Order of New Brunswick

Order of New Brunswick

The Order of New Brunswick was established in December 2000 to "recognize individuals who have demonstrated excellence and achievement and who have made outstanding contributions to the social, cultural or economic well-being of New Brunswick and its residents."

Any Canadian citizen who is a present or former long-term resident of New Brunswick is eligible for nomination. A maximum of 10 individuals may be elected each year. Elected representatives presently serving in the House of Commons, the Senate, the provincial legislature and judges of any court are not eligible for nomination. The Order of New Brunswick may be conferred posthumously if an individual's name has been approved for membership prior to that individual's death, and, in exceptional circumstances, an individual may be nominated after his or her death.

Anyone may nominate an individual for election. An independent group called the Order of New Brunswick Advisory Council recommends the appointment of members to the Order of New Brunswick each year after considering all the nominations received. The council comprises the chairperson, appointed by the executive council; the Chief Justice of New Brunswick (alternating with Queen'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, who are appointed by the executive council.

At a formal ceremony the lieutenant-governor, as chancellor of the Order of New Brunswick, and the premier of the province of New Brunswick present each recipient with a medal in the form of a stylized purple violet, the provincial floral emblem, bearing the shield of arms of New Brunswick surmounted by the Crown.

The medal is worn with a red, gold, and blue ribbon. Recipients also receive a lapel pin and a certificate. Members of the order are entitled to use the initials ONB after their names.