NB Women’s Liberal Commission / Commission des femmes libérales du N-B

06/21/2026

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Honoring the roots of heritage and the spirit of unity this Indigenous Day. Celebrating the vibrant cultures, traditions, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples on this summer solstice.

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En ce Jour des peuples autochtones, rendons hommage aux racines de ce patrimoine et à l’esprit d’unité. Célébrons les cultures vibrantes, les traditions et les contributions des Premières Nations, des Inuits et des Métis en ce solstice d’été.

06/21/2026

**Bilingual post/Publication bilingue**

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Marilyn Trenholme Counsell. Today, we remember not just her titles, but her extraordinary heart. She used every opportunity and every platform not for herself, but for all of us, our children, and generations to come.

Dr. Trenholme Counsell was never interested in recognition for its own sake. She saw her roles as physician, MLA, Cabinet Minister, Lieutenant Governor, and Canadian Senator as tools to lift others up and create real, lasting change. Tireless in her advocacy for education, literacy, health care, and opportunity, she always focused on what families and children truly needed to thrive.

One of her most transformative contributions was to the Born to Read program. While the project began as a grassroots effort, it was Dr. Trenholme Counsell’s vision and determination as Lieutenant Governor that turned it into a province-wide gift for every family in New Brunswick. Because of her, every newborn leaves the hospital with their first books and every family is welcomed into the community of readers. She ensured the love of reading would be passed on to future generations.

She was a champion for women in leadership, not just by breaking barriers but by reaching back to help others climb. Her kindness, wisdom, and generosity were gifts she shared freely, shaping a province that is more caring, more inclusive, and more just.

We will always remember her words:
"Let us be present for our young people, guide them, and show them that there are better choices, better paths, and better outcomes."

Dr. Marilyn Trenholme Counsell’s legacy is not just in what she accomplished, but in the lives she touched, the opportunities she created, and the hope she inspired. She thought of us, always, and worked for a world where every child and every adult could dream bigger.

We send our heartfelt condolences to her loved ones, friends, former colleagues, and all whose lives she changed for the better. Marilyn’s spirit will live on through her example, her kindness, and the stronger New Brunswick she helped build for all of us. ❤️

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Nous sommes profondément attristées par le décès de la Dre Marilyn Trenholme Counsell. Aujourd’hui, nous ne voulons pas seulement souligner ses titres, mais surtout son immense cœur. Elle a utilisé chaque occasion et chaque rôle, non pas pour elle-même, mais pour nous tous, pour nos enfants et pour les générations futures.

La Dre Trenholme Counsell ne cherchait pas la reconnaissance personnelle. Elle considérait ses fonctions de médecin, députée provinciale, ministre, lieutenante-gouverneure et sénatrice comme des moyens d’aider les autres et de réaliser de vrais changements durables. Elle s’est dévouée à l’éducation, à la littératie, aux soins de santé et à la création de nouvelles opportunités, toujours avec l’objectif d’améliorer la vie des familles et des enfants du Nouveau-Brunswick.

L’une de ses contributions les plus marquantes a été d’élargir le programme Nés pour lire. Ce projet, démarré par des bénévoles locaux, est devenu, grâce à la vision et à la détermination de la Dre Trenholme Counsell lorsqu’elle était lieutenante-gouverneure, un programme offert à toutes les familles du Nouveau-Brunswick. Grâce à elle, chaque nouveau-né repart de l’hôpital avec ses premiers livres, et toutes les familles sont accueillies dans la grande communauté des lecteurs. Elle a ainsi semé l’amour de la lecture pour les générations à venir.

La Dre Trenholme Counsell a aussi été une véritable pionnière pour les femmes en leadership. Non seulement elle a ouvert des portes, mais elle a toujours encouragé et soutenu celles qui voulaient suivre son exemple. Sa bonté, sa sagesse et sa générosité ont marqué profondément notre province, la rendant plus inclusive, plus juste et plus humaine.

Nous garderons toujours en mémoire ses paroles :
" Soyons présentes pour nos jeunes, guidons-les et montrons-leur qu’il existe de meilleurs choix, de meilleurs chemins et de meilleures issues."

L’héritage de la Dre Marilyn Trenholme Counsell ne se mesure pas seulement dans ses réalisations, mais dans toutes les vies qu’elle a touchées, les opportunités qu’elle a créées et l’espoir qu’elle a inspiré. Elle a toujours pensé à nous et elle a travaillé sans relâche pour un monde où chaque enfant et chaque adulte peut rêver plus grand.

Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à sa famille, à ses ami(e)s, à ses ancien(ne)s collègues et à toutes les personnes dont elle a changé la vie pour le mieux. L’esprit de Marilyn restera vivant à travers son exemple, sa bienveillance et le Nouveau-Brunswick meilleur qu’elle a contribué à bâtir pour nous tous. ❤️

06/19/2026

"gender equality and women's empowerment is among the most powerful approaches to achieving peace"

"L'égalité des sexes et l'autonomisation des femmes figurent parmis les moyens les plus puissants de parvenir à la paix "

06/04/2026

Great news! Merveilleuse!

06/01/2026

Ne manquez pas le discours de la première ministre Holt lors du Souper de la cheffe de cette année !
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Tune in to hear Premier Holt deliver her speech for this year's Leader's Dinner!

05/27/2026

Si vous n’avez pas encore de plans pour le 1er juin, venez nous rejoindre au Dîner des leaders!

Le lundi 1er juin, au Casino Nouveau-Brunswick pour une soirée de discussions, de rencontres et d’élan alors que la première ministre Susan Holt partagera sa vision pour l’avenir du Nouveau-Brunswick et les défis à venir pour faire avancer notre province. La soirée débutera par une réception à 17h30, suivie d’un souper à 19h et du discours principal de la première ministre.

Pour obtenir des billets : https://nbliberal.ca/fr/event/souper-de-la-cheffe-2026/?fbclid=IwVERDUASEWpJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAwzNTA2ODU1MzE3MjgAAR4zEuTupSDTLHtei9DDeLGzfIKwlEdqkmWE74YjicELXsvaei-2KvId1ovUHA_aem_ZI7HJypuY5i80P0QCmOKyg

C’est avec grand plaisir que nous vous invitons au Souper du chef 2026. Joignez-vous à d’autres libéraux pour une soirée d’échanges et de rencontres alors que nous nous réunirons pour entendre directement la vision pour l’avenir du Nouveau-Brunswick et le travail à accomplir afin de fa...

05/27/2026

If you don't have plans yet for the June 1st, come join us at the Leaders Dinner!

On Monday, June 1, at Casino New Brunswick for an evening of conversation, connection, and momentum as we hear from Premier Susan Holt about her vision for New Brunswick’s future and the work ahead to move our province forward. The evening begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m. and the Premier’s keynote address.

For tickets:

It is our pleasure to invite you to the 2026 Leader’s Dinner. Join fellow Liberals for an engaging evening of conversation and connection as we gather to hear directly about the vision for New Brunswick’s future and the work ahead to move our province forward.

05/25/2026

Remembering the Famous Five - this is what women can achieve!

In 1928, women in Canada could vote.
They could practice law in some provinces. They could own property. They could run for office in the House of Commons.
But they couldn't be appointed to the Senate.
The reason was a single word in the British North America Act of 1867. The Act said that "qualified persons" could be appointed to the Senate. The Government of Canada — and the Supreme Court of Canada — interpreted the word "persons" to mean men only.
Women, in the eyes of Canadian law, were not persons.
Five women decided to challenge it.
Their names were Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Henrietta Edwards, Louise McKinney, and Irene Parlby. They were from Alberta. They were lawyers, journalists, politicians, social reformers. They had spent decades pushing for women's rights in the West.
They submitted a question to the Supreme Court of Canada: "Does the word 'persons' in Section 24 of the British North America Act include female persons?"
In April 1928, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled unanimously: No.
Women were not persons under the BNA Act. They could not be appointed to the Senate.
The five women appealed.
The appeal went to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London — which at the time was the highest court of appeal for Canada.
On October 18, 1929, the Privy Council overturned the Supreme Court of Canada.
Their ruling stated: "The exclusion of women from all public offices is a relic of days more barbarous than ours."
They ruled that women were, in fact, persons.
Within months, the first woman was appointed to the Canadian Senate — Cairine Wilson, in 1930.
The Famous Five had won.
The case is officially known as the Persons Case.
It is one of the most important legal decisions in Canadian history. Every subsequent expansion of women's rights in this country — equal pay, abortion access, divorce reform, gender equity in the Charter — traces back, directly or indirectly, to that 1929 ruling.
In 1999, a bronze monument of the Famous Five was unveiled on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
It depicts the five of them sitting around a tea table, mid-argument, in the spot where the law that excluded them was written.
Visitors are invited to sit at the empty chair.
The seat is there for you.
A teenager from Brampton. A grandmother from Saskatoon. A trans woman from Vancouver. A new immigrant from Mumbai who became a Canadian last month.
The seat is open.
That's what the Famous Five did.
They made the room.
They made it for us. 🍁
Share if the Famous Five deserve to be on every Canadian's lips. 👇

05/17/2026

International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) 🏳️‍🌈

DYK? Hate crimes targeting 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Canada increased significantly, in 2023: up 69% based on sexual orientation and 37% based on gender identity or expression.

This day and these statistics are a reminder that allies are needed to end hate.

As an ally, you can:

✅ Educate yourself and the people around you.

✅ Speak up against discrimination when you see it.

✅ Actively work to create spaces that are inclusive and welcoming for all.

Together, we are building a New Brunswick where 2SLGBTQIA+ people feel safe and valued. 💜

🔗 Learn how to be an ally: https://egale.ca/awareness/tips-on-how-to-practice-lgbtqi2s-allyship/

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05/14/2026

Moose Hide Campaign Day is a grassroots movement of Indigenous and non-Indigenous men and boys standing up against violence towards women and children.
Today, we honour survivors, remember those we have lost, and recommit ourselves to building communities rooted in respect, safety, and compassion, while continuing the important work of reconciliation.

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La Journée de la Campagne Moose Hide est un mouvement citoyen rassemblant des hommes et des garçons autochtones et non autochtones qui s'unissent contre la violence faite aux femmes et aux enfants.
Aujourd’hui, nous rendons hommage aux survivants, nous nous souvenons de ceux que nous avons perdus et nous réaffirmons notre engagement à bâtir des communautés fondées sur le respect, la sécurité et la compassion, tout en poursuivant l’important travail de réconciliation.