The Government of New Brunswick invites organizations and individuals to contribute their priorities for the 2025-2026 budget, and NB Lung is pleased to have submitted our formal recommendations. As a leader in advocating for lung health and clean air, we remain committed to addressing the growing health challenges faced by New Brunswickers and ensuring the province’s financial priorities support sustainable, preventative health policies.
NB Lung’s Budget Recommendations
On February 26, 2025, NB Lung submitted the following recommendations to the Honourable René Legacy, Minister of Finance and Treasury Board. These recommendations are aimed at reducing the burden of lung disease, improving air quality, and ensuring health equity for all New Brunswickers:
1. Prevent Lung Cancer through Radon Testing and Mitigation
Radon gas is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in Canada, and New Brunswick homes have some of the highest levels of radon exposure. Although radon testing has been introduced in schools and social housing, many New Brunswickers still cannot afford radon tests or mitigation measures for their homes.
In response, NB Lung has called for free 90-day radon gas tests to be made available to the public and for government support to assist with mitigation. In a joint letter submitted by radon stakeholders, we recommended the establishment of a Radon Protection Program, with an estimated cost of $1.8 million for the fiscal year 2025-2026. By comparison, the cost to treat lung cancer is far higher, estimated at $8.9 million this year alone.
2. Invest Tobacco Settlement Funds into Comprehensive Programming
In light of the tobacco industry’s significant negative impact on public health, NB Lung has urged the government to direct funds from the recent tobacco settlement toward anti-smoking and anti-vaping initiatives. In 2020, the province spent over $151 million in healthcare costs related to smoking, with taxpayers absorbing much of the burden.
The proposed settlement with tobacco manufacturers could bring $600 million to New Brunswick over the next several years. NB Lung recommends that initial funds be used to combat youth vaping and nicotine addiction. Additionally, we support raising the legal age to purchase tobacco products from 19 to 21, with incremental annual increases to eventually achieve a Smoke-Free Generation.
3. Address CPAP Access and Cost-of-Living Realities
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines, essential for treating sleep apnea, are not publicly funded in New Brunswick, making them prohibitively expensive for many uninsured residents. Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, strokes, and heart attacks. NB Lung recommends revising the criteria for CPAP support to align with the financial realities faced by New Brunswickers, preventing unnecessary long-term healthcare costs.
4. Increase Provincial EV Rebates to Improve Air Quality
To meet the province’s clean air goals, NB Lung has called for an increase in the provincial electric vehicle (EV) rebate. This would help reduce transportation emissions, which contribute significantly to poor air quality and respiratory health problems. With competing provinces offering higher rebates, New Brunswick risks falling behind in EV adoption. A more robust rebate would encourage cleaner transportation, improve air quality, and protect public health.
5. Strengthen and Stabilize the Healthcare System
In a joint submission with the New Brunswick Medical Society, NB Lung has advocated for increased focus on the retention and support of healthcare workers. A stable, well-supported healthcare workforce is crucial for ensuring New Brunswickers have access to timely and quality care.
6. Support the Non-Profit Workforce
NB Lung also highlighted the critical role of non-governmental organizations in delivering essential services across the province. As a significant employer in New Brunswick, the non-profit sector requires more support to ensure sustainable service delivery, including fair compensation for employees. Government funding should cover the full cost of service delivery by non-profits, ensuring that these organizations can continue their vital work.
NB Lung’s Commitment
NB Lung remains steadfast in our mission to protect and improve the lung health of New Brunswickers. Through this budget consultation process, we have made our recommendations known to government officials, advocating for policies that prioritize public health, clean air, and social equity.
While the deadline to participate in the 2025-2026 budget consultation has passed, we will continue to work with policymakers to ensure that these critical priorities are addressed in future budgets.