Support for addictions and mental health outpatient treatment facility at Bilijk First Nation

Release

Regional Development Corporation, Department of Indigenous Affairs, Department of Health

September 09, 2026

BILIJK FIRST NATION (GNB) – The government is providing almost $500,000 toward construction of a community-based outpatient treatment facility at Bilijk (Kingsclear) First Nation.

The investment from the Regional Development Corporation’s Community Development Fund will help connect recovery to the community and its culture.

“This new facility represents a significant step toward addressing addictions within the community,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Gilles LePage, who is also minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation. “The chief and community have prioritized helping people on their journey to recovery, and we are honoured to support them in creating a safe and appropriate space for this critical work.”

Indigenous Affairs Minister Keith Chiasson said the provincial government knows how important these types of services are to First Nations communities.

“We are deeply committed to working hand in hand with Indigenous partners, regional health authorities and the federal government to ensure health-care services meet the needs of Indigenous communities,” said Chiasson. “This announcement represents a step forward in building recovery services that are truly grounded in the community, where people can feel supported and connected as they work toward healing and wellness.”

The departments of Health and Indigenous Affairs and regional health authorities form the Bilateral Health Forum, which meets regularly with Indigenous organizations and communities to address First Nations health needs.

Justice Minister Robert McKee, who is also minister responsible for addictions and mental health services, said New Brunswick continues to see high demand for such support.

“Every New Brunswicker deserves access to the care they need, close to home,” said McKee. “We’re focused on improving and expanding access to compassionate, timely and effective mental health and addiction services across the province, ensuring no one is left to walk their path to wellness alone.”

The Bilijk Health Centre is currently helping 75 clients with mental health and addiction issues, and does not have enough space to provide treatment.

“This project has become a critical part of our community's vision to help foster and cultivate healing, growth and wellness, and provide structural solutions to the structural problems that the Indian Act reservation system was designed to create for our people,” said Bilijk First Nation Chief Justice Gruben. “We must change that historical relationship by developing new infrastructural, governmental and administrative solutions to these problems. Community change and healing requires time, patience and commitment to working together. The positive changes underway are beautiful, and this project took many hands, minds and energy to create. Seeing it come to life is already one of our most rewarding experiences as a team. We are incredibly proud, grateful and excited for what’s to come, and we thank our team and partners at Bilijk Health Centre, SOAR Professional Services, Health Canada, the province and Regional Development Corporation, and Bilijk community leadership.”

Additional funding for the project is being provided through Health Canada’s Emergency Treatment Fund and the Bilijk First Nation. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of next March.

09-09-26

Related topics

Family, home and community, Health and wellness