Ottawa, Ontario – October 31, 2025
The Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA) applauds the Government of New Brunswick for funding seats in Dalhousie University’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program. Thegovernment of New Brunswick recently announced an agreement was made with Nova Scotia to purchase three seats in the program. The investment will provide “preferred admission of New Brunswick students into training programs not offered in their home province” reports the province’s news release. With healthcare a number one priority, expanding the number of PAs entering the workforce has beenincluded in the government’s provincial health plan initiatives.
There are currently a handful of PAs practicing in New Brunswick at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital (DECH), as well as the Canadian Armed Forces. However, more are needed to help provide New Brunswickers with the care they need, when and where they need. The province has been actively working to ensure they can draw on the skillset of PAs where they are needed in the system. Earlier this year legislation was expanded to allow PAs to practice outside of hospitals, enabling them to contribute effectively to community-based care. With the investment of PA training spots, the province will now be ensured with a stable supply of PAs.
CAPA President-Elect Ryan Bennett and a practicing PA at the DECH says, “I am proud New Brunswick was an early adopter of the profession in Canada in 2009 and am thrilled that the province recognizes the value, we as PAs have contributed to the province’s healthcare system”. CAPA New Brunswick Director, Greg Richardson who also practices at the DECH adds “investing in the PA profession will help contribute to a robust healthcare system that New Brunswickers need”.
Working alongside physicians, PAs deliver comprehensive patient care. They can diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications. With a longstanding history of delivering safe and efficient healthcare, their role dates to the 1960s in the United States and Canadian Military. PAs have increasingly become recognized as valuable contributors to the Canadian healthcare system.
Dalhousie launched a 2-year MPAS program in 2024 to help meet the pressing demands of the healthcare system. The program marked a significant milestone as the first PA program at the time to be introduced in Canada in over 10 years and the only one in the Maritimes and Atlantic Canada. The inaugural class began in January 2024 with 24 seats.
New Brunswick funding seats for PA training is a testament to the province’s commitment of addressing evolving healthcare needs. CAPA applauds the government for this and for recognizing the important contributions and value of PAs.
The Canadian Association of Physician Assistants (CAPA) is dedicated to advocating for and supporting physician assistants throughout Canada. We aim to integrate the physician assistant profession into the Canadian healthcare system, enhancing patient access to quality healthcare through established competencies and high standards. You can learn more about the campaign and work PAs are doing, by visiting the CAPA website.
For More Information contact:
Kristy Corrente| Director of Advocacy and Communications
kcorrente@capa-acam.ca 613-864-6713