NB Lung welcomes the Government of New Brunswick’s continued focus on health care in Budget 2026–2027. With a $710 million increase and health identified as the province’s “number one priority,” this budget signals an important recognition: investing in health & prevention is essential to building a stronger New Brunswick.
While this direction is encouraging, the details tell a more complicated story. For lung health—and for the thousands of New Brunswickers living with or at risk of respiratory illness—this budget represents progress in principle, but not yet in practice.
Where We See Progress
The strongest area of alignment is the government’s emphasis on prevention and early detection.
The commitment of $5 million to expand cancer screening programs reflects a critical truth that NB Lung has long advocated for: catching illness earlier saves lives and reduces long-term strain on the health care system. This aligns closely with our calls for upstream investment, including improved access to lung cancer screening.
We also see positive signals in broader health and social investments:
- Increased funding for collaborative care clinics
- Greater support for home care affordability
- Expansion of long-term care and community-based supports
These investments help create a system where people can stay healthier, longer, in their homes and communities—something that is especially important for those living with chronic lung disease.
Similarly, increases to Environment and Energy budgets, along with the $25 million Energy Efficiency Fund, suggest growing recognition that the environments we live in—our homes, schools, and communities—directly affect our health.
Taken together, this budget reinforces a shift toward prevention, affordability, and community-based care. That shift matters.
Where the Budget Falls Short
However, the budget stops short of translating this broader vision into targeted, life-changing action for lung health.
- Tobacco Control: A Missed Opportunity
Despite a historic $614 million tobacco settlement, there is no clear commitment to reinvest those funds into tobacco and vaping reduction.
Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of preventable death in New Brunswick. Without dedicated funding for cessation, prevention, and public education, we risk losing a critical opportunity to reduce disease burden and save lives.
- Radon: Momentum at Risk
NB Lung has worked for years to raise awareness about radon—a leading cause of lung cancer after smoking—and has successfully advocated for the government to provide free access to home test kits through public libraries.
This budget provides no indication that these programs will continue or expand, nor does it address support for mitigation in homes where dangerous levels are found.
Without sustained investment, the progress made on radon awareness risks stalling—leaving New Brunswickers exposed to a preventable risk in their own homes. Please join us in speaking up for radon assistance and to move forward with the next steps promised in Motion 6 (28th November 2024) by signing our letter.
- Access to Essential Supports
While overall health spending has increased, there are no clear commitments to the specific supports that help people manage lung disease day-to-day, including:
- Expanded vaccine eligibility (such as RSV protection)
- Coverage for inhaler spacers
- Improved access to CPAP machines for sleep apnea
These are not luxuries—they are cost-effective tools that prevent hospital visits, improve quality of life, and reduce long-term strain on the system.
- Air Quality: A Health Issue Still Treated as Secondary
Air quality, both indoor and outdoors, is a major driver of lung health, yet this budget offers no clear, targeted action on:
- Indoor air quality in schools
- Stronger outdoor air quality standard
- Public communication tools to help people understand and respond to air pollution
While investments in energy efficiency may indirectly help, the lack of explicit action shows that air quality is still not being treated as the urgent health issue it is.
NB Lung is collecting your stories on how poor air quality has impacted you and your loved ones to share with decision makers at key moments. Please share your story with us.
What We Needed to See
This budget lays important groundwork—but to truly improve lung health in New Brunswick, future investments must go further.
NB Lung is calling for:
- Dedicated reinvestment of tobacco settlement funds into prevention and cessation
- Sustained and expanded radon programs, including mitigation support
- Targeted access to essential respiratory supports, including CPAP, spacers, and vaccines
- Clear action on air quality, including schools, standards, and public reporting
These are practical, evidence-based steps that would deliver immediate and long-term benefits—for individuals, families, and the health care system as a whole.
Moving Forward
Budget 2026–2027 shows that the government understands the importance of prevention and community-based care. That’s a meaningful step forward, but lung health cannot be addressed through broad commitments alone. It requires targeted action, sustained investment, and a recognition that prevention is not optional—it is essential.
At NB Lung, we will continue working to ensure that lung health remains a priority—not just in principle, but in practice. When we invest in lung health, we are investing in longer, healthier lives for everyone in New Brunswick.
Take Action for Lung Health in New Brunswick
Real change doesn’t happen in isolation; it happens when people speak up, share their experiences, and demand better.
If you or someone you love has been affected by lung disease, poor air quality, or barriers to care, your story matters. Fill out our “Air Quality & You” form to help us show decision-makers the real impact of these gaps—and why action is urgent.
Learn more about how you can get involved and support out advocacy efforts.
If you believe in a future where everyone in New Brunswick can breathe easier, consider supporting this work by becoming a monthly donor. Your support helps us continue advocating for stronger policies, expanding programs like radon awareness, and ensuring people have access to the tools they need to stay healthy.