The New Brunswick government and the province’s medical society have finalized a new four-year agreement aimed at improving your access to primary care and attracting more doctors to the province. The deal represents a landmark investment of approximately $270 million into the public health system.

Premier Susan Holt announced the agreement, stating it’s a significant step in the government’s health plan. “By caring for the people who care for New Brunswickers, we are strengthening team-based family health care, improving access to services closer to home, and making our province a place where doctors want to build their careers,” Holt said in a news release from the Government of New Brunswick.

What’s in the Deal?

The 2025-2029 Physician Services Agreement, which was approved by members of the New Brunswick Medical Society, includes general pay increases of up to 12.5 per cent for all doctors over the four-year term. However, the agreement places a strong emphasis on a new approach to health care.

The largest financial incentives are reserved for family physicians who join or form collaborative care clinics. These clinics involve multiple health professionals working together to address patient needs, a model the government says provides more coordinated and timely care.

“This collaborative care approach… has proven to deliver more co-ordinated, timely, reliable access to primary care and enhance the overall experience for patients,” said Health Minister John Dornan.

Focus on Accountability and Access

The new agreement isn’t just about increasing pay. It introduces new compensation models tied to specific performance metrics. These accountability measures are designed to ensure the investment translates into a better experience for patients.

Key requirements include:

• Ensuring patients get access to care within five days.
• Tracking patient attachment to a primary care provider.
• Maintaining continuity of care.

Dr. Lise Babin, president of the medical society, called the agreement a “landmark investment” that will transform primary health care. “This agreement will transform primary health care in New Brunswick through innovative payment models for physicians, targeted investments in support of collaborative care clinics, and clear accountability frameworks that will help ensure the increased funding is tied to patient attachment and timely access to care,” she stated.

With this new deal, the government aims to make New Brunswick’s compensation for physicians more competitive on a national level, helping to recruit and retain the health-care workers needed across the province.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main goal of this new agreement?

The primary goals are to improve New Brunswickers’ access to primary care, recruit more physicians, and retain the ones already practicing in the province by making compensation more competitive and incentivizing team-based care.

How much is the province investing?

The agreement represents an investment of about $270 million over four years, from 2025 to 2029.

Will all doctors get a raise?

Yes. The agreement includes general economic increases of up to 12.5 per cent over its term for all physicians in the public system. However, the most significant increases are for family doctors who work in a collaborative care model.

What is a collaborative care model?

It is a team-based approach where multiple health professionals, such as doctors, nurse practitioners, and other specialists, work together to provide comprehensive care to a patient. This model is intended to improve coordination and access.

Are there new requirements for doctors under this deal?

Yes. The new compensation models include accountability measures. To receive full incentives, providers will need to meet targets related to providing patient access within five days, tracking patient attachment, and ensuring continuity of care.