In a media landscape often dominated by national and international headlines, This Week Uncut continues to serve as a vital source for in-depth local journalism in Southwest New Brunswick. Hosted by Vicki Hogarth and Nathalie Sturgeon, the CHCO-TV program provides a look at the region’s most pressing issues, drawing from reporting by The Courier and CHCO-TV. The latest episode, covering March 17–23, 2025, tackled key concerns including policing, housing, and healthcare, offering a nuanced discussion on challenges and potential solutions in Southwest New Brunswick.

Policing and Crime Trends in Southwest New Brunswick

One of the focal points of the episode was the state of policing in the region, featuring insights from the RCMP’s latest quarterly report. According to the report, there were approximately 1,500 reported incidents in the last quarter of 2024, with 41 per cent occurring in St. Stephen.

“While you might not always see a police cruiser on the road, officers are doing the necessary work behind the scenes,” Sturgeon explained, emphasizing the RCMP’s targeted efforts in managing prolific offenders. The episode featured an interview with Staff Sergeant Geoffrey Peters and Sergeant Chris Henderson, who reinforced the importance of community involvement in crime prevention.

“We need the support of the community. We need the eyes and ears of the public to help us,” Peters stated, highlighting the RCMP’s data-driven approach to policing.

Housing Crisis and Funding Setbacks

The region’s ongoing housing crisis also took centre stage, particularly in light of recent rejections from the federal government’s Housing Accelerator Fund. Despite a second attempt, communities in Charlotte County, including St. Stephen, were once again denied funding—an outcome that left many local officials frustrated.

“What bigger problem do we have right now than housing?” a council member remarked during the episode, voicing concerns shared by many in the region. The denial of funding has been perceived by some as politically motivated, underscoring the challenges smaller municipalities face in securing federal resources in an increasingly competitive environment.

Healthcare Recruitment Efforts

With physician shortages affecting communities across New Brunswick, St. Stephen has introduced a new incentive program aimed at attracting healthcare professionals. The initiative offers financial incentives of up to $125,000 for a five-year commitment, in hopes of not only bringing medical talent to the region but also encouraging long-term retention.

The move represents a proactive approach by local municipalities to mitigate healthcare gaps and improve services for residents.

Campobello’s Cross-Border Challenges

A segment on Campobello Island shed light on the real-life implications of international trade policies on local residents. Since the island relies on the border crossing at Lubec, Maine, for essential goods and services, the burden of tariffs has created additional economic hardship.

“We are completely and totally at the mercy of a foreign government,” said Kathleen Mitchell, a Campobello resident. The episode emphasized the growing calls for a year-round ferry service to the New Brunswick mainland, a solution that many see as critical for the island’s long-term sustainability.

A Platform for Local Voices

Throughout the episode, Hogarth and Sturgeon balanced journalistic rigour with community engagement, ensuring that residents’ perspectives were at the forefront of every discussion. By tackling complex issues with depth and clarity, This Week Uncut continues to serve as a crucial platform for civic discourse in Charlotte County.