Farmers Protest Privatization Plans for Vet Services at N.B. Legislature
About 600 farmers and supporters urged the government to reverse cuts they say could hurt rural animal care and food production.
- On Wednesday, hundreds of farmers and supporters gathered at the New Brunswick legislature in Fredericton, protesting the provincial government's decision to privatize veterinary services for large animals.
- Premier Susan Holt's government announced in March it would phase out provincial veterinary and laboratory services over three years to save $4 million annually while addressing a $1.4 billion deficit.
- Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick president Danielle Connell warned that privatizing field services could lead to high food prices and unreliable care, stating, "So this is really the worst time of year we could ever possibly try to do this."
- Despite the backlash, Premier Holt described the gathering as a "celebration of agriculture" while speaking to protesters, though farmers remain confused by the cuts and are urging a reversal.
- The province plans to phase out all veterinary field services by March 31, 2027, with the Lab Services Response Committee continuing to press the government for transition plan details.
10 Articles
10 Articles
Farmers, supporters continue push for rollback of N.B. vet service cuts
In March, cuts were announced to the province's veterinary service and farmers are still pushing back. On Wednesday afternoon, over 300 people were protesting the Holt government’s decision, with the help of a few dozen truck and tractor horns.
The Toronto Star
With signs and cowbells, New Brunswick farmers protest cuts to veterinarian services
FREDERICTON - Hundreds of New Brunswick farmers have gathered outside the legislature to protest the provincial government's decision to privatize veterinary services for large animals.
Holt describes farmers' protest as 'celebration of agriculture'
Several hundred farmers, horse owners, and supporters descended on the legislature on Wednesday to protest the government’s axing of provincial veterinary services and its plan to potentially change the provincial testing lab – a protest Premier Susan Holt described as a “celebration of agriculture.”
Hundreds rally to defend public veterinary, laboratory services in New Brunswick
On Wednesday, the Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick, alongside hundreds of producers, veterinarians, industry partners, and supporters from across the province, gathered at the New Brunswick Legislature to call for the protection of publicly supported and accessible veterinary and laboratory services. The strong province-wide turnout sent a clear message: New Brunswickers want transparency, proper planning, […]
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 57% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
