In a year marked by significant health care reforms, New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt has expressed optimism about the future of the province’s health system. “N.B. premier says 2025 set foundation for health care — and 2026 is about results,” she stated. Holt takes pride in the steps her party has taken to improve the health care system, which includes increased pay for nurses, a $270-million deal for doctors, and the establishment of 11 new collaborative care clinics.

Reforms to Improve Health Care

Under Premier Holt’s leadership, the focus in 2025 was to establish a strong foundation for the future of health care in New Brunswick. This included a significant investment in the province’s medical practitioners. Nurses, who are often the backbone of any health care system, received a pay increase, a decision aimed at not only improving their financial stability but also boosting morale and fostering a more productive working environment.

Furthermore, a $270-million deal was brokered for doctors, a significant move aimed at ensuring that the province’s medical professionals are well-compensated and can therefore offer the best possible care to their patients. The deal is expected to improve the province’s ability to attract and retain top-tier medical talent, thereby enhancing the overall quality of care.

Introduction of Collaborative Care Clinics

In addition to financial investments in medical personnel, the New Brunswick government also implemented structural changes to the health care system. This included the establishment of 11 new collaborative care clinics. These clinics are designed to offer a more holistic and integrated approach to health care, with various medical professionals working together to provide comprehensive care to patients.

Looking Forward to 2026

With the foundation set in 2025, Premier Holt is looking forward to 2026 as the year of results. She expressed optimism about the impact of the reforms, stating that patients should start seeing improvements in the quality and accessibility of health care services. This underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that all New Brunswick residents have access to high-quality health care.

As New Brunswick enters a new year, the focus is on building upon the foundational changes implemented in 2025. With a strengthened health care workforce and enhanced infrastructure, the province is well-positioned to improve health outcomes and provide better care for all residents.

Ethan Radcliffe

Ethan Radcliffe is a senior reporter and digital editor at The Toronto Insider, specializing in Canadian federal policy, GTA urban development, and national economic trends. With over a decade of experience in North American journalism, Ethan focuses on translating complex legislative and economic developments into clear, accessible reporting for Canadian readers. Ethan’s work emphasizes policy analysis, government accountability, and data-driven reporting, with a strong focus on how federal and provincial decisions impact communities across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond. He has covered infrastructure planning, housing policy, fiscal strategy, and regulatory changes affecting Canadian households and businesses. A graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Journalism, Ethan brings expertise in investigative reporting, long-form analysis, editorial standards, and digital publishing best practices. His reporting is guided by verifiable sources, public records, and transparent sourcing. In addition to reporting, Ethan has experience in newsroom editing, fact-checking workflows, SEO-informed journalism, and audience analytics, ensuring stories meet both editorial integrity standards and modern digital discoverability requirements. Ethan is committed to objective, fact-driven journalism and adheres to established ethical guidelines, prioritizing accuracy, clarity, and public trust in all reporting.

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