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Highlights from New Brunswick's 2025-26 budget

FREDERICTON — New Brunswick Finance Minister René Legacy has tabled the province's budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, which includes measures to help workers and businesses affected by U.S. tariff threats.
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New Brunswick Finance Minister René Legacy presents provincial budget in Fredericton on Tuesday March 18, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ron Ward

FREDERICTON — New Brunswick Finance Minister René Legacy has tabled the province's budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year, which includes measures to help workers and businesses affected by U.S. tariff threats. Here are some highlights:

— Total spending is forecast to be $14.3 billion.

— The deficit is projected to be $549 million, which grows to $599 million when a $50-million contingency fund to cushion against the uncertainty of tariffs is included.

— Revenues are projected to be $13.8 billion and real gross domestic product growth is forecast at 1.1 per cent for 2025.

— Health care spending is to increase to $4.1 billion, which is about $293 million more than last year.

— The New Brunswick Housing Corp. budget increases by $36.6 million, up 18.6 per cent from the previous year.

— An increase of nearly $16.4 million to hire teachers to help address growth in student enrolment.

— An extra $22 million for nursing homes and specialized beds to support the province’s aging population and keep wait-lists from growing.

— New Brunswick will spend $9 million on transitional housing and outreach services for domestic violence victims.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 18, 2025.

The Canadian Press