In response to December news comments from federal health minister Tony Clement about New Brunswick’s policy on funding abortion clinics, NB Right to Life Executive Director Peter Ryan stated:

"It seems the federal government is moving away from a dispute with New Brunswick. This is good news.

"There really is no need for a dispute. NB's policy - of not giving public funds to a private clinic where abortions are performed electively, i.e. with no criteria of medical necessity - is reasonable, ethical and legal [emphasis added]. In such a matter, Ottawa should defer to provincial jurisdiction over health care. That seems to be what Mr. Clement is now doing. It's a positive move."