The NBMS hit the ground running in 2025, launching a wide range of events, initiatives, and advocacy campaigns aimed at improving services for members and reshaping the health system to better meet the needs of both patients and providers.
Our primary focus heading into the year was the next Physician Services Master Agreement (PSMA). Although background work has been ongoing for months, negotiations with the province officially began in January. While it is still early in the process, both sides have expressed a shared goal of arriving at an overall compensation and benefits package that makes New Brunswick a preferred destination for physicians across Canada and internationally. We are encouraged by Minister Dornan’s recent comments stating, “In New Brunswick we will lead, and we will have a better package here than anywhere in the country.” We look forwarded to keeping members updated on this process as we move closer toward a tentative agreement.
We took the opportunity to once again participate in the provincial pre-budget consultation process. Although we appreciate the priority given to healthcare, a two percent increase in the health budget remains insufficient to catch up to our neighbours and address the significant challenges facing our health system, so we will be continuing to advocate for increased investment and work with government and the regional health authorities to maximize their impact.
NBMS staff have also been busy preparing for the 2025 NBMS Health Summit, taking place May 31st. The re-shaping and timing change of the NBMS’s marquee event from Fall to Spring has been an exciting shift, and we look forward to presenting a terrific line-up of speakers and events, with a record number of physicians and guests set to attend. More information on the Health Summit can be found here.
Several other changes to the Society’s governance structure are underway as well, following last year’s comprehensive governance review. The Nominations and Appointments Committee has been busy collecting nominations for the first iteration of the new Board and Committee structure, which will go into effect on June 1st.
The Practice Support team has been actively expanding the program and implementing new measures to assist physicians. We are excited to see this program grow and develop to be able to support physicians in myriad ways as they look to streamline processes and optimize the efficiency of their clinics. You can read more about the program here.
Member engagement continues to be a major focus throughout 2025. Following the first Regional Forum of the year in Fredericton in March, we will be preparing for the remaining sessions which take place this Fall in Edmundston, Saint John, Bathurst and Moncton.
We look forward to connecting with many of you throughout the remainder of the year and will continue to keep you updated on the Society’s events and activities.
René Boudreau, Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Lise Babin, President
