Opposition urges pause on $26M virtual care switch

The leader of New Brunswick’s official opposition is urging the provincial government to delay its planned transition to a new virtual healthcare provider, citing serious concerns raised by frontline nurses. Progressive Conservative Leader Glen Savoie called on the Liberal government to reconsider its contract with Foundever Assistance Services Corp. following the publication of a letter from more than 70 virtual-care nurses.

The nurses’ letter, published in a local newspaper, expresses significant doubts about the new system. They state that the Foundever platform will not allow them to provide the same level of care currently delivered through the existing eVisitNB service. A primary concern is the company’s by-appointment model, which the letter suggests will drastically reduce the number of patients served daily.

The provincial government has already signed a two-year, $26 million contract with Luxembourg-based Foundever. The new virtual care service is scheduled to begin on July 1.

Savoie made his comments to reporters, framing the situation as a rushed process. He said the government is driving at 100 miles an hour towards a wall and urged officials to pump the brakes, get...