MP Feels Government Not Taking Campobello Mail Issues Seriously Enough
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Landslide for Ludwig Looking for members Seadogs win Rocking the Rim pg. 2 pg. 3 pg. 6 pg. 8 Call me for all of your advertising needs Matt Stewart Marketing Advisor TEL 506-466-3220 EXT 1305 Cell 506-321-1464 Fax 506-466-9950 181119 [email protected] Tuesday, February 11, 2020 stcroixcourier.ca Volume 154, Issue 07 MP feels government not taking Campobello mail issues seriously enough Sari Green my question by stating, ‘we’ll be look- “fl uke of geography” that borders must ing at this matter and we will have fur- be crossed to reach Campobello during CAMPOBELLO ther things to say on it in the future’. the off-season, but that geography can I was expecting that in this minority “cut both ways”. He made mention of MP John Williamson is not happy government, where the government Point Roberts, Washington, which is about the mail situation on Campobello, is trying to work across the aisle, that only accessible through British Colum- and spoke out on behalf of island resi- when a serious issue is brought to their bia. He said United States mail goes dents in order to fi nd a solution to the attention that impacts the privacy of through without any inspection, and Tripadvisor photo issue. During the January 29 Adjourn- Canadians, that they would act. Sadly, I suggested that maybe it is time that this The Franklin Delano Roosevelt International Bridge ment Debate in the House of Commons, was wrong.” procedure changes and that Canadian connects Campobello Island to Lubec, Maine, and is Williamson posed questions about Williamson mentioned the fact he Border Services agents do inspect this the main artery for all travel, including mail delivery the privacy rights of his constituents, brought this issue to the House last year, United States mail. when the ferry is not running as it doesn’t in the which are guaranteed by the Canadian and his offi ce has received a letter from “Mr. Speaker, a Canadian is a Cana- winter months. Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Canada Post he planned to table follow- dian is a Canadian. The geography cuts The issue, as Campobello residents ing the adjournment proceedings. He both ways,” said Williamson. it for the people who live on the island. know all too well, is their mail is re- said the letter states that United States Williamson had two questions for Williamson saw the Secretary’s com- routed through the United States dur- offi cials have the right to open mail his colleagues during the adjournment ments as saying the problem is on Cam- ing the months when there is no ferry that is coming from and into Canada. debate. He wanted to know why this is- pobello, and residents should look for service from mainland Canada to the They understand the issue, and said sue has not yet been resolved. He also their own solutions. He said residents island. United States Customs and Bor- it has caused them concern. William- wanted to know what the government have been so innovative because they der Protection have the right to open son doesn’t believe it has caused them plans to do now, not in the future, to feel that their government has let them any packages coming into their coun- enough concern to actually do some- protect the privacy rights of Canadian down. He added that he appreciates try, even if they are pieces of mail that thing about it. citizens living on Campobello. the discussions on providing help for a are addressed to Canadians living on The letter also stated the only avail- Steve MacKinnon, Parliamentary year-round ferry, including infrastruc- Campobello. The main reason for the able option outside of a seasonal ferry Secretary of Public Services and Pro- ture dollars to “build and operate such searches is with the legalization of service is delivery through Maine, and curement, said he takes “great interest” a ferry service”. But, an undertaking cannabis in Canada, residents are able Williamson said his understanding is in this issue, but offered no real sugges- such as this doesn’t happen overnight, to order cannabis products and have that Canada Post has not requested the tions as to how it could be solved. He and a solution is needed now rather them delivered via Canada Post. use of the seasonal ferry service. said Campobello residents have known than later. “I know for all members of this “They have not contacted the ferry for years their situation is a unique one, “I’ll point out again, for the record, House, privacy rights are important,” operator, whose craft is in the water and they have come up with “inventive that these Canada Post trucks are said Williamson. “They are paramount and available for private and public solutions to all manner of things”. bonded,” said Williamson. “They to our identity as Canadians. Unfortu- charter,” said Williamson. “The letter “Canada Post representatives have should not be inspected by United nately, this government has missed the says Canada Post is working on re- worked, and will continue to work on States customs agencies, and doing so boat on protecting privacy rights in solving the matter with United States innovative solutions with their United is an infringement of our rights as Ca- Southern New Brunswick. Campobello government offi cials and ‘hope to see States counterparts,” said MacKinnon. nadians.” is a Canadian territory, but is only ac- fewer delays in the coming weeks’. Mr. “Of course, we seek, as the member al- [email protected] cessible year-round by driving through Speaker, two months have nearly come luded to, a sustainable transport solu- the State of Maine for an hour,” said and gone. I’ve contacted Canada Post. tion that could allow us to send mail Williamson. I’ve brought this to the Minister’s atten- directly to the island. We would invite $1.33 +TAX Williamson said he is not pleased tion, and Canada Post has contacted my the Higgs’ government to continue to with the way the government is han- offi ce. But, once again, their explana- propose solutions that they may be in- dling this situation, and he is looking tion doesn’t solve the problem.” terested in supporting. But, I leave that for solutions to ensure the privacy Williamson feels that Canada Post is all to the discussions that I know are oc- rights of Campobello Island residents asking Campobello residents to use the curring very actively among offi cials.” when it comes to the delivery of their mail less, or not to bother using it at MacKinnon said the government will mail. all during the months when there is no continue to take an interest in the issue, “The government has responded to ferry service to the island. He said it is a and they want to work on it and solve Wake Up to the Importance of Your Local Newspaper As your local newspaper, we report on the news and events affecting your life and the world around you. Doing our part to keep the community connected and the public informed is ingrained in our mission, and your support is essential to this work. We invite you to subscribe today and start making every day an opportunity to be engaged, aware and a partner in our communities. The Saint Croix Courier & Courier Weekend 506.466.3220 | www.saintcroixcourier.ca 181116 2 | FEBRUARY 11, 2020 NEWS Ludwig wins Liberal nomination in landslide Krisi Marples found was here was a man of honestly, of sincerity, and a man refreshing in ST. STEPHEN politics. What he talked about were is- sues that were real to me. They were It was a full house with almost 300 good conversations. When I looked to people in attendance on Saturday for the future of what I was looking for the Saint Croix Liberal Association for this area, I’m very, very proud to nomination event at the Garcelon stand behind Kevin Vickers. Civic Center. The party had two strong “When we all work together, that’s candidates in Tony Mann and former when we get the best outcome for New Southwest NB MP, Karen Ludwig. Brunswickers. I’m looking forward to And in what can only be referred to representing Saint Croix as a Liberal as a landslide victory, Ludwig walked candidate and whether it’s a by-elec- away with 177 of 198 votes cast, and tion or general election, we need to the nomination to move forward to be- get this done and we need representa- come the MLA for the riding of Saint tion.” Croix. “This day is day one of our cam- “I’m standing here before you be- paign to send a Liberal MLA for Saint cause I obviously love it here,” said Croix to Fredericton,” said the enig- Ludwig prior to the vote. “I believe matic Vickers. “An MLA who will rep- in our communities, I believe in our resent you with fairness, compassion, people, and I will work tirelessly to and vision. A person to bring respect ensure we have the services and local to this government. The person you representation for Saint Croix to pros- choose today will be an important per. This election, my friends, to me, member of my team and our next Lib- is about strong representation, expe- eral government. rience, and someone representing us “Saint Croix is known for honest in the legislature. I can assure you my and hardworking people. The people commitment to this riding has only of Saint Croix deserve more from its grown since 2015.” government.” In an impressive move, Mann didn’t The riding of Saint Croix has been throw rhetoric or bravado at the without representation since the crowd, rather stating simply the asso- death of former MLA Greg Thomp- ciation was spoiled for choice.