10 recipients named to the Order of New Brunswick for 2026

Official New Brunswick Day celebrations were held in Grand Falls, N.B. on Aug. 3, 2026. Right to left: New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt, Grand Falls Mayor Bertrand Beaulieu, and Grand Falls-Vallée-des-Rivières-Saint Quentin MLA Cuch Chiasson. (Nick Moore/CTV Atlantic)

Ten New Brunswickers will be bestowed the province’s highest honour later this year.

The 2026 inductees to the Order of New Brunswick were revealed on Monday.

Premier Susan Holt made the announcement during official New Brunswick Day celebrations in Grand Falls.

The 2026 inductees are:

• Paul Marcel Albert of Caraquet, for his passion for Acadian culture and the arts and his commitment to his community.
• Brian J. Francis of Elsipogtog First Nation, for his contributions as a champion of Indigenous voices, a mentor to emerging artists, and a cultural leader whose work continues to inspire and connect communities.
• Patsy Gallant of Campbellton, in recognition of her 75-year career, her exceptional dedication to the arts, her global impact as a musician and her steadfast support for her community.
• Ali A. Ghorbani of Fredericton, for his passion for cybersecurity, responsible use of artificial intelligence, the protection of Canadians in a digital age, and his unwavering commitment to science and technology.
• Émé Lacroix of Caraquet, for her dedication and commitment to the community, as well as for passing on her love of music and Acadian and provincial heritage.
• Patricia McKinney of Fredericton, for her continued dedication to Indigenous programs and services and for her advocacy and commitment to helping people reclaim their voices, rebuild their confidence and rediscover their power.
• Edward L.D. McLean of Saint John, for his contribution to New Brunswick’s business sector and dedication to his community.
• Paul Ouellet of Moncton, for his unwavering commitment to ensuring that those facing mental illness and addiction receive the necessary support and are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
• Jean-Guy Poitras of Edmundston, for his exceptional leadership and highly valued mentorship in sport, and his commitment to serving as a proud ambassador for New Brunswick.
• William Whalen of Moncton, for bringing people together, leading with integrity, and for believing the province of New Brunswick is truly the place to be.

The 2026 recipients will be formally invested with the Order of New Brunswick on Nov. 2 in Fredericton.

Since it was established in December 2000, 220 people have been invested with the order for their dedication and service to the province, its people, and communities.

Any Canadian citizen who is a present or former long-term resident of New Brunswick is eligible for nomination to the Order of New Brunswick. 

The Order of New Brunswick Advisory Council recommends the appointment of members, with a maximum of ten people invested annually. Advisory council members include: The Chief Justice of New Brunswick as chairperson (alternating with King’s Bench), the clerk of the executive council, the president of a provincially funded university (rotation), and three-to-five other members from the community appointed by the executive council.

Elected representatives currently serving in the House of Commons, the Senate, the legislative assembly of New Brunswick, and judges of any court are not eligible for nomination. 

For more New Brunswick news, visit our dedicated provincial page.