Cape Breton University is delighted to honour and recognize a man who has spent his career dedicated to the Acadian culture and communities in Nova Scotia through his work in the justice system and as the first person of Acadian descent to serve as the Crown’s representative, The Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc.
Arthur Joseph LeBlanc was installed as the 33rd Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia on 28 June 28 2017 and is the first person of Acadian descent to serve as the Crown’s representative in the province. His Honour was born in West Arichat, Nova Scotia in 1943 and attended primary and secondary schools in that region. He graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in 1964 with a Bachelor of Commerce Degree and he earned a Bachelor of Laws Degree from Dalhousie University in 1968. Following graduation, he was admitted to the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society in November 1968. His Honour practiced law for over 30 years, initially as an associate of Vincent deP Burke and subsequently as senior partner of the law firm LeBlanc MacDonald and Pickup and this firm was succeeded by LeBlanc MacDonald. He maintained a solicitor’s practice and subsequently concentrated his practice in civil litigation. In 1983, His Honour was appointed as Queen’s Counsel (now King’s Counsel) in recognition of his distinguished law career. While practicing law, His Honour served as a Director with several Crown corporations and development authorities. He was also active with the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society and the Strait of Canso Barristers’ Society. In 1998, he was appointed as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia (General Division) and served on the bench until he was installed as Lieutenant Governor. His Honour is the Chancellor of the Order of Nova Scotia, Vice-Prior and Knight of Justice of the Order of St. John, and the recipient of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal 2002 and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal 2022.
In 1996, the province of Nova Scotia government established the Conseil scolaire acadian provincial (provincial Acadian school board), but left the decision whether to build a French-language school up to the Minister. In 1999, plans to build five secondary schools were cancelled, leading Acadian parents to file an appeal. Justice Arthur LeBlanc of the Nova Scotia Supreme Court invalidated the province’s decision, arguing the urgent need to take action to counter the disturbing rate of assimilation among young Acadians. Although the province contested the judge’s requirement to submit reports on the progress achieved, the Supreme Court found in his favour in 2002 and essentially changed the educational landscape for acadian children across the province.
His Honour is married to Her Honour Rosemarie Patricia (Patsy) LeBlanc. Together, they have three grown sons, Pierre, André, and Robert. They have six grandchildren. Over the course of his time in office, His Honour has focused his mandate on matters related to higher education, the performing arts, veteran recognition, Acadian history and heritage, and Crown-Indigenous relations.
Today, Cape Breton University confers the degree Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, on a man whose played a key role in how education is offered and represented in Acadian communities across Nova Scotia, The Honourable Arthur J. LeBlanc.
Cape Breton University is delighted to honour and recognize a woman whose warmth and charm are only reviled by her dedication to her community, her family and representing the Crown alongside her husband, Her Honour Her Honour Rosemarie Patricia (Patsy) LeBlanc.
Rosemarie Patricia (Patsy) LeBlanc was born on September 21, 1944 in Beresford, New Brunswick. She is the eldest of seven children of the late Gerard Lirette and Thérèse Pitre. She attended schools in Barachois, New Brunswick. Her Honour was a nun with the Les Filles de Jésus for six years. She attended Teacher’s College at Collège Maillet. After completing her studies in 1968, she taught school in New Brunswick and Cape Breton retiring in 1972 to stay home with her children. Their Honours were married in 1970 and they have three grown sons, Pierre, André, and Robert. They have six grandchildren. Volunteering has been a big part of Her Honour’s life. She served on numerous boards and has involved herself in many fundraising efforts. She enjoyed helping in her children’s schools and visiting patients in seniors’ homes and hospitals. She is presently volunteering in the chemotherapy department at the Victoria General Hospital in Halifax. Her Honour is also involved with Look Good Feel Better, a program that is dedicated to improving the quality of life and self-esteem of women undergoing cancer treatment. Their Honours are very interested in the performing arts, in particular young and emerging artists. Their Honours also enjoy traveling.
Today, Cape Breton University confers the degree Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, on a woman dedicated to education, the perseverance of culture and love of community and family, Her Honour Rosemarie Patricia (Patsy) LeBlanc.