This Week Uncut: March 23-31, 2025

Local Voices Tackle National Issues on This Week Uncut
By [Author Name]

As Canada grapples with political and economic uncertainty, residents of Southwest New Brunswick find themselves navigating the local impact of national decisions. The latest episode of This Week Uncut, hosted by Vicki Hogarth and Nathalie Sturgeon, explores these interconnected concerns—amplifying community perspectives on healthcare, trade, electoral change, and infrastructure.

A Healthcare Crisis in St. Stephen
Few challenges strike closer to home than the region’s growing healthcare shortage. In St. Stephen, the recent passing of a long-serving local physician has left an already strained system in deeper crisis, with many residents now lacking regular access to primary care.

St. Croix MLA Kathy Bockus pressed provincial Health Minister Dr. John Dornan for an update on the long-promised collaborative care clinic—a key commitment in the most recent provincial budget.
“Can the Health Minister tell me when the clinic promised in the budget for St. Stephen will happen?” Bockus asked.
Dornan responded: “St. Stephen is one of those [clinics], so it's not tomorrow. It's before the year is out.”

Federal Election: Rural Representation in Flux
The upcoming federal election is shaping up to be what Sturgeon calls “extraordinarily pivotal,” especially for rural communities like Charlotte County. The redrawing of riding boundaries—such as incorporating parts of West Saint John into the new Saint John–St. Croix riding—raises questions about representation.

“When you take in an urban area into a mainly rural environment, the needs are going to be different,” Sturgeon explained, warning that rural priorities may be diluted. Meanwhile, trade tensions with the U.S. are compounding concerns, with rising prices and economic instability affecting cross-border communities.

“Affordability and tariffs are becoming dominant election issues,” Hogarth added, “not just on the national stage, but in how people in New Brunswick make everyday decisions.”

The St. Andrews Parking Lot Debate
Back on the local level, a proposed parking lot in St. Andrews has sparked controversy. While town officials argue that expanding parking is critical during the summer tourism rush, some residents see it as a threat to the community’s character.

Darlene Ferguson, who lives next to the public land being eyed for development, voiced strong opposition. “We don’t have people that need parking here,” she said, citing the loss of green space and concerns over maintaining the historic charm of the town. Council now faces the challenge of balancing infrastructure with preservation.

Campobello Island and the Tariff Challenge
Nowhere are international trade tensions felt more acutely than on Campobello Island. Dependent on access through the U.S. for essentials, the island has faced mounting logistical hurdles as tariff relief efforts stall.

At a recent press conference, Premier Susan Holt acknowledged the problem and expressed concern over the delays: “We want to see an exemption put in place,” she told CHCO-TV, reaffirming the province’s commitment despite federal election roadblocks.

Media Responsibility During Election Season
As campaigning heats up, This Week Uncut also turned the lens inward to examine the role of media in ensuring electoral fairness.
“We have to be very, very, very cautious to make sure we don’t give anyone an unfair advantage,” Hogarth emphasized, calling for a renewed focus on balanced coverage as the region enters a critical election cycle.