No hiring freeze, but we’re not filling some jobs: Horizon

Article content

Horizon Health Network says it hasn’t instituted a hiring freeze for frontline workers but is “pausing” filling non-union administrative jobs because it went about $50 million over budget last fiscal year and the government doesn’t want it happening again.

Article content

In the legislature last week, Green party Leader David Coon said that “it has come to my attention that, despite a shortage of nurses, Horizon health has instituted a hiring freeze.”

“Maybe this is why we’re hearing that community-based nursing is perhaps being hollowed out to fill hospital vacancies. Can the minister of health confirm that Horizon Health has instituted a hiring freeze?” Coon asked Dr. John Dornan.

“We are waiting for our (Regional Health Authorities) to present plans, at which we, as a government, will look at,” Dornan replied. “At this point in time, I won’t presuppose what they will do. It’s premature for me to comment on what may or may not happen. It’s all speculation at this point.”

Coon wasn’t impressed.

Article content

Article content

“I didn’t hear in that answer whether Horizon has frozen hiring right now … the demeanour of the members during question period is beginning to feel a little bit like the demeanour of those in the House of Commons before (federal Conservative Leader) Pierre Poilievre lost his (seat),” Coon said.

Almost a week after Brunswick News asked Horizon if Coon was correct, the health network released a statement attributed to president and CEO Margaret Melanson.

“The Government of New Brunswick has asked Horizon to deliver a balanced budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year,” she said. “For the 2024-25 fiscal year, we are projecting a deficit of approximately $50 million based on our past year’s expenses. We have been asked to reduce expenses in the amount of $50 million to deliver a balanced budget.

Article content

“Providing quality and safe people-centred care to New Brunswickers is our top priority and we will continue to recruit and hire nurses, physicians, and health care professionals – there is no hiring freeze for frontline care providers.

“An area where we can find cost savings is administration. As one initiative, we have paused hiring for some of our non-bargaining positions that are not considered critical or required to move forward projects that are helping transform the delivery of health care in our province.

“Horizon remains committed to responsible financial stewardship and embedding this commitment across our organization, while creating a positive and attractive workplace for our current and prospective staff and physicians.”

For weeks in the legislature, the Progressive Conservatives have been hammering the Liberal government about talk of some frontline workers being moved to different jobs. The government hasn’t denied that, and said the changes are part of “transformational” efforts to fix the health system.

Article content