FREDERICTON (CNB) – Graydon Nicholas, lieutenant-governor of New Brunswick, has accepted the role of honorary patron of the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation Award.

In accepting this role, Nicholas has invited the foundation to make Government House, the official residence of the lieutenant-governor, the permanent home of the award.

"Government House is New Brunswick's ceremonial home," Nicholas said. "I have had the good fortune of living here for a short time, but it really is home to all New Brunswickers. I am delighted that this important award will be here for all to see and enjoy."

The foundation issued a call for nominations earlier this year for the 19th edition of the award. The deadline for nominations is today, March 18. The awards ceremony will be held at Government House as close as possible to May 26, the birthdate of the late Muriel McQueen Fergusson, patron of the foundation.

Each year, the foundation presents the award to an individual, group or business that seeks to eliminate family violence. For many years, the Office of the Lieutenant-Governor has invited the foundation to hold the award ceremony at Government House.

"Our lieutenant-governors have been great supporters of this award for several years," said David Parkinson, past chair of the foundation's award selection committee. "To have our current Queen's representative as honorary patron of the award is so fitting."

Margaret Norrie McCain, a founding member of the foundation and a former lieutenant-governor, set the tone for the involvement of the Office of the Lieutenant-Governor in supporting efforts to eliminate family violence. Her successors as lieutenant-governor, Marilyn Trenholme Counsell, Herménégilde Chiasson and now, Nicholas, have continued this support.

"When speaking with His Honour (Nicholas), it is clear he has a deep and abiding concern for the issues that the foundation seeks to address," said Parkinson.

The opportunity to view the award at Government House is considered an opportunity to raise awareness and generate dialogue about family violence. It is also hoped that the award, by being on view at the official residence, may inspire visitors to take steps to fight family violence.

The past 18 recipients are examples of Canadians, organizations and businesses that have helped further the elimination of family violence.

In 2010, the 18th award winner was the Native Women's Association of Canada Sisters in Spirit. This initiative identifies root causes, trends and circumstances of violence that lead to the disappearance and death of Aboriginal women and girls in Canada.

The foundation has been a leadership role in the struggle against domestic and family violence since 1985. It supports research into the causes, incidences and forms of family violence, and it promotes educational programs to increase public awareness about these issues.

Research is conducted by the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research, established in 1991 in partnership with the University of New Brunswick.

The foundation also provides financial assistance to non-profit organizations through a grants program and recognizes outstanding contributions toward family violence prevention in Canada.



18-03-11