UNB grants honorary doctorates to deserving individuals who exemplify those values cherished by its Academic Community.
George Vair will be awarded an honorary doctorate of letters at the fall graduation ceremony on the Saint John campus.
George Vair is a labour leader, educator, historian, and community advocate whose contributions have shaped the labour movement in Saint John, New Brunswick and across Canada.
For more than five decades, he has worked to improve the lives of working people while preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the labour movement.
Born in Saint John, George began his working life in the Royal Canadian Navy before joining Canada Wire and Cable. He later served as a business agent and service representative with the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, representing workers and advocating for fair working conditions. Throughout his career, he held leadership positions with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the United Automobile Workers, the Saint John and District Labour Council, and the New Brunswick Federation of Labour.
George is widely respected for his service on labour-management and administrative tribunals, including the Unemployment Insurance Board of Referees, the New Brunswick Labour Management Committee, the Industrial Relations Board, and the Expedited Arbitration Committee. While representing lawyers during arbitration boards, he advocated for employees’ rights. Colleagues recognized his ability to build consensus, resolve disputes, and advance fair outcomes through knowledge, integrity and respect.
A lifelong learner, George pursued studies in labour relations, economics, sociology, and political science while working full-time. He went on to teach labour education programs and develop training resources for union members. His publications include The Struggle Against Wage Controls: The Saint John Story, 1975–1976, and Lives Lived: Short Biographies of Former Saint John Labour Leaders; works which preserve important chapters of New Brunswick’s labour history.
He played a central role in establishing the Frank and Ella Hatheway Labour Exhibit Centre, and in creating the Day of Mourning Monument in Rockwood Park, a memorial dedicated to workers who lost their lives, suffered injuries, or developed illnesses on the job.
George’s commitment to education, social justice and community service has left a profound impact on New Brunswick, and serves as an enduring example of citizenship and public leadership.
Hayley Wickenheiser will be awarded an honorary doctorate of science at the fall graduation ceremony on the Fredericton campus.
Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser is an Olympic champion, physician, author, and advocate whose achievements on and off the ice have inspired Canadians for more than three decades.
Regarded as one of the greatest players in women's hockey history, Hayley joined Canada’s national women’s hockey team at the age of 15, representing her country for 23 years.
Throughout her extraordinary career, she won four Olympic gold medals and one silver medal, as well as seven gold medals and six silver medals at the International Ice Hockey Federation’s Women’s World Hockey Championship. She remains Team Canada’s all-time Olympic leader in assists and points, and ranks among the greatest scorers in IIHF Women’s World Championship history.
Following her professional hockey career, Hayley fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a physician. She earned degrees in kinesiology, science, and medicine from the University of Calgary and completed her medical training while serving as Assistant General Manager of Player Development with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Her work in family and emergency medicine reflects a deep commitment to improving the well-being of others.
A passionate advocate for youth development and access to sport, Hayley has supported organizations including Right to Play, KidSport, Project North and Canadian Tire Jumpstart. In 2009, she founded WickFest, an annual event that combines competition, mentorship, and skills development for thousands of young female hockey players.
Hayley is an Officer of the Order of Canada, a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and the IIHF Hall of Fame, and a recipient of numerous honours recognizing her leadership and service. Her career reflects excellence, perseverance, and an enduring commitment to creating opportunities for others.
