The 51st New Brunswick Legislative Assembly was created following a general election in 1987.

Premier Frank McKenna led the government.

The Liberal Party won all the seats; but to ensure the proper functioning of the parliamentary system, Frank McKenna named several members of his own caucus, led by Camille Thériault, to serve as the Official Opposition.

The government also allowed the Progressive Conservative Party, which finished second place in the election in the number of votes received, to submit written questions to ministers during Question Period.

All were elected in the 31st general election held on October 13, 1987, except for Denis Losier, who was elected in a by-election held after Doug Young resigned his seat.