New Brunswick inches closer to final phase of re-opening
With more than 88,000 visitors through its gates during last year’s record-setting season, the operators of the Fundy Trail Parkway are hoping this summer once again brings in strong numbers to the southern N.B. tourist attraction.
The Fundy Trail, which is located near St. Martins, offers more than 30 kilometres of parkway along the rugged coastline of the Bay of Fundy that can be seen by hiking, biking or driving.
“It’s an open park where people can get out, even if they still have concerns about COVID and restrictions,” says president of the Fundy Trail Development Authority James Donald.
“We’re hoping with the borders open we’ll have more traffic from outside, and still maintain the New Brunswick people that are visiting," says Donald.
New Brunswick is now allowing Canadians from outside of the Atlantic region with at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine to enter the province without needing to self-isolate.
A development that’s sparking hope for the recovery of the province’s tourism industry in the midst of the pandemic, however, Donald suspects there still some hesitation when it comes to booking.
“Most of it has been internal so far, it’s almost like people are waiting to see what’s happening with all of the openings – and hopefully it will be strong out of the gate when school is done and summer hits," he says.
Starting Monday, all New Brunswickers are eligible to get their second dose of vaccine – as long as 28 days have passed since they received their first.
As of Sunday, 76.3 per cent of the eligible population has received a first dose and 18.7 per cent are fully vaccinated – climbing a full percentage point over Saturday.
“Over the past seven days, 76,837 appointments have been booked for clinics being hosted by either Vitalité or Horizon. This number does not include appointments made with pharmacies,” a statement from GNB department of Health spokesperson Gail Harding reads. “The number of appointments booked on Saturday was 7,070.”
This as the province urges more New Brunswickers to book their second dose, either through a participating pharmacy or at a clinic offered by the Vitalité Health Network or Horizon Health Network.
“We are going in the right direction, even if the percentage for the first dose is not climbing very fast, I think it’s going the right way” says Liberal health critic JC D’Amours. "We are closer and closer to 80 per cent and I'm very pleased to see that."
New Brunswick’s third and final stage of reopening is scheduled for August 2, but only if 75-percent of New Brunswickers aged 12 and older have received their second dose and are fully vaccinated.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.