The Government of New Brunswick released its 2026/2027 operating budget with a projected deficit of $1.39 billion. While the province states it is laying a “foundation for the future,” the document defers meaningful action on several fronts and offers limited relief for the businesses that drive provincial revenue.

Rather than addressing core competitiveness issues now, the budget postpones critical decisions, maintains a significant deficit, and introduces no tax review or reductions. The Government of New Brunswick has been very vocal about their support for removing interprovincial trade barriers but are adding a new interprovincial toll that increases costs for cross-province travel and trade for non-residents. It is difficult to champion an Atlantic free trade zone while adding new trade barriers.

Highlights:

• Ongoing deficit and deferred action: The $1.39 billion deficit shows continued reliance on borrowing to pay for expenditures.
• Targeted support: ACC welcomes making the ONB Competitiveness and Growth program permanent at $21 million, extra support for small businesses to diversify markets, and promised amendments to the Small Business Investor Tax Credit.
• No tax review or decreases: ACC has called on government for a comprehensive tax review. In this budget there is no tax relief for business or review at all.
• New interprovincial toll creates added barriers: Tolls on non-NB plated vehicles at the new Aulac booth that will open in 2028 will raise costs for trucking, logistics, and tourism.
• Missed opportunities on red tape reduction: The Government has not prioritized reducing red tape in this budget or allotting additional resources to support business navigation. The province should announce measurable targets to reduce private sector burden and continue improving regulatory competitiveness.
• Weak growth outlook: Real GDP growth is forecast at just 1.0% in 2026, with population growth slowing to 0.3% and housing starts declining 15.4%.

The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce continues to call on Government to implement policies that will allow businesses to grow and prosper to their full potential.
 

Rhonda Tulk-Lane is the CEO of the Atlantic Chamber of Commerce, a nationally accredited organization representing more than 16,000 businesses in Atlantic Canada through its network of 90 chambers of commerce and corporate partners.