Empowering the next generation with the tools and opportunities for success through inclusive and innovative education.
Last updated: March 6, 2026
Empowering our youth with a strong, inclusive education prepares them for future opportunities and success. Fostering environments where students and educators thrive, offering the tools and resources needed for quality learning and addressing evolving educational needs will help us lay the foundation for a brighter future across New Brunswick.
Chronic absenteeism occurs when a student misses more than 10% of instructional time in the school year (over 18 days a year). Rates of chronic absenteeism have climbed significantly since COVID-19.
Daily attendance data input by teachers shows that from September to December of the 2024-2025 school year, 32.5% of students were chronically absent.
Our goal is to lower that figure to 26% by June 2028. The line graph shows where we are now, and the targets for 2026, 2027, and 2028 needed to meet our goal.
Note: Dashed line indicates years where data was not available, and trend was estimated.
Source: Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
(via NB schools)
Provincial assessments measure student reading proficiency against grade level standards. Results provide educators and parents the information needed to adjust instruction and support to improve outcomes.
2024 results for the three provincial literacy assessments of focus:
By 2028, our goal is to increase these results to:
Currently, in 2025, the results are:
The line graph shows where we are now, and the targets for 2026, 2027, and 2028 needed to meet our goal.
Source: Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (Provincial Assessments)
Provincial assessments measure student math proficiency against grade-level standards. Results provide educators and parents the information needed to adjust instruction and supports to improve student outcomes.
2024 results for the two provincial math assessments of focus:
By 2028, our goal is to increase these results to:
Currently, in 2025, the results are:
The line graph shows where we are now, and the targets for 2026, 2027, and 2028 needed to meet our goal.
Source: Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (Provincial Assessments)
Increase financial support for those entering education professions.
In December, government released a retention and recruitment strategy for teachers and allied health professionals within the education system.
Develop a fresh 10-year plan with teachers and other education professionals, experts, and parents to set a collective vision for education.
Public consultations occurred to guide development of the next education plans. The reports summarizing engagement is available online.
Provide nutritious universal free breakfast to all New Brunswick students leveraging local, New Brunswick food where possible.
On September 3, 2025, it was announced that all New Brunswick students will have access to healthy breakfast at school this year through a partnership with Feed NB (formerly Food Depot Alimentaire).
Provide pay-what-you-can lunches to all New Brunswick students leveraging local, New Brunswick food where possible.
Ensure schools have adequate staffing, spaces, and resources to provide classroom support in literacy, numeracy, and learning behaviours, which will provide students with more small group or one-on-one practice.
On April 28, 2025, government announced education investments to return more teachers into classrooms and support students.
On February 20, 2026 École Sainte-Anne and Centre communautaire Sainte-Anne will receive $4.4 million to begin work on a mid-life upgrade and decide how to handle the school’s growing space needs.
Continue grade one early French immersion and expand access points for grade six entry.
On July 1, 2025, government revised Policy 309- French Second Language Instruction (PDF 157 KB) to continue grade one early French immersion and expand access points for grade six entry.
Implementing the child and youth advocate recommendations on Policy 713
On December 19, government revised Policy 713 - Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity to incorporate recommendations of the child and youth advocate, students, families and 2SLGBTQIA+ stakeholders.
Retain Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) by improving working conditions and increasing wages.
On August 8, 2025, government announced it is investing $7.24 million to add a fourth step to the early childhood educator wage grid
Continue implementing $10-a-day childcare across the province, making it more accessible.
On March 11, 2025, government invested $200 million over five years to extend three child-care agreements with the federal government.
Reduce the administrative and regulatory burden on childcare operators to enhance their ability to provide the best care possible for children.
Legislation introduced to streamline child-care facility licensing.
Eliminate the 4000-child waitlist for affordable childcare
On February 25, 2025, government allocated 3,600 new designated preschool child-care spaces.
On June 2, 2025, government announced funding to support more daycare spaces in Carleton North.
Work with universities and colleges to develop long-term strategies for student housing.
On April 1, 2025, government provided more than $1.1 million to support student housing plans at the Université de Moncton and the University of New Brunswick (UNB).
Continue to make provincial student loans interest-free.
The government continues to charge zero interest on New Brunswick student loans.
Provide additional grants for students studying to work in high-priority fields.
On June 11, 2025, government announced tuition bursaries for paramedics, emergency medical technicians.