N.B. to bring back elected seats on health boards

New Brunswick is preparing to bring elected members back to the boards that oversee the province’s health‑care system.

The provincial government announced it will introduce legislation to restore elected positions on the boards of the two regional health authorities and expand their membership.

Health Minister John Dornan said the change reflects the government’s focus on improving the system.

“Health care is the number one issue for New Brunswickers and improving the system is our government’s top priority,” Dornan said in a government release.

“Having strong boards of directors for our regional health authorities will help us ensure every New Brunswicker has access to the care they need, close to home, when they need it.”

The previous boards included both elected and appointed members until they were dissolved in 2022.

Appointed boards were created in 2023.

The government’s plan follows a recent Court of King’s Bench ruling that found the 2022 dissolution failed to consider Charter rights and values.

Dornan noted that consultations with the regional health authorities and health‑system partners will begin soon.

The goal is to have elected positions in place for the 2030 election cycle.

Justice Minister and Attorney General Robert McKee described the return of elected seats as one part of a broader update to health‑care governance.

He said future decision‑making must follow a legal framework that respects constitutional principles, linguistic rights and long‑term stability.