On today’s Tantramar Report:
Mount Allison University has launched a new way for people to report sexual misconduct, harassment or assault on campus.
The move comes as part of an ongoing effort to respond to decades-long concerns about sexual violence on the Mount A campus.
In November 2020, then-student Michelle Roy posted an image of herself on social media, in graduation attire and holding a sign accusing the school of supporting rapists.
Since then, the university has brought in a third-party organization to respond to and support survivors of sexual violence, commissioned an independent review of its practices, and hired Sexual Violence Prevention and Education Coordinator, Dr. Tasia Alexopolous.
CHMA reporter Erica Butler called up Dr. Alexopolous this week to find out more about REES, and how it might impact sexual violence on campus.
Also on today’s show: Sackville town council’s municipal reform committee held its first ever-meeting this week. Erica Butler was there and brings us some highlights.
Plus more local news and information:
Tantramar Climate Change Week
The 10th annual Tantramar Climate Change Week starts on Saturday with an information booth at the Sackville Farmers’ Market.
A series of free online events organized by Eos Eco-Energy takes place throughout the week, including a climate change virtual trivia night next Friday, Feb. 11. You can find the full schedule online at eosecoenergy.com.
Winter storm
Environment Canada has issued a winter storm warning, saying rapidly accumulating snow would make travel difficult in New Brunswick.
The provincial Department of Transportation and Infrastructure also issued an advisory, saying travel isn’t recommended because of hazardous road conditions.
The provincial government advises residents to call 511 for road conditions along major highways, or visit 511.gnb.ca.
The winter storm resulted in widespread cancellations, including school closures across the province.
In Sackville, garbage collection has been postponed because of the weather. The collection will instead take place on Saturday, according to the Town of Sackville.
Four COVID-19 deaths
Public Health announced four more deaths related to COVID-19 on Thursday, bringing the total to 251. The number of people in hospital stood at 165, a record high. There were 14 people receiving intensive care, and six people on a ventilator.
Fifty-seven per cent of children ages 5 to 11 have now received a first shot of a COVID-19 vaccine, according to figures released by the province Thursday. Roughly 12 per cent of children in that age group have received a second dose.
About 45 per cent of New Brunswick’s eligible population has now received three shots of a COVID-19 vaccine.
