FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Moncton, February 26, 2026 – Residents of New Brunswick will be called to elect new local governments on May 11. The Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick (UMNB), the Association francophone des municipalités du N.-B. (AFMNB), the and the Association of Municipal Administrators of New Brunswick (AMANB) are joining forces to launch an awareness campaign encouraging interested individuals to run for the positions of councillor or mayor. The Department of Environment and Local Government is funding the campaign.
“Municipalities across the province have experienced significant changes since January 2023, and our municipal elected officials, with the support of municipal administrations, have met these challenges with energy and determination. They have paved the way for even stronger local governance. We are calling on citizens who want to take part in this important work. Our municipalities need your leadership and your ideas. Municipal administrators will be your allies in advancing the issues that matter to you and your region,” said Serge Arsenault, Chief Administrative Officer of the Town of Grand-Bouctouche and Vice-President of the AMANB.
“In addition, we hope that our municipal councils will reflect the full diversity of our society. The members of our three associations firmly believe that New Brunswick will be more inclusive and better equipped to grow if our local governance demonstrates leadership in openness to all. We are the level of government closest to people’s daily lives. When municipal councils have the privilege of drawing on a wide range of perspectives, they expand the pool of possible solutions for their communities,” added Yvon Godin, Councillor for Rivière-du-Nord and President of the AFMNB.
The campaign launched today by the AFMNB, UMNB, and AMANB will be accompanied by information sessions for individuals wishing to run for office, as well as a variety of local activities aimed at explaining the role of municipal elected officials.
“We would also like to take a moment to thank our colleagues who have decided not to seek re-election. They guided our municipalities through the local governance reform, which was no small task. Those who succeed them will step into their roles at a time when we have a clearer understanding of our new responsibilities and within a collaborative context with the provincial government to rebalance municipal taxation. Meaningful challenges await the next municipal councils. To all those who have a vision for their municipality and who want to help make our communities even more dynamic and resilient — you have a place at your municipal council table,” concluded UMNB President Brittany Merrifield, Mayor of Grand Bay–Westfield.
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Info :
AAMNB
Pascale Paulin
pascale@fortecommunication.ca
(506) 866-3420
AFMNB
Emmanuelle Chapados
emmanuelle@afmnb.org
(506) 542-2622
UMNB
Briana Cowie
Briana.cowie@umnb.ca
(506) 444-2285