Top ten things securities commission wants investors to know

(Submitted by Michelle Robichaud - New Brunswick Securities Commission Spokesperson)

SAINT JOHN- The New Brunswick Securities Commission (NBSC) issued the provincial results of the 2012 Canadian Securities Administrators Investor Ideas today.

The study was conducted in May 2012 and highlighted investment knowledge, investor behavior and incidence of investment fraud as key areas of research.

"We know that in order for investors to protect themselves from fraud and prepare them for their financial future, they need to have a firm grasp of basic investing concepts," NBSC executive director Rick Hancox explained in a press release issued by the NBSC. "The study allows us to review areas for improvement and to develop programs that help investors make [more] informed investment decisions."

The ten most important things for New Brunswick investors to consider and possibly improve are listed on The Shiretown Blogger.

1. Save for the Future: Roughly one third of New Brunswickers, or 36 per cent, reported having no savings or investments set aside for the future. People who did report having savings for the future are most commonly saving their money through an RRSP, RRIF, or pension plan (54 per cent of people) or a TFSA (24 per cent).

2. Make a Financial Plan: Only one in five New Brunswickers have a formal written financial plan with clear goals for investing. Financial plans can help investors to set goals and determine how they will achieve them. However, 81 per cent of those who have not had a financial plan have considered the option over the past year. 

3. Know What You Are Paying Your Financial Adviser: Two thirds of New Brunswickers, or 64 per cent, are unaware of the amount they have paid their financial adviser over the past year. 

"Adviser fees sometimes affect portfolio returns," Hancox noted. "Investors should know how much they pay and how their adviser is being paid for all investments." 

4. Do a Background Check on Your Adviser: One third of those who have an investment adviser, or 35 per cent, have not done a background check. The top sources for those that have done a check into their adviser's history included other clients (12 per cent), the adviser's firm (11 per cent), online sources (10 per cent), and 10 per cent depended on word of mouth and the adviser's reputation. 

5. Understand How Investments Work: Though the most commonly held saving methods are mutual funds, only 45 per cent of New Brunswickers are aware that mutual funds do not have a fixed return rate. 

6. Consider Average Rate of Return: A reasonable annual rate of return for the market is considered less than four per cent. New information found in this study shows that six out of ten New Brunswickers are unaware of the annual return rate of the investment, and three out of ten had unreasonable expectations of market returns. 

7. Recognize Warning Signs of Investment Fraud: Nearly 60 per cent of New Brunswickers did not understand that investments offering an above market return rate and little to no risk are almost always fraudulent. 

"Investors need to be aware of current market conditions and investment fraud warning signs so they can ask the right questions of those selling investments," Hancox said. "Investors should be suspicious of all offers that seem too good to be true." 

8. Be Aware that Email Investment Fraud is Increasing: The most common ways that New Brunswickers were approached with investment fraud is via email (42 per cent), over the telephone (39 per cent) or by someone they are familiar with (4 per cent). 

9. Report Investment Fraud: Only 30 per cent of New Brunswickers reported the most recent suspected investment fraud attempt. Thirteen per cent of New Brunswickers knew to report investment fraud to the NBSC.

10. Exercise Caution When Using Social Media as a Source of Investment Information: Though most investors depend on financial professionals for information about investing, five per cent have begun using social media for information. Over one in five people have seen investments advertised on social media, with the most popular social networking sites being Facebook and Google.

"Social media is changing the way people obtain information," Hancox said. "But investors must still take the time to review all investment opportunities carefully."

"No matter what the source, it is your money, and no one cares more about it than you."

The study results for New Brunswick are available online at the NBSC's website (www.nbsc-cvmnb.ca). The 2012 CSA Investor Index is also available online at the CSA's website (www.securities-administrators.ca).

The NBSC is an independent Crown corporation which oversees capital markets in New Brunswick and regulates those who sell or manage securities. 

Securities commission celebrates Investor Education Month in October

SAINT JOHN- The New Brunswick Securities Commission (NBSC) has declared October 2012 as Investor Education Month.

NBSC wishes to remind New Brunswickers that their website, www.nbsc-cvmnb.ca, should be the first place on their list of places to find unbiased and accurate information about investing and investments.

"The world of investing is confusing enough as it is without trying to wade through the assault of online advertisements, one-sided websites and gimmicks," NBSC executive director Rick Hancox explains. "We have a mandate to provide unbiased, free, bilingual information to New Brunswickers."

"They need to know that we are the first place they should look to about information about investing."

On Oct. 1st, the securities commission began a new program titled Investing 101. The program will help New Brunswickers who feel prepared to take a more active role in their finances, but aren't completely sure where to begin. The resources will assist those already thinking about investing or making financial decisions.

"When you invest, you are putting your money to work so it can make more money for you," Hancox noted. "Investing is not a get rich quick scheme, and it is not gambling. Those who take advantage of our free [and] unbiased resources will become better informed investors who do not leave investing to chance."

Information that prospective investors may consider useful can be found at www.investinknowingmore.ca.

The New Brunswick Securities Commission is an independent Crown organization which oversees capital markets in the province, along with regulating those who sell or manage securities. 

Slammers sink Shipbuilders

Slammers d-man Zach Shannon scored two goals for his team
in Wednesday night's game against the Metro Shipbuilders.
(Shiretown Blogger Image)

DARTMOUTH- The Woodstock Slammers earned their second victory in four games on the road last night.

The Slammers sunk the Metro Shipbuilders 7-3 in a road contest at the Dartmouth Sportsplex on Wednesday, September 26th.

Slammers head coach Jason Tatarnic took pride in the fact that his squad was able to get a good start to the contest.

"We had a great start to the game with early pressure, which allowed us to capitalize on a few chances," Tatarnic stated in an online press release. "It was a good road win."

Slammers defenseman Zach Shannon led his team with two goals and one assist for a total of three points in the game on Wednesday night. Jake Wright had one goal and one assist for a total of two points.

Shannon opened the scoring in the contest at 5:42 in the opening frame. Ben MacSwain gave the Slammers a 2-0 lead at 9:36, with Zach Whitlock scoring at 14:47 to end the first period with a 3-0 lead.

Wright scored just over six minutes into the second period, increasing Woodstock's lead to 4-0.

Bradley MacDonald was sent to the penalty box for hooking nearly twelve minutes into the middle frame, leaving the Slammers short a man, while putting Metro on a man advantage. Brett MacLean scored a shorthanded goal only 24 seconds after the penalty was called.

In the third period, the Shipbuilders wasted no time leaving their mark on the board. Darcy Burley beat Slammers netminder Sam Renault on a shot 53 seconds into the closing period, reducing the deficit to four.

Chris Riguse scored on a power play at 7:20, reducing the difference to three goals.

Only 21 seconds later, EJ Faust restored Woodstock's four-goal lead.

Anthony Cardinal netted one more goal for the Shipbuilders at 9:15 in the third. But it wasn't enough to complete the ship.

Shannon scored an unassisted powerplay goal at 12:22 to round out the scoring and seal Metro's fate.

Woodstock scored on one of four man advantage situations, and Metro also went one for four on the power play.

In the first game he played this season, Slammers goaltender
Sam Renault stopped 19 of 22 shots faced against the Metro
Shipbuilders. (Shiretown Blogger Image) 

Slammers netminder Sam Renault refused 19 of 22 shots in his first game in net of the 2012-13 campaign, while Shipbuilders goaltender Jeff Arkin said no to 34 of 41 shots he faced.

DeFulviis suspended for two games

The Slammers will be missing an assistant captain in tonight's home game against the Yarmouth Mariners.

Slammers assistant captain Robbie DeFulviis was recently suspended for two games due to an incident which occurred at the closing of last Friday night's game against the Truro Bearcats.

 The Slammers fell 3-2 to the Bearcats in overtime. 

DeFulviis butt-ended a member of the Bearcats squad at the end of the home game last Friday night. Butt-ending is an offense which results in a match penalty. 

Slammers make deal with Pictou 

The Slammers acquired d-man Kyle Kavanaugh this week in a deal with the Weeks Crushers. 

Woodstock also earned future considerations from the Pictou squad in exchange for the Slammers' fourth round 2013 MHL draft pick and future considerations. 

Slammers head coach Jason Tatarnic was pleased with the deal. 

"We're very happy that we were able to acquire Kyle," Tatarnic stated in an online press release. "He has great mobility and good puck skills." 

"We feel that we have added a strong piece to the puzzle on our back end. Kyle played [against the Metro Shipbuilders] and performed very well." 

The Woodstock Slammers will be back in action tonight, facing the 2012 Kent Cup finalists. 

The Slammers will play the Yarmouth Mariners at 7:30 pm at the Carleton Civic Centre. 

Woodstock defeated the Mariners 4-3 in triple overtime on April 20, 2012, claiming the 2012 Kent Cup. 

Yarmouth is ranked third in the national CJHL rankings. 

NB premier says decision to expel MLA from caucus was difficult

ALWARD

New Brunswick's premier told the Telegraph-Journal that the decision made last week to remove MLA Dr. Jim Parrott from his caucus was one of the most difficult decisions he has been faced with since taking office nearly two years ago.

Premier David Alward told the Telegraph-Journal that his fellow caucus members likely share his feelings.

"I'm sure the members of the caucus feel the same way," Alward said on Monday in a discussion about issues his government faces.

Alward defended the move, saying it was needed to maintain integrity along with a sense of teamwork within the Progressive Conservative caucus.

"This is not about one article that Dr. Parrott wrote or specific comments he made," Alward told the Saint John-based newspaper. "This is about an ongoing issue where Dr. Parrott lost the confidence of our caucus through issues of confidentiality and lack of trust."

"We work as a team, whether its our overall caucus or whether its been our southern caucus, as an example. Not everyone always agrees on every situation. We have an ample opportunity for debate and discussion."

The premier's reflection is the opposite of the remarks Parrott made upon his ouster from the Tory caucus.

PARROTT

A retired heart surgeon, Dr. Parrott is now an independent MLA for the Fundy-River Valley riding. He didn't feel the Alward administration provided an ample amount of opportunities for members of the caucus to give enough feedback and input on issues like health care.

"Over the [past] two years, I [have] experienced the non-access of MLAs to the actual workings of government," Parrott said last week. He added that the provincial cabinet is like a "locked box."

"There isn't enough involvement," Parrott added.

Alward was grateful for Parrott's many years of work done at the heart centre located at the Saint John Regional Hospital.

"To say we didn't value his input couldn't be [any] further from the truth," Alward says. "But we also have the responsibility to govern in a responsible way as well as act as legislators in a responsible way and no way, unfortunately, was he in that circumstance."

Parrott's former PC MLAs, Saint John-Lancaster MLA Dorothy Shephard and Rothesay MLA Ted Flemming said on Monday that they didn't understand Parrott's reasons for complaining publicly.

In a commentary written and published in the Telegraph-Journal, and in interviews, Jim Parrott blamed the Alward government for not listening to doctors and other health professionals about the changes needed in the health care system. He expressed concern about the duplicating of medical services to satisfy demands in French areas instead of the real health care needs.

Shephard and Flemming both agreed that Parrott had many opportunities to express his concerns amongst the caucus, but didn't.

"I consider myself a free thinker and I have my opinions and I voice them strongly in caucus," Flemming said. "I am given the opportunity by Premier Alward. The last thing I say in caucus is, 'Is there anyone else who has anything to say on this issue?'"

"I sat and watched Jim Parrott say nothing. So I'm perplexed. I don't understand his motives."

Shephard had spoken to numerous people about the situation and understands why some are upset.

"I understand that they think we are taking an individual and putting him out there on his own," Shephard said. "But I can't stress enough that he has chosen to take the path of being out there on his own. He chose not to come to caucus and say 'I want your help.'"

"He chose to go to the media, and in my mind, the media is your last of last resorts. It was his first course of action."

Flemming said it is clear that Parrott feels he can function more effectively as an independent MLA.

"If it quacks like a duck, floats like a duck and flies like a duck, then its a duck," Flemming says. "Well, if Dr. Parrott talks like an independent, walks like an independent, thinks like an independent, then maybe he should sit as an independent."

Flemming added that the consequences Parrott has ended up facing for his comments were self-inflicted.

"No one here has crushed the democratic process," Flemming noted. "He has chosen a particular course and the course he has chosen is to function in the public domain as an independent, as a radical, as a maverick."

With files from www.telegraphjournal.com. A copy of Parrott's criticism of the Alward government will likely be posted in an upcoming post on The Shiretown Blogger 

Slammers clawed by Bearcats in OT

Slammers bench boss Jason Tatarnic said the last two goals 
scored by the Truro Bearcats in Friday night's contest may 
not have been allowed fairly. Tatarnic argued in favor of a 
two-man referee system in the MHL. 
(Shiretown Blogger Image)

WOODSTOCK- The Woodstock Slammers were edged 3-2 in sudden death overtime to the 2013 Fred Page Cup hosts, the Truro Bearcats, on Friday, September 21st.

The loss to Truro was the second consecutive defeat for the Slammers, and the first home loss of the season.

Slammers head coach Jason Tatarnic was pleased with the caliber of hockey demonstrated by both his squad and the Truro team in Friday night's contest.

"Fans watched two strong teams play a great game of hockey tonight," Tatarnic stated in an online press release. "It was a high tempo game played with intensity."

"Both teams created chances, and both goaltenders played well. One team had to lose, and it was us tonight."

Tatarnic also acknowledged the strength in this season's Fred Page tournament hosts.

"Truro is a solid hockey team, and we look forward to seeing them again," he noted. "They have a nice team. As a staff, we liked how they played tonight."

Tatarnic, joined by Slammers general manager Danny Braun, shook hands with former Slammer Philip Fife at centre ice prior to the opening faceoff. Fife was dealt to the Bearcats at the end of the 2011-12 season as a result of a future considerations deal made earlier in the season.

After a scoreless first period, Danny Harquail wasted no time getting the Slammers on the board, beating Bearcats netminder Shayne Campbell after receiving a pass from Robbie DeFulviis and Andrew Schriver at 1:18.

Dylan McGuigan tied the contest at one goal apiece at 5:06. Jake Wright restored Woodstock's one-goal lead at 7:37 in the middle frame.

Former Slammer Philip Fife beat Simon-Pier Chamberland at 11:34 in the third period, forcing extra time.

Former Slammer Philip Fife, #22, collides with a potential
former teammate at the boards in Friday night's contest.
(Shiretown Blogger Image)

The game remained tied 2-2 until the clock showed 1:22 remaining in sudden death overtime. Jordan Coccimigilio scored an unassisted goal on Chamberland, sealing the Slammers' fate.

The Slammers failed to score on the power play, despite being on a man advantage on five different occasions on Friday night. Truro posted similar power play stats on Friday night, going 0 for 6 on the man advantage.

Chamberland refused 33 of 36 shots faced, while Campbell stopped 32 of 34 shots for the win.

The Slammers could argue that two of Truro's three goals scored were allowed unfairly. The second Bearcats goal appeared to have crossed the goal line after referee Steve O'Shaugnessy had blown the whistle to discontinue play. Tatarnic argued that Chamberland had covered the puck, and that the goal scored by Truro in OT was kicked in.

The Slammers' bench boss expressed support for a two-man referee system in the MHL.

"Well [in] my opinion, the best league in the world [with] the best referees [should] have a two-man referee system to ensure the correct calls are being made and that they are in the best position possible to make those calls," Tatarnic noted in an online press release. "[Friday] night, you could argue that the referee was not in the best position to make those calls, not arguing that he made the wrong call from the position he was, but you can argue that he was in the best position to make those calls."

Tatarnic added that Truro likely had similar feelings about the Slammers' second goal.

"Truro could make the same argument on our second goal," Tatarnic said.

He was pleased with the constantly improving quality of hockey in the MHL, and said that a two-man system would be the best thing for the league.

"The quality of our league has improved each season," Tatarnic explained. "The play is faster, and the players are bigger and stronger. I think as a whole, it would be in the best interests of our league to use the two-man system."

The Slammers will be back in action tonight (Tuesday, September 25th). They will be facing the Metro Shipbuilders in a road trip to Nova Scotia's port city. Results of the game against Metro were unavailable at press time.

With files from www.slammershockey.ca and www.themhl.ca 

Slammers facing Truro tonight

WOODSTOCK- The Woodstock Slammers will be facing the hosts of the upcoming Fred Page Cup tournament tonight on home ice.

The Slammers will play the Truro Bearcats tonight at 7:30 pm at the Carleton Civic Centre in their third game of the 2012-13 campaign, and second home game of the season.

The Slammers have a 1-1-0 overall record so far this season, while the Bearcats have remained undefeated for three contests.

Slammers head coach Jason Tatarnic acknowledged the Bearcats' strengths, primarily in the areas of coaching.

"They are well coached defensively," Tatarnic stated in an online press release. "You have to give them credit as being a hard team to score against. You're not going to beat the Bearcats by a big [margin]."

Tatarnic added that his squad being put to the test by the Bearcats is a positive thing in regards to competition.

"They will be a hard nose team that will try to limit your space," Tatarnic said. "It will be a tough challenge, [but] as a hockey team, you want to face challenges."

"If you don't, then you're not a competitor."

Garrett Clarke, the Slammers' newest acquisition, will be joining Slammer Nation tonight. The defenseman has experience in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, and will be moving to the East Coast Hockey League at the end of the month.

Tatarnic expressed excitement about having Clarke on tonight's roster.

"[Garrett] Clarke is highly skilled," Tatarnic says. "[He] will be heading to the ECHL shortly. I have a good report with Garrett, and the door is open anytime he wants to return."

Slammers rambled by Ramblers at weekend road game in Amherst

Slammers rookie netminder Simon-Pier Chamberland stopped
30 of 33 shots faced against the Amherst Ramblers on Saturday.
September 15th. The Slammers fell 4-1 to the Ramblers on the road.

The Woodstock Slammers fell to the Amherst Ramblers 4-1 on Saturday, September 15th on the road. 

The scoring was opened by Danny Harquail at 11:53, the lone goal to be scored in the first period. 

Amherst's Maxime Richard scored on the man advantage at 12:29 in the middle frame, tying the contest at one goal apiece. 

Ramblers captain Kody Orr beat Simon-Pier Chamberland on a shot at 3:51 in period three, giving Amherst a two-goal lead. 

Ryan Caswell scored at 5:34, putting the Ramblers another point ahead. 

Brett Shute scored an empty netter at 17:54 to seal the deal. 

The Ramblers scored once on five man advantage opportunities, while the Slammers failed to score on two different power plays. 

Amherst netminder Richard Tingley blocked 26 of 27 shots faced, while Slammers rookie netminder Simon-Pier Chamberland refused 30 of 33 shots in the losing effort. 

Slammers head coach Jason Tatarnic had mixed emotions about the contest. 

"Even though we lost the game, I didn't think we played poorly, but I didn't think we played our smartest game either," Tatarnic stated in an online press release.

He added that they discussed the loss in great depth, and would feel differently if it had been later in the season.

"We talked about the loss after the game, and communicated with our guys that if this was game number forty, the staff would have a different reaction regarding some of the turnovers we made that resulted in goals (against)."

"We had a few bad bounces go our way, but when a team works hard, they usually get a bounce or two, and that is what Amherst did. They worked hard and we have to give them credit for that."

Tatarnic says that with this year's squad being composed of many new faces, it will be a learning experience.

"We have over fourteen new faces in our dressing room," he noted. "They need to learn our systems and how we expect our players to play. We like our team [and] we like the direction [in which] it is headed, and we know this season, the league will be very competitive."

"The loss on Saturday should be a healthy one, one that will educate our new players [about] the work ethic you need each night to win games in our league."

With files from www.slammershockey.ca and www.themhl.ca 

Note: This story was written on the afternoon of Friday, September 21st, 2012, but was not published until Saturday, September 22nd. I apologize for any inconvenience

Road construction in Lower Woodstock

A detour is in place on Lower Main Street 
to accommodate extensive road upgrades
which are currently underway. The red line
marks the detour route.

Motorists traveling down Lower Main Street must take a detour while extensive road upgrades are being carried out.

Town of Woodstock CAO Ken Harding told CJ 104 that road work began on Lower Main Street on Wednesday, September 12th. The detour was put in place earlier today, and will not last for the entire duration of the project.

A culvert is currently being replaced by Cook's Construction crews. The grade of the street will be raised, and upgrades to sidewalks, curbing and gutter are also a component in the project.

The work is expected to be complete by the end of the month.