News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The Department of Health is advancing the implementation of the Psychiatry Resource Strategy to strengthen recruitment, retention and support for psychiatrists across the province.

The strategy was developed to address challenges such as a low psychiatrist-to-population ratio, an increase in mental health and addiction needs, an aging workforce, and global competition for health-care professionals.

“Our government is committed to building a responsive and skilled psychiatry workforce that meets the needs of New Brunswickers,” said Justice Minister Robert McKee, who is also minister responsible for addictions and mental health services. “Through this plan, we are taking concrete steps to strengthen our mental health system, enhance access to care and support the professionals who deliver these essential services.”

The strategy outlines actions under six strategic pillars: education, recruitment methods, community, care model, compensation and technology. These pillars provide a framework for advancing collaboration, modernizing care delivery and ensuring a sustainable psychiatry workforce for the future.

The development of the plan included input from key stakeholders within the Department of Health, including representatives from psychiatry, addictions and mental health services, international recruitment, francophone affairs and child, youth and adult services. A steering committee guided the process, bringing together representatives from Horizon Health Network, Vitalité Health Network, the New Brunswick Psychiatric Association, the New Brunswick Medical Society, Dalhousie University, the Université de Moncton and the Department of Health.

“Psychiatrists across New Brunswick have worked collaboratively with the government and partners to shape this plan,” said Dr. Anthony Njoku, president of the New Brunswick Psychiatric Association. “It represents a shared commitment to improving access to timely, high-quality psychiatric care and ensuring that the workforce is supported to meet the province’s evolving needs.”

The Department of Health and its partners will continue to work together to implement and monitor the strategy’s progress to ensure the best outcomes for New Brunswickers.

Workforce and addictions and mental health services are two of six priority areas outlined in the provincial health plan, Caring for New Brunswick: Putting People at the Heart of Health Care.

The government continues to work with partners and stakeholders to create a sustainable workforce and to strengthen addictions and mental health services for New Brunswickers.