Brenda Murphy was sworn in as the 32nd lieutenant-governor of New Brunswick in Grand Bay-Westfield on Sept. 8, 2019. From left: Premier Blaine Higgs; Murphy; and Judy Wagner, Secretary to Cabinet, Executive Council Office. (Photo credit: Government of New Brunswick)
New Brunswick’s new lieutenant-governor is at the centre of court action by the Acadian Society of New Brunswick.
The society has filed a petition with the Court of Queen’s Bench over the September appointment of Brenda Murphy.
They say the prime minister violated several sections of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, “the values enshrined in it, and the constitutional principle of protecting the rights of minorities” by appointing a unilingual lieutenant-governor.
Alexandre Cédric, the society’s vice-president, said the French and English communities have equal status under the Charter.
Cédric said having a lieutenant-governor who cannot speak and clearly understand both official languages violates the rights of one of these communities.
“Of course, the challenge is not aimed at the Right Honorable Ms. Murphy personally,” said Cédric in a statement Monday.
Posted by SANB on Monday, December 23, 2019
The Office of the Lieutenant-Governor released its own statement Monday, saying Murphy understands the organization’s perspective and respects its decision to take court action.
Murphy also acknowledged the importance of being able to communicate with New Brunswickers from both official language groups.
“I remain committed to improving my French language skills over the course of my mandate so that I can serve both the French and English communities well,” said Murphy.
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