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Vet cut protestors gathered at legislature

Over 100 rally opposing provincial vet service cuts

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Farmers, ranchers and livestock owners gathered in front of the Legislative Assembly to protest cuts to provincial field vet services.

Cuts to these services were announced when the Holt government tabled its 2026-27 budget.

Malcolm Gilbert, a beef farmer from Burton, was one of the farmers protesting cuts in Fredericton this week. He says the government needs to take a step back and change their plans.

“I’m a farmer, so I want to see those services maintained. I am here to protest to make sure they maintain the vet services and lab services for the farmers of this province,” said Gilbert.

Burton farmer Malcolm Gilbert / Image: Wilfred Fraser

The Burton local says people might not realize that farmers pay for these services. He says he would pay more to keep it around.

“This government is looking at a very small amount of money to keep this vet service compared to what else is being spent in the 1.3-billion-dollar budget,” Gilbert stated.

In the last month, Gilbert has had vet services out to his farm several times.

“I had vet services out for a plain calf and a C-section on a cow. I would have lost both of those if it weren’t for these services … whether it’s three o’clock in the afternoon or three in the morning, the vets respond, and they come,” he said.

Gilbert says if these services are privatized, he does not believe that readiness to respond will be there.

“We also need the lab for testing and the medications that the vets bring with them. [Holt] needs to talk to us about what we can do to maintain this service,” he said.

The province plans to phase services out over the next three years by discontinuing provincial vet field services by the end of March 2027, with services for horses concluding three months prior.

Lab functions would then transfer to the private sector, which currently has 72 qualified vet clinics across New Brunswick. The Holt government says this transition would create opportunities for those private clinics to expand their business and serve more clients.

The final phase would provide ongoing support for underserved areas, according to a pamphlet supplied to the media.

Jennifer Gordon of Off Grid Acres / Image: Wilfred Fraser

Jennifer Gordon runs Off Grid Acres, a small hobby farm in Carleton County, New Brunswick. She says that everyone north of Fredericton will be left without vet services.

“Well, the amount of private vets there are is limited, so logistically, as it is right now, it’s not even possible [to privatize vet services],” said Gordon.

Gordon says provincial vet services are essential to how farms like hers operate. “They are keeping our herds healthy. [Vets] are screening and preventing diseases from spreading to the herd, but also for public safety. Without our vets, we will have no farms, period.”

New Brunswick is currently one of two provinces that still provide veterinary services as a public service.

A petition put together by those opposed to the changes now has over 31,000 signatures.

woman standing in front of children

Tentative agreement reached with N.B. teachers

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New Brunswick has reached an agreement with the New Brunswick Teachers’ Federation, according to a release from the Department of Finance and Treasury Board.

The provincial government and the federation have agreed to withhold details of the agreement as its legal approval is pending.

The federation represents more than 7,800 teachers in part two of the public service who work in public schools in New Brunswick.

Two people discussing SeamlessMD

SeamlessMD, a digital support tool for pregnancy and during postpartum

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The Vitalité Health Network, in collaboration with the Government of New Brunswick and the Horizon Health Network, has announced the expansion of its partnership with SeamlessMD, an accessible database to help support pregnancies throughout all stages.

SeamlessMD is available on smartphones, tablets, and computers, and allows patients to access reliable educational resources and personalized support.

The platform also allows patients to monitor the evolution of their symptoms and recovery, as well as the ability to receive reminders for upcoming appointments, which are to help maintain consistent follow-up during pregnancy. Alerts can also be sent to care teams to initiate follow-up when certain health concerns are reported.

All educational content offered on SeamlessMD was created in collaboration with clinical teams that specialize in maternal and neonatal health, according to the Vitalité Health Network release.

“The integration of SeamlessMD into the perinatal care pathway represents a significant step forward in modernizing how we support families,” said Chantalle Arsenault, Senior Director of Maternal-Child Services at the Vitalité Health Network. “By combining digital tools, reliable clinical information, and proactive follow-up, we have a solution that allows patients to be better informed, better prepared, and better supported.”

Vitalité says that pregnant individuals will receive a registration code from their primary healthcare provider or the team that is monitoring them during pregnancy.

Arsenault says the integration also helps healthcare professionals standardize perinatal education and improve clinical follow-up.

a bunch of money sitting on top of a table

N.B. government introduces legislation to target wage gaps

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The Pay Transparency Act, tabled at the New Brunswick Legislative Assembly last week, aims to create a transparent and fair work environment.

If the legislation is passed, it would require employers to include salary ranges in job postings. It would also forbid employers from using a potential employee’s past salary history to decide compensation and would protect employees from facing consequences for discussing their wages.

Chair of the New Brunswick Coalition for Pay Equity, Raphaëlle Valay-Nadeau, says pay transparency lays the groundwork for implementing pay equity in the private sector.

“This act sends a powerful message that transparency and equity are essential for building an inclusive workplace where every individual has the opportunity to thrive,” said Valay-Nadeau.

The act is also meant to address systemic pay gaps that exist in workplaces, which disproportionately affect women, gender-diverse individuals, Indigenous people, racialized women, people with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, according to the release from the Office of Women and Gender Equity.

Seniors Minister Lyne Chantal Boudreau, who is also the minister responsible for women and gender equity, says the legislation is a groundbreaking step towards creating fairer workplaces in the province.

“This transformative legislation aligns with New Brunswick’s broader efforts to combat wage disparities and establish a more inclusive and equitable economy for all,” Boudreau said.

Virtual care concept. woman doctor showing a tablet with medical app

eVisitNB contract extended 90 days

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Healthcare services from eVisitNB were expected to come to an end on March 31, but New Brunswickers were informed this week they’ll continue until June 30.

eVisitNB notified users of the extension on March 23 via their FAQ page.

“We have received an extension to continue serving you until June 30, 2026. eVisitNB will be available every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to support New Brunswickers with a valid Medicare card issued by the Government of New Brunswick,” the platform said in an update.

eVisitNB added that users will still be able to access their medical records after June 30 by logging into their Maple account.

The platform also stated the Government of New Brunswick would share details on how to access virtual care once services have switched to the new provider.

New Brunswickers received their first notification on February 6 that the provincial government was switching to a new provider, beginning on April 1.

RELATED: eVisitNB to conclude virtual healthcare services

New Brunswick’s Health Minister John Dornan responded to concerns about the impending changes in a statement on Feb. 10, reassuring that a new service would be implemented without interruption.

“There have been questions about the future of virtual care and its status after March 31. I can confirm that eVisitNB’s contract has been extended 90 days, and they will provide virtual care as we transition to a new vendor in June, with the goal of a full transition following the extension period,” said Dornan.

RELATED: New virtual care option planned, says N.B. health minister

The new provider is expected to be based in Europe, with their headquarters located in the United States.

“The selected vendor has strong Canadian roots, all patient records will be securely stored in Canada, and the company brings more than 28 years of experience serving New Brunswickers in both official languages, with 150 employees here in the province,” said Dornan.

In a release from the Department of Health on March 24, Dornan addressed the 90-day contract extension.

Dornan says New Brunswickers will receive more information about the transition and how they can access care from the new provider before the transition date.

Medical diagnostic tools mounted on a wall.

14th N.B. collaborative care clinic to be established in Saint Andrews

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The province is investing $1.7 million for infrastructure upgrades and additional staff at an existing healthcare space to create a collaborative care clinic.

The Department of Health says that 603 residents of Saint Andrews and neighbouring communities who are currently on the N.B. Health Link wait lists are expected to be patients of the Saint Andrews Wellness Centre within six to 12 months.

The existing centre currently serves 2900 patients and provides primary care, counselling, physiotherapy and respiratory therapy services. Enhancements will allow for the addition of other services, including blood collection and lab services.

Upgrades at the centre, which is owned and operated by the Town of Saint Andrews, are expected to be completed by mid-April.

“Improving New Brunswickers’ timely access to primary care is our number one priority,” said Premier Susan Holt.

“By investing in collaborative care clinics like the one in Saint Andrews, we are strengthening team-based care and ensuring more New Brunswickers are connected to the health services they need close to home.”

According to a news release, the investment will also support additional staff for the centre. It states a phlebotomist has already been hired, and recruitment will begin soon for a registered nurse, two licensed practical nurses, a licensed counselling therapist, a patient care attendant, and two administrative support staff.

“Collaborative care works best when health-care providers, partners, and communities work together,” said Health Minister John Dornan. “With the support of the Town of Saint Andrews and local partners and providers, this clinic will serve as the medical home for residents and connect hundreds more people to the primary care they deserve in their own community.”

Kate Akagi, acting Mayor for the Town of Saint Andrews, says the town is excited by the benefits the collaboration will bring to its residents.

“The Town of Saint Andrews is extremely pleased to enter this partnership to enhance our medical facility and increase available services within the town,” said Akagi. “We offer thanks to the government and the Horizon Health Network for their commitment to better health care in our community and all of New Brunswick.”

“For more than 50 years, the people of Saint Andrews have believed in caring for one another close to home,” said Margaret Melanson, president and CEO of the Horizon Health Network. “This expansion builds on that strong foundation, creating more space for health-care providers to work together and support residents for generations to come.”

This clinic marks the 14th collaborative care clinic announced by the provincial government since April 2025, and is the third announced this year.

Susan Holt November 20 2024

Holt government prepares to table second budget

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New Brunswick’s Liberal government will deliver its second budget on Tuesday, which Premier Susan Holt warned during her 2026 State of the Province Address would come with some difficult but necessary decisions.

The province’s deficit is projected to hit $1.33 billion to the end of March 2026. A year ago, in the Liberals first budget since taking office, the budget forecasted a deficit of $549 million.

Health was projected to be over budget by $432.5 million due to higher operating costs while social development was projected to be over budget by $127.1 million due to increased demands for services, according to New Brunswick’s 2025-26 third quarter report.

“New Brunswickers are tired of waiting for healthcare. We are making the investment to ensure you can access timely care, close to home,” Holt said in a post to social media regarding the upcoming budget.

“This budget is laser focused on the priorities that matter to New Brunswickers: accessible health care, a strong education system, making your life more affordable, while growing our economy and making the difficult decisions to keep it all sustainable. I’m looking forward to sharing it with you.”

Health care has been the number one priority for the Holt government, having recently signed several agreements to strengthen the province’s primary care resources, collaborative care clinics, and to tackle reducing the list of New Brunswickers that are without primary care providers.

However, the Holt government fell short of its 2025 goal to increase the percentage of people with a doctor or nurse practitioner to 81 percent. Instead, the number was just 72.5 percent, according to statistics presented at the 2026 Address. This percentage has been steadily plummeting for the past seven years.

“We’re not going to hide from the truth of how things are going in New Brunswick and we’re not going to make excuses for what the numbers tell us. We’re going to use these measures to motivate ourselves and focus our efforts more,” said Holt in her 2026 Address.

Finance and Treasury Board Minister René Legacy said in the third-quarter financial results that this deficit is not the financial situation the province wanted to be in, but that “we have an opportunity to make some strategic investments now, while we have some fiscal space.”

“While these numbers reflect significant fiscal challenges, they also underscore the importance of making thoughtful, informed decisions as we prepare for the next budget,” said Legacy.

The 2026-27 budget is expected to be announced at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday.

man in gray hoodie lying on gray concrete floor during daytime

St. Stephen to host community homeless services event

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The Government of New Brunswick and the Municipal District of St. Stephen are hosting the event on March 24, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Garcelon Centre, found at 22 Budd Ave.

The event will feature a community services trade show, where local organizations will provide information about the available programs and supports in the region, followed by a discussion about homelessness in the community.

Officials from the Provincial Task Force and community partners will be present for the discussion. It will focus on challenges faced, service gaps, and future opportunities for collaboration to strengthen supports for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Community members, stakeholders, and service providers are encouraged to participate in the event to participate in an important conversation about addressing homelessness in the region.

Man performing box jump exercise in gym.

N.B. launches physical activity strategy

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The provincial government wants to get New Brunswickers more active.

A new strategy and action plan was launched this week, with a focus on encouraging movement, reducing sedentary behaviour and supporting health and quality of life provincewide.

“Movement is for everyone,” Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister Isabelle Thériault said in a press release. “Every age, every ability, everywhere.”

The strategy and action plan, called Let’s Get Moving New Brunswick, were developed in collaboration with various health and community organizations, educators, researchers, local governments and First Nations communities.

Justice Minister Robert McKee, who is also the minister responsible for addictions and mental health services, said regular activity can lower stress, lift moods and help people feel more connected to others.

“By working together to put this plan into action, we can support healthier lifestyles, reduce stress and social isolation, and build a stronger, more active province,” he said.

According to Statistics Canada, just over one-third of New Brunswick youth get the recommended 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity.

Roughly half of adults in the province reach the minimum weekly guideline of 150 minutes.

Those numbers put New Brunswick ninth in Canada, and below national averages.

Dr. Julie Castonguay, a member of the New Brunswick Medical Society’s board of directors, said the strategy is a step in the right direction to help the province embrace meaningful opportunities to move.

“It supports healthy habits by encouraging all New Brunswickers to make physical activity a natural, enjoyable and accessible part of their daily lives,” Castonguay said.

According to a government news release, the strategy has five key principles:

  • Supporting movement for every age and stage of life, recognizing that physical activity varies throughout one’s lifespan
  • Building physical literacy, creating the building blocks for an active life by helping people gain the skills, confidence and motivation to be active
  • Working together to benefit everyone, fostering collaboration across sectors, communities and organizations
  • Making decisions with reliable information, using evidence, lived experience and innovation to guide action
  • Advancing equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility for all, ensuring that everyone has fair and meaningful opportunities to be active
white microscope on top of black table

N.B. invests $6M in research council

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The New Brunswick government is investing in homegrown research.

Post-Secondary Education and Training Minister Jean-Claude D’Amours announced $6.16 million in funding for the New Brunswick Research and Productivity Council earlier this week.

“Homegrown research is a key element to the province’s continued success,” D’Amours said in a press release.

“The Research and Productivity Council is home to the people who are behind solutions that make a difference in New Brunswick and beyond. We recognize the critical importance of the council’s work and the need to support it.”

About a third of the money, $2.16 million, is for infrastructure improvements.

The remaining $4 million will go toward developing plans for future upgrades.

Council CEO and executive director Diane Botelho said the investment is an important step forward for innovation, industry support and economic growth in New Brunswick and beyond.

“This support enables us to enhance our facilities, broaden our technical capabilities, maintain critical testing capabilities within the province and better serve the businesses and communities that rely on the council’s expertise,” Botelho said in a release.

The council is a government-owned research and technology organization that helps safeguard communities by providing testing for things like food, drinking and beach water, fish health diagnostics and dairy.

It also provides industrial hygiene services and science and engineering solutions to help businesses improve efficiency and productivity.

“Today’s announcement is more than an infrastructure investment; it’s a commitment to New Brunswick’s future,” said council board chair Monica Gaudet-Justason.

“The Research and Productivity Council plays a vital role in strengthening our province’s innovation capacity, supporting industry growth, and creating the conditions for long-term economic growth.”

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