Medavie Blue Cross is being accused of compromising its members safety by urging them to switch pharmacies. Paul Blanchard of the Pharmacists' Association says his group isn't involved with negotiations between Blue Cross and pharmacies. But, he says, it is troubling that people are being advised to take their business elsewhere if a dispute over fee changes cuts off pay-direct service at their regular pharmacy. Blanchard says continuity of care is important, as a new pharmacy won't have a person's complete drug history. Blanchard says advising people to switch pharmacies is unsafe and inappropriate, and his group fears the tactics by Blue Cross will continue as it negotiates separately with various pharmacies in the coming months. Blue Cross, however, has the backing of New Brunswick Manufacturers and Exporters. The provincial branch of the CME says it supports the insurance company's efforts to negotiate better agreements with pharmacies to the benefit of employers and employees.

People with limited income are getting a little help from the province in dealing with rising property taxes. The government says the low-income property tax allowance is going up, to help people pay their recently issued bills for this year. Finance Minister Greg Byrne is also asking municipalities to reconsider their tax rates for 2010. Byrne says he's looking at possible changes that would limit annual hikes in provincial, municipal and local property taxation. That suggestion is not getting an enthusiastic response from the president of the Union of Municipalities. Rexton Mayor David Hanson says all parties need to work together to solve the problem of high property taxes. He says that wasn't the case last year when the Graham government unilaterally decided to establish the Tax Accountability mechanism without any consultation. Hanson says provincial and federal governments continue to give municipalities more responsibilities, but not more money. And he says the province is wrong to characterize cities, towns and villages as the property tax villains. Hanson says tax rates are based on property assessments that are done by the province. And he says it's the assessments that are the problem.

There seems to be a good deal of interest in the idea of seniors apartments in New Maryland. A public meeting this week drew more than 100 people. New Maryland-Sunbury West MLA Jack Carr and deputy mayor Judy Wilson-Shee will head a committee that will take a closer look at the idea. Carr says the need for seniors housing is certainly there. He says the committee would also like to hear from land owners who would consider donating property or selling it at a reduced rate.

In Sports...The host District 3 ServiceMaster Clean Caps have finished the round robin with a perfect 4-0 record at the N.B. Bantam "AAA" Hockey Championship. The Caps trounced Restigouche 9-0 and Miramichi 17-0 Friday.

A member of the UNB Varsity Reds has received an AUS men's basketball post season honour. Daniel Quiron of Moncton was named to the conference all-rookie team.