New Brunswick Legislative Assembly, Tuesday 2 December 2025
During this December 2, 2025 sitting of the New Brunswick House of Assembly (61st Legislature, Second Session), members conducted routine proceedings including the introduction of a guest, statements of condolence and congratulation, and members' statements touching on seniors care, fiscal matters, nursing homes, fuel prices, and school programs, with opposition members criticizing the Holt government and government members defending affordability measures and a new addictions treatment facility. A point of order led to a retraction, the Speaker tabled the Auditor General's audit report, ministers made statements on court reform, a collaborative care clinic, addictions treatment, and an arts website, committee reports were presented, and Mr. Coon gave notice of Motion 19 on Crown forest conservation and a glyphosate ban. The Minister of Finance delivered the 2026-27 Capital Budget Address, presenting a record $1.47 billion capital plan, prompting opposition responses focused on fiscal management, deficits, and deferred maintenance. The House then proceeded through Committee of Supply, granted supply, adjusted standing committee memberships, passed second reading of Bill 21, An Act to Amend the Child and Youth Well-Being Act, and adjourned at 3:23 p.m.
Members' Statements
Criticism of Holt government's growth board
Mr. Weir
Weir compared the government's new growth board to the 2014 Jobs Board, criticizing the Holt government for a growing debt, deficit, and fewer working people.
Support for seniors and long-term care
Ms. Mitton
Mitton raised concerns about the long-term care crisis and called for the government to present short- and medium-term plans, a dedicated minister with budget, increased care hours, and affordable housing.
New nursing home in Shediac
Mr. J. LeBlanc
J. LeBlanc celebrated the announcement of a new 190-bed nursing home, Maison Providence, in Shediac, replacing the former Villa Providence and improving access to health care.
Criticism of Holt government's 2025 record
Ms. Bockus
Bockus suggested Christmas dinner conversations would focus on the government's deficit, broken balanced-budget promise, cost of living, school bus problems, and firing of school librarians.
Fuel prices and cost of carbon adjustor
Mr. Robichaud
Robichaud expressed disappointment with the Energy and Utilities Board's December 1 decision to add the cost of carbon adjustor to wholesale margins, keeping gas prices unchanged, and pledged continued advocacy for cost relief.
Medal of shame for outrageous statements
Mr. Hogan
Hogan announced the official opposition would award a 'medal of shame' for the most outrageous statement made in the House in 2025, beginning with the Premier's wait list claim.
Opposition "medal of shame" for outrageous statements
M. Hogan
The official opposition announced it would award a mock "medal of shame" for the most outrageous statement made in the House in 2025, citing the Premier's wait-list claim, the Transportation Minister's school bus remarks, and a member's addiction treatment wait-time claim.
New Brunswick addictions treatment centre
Ms. Vautour
Announced a $6.3 million annual investment in a new 50-bed residential treatment centre on the Kingston Peninsula, opening next summer, doubling adult residential treatment capacity with bilingual, 24/7-supported services.
Criticism of Transportation Minister and government pattern
Mr. Lee
Accused the Transportation Minister of downplaying school bus breakdowns and following a Holt government formula of expressing care, diminishing the issue, and offering vague reassurances.
Fuel costs and carbon adjustor
Mr. Johnston
Criticized the official opposition for voting against removing the cost of carbon adjustor and for celebrating the EUB's decision to add 8 cents back into fuel costs, arguing it harms affordability for families and seniors.
Premier's growth board
Mr. Austin
Dismissed the Premier's new growth board as "Jobs Board 2.0," arguing it would foster a false sense of action and results, and claimed the Premier has grown debt and deficit while shrinking the economy.
Routine Proceedings
Introduction of Guest — Alex Scholten
Hon. Ms. Miles
Minister Miles welcomed constituent and friend Alex Scholten, recipient of the 2025 YMCA Peace Medal, noting $93,000 raised for Greener Village and his community-minded work.
Condolence for Elizabeth "Betty" Anne Rogers
Hon. Ms. Holt
Premier Holt honoured the life of Betty Anne Rogers of Fredericton, a devoted teacher, mother, and community member, and mother of former mayor Kate Rogers, extending condolences to her family.
Condolence for Richard Bowman
Mr. Monahan
Monahan honoured Richard Bowman, a United Pentecostal Church minister who died in a sudden workplace accident at age 56, recalling their friendship at the Sussex KOA campground.
Condolence for Edee Klee
Hon. Mr. Randall
Randall honoured Edee Klee, founder of community gardens and Hayes Farm in Fredericton North, whose legacy in food security, education, and community continues.
Condolence for Richard "Rick" MacFarlane
Mr. Cullins
Cullins recognized the passing of Rick MacFarlane of Woodstock, an entrepreneur and family man who died August 11, 2025, extending condolences to his family.
Condolence for Dorinda "Doreen" Mary Parker
Mr. Russell
Russell honoured Doreen Parker of Doaktown, a former Legion President and Deputy Mayor known for generosity and service, extending sympathy to her family.
Congratulation of Alex Scholten — YMCA Peace Medal
Hon. Ms. Miles
Miles congratulated Alex Scholten on receiving the 2025 YMCA Peace Medal, citing his leadership at Victory Meat Market, support for Greener Village, youth soccer coaching, and work as a New Maryland village councillor.
Congratulation of Greater Woodstock business community
Mr. Hogan
Hogan thanked the Woodstock business community, including Tim Hortons and the River Restaurant, for supporting school breakfast programs.
Congratulation of Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew
Mr. Coon
Coon marked Saint Andrew's Day and congratulated the Fredericton Society of Saint Andrew on its 200th anniversary, noting a new march composed for the occasion.
Congratulation of Excellence in Education Award recipients
Ms. Vautour
Vautour congratulated educators recognized with the Excellence in Education Awards for their leadership in the Francophone education sector.
Point of order — retraction of misleading accusation
Mr. M. LeBlanc
Mr. M. LeBlanc raised a point of order that Mr. Austin accused the Premier of misleading the public; the Speaker asked for a retraction and Mr. Austin withdrew his comment.
Tabling of Auditor General audit report
Madam Speaker
The Speaker tabled the report of the independent audit of the Office of the Auditor General of New Brunswick for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, pursuant to the Auditor General Act.
Statement on provincial court system and justice of the peace program
Hon. Mr. McKee
The Attorney General announced the government would redirect funding from the previous government's justice of the peace program to support two newly appointed Provincial Court judges, with centralized bail to proceed under judges rather than justices of the peace.
Opposition responses on justice of the peace program
Multiple
Mr. Weir criticized redirecting the funds as "kicking the can down the road" and questioned why the government couldn't do both, attributing the choice to budgetary cuts; Mr. Coon requested the results of the program evaluation and noted amendments would be needed to cancel the legislated program, congratulating new appointee Rose Campbell.
Statement on St. Stephen collaborative care team
Hon. Mr. Dornan
The Health Minister announced $3.6 million to Horizon Health Network for a new dedicated clinic in Charlotte County, marking the ninth of ten promised collaborative care teams, supporting a larger clinical space and additional recruitment.
Opposition responses on collaborative care clinic
Multiple
Mr. Hogan questioned whether the announcements are truly new clinics versus added staff (citing Miscou Island) and noted New Brunswickers feel health care is worse than a year ago; Ms. Mitton said a collaborative wellness centre already existed in St. Stephen and noted such recommendations date back decades.
Statement on 50-bed substance use treatment facility
Hon. Mr. McKee
The minister announced a new 50-bed therapeutic community substance use treatment facility for adults on the Kingston Peninsula, opening next summer, doubling adult live-in treatment capacity and serving over 100 people annually.
Opposition responses on treatment facility
Multiple
Mr. Weir welcomed the facility but criticized delays since the September 2024 RFP and the winter construction/August opening timeline, urging an additional RFP for more beds; Mr. Coon praised publicly operated rehab centres, expressed concern the facility would be run by for-profit Edgewood Health Network, and called for more outpatient treatment programs.
Statement on new arts and culture website
Hon. Ms. Thériault
The minister announced the launch of artsculturenb.ca to promote New Brunswick artists, artisans, and cultural experiences, encouraging local holiday shopping and providing a space for the sector to share events and creations.
Opposition responses on arts website
Multiple
Ms. M. Wilson welcomed the improved website but expressed concern that only a couple hundred businesses had registered and that eligibility criteria requiring Arts Culture NB funding exclude other local businesses; Ms. Mitton hoped the tool would be used widely and be a success for New Brunswick artists.
Committee reports on bills
Multiple
Ms. Vautour presented the fifth report of the Standing Committee on Economic Policy on Bills 12, 15 and 18 (concurred in), and Mr. Doucet presented the first report of the Standing Committee on Private Bills recommending Bills 19 and 20 without amendment (motion carried).
Concurrence in Report of Standing Committee on Private Bills
Mr. Doucet
Mr. Doucet, seconded by Mr. Mallet, moved that the report of the Standing Committee on Private Bills be concurred in; the motion was carried.
Notice of Motion 19 — Crown Forest Conservation and Glyphosate
Mr. Coon
Mr. Coon gave notice of Motion 19 for December 11, 2025, seconded by Ms. Mitton, urging the government to replace clearcut logging on Crown land with ecologically-based harvesting practices and to ban the spraying of herbicides including glyphosate.
Response to Capital Budget (Motion 16)
Ms. Mitton
The Member responded to the minister's capital budget speech, urging action on deferred maintenance for roads and schools, seeking investment for smaller and rural clinics/schools, questioning air quality investments and accountability metrics, calling for more accessible and affordable housing with universal design, highlighting specific roads and bridges (Pecks Cove, Route 955), stressing climate resilience needs, and raising gaps in long-term care and residential supports for adults with developmental disabilities. She also questioned an apparent drop in Education spending from $293 million to $245 million.
Motion 16 Carried
Madam Speaker
The Speaker read the motion and put the question, and Motion 16 was carried.
Committee of Supply — Capital Estimates
Mr. M. LeBlanc
With unanimous consent to revert to Government Motions, the House resolved into Committee of Supply with Mr. Arseneault in the chair to consider the capital estimates for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2027; the motion that supply be granted to His Majesty was carried, and the committee reported and the House concurred.
Orders of the Day
Message from Lieutenant-Governor and Motion 16 — Capital Budget
Hon. Mr. Legacy
Hon. Mr. Legacy delivered a message from the Lieutenant-Governor transmitting the Capital Estimates for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2027, and, pursuant to notice, moved Motion 16 seconded by Hon. Ms. Holt that the House approve in general the government's capital budgetary policy.
Capital Budget Address 2026-27
Hon. Mr. Legacy
The Minister of Finance presented the 2026-27 capital estimates totalling $1.47 billion, described as the largest capital investment in the province's history, including $205 million for hospital renovations, $242 million for schools, $78.1 million for housing, $680 million for the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, $42 million for medical equipment, $24 million for nursing homes, and $6 million for wildfire suppression.
Opposition Response to Capital Budget
Mr. Monahan
Mr. Monahan criticized the government for not learning from the financial crisis it created, pointing to an $834-million deficit, and argued the budget lacks transparency on cost containment and is a press release rather than a plan, pledging the opposition would fight for fiscal responsibility.
Green Party Response to Capital Budget
Ms. Mitton
Ms. Mitton responded to the capital budget, welcoming some measures while noting gaps and requesting more details, and expressing hope that significant progress can be made on the deferred maintenance backlog for roads and schools, noting deferred maintenance costs more in the long run.
Motion 20 — Estimates added to Orders of the Day
Mr. M. LeBlanc
Mr. M. LeBlanc moved that consideration of estimates in Committee of Supply be added to the Orders of the Day until dispatched; the motion was carried.
Committee membership changes
Mr. M. LeBlanc
A motion amended several standing committee memberships, including substitutions of Mr. Russell for Mr. Weir (Climate Change), Hon. Ms. Thériault for Hon. Mr. Hickey (Legislative Administration), Mr. Russell for Mr. Austin (Procedure), and Mr. Russell for Mr. Dawson (Social Policy); the motion was carried.
Second Reading of Bill 21, An Act to Amend the Child and Youth Well-Being Act
Multiple
Hon. Ms. Miles introduced second reading, describing amendments to strengthen custody and guardianship agreements between parents and the Minister of Social Development to protect the best interests of children while reducing court involvement. Mr. Austin, Ms. Mitton, and Mr. Weir spoke in support; Ms. Mitton described the bill as correcting omissions and noted the value of hearing witnesses, while Mr. Weir praised the department's helpful briefing and urged earlier briefings to build consensus. The bill was read a second time and referred to the Standing Committee on Economic Policy.
Adjournment
Mr. M. LeBlanc
Having concluded the day's agenda with the second reading of Bill 21, Mr. M. LeBlanc moved adjournment; the House adjourned at 3:23 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.