New Brunswick Legislative Assembly, Friday 8 May 2026
On Friday, May 8, 2026, the New Brunswick House of Assembly opened with a point of order from Mr. M. LeBlanc regarding photographs allegedly taken inside the Chamber and posted to social media, which the Speaker undertook to verify. Routine proceedings included introductions of guests, statements of condolence for Gloria Richard, Myrna Joyce Walton, and Wayne Paul Noseworthy, and congratulatory statements, along with partisan members' statements addressing Agropur, veterinarian service cuts, park and heritage site closures, wildfire preparedness, affordability and food banks, health investments, and the upcoming May 11 local elections. The House gave notices of motion on health care and hospital parking, and passed third reading of numerous bills (24-33). Debate continued on second reading of Bill 39, An Act Respecting the New Brunswick Income Tax Act and the Small Business Investor Tax Credit Act, with multiple points of order and criticism by Mr. Hogan of the bill's investment thresholds, before the House adjourned at 11 a.m.
Members' Statements
Criticism of government over Agropur and vet services
Mr. Lee
Mr. Lee sarcastically criticized the government for the Holt government's handling of the Agropur situation and cuts to veterinarian services, praising farmers for visiting the Legislature in a show of solidarity.
Closure of provincial parks and heritage sites
Ms. Mitton
Ms. Mitton criticized the Holt government for closing parks and heritage sites including North Lake Provincial Park, Doak House, and Cape Enrage, reading provisions of the Parks Act and arguing the closures harm the province's image.
Thanks for seniors' residences announcement
Mr. Mallet
Mr. Mallet thanked the government for announcing construction of six seniors' residences, noting Résidences Lucien Saindon Inc. (built in 1977) is among those to be rebuilt, and thanked the Premier and Minister of Seniors.
Criticism of the Premier on rural and health issues
Mr. Cullins
Mr. Cullins attacked the Premier over wait lists for doctors and housing, the deficit, cuts to parks, tourism sites, and veterinarian services, and the Agropur situation, predicting electoral consequences among farmers.
Mobile health care coordination team and health investments
Mr. Johnston
Mr. Johnston highlighted the government's new mobile health care coordination team in Saint John providing services to vulnerable people, along with investments in cancer screening, thrombolytics, and international recruitment of medical graduates.
Closure of North Lake Provincial Park and Doak House
Ms. M. Wilson
As Critic for Tourism, Heritage and Culture, she characterized the closure of North Lake Provincial Park as an act of 'revenge' and the closure of Doak House in Doaktown as 'vengeance' by the Premier, arguing both were beneath the dignity of the Premier's Office.
Wildfire preparedness investment
Mr. J. LeBlanc
He highlighted the government's $6.7 million investment to strengthen fire preparedness, including four new Fire Boss aircraft and the conversion of 74 seasonal forest ranger positions to permanent year-round positions.
Affordability and food banks
Ms. Conroy
She criticized the Holt government for offering strategies, studies and photo ops instead of results, noting food banks facing emergencies and rising common fees for licences, registrations and 911 calls, arguing affordability had worsened.
May 11 local elections
Mr. Robichaud
He highlighted the upcoming May 11, 2026 elections for local governments, rural district advisory committees and district education councils, thanking candidates and outgoing officials and urging New Brunswickers to vote.
Statement
Mr. Hogan
He began a statement congratulating the Premier, which was cut off in the transcript.
Criticism of government's Agropur and veterinary services handling
Mr. Lee
Mr. Lee sarcastically criticized the government for its handling of the Agropur file and cuts to veterinary services, and praised the farming community for visiting the Legislature in solidarity against the Holt government.
Closure of provincial parks and heritage sites
Ms. Mitton
Ms. Mitton criticized the Holt government for closing provincial parks and heritage sites, including North Lake Provincial Park, Doak House and Cape Enrage, and cited the purposes of the Parks Act to argue the closures do not enhance the province's image.
Seniors' residences construction
Mr. Mallet
Mr. Mallet thanked the government for announcing construction of six seniors' residences, including a rebuild of Résidences Lucien Saindon Inc., a long-term care residence built in 1977 that no longer meets standards.
Criticism of the Premier and rural New Brunswick
Mr. Cullins
Mr. Cullins criticized the Premier over doctor and housing wait lists, the deficit, park and tourism site closures, cuts to veterinary services, and the Agropur file, predicting farmers would 'cull the Liberal herd' at the next election.
Mobile health care coordination team and health investments
Mr. Johnston
Mr. Johnston highlighted the new mobile health care coordination team in Saint John providing services to vulnerable residents, and touted government health care investments including $5 million for cancer screening, $2 million for thrombolytics and $5.4 million for international recruitment of medical graduates.
Closure of North Lake Provincial Park and Doak House
Ms. M. Wilson
The Tourism, Heritage and Culture Critic characterized the closures of North Lake Provincial Park and Doak House in Doaktown as acts of 'revenge' and 'vengeance' by the Premier, saying such acts should be below the dignity of the Premier's Office.
Wildfire preparedness investment
Mr. J. LeBlanc
Recalling last summer's dangerous wildfire season, the member highlighted the government's $6.7 million investment in fire preparedness, including four Fire Boss aircraft and the conversion of 74 seasonal forest ranger positions to permanent year-round jobs.
Affordability and government fees
Ms. Conroy
The member accused the Holt government of offering strategies, studies and photo ops instead of real results on food banks and housing, and of worsening affordability by raising common fees for licences, registrations and 911 calls.
May 11 local government elections
Mr. Robichaud
The member noted the May 11, 2026 elections for local governments, rural district advisory committees and district education councils, thanked candidates and outgoing officials, and urged New Brunswickers, especially in Hautes-Terres—Nepisiguit, to vote.
Statement congratulating the Premier
Mr. Hogan
The member began a statement congratulating the Premier, opening with a remark about members who don't know what is going on remaining seated and quiet.
Routine Proceedings
Point of Order on photographs taken inside the Chamber
Mr. M. LeBlanc
Mr. M. LeBlanc raised a point of order noting that members opposite reportedly took photographs inside the House, some including government members who did not consent, and that these were posted on social media; the Speaker said she would verify the matter and respond.
Introduction of Guests
Mr. Russell
Mr. Russell introduced guests from Miramichi West, including volunteer firefighter and Toronto Maple Leafs fan Kenny Whalen and his niece Emma Gillespie, a St. Thomas University student.
Statement of Condolence — Gloria Richard
Mr. Bourque
Mr. Bourque marked the passing of 91-year-old Gloria Richard of Bouctouche, a nationally acclaimed Acadian soprano and music educator who developed school music and arts programs, taught at the University of Ottawa, received the Lieutenant-Governor's Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts, and volunteered extensively.
Statement of Condolence — Myrna Joyce Walton
Ms. M. Johnson
Ms. M. Johnson recognized the passing of Myrna Joyce Walton, a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who farmed with her husband Leland for 60 years and was active in her community, extending condolences to the Walton family.
Statement of Condolence — Wayne Paul Noseworthy
Ms. M. Wilson
Ms. M. Wilson extended condolences to the family of Wayne Paul Noseworthy of Burton, who died March 14 after more than 40 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces as a chief warrant officer and captain.
Congratulation — Maritime Hydraulic
Hon. Ms. Boudreau
Hon. Ms. Boudreau paid tribute to Maritime Hydraulic in Champdoré-Irishtown, a family-founded firm that grew into a globally respected manufacturer of hydraulic equipment, which she visited April 16 with the Premier and colleagues.
Congratulation — 100+ Women Who Care River Valley
Mr. Hogan
Mr. Hogan recognized 100+ Women Who Care River Valley for presenting $35,100 to Sanctuary House, a non-profit transition house in Woodstock for women and children fleeing domestic violence.
Congratulation — Vimy Pilgrimage Award recipients
Mr. Coon
Mr. Coon congratulated New Brunswick students Abhiraj Kambrath and Khalid Saheed-Kolade, who received the Vimy Pilgrimage Award and attended the 109th anniversary ceremony of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
Congratulation — Sandra Davenport DeVenney
Hon. Ms. Miles
Hon. Ms. Miles celebrated the 80th birthday of Sandra Davenport DeVenney of Fredericton Junction, a Canadian wheelchair athlete with 56 national medals, Paralympic and international competitor, Sports Hall of Fame inductee, and co-founder of Wheelchair Sports New Brunswick.
Congratulation — Sewell Shaw Award recipients
Ms. M. Johnson
Ms. M. Johnson congratulated Angela Leonard and Garth Dingee, recipients of the Perth-Andover Elks Club's Sewell Shaw Award for Volunteerism, praising their community service and dedication.
Congratulation — Tantramar Environmental Citizens of the Year
Ms. Mitton
Ms. Mitton congratulated Barry Rothfuss and Pam Novak of the Atlantic Wildlife Institute, named 2026 Tantramar Environmental Citizens of the Year for their wildlife rehabilitation work and establishment of the Protect the Chignecto Isthmus Coalition opposing a proposed gas plant.
Recognition of Daniel Guitard's retirement
Mr. M. LeBlanc
Mr. M. LeBlanc recognized the retirement of Daniel Guitard, former Pointe-Verte councillor and mayor, MLA for Restigouche-Chaleur, Speaker of the House from 2018 to 2020, and first Mayor of Belle-Baie, thanking him for his years of public service.
Welcome of guests
Unknown
Members welcomed students Roxane and her brother Nicolas Hébert (Grade 2), joined by parents Geneviève Bérubé and Jean-Sébastien Hébert, to the Legislative Assembly.
Notice of Motion 36 - Family doctor strategy
Mr. Hogan
He gave notice of Motion 36, seconded by Ms. M. Johnson, urging the government to implement a comprehensive strategy to increase practicing family doctors, citing 238,000 people (28.5%) without a primary care provider.
Notice of Motion 37 - Hospital parking fees
Ms. M. Wilson
She gave notice of Motion 37, seconded by Mr. Hogan, urging the government to eliminate parking fees for staff, patients and visitors at all provincial hospitals and to compensate Horizon and Vitalité for lost revenue.
Point of Order on photographs taken in the House
Mr. M. LeBlanc
M. LeBlanc raised that opposition members took photographs inside the Chamber the previous day, including of government members who did not consent, and that these were posted on social media; he requested a clarifying ruling. The Speaker said she would verify the matter and get back to him.
Introduction of Guests
Mr. Russell
Mr. Russell introduced guests from Miramichi West, volunteer firefighter Kenny Whalen and his niece Emma Gillespie, a student at St. Thomas University.
Condolences for Gloria Richard
M. Bourque
Bourque paid tribute to Gloria Richard of Bouctouche, who died April 16, 2026 at age 91, a nationally acclaimed Acadian soprano and music educator who developed school music programs and received the Lieutenant-Governor's Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts.
Condolences for Myrna Joyce Walton
Ms. M. Johnson
Ms. Johnson recognized the passing of Myrna Joyce Walton, a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who worked her family farm for 60 years alongside her husband Leland, and extended condolences to her family.
Condolences for Wayne Paul Noseworthy
Ms. M. Wilson
Ms. Wilson extended condolences to the family of Wayne Paul Noseworthy of Burton, who died March 14 after over 40 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces as a chief warrant officer and captain.
Recognition of Maritime Hydraulic
Hon. Ms. Boudreau
Minister Boudreau recognized Maritime Hydraulic in Champdoré-Irishtown, a family-founded business that grew into a globally respected manufacturer of hydraulic equipment, which she visited April 16 with the Premier.
Recognition of 100+ Women Who Care River Valley
Mr. Hogan
Mr. Hogan recognized 100+ Women Who Care River Valley for donating $35,100 to Sanctuary House, a transition house for women and children in Woodstock.
Congratulations to Vimy Pilgrimage Award recipients
Mr. Coon
Mr. Coon congratulated two New Brunswick students, Abhiraj Kambrath and Khalid Saheed-Kolade, who received the Vimy Pilgrimage Award and participated in the annual pilgrimage marking the 109th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.
Recognition of Sandra Davenport DeVenney's 80th birthday
Hon. Ms. Miles
Minister Miles celebrated the 80th birthday of Sandra Davenport DeVenney, a world-class wheelchair athlete who won 56 national medals, competed in international events, helped found Wheelchair Sports New Brunswick, and is a Sports Hall of Fame inductee.
Congratulations to Sewell Shaw Award recipients
Ms. M. Johnson
Ms. Johnson congratulated Angela Leonard and Garth Dingee, recipients of the Sewell Shaw Award for Volunteerism from the Perth-Andover Elks Club, for their dedication to their community.
Congratulations to Tantramar Environmental Citizens of the Year
Ms. Mitton
Ms. Mitton congratulated Barry Rothfuss and Pam Novak of the Atlantic Wildlife Institute, named 2026 Tantramar Environmental Citizens of the Year for their wildlife rehabilitation work and leadership in the Protect the Chignecto Isthmus Coalition opposing a proposed gas plant.
Retirement of Daniel Guitard
Mr. M. LeBlanc
M. LeBlanc recognized the retirement of Daniel Guitard, former Pointe-Verte mayor and councillor, MLA for Restigouche-Chaleur, Speaker of the House from 2018 to 2020, and first Mayor of Belle-Baie.
Introduction of guests
Unknown
Guests including Roxane, her younger brother Nicolas Hébert (a Grade 2 student ineligible to vote in the student election), and parents Geneviève Bérubé and Jean-Sébastien Hébert were welcomed to the Legislative Assembly.
Notice of Motion 36 – family doctor strategy
Mr. Hogan
Mr. Hogan gave notice of Motion 36 for May 14, urging the government to implement a comprehensive strategy to increase practicing family doctors, citing 238,000 New Brunswickers (28.5%) without a primary care provider.
Notice of Motion 37 – free hospital parking
Ms. M. Wilson
Ms. M. Wilson gave notice of Motion 37 for May 14, urging the government to eliminate parking fees for staff, patients and visitors at all provincial hospitals and to compensate Horizon and Vitalité for lost revenue.
Government business for the day
Mr. M. LeBlanc
The Government House Leader announced plans to proceed with third reading of Bills 24 through 33, continue second reading debate on Bill 39, and adjourn at 11 a.m. to allow the Standing Committee on Economic Policy to sit.
Third reading of Bills 24–30
Multiple
Bills 24 (Pay Transparency Act), 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 were read a third time and passed.
Third reading of Bill 31
Mr. Hogan
Mr. Hogan rose to speak on Bill 31 but was corrected after mistakenly referencing taxing dead people (a Bill 30 issue already voted on); after apologizing over confused numbering, Bill 31, Procedures Respecting Complaints Against Provincial Court Judges and Adjudicators Act, was read a third time and passed.
Third reading of Bills 32 and 33
Multiple
Bill 32 (An Act to Amend the Judicature Act) and Bill 33 (An Act Respecting the Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification Act) were read a third time and passed.
Orders of the Day
Government business for the day
Mr. M. LeBlanc
The Government House Leader outlined the intention to proceed with third reading of Bills 24-33, continue second reading debate on Bill 39, and adjourn at 11 a.m. for the Standing Committee on Economic Policy.
Third reading of Bills 24-30
Multiple
Bills 24 (Pay Transparency Act), 25 (Midwifery Act amendment), 26 (Employment Standards Act amendment), 27 (Limitation of Actions Act amendment), 28 (Enforcement of Canadian Judgments Act), 29 (Court Jurisdiction and Proceedings Transfer Act), and 30 (Act Respecting the Probate Court Act and Public Trustee Act) were read a third time and passed.
Third reading of Bill 31
Mr. Hogan
Mr. Hogan began remarks on Bill 31 (Procedures Respecting Complaints Against Provincial Court Judges and Adjudicators Act) but was confused, appearing to speak on already-passed Bill 30; after clarification the bill was read a third time and passed.
Third reading of Bills 32 and 33
Multiple
Bills 32 (Act to Amend the Judicature Act) and 33 (Act Respecting the Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification Act) were read a third time and passed.
Second reading debate on Bill 39
Mr. Hogan
Mr. Hogan spoke at length against Bill 39 (Act Respecting the New Brunswick Income Tax Act and the Small Business Investor Tax Credit Act), which he called the 'millionaire Act,' criticizing the increase of the tax credit to 25% for corporations and 50% for individuals, arguing it benefits millionaires rather than average New Brunswickers and that the government only 'hopes it will work.' His remarks drew multiple points of order from Mr. M. LeBlanc for straying off topic.
Points of order during Bill 39 debate
Multiple
Government House Leader M. LeBlanc raised points of order urging Mr. Hogan to respect the Speaker's ruling and to retract remarks he considered unparliamentary; the Speaker asked members to respect one another and continue debating Bill 39, and Mr. Hogan apologized.
Second reading debate on Bill 39 (Income Tax Act / Small Business Investor Tax Credit Act)
Mr. Hogan
Mr. Hogan discussed the bill's repayment provisions, the definition of strategic sectors, and the increase in maximum eligible investment to $1 million (from $250,000 for corporations and $500,000 for individuals), arguing the changes do not benefit average, hard-working New Brunswickers struggling with rising costs.
Adjournment of the House
Mr. M. LeBlanc
At eleven o'clock, the Government House Leader proposed adjournment of the House and a return to the Committee on Economic Policy; the House adjourned at 11 a.m.
Second reading debate on Bill 39 – income tax and small business investor tax credit
Mr. Hogan
Mr. Hogan delivered a lengthy critical speech calling Bill 39 the 'millionaire Act,' arguing the increased tax credits (raising corporate credits from 15% to 25% and individual credits to 50%) mainly benefit millionaires rather than average New Brunswickers, would reduce government revenue amid debt concerns, and was defended only with hopes it would work.
Points of order during Bill 39 debate
Mr. M. LeBlanc
The Government House Leader raised points of order noting that Mr. Hogan had strayed from Bill 39 and later that he questioned the Speaker's ruling; the Speaker directed the member to speak to the bill.
Points of order during Bill 39 debate
Multiple
Mr. M. LeBlanc raised points of order arguing that Mr. Hogan questioned the Speaker's ruling and imputed motive to him, which he called unparliamentary; the Speaker asked members to respect one another and continue debating Bill 39, and Mr. Hogan apologized to the Government House Leader.
Second Reading of Bill 39 (Small Business Investor Tax Credit)
Mr. Hogan
Mr. Hogan discussed the bill's repayment provisions for debentures and the definition of strategic sectors, noting the maximum eligible investment would rise to $1 million from the current $250,000 for corporations and $500,000 for individuals, and argued this benefit is out of reach for average, hard-working New Brunswickers struggling with rising costs.
Adjournment of the House
Mr. M. LeBlanc
Mr. M. LeBlanc proposed the adjournment of the House at eleven o'clock to resume in the Committee on Economic Policy, and the House adjourned at 11 a.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 Hansard — May 8, 2026 — afternoon (Legislature 61, Session 2), 36 2026-05-08b.