Honourable senators, I rise today on behalf of my New Brunswick colleagues Senator Rose-May Poirier, Senator Carolyn Stewart Olsen and Senator Percy Mockler to pay tribute to the late Honourable Brenda Robertson.

It is with sadness that we heard of the passing of a dear friend and former colleague of this chamber the Honourable Brenda Robertson. Born on May 23, 1929, Brenda was the youngest of three children. Brenda became active in the local chapter of the Progressive Conservative Women’s Association during the 1960s, and in 1967 she became the first woman elected as a member of the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick. Three short years later, in 1970, Brenda became the first female cabinet minister as minister of youth, which later included portfolios such as social services and health. She was most proud of the Extra-Mural Program, which she researched, developed and implemented with the support of many. The program inspired health care reform across the country and indeed the globe, and it remains a hallmark of health care delivery today.

After being re-elected four times, Brenda Robertson was summoned to the Senate in 1984 by the Right Honourable Brian Mulroney. She continued to serve Canadians and advocate for issues that mattered to her, such as health and social work.

Throughout her life, Brenda fought for the causes she cared about by bringing people together and encouraging everyone to collaborate. Her leadership, accomplishments, passion, loyalty and dedication earned her many accolades. For instance, she received two honorary doctorates from Mount Saint Vincent University and the University of Moncton. She also became a Member of the Order of New Brunswick in 2004 and a Member of the Order of Canada in 2008.

On her mandatory retirement in 2004, our former colleague the Honourable Noël Kinsella said this of her in his tribute:

Clearly, this senator is a role model — a role model, yes, for women to participate in public affairs, but also a role model for all who wish to excel in service to society.

The Honourable Brenda Robertson opened doors and paved the way for many women in politics and public affairs, including some of our colleagues here today. Brenda Robertson blazed a trail for all women in New Brunswick, and her legacy lives on.

Brenda will be deeply missed by her family, her friends and everyone who had the pleasure and honour of meeting her or working with her in service of her community, her region, her province and her country. She believed in improving our society and wanted to make it a better place to live, work, raise a family and help the most vulnerable.

Honourable senators, please join us in recognizing the tremendous life and many accomplishments of the late Honourable Brenda Robertson and sending our deepest condolences to her family.