Doctors vote in favour of tentative agreement with government

The Minister of Health and President of the New Brunswick Medical Society have announced that the Province of New Brunswick and New Brunswick Medical Society will sign a new fee-for-service agreement, effective April 1, 2014 and extending to March 31, 2016.

“We are pleased to complete the ratification process with a record turnout from fee-for-service physicians,” said Dr Lynn Hansen, President of the New Brunswick Medical Society. “The membership voted overwhelmingly in favour of the agreement.”

“This agreement with the province’s fee-for-service physicians focuses on improving our health care system and strengthens its sustainability,” said Health Minister Hugh Flemming. “I would like to extend my thanks to the New Brunswick Medical Society for their commitment to improving the lives of New Brunswick patients.”

The tentative agreement was announced on April 9, 2014. The agreement will last for two years beginning April 1, 2014. It includes increases to the Medicare budget of 2% for each of the 2014-15 and 2015-16 fiscal years. This follows two fiscal years of 0% increases to the budget.

“We look forward to implementing the elements of the agreement,” outlined the Minister. “The Provincial Health Plan and the doctors’ recent document, Care First, were very aligned in terms of our mutual priorities for the system.”

“Doctors are key partners in a sustainable health care system and we take our leadership role seriously,” said Dr Hansen. “We’re pleased to work with the Province on improving health care for New Brunswick patients.”

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Founded in 1867, the New Brunswick Medical Society (NBMS) is the professional association representing all physicians in New Brunswick. It is a provincial division of the Canadian Medical Association. Its twin goals are to represent and serve physicians, and advocate for the health of New Brunswickers. Over a hundred New Brunswick doctors sit on its Board and Committees, representing the 1600 doctors in the province.

NBMS Contact: Andrew MacLean, New Brunswick Medical Society: amaclean@nbms.nb.ca

Department of Health Contact: Sarah Bustard, communications, 506-453-6797 sarah.bustard@gnb.ca