How did the equal opportunity program of the 1960s change public services in New Brunswick?

In the 1960s, the Liberal government in New Brunswick implemented an equal opportunity program that fundamentally transformed the delivery of public services across the province.1

This initiative revolutionized the administration of health, education, justice, and social services by abolishing counties as administrative units. Instead, the program centralized both the funding and the administration of these services at the provincial level.1

While the system initially faced strong resistance, it eventually gained widespread acceptance—particularly in northern and rural regions—as it successfully served as a mechanism to equalize the quality and availability of services throughout all parts of the province. This centralized approach remained in place under subsequent Conservative leadership, marking a significant shift in how the province managed its public responsibilities.1