New Brunswick Legislative Assembly, Wednesday 13 May 2026
On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, the New Brunswick House of Assembly opened at 10 a.m. with introductions of guests, statements of condolence and congratulation, and members' statements in which government members promoted initiatives such as post-secondary education, lobbying law modernization, and pay transparency (Bill 33), while opposition members criticized the Holt government on tourism, accountability, credit downgrades, the Agropur plant closure, the eVisitNB contract, and a veterinary program. In Routine Proceedings, the government introduced the new Mineral Resources Act at first reading, passed Bills 34 and 36 at third reading, and began second reading of Bill 40, An Act Respecting Health Quality and Patient Safety. The remainder of the sitting was devoted to extended, largely bilingual second-reading debate on Bill 40, with opposition members criticizing it as adding bureaucracy and reporting burdens, centralizing power under the minister, weakening privacy protections and whistle-blower safeguards, and lacking measurable outcomes, before the Government House Leader defended the bill as strengthening patient safety, accountability and transparency. The House adjourned at 3 p.m.
Members' Statements
Veterinary program criticism
Ms. Scott-Wallace
The member criticized the government's 'botched' veterinary program, arguing the three-year, three-phase plan starting with a feasibility study reflects a 'ready-fire-aim' approach and that farmers need answers before the summer recess.
Banning surveillance pricing
Ms. Mitton
Ms. Mitton called for fairness in the economy and urged banning surveillance pricing, arguing corporations use collected data to charge consumers more and concentrate wealth among the ultra-rich.
Price control and wealth concentration
Unknown
A member argued that scandalously rich individuals and corporations use price control and data harvesting to extract money from New Brunswickers, calling for a ban on price control to protect people.
Post-secondary education cuts and government record
Mr. Doucet
Doucet criticized the Interim Leader of the Official Opposition's proposal to cut $3 million from the post-secondary education budget affecting Mount Allison, noting tuition rose over 25% under the former government.
Absence of tourism from Premier's platform
Mr. Russell
Russell used a humorous device of searching the Premier's election platform for tourism-related words like 'Miramichi', 'cruise ship', and 'beach', finding none, criticizing the Premier for getting elected without mentioning tourism.
Modernization of lobbying laws
Mr. J. LeBlanc
LeBlanc highlighted the government's amendments to lobbying laws, increasing registered lobbyists from hundreds to thousands, requiring monthly reports to the Integrity Commissioner and expanding investigation and enforcement powers.
Accountability and the Premier
Mr. Weir
Weir criticized the Premier for measuring accountability by Facebook videos and photo ops, questioning whether she knows the difference between transparency and invisibility, noting she faces only 15 more days of questions.
Pay transparency legislation
Ms. Vautour
Vautour defended government bills against opposition claims they are mere housekeeping, praising the Coalition for Pay Equity's 25-year advocacy and describing pay transparency as a matter of social justice and equity.
Criticism of Holt government record
Mr. Cullins
Cullins called the Holt government uninformed, unprepared and unsuccessful, citing the Premier's empty-handed trips, the eVisitNB contract and the Agropur deal that removes jobs from the province.
Bill 33 and skilled worker recruitment
Mr. Robichaud
Robichaud praised the Minister of Post-Secondary Education for advancing Bill 33 to attract skilled workers, recognize out-of-province certifications and eliminate apprentice fees to reduce wait times and bureaucracy.
Government fiscal record and updates
Mr. Monahan
Monahan criticized the government for governing by Facebook videos, listing recent setbacks including Moody's credit downgrade, S&P probation, record public housing wait lists, the Agropur Sussex plant closure and farmers filling the gallery.
Veterinary program criticism
Ms. Scott-Wallace
Ms. Scott-Wallace criticized the government's handling of the veterinary program, arguing the three-year, three-phase plan starting with a feasibility study reflects a 'ready-fire-aim' approach and demanding answers for farmers before the mid-June break.
Economic fairness and surveillance pricing
Ms. Mitton
Ms. Mitton called for tax fairness so billionaires pay their share and urged a ban on surveillance pricing, which she said corporations use with collected data to charge people more.
Wealth concentration and corporate price control
Unknown
A member decried the concentration of wealth and corporate price-fixing practices, calling for a ban on price control to protect New Brunswickers.
Post-secondary education funding and opposition cuts
Mr. Doucet
Doucet criticized the Interim Leader of the Official Opposition's proposal to cut $3 million from the Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour budget affecting Mount Allison University, noting tuition rose over 25% under the former government.
Absence of tourism in the Premier's platform
Mr. Russell
Russell mocked the Premier's election platform for never mentioning tourism, using a Siri search analogy, and referenced concerns about Doak House.
Lobbying law modernization
Mr. J. LeBlanc
J. LeBlanc highlighted the government's modernization of lobbying laws, expanding registered lobbyists into the thousands, requiring monthly reports to the Integrity Commissioner and strengthening enforcement powers.
Premier's accountability and transparency
Mr. Weir
Weir argued the Premier must be held accountable in the House rather than through Facebook videos and photo ops, noting only 15 sitting days remain and citing gas tax and doctor shortage concerns.
Pay transparency legislation
Ms. Vautour
Vautour defended the government's bills as more than housekeeping, praising pay transparency work by Johanne Perron and the NB Coalition for Pay Equity as a matter of social justice.
Criticism of the Holt government's record
Mr. Cullins
Cullins characterized the Holt government as uninformed and unsuccessful, criticizing the Premier's trips, the eVisitNB contract with an American firm, and the Agropur deal that cost Sussex jobs.
Bill 33 and skilled worker recruitment
Mr. Robichaud
Robichaud praised Bill 33 for recognizing certifications from other provinces, eliminating some apprentice fees, and reducing wait times to attract skilled workers.
Government finances and negative developments
Mr. Monahan
Monahan listed setbacks since March 17 including Moody's credit downgrade, S&P conditions, a record public housing wait list, the Agropur Sussex plant closure, and farmer protests.
Routine Proceedings
Introduction of Guests - Highway rescue by Diane Doiron
Hon. Mr. Finnigan
The Minister recognized Diane Doiron, a former volunteer firefighter, who along with Mélanie Letang stopped at a March 9 highway crash near Rexton and kept an injured man's head above freezing water until rescuers freed him, likely saving his life.
Introduction of Guests - Marc Bastarache
Mr. Bourque
Mr. Bourque welcomed retired CBC journalist and producer Marc Bastarache, a longtime friend who recently moved to Fredericton where his daughter now works as a Crown prosecutor.
Introduction of Guests - Mining Act legislation stakeholders
Hon. Mr. Herron
The Minister of Natural Resources welcomed Rob Murray, President of the New Brunswick Prospectors and Developers Association, and mining consultant Jon Robinson, marking the government's forthcoming legislation to modernize the Mining Act.
Introduction of Guests - Murray Cameron
Hon. Ms. Holt
The Premier introduced Murray Cameron, a few-weeks-old guest, with parents Drew (a Premier's Office staffer) and Brenda, noting Murray was born through an IVF program the government supported.
Condolences - Mavis (McBain) Williamson
Hon. Ms. Holt
The Premier extended condolences on the passing of Mavis Williamson, 68, founder of Brunswick Driver Training and former executive assistant to MLA Bill Fraser, known for her service to the Miramichi community.
Condolences - Richard George Good
Ms. M. Wilson
The member offered condolences on the passing of Richard Good, a devoted husband and father who worked 28 years at Armour Transport.
Condolences - David MacDonald
Mr. Coon
Mr. Coon offered condolences for David MacDonald, 76, a longtime Conservation Council of New Brunswick board member and founder of its Moncton chapter who organized the annual 100-mile dinner fundraiser.
Condolences - Ginette Allain
Mr. Bourque
Mr. Bourque announced the passing of Ginette Allain, 76, of Saint-Antoine, a teacher of over 30 years at École Clément-Cormier and mother of one of the Premier's bodyguards, Yves Allain.
Condolences - Peggy Martin
Mr. Hogan
Mr. Hogan paid tribute to Peggy Martin of Woodstock, who died at age 100, remembered as a family matriarch and dedicated volunteer with the Women's Institute.
Condolences - Peter Watson
Mr. Hogan
Mr. Hogan paid tribute to Peter Watson of Woodstock, a well-known businessman who co-founded Valley Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Ltd. in 1974.
Condolences - Georges Goguen
Hon. Ms. Thériault
The Minister paid tribute to visual artist Georges Goguen, 92, a foundational figure in Acadian modern art who founded several galleries and received the Order of Canada and Order of New Brunswick.
Congratulations - Jeux des aînés
Hon. Ms. Boudreau
The Minister of Seniors highlighted the Jeux des aînés in Sainte-Marie-de-Kent, organized by the Kent seniors' council, which drew over 100 seniors and reflected the government's new long-term care plan.
Congratulations - Valerie Hagerman
Mr. Ames
Mr. Ames congratulated Valerie Hagerman on 50 years in the hospitality business at Great Bear campground along the Mactaquac headpond.
Congratulations - Municipal election winners
Ms. Mitton
Ms. Mitton congratulated all candidates and those elected Monday, especially Tantramar's new Mayor-elect Debbie Wiggins-Colwell and Strait Shores' new Mayor Annamarie Boyd.
First reading of Mineral Resources Act
Hon. Mr. Herron
Herron moved first reading of a new bill, the Mineral Resources Act, intended to replace the current Mining Act and regulations.
Notice of Motion 38 on Agropur agreement
Mr. Savoie
Savoie gave notice of Motion 38 seeking an address to have the Agropur Cooperative agreement tabled, under which Opportunities New Brunswick provides up to $2.4 million non-repayable contribution for its Miramichi facility modernization.
Notice of Opposition Members' Business
Ms. M. Johnson
Johnson announced the opposition intends to debate Motion 13 on assessment fees, Motion 35 on restoration of vet services, and Motion 37 on elimination of parking fees on Thursday, May 14.
Government business ordering
Mr. M. LeBlanc
LeBlanc outlined the government's plan for third reading of Bills 34 and 36, then second reading of Bills 40 through 44, with the House adjourning at 3 p.m. for the Standing Committee on Economic Policy.
Third reading of Bills 34 and 36
The Speaker
Bill 34, An Act Respecting the Highway Act and the Salvage Dealers Licensing Act, and Bill 36, An Act to Amend the Motor Vehicle Act, were read a third time and passed.
Introduction of guests — highway rescue hero Diane Doiron
Hon. Mr. Finnigan
The Minister of Agriculture recounted the March 9 heroism of Diane Doiron and Mélanie Letang, who stopped at a highway crash near Rexton where Diane, a former volunteer firefighter, climbed into an overturned car and kept an injured man's head out of freezing water until rescuers freed him, likely saving his life.
Introduction of guest — Marc Bastarache
Mr. Bourque
Mr. Bourque welcomed retired CBC journalist and producer Marc Bastarache, a long-time friend who recently moved to Fredericton, noting Bastarache had covered the Legislature during the Hatfield era.
Introduction of guests — mining sector representatives
Hon. Mr. Herron
The Minister of Natural Resources welcomed Rob Murray of the NB Prospectors and Developers Association and mining consultant Jon Robinson, marking the day the government prepares to introduce historic legislation to modernize the Mining Act.
Introduction of guest — infant Murray Cameron
Hon. Ms. Holt
The Premier introduced Murray Cameron, only a few weeks old, and his parents Drew (a Premier's Office staffer) and Brenda, highlighting Murray as a product of the government's IVF program.
Condolences — Mavis (McBain) Williamson
Hon. Ms. Holt
The Premier offered condolences on the May 3 passing of Mavis Williamson, 68, founder of Brunswick Driver Training, former executive assistant to MLA Bill Fraser, and dedicated volunteer.
Condolences — Richard George Good
Ms. M. Wilson
Ms. M. Wilson offered condolences on the passing of Richard George Good, who worked 28 years at Armour Transport and cherished his family.
Condolences — David MacDonald
Mr. Coon
Mr. Coon offered condolences on the February 27 passing of David MacDonald, 76, a long-time Conservation Council of NB board member and founder of its Moncton chapter.
Condolences — Ginette Allain
Mr. Bourque
Mr. Bourque announced the April 28 passing of Ginette Allain, 76, a teacher of over 30 years at École Clément-Cormier and mother of one of the Premier's bodyguards, Yves Allain.
Condolences — Peggy Martin
Mr. Hogan
Mr. Hogan paid tribute to Peggy Martin of Woodstock, who died May 2 at age 100, matriarch of a large family and devoted volunteer with the Women's Institute.
Condolences — Peter Watson
Mr. Hogan
Mr. Hogan paid tribute to Peter Watson of Woodstock, a well-known businessman who co-founded Valley Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Ltd. in 1974 and was a keen sports fan.
Condolences — Georges Goguen
Hon. Ms. Thériault
The Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Culture paid tribute to visual artist Georges Goguen, a pillar of modern Acadian art who died May 9 at age 92, member of the Order of Canada and Order of New Brunswick.
Congratulations — Jeux des aînés in Sainte-Marie-de-Kent
Hon. Ms. Boudreau
The Minister of Seniors recognized the Jeux des aînés seniors' games held in Sainte-Marie-de-Kent, which drew over 100 seniors, tying it to the government's long-term care plan for seniors.
Congratulations — Valerie Hagerman, Great Bear campground
Mr. Ames
Mr. Ames congratulated Valerie Hagerman on 50 years in the hospitality business operating Great Bear campground along the Mactaquac headpond.
Congratulations — municipal election winners
Ms. Mitton
Ms. Mitton thanked all municipal election candidates and congratulated those elected Monday, particularly Tantramar's Mayor-elect Debbie Wiggins-Colwell and Strait Shores' Mayor-elect Annamarie Boyd.
First reading of Mineral Resources Act
Hon. Mr. Herron
Herron moved first reading of the new Mineral Resources Act, intended to replace the current Mining Act and regulations.
Notice of Motion 38 on Agropur agreement
Mr. Savoie
Savoie gave notice of Motion 38 for May 28 seeking to have the government table the agreement providing up to $2.4 million in non-repayable contribution to Agropur Cooperative for its Miramichi facility.
Notice of Opposition Members' Business
Ms. M. Johnson
Johnson announced the opposition would debate Motion 13 (assessment fees), Motion 35 (restoration of vet services), and Motion 37 (elimination of parking fees) on Thursday.
Government business ordering
Mr. M. LeBlanc
M. LeBlanc outlined the government's plan for third reading of Bills 34 and 36, second reading of Bills 40-44, and that bills passing second reading would be referred to the Standing Committee on Economic Policy.
Third reading of Bills 34 and 36
The Speaker
Bill 34 (An Act Respecting the Highway Act and the Salvage Dealers Licensing Act) and Bill 36 (An Act to Amend the Motor Vehicle Act) were read a third time and passed.
Orders of the Day
Second reading debate on Bill 40, An Act Respecting Health Quality and Patient Safety
Ms. M. Johnson
Johnson opposed Bill 40, arguing that while everyone supports safer care, the bill adds bureaucracy, committees and reporting rather than restoring access, citing rural maternity closures, roadside births, staffing shortages and duplication of existing oversight bodies. She questioned the cost to taxpayers, the lack of evidence that administration improves outcomes, and warned it demoralizes front-line workers and centralizes power in the Department of Health.
Bill 40 — An Act Respecting Health Quality and Patient Safety (second reading debate)
Unknown
An opposition member argued that the government treats patient safety as beginning and ending with legislation and centralized oversight, contrasted this with Health PEI's operational, 'just culture' model that identifies contributing factors rather than assigning blame, and urged that the bill receive extensive committee review and public consultation, insisting patient safety begins with access to front-line care.
Bill 40 — Concerns on committee independence and patient rights
Mr. Cullins
Mr. Cullins supported the bill's goals but criticized it for creating a new Quality of Care and Patient Safety Advisory Committee whose composition, powers and duties are left to regulation, chaired by government officials; he asked the minister to table draft regulations before third reading, questioned the committee's independence, welcomed free patient access to incident reports but called for mandatory disclosure of quality review findings in serious harm cases, and noted the bill lacks legislated timelines and public reporting.
Bill 40 — Official opposition scrutiny of method and governance
Mr. Ames
Mr. Ames said the official opposition supports improving patient safety but questioned what specific problem the bill addresses given the existing Act, warned the new advisory committee could add bureaucracy and duplication without measurable improvement, called for structural independence and public reporting to the Legislature, raised concerns about staff reporting without whistle-blower protections, and cautioned against a one-size-fits-all centralized approach; his speech was interrupted by the noon recess and resumed after 1:05 p.m.
Bill 40 – An Act Respecting Health Quality and Patient Safety (second reading debate)
Mr. Ames
Speaking for the official opposition, Mr. Ames stated support for improving patient safety but questioned whether the bill addresses a demonstrated problem, criticizing the lack of data showing failure under the current Act. He raised concerns about the new advisory committee adding bureaucracy, the need for independence and public reporting, whistle-blower and staff protections, patient disclosure being centred on dignity, risks of centralized one-size-fits-all improvement plans, and especially subsection 6.2's override of the Right to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, calling for detailed committee scrutiny and measurable outcomes.
Bill 40 – continued second reading debate
Mr. Monahan
Mr. Monahan continued the opposition critique, affirming universal support for patient safety but challenging the government to justify the broad new powers, the new Quality of Care and Patient Safety Advisory Committee, and increased administrative burden on front-line health workers. He focused heavily on section 6.2 allowing the Act to override privacy legislation, warning about data security, cloud storage, and lack of independent oversight, and criticized the extensive ministerial discretion over standards, policies, reporting timelines and funding.
Bill 40 (health care patient safety) — Mr. Monahan's second reading remarks
Mr. Monahan
Mr. Monahan criticized Bill 40 for concentrating extraordinary discretionary power in the minister (including the power to withhold funding from health care organizations), expanding mandatory reporting structures, using vague terminology like 'critical event,' weakening privacy protections, and delegating too much operational authority to future regulations outside legislative scrutiny. He argued public confidence is built through access to care—open ERs, timely senior and family-doctor care—not legislation, citing 40,000 more people added to the doctor waitlist and babies born on the highway, while affirming the opposition supports patient safety and constructive parts of the bill but is defending transparency, balance and accountability.
Bill 40 (health care patient safety) — Mr. Weir's second reading remarks
Mr. Weir
Mr. Weir defended the value of extended debate, clarified that his criticisms target elected officials rather than staff, and stressed his demand for the government's promised 'radical transparency.' He argued Bill 40 adds administrative layers and bureaucracy—contradicting the government's pledge to cut 1,400 positions and reduce the deficit—thereby increasing strain on already-overburdened front-line and administrative health workers, and questioned why the new provincial advisory committee on quality of care and patient safety, created and maintained by the minister, centralizes power rather than relying on existing bodies.
Bill 40 – Health Care Quality Improvement (second reading debate)
Mr. Weir
Mr. Weir argued that Bill 40 layers new centralized bureaucracy on top of existing health authorities, internal committees, and oversight mechanisms rather than reforming them, and complained that the lack of a briefing note forced him to raise his questions in debate. He warned the bill increases reporting burdens on already-overburdened front-line workers, that claimed savings from cutting largely-vacant positions are illusory, that centralizing authority under the minister reduces transparency and local responsiveness, and that the bill focuses on process and compliance without guaranteeing measurable improvements in wait times, access, staffing, or patient outcomes. He also raised privacy concerns over provisions allowing the legislation to prevail over the Right to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and closed by saying that while he and colleagues support patient safety and accountability, they cannot support cutting staff while increasing administrative burden and centralizing control.
Bill 40 - An Act Respecting Health Quality and Patient Safety (Second Reading, opposition)
Unknown (opposition member)
Concluding second reading remarks, the opposition member argued the bill reduces staff while increasing administrative burden, promises less bureaucracy but delivers more committees and centralized control, and stated that while they support patient safety, accountability and learning from incidents, they cannot support this direction, framing their opposition as doing their job in the House rather than an attack on staff.
Point of Order on relevance of debate
Mr. Ames
Mr. Ames raised a point of order questioning whether the speaker was addressing the bill; the Deputy Speaker ruled he listens to speeches, noted much flexibility had been allowed given the health care subject, and asked the member to remain on topic.
Bill 40 - An Act Respecting Health Quality and Patient Safety (Second Reading, government)
Mr. M. LeBlanc (Government House Leader)
The Government House Leader defended Bill 40, arguing it strengthens critical incident reporting, mandates quality reviews and improves coordination to protect patient safety and public trust. He rejected opposition claims of centralization and lack of transparency by explaining the legislative process (readings, committee, royal assent), accusing the previous government of centralizing health powers, firing regional health authority boards, and telling nurses to move to Alberta, and touted retention bonuses and contracts with nurses and doctors before expressing pride in supporting the bill.
Adjournment
Mr. M. LeBlanc
Mr. M. LeBlanc moved that the House adjourn; the House adjourned at 3 p.m.
Second reading debate on Bill 40, An Act Respecting Health Quality and Patient Safety
Ms. M. Johnson
Johnson opposed Bill 40, arguing it adds bureaucracy, committees, and reporting structures instead of restoring access to care, citing rural maternity closures, roadside births, ER waits, and staff shortages, and questioning the cost, duplication, and evidence base for the legislation.
Bill 40 – An Act Respecting Health Quality and Patient Safety (second reading debate)
Unknown (Opposition member)
An opposition member argued that patient safety cannot be reduced to legislation and centralized oversight, citing Prince Edward Island's operational Health PEI model that identifies root causes and fosters a 'just culture,' and urged the government to prioritize rural health services, recruitment, maternity access, and keeping ERs open rather than administrative restructuring; she called for extensive committee review and public consultation.
Bill 40 debate – Mr. Cullins
Mr. Cullins
Mr. Cullins criticized Bill 40 for adding administration and leaving key details to regulation, questioning the new advisory committee's independence given it would be chaired by a government official; he welcomed patients' free right to incident reports but flagged that disclosure of quality review findings remains discretionary, and called for mandatory disclosure in serious harm cases, legislated timelines, public aggregate reporting, and draft regulations before third reading.
Bill 40 debate – Mr. Ames
Mr. Ames
Mr. Ames stated the Official Opposition supports improving patient safety but must scrutinize the method, questioning what specific problem the bill addresses given the existing Act, warning the new advisory committee could duplicate oversight and add bureaucracy without measurable results, calling for structural independence and public reporting to the Legislature, and raising concerns about staff whistle-blower protections, compassionate disclosure, and one-size-fits-all improvement plans; he resumed and reiterated these points after the recess.
Bill 40, An Act Respecting Health Quality and Patient Safety — Opposition debate (Mr. Ames)
Mr. Ames
Speaking for the official opposition, Mr. Ames stated support for improving patient safety and transparency but questioned whether the government had demonstrated any systemic failure justifying the bill, warning against adding bureaucracy, undermining oversight independence, weakening privacy through subsection 6.2's override of the Right to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, and failing to protect front-line staff who report incidents. He called for measurable outcomes and committee scrutiny before the bill proceeds.
Bill 40, An Act Respecting Health Quality and Patient Safety — Opposition debate (Mr. Monahan)
Mr. Monahan
Mr. Monahan continued the opposition critique, affirming support for patient safety but questioning the need for the new Quality of Care and Patient Safety Advisory Committee, the expansion of ministerial discretion, increased administrative burden on health care workers, and especially section 6.2 which lets the Act override existing privacy legislation. He raised concerns about data security, drew comparisons to eVisitNB/Foundever, and argued the government failed to justify the broad powers and should provide answers within the bill rather than later in committee.
Bill 40 — health care patient safety legislation (second reading debate, Mr. Monahan)
Mr. Monahan
Mr. Monahan criticized Bill 40 for concentrating extraordinary discretionary power in the minister (including withholding funding from health care organizations), expanding mandatory reporting structures onto exhausted front-line workers, using vague terminology like 'critical event,' and delegating critical operational details to regulation outside legislative scrutiny. He acknowledged some constructive elements but called on government to justify why the current Act is insufficient and how the bill would improve front-line care.
Bill 40 — health care patient safety legislation (second reading debate, Mr. Weir)
Mr. Weir
Mr. Weir defended the importance of debate, clarified he criticizes elected officials rather than staff, and stressed transparency as central to his critique. He argued the bill adds administrative layers and bureaucracy—contradicting the government's promise to cut 1,400 positions and reduce the deficit—and questioned why a new provincial advisory committee, created and maintained by the minister, is needed, calling it part of a systematic trend of centralizing power and reducing transparency.
Second reading debate on Bill 40 (health care quality / patient safety)
Mr. Weir
Mr. Weir spoke at length against Bill 40, arguing it layers new bureaucracy on top of existing health authorities, committees, and oversight mechanisms rather than reforming them, and criticized the lack of data and briefing information provided by government. He warned the bill increases reporting and administrative burdens on already overstretched front-line workers while the government cuts positions, centralizes authority in the minister, allows the legislation to override privacy laws (RTIPPA), and offers no clear measurable outcomes; he concluded that while he supports patient safety and accountability, he cannot support a bill that reduces staff, adds paperwork and committees, and centralizes control.
Bill 40 – An Act Respecting Health Quality and Patient Safety (Second Reading, opposition remarks)
Unknown (Opposition member)
An opposition member concluded remarks arguing the bill reduces staff while increasing administrative burden, promises less bureaucracy but delivers more, and centralizes control rather than strengthening the front line, while stressing support for patient safety and accountability.
Bill 40 – Second Reading (Government House Leader's remarks)
Mr. M. LeBlanc
The Government House Leader defended Bill 40 as a measure to improve patient health and safety, transparency and accountability, explaining the parliamentary process (first reading, second reading, committee, third reading, royal assent) and rejecting claims that the bill centralizes power or lacks information. He repeatedly criticized the former government's record on health care, including firing regional health authority boards and telling nurses to move to Alberta.
Point of Order during Bill 40 debate
Mr. Ames
Mr. Ames raised a point of order questioning whether the Government House Leader was speaking to the bill; the Deputy Speaker ruled he had been listening and allowed the debate to continue given latitude on the health care topic.
Adjournment
Mr. M. LeBlanc
Mr. M. LeBlanc moved that the House adjourn; the House adjourned at 3 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 Hansard — May 13, 2026 — afternoon (Legislature 61, Session 2), 38 2026-05-13b.