Opinion: A brighter outlook for health care in N.B. in 2026

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As 2025 comes to a close, the New Brunswick Medical Society believes it is important to reflect on what has been a monumental year for health care in New Brunswick. We firmly believe the progress made over the past 12 months will serve as a foundation for significant improvements to the provincial health-care landscape for both patients and health-care providers.

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For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, I can see signs of hope gradually returning for my physician colleagues and other health professionals. Significant strides have been made to stabilize the health system, and providers are feeling more heard and valued. While challenges persist, and there is undoubtedly still room for improvement, the progress we have seen is encouraging.

One of the most important developments in 2025 was the successful negotiation of new major agreements with physicians and nurses, as well as for other health-care professionals. For several years, New Brunswick has struggled to remain competitive with other provinces, particularly when it came to physician and nursing compensation. Closing those gaps was essential, and these new agreements represent a significant step forward in supporting recruitment and retention, stabilizing the workforce, and strengthening care delivery across the province. At a time when health human resource shortages are affecting every jurisdiction in Canada, these investments were both timely and necessary.

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The province’s recent capital budget also sent a positive signal. Investments in hospitals, equipment, and health-care infrastructure are critical to meeting both current and future needs. However, bricks and mortar alone do not improve care. As physicians, we hope this commitment is matched by sustained investment in the operational budget, where funding supports front-line staff, clinical programs, and the systems that allow care to be delivered efficiently and safely.

Adequate operational funding is especially important for New Brunswick’s Regional Health Authorities (RHAs). To meet patient demand and improve access, RHAs must be resourced to support the people who provide care, the systems that enable coordination, and the day-to-day operations that keep services running. A health-care system cannot function properly without adequate investment across all sectors.

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This also requires a realistic conversation about public finances. While fiscal responsibility is crucial, it is equally important to recognize there are times when running a deficit is not only reasonable but necessary to ensure essential public services, like health care, remain accessible and effective. Health care is not a discretionary expense; it is a foundational public service.

There were other positive developments in 2025 as well, including continued efforts to expand team-based primary care, progress in digital health initiatives, and stronger engagement with health professionals in planning and decision-making. The importance of all these initiatives should not be overlooked, as they show the kind of progress that is possible when there is shared purpose and collaboration. An oft-quoted and all too true expression is that change in health care moves at the speed of trust. We can honestly say partners across the health system have made significant progress in rebuilding that trust in the last year.

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Physicians and their colleagues now have a solid foundation on which to recruit and rebuild, particularly in the area of primary care. We know that with the improved support and resources we have been provided comes a responsibility to improve patient attachment and timely access. As we continue to launch more team-based clinics and more physicians are drawn to the province because of what we can now offer, there is every reason to expect improvements in both areas over the coming year. 2025 laid the groundwork for a stronger, more resilient health-care system for patients, providers, and communities. 2026 should be a year of change.

Dr. Lise Babin is president of the New Brunswick Medical Society

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