FREDERICTON,NB: Following the May 1, 2026 joint meeting with the DAAF and Premier Holt, the AANB Veterinary Response Committee has consulted with its membership and is deeply dissatisfied with the outcomes of the discussion.

DAAF brought no new information forward, provided no clear or transparent rationale for its decision, and did not seek meaningful input from the committee. This does not reflect genuine consultation.

The committee’s outstanding concerns are as follows:

● No clear or honest explanation for the decision to phase out provincially delivered veterinary and laboratory services

● A 10-month timeline with no framework, no defined milestones, and no detailed implementation plan in place.

● The need for the laboratory services feasibility study to be conducted by an external third party, instead of an internal review, with full findings shared transparently with the committee and stakeholders.

The AANB, leading the vet response committee, is now focused on supporting the vet and lab staff along with their union as we navigate this together. The committee stands firmly with its members, its vets, and the agricultural communities that depend on accessible and reliable vet and lab services. We remain prepared to engage in discussions when they are grounded in transparency, accountability, and meaningful conversation.

Until clear answers are provided and a credible plan is presented, the AANB Veterinary Response Committee will not be participating in the proposed monthly meetings with DAAF.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Dylan LeBlanc, Communications Manager, AANB
506-452-8101| marketing@fermenbfarm.ca