It has been a milestone year for the NBMS, one which should result in noticeable short and long-term improvements to the healthcare landscape for New Brunswick physicians and patients.
The primary focus for 2025 has been the negotiation of the new Physician Services Agreement with the provincial government. After approximately 10 months of negotiations, the NBMS was pleased to present a tentative agreement to members on November 5, 2025. A week later, NBMS membership voted to ratify the agreement, which is retroactive to April 1, 2025 and expires March 31, 2029.
Having fallen behind the rest of the country over the past few years in terms of physician compensation, it was important to reach an agreement that allowed us to catch up and keep up with neighbouring provinces. The Negotiations Committee had a long list of priorities heading into these discussions, and while not all of those issues could be addressed, the new agreement represents a landmark investment that will strengthen our health-care system and accelerate New Brunswick’s capacity to retain, recruit and support physicians and their patients. It was encouraging to see the high level of member engagement, voter turnout, and ultimate support for the new agreement during the ratification process.
Outside of negotiations, the NBMS has also continued to focus heavily on member engagement. Over the past few months, the Society hosted the remaining 2025 Regional Forums, with over 150 physicians attending sessions related to the new agreement, the 2026-29 NBMS Strategic Plan, and the activities of NBMS Practice Support.
Two Future of Medicine events were held to welcome incoming medical students at Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick and the Centre de Formation Médicale du Nouveau-Brunswick. A meeting of Zone and MSO Presidents was also held in Moncton, with discussions centered around sharing insights, best practices, and experiences to better address mutual interest issues and lay a foundation for the advancement of healthcare in the province.
Looking ahead, we are excited to continue our focus on engagement in 2026. The next NBMS Physician Summit will take place May 29-30, 2026, at the Algonquin Resort St. Andrews by-the-Sea. This event brings together health-care professionals, policymakers, and community leaders to engage in meaningful discussions on the most pressing health-care issues facing our province. Keynote speakers include Dr. Alika Lafontaine, Indigenous Physician, Healthcare Leader and Changemaker; Dr. Kwadwo Kyeremanteng, Critical Care Physician and Host of the Solving Healthcare Podcast; and Dr. Michel White, Cardiologist, Professor of Medicine and Public Speaker. The NBMS has secured a room block at the Algonquin Resort, St. Andrews by-the-Sea. Due to popular demand, we recommend booking your accommodation early to ensure availability. Click here and use booking code MEDS 2026.
Now that the 2025-29 Physician Services Agreement has been ratified, a key priority for next year will be working with our partners in the Department of Health to successfully implement the various elements of the agreement. The NBMS Board and Executive Leadership Team will also continue working to finalize the 2026-29 NBMS Strategic Plan in the coming months.
We will continue to keep you updated on these and the other initiatives the Society pursues on behalf of members in the coming year, and we wish you and yours all the best this holiday season.
René Boudreau, Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Lise Babin, President
