The New Brunswick Women’s Institute (NBWI) has been privileged to have strong local leaders serve as Honorary Patroness. In the past, incumbents have included Muriel McQueen Ferguson, Margaret McCain, Marilyn Trenholme Council, and Jean Irving. Now Her Honour, the Honourable Brenda L. Murphy, Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick, will join the ranks of impressive women.
As Patroness, the NBWI will call on the Lieutenant Governor for support as the organization continues its own efforts toward improving family life, creating community, and stimulating leadership, as well as promoting understanding, tolerance and good will at home and worldwide.
The Lieutenant Governor was brought forward by NBWI members for consideration of the post in light of her community efforts and advocacy. President Sandra Day extended the invitation, citing Her Honour’s commitment to ending poverty and family violence, and advancing women’s equality.
“Our organization’s motto is ‘For Home and Country’,” Day said, “We are grassroots advocates, proud to open our doors to any woman regardless of class, colour or creed. Ms. Murphy is the embodiment of our principles.”
Her Honour, the Honourable Brenda L. Murphy, Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick, is the former Executive Director of the Saint John Women’s Empowerment Network and a member of the Gender Equality Network Canada. She has also participated in the National Advisory Council on Poverty and the New Brunswick Advisory Council on the Status of Women. Her service as a municipal councillor for the town of Grand Bay-Westfield and her volunteerism also commended her to the role of Patroness.
