The Official Saint John, NB Project Thread

[MountPleasant]

Ultimately Saint John has no choice but to thrive on the international immigration front and we must do better.

Northern NBers have told me first hand that they often go to Fredericton and Moncton. The two cities have a much better rapport with the north than Saint John does for a number of reasons, language, geographical, transportation (via rail line), etc.

I have had one student from Sugarloaf Senior High School in Campbellton tell me that once students graduate, they go strait to Moncton or leave the province.

[MountPleasant]

Selling the European Union on New Brunswick’s energy potential

CHRIS MORRIS Legislature Bureau

Energy Minister Craig Leonard says policy-makers in the European Union now are aware of New Brunswick and the province’s potential as a gateway for Canadian oil and gas exports to overseas markets.

Leonard was in Belgium on Thursday for the completion of two days of meetings with European government and business leaders who are searching for energy alternatives as a result of political troubles in the Ukraine and Russia.

Leonard is part of a delegation organized by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce that travelled to Brussels to outline Canada’s oil and gas potential and explore ways to strengthen business connections with Europe.

The provincial energy minister said in a phone interview from Brussels he believes the two days of meetings have “opened eyes” in Europe to the opportunities presented by the Canadian energy industry and New Brunswick.

“They (the Europeans) now know the story of what is taking place on the Canadian east coast, whether it’s the Energy East pipeline or LNG,” Leonard said.

“I am very pleased we came over to tell the story because they weren’t all that aware of it.”

Recent developments in Ukraine and Russia have forced the European Union to look at diversifying its external energy supplies and upgrading its energy infrastructure.

Perrin Beatty, who, as president of the Canadian chamber, led the delegation, said Canada has a unique opportunity to seize the momentum and sell its advantages as a stable supplier of oil and gas.

“As recent events have demonstrated, much of Europe’s oil and gas is imported from places with a proven willingness to use their petroleum as a tool for geopolitical manipulation,” Beatty said in a statement.

“The EU has too few energy partners, dependable traders who share EU values such as environmental protection and respect for democracy. Canada can be an energy partner to the EU.”

Leonard said the message of stability was welcomed in the European Union.

“They know we are a country that won’t suddenly turn off the taps,” he said, adding that other energy alternatives, such as Nigeria and Angola, look extremely risky compared to Canada.

“We’re a safe haven,” he said.

Leonard said that as a small province, New Brunswick was largely unknown to the European leaders.

He said his message outlined the fact that the port of Saint John has the closest proximity to Europe than any other port on the eastern seaboard. He also discussed the province’s existing infrastructure, including Canada’s only liquefied natural gas terminal, stringent environmental regulations, and the development of upcoming projects such as the Energy East pipeline.

“The message we’re trying to get out is that New Brunswick is positioning itself as the gateway for Canadian resources to these different markets, whether India, Europe or Africa.”

The Canadian delegation was anxious to have the meetings and discussions in Brussels in advance of the European Council’s special meeting of the heads of state on energy security next week.

“The magnitude of the opportunity speaks volumes of New Brunswick’s energy potential on a global scale,” said Leonard. “Creating international partnerships for responsible development of the energy sector will benefit all parties. Working together to create solutions to energy supply issues in Europe will provide long-term benefits for New Brunswickers by moving the province one step closer to economic security.”

[UptownJeff]

Originally Posted by MountPleasant

Selling the European Union on New Brunswick’s energy potential

CHRIS MORRIS Legislature Bureau

Energy Minister Craig Leonard says policy-makers in the European Union now are aware of New Brunswick and the province’s potential as a gateway for Canadian oil and gas exports to overseas markets.

Leonard was in Belgium on Thursday for the completion of two days of meetings with European government and business leaders who are searching for energy alternatives as a result of political troubles in the Ukraine and Russia.

Leonard is part of a delegation organized by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce that travelled to Brussels to outline Canada’s oil and gas potential and explore ways to strengthen business connections with Europe.

The provincial energy minister said in a phone interview from Brussels he believes the two days of meetings have “opened eyes” in Europe to the opportunities presented by the Canadian energy industry and New Brunswick.

“They (the Europeans) now know the story of what is taking place on the Canadian east coast, whether it’s the Energy East pipeline or LNG,” Leonard said.

“I am very pleased we came over to tell the story because they weren’t all that aware of it.”

Recent developments in Ukraine and Russia have forced the European Union to look at diversifying its external energy supplies and upgrading its energy infrastructure.

Perrin Beatty, who, as president of the Canadian chamber, led the delegation, said Canada has a unique opportunity to seize the momentum and sell its advantages as a stable supplier of oil and gas.

“As recent events have demonstrated, much of Europe’s oil and gas is imported from places with a proven willingness to use their petroleum as a tool for geopolitical manipulation,” Beatty said in a statement.

“The EU has too few energy partners, dependable traders who share EU values such as environmental protection and respect for democracy. Canada can be an energy partner to the EU.”

Leonard said the message of stability was welcomed in the European Union.

“They know we are a country that won’t suddenly turn off the taps,” he said, adding that other energy alternatives, such as Nigeria and Angola, look extremely risky compared to Canada.

“We’re a safe haven,” he said.

Leonard said that as a small province, New Brunswick was largely unknown to the European leaders.

He said his message outlined the fact that the port of Saint John has the closest proximity to Europe than any other port on the eastern seaboard. He also discussed the province’s existing infrastructure, including Canada’s only liquefied natural gas terminal, stringent environmental regulations, and the development of upcoming projects such as the Energy East pipeline.

“The message we’re trying to get out is that New Brunswick is positioning itself as the gateway for Canadian resources to these different markets, whether India, Europe or Africa.”

The Canadian delegation was anxious to have the meetings and discussions in Brussels in advance of the European Council’s special meeting of the heads of state on energy security next week.

“The magnitude of the opportunity speaks volumes of New Brunswick’s energy potential on a global scale,” said Leonard. “Creating international partnerships for responsible development of the energy sector will benefit all parties. Working together to create solutions to energy supply issues in Europe will provide long-term benefits for New Brunswickers by moving the province one step closer to economic security.”

FANTASTIC news!

[MountPleasant]

SJ makes for great movie sets agreed?

LOCAL
Hollywood feature being filmed in Saint John
VERITY STEVENSON Telegraph-Journal
June 20, 2014

SAINT JOHN • A Hollywood feature is being filmed in and around Saint John this weekend.

The film, Dominion, is about Dylan Thomas, an acclaimed Welsh poet and writer, who died in 1953 – the year in which the scenes being filmed in New Brunswick are taking place.

“The premise of the movie is 1953, so you can imagine how clean-cut it is,” said Marie Cormier, who owns Moncton casting company Lexis BBG and is helping find local talent to appear as extras in the movie.

Dominion will feature American and UK actors, including Zosia Mamet, from the cast of HBO series GIRLS, Rhys Ifans from The Amazing Spider Man and Notting Hill, Tony Hale, who played Buster in the series Arrested Development, and Romola Garai of Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights.

Local producer and cardiologist Sohrab Lutchmedial of Twin Prop Productions is one of the producers of the movie, which will be filmed, in part, at his studio in Quispamsis.

“The way the film works is that basically our job is to make sure he gets his shots done quickly. Our actors are all near the very end of our schedule.”

Lutchmedial said he was also working with producers in Montreal since most of the scenes were filmed there.

“But we’re doing a five-day shoot in New Brunswick, ” he said Thursday.

“Today and tomorrow, they’re filming out in the boonies and it’s a closed set, but on Saturday, there’s going to be some filming at our studio (in Quispamsis) and on the Rothesay Netherwoods campus,” Lutchmedial added.

The movie is being directed by Steven Bernstein, who has been at the helm of a slew of blockbusters, including Monster, which won Charlize Theron the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2004.

Bernstein has worked with Lutchmedial before, teaching acting courses to New Brunswick actors in the Kennebecasis Valley last summer.

“He just arrived in town today. They have such a condensed schedule that they went straight from the plane to the set and they’re filming right now,” the producer said.

Cormier says the director is looking for men and women between the ages of 19 and 21, who don’t have tattoos or piercings.

“We’re looking, in total, of casting 70 people – even a little bit more than that actually, so it’s good for the province,” she said.

Those interested should send a photo of themselves to [email protected] with a full address and their availability between Sunday and Monday.

“It’s an all-day thing,” Cormier added, explaining that people couldn’t eclipse themselves from the set for an appointment. Extras have to be on set for the full day of filming.

And though the movie’s main casting agent had already filled up the speaking roles, Cormier said it was a good opportunity to showcase local talent.

“It’s great exposure,” she said. “Eventually, I would love for feature films to come to New Brunswick for seeking roles. It’s all about being well-prepared and being organized, and having a great database of talent. That’s what I’m working on now.”

[UptownJeff]

Originally Posted by MountPleasant

Selling the European Union on New Brunswick’s energy potential

CHRIS MORRIS Legislature Bureau

Energy Minister Craig Leonard says policy-makers in the European Union now are aware of New Brunswick and the province’s potential as a gateway for Canadian oil and gas exports to overseas markets.

Leonard was in Belgium on Thursday for the completion of two days of meetings with European government and business leaders who are searching for energy alternatives as a result of political troubles in the Ukraine and Russia.

Leonard is part of a delegation organized by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce that travelled to Brussels to outline Canada’s oil and gas potential and explore ways to strengthen business connections with Europe.

The provincial energy minister said in a phone interview from Brussels he believes the two days of meetings have “opened eyes” in Europe to the opportunities presented by the Canadian energy industry and New Brunswick.

“They (the Europeans) now know the story of what is taking place on the Canadian east coast, whether it’s the Energy East pipeline or LNG,” Leonard said.

“I am very pleased we came over to tell the story because they weren’t all that aware of it.”

Recent developments in Ukraine and Russia have forced the European Union to look at diversifying its external energy supplies and upgrading its energy infrastructure.

Perrin Beatty, who, as president of the Canadian chamber, led the delegation, said Canada has a unique opportunity to seize the momentum and sell its advantages as a stable supplier of oil and gas.

“As recent events have demonstrated, much of Europe’s oil and gas is imported from places with a proven willingness to use their petroleum as a tool for geopolitical manipulation,” Beatty said in a statement.

“The EU has too few energy partners, dependable traders who share EU values such as environmental protection and respect for democracy. Canada can be an energy partner to the EU.”

Leonard said the message of stability was welcomed in the European Union.

“They know we are a country that won’t suddenly turn off the taps,” he said, adding that other energy alternatives, such as Nigeria and Angola, look extremely risky compared to Canada.

“We’re a safe haven,” he said.

Leonard said that as a small province, New Brunswick was largely unknown to the European leaders.

He said his message outlined the fact that the port of Saint John has the closest proximity to Europe than any other port on the eastern seaboard. He also discussed the province’s existing infrastructure, including Canada’s only liquefied natural gas terminal, stringent environmental regulations, and the development of upcoming projects such as the Energy East pipeline.

“The message we’re trying to get out is that New Brunswick is positioning itself as the gateway for Canadian resources to these different markets, whether India, Europe or Africa.”

The Canadian delegation was anxious to have the meetings and discussions in Brussels in advance of the European Council’s special meeting of the heads of state on energy security next week.

“The magnitude of the opportunity speaks volumes of New Brunswick’s energy potential on a global scale,” said Leonard. “Creating international partnerships for responsible development of the energy sector will benefit all parties. Working together to create solutions to energy supply issues in Europe will provide long-term benefits for New Brunswickers by moving the province one step closer to economic security.”

Can anyone tell me why I can't find any reference to this in any news media? I have looked on CBC and CTV but nothing......I would have thought this would have been big news!?

[Ottawa]

Originally Posted by UptownJeff

Can anyone tell me why I can't find any reference to this in any news media? I have looked on CBC and CTV but nothing......I would have thought this would have been big news!?

I'll take a stab at it UJ...

The CBC and CTV have no interest in showing the oil or natural gas industry in a positive light in Canada. Despite these industries paying the freight in this country, any opportunities that exist in these industries are mostly covered in a negative light on these national networks as well as Global.

I don't know exactly why they are this way, but I would guess they get more sensational shots covering the protesters than covering the 'good news' stories.

Also, nationally, if they can't link it to building a subway in Toronto, they have a hard time getting off their butts to cover a story like this.

[UptownJeff]

Originally Posted by Ottawa

I'll take a stab at it UJ...

The CBC and CTV have no interest in showing the oil or natural gas industry in a positive light in Canada. Despite these industries paying the freight in this country, any opportunities that exist in these industries are mostly covered in a negative light on these national networks as well as Global.

I don't know exactly why they are this way, but I would guess they get more sensational shots covering the protesters than covering the 'good news' stories.

Also, nationally, if they can't link it to building a subway in Toronto, they have a hard time getting off their butts to cover a story like this.

Thanks - that's what I was thinking but couldn't (didn"t want to beleive!) that this was possible!

[MountPleasant]

.. it isn't the media's job to do PR for tar sands.

There also is no positive light to shine upon with regards to tar sands. It is a horrifying addiction. Until we start seeing major steps toward a energy transition, you'll likely not see the positive light you seek.

[JHikka]

Originally Posted by MountPleasant

.. it isn't the media's job to do PR for tar sands.

There also is no positive light to shine upon with regards to tar sands. It is a horrifying addiction. Until we start seeing major steps toward a energy transition, you'll likely not see the positive light you seek.

Tar sands? Ok. I see how this is going to go..

In regards to media in NB, it goes two ways:

News media is primarily between CBC & CTV. The boys in Fredericton at CBC do report sporadically on economic news, but it's generally of the negative variety (environmental testing, government mishap, conflict, etc.) CTV, on the other hand, is primarily Nova Scotia news. So, not too many NB stories.

Print media is, of course, Irving-owned and operated. This goes without saying.

Truth be told, our Energy Minister travelling abroad isn't really that big of news. Ministers travelling abroad is pretty common. They are almost always promoting this province and the people but it's almost never mentioned in mainstream media. I'm honestly surprised we don't hear negative spin stories about how much it must cost to fly Ministers and business leaders to China so they can promote the forestry sector. God forbid we do things that all other places do to spur growth in our economic sector without someone complaining.

In regards to Saint John, and as much as people may bemoan the oil sands, it's all beneficial for the city. It creates economic activity and, thus, employment to many.

[UptownJeff]

Originally Posted by JHikka

Tar sands? Ok. I see how this is going to go..

In regards to media in NB, it goes two ways:

News media is primarily between CBC & CTV. The boys in Fredericton at CBC do report sporadically on economic news, but it's generally of the negative variety (environmental testing, government mishap, conflict, etc.) CTV, on the other hand, is primarily Nova Scotia news. So, not too many NB stories.

Print media is, of course, Irving-owned and operated. This goes without saying.

Truth be told, our Energy Minister travelling abroad isn't really that big of news. Ministers travelling abroad is pretty common. They are almost always promoting this province and the people but it's almost never mentioned in mainstream media. I'm honestly surprised we don't hear negative spin stories about how much it must cost to fly Ministers and business leaders to China so they can promote the forestry sector. God forbid we do things that all other places do to spur growth in our economic sector without someone complaining.

In regards to Saint John, and as much as people may bemoan the oil sands, it's all beneficial for the city. It creates economic activity and, thus, employment to many.

Sad but true. Whether you agree or disagree with Big Oil, shale gas etc I do believe it is the job of media to report on the facts - both sides and not try to influence public opinion especially from a publicly funded broadcaster. I guess there was a more pressing story that day - maybe a cow got loose from a farm in Hampton or a mother duck gave birth in Woodstock!

In any event....back to the news of the day!

[MountPleasant]

People please, oil is the finished product. A women on CBC yesterday put it best: "Would you look at a forest and call it lumber?" — NO

Oil sands is the industry term

Tar sands is the realistic term

I don't understand that these debates warrant sides— sides imply subjectivity. There is nothing subjective about the detriment of the tar sands.

People speaking out against the tar sands have nothing to gain by doing so. Simply, it is for the greater good. There is no conspiracy, just the desire to change for the betterment of our planter earth. So simple. This should be considered conservative, the oil producers are the radicals.

It goes no further than that. Don't be swayed by those who stand to gain by blinding you to the facts.

[nwalbert]

Originally Posted by MountPleasant

SJ makes for great movie sets agreed?

LOCAL
Hollywood feature being filmed in Saint John
VERITY STEVENSON Telegraph-Journal
June 20, 2014

SAINT JOHN • A Hollywood feature is being filmed in and around Saint John this weekend.

The film, Dominion, is about Dylan Thomas, an acclaimed Welsh poet and writer, who died in 1953 – the year in which the scenes being filmed in New Brunswick are taking place.

“The premise of the movie is 1953, so you can imagine how clean-cut it is,” said Marie Cormier, who owns Moncton casting company Lexis BBG and is helping find local talent to appear as extras in the movie.

Dominion will feature American and UK actors, including Zosia Mamet, from the cast of HBO series GIRLS, Rhys Ifans from The Amazing Spider Man and Notting Hill, Tony Hale, who played Buster in the series Arrested Development, and Romola Garai of Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights.

Local producer and cardiologist Sohrab Lutchmedial of Twin Prop Productions is one of the producers of the movie, which will be filmed, in part, at his studio in Quispamsis.

“The way the film works is that basically our job is to make sure he gets his shots done quickly. Our actors are all near the very end of our schedule.”

Lutchmedial said he was also working with producers in Montreal since most of the scenes were filmed there.

“But we’re doing a five-day shoot in New Brunswick, ” he said Thursday.

“Today and tomorrow, they’re filming out in the boonies and it’s a closed set, but on Saturday, there’s going to be some filming at our studio (in Quispamsis) and on the Rothesay Netherwoods campus,” Lutchmedial added.

The movie is being directed by Steven Bernstein, who has been at the helm of a slew of blockbusters, including Monster, which won Charlize Theron the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2004.

Bernstein has worked with Lutchmedial before, teaching acting courses to New Brunswick actors in the Kennebecasis Valley last summer.

“He just arrived in town today. They have such a condensed schedule that they went straight from the plane to the set and they’re filming right now,” the producer said.

Cormier says the director is looking for men and women between the ages of 19 and 21, who don’t have tattoos or piercings.

“We’re looking, in total, of casting 70 people – even a little bit more than that actually, so it’s good for the province,” she said.

Those interested should send a photo of themselves to [email protected] with a full address and their availability between Sunday and Monday.

“It’s an all-day thing,” Cormier added, explaining that people couldn’t eclipse themselves from the set for an appointment. Extras have to be on set for the full day of filming.

And though the movie’s main casting agent had already filled up the speaking roles, Cormier said it was a good opportunity to showcase local talent.

“It’s great exposure,” she said. “Eventually, I would love for feature films to come to New Brunswick for seeking roles. It’s all about being well-prepared and being organized, and having a great database of talent. That’s what I’m working on now.”

Went for a drive in the convertable on Sunday up the old river road and came across filming by accident near Browns Flat. Pretty interesting.

[Gnarly]

Originally Posted by MountPleasant

People please, oil is the finished product. A women on CBC yesterday put it best: "Would you look at a forest and call it lumber?" — NO

Oil sands is the industry term

Tar sands is the realistic term

I don't understand that these debates warrant sides— sides imply subjectivity. There is nothing subjective about the detriment of the tar sands.

People speaking out against the tar sands have nothing to gain by doing so. Simply, it is for the greater good. There is no conspiracy, just the desire to change for the betterment of our planter earth. So simple. This should be considered conservative, the oil producers are the radicals.

It goes no further than that. Don't be swayed by those who stand to gain by blinding you to the facts.

That all sounds nice and fuzzy....but until you are willing to give up everything in your life, from food to clothing to housing to cars and maybe even your job, (all are dependent on oil), please don't preach to the rest of us, who use our common sense. Oil is a necessity for the time being, so deal with it.....thats a fact!

[MountPleasant]

Originally Posted by Gnarly

That all sounds nice and fuzzy....but until you are willing to give up everything in your life, from food to clothing to housing to cars and maybe even your job, (all are dependent on oil), please don't preach to the rest of us, who use our common sense. Oil is a necessity for the time being, so deal with it.....thats a fact!

I never said oil didn't have its usefulness— as it stands— now did I.

I refer to the need to transition away from it, which you clearly understand.
So, there was no 'preaching' directed to you.

[JHikka]

Unless you're going to tie the oil conversation back to SJ and the Refinery/EnergyEast this conversation won't last much longer.

[MountPleasant]

True. Wasn't meant to offend. Just a different take on a topic that SJ pertains to. And in the interest of this great city it is best to consider the broad scope of opinions

Moving on...

[JHikka]

David Campbell over at Jupia Consultants just released a report (on commission by the Province) on the possible future of Resource Development in NB. You can find the full report here.

The Overview? Five projects within the next six years could provide the province with over $8.6B in total investment, ~3% annual increase to the province's GDP, ~5,200+FTE jobs, and an annual increase of $198M in provincial taxes. This pertains to Saint John as a number of these projects either interact or involve Saint John directly. These are the EnergyEast pipeline, LNG Terminal Export capabilities, and the EnergyEast export terminal.

[MountPleasant]

Anyone who has read his TJ column before knows, always take Mr. Campbell with a grain of salt.

We don't want to be on the wrong side of history now do we?

With the royalties and spin offs Energy East will work as a segue to renewables.

Irving will cash in— then hopeful take advantage of the rights they bought up for tidal energy in the Bay

But fracking our own land just ain't worth it. We're too late anyway

[Ottawa]

Originally Posted by JHikka

David Campbell over at Jupia Consultants just released a report (on commission by the Province) on the possible future of Resource Development in NB. You can find the full report here.

The Overview? Five projects within the next six years could provide the province with over $8.6B in total investment, ~3% annual increase to the province's GDP, ~5,200+FTE jobs, and an annual increase of $198M in provincial taxes. This pertains to Saint John as a number of these projects either interact or involve Saint John directly. These are the EnergyEast pipeline, LNG Terminal Export capabilities, and the EnergyEast export terminal.

Hopefully we can get past all the qualification on the Energy East pipeline to start with. I believe there is a significant possibility that we could be the first pipeline out of the gate before Keystone and Northern Gateway. I wouldn't have thought that possible a few years ago but it appears more likely as time goes by. It is very dependent upon getting proper approvals but in reality, the line is mostly built. It needs some upgrades and the additional line to Saint John.

That would be a springboard for further energy based industries in Saint John and NB.

We have the definite advantage in LNG export as we are significantly closer to the European market which may be opening up because of the Russians acting a little wonky - to put it mildly. The Europeans are very concerned about stability of supply from Russia - and rightly so. And we have the only operating LNG transfer facility in Canada. Repsol does seem to be serious about converting that facility so let's hope they're doing their homework at this time.

The NB natural gas reserves are unproven but there seems to be reason for optimism. I'll wait to see how that pans out but fracking is a proven method of extraction since the 1940's so I have no concern about that technology. Other areas of Canada and the US are going gangbusters on it, and reaping big rewards.

All these projects might just be the beginning. There would definitely be some spinoffs from these and I would expect these would drastically alleviate the population drain happening in recent times. That is a critical problem with the economy in NB and needs to be reversed.

As the report points out, income is also needed right now to pay for the services that everybody likes - or will like when they need them.

[Whaler]

Keep in mind of the election and the release of the news.
Government are trying to take credit for the pending announcements.
These will happen...or at least most will. Government will have some effect here but not as much as they will take credit for.