News Release

FREDERICTON (CNB) – Ten new members were invested into the Order of New Brunswick today by the chancellor of the order, Lt.-Gov. Graydon Nicholas, at a ceremony at Government House in Fredericton.

"It is indeed a great honour to join with you to recognize and celebrate the achievements of these exceptional New Brunswickers," said Nicholas. "These 10 individuals have made a real difference for the people and communities of our province. They represent the spirit of compassion and commitment that make our province such a wonderful place in which to live."

Premier David Alward also attended the investiture.

"These outstanding individuals symbolize what we can all aspire to achieve as New Brunswickers," said Alward. "Each member of the order has enriched our province's long history of achievement through their vision, perseverance, resourcefulness, creativity and innovation."

This year’s recipients are:

●    Max Aitken, Lord Beaverbrook (posthumous), a pioneering industrialist and philanthropist whose generosity helped to build the cultural and public institutions of New Brunswick;
●    Marjorie (Mardi) Cockburn, a community activist and leader whose work has enhanced the social, cultural and educational fabric of the Fredericton region and New Brunswick;
●    Patrick Darrah, a stalwart community leader and champion for southern New Brunswick and a key promoter of economic and social development in the province;
●    Robert Frenette, an anti-bullying and anti-discrimination advocate who is passionately committed to ending the spectre of youth bullying in the province and across Canada;
●    Dr. Satya Paul Handa, Rothesay, a doctor, teacher and leader in research and treatment whose dedication and work has made the lives of countless New Brunswickers better;
●    Jacques LaForge, a driving force in the dairy industry and an innovator in farming operations who has worked untiringly to promote and advance farming throughout New Brunswick;
●    Gilmond Larocque, a gifted musician and teacher, a key organizer and volunteer for les Jeux de l'Acadie (Acadian games) and a key player in the development of youth sports in the province;
●    Léo-Paul Pinet, a champion of inclusiveness and social progress on the Acadian Peninsula and throughout the province;
●    Jessica Ryan, a health professional who is dedicated to her community and to the preservation and promotion of the history and heritage of Bathurst and the Chaleur Region;
●    Donald Savoie, a renowned researcher, scholar and author known as Canada's foremost expert on public administration and a champion of public policy development.

The Order of New Brunswick was created to recognize individual New Brunswickers who have demonstrated a high level of excellence and achievement in their particular field and who have made outstanding contributions to the social, cultural or economic well-being of New Brunswick and its residents.

"Members of the Order of New Brunswick represent the very best of our province," said Alward. "The many achievements of these 10 new members make this a very proud day for New Brunswick."

The recipients were presented with a full-size medal depicting the provincial flower and the shield of arms as well as a special ribbon in the same colours as the shield. Members of the order are entitled to use the initials ONB after their names.

LINK:

●    Order of New Brunswick: www.gnb.ca/onb