The Government of New Brunswick tabled a $12.2 billion budget Tuesday, one that forecasts a small surplus and promises a funding increase to help stabilize the province’s brittle health-care sector.
Addressing reporters in Fredericton, Finance Minister Ernie Steeves said the province is operating within an economic environment that he describes as “volatile.” He cited rapidly rising prices putting pressure on families and driving up business costs.
“Today’s budget builds on that foundation of delivering for New Brunswickers and investing in opportunities for growth and services that will support an increasing population,” he said.
Officials allocated nearly $3.6 billion for health care, a 10.6 per cent increase over last year, with $39.2 million helping to improve primary health-care access. The province also plans to spend $29.7 million to address recruitment and retention issues.
Steeves said New Brunswick is projecting a $40.3 million surplus for the 2023-24 fiscal year.
A full breakdown of this year’s budget is available here.
