Born: 1958 or 1959
Biography:
Brenda Murphy ONB is a Canadian activist and politician, best known for her advocacy on poverty and domestic violence issues. She was born in either 1958 or 1959. Murphy made history on September 8, 2019, when she became the 32nd lieutenant governor of New Brunswick, becoming the first openly LGBTQ person to hold any viceregal office in Canadian history.
Prior to her appointment as lieutenant governor, Murphy served as a municipal councillor in Grand Bay-Westfield and was the executive director of the Saint John Women’s Empowerment Network in Saint John. Throughout her career, she has worked tirelessly to empower women and address the challenges faced by marginalized communities.
Murphy’s dedication to social justice led her to serve on a federal advisory council on poverty and New Brunswick’s advisory council on the status of women. Through these roles, she has been instrumental in shaping policies and initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and improving the lives of women in her community.
As lieutenant governor, Murphy has continued her commitment to making a positive impact. Her tenure as the province’s first openly LGBTQ lieutenant governor has been marked by her unwavering support for marginalized communities and her efforts to promote inclusivity and equality. She has used her platform to champion LGBTQ rights and advocate for a more compassionate and inclusive society.
Despite her groundbreaking achievements, Murphy faced a legal challenge to her appointment as lieutenant governor in April 2022. The Court of Queen’s Bench of New Brunswick ruled that her appointment violated the bilingual status of the province under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, citing her unilingual English-speaking background. This ruling generated significant discussions around language rights and the need for greater diversity in viceregal offices.
On a personal note, Murphy is an out lesbian and resides in Grand Bay-Westfield. Her partner Linda Boyle has accompanied her on official engagements, including a visit to King Charles III at Buckingham Palace in November 2022. Murphy’s personal life and public role have served as an inspiration to many, highlighting the importance of LGBTQ representation in positions of leadership.
Throughout her career, Brenda Murphy has proven herself to be a dedicated advocate, compassionate leader, and trailblazer for LGBTQ rights. Her passion for social justice and her commitment to creating a more equitable society have left a lasting impact on the province of New Brunswick and beyond.