As part of an April 1 news release, the province also detailed a myriad of fee hikes, including an increase in filing a claim to small claims court, a per-page increase for criminal and family matter transcripts and a rise in costs involving probate court.
First, the release details the province’s investment of $423 million in its Department of Justice and Public Safety for the 2026-27 fiscal year.
Among other things, $7 million will be given to help support RCMP contract policing and address the pressures of “rising operational costs” for resources such as body-worn cameras, the “provincial radio system” and salary increases.
As well, $1.1 million will be provided to “fully fund” the Serious Incident Response Team (SiRT).
According to its website, the SiRT is an oversight agency responsible for investigating incidents involving death, serious injury or sexual assault that “may have resulted from the actions of a police officer.”
Investigations would also include incidents occurring while an officer is off duty.
Upon completion of an investigation, the SiRT determines if criminal charges should be laid against an officer.
The government also detailed the various fee increases — most of which are slotted to take effect July 1.
For example, the cost to file an appeal from the provincial court to the Court of King’s Bench will increase from $25 to $100, and the fee to file an appeal or any other document that commences a proceeding in New Brunswick’s Court of Appeal will increase from $50 to $100.
Also, the price to file a claim or counterclaim in small claims court exceeding $3,000 will go from $100 to $150, and the fee for filing a full or partial denial of the claim in that court will increase from $25 to $50.
Fee increases will also increase for various services involving probate court.
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