News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Strike action by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) has expanded to Moncton, Saint John and Campbellton hospitals, all of which are in vulnerable COVID-19 circuit breaker regions of the province.

CUPE’s actions are continuing to impact cleaning, supply chain, vaccination clinics, COVID-19 assessment centres and COVID-19 screening at all hospitals and facilities.

“CUPE is continuing to be unpredictable while having little regard for the health and safety of New Brunswickers and our already strained health-care system,” said Premier Blaine Higgs. “We are continuing to assess the situation and are working closely with the health networks to ensure patients and clients continue to receive safe and quality care.”

Patients and clients can also expect longer wait times across the health system, including registration, throughout the strike.

While a vaccination clinic in Fredericton at the Brookside Mall had to be cancelled, the vaccine was moved to a local pharmacy where it will be used in a clinic Monday

Laundry services

Strike activity is continuing to impact the delivery of laundry services in hospitals and some nursing homes in the greater Fredericton, Saint John and Moncton areas.  

Travel and transportation

Ongoing ferry service delays are to be expected across the province. Motorists can check for updates regarding any impact to ferry services, by calling 511, checking the NB511 Twitter page or the NB511 website.

Education system

Due to CUPEs unpredictability provincewide, the education sector is unable to predict which schools may or may not be able to open to regular classes.

The government wants to ensure families are able to plan ahead and not wonder what the next day will bring. To provide this stability to students, parents and guardians over the coming days, all schools across the province will move to home learning beginning Monday, Nov.1.  Students will continue to learn from home until the strike is over. This will provide reliability to parents and establish continuity of learning during this time.  This information was shared in a release posted earlier today.