The first New Brunswick woman to be elected as an MLA is being honoured by the provincial government.
Brenda Robertson served in the legislature from 1967 to 1984, working as youth minister, minister of social welfare, minister of social services, minister of health and minister for social program reform. She then worked as a senator representing Riverview for 20 years.
Robertson, who died in September 2020 at the age of 91, is being recognized for her political contributions with a bridge in her honour, spanning the Petitcodiac River between Moncton and Riverview.
“Brenda Robertson was a trailblazer and an inspiration,” said Sherry Wilson, New Brunswick’s minister of women’s equality.
“I am honoured to serve as a member of the legislative assembly and thank her for being such a groundbreaking leader and her countless contributions to the political landscape in New Brunswick. What a privilege it is to follow in her footsteps.”
In a statement by Robertson’s family, Doug Robertson and Tracy Langley said they are humbled and grateful to have their mother’s contributions to New Brunswick and Canada memorialized through the Honourable Brenda Robertson Bridge.
“We are immensely proud of her many ‘firsts’ and the impacts that she made during her nearly four decades of service in the legislative assembly of New Brunswick and in the Senate of Canada,” the statement reads.
“We know that she would take tremendous pride in having her unwavering dedication to her community, her province and her country, commemorated by naming the bridge that connects to her home – Riverview – where it all started.”