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Arthritis Society statement in response to New Brunswick budget 

Jone Mitchell
Executive Director, Atlantic Region 

We’re pleased today’s budget places a significant focus on health care and applaud Finance Minister Ernie Steeves and the Government of New Brunswick for committing to such a large investment. 

Minister Steeves’ highlighting of the government’s commitment to improve access to surgery is good news for the tens of thousands of people with arthritis waiting for hip and knee replacement surgery across the province. We know people are waiting in pain for these life-changing surgeries and we’re confident the government understands this as well. 

This budget addresses our arthritis policy recommendations [PDF] and is patient-focused to ensure quality access to care and treatment for all residents of NB. We would welcome the opportunity to help guide the Implementation Task Force and provide the patient experience as needed. 

We were also pleased to see the budget includes: 

  • More than $3.2 billion to the health-care system – a 6.4 per cent increase over the third quarter projection. 

  • $38 million on the plan Stabilizing Health Care: An Urgent Call to Action, which outlines a path forward to stabilize and rebuild New Brunswick’s health-care system to be more citizen-focused, accessible, accountable, inclusive and service-oriented. 

  • $3.7 million to enhance and redirect resources towards multi-disciplinary, team-based community care. 

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