News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The names of the 2018 recipients of the Order of New Brunswick were announced today as part of the official New Brunswick Day celebrations in Fredericton.

“Though we have much to be proud of in New Brunswick, it is truly our people that make our province special,” said Premier Brian Gallant. “Congratulations to all of the recipients being named to the Order of New Brunswick. Through their hard work, dedication and leadership, they are inspiring others and have helped to make New Brunswick the best place to live, work and raise a family.”

The recipients are:

Judy Astle, from Boiestown, for her outstanding commitment to sportsmanship and leadership in her community and throughout New Brunswick.

Charles Bernard, from Balmoral, for his commitment to the protection of vulnerable people and his passion for community involvement.

Roberta Dugas, from Caraquet, for her longstanding service to her community and for her outstanding leadership in the nursing profession.

Louise Imbeault, from Moncton, for her impact on the social and cultural life of New Brunswick through her contributions to the field of media and communications and also within the Acadian community.

Gaetan Lanteigne, from Haut-Sheila (now part of Tracadie), for his outstanding work in the economic development of his community and the province of New Brunswick.

Walter John Learning, from Fredericton, for his achievements in the performing arts and for his contributions to the theatre community and industry in New Brunswick.

James Lockyer, from Moncton, for his extraordinary volunteerism and outstanding contributions to the legal profession.

Rebecca Schofield (posthumous), from Riverview, for inspiring New Brunswickers to be kind to each other and uniting the province through selfless acts of compassion and generosity.

Eileen Wallace, from Fredericton, for her trail-blazing achievements in bilingual education and for her outstanding impact on children’s literacy.

Ed and Eke van Oorschot, from Black River, for their exemplary and long-standing passion for social justice and for their commitment to protecting vulnerable people in their community and across New Brunswick.

The Order of New Brunswick was established in 2000 to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of excellence and achievement in their particular field. Since 2002, more than 160 accomplished individuals have been invested with the order for their dedication and service to the province, its people and communities.

A ceremony to present this year’s recipients with their awards will be held at Government House this fall.