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- calendar_today October 21, 2026
New Legislation Broadens Advocate’s Mandate
The New Brunswick government has introduced a bill to expand the responsibilities of the provincial child, youth and seniors advocate to include advocacy for people facing mental health challenges. The proposed change aims to strengthen supports for those encountering gaps in mental health services across the province.
Mental Health Advocate Role Welcomed
Robert McKee, the minister responsible for addictions and mental health services, presented the legislation on Wednesday. He stated that the expanded role would ensure systemic reviews can be conducted, preventing vulnerable people from “fall[ing] through the cracks.” The office’s advocate, Kelly Lamrock, would serve people with mental health challenges alongside his existing responsibilities.
The new legislation also seeks to extend advocacy to individuals aged 19 to 25 who qualify for young adult services or support after kinship services. With the added duties, Lamrock expects his office to expand by one or two staff members and receive an additional $300,000 on top of its current $2 million annual provincial funding. McKee described the funding as “an investment well worth making.”
Grounded in Election Promises
The creation of a mental health advocate role was a commitment made by Premier Susan Holt’s Liberals during their campaign. The move is seen as a direct response to growing concerns about mental health challenges in New Brunswick.
Advocacy Organizations and Stakeholders Respond
Haley Flaro, executive director of Ability New Brunswick, welcomed the announcement, highlighting the province's high rates of mental health problems. “Having someone to help navigate the right services and supports is really essential,” she said.
According to a 2024 report from the Canadian Mental Health Association, New Brunswick has the second highest combined rate of mood and anxiety disorders in the country, underscoring the need for strengthened mental health support mechanisms.
Staff, Training, and Systemic Reviews
Lamrock said he will consult stakeholders and mental health experts as his office prepares to take on its expanded role. His team currently reviews cases on behalf of children, youth, vulnerable adults, and older adults who may not be receiving necessary services. The advocate’s office makes recommendations to the government based on its findings.
Concerns Over the Lack of Standalone Office
Despite broad support for increased mental health advocacy, some were disappointed that the mental health advocate would not operate within a separate office. Paul Ouellet, a long-time mental health advocate, expressed hope for a standalone office but nonetheless welcomed the announcement. “It’s a great, great day, not for me, but for each and every person in the province suffering from mental illness, addiction and [homelessness] … they need an advocate,” Ouellet said. He emphasized the need for more independence in mental health advocacy.
Green MLA David Coon and Progressive Conservative MLA Rob Weir echoed concerns about the potential workload and effectiveness, with Coon suggesting the advocate’s already broad mandate could be stretched further. Weir indicated he would await further details before forming a final opinion on the legislation.
Next Steps
As the bill moves forward, Lamrock’s office prepares for expanded duties and increased funding. The legislation’s passage and its practical impact on mental health advocacy, systemic reviews, and mental health support will be watched closely by stakeholders across the province.
Source: cbc.ca.
