News/Canada/New Brunswick

The New Brunswick government has begun the "data analysis phase" of its investigation into undiagnosed neurological symptoms affecting hundreds of people in seven provinces and whether environmental substances, such as heavy metals and pesticides, are a factor.Dr. Yves Léger, the chief medical officer of health, made the announcement during a briefing in Fredericton Thursday.His office has now received completed enhanced surveillance forms for 222 of nearly 400 patients from Dr. Alier Marrero, the Moncton neurologist who first sounded the alarm about a possible mystery disease several years ago, he said.Staff believe this is "enough complete and verified patient data" to begin the next phase of the investigation, he said. "I'm therefore glad to say that that activity is now underway with t...

Around 10:45 on the morning of Feb. 25, Lee Goguen asked her father if he had any last requests.The death that was coming to 70-year-old Gerald Goguen was the death he had chosen weeks in advance and his wife of 41 years had chosen to go with him.   Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2008, Gerald's health had started to deteriorate sharply in the months leading up to Christmas. Coby Goguen, 62, also had cancer that had spread and eaten into her bones. Both were racked with pain and wanted out. Lee said she wanted to see her parents relieved of their suffering and was grateful they had the option to end their lives on their own terms.   Coby and Gerald were married 41 years. Their daughter chose this photo for their obituary notice. (Submitted by Lee Goguen)"I got a lot of closure from it,"...

An advocate for New Brunswickers suffering from unexplained neurological symptoms says a letter obtained by CBC News suggests Health Minister Dr. John Dornan wasn't truthful about his role in the removal of a Moncton neurologist from his post at the clinic treating many of the patients.The letter dated July 4, 2022, shows it was Dornan — then CEO of the Horizon Health Network — who informed Dr. Alier Marrero his participation in the Moncton Interdisciplinary Neurodegenerative Diseases Clinic would soon cease."Despite our repeated attempts to inform you of our expectations and the deficiencies in your performance, you have not demonstrated a sustained ability to meet our expectations," Dornan wrote.Dornan is now overseeing Premier Susan Holt's pre-election pledge as Opposition leader to lau...