes only 1 (one) hour!!!
We also need volunteers to provide transportation to seniors to and from the Wheels To Meals program. This program runs on Tuesdays between 11:30 and 1:00 at St. Mary’s Anglican Church on McEvoy Street .
For information please call 458-9482 or email info@frederictonmealsonwheels.ca
We would appreciate greatly if you would forward this message to your coworkers, friends and family, andr post wherever possible.
Thanks!!!
Anne Marie Hartford
Executive Director
Meals on Wheels of Fredericton Inc.
65 Brunswick St., Fredericton NB E3B 1G5
Tel: 506-458-9482; Fax: 506-458-2606
Email: amhartford@frederictonmealsonwheels.ca
Web: www.frederictonmealsonwheels.ca
Volunteers and participants are needed for an exciting research project -- Bringing Nutrition Screening to Seniors of Fredericton! If you are 65 years of age and over and you would like more information on how you can help us with this project, call, drop by the office, or email us. Be part of a community project!!!
Thursday, February 08, 2007
THE IRVINGS ARE BRAINWASHING OUR KIDS ABOUT THE ISSUE OF LNG???
I'm not sure if this was the schooling issue raised on CBC this morning, but take a look at the attached. It is the front and back cover of the new math book Sam (aged 6) received at Lakefield Elementarty School.
1) How is such stuff approved?
2) On the back, point 3 makes it sounds like the NG from the LNG is used here in New Brunswick and it isn't going to be. Can they lie like this?
3) I am disturbed by the enviro-friendly advertising.
By the way, this is printed in both French and English.
Dan Bussieres has eyes all over the New Brunswick Legislature!!!
As a true former R.C.M.P. Officer? He can look straight at ya while watching somewhere else.
Albert School - Would Kelly Lamrock have the same opinion as opposition Leader???
This afternoon, I noticed this guy collecting names for a petition on King's street.
I often wonder what would have been Kelly's reaction if the Liberals were still in opposition?
I don't know much about this issue but I'll blog it and let you people debate the issue.
I told the guy to email me his views and I'll blog it! Here's his story -
Keeping the Heart in Our City
School closures have been an emotional issue for as long as there have been schools. As co-spokesperson for the Keep Albert Central Campaign, I have seen that emotion and passion up close. Our group has been interviewed for Gleaner articles and we have briefly made our case on radio and television.
Read more inside
However, we have not had a chance to fully articulate our case in a public forum. We are portrayed by the Minister of Education as an emotional, self-interested group of parents from the Hill neighbourhood who are stuck in the past and who put our own interests ahead of our children. To set the record straight, we are a broad coalition of citizens from the entire catchment area of the current Albert Street School (I live in Keswick Ridge). We have coalition members from Hanwell, Silverwood, Garden Creek, Mazerolle Settlement, and even members from the Kimble Road area who oppose the new proposed location for the school. We are Liberals, Conservatives, NDPers and Greens. Not all in our coalition are parents, but those who do have kids at Albert Street, or those who will, are fighting because they believe that a centrally located school is best for their children. We have had calls and expressions of support and interest from seniors, students, and even residents outside the province and country.
Contrary to the Minister’s portrayal of us, we are not driven by convenience. We are not driven by our property values. We are not driven by nostalgia or tradition. We have four primary concerns:
1) The benefit to the children of a centrally located school
2) The safety of the children
3) The contribution of a centrally located school to the vitality of the city
4) The process for making this decision was flawed and flies in the face of democratic principles
Our overarching concern is with the quality of educational experience for our children. Much has been said about how many kids could walk to school from one or the other location. The real issue is what facilities and resources all students can access on foot from the present Albert Street location [see attached map]. Albert Street is in the heart of the south side and within walking distance of Odell Park, FHS, UNB and St. Thomas University, City Hall, the Legislature Building, Science East, The Coliseum, the YMCA, the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, the Playhouse, Queen’s Park, Charlotte Street Arts Centre and more. Most of the things that make Fredericton a great, small city are accessible by foot from the current school location. The school staff makes great use of these facilities and resources in the curriculum. The Minister believes that “creative staff” will find ways to get students to these facilities from the new location, but this would require more bussing, more cost to tax payers, and more fund-raising required of parents. At Kimble Drive, kids would be isolated from what makes their city unique.
Our children’s safety is another concern. Kimble Drive advocates argue that it is a “bigger canvas, ” yet staff from Albert Street suggest this would be a liability in terms of supervision. Students will be close to wooded land and a major highway, both of which could have safety implications. Traffic safety would be an issue at Kimble Drive. No traffic study has been done. City officials confirmed that the Kimble, Forest Hill intersection is prone to accidents. More students would also spend bus time on controlled access highways, traveling at high speeds without seatbelts.
We feel the children need to be in the city centre, but we also believe the city center needs the children. Our cause should be a concern to anyone who cares about a vibrant downtown. Roy Strickland, an urban planner from the University of Michigan has created an entire program of urban renewal called Designing the City of Learning, around the re-introduction and re-investment in schools in declining urban centers. Fortunately, Fredericton’s urban core is not in bad shape, but if it loses more primary services it could be. Strickland believes the schools are the lynchpin for maintaining healthy downtowns. The children from Albert Street volunteer at the community kitchen, they rake leaves for seniors in the surrounding neighbourhood, and parents patronize downtown businesses after picking up their children. The central location draws people downtown.
Eleven months ago, a document was sent home with children explaining that a school would be built at the Albert Street location starting in the fall of 2006. The document contained timetables and contingency plans for activities to mitigate the effects of construction. September rolled around. We looked for signs of activity. Nothing. A few months later, we learned our school was being taken away from us.
The Minister of Education, in his blog, also advocates parental choice, local leadership and the idea that schools should support the whole community. If any local issue should have community involvement, it is the location of a school. There was little community involvement by either government in this process, but we believe the original decision was the will of a strong majority. The newly elected government overturned the decision simply because it was an idea of the previous government. No “new information” has ever been presented to us, despite frequent requests.
This issue is critical to the welfare of both our children and our city. The downtown core has lost three schools in recent memory. It appears the Liberal Government is determined to rip the heart out of the city. If they go through with their plan, and we are still hopeful they will not, we will all be worse off for it. This issue is much bigger than the simple location of a school. It is a chance to stand up for our city, for democratic process and for our children. If you would like to join us, email keepalbertstcentral@hotmail.com or call 363-3687 or 454-2358. For more information, access http://www.keepalbertstreetcentral.com.
Tom Beckley
Having lunch with the Liberals.
With no more talk of the Town in Saint John? It's nice to meet with Abel LeBlanc to find out what's going on in the Irving...opps Loyalist City.
Charles comes face to face with a blogger!!!
Is this blogger still alive in the Saint John area????
I haven't received a picture from him for a long time.
NEW BRUNSWICK HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION METING TONIGHT IN FREDERICTON!!!!
Sir James Dun Hall, St. Thomas University AT 7:00PM!!!!! I'll be there!!!
Stay tuned!!!!
Question period at the New Brunswick Legislature!
ORAL QUESTIONS 1 QUESTIONS ORALES
February 7, 2007 Not finalized / Non finalisé le 7 février 2007
S:\HANSARD\HANSARD DAILIES - FASCICULES\2007 56-1\02 2007-02-07 BL\02 2007-02-07 BL.wpd 1/16
Questions orales
Taxe de vente harmonisée
M. Volpé : Ce matin, je voudrais débuter mes questions en m’assurant que le nouveau premier
ministre en place et ancien chef de l’opposition est la même personne qui était ici l’an dernier. Alors,
je vais poser mes questions en relation de cela.
Je voudrais que le premier ministre confirme — il est aussi le chef du Parti libéral du Nouveau-
Brunswick — s’il est la même personne qui était à une émission au réseau anglais de Radio-Canada
avec Terry Seguin, le 12 septembre 2006, et qui a répondu à une question sur la taxe de vente
harmonisée. Êtes-vous la même personne?
020 11:25
Hon. S. Graham: Thank you for the first question.
I want to begin by thanking the people of New Brunswick for providing me with the opportunity to
stand here today as their Premier and answer a question from the honourable Leader of the
Opposition. Mark Twain once said that the next best thing to an honourable friend is an honourable
opponent. I know that in this session, there will be different points of view, but I respect the role that
the interim Leader of the Opposition is taking, and I welcome the upcoming session of the House.
To answer the question that the minister has asked, our government had to bring forward a number
of decisions based on the challenges facing the province today. He is asking me about the HST
rebate. I am happy to announce that our government made a strong commitment to put in place an
energy conservation program that would position New Brunswick as a leader in energy conservation
in the nation. We made a decision to take public policy that we felt was flawed and improve it.
That is why, today, I am happy to announce that the three programs that are in place with the new
energy efficiency programs . . . The New Homes Program has a target of 400 homes, and New
Brunswick homeowners will see savings of over $1 200 per year with that program. That is the
decision we made to take public policy and make it even better.
M. Volpé : Les initiatives qui viennent d’être annoncées ont été recyclées, car elles avaient déjà été
annoncées. Ça commence bien. Je pose une question à savoir si c’était bel et bien le premier ministre
qui était présent à l’émission du réseau anglais de Radio-Canada, et il ne peut même pas me
répondre.
ORAL QUESTIONS 1 QUESTIONS ORALES
February 7, 2007 Not finalized / Non finalisé le 7 février 2007
S:\HANSARD\HANSARD DAILIES - FASCICULES\2007 56-1\02 2007-02-07 BL\02 2007-02-07 BL.wpd 2/16
La question qui avait été posée était : Pouvez me le confirmer, monsieur le chef du Parti libéral du
Nouveau-Brunswick? On parle de la réponse que vous avez donnée à la question de M. Seguin. La
question était :
“Will you keep the home heating fuel rebate on home heating fuel?” I just want to know the answer
that you gave at that time.
Hon. S. Graham: Again, my response to the minister . . . Sorry, old habits die hard. My response
to the interim Leader of the Opposition is that I am happy to announce that the home energy rebate
program that he is talking about is, indeed, in effect today. In fact, for low-income families in New
Brunswick, we have now approved over 3 000 applicants who have received a $100 rebate. It is my
understanding that 3 860 homeowners are also in the process of having their applications approved
in the next two-week period. The program is working for low-income families in New Brunswick.
M. Volpé : Pour ce qui est du débat sur les raisons et la valeur des programmes, on aura la chance
au cours des prochaines semaines ou des prochains mois d’évaluer la réponse qui nous a été donnée.
J’ai posé deux questions et je n’ai pas encore eu de réponse. J’en poserai une troisième.
Le premier ministre peut-il confirmer à la Chambre qu’il est le même chef du Parti libéral du
Nouveau-Brunswick qui, le 29 mars 2006, en réponse à une question au sujet du rabais sur la taxe
de vente harmonisée, avait dit ce qui suit :
I want to commend the Premier this morning on his initiative in yesterday’s budget for the
elimination of the provincial portion of the HST of 8% on electricity bills. In fact, I would remind
this House of a resolution adopted at our party’s recent biannual convention which recommended
the same action.
My question is this: Is he the same leader today?
Hon. S. Graham: I want to begin by stating that our government campaigned on a clear
commitment to position New Brunswick as both a leader in energy generation and conservation. I
know that the interim Leader of the Opposition is asking whether I am the same person. Definitely,
I am the same person. However, I would like to ask him a question today. Is he the same former
Minister of Finance who never once told the people of New Brunswick that we were inheriting a
potential $400-million deficit, as confirmed by the independent . . .
(Interjections.)
Hon. S. Graham: In fact, it is evident that the former Minister of Finance knew this, because on
September 28, a few short days after the election, he was quoted in the Daily Gleaner as saying the
following: “We know a lot of stuff”, said Volpé. “Maybe even stuff they don’t even know.”
ORAL QUESTIONS 1 QUESTIONS ORALES
February 7, 2007 Not finalized / Non finalisé le 7 février 2007
S:\HANSARD\HANSARD DAILIES - FASCICULES\2007 56-1\02 2007-02-07 BL\02 2007-02-07 BL.wpd 3/16
The sad reality is that a potential $400-million deficit meant that this government was faced with
difficult choices, but choices that we are committed to bringing forward today with new energy
conservation initiatives.
M. Volpé : Pour ce qui est de la question budgétaire, on aura la chance d’en discuter un autre jour.
Ce que j’essaie de faire, c’est de savoir si la personne en face de moi aujourd’hui est la même
personne qui était ici l’an dernier. Je pense qu’il faudra des empreintes digitales ou bien le fichier
de criminalistique parce que le premier ministre ne veut pas répondre aux questions.
(Exclamations.)
021 11:30
M. Volpé : Ce sont des tests d’ADN.
La prochaine question est la suivante : est-ce le même chef du Parti libéral qui, le 29 mars 2006,
avait demandé au premier ministre Lord de créer un système de remboursement à la source de la
taxe harmonisée?
Hon. S. Graham: I am proud today to stand as Premier of the province and announce that the lowincome
home energy rebate program is seeing New Brunswickers achieve the $100 savings to which
we were committed. In fact, over 3 000 applicants have been approved to date. I am even more
proud to announce that our government has positioned New Brunswick as a leader in home energy
conservation with the three programs we have put in to date. The new homes program target will
see average households realizing energy savings of $1 200 per home. For the upgrade program, there
will be average energy savings of $900 per home. For the low-income program, households will see
over $900 per home.
We are leading on this file. New Brunswick is taking the leadership role that it deserves in the
confederation fo provinces, under our leadership.
M. Volpé : Je suis content que le premier ministre récite toutes les bonnes initiatives que nous avons
mises en place depuis septembre 2005, y compris les prêts sans intérêt. Nous allons avoir la chance
de débattre cela une peu plus tard.
Étant donné que je n’ai pas encore eu de réponse, je vais continuer. Le premier ministre et chef du
Parti libéral est-il la même personne qui avait demandé que les personnes ayant un revenu de moins
de 25 000 $ aient accès à un remboursement directement? Je vais lire ce qui avait été demandé le
29 mars.
ORAL QUESTIONS 1 QUESTIONS ORALES
February 7, 2007 Not finalized / Non finalisé le 7 février 2007
S:\HANSARD\HANSARD DAILIES - FASCICULES\2007 56-1\02 2007-02-07 BL\02 2007-02-07 BL.wpd 4/16
We are asking that the Premier commit to the idea that we are proposing, where you rebate at
source instead of having to apply cumbersome paperwork. Also, traditionally, low-income New
Brunswickers do not fill out the necessary paperwork. Can we create an at-source rebate program?
Le premier ministre est-il prêt à prendre l’engagement aujourd’hui d’avoir un programme de
remboursement à la source, comme il l’avait proposé lorsqu’il était le chef de l’opposition?
Hon. S. Graham: The program is working. I remember that the former Minister of Finance had to
change his position on this issue in the last session of the House, because the members opposite
recognized at that point that the applications would have to be submitted to government. As I have
stated, 2 989 applications have been approved to date. Also, letters are pending for another 3 860
applicants. The program is working, and I am happy to report that low-income families in the
province are receiving the $100 rebate that was committed to by this government.
I am a bit perplexed this morning by the interim Leader of the Opposition. He seems to be against
low-income families in the province receiving the $100 rebate. He also seems to be standing up for
people who own larger homes in the province, who have more wealth. We are committed to making
those homes more energy efficient. We, as a government, are committed to putting in place, through
the three programs we have announced, the tools that will allow those homeowners more money.
Is the interim Leader of the Opposition committed to helping the environment? Is he committed to
helping homes in the province become more energy efficient? Or is he committed to a tax break for
the wealthy of New Brunswick?
M. Volpé : Au cours des prochaines semaines, nous aurons la chance de faire la différence entre les
priorités et les choix du présent gouvernement et ceux de l’opposition. Nous sommes certainement
là pour aider les personnes à faible revenu, et notre engagement n’était pas un montant de 100 $ une
fois, mais notre engagement concernant la taxe harmonisée était de 150 $ à 200 $ par année pour
les quatre prochaines années.
J’aimerais que le chef du Parti libéral du Nouveau-Brunswick puisse nous confirmer qu’il est la
même personne qui avait promis devant un auditoire de l’industrie pétrolière qu’il défendrait les
intérêts des gens en ce qui a trait à la réglementation des produits pétroliers. Je veux qu’il confirme
aujourd’hui s’il est la même personne aujourd’hui que l’automne dernier en ce qui a trait Ã
l’industrie pétrolière.
Hon. S. Graham: I want to go back to the previous question, just to clarify for the former minister.
He has to recognize that the program that is now in place for low-income families in the province
is income-based. It is imperative that government review the proper documentation to allow the
rebate to go to low-income families.
ORAL QUESTIONS 1 QUESTIONS ORALES
February 7, 2007 Not finalized / Non finalisé le 7 février 2007
S:\HANSARD\HANSARD DAILIES - FASCICULES\2007 56-1\02 2007-02-07 BL\02 2007-02-07 BL.wpd 5/16
022 11:35
I am sure, as the former Minister of Finance can attest, if it were at source, it would be very
cumbersome, when this program is put in place, for these individuals to confirm their income source.
That is why the onus is on government, and that is why I am happy, today, to commit to the fact that
we are moving forward on this exciting initiative, both for energy conservation and to help low
income families adjust to the rising cost of electricity and energy.
M. Volpé : Le premier ministre pourrait-il répondre à la dernière question que je lui ai posée parce
qu’il a pris une partie de son temps de réponse pour répondre à la question précédente? Cependant,
il n’a pas répondu à ma dernière question.
Hon. S. Graham: I am also happy to announce that our government moved, within 120 days of our
mandate, on solving the issue pertaining to petroleum pricing in New Brunswick. As we know, the
current system was not working. That is why our government has now moved to a weekly
monitoring process. At the same time, I was happy to see the comments by many people within the
industry who say that the process is much improved now, and that our government has, indeed,
honoured its commitment. In fact, New Brunswickers today are enjoying some of the lowest prices
of petroleum products in Atlantic Canada.
M. Volpé : Le premier ministre vient de confirmer ce qu’on sait. Il nous dit que l’industrie est très
satisfaite. L’industrie est contente parce que le gouvernement réduira le délai entre les révisions de
14 jours à une semaine. Cela permettra à l’industrie de faire plus de profits, donc les consommateurs
paient davantage.
Voici ma prochaine question. Le premier ministre est-il le même chef du Parti libéral du Nouveau-
Brunswick qui avait promis d’éliminer la réglementation du prix de l’essence?
You said, “Scrap it.”
Hon. S. Graham: I am happy to tell the interim Leader of the Opposition this morning that, as
Leader of the Liberal Party of New Brunswick, we committed to lowering the gasoline excise tax
by 3.8¢ per litre, which we honoured on day one of our mandate, positioning New Brunswick today
with the lowest gasoline excise tax east of Alberta.
M. Volpé : Je suis convaincu que les gens du Nouveau-Brunswick pourront savoir quelle est la
meilleure politique de conservation d’énergie : aider les gens à faibles revenus à avoir de meilleures
méthodes pour améliorer l’efficacité énergétique de leur maison ou encore aider les gens qui ont des
gros véhicules qui dépensent beaucoup d’essence. Quelle est la meilleure politique de conservation
de l’énergie? On aura la chance d’en débattre au cours des prochaines semaines.
ORAL QUESTIONS 1 QUESTIONS ORALES
February 7, 2007 Not finalized / Non finalisé le 7 février 2007
S:\HANSARD\HANSARD DAILIES - FASCICULES\2007 56-1\02 2007-02-07 BL\02 2007-02-07 BL.wpd 6/16
Foyers de soins
Je veux savoir si le premier ministre est aussi la même personne qui, durant la campagne électorale,
avait promis de continuer à construire les foyers de soins. Son parti en avait jamais construit en 12
ans au pouvoir. Notre parti avait commencé à en construire. Le premier ministre a pris un
engagement envers des gens, spécialement dans le nord de la province. Il a dit que la construction
de foyers de soins était une priorité pour lui. Est-il la même personne qui avait fait cette promesse?
Hon. S. Graham: During the upcoming estimates process, the Minister of Family and Community
Services will be able to update the Chamber on the construction of nursing homes in New
Brunswick. What I can say is that I was shocked to find, upon entering government, that many
political decisions had been made on nursing home construction in this province that had not been
followed up with the proper Cabinet documentation. I am happy to report that when the minister
brings forward her estimates, we will be able to correct a number of deficiencies that are currently
in the system.
M. Volpé : Jusqu’à maintenant, je n’ai pas réussi à obtenir une confirmation à savoir si on parle de
la même personne. J’ai encore des doutes alors je continue.
Le chef du Parti libéral, qui a dernièrement annoncé qu’il allait retarder la construction des foyers
de soins même si on sait que cela crée des problèmes d’engorgement dans les hôpitaux, est-il la
même personne qui avait pris des engagements, spécialement dans le coin de Robertville — ce qui
n’est pas dans un circonscription conservatrice —, en disant qu’un foyer de soins serait construit.
Il y a aussi la région de Caraquet. Est-ce la même personne qui dit aujourd’hui que l’échéancier sera
repoussé?
Hon. S. Graham: Again, the interim Leader of the Opposition will have to be patient. The Minister
of Family and Community Services will be tabling her estimates in the upcoming budget process.
As I stated previously, on becoming Premier, I was shocked to learn that the construction of nursing
homes had become politicized in this province, and that a number of statements had been made by
former ministers without having the proper documentation in place to substantiate the investments
that are required. Our government is committed to building nursing homes to best serve the interests
of all New Brunswickers, regardless of political stripe.
M. Volpé : Peut-être que, si le premier ministre arrêtait de récompenser ses amis, il y aurait plus
d’argent disponible pour tenir ses promesses quant à la construction de foyers de soins. Les
personnes âgées pourront en juger.
ORAL QUESTIONS 1 QUESTIONS ORALES
February 7, 2007 Not finalized / Non finalisé le 7 février 2007
S:\HANSARD\HANSARD DAILIES - FASCICULES\2007 56-1\02 2007-02-07 BL\02 2007-02-07 BL.wpd 7/16
023 11:40
Assurance automobile
J’ai une autre question. Le chef du Parti libéral du Nouveau-Brunswick est-il la même personne qui,
à la Chambre, en 2003, et pendant la dernière campagne électorale, avait promis un système
d’assurance publique au Nouveau-Brunswick, spécialement dans le nord du Nouveau-Brunswick?
Je vois des parlementaires du Nord. Est-ce la même personne?
Hon. S. Graham: Our commitment to the people of New Brunswick was very clear in the last
election. We would stand up for their interests, and we were prepared to lower insurance rates in
New Brunswick. If the insurance companies did not participate in the process, then we were
committed to bring in a public system. Guess what? We achieved the success that New
Brunswickers wanted, because if they had opted for the Conservative plan, they would be paying
13.5% more today for insurance premiums than they are under this Liberal administration.
M. Volpé : Une fois de plus, le premier ministre a de la difficulté avec les chiffres. Avant les
élections, les compagnies d’assurance avaient annoncé une diminution de 11,5 %. Nous avons reçu
une diminution de 13,5 %. Au lieu d’être fait le 1 janvier, er ce sera fait à la fin de l’année. Une fois
de plus, je pense que le premier ministre ne connaît pas ses chiffres.
Ma prochaine question est : Êtes-vous la même personne et le même chef du Parti libéral qui dit
maintenant être satisfait avec le régime d’assurance privé que nous avons mis en place. Aujourd’hui,
le premier ministre dit que le système qu’il a contesté durant la campagne électorale de 2003 et l’an
dernier, appuyé par plusieurs de ses députés que je vois aujourd’hui et certains sont même ministres
aujourd’hui. Ils se sont fait élire grâce à cela, mais ils ont gardé le système privé. Est-ce la même
personne?
Hon. Mr. Burke: I thought I would take the opportunity to correct the Leader of the Opposition on
something. He clearly stated that the insurance companies were going to announce an 11% decrease.
In fact, if the opposition members knew the files, that is not true. The New Brunswick Insurance
Board indicated that there would be a 5.7% decrease. This government has done more in 60 days
on the insurance file than the previous government did in 7 years. This is why New Brunswickers
are enjoying a 13.5% decrease, as opposed to a 13.5% increase.
M. Volpé : Je pense que le premier ministre devra se trouver quelqu’un d’autre pour l’aider, car cela
n’a pas fonctionné. Dans le compte rendu, l’an dernier, on a annoncé que la Commission des
assurances du Nouveau-Brunswick prévoyait une réduction de 11,5 %. Ce ne sont pas mes chiffres
mais ceux de la commission. Peut-être que le ministre de la Justice n’est pas au courant, mais il
devrait réviser ses notes. Je n’ai pas encore eu de réponse à savoir si je fais affaire avec la même
personne qui était ici l’an dernier. Je devrai continuer à poser des questions.
ORAL QUESTIONS 1 QUESTIONS ORALES
February 7, 2007 Not finalized / Non finalisé le 7 février 2007
S:\HANSARD\HANSARD DAILIES - FASCICULES\2007 56-1\02 2007-02-07 BL\02 2007-02-07 BL.wpd 8/16
Était-ce le premier ministre actuel, le même chef du Parti libéral, qui avait dit que les postes de
péage au Nouveau-Brunswick auraient aidé à payer les soins de santé?
Hon. S. Graham: I am not sure what the question of the interim Leader of the Opposition is, but
I can state that I was shocked to learn that the toll booths are now situated on the north side of the
river, outside a liquor store, and are now used for outdoor smoking booths. I am not sure whether
he is looking at bringing them back or what his question is. However, I can say that our government
is committed to building a self-sufficient province. At the same time, we are committed to position
New Brunswick as a leader in economic growth. We are also going to position ourselves as leaders
in energy conservation and generation. I am proud to say that the Minister of Education is going to
build the best education system in the country. Those are our commitments, and that is what we are
standing up for.
M. Volpé : Je comprends que le premier ministre essaie de se distancier de ses propres propos. On
peut comprendre qu’il se distancie des propos des autres. Cependant, aujourd’hui, il essaie de se
distancier de ses propres propos. Pour l’aider, dans le journal du 10 juin 2004, on lit :
Road tolls could have saved beds, says the Liberal.
C’est pour démontrer que le premier ministre ne se rappelle pas des choses qu’il a dites auparavant.
C’est une nouvelle personne que nous avons devant nous aujourd’hui.
Le chef du Parti libéral peut-il nous dire la raison pour laquelle il a demandé à M. Harper, l’automne
dernier, de respecter l’entente de Kyoto et de réduire les gaz à effet de serre? C’est une demande
qu’il avait faite l’an dernier. On voulait respecter l’entente de Kyoto et essayer de réduire les gaz
à effet de serre au Nouveau-Brunswick.
024 11:45
Une demande avait été faite l’an dernier afin de respecter l’entente de Kyoto et d’essayer de réduire
les gaz à effet de serre au Nouveau-Brunswick. Est-ce la même personne? Est-ce même ancien chef
de l’opposition qui avait posé cette question à M. Harper?
Hon. S. Graham: The interim Leader of the Opposition seems to have a great grip on the past
today. It is unfortunate he has not once talked about the future.
I stand before you today to say that our government is committed to the Irving Oil Refinery project.
That is why I was very happy to see today that the Minister of Environment has announced a full
environmental impact assessment, to make sure that New Brunswick is positioning itself with the
best environmental technologies to support this project.
ORAL QUESTIONS 1 QUESTIONS ORALES
February 7, 2007 Not finalized / Non finalisé le 7 février 2007
S:\HANSARD\HANSARD DAILIES - FASCICULES\2007 56-1\02 2007-02-07 BL\02 2007-02-07 BL.wpd 9/16
M. Volpé : Comme l’ancien député de Restigouche-Ouest avait dit : Pour apprécier le présent, il faut
connaître son passé. C’est ce que j’essaie de ramener aujourd’hui. C’est une bonne citation.
Je n’ai pas eu de réponse à l’effet si c’était lui qui avait parlé à M. Harper, mais je vais continuer
dans ma ligne de questions. Est-ce le chef du Parti libéral qui appuie maintenant une nouvelle
raffinerie à Saint John — un projet de gaz naturel liquéfié — et une nouvelle centrale au charbon
à Belledune qui produira plusieurs millions de tonnes d’émission? Monsieur le chef du Parti libéral,
comment pouvez-vous, d’un côté, demander à M. Harper de réduire les émissions au Nouveau-
Brunswick, alors que, d’un autre côté, vous voulez les doubler? J’aimerais comprendre si vous êtes
la même personne.
Hon. S. Graham: Our government is committed to action. That is why, during this upcoming
session of the House, we will be releasing a climate action plan. At the same time, we recognize the
responsibility to economic development in the province. That is why we are committed today to
making sure that the Irving Oil Refinery project receives the most stringent review and
environmental impact assessment process. Also, we are ramping up resources within the Department
of Environment to make sure that the qualified personnel will have the support to have this review
completed in a timely fashion.
I am curious today. Is the interim Leader of the Opposition against this project? Clearly, the 5 000
jobs during the construction phase will bring many New Brunswickers back home from Alberta to
work on this important project in New Brunswick.
M. Volpé : La différence entre les gens de ce côté-ci de la chambre et l’autre côté, c’est que notre
position concernant l’entente de Kyoto a toujours été claire et nous avons été consistants.
Aujourd’hui, le chef du gouvernement est très inconsistant, et c’est pour cette raison que je veux voir
si c’est la même personne qui a pris les engagements que nous avons ici aujourd’hui. Je pense que,
à la fin de la journée, il va falloir prendre des tests ADN parce que le nouveau premier ministre ne
peut pas répondre aux questions.
Ma prochaine question est celle-ci : Est-ce le même chef du Parti libéral qui avait affirmé le 15 juin
2006 qu’il fallait stabiliser les coûts de l’énergie pour les usines de pâtes et papiers au Nouveau-
Brunswick? Est-ce le même chef du Parti libéral qui avait fait ce commentaire?
Hon. S. Graham: Again, energy costs are always a concern of this government. I have stated
categorically that we will position New Brunswick as a leader in energy conservation and
generation. I have to say, at the outset, that we have taken some proactive steps. No longer are
government members on this side of the House driving the gas-guzzling automobiles that the former
Cabinet ministers drove. We now have an energy-efficient fleet. As well, I am also happy to
announce that while the government says clearly that its commitments have not changed, I still have
not seen the climate action plan that the former government had committed to on a number of
ORAL QUESTIONS / QUESTIONS ORALES
January 7, 2007 Not finalized / Non finalisé le 7 janvier 2007
S:\HANSARD\HANSARD DAILIES - FASCICULES\2007 56-1\02 2007-02-07 BL\02 2007-02-07 BL.wpd 10/16
occasions. It is the new administration that is committed to bringing forward a climate action plan,
and we will deal with this issue.
M. Volpé : Le plan pour l’énergie verte a été mis en place par notre gouvernement.
As a matter of fact, I was the minister responsible at the time that policy was put in place. I
remember very well that the direction given to NB Power at that time was to try to produce at least
10% of its energy by green energy. That was our government, and we started under our government
to get some results with that in Grand Manan. The announcement made last week was based on our
work and not their work.
025 11:50
Suite à la première question, à laquelle je n’ai pas eu de réponse, qui demandait si le premier
ministre était inquiet en ce qui a trait à l’énergie des usines de pâtes et papiers, je me demande si
vous êtes le même chef du Parti libéral qui, avec votre ministre de l’Énergie, avez dit dernièrement
que les entreprises devraient payer le coût réel de l’énergie. Cela aurait représenté une augmentation
d’environ 12 % l’an dernier pour les usines de pâtes et papiers et cela aurait certainement occasionné
des fermetures précipitées. Êtes-vous le même chef qui avez fait ces commentaires?
Hon. S. Graham: I want to be clear on one thing: The former Minister of Finance is attempting to
define his government’s record, and we on this side of the House respect that. In fact, I stated
categorically, on the day after the election, that we were not going to spend any time as a new
government trying to tear down the record of the past administration. We were going to build on
that. If this former minister has an insecurity issue on his past record, I want to say that, yes, there
was good work done on the green file. The wind project with TransAlta was announced last week,
or two weeks ago, in Albert County. It is a good project, and I am proud to announce that there will
be more to come on wind power projects, because we are building on what is needed in the province.
We have confidence as a government today. Rather than trying to tear down the past, we are looking
to the future.
M. Volpé : C’est toujours plus facile de bâtir un avenir lorsqu’on a eu une bonne base en partant.
On n’a pas eu la même chance lorsqu’on est arrivé au pouvoir en 1999. En 1999, on avait hérité
d’une dette de plusieurs milliards qui avait été accumulée au cours des 12 années où le
gouvernement libéral avait été au pouvoir. Le nouveau gouvernement vient d’hériter d’une dette
provinciale réduite.
Développement économique
Ma prochaine question est encore pour le premier ministre. Une fois de plus, j’aimerais qu’il me
confirme s’il est la même personne et le même chef du Parti libéral qui avait dit que le fonds de
ORAL QUESTIONS / QUESTIONS ORALES
January 7, 2007 Not finalized / Non finalisé le 7 janvier 2007
S:\HANSARD\HANSARD DAILIES - FASCICULES\2007 56-1\02 2007-02-07 BL\02 2007-02-07 BL.wpd 11/16
développement économique de 25 millions pour la région de Miramichi ne devrait pas être étendu
jusqu’à la circonscription de Rogersville-Kouchibouguac? Est-il la même personne qui avait fait ce
commentaire? Je veux le savoir.
Hon. S. Graham: I have to say that I am a little confused this morning by the interim Leader of the
Opposition. Not only is he committed to fighting the 2006 election over again, he now wants to go
back and fight the 1999 election.
I think New Brunswickers were expecting more from the interim leader of the opposition today.
They hoped that he would be focusing on issues pertaining to the future of New Brunswick. Not
once has he talked about yesterday’s throne speech, which has received very good reviews from all
New Brunswickers because it is an agenda for change that is committed to transforming the
province.
M. Volpé : Le premier ministre n’a pas besoin de nous dire qu’il est confus, on le voit de notre côté
de la Chambre. Il vient d’admettre qu’il est confus. On l’admet aussi. J’espère qu’il se ressaisira et
qu’il pourra nous donner des réponses.
Pour ce qui est de ce qu’on retrouve dans le discours du trône, on posera des questions au cours des
prochaines semaines. Il n’y aura pas de problème. Il y aura des questions pour tous les ministres.
Aujourd’hui, je veux seulement m’assurer que la personne qui est devant moi aujourd’hui est la
même personne qui était à l’opposition l’an dernier.
Je veux savoir si le premier ministre, le chef du Parti libéral, qui a mis en place le fonds de
développement économique du Nord, qui inclut la région de Kent-Sud, soit sa propre
circonscription… On appelle cette région le Sud-Est. Le premier ministre n’a pas inclus le Nord-
Ouest dans le fonds de développement économique du Nord. On a un fonds de développement
économique pour le Nord, qui n’inclut pas le Nord-Ouest mais qui inclut le Sud-Est. J’aimerais
savoir si c’est la même personne qui a mis cette structure en place et qui est chef aujourd’hui.
Hon. S. Graham: We have worked hard to earn the trust of New Brunswickers, and now, we are
going to work twice as hard to keep that trust. The interim Leader of the Opposition is looking for
some clarification this morning, and I will provide some clarification for him on the Miramichi
Development Fund. This is an existing fund, and the former administration made a decision, based
on political lines, not to allow it to proceed past the Rexton region into the community of
Bouctouche.
The interim Leader of the Opposition has raised the issue in the past, and we have corrected it. I am
confident enough to stand today and say that when the new northern New Brunswick initiative is
brought forward, it will not include the Kent region. The new fund will be designated to the four
areas to which we are committed, and those areas will see strategic investments in infrastructure on
our self-sufficiency agenda.
HANSARD DAILY / FASCICULE
February 7, 2007 Not finalized / Non finalisé le 7 février 2007
S:\HANSARD\HANSARD DAILIES - FASCICULES\2007 56-1\02 2007-02-07 BL\02 2007-02-07 BL.wpd 12/16
026 11:55
M. Volpé : Je sais qu’il ne peut pas le voir, mais il y a une petite carte de la province, et,
ordinairement, Ã partir du milieu en montant, on appelle cela le Nord ; en bas, on appelle cela le Sud,
par chez nous. À moins que la Terre ait penché, on a un problème.
On aura la chance de débattre ce point, mais la raison pour laquelle on avait étendu le fonds à la
région de Rogersville-Kouchibouguac au complet, c’est que seulement une partie de la
circonscription avait accès au fonds, et cela créait des problèmes pour certains maires. Donc, on a
étendu le fonds à toute la circonscription. Là , vous venez de l’étendre à votre circonscription de
Kent, sans couvrir le nord de la province, et on appelle cela le fonds de développement du Nord. Il
va falloir que vous expliquiez cela à un moment donné.
Permis de conduire
Ma prochaine question est d’actualité, étant donné que c’était dans les journaux ce matin. L’an
dernier, le premier ministre et chef du Parti libéral avait endossé la députée de Baie-de-Miramichi
lorsqu’elle a demandé à l’époque que quelqu’un qui avait été accusé de conduire en état d’ébriété
puisse obtenir son permis de nouveau plus rapidement. Êtes-vous celui qui a défendu son geste Ã
l’époque et encouragé la conduite avec facultés affaiblies par l’alcool? Au lieu de lui demander
d’arrêter, vous avez défendu cette députée à la Chambre. Êtes-vous la même personne aujourd’hui?
Hon. S. Graham: I have to say at the outset that the interim Leader of the Opposition wants to fight
past battles of this Legislative Assembly. For seven years, that government could have strengthened
the drinking and driving laws in New Brunswick, and chose not to. That is why I am very excited
by the changes that the Minister of Public Safety will be announcing in the very near future, that will
put in place better enforcement capabilities and, at the same time, more severe penalties that will
take drunk drivers off the roads of New Brunswick.
M. Volpé : Cela répond à ma prochaine question, parce que je voulais savoir si c’était la même
personne aujourd’hui qui voulait avoir davantage de pénalités pour les gens qui conduisent en état
d’ébriété. Donc, il y a eu un changement, et, cette fois-ci, cela a été un changement pour le mieux.
C’est bien, je vais continuer avec mes questions.
Développement économique
Le premier ministre et chef du Parti libéral peut-il nous confirmer aujourd’hui qu’il est le même chef
du Parti libéral qui, au début de l’année 2003, avait dit publiquement, même à la Chambre, qu’il
n’appuyait pas la vision de M. McGuire pour le développement économique du Nouveau-
Brunswick, spécialement celui du nord de la province?
HANSARD DAILY / FASCICULE
February 7, 2007 Not finalized / Non finalisé le 7 février 2007
S:\HANSARD\HANSARD DAILIES - FASCICULES\2007 56-1\02 2007-02-07 BL\02 2007-02-07 BL.wpd 13/16
Hon. S. Graham: This is an historic Chamber that we stand in. In fact, it was Premier Louis J.
Robichaud who undertook the debate on equal opportunity, which came forward from the Byrne
Commission report. At that point in time in our province’s history, the debate was controversial. We
should not be afraid to shy away from the debate. As elected officials, I encourage the members
opposite to engage in a positive manner. That is why I was excited to see the interim Leader of the
NDP have a public letter in the newspaper last week saying what his party’s commitments are on
a self-sufficient New Brunswick. This party is contributing. It is unfortunate that the official
opposition is not. That is why I am encouraging them today to participate in a process that will allow
our province to become self-sufficient by 2026.
Mr. Volpé: I would like to debate with the Premier, but first we need to know if he is the same
person who was here last year. I cannot confirm.
Le chef du Parti libéral peut-il me dire s’il est la même personne qui, l’an dernier, durant la
campagne électorale, a dit publiquement qu’il appuyait la vision de Louis Robichaud, soit le
programme Chances égales pour tous? Êtes-vous la même personne? Vous devriez pouvoir au moins
être capable de répondre à cette question. Il me semble que c’est une question facile.
Hon. S. Graham: The interim Leader of the Opposition seems to be preoccupied on the position
that I hold today, and I am happy to report that I have changed: Last year I was Leader of the
Opposition and today I am Premier of the province of New Brunswick. With that, comes the
responsibility of governing. I welcome the challenges. I welcome the questions this morning from
the interim Leader of the Opposition.
027 12:00
I have to say from the outset that our government has a focused agenda. We are committed to
change in the province. We are committed to action. In the first few days of our mandate, we have
a list of accomplishments of which we should be proud as a province. At our first Cabinet meeting,
our government lowered the gas tax by 3.8¢ per litre. We established the $2 000 grant for first-year
university students. We created two new government departments for housing and seniors. We made
a commitment to clean up Saint John Harbour. We protected seniors’ assets with a change in the fee
policy. We removed the parental contribution requirement from student loan applications. We
reduced auto insurance premiums by 13.5%. For over two years, the position of Child and Youth
Advocate remained vacant. We filled that position in the first two weeks of our government. The
list goes on.
Yes, we have changed, because today, we are honouring the commitment that we made in our
Charter for Change, and we are leading.
Mr. Volpé: Now I know the answer, or part of it. He is not the same. Now, he is the Premier.
HANSARD DAILY / FASCICULE
February 7, 2007 Not finalized / Non finalisé le 7 février 2007
S:\HANSARD\HANSARD DAILIES - FASCICULES\2007 56-1\02 2007-02-07 BL\02 2007-02-07 BL.wpd 14/16
It is called integrity. Someone sitting over here or over there should have the same stand. That is
what I have to prove today. It has changed.
The Premier could not answer my question on whether he was supporting Louis Robichaud’s vision
of Equal Opportunity.
Continuons sur cette question. Êtes-vous le même chef du Parti libéral du Nouveau-Brunswick qui
avez demandé à M. McGuire de vous préparer un plan d’autosuffisance pour les 20 prochaines
années en sachant que sa vision était à l’opposé de celle de Louis Robichaud? M. McGuire est-il
maintenant votre conseillé principal? Il ne l’était pas en 2003.
Hon. S. Graham: I have to say from the outset that one should never call into account the integrity
of members in this House. I was reading the statements from the members opposite that there would
be a different kind of opposition in this session, but apparently, they are keeping up the tactics of
the previous session, trying to defame the members of this House.
As Premier of the province, I take very seriously the role that the people of New Brunswick have
given me. There will be peaks and valleys in this journey, there will be good days and bad days, but
I am blessed to have the strength of a team here today. I have to say from the outset that I find it
interesting today that the interim Leader of the Opposition has not had the confidence in any of the
members opposite to have them ask one question in this Chamber.
L’hon. M. Volpé : Je suis convaincu que, au cours des prochaines semaines et des prochains mois…
We will have enough time for our MLAs to be asking questions. That is no problem. First of all, we
need to know who we are dealing with. It is not clear yet.
Jeunesse
Je veux revenir sur un commentaire qui a été fait un peu plus tôt. Le chef du Parti libéral peut-il nous
confirmer aujourd’hui s’il est la même personne qui, le 13 décembre 2005, a demandé que le
défenseur des enfants et de la jeunesse soit choisi par l’Assemblée législative?
Hon. S. Graham: I am not sure what point of concern the interim Leader of the Opposition is asking
about. What I can say is that as a province, we cannot be afraid to have the debate. That is why,
immediately in our government’s mandate, we appointed a task force on self-sufficiency, chaired
by Gilles Lepage and Francis McGuire, two individuals who are now engaging New Brunswickers
on the future of our province.
The status quo cannot remain, and as Premier of the province today, I stand here committed to
change—transformational change that will allow New Brunswick to be at the forefront among
HANSARD DAILY / FASCICULE
February 7, 2007 Not finalized / Non finalisé le 7 février 2007
S:\HANSARD\HANSARD DAILIES - FASCICULES\2007 56-1\02 2007-02-07 BL\02 2007-02-07 BL.wpd 15/16
provinces in Confederation. We will not be sidetracked by partisan rabbit tracks, because we are
committed to transforming the province.
Mr. Volpé: I do not know if there is a translation problem, but that was the question I asked a few
minutes ago. My question was this: Is he the same Leader of the Liberal Party who said here in this
House that the Child and Youth Advocate should be chosen here in this House? I asked: Are you
the same person who asked that question? I did not get an answer, so I will go to the next question.
028 12:05
Êtes-vous le même chef du Parti libéral, la même personne?
Are you the same person who said that Premier Lord cannot go out and handpick whomever he
wants as a Child and Youth Advocate? Are you the same person?
Hon. S. Graham: Again, the Leader of the Opposition is concerned about a procedural issue in this
Chamber, when his government did not put in place a Child and Youth Advocate over a two-year
period, and many children at risk were left unprotected because this government could not make a
decision. I can tell you that our government made the decision, and I challenge the Leader of the
Opposition to call into account the integrity of Bernard Richard, whom their government appointed
as the Ombudsman of the province of New Brunswick.
M. Volpé : Je veux rappeler au premier ministre que, lorsqu’il était du côté de l’opposition, il avait
même déposé un projet de loi pour s’assurer que le défenseur des enfants et de la jeunesse soit choisi
à l’Assemblée législative. On ne parle certainement pas de la même personne aujourd’hui, car il
avait recommandé au premier ministre Lord de ne pas choisir le défenseur lui-même pour que ce
soit fait par l’entremise d’un processus. Ma question est : Le chef du Parti libéral d’aujourd’hui est-il
la même personne qui a lui-même choisi Bernard Richard?
Hon. S. Graham: If this is the biggest issue of concern today on the part of the opposition, it is
indeed going to be a very long session. We have the utmost confidence in the new Child and Youth
Advocate, who is sharing the services provided by the Office of the Ombudsman, to take those
resources and put them where they are needed, to protect children at risk, rather than for
administration. The Child and Youth Advocate and Ombudsman is qualified to do both jobs as one.
We are committed today to act in a timely fashion, where the former government could not make
a decision over a two-year period.
M. Volpé : Je pense qu’on n’évalue pas les compétences de la personne choisie. On évalue le
processus qui a été utilisé. Le premier ministre, qui était le chef de l’opposition à l’époque, nous
avait fait une leçon de morale à savoir quel processus devrait être mis en place. Aujourd’hui, on voit
que ce n’est pas la même personne, parce qu’il a utilisé un autre processus.
HANSARD DAILY / FASCICULE
February 7, 2007 Not finalized / Non finalisé le 7 février 2007
S:\HANSARD\HANSARD DAILIES - FASCICULES\2007 56-1\02 2007-02-07 BL\02 2007-02-07 BL.wpd 16/16
Voici ma prochaine question. Le chef du Parti libéral a dit, dans un communiqué du 8 septembre
2006, que son Pacte pour le changement offrira un plan clair pour la création d’emplois et que la
création d’emplois redeviendra une priorité. Ces commentaires sont-ils les siens? S’il vous plaît,
j’aimerais une réponse.
Hon. S. Graham: In the opening comments of the interim Leader of the Opposition, there is a clear
difference. That party is committed to evaluating process, but we are committed to getting things
done. That is why, immediately in our mandate, we appointed the Child and Youth Advocate, a
position that had remained vacant for over two years. The new Child and Youth Advocate will have
the tools and the authority to protect children at risk. However, we took it one step further. We also
moved quickly to put in place new resources for a prevention-based model of child protection, a
model that is being endorsed by the social workers in New Brunswick. The former government sat
on the recommendations of the Children Come First report for seven years. We acted on those
recommendations in a three-month period.
Mr. Speaker: I would remind the House that the time for question period is almost over. There is
time for one more question.
M. Volpé : Le chef du Parti libéral peut-il confirmer qu’il est la même personne qui a clairement
dit… Elle est bonne. Écoutez comme il faut. Cela va tous vous toucher. Le chef du Parti libéral a
dit qu’il entend créer 70 000 emplois en 20 ans, soit 3 500 emplois par année, alors que la moyenne
des 7 dernières années était de 5 000 emplois. Pouvez-vous confirmer qu’il y aura un recul au lieu
d’un progrès?
Hon. S. Graham: I look forward to providing the final response, because I think it is imperative to
ask the interim Leader of the Opposition a question: Is he the same person who handed New
Brunswickers a $400-million deficit and never once mentioned it in the last election campaign?
THE IRVINGS DON'T SEEM TO HAVE ANY LUCK IN MAINE LATELY????
http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/3595104.html
Firefighters battle Fairfield truck stop fire
By Central Maine Newspapers February 07, 2007 05:37 PM
FAIRFIELD -- Fire ripped through the Irving Big Stop store and restaurant on U.S. Route 201 Wednesday afternoon, destroying the business and closing the busy highway for hours.
Flames shot 30 feet into the air at times, engulfing the flat roof of the building. The blaze spread slowly from the rear of the truck stop into the kitchen, then to the dining area and finally into the store at the front of the building.
The first fire call came in at about 2:20 p.m. Two hours later, flames were rolling out the front door.
Crews trained hoses on the north side of the building in efforts to keep the blaze from reaching nearby diesel tanks. The efforts were successful.
Windows shattered, propane tanks exploded and the roof collapsed in flames.
Plumes of black smoke billowed high into the afternoon sky as firefighters from several area communities delivered water onto flames that were burning through the roof and doors. Crews were called to the scene from Skowhegan, Winslow, Waterville and other towns.
"It was in the roof, it got into the ceiling, we noticed it coming out a back vent," Fairfield Fire Chief Duane Bickford said at the scene. "At this point we're not sure whether it started in a back bathroom or if there was a drop fire from the ceiling. We have to do a lot more investigating."
Calls for more manpower still were being broadcast three hours after the fire started. A representative from the state Fire Marshal's Office was sent to the scene to assist in the investigation.
Robert Higgins, director of the Somerset County Emergency Management Agency, also was on hand. Representatives from the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army also reported to the fire scene, officials said.
Central Maine Power Co. was called to disconnect electricity to the building. The state Department of Transportation, along with Fairfield Public Works, were alerted to the need for sand and salt along U.S. Route 201 and the parking lot of the truck stop for water that was freezing on contact with the pavement.
Temperatures all afternoon hovered in the mid-teens, with a brisk wind that made it feel colder. There were no reported injuries.
The Department of Agriculture also was notified because of its jurisdiction over restaurants and food service, a fire official said.
Fairfield firefighters first were called to the truck stop for what seemed initially to be a small, smoky fire in the shower area of the truckers' section of the Big Stop. Crews reported not seeing any flames and felt the fire had been contained.
Twenty minutes later the blaze appeared to suddenly rekindle. Firefighters were evacuated from the building and reinforcements from surrounding towns were called in to help.
"The call came in as a fire toward one of the rear bathrooms, that's all I know at the moment," said Fairfield Fire Capt. Jim Lane, the department's fire investigator. "It's gone. It's totally gone. They can't go back into business at all right now, that's totally out.
"That restaurant's toast and everything in it's toast."
The Irving Oil Co. truck stop, for many years a busy place for food and fuel, had been remodeled within the last six months, emerging with a new layout and the name Blue Canoe. The store also recently lost its bid for an off-premises liquor sales license.
Outside the building, before the flames had rekindled into a major fire, store manager Bambi Hartt said she and other Irving Oil employees were attending a meeting when they smelled smoke.
"We had a meeting in our banquet room," Hartt said. "We don't have any idea what happened."
The store was evacuated of all employees and patrons.
"I was in the store and I smelled smoke in the back and the other fellow went and smelled it and he saw smoke come out of the bathroom and he called the fire department," Big Stop employee Don Pelletier said. "It was in one of the showers, in the back shower."
The store and restaurant appeared to have been spared from serious damage after the first response to the truck stop. The front door was propped open to ventilate the store and fire crews appeared to relax.
Suddenly, an hour after the original fire call, flames were showing through the ceiling and into the roof.
Fire crews were ordered to retreat to the yard. By nightfall, all but the stucco and cement block shell of the structure had been destroyed. Later, authorities using heavy equipment demolished the shell of the building, leaving only a pile of rubble.
By late Wednesday investigators were still on scene, attempting to determine the cause of the blaze. They will return today.
Doug Harlow -- 861-9244
dharlow@centralmaine.com
Firefighters battle Fairfield truck stop fire
By Central Maine Newspapers February 07, 2007 05:37 PM
FAIRFIELD -- Fire ripped through the Irving Big Stop store and restaurant on U.S. Route 201 Wednesday afternoon, destroying the business and closing the busy highway for hours.
Flames shot 30 feet into the air at times, engulfing the flat roof of the building. The blaze spread slowly from the rear of the truck stop into the kitchen, then to the dining area and finally into the store at the front of the building.
The first fire call came in at about 2:20 p.m. Two hours later, flames were rolling out the front door.
Crews trained hoses on the north side of the building in efforts to keep the blaze from reaching nearby diesel tanks. The efforts were successful.
Windows shattered, propane tanks exploded and the roof collapsed in flames.
Plumes of black smoke billowed high into the afternoon sky as firefighters from several area communities delivered water onto flames that were burning through the roof and doors. Crews were called to the scene from Skowhegan, Winslow, Waterville and other towns.
"It was in the roof, it got into the ceiling, we noticed it coming out a back vent," Fairfield Fire Chief Duane Bickford said at the scene. "At this point we're not sure whether it started in a back bathroom or if there was a drop fire from the ceiling. We have to do a lot more investigating."
Calls for more manpower still were being broadcast three hours after the fire started. A representative from the state Fire Marshal's Office was sent to the scene to assist in the investigation.
Robert Higgins, director of the Somerset County Emergency Management Agency, also was on hand. Representatives from the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army also reported to the fire scene, officials said.
Central Maine Power Co. was called to disconnect electricity to the building. The state Department of Transportation, along with Fairfield Public Works, were alerted to the need for sand and salt along U.S. Route 201 and the parking lot of the truck stop for water that was freezing on contact with the pavement.
Temperatures all afternoon hovered in the mid-teens, with a brisk wind that made it feel colder. There were no reported injuries.
The Department of Agriculture also was notified because of its jurisdiction over restaurants and food service, a fire official said.
Fairfield firefighters first were called to the truck stop for what seemed initially to be a small, smoky fire in the shower area of the truckers' section of the Big Stop. Crews reported not seeing any flames and felt the fire had been contained.
Twenty minutes later the blaze appeared to suddenly rekindle. Firefighters were evacuated from the building and reinforcements from surrounding towns were called in to help.
"The call came in as a fire toward one of the rear bathrooms, that's all I know at the moment," said Fairfield Fire Capt. Jim Lane, the department's fire investigator. "It's gone. It's totally gone. They can't go back into business at all right now, that's totally out.
"That restaurant's toast and everything in it's toast."
The Irving Oil Co. truck stop, for many years a busy place for food and fuel, had been remodeled within the last six months, emerging with a new layout and the name Blue Canoe. The store also recently lost its bid for an off-premises liquor sales license.
Outside the building, before the flames had rekindled into a major fire, store manager Bambi Hartt said she and other Irving Oil employees were attending a meeting when they smelled smoke.
"We had a meeting in our banquet room," Hartt said. "We don't have any idea what happened."
The store was evacuated of all employees and patrons.
"I was in the store and I smelled smoke in the back and the other fellow went and smelled it and he saw smoke come out of the bathroom and he called the fire department," Big Stop employee Don Pelletier said. "It was in one of the showers, in the back shower."
The store and restaurant appeared to have been spared from serious damage after the first response to the truck stop. The front door was propped open to ventilate the store and fire crews appeared to relax.
Suddenly, an hour after the original fire call, flames were showing through the ceiling and into the roof.
Fire crews were ordered to retreat to the yard. By nightfall, all but the stucco and cement block shell of the structure had been destroyed. Later, authorities using heavy equipment demolished the shell of the building, leaving only a pile of rubble.
By late Wednesday investigators were still on scene, attempting to determine the cause of the blaze. They will return today.
Doug Harlow -- 861-9244
dharlow@centralmaine.com
GOD'S MINUTE!!!!
AND THE LORD, HE IS THE ONE WHO GOES BEFORE
YOU. HE WILL NOT LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU;
DO NOT FEAR NOR BE DISMAYED.
( DEUTERONOMY 31:8 *NKJV )
Dear Charles,
There are times when we are fearful of current events or
even the future, for fear is a tool that satan uses to attack
our faith in our Heavenly Father. After all fear causes worry,
and what is worry and fear anyway, but the opposite of faith!
Now it is important for a Child of God to remember that
GOD HAS NOT GIVEN US A SPIRIT OF FEAR, BUT OF
POWER AND OF LOVE AND OF A SOUND MIND.
( 2 TIMOTHY 1:7 ) And God has made us this promise,
FOR I, THE LORD YOUR GOD, WILL HOLD YOUR RIGHT
HAND, SAYING TO YOU, "FEAR NOT, I WILL HELP YOU."
( ISAIAH 41:13 )
So Charles, the next time that fear strikes you remember to
hold fast to your faith! After all you can always CAST ALL
YOUR BURDEN ON THE LORD, AND HE SHALL SUSTAIN
YOU; HE SHALL NEVER PERMIT THE RIGHTEOUS TO BE
MOVED. ( PSALM 55:22 )
FINALLY, BRETHREN, FAREWELL. BECOME
COMPLETE. BE OF GOOD COMFORT, BE OF ONE MIND,
LIVE IN PEACE; AND THE GOD OF LOVE AND PEACE
WILL BE WITH YOU. ( 2 CORINTHIANS 13:11 )
Therefore Charles, have a great day today filled with
peace, and remember that "Worry is the darkroom in which
negatives are developed." Amen.
With My Love & Prayers,
your servant Allen
[ Prayer Requests---Contact Us---Bible Study---*Donations* ]
[ Audio---Subscribe---Change of Address---Unsubscribe ]
at: http://www.godsminute.org
Apostle Paul Ministries, P O Box 55996, Hayward, CA 94545
(c) Copyright 2007 by Apostle Paul Ministries
This Daily Message was sent by request to:
Charles Leblanc at
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)