🐟 Why are Fish suppers pricier?

Good morning, Saint John! It may only be July 15, but dozens of Santas, Mrs. Clauses and elves are currently sweating through a World Santa Congress in Denmark...glad I don’t have to be the one to wear a red velvet suit in that heat. Anyway, only 163 shopping days to go.

Here’s what’s under the maple tree this morning:

Let’s get into it!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher

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🐟 Haddock prices are making waves

It just isn’t summer in Atlantic Canada without a few plates of fish and chips. But you might notice your next one costs a little more. Haddock prices have surged after Fisheries and Oceans Canada cut fishing quotas by more than 50% in parts of southern New Brunswick and southwestern Nova Scotia this spring to help rebuild declining fish stocks. Restaurants across the Maritimes say the jump in wholesale prices has left them with a tough choice: absorb the cost or pass some of it on to customers. So if your favourite seaside meal suddenly costs a few extra bucks...you can blame the fish. Or, more accurately, the lack of them.

💸 Scammers love it when life gets stressful

Big life changes don't just bring extra paperwork...they can also make you more vulnerable to scams. New data from the Financial and Consumer Services Commission found 46% of New Brunswickers experienced a major life event in the past year, while 13% reported losing money to a scam, with cryptocurrency and investment scams topping the list. The agency says major events like illness, job loss or caring for an aging parent can make people more likely to make rushed financial decisions. Consider this your reminder that anyone demanding you "act now" probably deserves a second look.

🌭 Hot dogs for a good cause

National Hot Dog Day seems as good an excuse as any to skip packing a lunch. Sobeys West is firing up the barbecue from 11am to 2pm today for a fundraiser supporting L'Arche Saint John, with hot dogs available by donation and all proceeds going toward the organization's local programs. There'll also be face painting and a chance to win an original painting created by one of L'Arche's Creative Connections artists. Lunch tastes even better when it helps someone else...especially if you make it through without any mustard on your shirt.

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Here are some more events sent to us by our readers. Don’t forget to submit your events any time by clicking here.

Learn to Play Pickleball | July 15
Curious about pickleball? This beginner-friendly session in Quispamsis introduces participants to the basics of one of Canada's fastest-growing sports. Learn the rules, try out the fundamentals and see what all the hype is about. No experience required.

Pride Week Flag Raising | July 17
Pride Week officially gets underway with the annual Pride flag raising at Market Square. Community members are invited to gather as the flag is raised in celebration of Saint John's 2SLGBTQIA+ community and the week of events ahead.

Wax Mannequin & The Kettle Black wsg Balaclava | July 16
Toronto's Wax Mannequin joins local favourites The Kettle Black and Balaclava for an energetic night of live music at Haven Music Hall. Expect a loud, high-energy show featuring three bands ready to kick Thursday night into high gear.

Chapter by Chapter | July 16
Got a story collecting dust on your laptop? Chapter by Chapter at The Write Cup Bookstore Café gives writers the chance to receive thoughtful feedback on works in progress. Bring up to 10 printed pages of a story or poetry, exchange constructive critiques with fellow writers, and leave with fresh ideas to help move your project forward. It's free to attend, whether you're polishing a manuscript or trying to get unstuck.

Jazz Night at Trinity Galleries | July 17
Spend Friday evening surrounded by art and live jazz during Jazz Night at Trinity Galleries. It's a laid-back way to kick off the weekend while enjoying local musicians in one of Uptown's most unique settings.

Yip Fest 2026 | July 18
Spend your Saturday afternoon sipping your way through Atlantic Canada's craft beverage scene at Yip Fest on the Kingston Peninsula. The annual festival features cider, local beer, food vendors, local makers and live music from DJ CADER:HRT, all set against scenic riverside views at Yip Cider. Running from 3-7pm, it's an easy way to kick off the weekend, and if you're planning to head to Moonlight Bazaar afterward, optional shuttle service is available from Saint John, the Kennebecasis Valley and Grand Bay-Westfield.

Rainbow Family BBQ | July 19
Wrap up the weekend with a family-friendly community barbecue celebrating Pride Week. Bring the family, meet new people and enjoy an afternoon of food, conversation and community in a welcoming environment.

There's plenty more happening. Find all this week’s local events here.

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Thanks for reading SJ Today - If you found it useful, share it with someone who'd crush an eggnog ice cream bar right about now (did we just invent something?) 🎅🏽!

-Geoff Walsh, Publisher