2025 Order of New Brunswick recipients

The award honours current or former long-time residents of New Brunswick who have demonstrated a high level of individual excellence and achievement in any field, having made outstanding contributions to the social, cultural or economic well-being of New Brunswick and its residents.

William Lloyd Hoyt was born in Saint John, and grew up in Fredericton Junction, Brownville Junction (Maine); and Woodstock. He earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree at Acadia University in 1952 before studying law at Emmanuel College, University of Cambridge, where he received a BA in Law in 1956 and an MA in 1979.

Called to the New Brunswick Bar in 1957, Mr. Hoyt began his legal career at the Fredericton firm Limerick & Limerick, becoming a partner in 1959. The firm subsequently became Hoyt, Mockler, Allen and Dixon. He also contributed to legal education as a part-time lecturer at the University of New Brunswick Law School. Mr. Hoyt led by example throughout his career: as a dedicated lawyer, lecturer at Bar Admission, trial judge, judge of the Court of Appeal, and Chief Justice of the Province of New Brunswick from 1993 to 1998. He devoted significant effort to building the professional capacity of the province's legal and judicial community, leaving a lasting legacy of excellence and leadership.

Throughout his life, Mr. Hoyt has inspired others to think more globally and compassionately, fostering unity and mutual support in the legal community and beyond. His influence extended to the international stage, including his vital contributions to the Peace Process in Northern Ireland. As one of three Commonwealth Judges on the Bloody Sunday Tribunal of Inquiry, which investigated the tragic events of January 30, 1972, in Derry, Northern Ireland, his work had a profound impact on justice and reconciliation.

In addition to his legal achievements, Mr. Hoyt has been deeply committed to his community. For eight years, he was a member of the Board of Governors of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, where he also chaired the Acquisitions Committee.

His career achievements and community contributions have been recognized with numerous honours, including the Queen’s Counsel designation, commemorative medals, honorary degrees (St. Thomas, UNB, Acadia and Emmanuel College), and his appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2007.

William Hoyt’s enduring contributions to law, justice, international peace, and community development have made a profound impact locally, nationally, and globally. For his outstanding accomplishments, William Hoyt is receiving the Order of New Brunswick.

Richard "Rick" Hutchins is widely recognized for his dedication to community development, education, music, and environmental sustainability. Born in Montreal, Mr. Hutchins has spent his adult life fostering grassroots initiatives in New Brunswick—his adopted home—leaving a profound impact on the province.

Mr. Hutchins co-designed and taught the Community Problem Solving and Policy course at the University of New Brunswick’s Renaissance College from 2002 to 2024. Through his extensive network of community organizations—including the Premier's Council on Disabilities, The Nature Trust, Autism Connections, and Ducks Unlimited—he connected students’ interests with critical community needs. His courses empowered generations of graduates, providing access to career connections, mentoring, skills training, and personal support.

Outside the classroom, Mr. Hutchins contributed to initiatives in job readiness, public policy, education, and sustainability. He has trained individuals in literacy and networking, mentored youth, and worked in programs such as the National Adult Literacy Database. Mr. Hutchins also served in key roles, including staff with the Premier’s Community Non-Profit Task Force, advisor to the New Brunswick Home Care Industry, and manager of the New Brunswick Food Security Action Network. His tenure at Autism Connections transformed the organization’s capacity to support families across the province.

Mr. Hutchins’s immense passion for the arts led him to co-found the Harvest Jazz & Blues and River Jam Festivals in Fredericton, which fund music programs and unite musicians province-wide. The Diane London Award, another of Mr. Hutchins’s contributions, celebrates women’s achievements in music and the arts. Recently, he founded the Trail Folk Music Festival in Minto, showcasing local talent while fostering tourism and community pride.

His inclusive and visionary leadership continues to strengthen communities, build partnerships, and promote a brighter future for New Brunswick.

Richard “Rick” Hutchins embodies the values celebrated by the Order of New Brunswick. His work in grassroots development, music, education, and sustainability inspires New Brunswickers and uplifts the province. He is receiving this recognition for his remarkable achievements and for his dedication and service to his community. 

Dr. Rodney Ouellette, physician, scientist, published researcher and educator, embodies dedicated leadership in serving the people of New Brunswick.

After earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biochemistry at the Université de Moncton, he continued his studies at Université Laval, where he obtained his Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and Ph.D. in cellular and molecular biology in 1996. He then completed his residency in family medicine at the Université de Sherbrooke in 1998.

A proud New Brunswicker, Dr. Ouellette made it his mission to build a medical research network in his home province. Upon returning to the Dr. Georges‑L.‑Dumont Regional Hospital in 1998, he founded the Beauséjour Medical Research Institute, now known as the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute (ACRI).

Under his leadership, ACRI has become a centre of excellence in health research, attracting major research funding to the province for the first time. These successes have laid the groundwork for several structuring initiatives, including the establishment of the R.R. Leger-New Brunswick Health Research Foundation research chair and the New Brunswick Centre for Precision Medicine. His research has led to the development of blood tests that facilitate better detection of cancer and guide decisions on treatment. These advances are helping to improve cancer patient prognoses. Through ACRI, Dr. Ouellette has also helped build partnerships with hospitals, universities and other institutions to improve cancer treatment for patients in the area.

Thanks to Dr. Ouellette’s leadership and tenacity, New Brunswick now boasts world-renowned cancer research capabilities. Today, ACRI is home to a growing team of scientists specializing in fields such as genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics, to name a few. His mentorship has helped shape a first generation of scientific leaders who today contribute to society in the areas of healthcare, academia, government agencies and the industrial sector.

In addition to his scientific role, Dr. Ouellette is a consulting physician for Vitalité Health Network’s Molecular Genetics Laboratory and an associate professor of biochemistry at the Université de Moncton. Throughout his career, he has received numerous honours, including alumnus of the year from the Fondation Louis-J.-Robichaud (2006), alumnus of the year from the Université de Moncton’s faculty of science (2009), Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012), Local Hero from Prostate Cancer Canada (2016), and King Charles III’s Coronation Medal (2025).

Dr. Rodney Ouellette is receiving the Order of New Brunswick in recognition of his outstanding contribution in the field of cancer research, his dedication to patient care and his invaluable contribution to the province’s scientific community.

Danielle Pelletier is a key figure in the field of therapeutic services for preschool children on the autism spectrum. As a speech-language pathologist, behaviour analyst, and CEO and founder of VIVA Therapeutic Services, she plays a key role in New Brunswick and beyond.

Originally from Balmoral, Ms. Pelletier is known for her insightful leadership and strategic vision. In 1996, she joined the Paediatric Team at the Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation, where she found her passion for therapeutic services for children on the autism spectrum.

She founded VIVA, formerly known as Autism Intervention Services, in 2009, offering services in the Fredericton area. In 2017, she led the province-wide expansion of her innovative program in cooperation with the Government of New Brunswick. Under her leadership, VIVA has made a name for itself. Its services are based on scientific data and put the dignity and unique needs of each child first. The programs are offered in both English and French, ensuring equal access to families across the province. The organization’s services are available to all families with a preschool-aged child on the autism spectrum.

In 2022, Ms. Pelletier launched the Pelletier Trust Fund for Education and Development. This fund supports employees in their training and career development. That same year, VIVA Therapeutic Services won the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce’s Large Business Award. And in 2023, she was named one of Atlantic Business Magazine’s top 50 CEOs.

Danielle Pelletier is receiving the Order of New Brunswick for her exceptional dedication to autistic preschool-aged children and their families. Her work has transformed the lives of many families and redefined the standards for therapeutic services in the province. This award recognizes her visionary leadership, compassion and commitment to building a better future for the generations to come.

Cherrill Edwina Shea has dedicated her life to breaking barriers, advancing education, advocating human rights and civil liberties, and serving her community with distinction.  Ms. Shea was born in Saint John and earned a bachelor of arts in 1969 and a bachelor of laws in 1972, both from the University of New Brunswick (UNB). She was one of only five women in her law school class. She was called to the provincial bar as a barrister and solicitor in 1972, and 50 years later was designated as a life member of the Law Society of New Brunswick.

Beginning her legal career at a prominent law firm in Saint John, Ms. Shea quickly made a name for herself in litigation. Her career took her to New York City, where she worked on high-profile corporate cases and international disputes. She then transitioned into the telecommunications sector where she took on leadership roles in the emerging wireless telecoms industry and used her legal expertise to navigate this heavily regulated and evolving field.

Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Shea has been a passionate philanthropist and advocate for education and human rights. She has been funding major scholarships for nursing and health sciences students, as well as law students at UNB, for more than a decade. She has also made provisions to ensure these scholarships are established in perpetuity. As well, Ms. Shea serves on the Dean’s Advisory Council at UNB Law School.

Ms. Shea’s accomplishments have been recognized with numerous honours, including the 2022 Proudly UNB Alumni Award of Distinction.  Her legacy of leadership, mentorship, and giving back exemplifies her commitment to building a stronger community.

For her groundbreaking career, tireless support of education and human rights, and dedication to her province, Cherrill Edwina Shea is being awarded the Order of New Brunswick, the province’s highest honour.