The keynote speaker was the Vice-President of UNB Saint John, Dr. Petra Hauf,  who focused on the challenges of living with acceptance and inclusion in our daily life. The lieutenant Governor of NB, the Honourable Brenda Murphy and local MLA's including Trevor Holder, Gary Crossman, Bill Oliver and Glenn Savoie attended the event. Four local Mayors ( Saint John, Grand-Bay Westfield, Quispamsis and Rothesay) came together to support the diversity champions.

Diversity Champion Awards winners were : ERB Builders Ltd. in Small Business category, Christine Roy in Education & Heritage category, Seun Richards from Door2Door Pickup Couriers in Immigrant Entrepreneur category, Wyndham Hotels and Resort in Corporate Business category, Feyrous, Rober, Mary and Angel from FAR Away Kitchen in Youth Leaders category, Don Darling in Community Leader category, and Sheila Croteau (posthumous) in Honorary Award category.

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A congratulation message from Mayor of Quispamsis, Libby O’Hara

"What a great night of celebration last night. The 40th Anniversary is a true milestone. Your enthusiasm and leadership, encourage all of us to strive to always do better.

I was honoured to take part in a small way and to be in the presence of so many people who contribute to improving our region, on a daily basis. Being inclusive, and embracing diversity fills in the voids in our identity. We need to be responsible and unite our world, one step at a time, one neighbour at a time, and one shared meal at a time. We need to respect our cultures as a foundation to build a new identity of trust, respect, sharing and community. As we say, together we are stronger. Our region is stronger and we are better, kinder people.

Thank you for leading us to strive for our potential in standing united.

Libby"