New Brunswick’s auditor general warns of crisis in nursing home sector

New Brunswick’s auditor general is warning of a crisis in the nursing home sector if the government doesn’t address the shortage of spaces.

Kim Adair-MacPherson says the number of seniors in the province is expected to double by 2036 and there are currently almost 800 seniors waiting for a nursing home placement.

She says it’s unclear how the province plans to address the demand.

Social Development Minister Bruce Fitch says 600 new nursing home beds will be opened over the next five years.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

He says the procedure the government uses to request proposals for new nursing homes has been streamlined, which he says should speed things up.

Cecile Cassista, executive director of the Coalition for Seniors and Nursing Home Residents Rights, says the government should concentrate on helping seniors remain in their own homes instead of putting them into nursing residences.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 24, 2021.

2:01 Some New Brunswickers still waiting for province’s staycation rebate