The mayor of Moncton has stepped down after being appointed to the Senate.
Dawn Arnold was one of five new senators appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday.
“The Prime Minister was clear that he expects me to make a significant contribution to the work of the Senate, and to actively be involved in the broad range of challenges and opportunities facing our country,” Arnold wrote in a social media post.
“He also underlined the fact that I will be able to contribute to the work of the Senate in an independent and non-partisan fashion, which is highly appealing to me.”
Arnold became the first woman to serve as mayor of Moncton in 2016. Prior to that, she served one term as a city councillor.
The Prime Minister’s Office describes Arnold as an “accomplished public servant and a valued leader” in the community.
“This is a well-deserved honour and we know she will serve New Brunswickers and Canadians as well as she served our community,” City of Moncton CAO Serge Doucet said in a statement.
“We will miss her leadership, but the City of Moncton will continue to be capably guided by our deputy mayor and council.”
Arnold said while her role is changing, her commitment to the city and to all Monctonians remains unwavering.
“This is not goodbye—this is simply a new chapter in my service to this community and to Canada,” she added.
Deputy Mayor Paulette Thériault will serve in place of the mayor until the next municipal election in May 2026.
All 105 seats in the Senate are now filled following Friday’s appointments.
