Most N.B. mayors plan to run in May elections, the first since reforms | CBC News

A CBC News report reveals that a majority of New Brunswick's mayors plan to run in the upcoming May 11 elections, marking the first since municipal reforms. Despite the challenges of running newly amalgamated municipalities, many mayors are motivated by the progress made and the desire to continue serving their communities.

N.B. budget deficit soars to record $1.3 billion | CBC News

The New Brunswick government’s budget deficit is projected to reach an unprecedented $1.3 billion this year, more than double what the Holt Liberals originally projected. Finance Minister René Legacy said it will now be “extremely difficult” for the government to balance the budget by the end of its four-year mandate in 2028. Revenues from corporate and personal income tax and from sales tax are now expected to be $320 million below what was forecast, mainly because of adjustments to how the federal government remits money to the provinces. Meanwhile, health-care costs alone will be $432.5 million higher than what Legacy projected when he tabled his first budget last March.

Short track speed skater Courtney Sarault 'really proud' of third medal at Milano Cortina 2026 - Team Canada

Courtney Sarault, a Canadian short track speed skater, won her third medal at Milano Cortina 2026, a silver in the 1000m event, after previously securing bronze and silver in other events. Despite a momentary slip to second and third place, she recovered to win silver. Sarault, who finished 11th in the 1000m event at Beijing 2022, is just the third Canadian to medal in this event. She and teammate Kim Boutin are the only Canadian women to win three medals in short track speed skating at one Olympic Games. The Canadian men's 5000m relay team advanced to the A final, putting Canada in a strong position to win another medal.

Province's pre-budget survey gives N.B. heritage sites the jitters | CBC News

Province's pre-budget survey gives N.B. heritage sites the jitters | CBC News. Museums and historic sites in New Brunswick are asking the province to conduct more meaningful consultation with the heritage sector before this year’s budget. The call is in response to a pre-budget consultation process that includes a survey asking for people’s opinions on a variety of policy issues. At least one question might make heritage and cultural communities worry about what the government is thinking. The question asks: “Would you agree with reducing some functions of government, such as those listed below, if it means having more money to invest in priorities like health care and education?” One of those functions includes “closing or transferring smaller tourism or heritage sites to private or non-profit operators,” and “ending or reducing grant programs for non-profit, community organizations.”

Campbellton family forced to separate after fire destroys their home | CBC News

A family of seven in Campbellton, New Brunswick, was forced to separate after a fire destroyed their home. The family, which includes five children aged six to 17 and a dog, had to find temporary housing in different locations. The Red Cross and the family's landlord provided some assistance, but the family is still struggling to find a suitable long-term rental. The incident highlights the lack of resources for families in emergency situations.

Complaints about N.B. landlords pushing out their tenants spiked in years with rent cap | CBC News

According to CBC News, complaints about New Brunswick landlords unjustifiably trying to force tenants out of their units spiked in 2022 and 2025, the years the province implemented a cap on annual rent increases. The province's Tenant and Landlord Relations Office data raises concerns about landlords' efforts to circumvent the rent cap, which was introduced to protect tenants from soaring rents. The office only tracks complaints about termination notices, not the notices themselves, and does not track the outcome of complaints as each case is unique.

eVisitNB to conclude virtual healthcare services | 91.9 The Bend

Virtual healthcare service provider eVisitNB will conclude its services by March 31, 2026, transitioning to a new provider as advised by the Government of New Brunswick.

Strengthening Atlantic Canada’s defence capabilities in New Brunswick through Vimy Forge accelerator program

The Government of Canada is investing in Atlantic Canada's aerospace and defence sector through the Regional Defence Investment Initiative (RDII). This initiative supports Vimy Forge Corp.'s new innovation accelerator program for Canadian defence-sector SMEs, aiming to build sovereign capability and generate outcomes in adoption, scale, and export readiness.

N.B. Sports Hall of Fame celebrates top athletes for Black History Month | CBC News

In recognition of Black History Month, the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame is celebrating three Black athletes who have made significant contributions to sports in the province. These include Janiva Willis, a softball player who won silver at the 2007 Pan American Games; Chris Skinner, a Grey Cup champion with the Edmonton team in 1987; and Eldridge Eatman, the fastest Canadian 100-metre sprinter in 1905.

N.B. Liquor zero-proof sales nearly doubled this year. Is it part of a growing trend? | CBC News

N.B. Liquor reports a significant increase in zero-proof alcohol sales, nearly doubling this year, raising questions about a growing trend. Sydney Foster, a 25-year-old from Riverview, shares her personal journey of going sober and the benefits she has experienced, including reduced costs and improved mental health. The rise in non-alcoholic product sales at N.B. Liquor reflects broader societal shifts, with Statistics Canada reporting a 3.8% decline in alcohol sales in the 2023-2024 fiscal year. Shawn Martin, owner of a non-alcoholic bartending service, highlights the importance of offering non-alcoholic options to foster inclusivity in social settings.

N.B. Power reveals new deals to increase capacity of Tantramar gas plant | CBC News

N.B. Power has revealed new agreements that could influence the approval of a proposed gas and diesel power plant in Tantramar, New Brunswick. The utility has signed a deal with Nova Scotia’s Independent Energy System Operator to sell 100 megawatts of capacity from the plant over the next 10 years, and amended its contract with ProEnergy, the company building the plant. The new agreements may delay regulatory hearings and have raised concerns among interveners about transparency and the regulatory process.

N.B. government will no longer use X after child and youth advocate raises concerns

Rents rising at slower pace as N.B. hits rent cap anniversary | CBC News

New Brunswick's rent prices have increased at a slower pace compared to previous years, coinciding with a population slowdown, increased housing supply, and a rent cap legislation. The rent cap, which limits increases to three per cent, has been in effect since February 2024, and data suggests the slowdown in rent growth has continued through the year. However, some advocates are calling for stricter measures to prevent landlords from circumventing the rent cap.

Scientists, conservationists warn against closing N.B. fish research facility | CBC News

The Wolastoqey Nation and Atlantic salmon scientists criticize the federal decision to close the Mactaquac Biodiversity Facility in New Brunswick, which includes a hatchery on the St. John River. The closure, part of spending cuts, will halt salmon-stocking activities and the Atlantic salmon live gene bank program. The Wolastoqey Nation, which was not consulted, argues the decision impacts their Aboriginal and Treaty rights and the salmon population. The facility's operations, including the release of baby salmon and the collection of wild brood stock, are crucial for salmon conservation in the region.

Reproductive health advocates still waiting for Holt to keep promise of free birth control | CBC News

Reproductive health advocates in New Brunswick are urging Premier Susan Holt to fulfill her 2024 campaign promise of implementing free contraception by signing onto national pharmacare. Despite the federal government's Canada Pharmacare Act aiming to cover contraceptive costs, only four provinces and territories have signed on so far. Advocates argue that free contraception is essential, especially given the province's higher-than-average teen pregnancy rate and the epidemic of gender-based violence.

Baking trays star in new exhibit exploring Black community, history | CBC News

CBC News reports on Gary Weekes' exhibit, Trayces, at the UNB Art Centre in Fredericton, which uses aluminum baking trays to display portraits of Black individuals from New Brunswick. The trays symbolize the Black diaspora, reflecting elements of Weekes' everyday life and representing the history of slavery and lynching in the U.S. The exhibit aims to evoke reflection on Black history and diversity in New Brunswick.

3 N.B. speed skaters discovered sport by chance, and now they're heading to Olympics | CBC News

Three New Brunswick short track speed skaters, Courtney Sarault, Rikki Doak, and Brendan Corey, are set to compete in the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics. Sarault, a seasoned Olympian, qualified in every event and is a top contender for medals. Doak, who excels in the 500 meters, and Corey, competing for Australia, both bring years of dedication and potential for success. Their journey highlights the potential for New Brunswick athletes on the international stage.

2 First Nations men killed by RCMP in Atlantic Canada | CBC.ca

After two First Nations men were shot and killed by RCMP within five days, family members and chiefs are questioning the systems in place for policing when it comes to First Nations people.

Fredericton publisher says Canada Reads pick brings exciting boost in sales | CBC News

Searching For Terry Punchout by Tyler Hellard, championed by Steve (Dangle) Glynn during CBC's Canada Reads debates, has significantly boosted sales for Fredericton-based publisher Invisible Books. The novel, about a sportswriter from the Maritimes who reconnects with his estranged hockey player father, was previously out of print but has seen a resurgence in demand since its selection for the annual book celebration.

‘Mixed’ results on targets, Holt admits in state of the province speech | CBC News

In her annual state of the province speech, Premier Susan Holt of New Brunswick reported that the government has achieved 10 out of 15 short-term performance targets, but fell short on the key objective of primary care access, dropping from 79% to 72.5%. Holt remains confident that recent actions, including new clinics and a new pay structure for doctors, will improve access over time. Despite some positive indicators, such as 34.2% of patients being able to see their doctors within five days, the mixed results have drawn criticism from opposition leaders. Holt also announced plans to ask New Brunswickers to identify areas for spending cuts to support the healthcare system and economy.

Miramichi man questions why Liberal MLA blocked him on Facebook | CBC News

A Miramichi man, Caleb Donnelly, questions why Liberal MLA Sam Johnston blocked him on Facebook after Donnelly posted a question about the timeline for the new Natoaganeg Crossing Bridge. Donnelly claims the block lacks transparency and is discouraging for political discourse. Johnston did not respond to requests for comment, but his Facebook guidelines state that messages deemed spam or trolling will be removed. Recent legal actions suggest that Johnston may not be on solid ground with his blocking.

N.B. news: Man wanted for not returning to correctional centre

Independent, Indigenous policing could be considered in N.B., minister says | CBC News

New Brunswick’s Indigenous Affairs minister, Keith Chiasson, suggests the province is open to the idea of community-led policing in First Nation communities. However, he emphasizes that it's not a definitive decision yet as they are working with First Nations to determine the best approach. The proposal follows four police shooting deaths of Indigenous people in New Brunswick since 2020, including the recent death of Bronson Paul in Neqotkuk First Nation. Chiasson mentions that while an independent policing model is being considered, challenges remain, particularly around enforcing resolutions from band councils in the judicial system. The minister also highlights ongoing discussions with chiefs and the potential role of peacekeeper programs as a starting point for future progress.

New expo spotlights Afro-descendant New Brunswickers – NB Media Co-op

Coming into Black History Month, the UNB Arts Centre launched a new exhibition featuring prominent Afro-descendant New Brunswickers. The expo, a collaboration with the UNB Human Rights and Equity Office, showcases photographer Gary Weekes' series 'Trayces,' which overlays portraits of Afro-New Brunswickers on baking trays. The exhibition also includes Weekes' work-in-progress 'Secret Codes' and the UNB Arts Centre's long-term project 'Rediscovering the Roots of Black New Brunswickers.' The exhibitions will be open to the public until March 27, 2026.

Untold stories of graphic design in N.B. revealed in new book, exhibit | CBC News

This CBC News article highlights a new book and exhibit by Fredericton designer Tanya Duffy that explores the history of graphic design in New Brunswick. The book, 'Pursuing the New: A Modern Graphic Design History of New Brunswick,' and the accompanying exhibit at the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, showcase various graphic design works from posters to company logos, emphasizing the impact of design on the province's economy and cultural identity.

New Brunswick government set to deliver final report on mystery brain disease - New Brunswick | Globalnews.ca

The New Brunswick government is set to release its final report on a mystery brain disease that has baffled experts for years, affecting nearly 400 residents in the Acadian Peninsula and Moncton area, with symptoms including memory problems, balance issues, behavioral changes, muscle spasms, and intense pain.

Woodstock leaders question province’s push for French school | CBC News

This CBC News article discusses the controversy surrounding the New Brunswick government's proposal to establish a francophone school in the predominantly anglophone town of Woodstock. Community leaders express confusion and concern, questioning the need for the school and suggesting alternative solutions. The proposal stems from a constitutional right to French-language education, but the town's leaders urge the province to explore other options and communicate more effectively with the community.

N.B. prof named among world's top AI researchers. Here's how he sees its future | CBC News

This CBC News article features an interview with Moulay Akhloufi, a top AI researcher from New Brunswick, who is optimistic about AI's potential but emphasizes the need for caution. Akhloufi, ranked in the top two percent of global AI researchers, highlights the importance of education and training for future AI applications, particularly in labor-shortage scenarios. He also discusses the potential risks of advanced AI, including the development of Super AI, and the importance of implementing safeguards against malicious use.

Province not pursuing ‘key recommendation’ calling for task force on systemic racism in policing – NB Media Co-op

New Brunswick's Liberal government has established an Anti-Racism Office in response to commissioner Manju Varma's report on systemic racism, but has not pursued the key recommendation for a task force on systemic racism in policing. The government's update on the status of the recommendations has been criticized by Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Inc. and Wolastoqey Nation, which renewed calls for an Indigenous-led public inquiry into systemic racism in the justice system.