City of Moncton announces 2024 Order of Moncton recipients 2024-11-25

A community leader, a long-time mayor and councillor, a dedicated advocate – the 2024 Order of Moncton recipients represent a broad array of exceptional contributions to the City of Moncton.

The 2024 inductees are:

• John Dallaire
• George LeBlanc
• Deborah Warren

“We have an outstanding group of inductees this year,” says Moncton Mayor Dawn Arnold. “John, George, and Debby have each given back to our community in unique ways and all three have made a lasting impact. We are proud to recognize them with the City’s top honour.”

The Order of Moncton is the highest honour the City can bestow on a citizen. Recipients receive a medal, a pin, and a certificate of honour at the formal induction ceremony, to be held at Moncton City Hall on Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024. The ceremony will be livestreamed on the City of Moncton’s YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@city-ville-moncton) beginning at 7 p.m. A public reception will take place at 8 p.m. that evening at City Hall.

Recipients are chosen by a selection committee comprised of elected municipal officials, three residents of Moncton, and a representative of the City of Moncton administration, from nominations submitted by community members.

John Dallaire

John Dallaire is the type of citizen every city wishes they had more of. When Dallaire recognizes a need, rather than grumbling that “someone” should do something, he rallies the troops and takes action.

The annual Three Mountain Relay – Relais trois montagnes is one example. After witnessing the stigma surrounding mental health and the difficulties in accessing services, Dallaire and a group of friends organized the walking and running relay to raise funds for mental health. As their event gained traction, it became clear just how many individuals in the community were struggling in silence.

The event has become not only a fundraiser, but a catalyst for mental health advocacy.

Dallaire and his group soon turned their attention to another pressing issue: food insecurity in urban schools and began finding ways to financially support breakfast programs in schools where the need was greatest.

Dallaire also founded the 8 at 8 program, where people gather every Saturday morning at the YMCA for a run or walk. This event, which has become a staple in the lives of many, fosters inclusivity by bringing together newcomers, locals, and regulars of all ages. A donation of two dollars is encouraged, with the funds matched annually by local businesses and used to purchase grocery cards for schools in need.

To date, Dallaire and his friends have raised more than $400,000 for these initiatives.

Dallaire is an exemplary leader, mentor, and friend. His enthusiasm for Moncton is unparallelled and he has inspired countless others to contribute to making Moncton a better place.

George LeBlanc

George LeBlanc is indisputably one of Moncton’s most influential citizens. As a long-time public servant and community leader he has had a deep and lasting impact on the city.

LeBlanc served three terms as a City of Moncton councillor, from 1995-2004, and two terms as mayor, from 2008-2016.

He was at the helm in June 2014 during a two-day hunt for a gunman who killed three members of the RCMP and injured two more. In a time of grief and chaos and fear, LeBlanc was a calm and steadying influence. He effectively led the city not only during the initial days of the tragedy, but in the weeks and months that followed, bringing the shattered community together and helping it get back on its feet. His quiet and capable leadership was recognized across the country and around the world.

One of LeBlanc’s greatest legacies is the Avenir Centre, a project he championed during his term as mayor. The Centre had many critics, but LeBlanc had a clear vision of the value it would bring to the city and the downtown core, a vision that has been affirmed in the years since the Centre opened its doors.

In addition to his work on Moncton City Council, LeBlanc was deeply involved in the community, particularly with Moncton Headstart, where he served on the board for many years. The charity provides early child and family intervention services to support at-risk children and their families.

It is fitting that LeBlanc be named to the Order of Moncton as he created the recognition during his first term as mayor as a way to celebrate citizens who have made exceptional contributions to the community.

Deborah Warren

Deborah Warren’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of marginalized individuals and vulnerable populations in our community has had a profound and lasting impact on Moncton.

Warren has fearlessly tackled some of the most difficult societal issues.

She was an advocate for those with HIV/AIDS at a time when individuals living with the illness were ostracized from their families, health care, and other supports. She developed programs to educate the public and personally provided support and comfort to many individuals and families.

In response to the elevated suicide risk among 2SLGBTQI+ youth, Warren developed the Safe Space Program, which provided vital support, education, resources, and guidance to hundreds of youth, their families, and teachers, as well as the broader public.

Warren has also provided essential support to those struggling with addiction, advocating for and leading harm reduction programs, raising awareness of the needs of these individuals, and promoting public understanding. The programs and initiatives developed under her direction as executive director of ENSEMBLE Greater/Grand Moncton have impacted countless lives.

Warren’s personal commitment to social justice is evident in her tireless efforts to advocate for systemic changes that improve the well-being of marginalized populations. Her approach to service is rooted in compassion, inclusivity, and resilience. She has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to bring diverse stakeholders together, fostering collaboration among service providers, city officials, and community organizations. This collaborative spirit has resulted in more integrated and effective services for individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction in Moncton.

Information

Communications, City of Moncton
communications@moncton.ca

High-resolution photos available to media upon request