Brenda Robertson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Brenda Mary Robertson
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| Senator for Riverview, New Brunswick | |
| In office December 21, 1984 – May 23, 2004 |
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| Appointed by | Brian Mulroney |
| MLA for Albert | |
| In office 1967–1971 Serving with Claude D. Taylor
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| Preceded by | Claude D. Taylor / Everett E. Newcombe |
| In office 1971–1974 Serving with Malcolm MacLeod
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| Succeeded by | Malcolm MacLeod |
| MLA for Riverview | |
| In office 1974–1984 |
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| Preceded by | Riding created in 1974. |
| Succeeded by | Hubert Seamans |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 23, 1929 Sussex, New Brunswick |
| Died | September 23, 2020 (aged 91) Riverview, New Brunswick |
| Political party | Conservative Progressive Conservative (1984–2004) |
| Other political affiliations |
Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick |
| Spouse | Wilmont "Willie" Robertson |
| Children | 3 |
| Profession | Politician |
| Cabinet | Minister of Social Program Reform (1982–1984) Minister of Health (1976 & 1978–1982) Minister of Social Services (1972–1974) Minister of Welfare (1971–1972) Minister of Youth (1970–1974) |
| Committees | Chairman, Standing Committee on Privileges, Standing Rules and Orders (1991–1996) |
Brenda Mary Robertson was an important Canadian politician. She was born Brenda Mary Tubb on May 23, 1929. She passed away on September 23, 2020.
Brenda Robertson made history in New Brunswick. She was the first woman ever elected to the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick. This is like the provincial parliament where laws are made. She was also the first woman to become a cabinet minister in the province. A cabinet minister is in charge of a government department. Later, she became a Senator, serving in Canada's national parliament.
Life of a Trailblazer
Brenda Robertson was born in Sussex, New Brunswick. She started her political career in 1967. That year, she was elected to the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick. She represented the area of Albert.
She was re-elected four more times. She served for the Riverview area from 1974. In 1970, she became the Youth Minister. This was a big step for women in politics.
Brenda Robertson held many important roles. She was the Minister of Social Welfare. She also served as Minister of Social Services. Later, she became the Minister of Health. Her last cabinet role was Minister for Social Program Reform.
She continued to serve in the Legislative Assembly until 1984. On December 21, 1984, she was appointed to the Senate of Canada. As a Senator, she represented Riverview, New Brunswick. She was part of the Progressive Conservative and later the Conservative parties. She retired from the Senate in 2004, on her 75th birthday.
Special Honours
Brenda Robertson received many special awards for her work. In 2004, she was made a Member of the Order of New Brunswick. This award recognized her hard work and dedication. It honored her commitment to serving the people of New Brunswick and Canada.
In 2008, she received another high honour. She was made a Member of the Order of Canada. This award is one of the highest honours in Canada. It recognized her as a "trailblazer." This means she was a pioneer and a role model for women in politics. She opened doors for others to follow.
She also received special degrees from universities. In 1973, she got an honorary degree from Mount St. Vincent University. In 1983, she received another honorary degree from the University of Moncton. An honorary degree is a special title given by a university. It is given to honor someone's important achievements, not for studying there.
