Currently Visiting: Home »» About The Foundation> »» structure
STRUCTURE
Board of Directors
The Hon. Muriel McQueen Fergusson, P.C., O.C., Q.C.
May 26, 1899 – April 11, 1997
PatronHonourary Member - Hon. Margaret Norrie McCain
Honourary Member - C. Anne Crocker
President - Linda White
Vice-President - Marilyn Abbott-Charters2nd Vice-President - Susan Montague
The Hon. Muriel McQueen Fergusson Her Life Set the Standard for Women Everywhere Following is part of the eulogy delivered by Lt-Gov Margaret Norrie McCain at the funeral service for Senator Muriel McQueen Fergusson who passed away on Friday, April 11, 1997. Muriel McQueen Fergusson was many things. The public record shows that she was a lawyer long before women would be accepted into the profession. She was a city councilor in Fredericton, the first woman senator from the Atlantic region and the first woman to serve as Speaker of the Senate. She was the recipient of numerous awards and honorary degrees. She was a tireless and uncompromising activist for the rights of women and the poor. No project undertaken by others to advance the cause of humanity was too small to gain her moral support. She spent her life setting the standard for New Brunswick women and women everywhere, whatever their ambitions for themselves and their society. That is the public side of Senator Fergusson--her remarkable achievements. For those of us who were privileged to have known her on a personal level, she was many other things as well. She was good company--intelligent, entertaining and gracious. She was meticulously organized. She was creative; she loved to garden, cook and crochet. This was in the early years, before she became a busy activist for the poor, for women, and for any group needing a stalwart champion. She was a devoted wife. When her husband, Aubrey, became too ill to continue his law practice in Grand Falls, Muriel stayed up half the night thinking about how to counsel his clients. The advice was so sound that some of the clients believed Muriel was simply passing on the information provided by her husband. She never corrected that belief. She was outspoken, never reticent about expressing her opinions. Bishop Harold Nutter knew this better than most. He recalls that Muriel didn't always agree with the Bishop's statements from the pulpit--and she let him know. She was kind. Says Noreen (Muriel McQueen Fergusson’s niece) : "I never, never, ever heard her say an unkind word about anyone. This didn't mean she didn't have an opinion, but she would never say anything that might hurt someone's feelings." She was tenacious. We saw this often in her public life; but it was very much present in her personal affairs as well. When Muriel retired and moved to Fredericton, she deeply wanted to become a member of the St Andrew Society. This was no quick and easy task. The Society required extensive documentation to prove Scottish ancestry before admitting a new member. Muriel worked for days and weeks collecting and preparing the evidence, and she was thrilled when she received word she had been accepted into the Society. This ability to research and document a subject has endeared the senator to historians. She did not have the advantage of staff researchers, electronic reference material, and secretaries to prepare her speeches. For this, she earned the respect and gratitude of historians who greatly value the Muriel McQueen Fergusson papers at the Provincial Archives of New Brunswick. She was reflective, particularly in her later years. When Muriel was 96, Noreen took her for a vacation to Shediac where the senator had been born and raised. The cottage where they stayed was on Shediac Bay and Muriel spent long hours looking out of the water, pondering her youth. She told Noreen: "I wish I could go for a swim, just one more time." She was barely five feet tall and soft spoken; but she exuded great strength, commitment, passion and determination. In her quiet manner, this diminutive woman commanded attention whenever she took on a cause. It was once said that Muriel McQueen Fergusson had a "presence" that filled a room and influenced others to follow her. I know that her presence is all around us today as we collectively celebrate her life and the part she played in our lives as aunt, friend, colleague and role model. Her life was well lived, and I am certain all of us would agree that she will continue to inspire and influence us for years to come. We will miss her greatly, but we will remember her well. |
 The Honourable Muriel McQueen Fergusson, P.C., O.C., Q.C. Photo © Copyright Keith Minchin - Faces of Fredericton. |
Honourary Member The Honourable Margaret Norrie McCain was born October 1, 1934, in northern Quebec. Her father was a prominent mining engineer in the early days of the Quebec gold mining industry and her mother was Senator Margaret Norrie of Truro, N.S. Mrs. McCain received her early education in public and private schools in Quebec, Nova Scotia and Ontario. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree with Honours in History from Mount Allison University, Sackville, N.B., and a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Toronto. She has been presented with Honourary Degrees from a number of prominent Canadian universities. Throughout her career, Mrs. McCain has been active in organizations that promote education, music and the arts at the provincial and national levels. She was a member of the Mount Allison University Board of Regents from 1974-1994 and served as Chancellor of the University from 1986-1994. She is a founding member of the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation in New Brunswick. Their mission is the elimination of family violence through public education and research. She chaired their capital campaign to endow a Family Violence Research Centre in partnership with the University of New Brunswick. In 1955 she married entrepreneur G. Wallace F. McCain of Florenceville, N.B. They have four children and nine grandchildren. On April 28, 1994, Margaret Norrie McCain was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of New Brunswick - the first female to hold this position. She served in that role until April, 1997. At that time she moved to Toronto to re-join her family. Margaret McCain was a member of the Board of the National Ballet School for 18 years serving as Board Chair from 1998 to 2000. She then went on the Chair the Schools successful $100 million fund raising campaign. She is also Honourary Colonel of the Governor General’s Horseguards and serves on the Boards of the Council for Early Child Development, the Canadian Policy Research Network, The Canadian Women’s Foundation, The Learning Partnership and the Atkinson Centre for Society and Child Development. |
 |
Honourary Member Anne Crocker is a founding and lifetime member of the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation's board of directors. Prior to her work with the board, she was also a founder of the Fredericton Transition House and was named honourary president of the Transition House Inc. board. She was appointed the first vice-chair of the New Brunswick Advisory Council on the Status of Women (1978-1983). In 1997 Anne was named a member of the Order of Canada and in 2003 received the Queen's Jubilee Medal. She has been an active member of the MMFF board since 1985 and currently serves as a representative on the board of the Muriel McQueen Centre for Family Violence Research. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree along with a Bachelor of Library Science and is librarian emerita, University of New Brunswick. |
 |
| President Linda White |
|
| Linda White, who retired from School District 2 in Moncton after 20 years of working in senior administrative positions in human resources and finance and administration, now runs her own business, Linda L. White Consulting. Now President of the MMFF, Linda has also volunteered for 20 years and is past board chair of Turning Points Youth Parent and Child Development Centre in Moncton. Linda was elected to serve as president of the Association of School Business Officials International following seven years of elected service on the board of directors. Linda was the first Canadian female in the association's then 86-year history to serve as president. Linda also currently serves as a commissioner on the Greater Moncton Planning District Commission. |  |
| ^ Back to Top | |
Vice President Marilyn Abbott-Charters is Manager of the Administrative Support Division of the Fredericton Police Force, and has been employed with them since 1996. Currently the Vice-President of the MMFF board, she graduated from the University of New Brunswick with a Bachelour of Arts degree. Her post graduate studies were conducted at Memorial University in Newfoundland. |
 |
2nd Vice-President Susan Montague is Second Vice-President (Fundraising). She retired in 2007 from the University of New Brunswick after 26 years of distinguished service in communications and fundraising, directing two major campaigns that raised more than $150 million for UNB. She has been active in a number of professional groups, serving at one point as secretary of the international Council for Advancement and Support of Education. In 2002 she received the Eleanor Collier Award for outstanding career performance and professional service from this organization. She has a bachelor of arts in English from Bryn Mawr College and a master of science in education from the University of Pennsylvania. She has served with the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education, and is a successful author. She was awarded the President's Medal from the University of New Brunswick in 2006 and was named an honourary member of the UNB Associated Alumni. |
 |
| ^ Back to Top | |
|
A long-time Director of Finance and Administration for the New Brunswick Teachers' Association, Paulette Moore also taught earlier in career, first at Minto High School and then at Fredericton High School. Since retiring in 2002, she has been involved with a special Canadian Teachers' Federation education project in Uganda and has made many trips there. A 2002 recipient of the CTF Special Recognition Award, she was a founding member of the New Brunswick Chapter of the Children's Wish Foundation and served on organizations promoting gender equity. |
 |
| ^ Back to Top | |
|
Elaine Stairs, a partner in the public accounting firm EPR DAYE KELLY & Associates, has served on the Board of the Foundation as Treasurer for several years. Elaine received her CGA designation in 1983 in Alberta, while working at a medium security facility for Young Offenders under the then ‘new' Young Offenders Act. Elaine was honoured as a participant in the Millennium Time Capsule as the first in Canada to win a gender-based civil suit against a New Brunswick employer under the Canadian Human Rights Act. Elaine is a current member of the Women In Business network and has served on numerous charitable and not-for profit organizations over the years. |
 |
Past-President Dave Besner retired in September, 2001 as the assistant deputy minister of intergovernmental affairs and external relations for the New Brunswick Department of Environment and Local Government. He has since formed his own environmental management firm, D. Besner & Associates Inc. Dr. Besner was Executive Secretary for the Premier's Roundtable on Environment and Economy on its inauguration in 1988, leading to a sustainable Development Strategy for New Brunswick. He served in that capacity until his retirement and has since been appointed by the Premier to be a member of the Roundtable. He served as the chair of the New Brunswick Tire Stewardship Board from 1996-2004, and recently completed a two-year term as the chair of the Canadian Association of Tire Recycling Agencies (CATRA). Active in community affairs, he is currently Past-President of the MMFF. |
 |
|
Beverley Bolton is Branch Manager, Sales & Service with Scotiabank Commercial Banking Center , Kings Place , Fredericton . She is responsible for the overall success of the branch. This includes meeting objectives in financial growth, customer service, human resource management and operational effectiveness. Bev holds designations as a Personal Financial Planner, Business Banking , and Personal Trust. Bev has been very involved in community events to help raise funds and awareness for a variety of groups including; Cancer Society, Big Brothers, Heart & Stroke, Juvenile Diabetes, NBACL, and CPA. Bev was the President of the Oromocto & Area Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Business Retention Expansion Program, and is currently a member of the Fredericton Chamber, Women in Business, Chalmers Hospital Foundation, and a volunteer at the Fredericton Community Kitchen. |
 |
| ^ Back to Top | |
|
Chris Doran was a founding member of the MMFF (Saint John Chapter) in 1996 and continues his involvement to this day. Over the years, he has served in a number of different positions for the MMFF in Saint John (i.e. secretary, vice-president, president, chapter representative etc.) and for the MMFCFVR (Operations Committee member) in Fredericton. |
Photo not available |
| ^ Back to Top | |
|
Frank Dunn was employed 30 years in the banking industry, retiring in 1986. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers. In 1991, he returned to work for the University of New Brunswick, serving with the Development Public Relations Department as their Planned Giving Officer. He retired from that post in 2001. A graduate of St. Francis Xavier Junior College (now the University of Cape Breton), Frank has also been active in municipal affairs, serving on the Village of New Maryland since its incorporation in 1991. Frank was also a founding member of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners that serves a membership of more than 1,400 charities. Additionally, he served a five-year term on the board of directors as the Chair for Research and Education Committee, served three terms on the board of directors for the New Brunswick Municipal Pension Board and is currently serving on the board of directors for the Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick. |
 |
|
A graduate of the University of New Brunswick, Angela Francoeur has worked for many years in business planning, communications and branding across several industries, including roles with Fundy Communications, GCP Communications (now Bristol) and Fundy Computer Services. Now working with WorkSafeNB, she has served as chair of the Silent Auction Committee for the MMFF Gala Dinner and on the communications committee for the Saint John Board of Trade. |
 |
| ^ Back to Top | |
|
President of Jim Gilbert's Wheels and Deals in North Fredericton, Atlantic Canada's largest independently owned vehicle sales and service facility and winner of the Small Business Excellence Award from the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce. His firm also received the Daily Gleaner's award as Fredericton's #1 Used Car Dealer and The Mayor's Environmental Award for having the most environmentally conscious business in Fredericton. A Paul Harris Fellowship recipient from Rotary International, he is active in community affairs and supports the troops, most recently with the donation of a minivan to the Gagetown Family Resource Centre. |
 |
| ^ Back to Top | |
|
The New Brunswick Director of Consumer Affairs with the Department of Justice and Consumer Affairs, Dianne Kelly previously held administrative support roles. She entered the University of New Brunswick as a mature student, earning her Bachelor of Administration in 1982. She has served as Director of Information Systems and Chief Firearms Officer and Chief Coroner. She received her Masters in Business Administration in 2003. She serves with a number of community organization boards including the Fredericton Community Kitchen and Fredericton Emergency Shelter. |
 |
| ^ Back to Top | |
|
For 35 years Ann worked in the public education system in various parts of the province as a teacher, counsellor, and principal. In 1996 she became the coordinator of the New Brunswick Teachers’ Counselling Program and she retired from it in 2006. In her capacity as an educator, she was made aware of the need to educate the public in the prevention of family violence. For this reason she chooses to serve on the board of the Muriel McQueen Ferguson Foundation. A past president, Ann is currently the liaison to school chapters. In retirement she spends time teaching courses at UNB, counseling in her private practice, and volunteering. |
 |
|
Steven Lewis is a senior financial consultant for MD Management, a subsidiary of the Canadian Medical Association. As part of his work with the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation, he chairs the Food and Wine Gourmet Adventure. Born and raised in Fredericton, he received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Saint Thomas University and a Master's degree in Business Administration from the University of New Brunswick. |
 |
|
Norma McCarthy, a communications and organizational readiness specialist, is also a best-selling author of children's books. Among the honours she has accumulated is recognition from the British Columbia Department of Education and Teacher's Federation for educational children's work in a non-text book publication. This marketing, communications and research professional holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree (marketing) from University of British Columbia and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from McDonald College, McGill University. She is chair of the public relations and communications committee with the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation. |
 |
|
Pamela McKay, longtime New Brunswick public relations professional, is CouleurNB’s Vice-president of Public Affairs and Government Relations. Since 2001, McKay worked for NB Power, first as Manager of Public Relations, then as Director of Public Relations. From 1999 to 2001, she led the Saint John office of GCP Communications (now Bristol) as the firm’s General Manager. Prior to that, she spent five years in a number of director-level positions in the areas public relations, government relations and marketing for Fundy Communications in Saint John. An active volunteer, McKay is presently chair of the board of directors for the University of New Brunswick’s Muriel McQueen Fergusson Centre for Family Violence Research, chair of the Fernhill Cemetery Company, and member of the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation. Her past work in the community includes terms as chair of the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation, chair of the New Brunswick chapter for Canadian Women in Communications, as communications chair for the Saint John Board of Trade and as a member of both the tourism committee and the emergency measures organization for the Town of Grand Bay-Westfield. Pamela currently divides her time across the province, working on such clients as Bell Aliant, Enbridge Gas, Emera, and the Province of New Brunswick, to name but a few. |
 |
|
David Parkinson is originally from the United Kingdom and moved to Canada in July, 2000. He has a bachelor’s degree in ecology from the University of London, and a master of science degree from the University of Aston in Birmingham. In his thesis he examined the variation in approaches to commercialization of a branch of biotechnology between the United Kingdom, the United States, the rest of Europe and Japan. This fostered an interest in business and business strategy, which led him to his first career, as a management accountant working for a range of technology based companies in positions up to and including board level appointments. In 1991 he made a decision to refocus his career towards environmental management, initially as an independent consultant, then as a specialist in major consulting companies. In July 2000 he accepted an appointment with Jacques Whitford in Ottawa, a move which brought him to Canada. In December 2004 he accepted his current role, as manager of New Brunswick Operations for AMEC Earth & Environmental, moving to Fredericton with his family in 2005. Since arriving in New Brunswick, he and his wife have become active members of the Fredericton Newcomers Club. Outside of work his additional interests include golf and music. He has served on committees of a number of local organizations in the UK, including those associated with mental health, and local fundraising initiatives. From 1992 to 1997 he was finance chairman of Melton Mowbray Golf Club, overseeing the refinancing and expansion of the club as a local amenity. He became club chairman in 1997 and remained so up to his move to Canada. |
 |
|
Courtney Pringle Carver, public relations professional, is Atlantic Lottery’s Senior Public Affairs Counsel. Before joining Atlantic Lottery, Courtney worked with New Brunswick public relations firm, Couleur, where she provided counsel to such clients as Home Depot Canada, Enbridge Gas and the Province of New Brunswick. Courtney attended Concordia University in Montreal, where she studied Communications. In addition to her positions with Atlantic Lottery and Couleur, Courtney has also held roles with the United Way and Moncton Headstart. Actively involved with charitable organizations across the province, Courtney also serves on the Board of Directors for the Frye Literary Festival and the organizing committee for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Daffodil Ball. |
 |
|
Clair Ripley is Communications and Liaison Officer – Atlantic Canada. Clair has worked for Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) for 15 years as Director of Education Programs in Atlantic Canada and now works as Liaison Officer out of the Saint John Point Lepreau Refurbishment Project Office. Prior to his position with AECL, Clair served two terms as Mayor of Oromocto and served 11 years on the town council. During his time as Mayor, Clair was responsible for initiating the Oromocto Energy Conservation Program, which resulted in Oromocto being recognized as the most energy efficient town in Canada. A native of River Philip, Nova Scotia and a graduate of Mount Allison University in Geology and Education, Clair also spent 34 years as a science teacher and principal. Clair remains actively involved in the community. In addition to his work with the Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation, his work continues with the Rotary Clubs of New Brunswick and the State of Maine. |
 |
| ^ Back to Top | |
|
Jim Thorburn graduated from the University of New Brunswick in 1971 and the University of Moncton in 1976. Throughout his educational career, he was a teacher, then vice-principal, principal, and then district superintendent. He started in Salisbury area schools from 1971 to 1985 first as a teacher and then vice-principal, and then served as principal of Riverview High School from 1985 to 1993. From 1993 to 1999, he was principal of Fredericton High School and from 1999 to September, 2006, he was superintendent of schools for Districts 10, 12 and 15. Jim has also served as president and past president of the Canadian Association of Principals and has served on the International Confederation of Principals. |
 |