Listen to Tantramar Report for the following stories:
Hospital rally Wednesday at 11:30am
Sackville and area residents are rallying today at 11:30am at the Sackville Memorial Hospital. The Rural Health Action Group is asking people to come protest the recent service closures at the hospital and call for action on the crisis. Guest speakers will be presenting at the rally. Masks are mandatory and parking is available just down the street at Main Street Baptist church and Moneris.
Interview: John Higham on hospital cuts, Rural Health Action Group and and Horizon’s response
On Tantramar Report we talk with John Higham, former Sackville mayor and co-chair of the Rural Health Action Group. Higham talks about the group’s work, his reaction to comments from Horizon Health CEO John Dornan at Monday’s town council meeting, and the path forward for the Sackville hospital.
Also on Tantramar Report, we look at what Horizon officials had to say at Sackville town council on Monday.
Horizon issues call to nurses to come work in Sackville
After promising action on recruitment at Monday’s Sackville town council meeting, Horizon CEO John Dornan issued a statement on Tuesday, addressed to “current and future New Brunswick nurses.” In the statement, Dornan pitches Sackville as a “friendly, welcoming and progressive community” and offers nurses financial incentives for certain eligible positions, including a one-time incentive of $10,000 in exchange for an agreement to work for three years.
Provincial government capital spending: 45% on roads
The provincial government tabled its capital spending plan for 2022-2023 on Tuesday. The plan calls for $746.8 million in spending on capital infrastructure. About 45% of the spending—$338 million—will go towards maintaining and improving highways, roads and bridges around the province. About 20%, or $153 million, will go toward health care infrastructure. Nearly $85 million, or 11%, will go towards infrastructure in public schools.
Bridge Street open, Henderson Block gone
Bridge Street in downtown Sackville was reopened to traffic earlier than expected yesterday as the first phase of demolition of the Henderson Block at number 3 Bridge Street was completed. It’s not yet known what development will take the place of the 120 year old brick building.
COVID update: most new cases under investigation
There are 752 people with active cases of COVID-19 in the province, and 172 of them are in Zone 1.
Public Health reported 69 new cases yesterday, with the lion’s share — 48 cases — of as yet unknown origin. In Zone 1, they reported 12 new cases, with 11 under investigation. Four of the new Zone 1 cases were in people 9 years old and under.
47 people are in hospital with 18 in an intensive care unit.
As of this week, anyone 50 and over who has had their second COVID-19 vaccination shot more than 6 months ago can set up an appointment for a booster shot.
Christmas Collegium today
The Mount Allison Music department is hosting a Christmas Collegium today at 4pm at the Brunton Auditorium. Students and faculty will present seasonal performances, sing-a-longs, and special guests. Admission is free and all are welcome. Proof of vaccination and masks are required.