The government and the New Brunswick Teachers' Federation, which represents more than 7,800 teachers, have signed a new collective agreement.
"This agreement is about recognizing the incredible work teachers do every day in classrooms across New Brunswick and ensuring teaching remains an attractive and rewarding profession for years to come," said Premier Susan Holt. "Teachers play a vital role in shaping the future of our province, and I am pleased that both sides were able to work together to reach a fair agreement so quickly. By investing in our teachers and supporting recruitment and retention, we are strengthening our schools and helping ensure students across New Brunswick have the opportunities they need to succeed."
The agreement is retroactive to March 1, 2026, and includes a general economic increase of 14.5 per cent over five years.
Additional measures include a recruitment adjustment of one per cent upon signing of the agreement and one per cent on March 1, 2030. The agreement also provides a recognition and retention premium for teachers with longer service, including one per cent after 15 years, two per cent after 20 years and three per cent after 25 years.
"We are so pleased to be able to celebrate this new contract with the teachers today," said Finance and Treasury Board Minister René Legacy. "This agreement was reached quickly, after diligent negotiation from both parties - a testament to the strong working relationship and a willingness to achieve a collective agreement. This deal is reflective of the invaluable role that teachers play in our province's education systems every day."
Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Claire Johnson said teachers are at the heart of New Brunswick's education system, supporting student learning and helping to prepare the next generation for success - and the new agreement reflects the government's commitment to recognizing the important work teachers do every day while supporting retention and recruitment across the profession.
"Like all New Brunswickers, our government appreciates the hard work, dedication and care of teachers across our province, and I am so happy we have this new collective agreement in place before the end of this school year," said Johnson. "We have highlighted in our recently released education plans the importance of retention and recruitment and having a strong and stable workforce in our education system. We look forward to continuing the work with our partners in education, including teachers, in the new school year to ensure our education system continues to improve for both children and educators."
Johnson said the agreement recognizes both the value of teachers and the importance of retaining and attracting talented educators in classrooms throughout New Brunswick. She added that both parties worked collaboratively to reach the deal, which received support from members and ensures stability for students, families and school communities across the province.
"On behalf of the New Brunswick Teachers' Federation, we are pleased to sign this new collective agreement, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening schools and supporting educators," said Heidi Ryder, co-president of the New Brunswick Teachers' Federation. "This is an investment in public education's future: when teachers are supported, students benefit, and strong schools build strong communities and a strong province."
"This agreement helps make New Brunswick a place where teachers choose to come, stay and thrive," said federation co-president Eric Godin. "It is an important step forward in addressing current retention and recruitment challenges, while ensuring a strong future for our public education system."
All collective agreements with the provincial government are available online.
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