Trapping pets

Lucky the German Shepherd is recovering at a veterinary hospital in Riverview after he was caught in a trap near Cornhill.

This is the second time in a week that a pet has been caught in an outdoor trap near Moncton.

Churchill the cat was caught in a snare in the Harrisville area.

Who do you think has a responsibility to protect pets from being caught in these outdoor traps?

Health funding

Premier David Alward took the unusual step of blasting the federal Conservative government on Tuesday over what he calls its “unilateral” proposal to limit health transfer payments to the provinces. Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty announced a new health transfer arrangement.

The proposed health transfer plan will be tied to economic growth starting in 2017. Several provinces immediately criticized the federal government for the move.

The New Brunswick government is worried the new formula will be unfair to smaller governments, especially those with populations that are declining and also getting older.

Flaherty's health arrangement will replace the one hammered out by former prime minister Paul Martin and the provincial premiers in 2004. At the time, the plan was intended to be a health care "fix for a generation."

Alward said the federal government should have consulted with the provinces before announcing the changes.

What do you think of Alward criticizing the federal government over the plan?

Public transportation

The Acadian Coach Lines lockout has stretched on for three weeks. That has led the Conservation Council of New Brunswick to ask the New Brunswick government to rethink its position on public transportation.

David Coon, the executive director of the Conservation Council of New Brunswick, said other provinces fund public transportation alternatives. He said, as a short-term measure, the provincial government should offer tax incentives for companies to start inter-city bus routes.

The Saskatchewan government partially funds inter-city bus travel. A spokesperson for the Saskatchewan Transportation Company said the provincial government gives the company roughly $9 million a year in public funds.

What do you think of the provincial government getting involved in public transportation?

Crackdown on backyard business

Saint John Coun. Bruce Court is pushing for new rules that would clamp down on illegal home businesses that avoid higher taxes by setting up in residential areas.

Court said there are many illegal home businesses popping up in his ward. The move comes after complaints about a handful of businesses, including car and truck repair shops, operating in east Saint John.

What do you think of the councillor's position? Should Saint John council be concerning itself with these issues?

Political quotes of the year

CBC reporters Jacques Poitras and Dan McHardie are looking for the public's help in picking the most memorable political quote of the year.

Listen to the Spin Reduxit podcast to hear the six nominees for clip of the year. The survey will close at 5 p.m. on Dec. 20.

Spin Reduxit will be recording its year-end political podcast on Dec. 22 and we will discuss the winner of the clip of the year as well as wrapping up the year in politics.

Note: These polls are not considered scientific