New Brunswick Budget 2025: Funding and Opportunities

On March 18, 2025, Deputy Premier and Finance Minister René Legacy presented New Brunswick’s 2025 budget, the first under Premier Susan Holt’s administration since taking office last fall.  

Contrary to earlier forecasts of surplus budgets, the province has announced deficits over the next four years, with a projected shortfall of $549 million for the 2025–26 fiscal year. This deficit could increase by an additional $50 million if a newly established contingency fund is utilized to counter potential U.S. tariffs. 

New Brunswick’s Department of Finance does project a modest growth of 1.1% for 2025, with revenues estimated at $13.8 billion, though expenditures are expected to reach $14.3 billion, resulting in the deficit. 

“This is a budget that reflects the changing economic environment and the need to respond strongly to our challenges, while keeping our promise to New Brunswickers to invest in areas that will make a meaningful difference in their daily lives. We will not keep putting off critical investments that are desperately needed now.” 
– René Legacy, Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance and Treasury Board, Minister responsible for Energy, and Minister responsible for the Right to Information and Protection of Privacy Act 

Business Funding Opportunities for New Brunswick   

Despite the projected deficits, numerous government funding programs remain available to businesses. Notable opportunities include: 

• Canada-New Brunswick Job Grant (CNBJG): Offers nonrepayable funding from the government to purchase third-party business training programs, including training for in-demand skillsets.   
• Opportunities New Brunswick (ONB): Provides capital for established businesses looking to expand operations and markets. 
• New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF): Offers vital seed investment and support for tech startups and innovative ventures. 
• Community Business Development Corporations (CBDCs): Benefiting from federal funding via the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, CBDCs offer financing, mentorship, and training for local SMEs. 
• Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) Tax Credit Program: Supports companies engaged in R&D activities to drive innovation and growth. 

“We remain committed to strategic investments that strengthen our healthcare, education, and housing sectors. These commitments reflect our determination to support growth, innovation, and the well-being of all New Brunswickers.” 
– René Legacy, Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance and Treasury Board, Minister responsible for Energy, and Minister responsible for the Right to Information and Protection of Privacy Act 

Key New Brunswick Budget 2025 Initiatives 

Prioritizing Healthcare 

Healthcare remains a top priority, with an additional investment of nearly $293 million compared to the previous year. To address the needs of approximately 180,000 New Brunswickers awaiting primary care providers, $30 million is allocated for community care clinics.  

The government plans to establish at least 30 local family health teams across the province over the next four years, with funding for 2025–26 supporting current team-based clinics and the creation of at least 10 more during the fiscal year. 

Other healthcare investments include: 

• $28.4 million to modernize and integrate outdated healthcare technology systems, enhancing operations and patient care 
• $15.9 million allocated for physician remuneration to support community-based practices 
• $2 million dedicated to recruiting qualified healthcare professionals from across Canada and internationally 
• More than $1.9 million to increase access to fertility treatments, funding one round of in vitro fertilization per household 
• $462,000 to implement HPV tests as a primary screening method for cervical cancer 
• An additional $150,000 to support midwifery training and certification, addressing the high demand for services 

Youth and Education 

To enhance support for students and educators, the budget includes an additional $32.4 million for educational assistants and behavioral intervention mentors. 

Additional investments encompass: 

• $19 million for a school lunch program, emphasizing the use of local foods 
• $10 million to ensure consistent, high-quality support for children and youth with exceptional needs and those experiencing trauma 
• Nearly $8.7 million to support early detection and intervention in cases where the well-being of children or youth may be at risk, following the Child and Youth Well-Being Act’s child-centered approach 
• $200 million over five years to subsidize more than 17,000 childcare spaces across various programs 
• An increase of nearly $16.4 million to hire more teachers, addressing the growth in student enrollment 
• $4 million to improve teacher recruitment and retention, tackling the shortage of educators 
• An increase of just more than $2.1 million for academic support teachers 

Supporting Aging New Brunswickers 

To address the needs of the aging population, the government is investing $22 million in nursing homes and specialized beds to prevent growing waitlists. 

Other initiatives include: 

• $10 million to make home care more affordable, enabling individuals to remain in their homes longer 
• $2 million to implement a dementia strategy and action plan  
• An additional $1.5 million to continue the five-year Aging with Dignity action plan, in partnership with the federal government 
• Expanding the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunization program, offering free vaccines to New Brunswickers aged 75 and older 

Housing 

To tackle housing challenges, the government is investing an additional $36.6 million in the New Brunswick Housing Corporation.  

Investments include: 

• An increase of nearly $21.1 million for the direct-to-tenant rental benefit, supporting an additional 2,500 households per year  
• An additional $4.6 million for the Affordable Rental Housing Program 
• Nearly $3.3 million in public housing to support necessary repairs and modernization projects  
• A further $2.3 million to support the 3% rent cap and create an outreach and awareness program for tenants and landlords 

Moving Ahead 

The 2025 budget underscores New Brunswick’s commitment to balancing immediate fiscal challenges with strategic investments designed to stimulate economic growth and improve quality of life.  

By taking advantage of available government funding opportunities, New Brunswick businesses and communities can navigate these uncertain economic waters effectively and build toward a resilient future.