News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The following statement was issued today by Premier Blaine Higgs with respect to a decision by the New Brunswick Court of Appeal:

I have been advised the Court of Appeal of New Brunswick has dismissed the Province’s appeal of Court of Queen’s Bench Chief Justice Tracey DeWare’s decision with respect to the Essential Services in Nursing Homes Act.

We are disappointed by the decision and are prepared to appeal this to the Supreme Court, if necessary to do so. We want to conclude this issue but any agreement must be fair to taxpayers and nursing home workers.

We remain committed to reaching a new collective agreement with nursing home employees represented by CUPE and the New Brunswick Council of Nursing Home Unions.

I continue to greatly value nursing home employees and the outstanding work they do. The health and safety of nursing home residents remains our government’s primary concern.