The Government of New Brunswick is preparing its 2026-27 budget, and they want to hear from you before finalizing the numbers. As the province faces what Finance and Treasury Board Minister René Legacy calls "difficult decisions," officials are looking for public input on how to balance fiscal sustainability with the need for services.
According to a news release issued by the province, the government has released a report outlining potential options to save money or generate new revenue. Among the ideas being floated are implementing tolls specifically on out-of-province vehicles and adjusting fees for various government services.
Balancing Priorities and Costs
Minister Legacy emphasized that the goal is to maintain a sustainable financial path while addressing the core needs of residents. The government acknowledges that New Brunswickers have clear priorities.
"New Brunswickers have told us very clearly what matters to them: accessible health care, making life more affordable, and a strong education system," Legacy stated. "Building a budget that reflects the priorities of New Brunswickers requires thoughtful planning and collective input."
What is on the Table?
To guide the consultation, the province developed a report exploring several avenues for fiscal management. You can expect the government to look closely at:
- Program Reviews: Identifying efficiencies within existing programs.
- Service Restructuring: Changing how services are delivered to reduce overhead.
- Cost-Recovery: Implementing measures to recover costs for specific services.
- Revenue Generation: Potential tolls for non-residents and fee adjustments.
Legacy noted that while the decisions ahead are tough, working together helps identify responsible approaches to secure the province’s future.
How to Have Your Say
If you have strong opinions on where the government should cut costs or invest money, you have until Feb. 20 to submit your feedback. The province is accepting submissions through several channels:
- Email: wwwfin@gnb.ca
- Online: Via the government website.
- Mail: The Hon. René Legacy, Minister of Finance and Treasury Board, P.O. Box 6000, Fredericton, N.B., E3B 5H1.
Organizations are also invited to submit ideas for new ways of doing things that could lead to improved results.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the deadline to submit feedback?
You must submit your feedback by Feb. 20.
What are the main priorities mentioned by the Minister?
The Minister highlighted accessible health care, affordability, and a strong education system as the top priorities identified by residents.
Will New Brunswickers have to pay the proposed tolls?
The current proposal specifically mentions "tolls on out-of-province vehicles" as a potential revenue-generating measure, rather than tolls for residents.
Where can I find the list of options being considered?
A list of the options for saving money and generating revenue is available online through the official government news release.
in my experience in business over the last several decades, identifying best practice procedures has always resulted in the positive outcomes and growth. a simple and common sense solution to any problem.
Program review and restructuring are very similar if not full on redundant. Cost recovery for serviceis not really a service it is more fee for service (if the service is optional) , if the service is mandatory ( like licences, permits) it is no longer a fee for service it is a tax! Highway tolls is an excellent initiative, however tge outcome will either be an increase in the customer price of transported goods or increase in personal travel costs, through traffic on NB roads should certianly expect to pay or at least contribute to provincial highway costs, if we tax highways build with federal funds then we are trying to doubl dip? Regarding budgeting, reality says if their isnt enough money to operate a service or regulate a law then cut the service or look at how to increase income through selling more product ( government that is sellinig a service). Asking a chicken to produce mote eggs is false economy, buying more chickens produces more eggs?