Hundreds rally to defend public veterinary, laboratory services in New Brunswick

On Wednesday, the Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick, alongside hundreds of producers, veterinarians, industry partners, and supporters from across the province, gathered at the New Brunswick Legislature to call for the protection of publicly supported and accessible veterinary and laboratory services.

The strong province-wide turnout sent a clear message: New Brunswickers want transparency, proper planning, and workable solutions before any major changes are made to veterinary field services or the provincial diagnostic laboratory system.

“Today’s turnout showed just how deeply New Brunswickers care about protecting the services that help keep animals healthy, food systems strong, and rural communities viable,” said Danielle Connell, president of the AANB.

“This is not only an agricultural issue, it is a public interest issue that affects families, communities, businesses, and the future resilience of our province. We will continue to advocate, now and into the future, for positive change that protects essential services and delivers a clear, workable path forward for New Brunswick.”

The demonstration brought together voices from across the agricultural sector, rural communities and everyday New Brunswickers, while underscoring that this issue reaches far beyond farms alone. Reliable veterinary and laboratory services support animal welfare, food safety, disease surveillance, emergency preparedness, workforce stability, rural economic development, and the long-term strength and affordability of New Brunswick’s food system. These are issues that affect all New Brunswickers.

The AANB thanks everyone who participated in Wednesday’s protest and remains committed to constructive advocacy and to working toward solutions that reflect the needs of producers, veterinarians, rural communities, and all New Brunswickers.

The Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick is the voice of this province’s farming community, amplifying the voices of New Brunswick farmers.