Brenda Mary Robertson (1929-2020)

Born in Sussex, New Brunswick, Brenda served as the president of the New Brunswick Women’s Progressive Conservative Association and the New Brunswick Association of Home Economists.

After a successful business career, Brenda Mary Robertson made New Brunswick history in 1967 as the first woman elected to the legislature and in 1970, as the first woman to serve in the provincial cabinet. She was re-elected four times and in 1984, she was appointed to the Senate of Canada.

As Minister for Youth (1970-1974), Brenda advocated for improved social programs, health care, and health conditions for underprivileged children, and reduced unemployment rates. She held many other portfolios, most notably health. In this role, Brenda developed and implemented the New Brunswick Extra-Mural Program - described as a hospital without walls - which drew praise as an important innovation in health care. As a senator, she continued to dedicate her time to social reform.

She was inducted to the Order of New Brunswick and was a Member of the Order of Canada. She also received honorary degrees, including a Doctor of Humane Letters from Mount St. Vincent University and a Doctor of Social Science from the University of Moncton.