1969 Fredericton Encaenia

Fergusson, Muriel McQueen

Doctor of Laws (LL.D.)

Orator: MacNutt, W. Stewart

Image
Image Caption
L to R: Muriel McQueen Fergusson, Sir Max Aitken
Second Image Caption
Source: UA PC-4a no.2(7); Photo by Joe Stone

Citation:

ENCAENIA, MAY, 1969
MURIEL MCQUEEN FERGUSSON
to Be Doctor of Laws

Of those we honour today Senator Fergusson is best known within the limits of our provincial capital, but her reputation extends far beyond. Ever since 1943, when the exigencies of the Great War drew her into the Civil Service, her legal knowledge and talents have been unselfishly dedicated to the public welfare. Her influence has transcended the local scene in Fredericton to the national capital at Ottawa, and from there has been projected to the United Nations where her work for UNICEF has been especially notable. Nobody has better represented the grace and decorum that women can bring to public life.

First woman member of the City Council of Fredericton, former President of the New Brunswick Council of Women, a leading proponent of the Women's Institutes, a pillar of the Canadian Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs -- these are but a few of the manifold contributions she has made to her province, her country and the world. lf there are common denominators for her widespread activities they are the humanitarian urges to improve the legal status of women and to aid the weak and afflicted everywhere. Her place in the Red Chamber, held since 1953, has been no easy chair. Unflaggingly and modestly she has answered the demands of public appeal and public necessity. A score of organizations have valued her good counsel and practical assistance. By her example the women of New Brunswick have a most worthy career to follow in the path of public duty.

From: Honoris Causa - UA Case 70, Box 1

Citations may be reproduced for research purposes only. Publication in whole or in part requires written permission from the author.