New Brunswick Legislative Assembly, Wednesday 22 October 2025
On the October 22, 2025 sitting of New Brunswick's 61st Legislature (second session), the Speaker welcomed members including the new member for Miramichi West, introduced guests from CCNB Péninsule acadienne, and members offered condolences, congratulations, and statements on topics such as fuel pricing legislation, family health teams, education layoffs, forestry, agriculture, and health care investments. Ministers delivered statements on the new Provincial Health Plan, education consultations, Small Business Week, the anniversary of the World March of Women, Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act reviews, and homelessness, including the launch of a ministerial task force, each drawing opposition and independent responses. A petition against a proposed gas plant at Centre Village was presented, unanimous consent was granted to sit through lunch, and six government bills received first reading. Members tabled numerous notices of motion focused on mental health, addictions, and recovery, along with motions on natural gas development and property assessment relief, before the Government House Leader confirmed scheduling of second readings and moved adjournment.
Members' Statements
First statement by new member for Miramichi West
Mr. Russell
The new member rose for the first time expressing gratitude, humility, and determination, thanking constituents and colleagues from both sides of the House who helped in the by-election.
Petroleum Products Pricing Act and carbon adjustor
Mr. Coon
The member argued that to protect gasoline retailers, the Finance Minister must amend the Act so the base gasoline price reflects the actual cost of doing business for the Canadian refineries in Saint John and Quebec that supply the province.
New Mapleton family health team in Moncton
Ms. Sodhi
The member shared news of a new Mapleton family health team providing primary care, having already attached 130 patients, with expansion expected to serve nearly 700 patients.
Education sector layoffs and transparency
Mr. Oliver
The member criticized the Holt government for firing librarians and support staff twice, the labour board bad-faith ruling, the court-ordered reinstatement, and the Education Minister's absence from the public.
New family health team in Campbellton
Mr. Arseneault
The member highlighted a new Campbellton family health team serving over 4,000 people and the province-wide model giving over 36,000 New Brunswickers access to primary care.
Challenges facing forestry and agriculture, blueberry sector
Ms. Scott-Wallace
The member criticized the government for promising but not delivering help amid tariffs, forest fires, and drought, noting the blueberry sector's tens of millions of pounds in losses without a response from the Agriculture Minister or Premier.
Investment in medical training in Moncton East
Mr. Doucet
The member highlighted an October 3 announcement of additional funding for eight new medical training seats at the New Brunswick medical training centre in the Moncton East riding.
Medical training investment in Moncton East
Mr. Doucet
Highlighted the government's October 3 announcement of additional funding to add eight new medicine seats at the Centre de formation médicale du Nouveau-Brunswick, including residency support and infrastructure modernization at the Université de Moncton campus.
Firing of librarians and literacy
Mr. Cullins
Criticized the Holt government for its determination to fire librarians and support staff, noting CUPE postponed a vote on a collective agreement and the government may return to court over literacy support cuts.
Family health team model in Lamèque
Mr. Mallet
Praised the establishment of the interdisciplinary family health team at the Lamèque Hospital and Community Health Centre, which aims to guarantee appointments for minor emergencies within 48 hours.
Premier's credibility and disappearing Cabinet
Ms. S. Wilson
Compared the Premier to magician David Copperfield, accusing her of making the Cabinet disappear all summer and of losing credibility on school lunches, $10 daycare, mental health advocate, and softwood lumber.
Routine Proceedings
Introduction of Guests
Hon. Ms. Thériault
The Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture welcomed a group of students and instructors from the CCNB Péninsule acadienne media communications program who are touring community radio stations across the province.
Condolences for Florian Chiasson
Hon. Mr. Gauvin
The Minister of Public Safety noted with sadness the passing of Florian Chiasson at age 78, honouring his role as Michel-Archange at Pays de la Sagouine and his musical career.
Condolences for Antoon "Tony" Huntjens
Ms. Bockus
The member honoured former MLA for Western Charlotte (1999–2010) Tony Huntjens, who passed away August 11, recalling his 32-year teaching career and advocacy for victims of domestic violence and the vulnerable.
Condolences for Lorraine Silliphant
Mr. Coon
The member extended condolences on the passing of Lorraine Silliphant, honouring her nearly 20 years with the NB Association for Community Living and her advocacy for inclusive education of children with intellectual disabilities.
Tribute to the band 1755
Mr. Doucet
The member paid tribute to the Acadian band 1755, celebrating 48 years of their career culminating in final concerts at the Capitol Theatre.
Welcome to member for Rothesay and congratulations to member for Miramichi West
Mr. Savoie
The member welcomed the member for Rothesay back to the House after health battles and congratulated the newly elected member for Miramichi West.
90th birthday of Joyce O'Neil
Ms. Mitton
The member wished Joyce O'Neil a happy 90th birthday, recalling her 16 years on Sackville town council and her community service.
Tribute to Claude Snow and the Comité des 12 pour la justice sociale
Hon. Ms. Thériault
The minister honoured Claude Snow and his committee on their retirement after over 30 years advocating for social justice and vulnerable people in New Brunswick.
Congratulations to Premier-elect Tony Wakeham
Mr. Savoie
The member congratulated Tony Wakeham on his October 14 election victory in Newfoundland and Labrador, comparing concerns there to those in New Brunswick.
Tribute to David Adams Richards
Mr. Johnston
The member recognized Newcastle author David Adams Richards on his retirement from the Senate, highlighting his literary awards and contributions to Miramichi culture.
Introduction of Guests
Mr. Johnston
Sought unanimous consent to return to Introduction of Guests and welcomed students and staff of Max Aitken Academy from Newcastle to the Legislature.
Tabling of Documents reminder
Madam Speaker
Reminded members that over 30 reports and annual reports have been filed since June, with a list available in the Order and Notice Paper.
Provincial Health Plan
Hon. Mr. Dornan
Announced the publication of the five-year Provincial Health Plan 'Caring for New Brunswick,' outlining priorities including strengthening primary care, supporting the workforce, seniors, mental health supports, and new collaborative clinics and facilities.
Response to Provincial Health Plan
Mr. Savoie
Criticized the health plan as recycled and repackaged initiatives started by the former government, arguing the government equates activity with action while people still wait for care and the mental health advocate post is cancelled for a year.
Response to Provincial Health Plan (Green)
Mr. Coon
Called the plan essentially a renewal of the Tories' plan lacking focus on preventative health and health promotion, and urged well-funded offices for the Chief Medical Officer of Health and regional medical officers to improve population health.
Education plan public consultations
Hon. C. Johnson
Reminded New Brunswickers of ongoing public consultations to develop new education plans for the Anglophone and Francophone sectors, with discussion documents released in August and thousands of responses received.
Response to education consultations
Mr. Lee
Questioned how survey results and public feedback would be incorporated, raised concerns the consultation is optics, and asked about restructuring and groupings from K to 8 and transparency of the process.
Response to education consultations (Green)
Ms. Mitton
Welcomed the consultations but expressed concern over the repeated firing of library workers, lowered literacy targets, lack of answers on ISD, and decisions made without data, citing the Child and Youth Advocate's criticism.
Small Business Week
Hon. Mr. Randall
Recognized Small Business Week, noting small businesses account for about 60% of provincial employment, and reaffirmed the government's commitment to reduce red tape, strengthen Business Navigator support, and foster growth.
Response to Small Business Week
Ms. M. Wilson
Emphasized the importance of local independent businesses, cited CFIB recommendations, and urged the government to reduce the small business tax rate from 2.5% as New Brunswick will have the highest rate in Atlantic Canada.
Response to Small Business Week (Green)
Ms. Mitton
Called for lowering the small business tax to 1%, support for small farmers and food sovereignty over multinationals, and congratulated Tidewater Books & Browsery on 30 years in business.
World March of Women anniversary
Hon. Ms. Boudreau
Recognized the anniversary of the World March of Women, honouring the women who marched in 2002 and participated in the October 17 march in Fredericton, and reaffirmed the government's commitment to women's equality.
Response to World March of Women
Ms. Scott-Wallace
Applauded the organizers and noted the participation of men, youth, and families, reflecting on the 2000 march and progress on pay equity legislation and gender-based analysis.
Response to World March of Women (Green)
Ms. Mitton
Recognized the anniversary but stressed much work remains, noting gender-based and intimate partner violence is worsening and calling for pay equity legislation beyond the pay transparency referenced in the throne speech.
Clean Air Act consultations
Hon. Mr. LePage
Reported that over 500 people submitted ideas to help update the Clean Air Act, reaffirming the government's priority to improve outdoor air quality and add the right to a healthy environment to the Act.
Ministerial statement on Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act reviews
The Minister (Environment)
The minister described consultations on clean air and modernizing the Clean Water Act, noting a what-we-heard report and forthcoming legislative and regulatory changes, with a November 27 submission deadline.
Opposition responses to environmental legislation statement
Multiple
S. Wilson criticized the statement as talk without concrete action, noting unfulfilled ministerial visits to her riding; Ms. Mitton urged enshrining the right to a healthy environment in law and support for her bill, calling for stronger regulations.
Ministerial statement on homelessness task force
Hon. Mr. Hickey
Minister Hickey announced a ministerial task force on homelessness to break down government silos, citing a 210% rise in homelessness, $7.4 million in emergency funding, discussions with non-profits, and a commitment to reduce chronic homelessness by 40%.
Opposition responses to homelessness statement
Multiple
Ms. Conroy welcomed the task force but urged inclusion of on-the-ground organizations and offered to sit on it; Mr. Coon praised having a housing minister and drew lessons from Moncton's Housing First pilot about the need for structural change and individualized support teams.
Petition against Centre Village gas plant
Ms. Mitton
Ms. Mitton presented a petition signed by 317 constituents from Tantramar opposing a proposed gas turbine facility at Centre Village, citing environmental, health, water usage, and energy-transition concerns, and asking the government to reject it.
Unanimous consent to sit through lunch
Mr. M. LeBlanc
Mr. M. LeBlanc sought and obtained unanimous consent to continue sitting through the lunch hour to complete about 25 minutes of remaining business.
First reading of Bill 2, An Act to Amend the Public Health Act
Hon. Mr. Dornan
The bill enhances the independence of the Chief Medical Officer of Health by clarifying appointment/removal, granting authority to appoint deputies and regional officers, requiring an annual report, mandating written ministerial directions, and enabling agreements with public bodies.
First reading of Bill 3, An Act to Amend the Securities Act
Hon. Mr. Legacy
The bill modernizes the capital market regulatory system by increasing investor protections and boosting confidence in and access to New Brunswick's capital markets.
First reading of Bill 4, An Act Respecting the Agriculture Appeal Board Act and the Bee Act
Hon. Mr. Finnigan
The bill aligns the Bee Act appeal procedure with the department's other agricultural legislation to provide industry with a familiar, efficient, and transparent appeal process.
First reading of Bill 5, An Act to Amend the Opportunities New Brunswick Act
Hon. Mr. Randall
The bill amends the quorum requirement so a majority of members constitutes quorum for executive committee meetings, reducing scheduling disruptions and supporting business continuity.
First reading of Bill 6, An Act to Amend the University of New Brunswick Act
Hon. Mr. D'Amours
At UNB's request, the bill updates the university's administrative and governance structures to support a provost model, aligns librarians' status with faculty, modernizes language, and reflects a commitment to truth and reconciliation.
Notice of Motion 1 on therapeutic living units in correctional facilities
Mr. Ames
Mr. Ames gave notice of a motion urging government to invest in therapeutic living units in all provincial correctional facilities, with transition programs and follow-up supports for inmates struggling with addiction.
Notice of Motion 2 on recovery and treatment centre availability
Mr. Weir
Mr. Weir gave notice of a motion urging government to increase the number and regional availability of recovery and treatment centres, citing long wait times for residential treatment beds.
Notice of Motion 3 on mandatory mental health crisis training
Mr. Weir
Mr. Weir gave notice of a motion urging government to institute mandatory training for police, EMS, ER staff, and social workers in mental health crisis response and trauma-informed care.
Notice of Motion 4 on integrated care plans for recovery
Ms. M. Johnson
Ms. M. Johnson gave notice of a motion urging government to provide persons in recovery with integrated care plans including mental health support, employment, affordable housing help, support groups, and services for marginalized groups.
Notice of Motion 5 on closing safe injection sites
Mr. Monahan
Mr. Monahan gave notice of a motion urging government to close any and all safe injection sites in the province, calling them a public policy failure that keeps individuals in addiction.
Notice of Motion 6
Mr. Lee
Mr. Lee gave notice of Motion 6 for Thursday, October 30, 2025, seconded by Mr. Russell.
Notice of Motion 6 — Supportive community living units
Mr. Lee
Gave notice of a motion urging the government to establish small-scale supportive community living units with on-site staff for people who cannot live fully independently but do not require institutionalization.
Notice of Motion 7 — 24/7 mobile care units and transitional supports
Ms. Conroy
Gave notice of a motion urging the government to extend mobile care unit hours province-wide to 24/7 and provide transitional supports, including follow-up with addiction counsellors, to end the 'revolving door' of substance use emergencies.
Notice of Motion 8 — Mental health and addictions workforce development
Mr. Cullins
Gave notice of a motion urging the government to expand workforce development beyond ten trainer positions, implement recruitment and retention strategies, and ensure continuous evidence-based training for mental health and addictions professionals.
Notice of Motion 9 — Compassionate intervention framework
Mr. Austin
Gave notice of a motion urging the government to establish a framework for compassionate intervention for individuals in severe crisis, with safeguards, wraparound services, and clear oversight.
Notice of Motion 10 — Lift moratorium on natural gas exploration
Mr. Austin
Gave notice of a motion urging the government to immediately lift the moratorium on natural gas exploration and work collaboratively with First Nations and other stakeholders to develop natural gas resources.
Notice of Motion 11 — Oversight of methadone treatment providers
Ms. S. Wilson
Gave notice of a motion urging the government to strengthen oversight of methadone treatment providers, transition patients from high-volume private clinics to regulated community-based settings, and ensure no service disruption during transition.
Notice of Motion 12 — Reduce property assessment spike protection to three percent
Ms. M. Wilson
Gave notice of a motion urging the government to reduce the property assessment spike protection mechanism from ten percent to three percent per year.
Notice of Motion 13 — Eliminate cost of assessment fee
Ms. M. Wilson
Gave notice of a motion urging the government to eliminate the 'cost of assessment' fee associated with the property assessment process.
Government business ordering and adjournment
Mr. M. LeBlanc
Announced that all bills introduced that day would be called for second reading on October 24, stated this concluded House business, and moved adjournment; the House adjourned at 12:29 p.m.
This is Tabled's summary of the sitting, written from the official record; Hansard is only ever quoted at the link above. Search New Brunswick Hansard for the words themselves, or read this sitting in the archive.