New Brunswick should move faster on Health Canada guidelines for clean water: doctor

Dr. Chris Arsenault speaks to reporters after a presentation to a New Brunswick government committee reviewing the Clean Water Act in Fredericton on Thursday, May 7, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Eli Ridder

FREDERICTON — A physician with an environmental advocacy group says New Brunswick should adapt its clean water regulations more quickly to Health Canada guidelines.

Dr. Chris Arsenault made the comments today to a legislature committee considering changes to the Maritime province’s Clean Water Act.

Arsenault says there are no existing requirements for New Brunswick to modify its regulations after Health Canada issues revised guidelines.

He cited the example of Health Canada issuing recommendations eight years ago on preventing chemical contamination of drinking water and New Brunswick only starting in February to apply them.

The provincial government wasn’t immediately available for comment.

The committee is scheduled to hear from a conservation group and a First Nations chief later in the day.

Eli Ridder, The Canadian Press

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 7, 2026.