New Brunswickers will go to the polls for a third time since the pandemic began on September 20th to vote in the federal election. While we might be experienced in pandemic voting with a provincial and municipal elections under our belt, incumbent MP for New Brunswick Southwest John Williamson of the Conservatives, believes calling a federal election in the midst of a fourth wave is unnecessary.

"For the last 17 months, we've been told to stay save and be prudent," said Williamson. "And now the Prime Minister seems to be throwing that aside at the same time this fourth wave is rolling in."

At the time of this broadcast there are three other candidates running in the riding of New Brunswick Southwest challenging Williamson for his seat. Jason Hickey who ran for the Liberals in the last provincial election in the Rothesay riding is running federally for the Liberals in New Brunswick Southwest.

"I've been at events like Ribfest and the Farmers Market, and I'll have my office in St. George. I encourage everyone to drop in and say hi," said Hickey.

John Reist who is CEO of the New Brunswick Southwest Greens, has decided to throw his hat in the ring for this election, officially becoming the riding's candidate for the Green Party on Monday night. 

"We are in the middle of a climate emergency, and that's why I'm running for the Green Party," said Reist. 

Meryl Sarty is once again running for the People's Party of Canada. In a statement to CHCO, Sarty said he's running "not for the money or the prestige but to represent the people and to make sure that their voices are heard."
 
The last day to officially become a candidate for this election is September 1st with advanced polls beginning September 10. CHCO and the St. Stephen and Area Chamber of Commerce will once again collaborate on a "Meet the Candidates" Night TV Special that will be broadcast in in early September.

Canadian hip hop icon Maestro Fresh Wes who relocated to Saint John from Toronto last year can't get enough of exploring his new home province of New Brunswick, recently paying a visit to St. Stephen. 

"You can't be Maestro in the Maritimes without paying a visit to the world's first basketball court," said Maestro at the Vocational Centre, which is home to the historic court. 

St. Stephen also played host to the second annual Ribfest this past weekend. Vendors from across Canada set up shop in the parking lot of the Garcelon Civic Centre.