New Brunswick has announced a billion-dollar budget commitment to overhaul its senior care system. Premier Susan Holt emphasized a flexible, person-centered approach as the province plans to replace six aging nursing homes and add 624 new beds across Shediac, Fredericton, Quispamsis, and Riverview.
The plan also allocates $10 million for home care access and over $9 million for personal support worker wages. However, critics argue it lacks short-term urgency. Richard Losier, CEO of the New Brunswick Association of Nursing Homes, noted high staff turnover and insufficient goals for increasing care hours per resident. While $2.6 million is earmarked to boost care hours, Losier called it inadequate.
Critics warn that without swift action, systemic issues will persist despite long-term investments.
