Farmers, former N.B. premier protest privatization plans for vet services at legislature

A hundred farmers protested veterinary cuts at the New Brunswick legislature on Thursday.

Roughly 100 farmers, including a former premier, protested New Brunswick’s plan to privatize veterinary field and laboratory services for large animals at the legislature on Thursday.

David Alward, who served as a Progressive Conservative premier from 2010 to 2014, was amongst a crowd who watched question period from the assembly’s gallery.

Alward declined an interview following question period, saying he preferred all comments on Thursday to come from the Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick.

Farmers have gathered in Fredericton several times since the plans to privatize were announced in March’s budget.

On Wednesday, the Agricultural Alliance said it would stop meeting with the Holt government for its proposed monthly meetings on the changes until “clear answers” and a “credible plan” were provided.

“I think it’s very clear now, they’ve got to change their tact,” said Danielle Connell, president of the alliance, following Thursday’s question period. “They need to reconsider.”

Last week, the Agricultural Alliance said the provincial government would extend its equine veterinary services to at least March 31, 2027.

Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries Minister Pat Finnigan acknowledged the farmers, and Alward, watching above from the gallery.

Finigan said a feasibility study was being conducted by the Research and Productivity Council to determine the future of laboratory services beyond March 31, 2028.

“Any changes to the delivery of laboratory services will be determined upon the completion of this study,” said Finigan, in the legislature. “There is no predetermined outcome.”

The province says privatizing veterinary field and laboratory services could save $4 million a year. Premier Susan Holt said the services would be better served by the private sector.

“We can not meet the need with the model we have today,” said Holt during question period. “Which is why our government is taking a careful approach to a slow and seamless transition.”

The provincial government says New Brunswick is one of only two Canadian provinces that still operate government-funded veterinary services, the other being Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Official Opposition said the proposed cuts, scheduled over three fiscal years, are an attack on farmers and rural New Brunswick.

“It has been emotional, it has been unfair, and it has been cruel,” said Progressive Conservative MLA Tammy Scott-Wallace during question period. “Government is in over its head with no plan for this foolish idea.”’

With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Sean Mott and Laura Brown

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