Tree Fossil Discovery in Norton Dates Back to 350 Million Years Ago

We all know forestry in New Brunswick is key to our identity and quality of life. Our forest is an important economic driver and it sets the beautiful, unique landscape of our rural province that we and our visitors love for the outdoor adventure it allows.

But until now we didn’t know just how deep that unique history goes.

I am consistently in awe of the work researchers at our New Brunswick Museum - Musée du Nouveau-Brunswick do to unravel the story of our province’s beginning. Matthew Stimson and Olivia King, paleontologists at the museum, have exposed ancient fossil trees from a quarry in Norton that date back more than 350 million years ago, and they look like trees from a Dr. Seuss story book. Amazing. This find is more rare than discovering complete dinosaur fossils and it’s being talked about around the world as reported by CNN this week. This discovery has opened a window into what the world was like when the planet’s early forests were beginning to evolve.

This is incredible work Matthew and Olivia, and so important to understanding what came before us. Thank you. I am truly fascinated.

35th Dairy Town Classic

It’s Dairy Town Classic time at Sussex Regional High School with basketball teams from across the province, Nova Scotia and Quebec competing. This tournament is built from community spirit and has been for 35 years. I was so happy to bring greetings to our Sonics and visiting teams tonight as local MLA and minister for sport and tourism in the province. Have a great weekend players, parents, volunteers and fans, and thank you sponsors.

#dairytownclassic

February is Black History Month

Black History Month plays an important role in human rights education and teaching people about Black New Brunswickers who worked to overcome challenges and discrimination and make our province a better place. It is a time for us to unite, acknowledge the undue hardships, and celebrate the progress achieved thanks to Black Canadians.

On May 25, 1815, more than 300 former slaves arrived at the harbour in Saint John, having fled bondage in the Chesapeake Bay region of the United States. They eventually founded the community of Willow Grove, just outside of Saint John, and many of their descendants still live in the province.

February has been recognized as Black History Month in Canada since 1995, promoting education about an often-overlooked part of the nation’s history.

Black Canadians continue to shape the province in many ways through arts, sports, poetry, academia, technology, advocacy and entrepreneurship – and the fabric of New Brunswick’s communities is strengthened by the daily contribution and hard work of Black Canadians.

Black History Month serves as a platform for education, remembrance and the pursuit of social justice. I would like to recognize the organizations and community groups who work to deepen our collective understanding and appreciation of the considerable role Black history plays in shaping our province. I encourage everyone to take a moment to consider the valuable legacy of Black Canadians, both past and present.