The Auditor General’s 2025 report paints a worrying picture of emergency care in NB. 

Since 2020 there have been ~400,000 ER visits a year (up 17% from 2020–21 to 2023–24) — yet 66% of patients are not seen within national wait-time benchmarks. The Department of Health lacks a comprehensive strategy, consistent KPIs, or adequate public reporting to manage these delays.

Key findings:
66% of ER visits missed CTAS (Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale) wait-time targets (triage → physician).

249,158 patients left ERs without being seen during the audit period.
Large data gaps: nearly 472k records couldn’t be analyzed due to incomplete data; arrival times often not recorded.

Many urgent cases waited far longer than targets (examples: 76% of CTAS III not seen within 30 mins; Level II — 75% missed 15-min target).
Treatment spaces are strained — ERs using hallways and non-traditional areas; some ERs are sized for only half their current demand.

Budgeting is outdated: the base budget dates back to pre-2008 and wasn’t tied to current needs or volumes.

What the Auditor recommends (and the Department’s committed timelines):
Add full-scope ER performance KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and measure arrival→triage times. (Dept agreed; arrival→triage KPI work underway — target Q1 2026–27.)

Review and update the base budget to align resources with real need (base review started; target completion spring 2026 / Q1 2026–27).
Develop a comprehensive ER strategy with outcomes, timelines, monitoring (Dept agreed — target Q4 2026–27).

Improve public reporting on ER access and wait times (Dept agreed; timeline noted Q4 2029–30).

Bottom line: the audit shows systemic problems — long waits, staffing/space shortages, poor data and outdated funding — and sets out clear recommendations. Government has agreed to many actions, but some fixes won’t be in place for years. New Brunswickers deserve timely, transparent progress now.

If you’re concerned, share this post and tag your MLA — transparency and faster action are needed. A list of emails are on our website *

NB Broken HealthCare 

NB Auditor Report 

Breaking News: Over 23,000 patients died on medical waitlists over the past year according to government data we obtained.

The total since we started counting has surpassed 100,000.

Another tragic year of the broken Canadian health care system letting patients down.

We need health reform now.

CTV video - NB Broken HealthCare 24 Hour ER Challenge.

The NB Broken HealthCare - 24 Hour ER Challenge has been completed. Was it successful? You be the judge.