Robert Irving, Debbie McInnis, Brian Murphy To Receive Order of Moncton
MONCTON – J.D. Irving, Ltd. co-CEO Robert K. Irving, United Way Greater Moncton and Southeast New Brunswick CEO Debbie McInnis and former mayor Brian Murphy are this year’s recipients of the Order of Moncton.
Robert K. Irving established his home and business in Moncton in the late 1980s, becoming a driver of industry, a business leader, community supporter, and philanthropist.
With businesses in the forestry, agriculture, food processing, transportation and shipbuilding sectors, Irving employs more than 2,000 people in Greater Moncton. He was inducted into the New Brunswick Business Hall of Fame in 2014.
He has also advised on various economic development initiatives, including as founding chair for the regional Economic Leadership Council for 3+ Corporation.
Additionally, he chaired three major giving campaigns for the Friends of the Moncton Hospital and has made significant donations to many other causes like the YW Jean E.S. Irving Centre for Women and Children, Moncton Headstart, the Atlantic Wellness Centre and a recent $1-million donation to the Food Depot Alimentaire.
Irving is also known for his continued support for Moncton’s youth, social welfare, recreational sports, service clubs, healthcare, and the arts. This includes developing the Moncton Wildcats into one of the most successful, crowd-pleasing franchises in the QMJHL.
Irving has many awards to his name, including the extremely rare centennial Paul Harris Fellowship Award, awarded on the 100th anniversary of four Rotary Clubs in 2020.
Debbie McInnis is described as “a tireless champion in the fight against poverty, discrimination, illiteracy and social indifference” who is known for her effective leadership and problem-solving abilities.
She joined United Way in 2004 to help broaden the scope of the organization’s activities, focusing on community impact. Under her leadership, the organization now funds 28 programs across 26 frontline agencies.
Before that, she served at Laubach Literacy New Brunswick, an organization that helps adult learners improve their math, writing, and reading skills.
McInnis was a founding member and driver for the Community Peace Centre, and the creator and founder of the Inspiration Cafe, which provides employment and work skills for marginalized people.
When the pandemic struck and forced schools to close earlier this year, she organized the preparation and delivery of more than 24,000 bagged lunched, including Halal meals, to ensure food security for marginalized families.
She also contributes to various boards, committees and initiatives focused on tackling Monton’s most pressing social issues, including immigration, inclusion, homelessness, and literacy organizations, among others.
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Brian Murphy is a former city councillor, mayor (1998-2004), member of parliament and lawyer who is known for spearheading an unprecedented number of transformative achievements for Moncton. That includes declaring it as Canada’s first officially bilingual city in 2002.
He was also involved in the transformation of the former CN lands into a multi-sport complex, the building of Moncton’s new water treatment facility, the renovation of the Moncton Market and the founding of the Atlantic Seafood Festival, among others.
Murphy opened of parks and monuments recognizing the city’s diverse cultural groups, like the Irish Families Memorial Cross, Israël Park, the Jewish Monument, and Sommet Park. He also established the annual lighting of the Menorah at City Hall.
In 2004, he was awarded Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres, Republic of France for helping bring the Alliance Française to Moncton.
Murphy also actively supports various causes, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Open Hands Food Bank, and others.
Mayor Dawn Arnold says Irving, McInnis and Murphy “stand among the great weavers of our growing community’s strong and vibrant social fabric.”
The recipients were chosen by a committee made up of elected municipal officials, three Moncton residents, and a representative of City staff.
Normally, recipients receive a medal, a pin and a certificate of honour at an induction ceremony at the City Hall. However, due to Covid-19 restrictions, the city will decide in the coming weeks on whether a physical ceremony will take place or not.