FREDERICTON (GNB) - The following statement was issued today by Social Development Minister Dorothy Shephard in relation to ongoing negotiations with CUPE nursing home workers:

A judicial review was held today in Moncton with respect to the Essential Services in Nursing Homes Act. Justice Tracey DeWare told the court she would issue her ruling by July 5.

We look forward to her ruling, which will provide clarity on the matter. In the meantime, I remain optimistic the two sides will eventually succeed in reaching a negotiated settlement.