Results: Cancer patient wants tax credit for naturopathic treatment Naturopathy is eligible for tax rebates in Nova Scotia and five other provinces but not New Brunswick

A Fredericton-area woman, who has been given months to live, is asking the New Brunswick government to give tax deductions on naturopathic treatments. Jean Bolduc was diagnosed with a rare form of tissue cancer and thyroid cancer in January and told she has only months to live. "Ah. Devastated. I thought I was in top shape," said Bolduc. Since her diagnosis, she and her husband Gaetan have looked for alternatives including medicinal cannabis for her appetite and naturopathic medicine. They've spent $4,000 on naturopathic treatments since August but their health plan only covered $750. Naturopathy is eligible for tax rebates in Nova Scotia, and five other provinces, but not in New Brunswick. "Most of the provinces out west are covered. What's wrong with New Brunswick?" said Gaetan Bolduc. "Again, I want to point out that I'm not asking them to pay for the drug, I'm asking them to give us a tax credit." Naturopathic doctors want regulation There are fewer than 20 naturopaths in the province — all of whom are licensed elsewhere. Naturopathic doctor Judah Bunin says tax credits aren't the only reason naturopathic doctors want to be fully regulated in New Brunswick. "Virtually anybody could potentially, if they wanted to, call themselves a naturopathic doctor with no legal implications," said Bunin. He says for liability reasons the province wants there to be at least 50 naturopaths before the profession is regulated. In the meantime Bunin says a legislation that protects their titles could give peace of mind, and tax credits to people like the Bolducs.