03/18/2026
Written by a friend of the farm and a farming friend
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To the Government of New Brunswick – Department of Finance and Treasury Board, and Premier Susan Holt,
In your recent budget, you stated: “Our mission remains the same: to put New Brunswickers first by investing in the services people rely on.”
From the perspective of New Brunswick’s agricultural community, that commitment is not being upheld.
You actively promote “shop local” and “support local,” yet decisions impacting large animal veterinary services directly threaten the ability of farmers to operate. Agriculture cannot exist without access to qualified veterinarians. This is not optional infrastructure, it is essential.
Farmers work 24/7 to raise livestock responsibly and safely. When emergencies arise, such as life threatening complications during calving, lambing, or foaling. The large animal veterinarians are the only professionals equipped to respond. They are also responsible for overseeing regulated medications, ensuring food safety for every New Brunswicker.
Without these services, farmers are left with no viable or lawful options in critical situations. Animal welfare is compromised, food safety is put at risk, and the sustainability of farming operations becomes untenable.
At the same time, your government has committed $2 million to the Agriculture Growth Action Plan and $750,000 to the Local Food and Beverage Program. These investments are contradictory if the foundational supports required to produce food,like veterinary care,are being removed or weakened.
Farmers already face significant financial pressures, including regulatory costs, medication controls, and traceability requirements such as CCIA tagging. Eliminating access to veterinary services will not reduce these burdens,it will make farming in this province unworkable.
The consequences are clear: fewer farmers, less local food, higher costs, and increased dependence on imports. That is not putting New Brunswickers first.
We urge you to reconsider this direction immediately and take meaningful action to protect the essential services that sustain agriculture in this province.
Sincerely,
Concerned Members of New Brunswick’s Agricultural Community
