Former Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe MP Claudette Bradshaw, known by many as a lifelong advocate for those in need, has died at the age of 72.
Bradshaw served as an MP for the Liberal Party from 1997 to 2006. Over that period, she served as parliamentary secretary to the minister for international cooperation, minister of state, minister of labour, minister responsible for homelessness and minister responsible for the Francophonie.
Additionally, Bradshaw held the roles of secretary of state for multiculturalism and status of women.
Bradshaw was appointed a member of the Order of New Brunswick in 2009, and the City of Moncton honoured her with the Order of Moncton in 2010.
“Claudette Bradshaw is the voice and defender for the impoverished and underprivileged in our community, “ stated the city.
“Known nationally for the warmth of her trademark hugs, Claudette has made outstanding contributions to the social well being of our city and our residents and touches the hearts of all who she meets.”
In 2020, she was awarded the Human Rights Award of the Province of Brunswick.
Bradshaw founded Moncton Headstart in 1974, a charity that now provides early family intervention and support services to support high-risk children and their families.
Caroline Donelle, Executive Director of Moncton Headstart, said her entire team was profoundly sad to hear of Bradshaw’s passing.
Bradshaw will be remembered as an “innovator” whose legacy continues to impact the community, said Donelle.
“This is a woman who started up a support services daycare for really vulnerable families in need back in the early ’70s, so a massive pioneer for her time,” Donelle said.
She noted thousands of families have benefited from Bradshaw’s “ability to champion a cause that was in need in the community.”
