New members invested into the Order of New Brunswick

FREDERICTON (GNB) - Five people were invested into the Order of New Brunswick by the chancellor of the order, Lt.-Gov. Brenda Murphy, at a ceremony at Government House in Fredericton.

"The 2023 recipients of the Order of New Brunswick lift their communities, break down barriers, and set the standard for excellence through hard work and perseverance," said Murphy. "Their sustained contributions across a variety of fields have shaped a more accessible, equitable, vibrant and prosperous society while raising our province's profile. As role models, they inspire and empower us to be changemakers."

The new members are:

· Catherine Akagi, from Saint Andrews, for her outstanding commitment to education, her advocacy for First Nations and her extraordinary community engagement.

· J.W. Bud Bird, from Fredericton, for his lifetime of business, political and charitable activities, which have contributed meaningfully to New Brunswick and to Canada.

· Isabelle McKee-Allain, from Dieppe, for her profound commitment and exceptional career as a professional dedicated to the advancement of women's equality, social justice and francophone and Acadian culture in New Brunswick.

· Joanne E. McLeod, from Fredericton, for her lifelong dedication to improving conditions for people with paraplegia or other mobility impairments. For more than 60 years she has been an advocate and pioneer in improving the quality of life for people with disabilities within her community, throughout the province and across the country.

· Bernard Poirier, from Dieppe, for his enthusiasm, dedication and exceptional support of a dynamic francophone cultural and community life and his role in protecting the rights of the province's francophones.

The inductees are entitled to use the initials O.N.B. after their names.

The Order of New Brunswick was established in 2000 to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of excellence and achievement in their field. Since 2002, more than 200 accomplished individuals have been invested with the order for their dedication and service to the province, its people and communities.

Media Contact(s)

Johanne LeBlanc, communications, Department of Intergovernmental Affairs, [email protected].