Mary M. Reid was officially inducted into the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador on January 27, 2026, at a ceremony at Government House in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. This award is the highest individual honour given by the province to people who have made a significant difference in their communities through excellence and achievement.
Reid was recognized for her humanitarian work, specifically for more than 40 years spent advocating for the rights of people with disabilities. According to the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, her career in advocacy began in 1982 when she held a leadership role with Civic #4, a transitional residence that later became the Independent Living Resource Centre.
Over the years, Reid has held several important roles, including serving as the first director of the provincial Disability Policy Office and as Vice‑Chairperson of Accessibility Standards Canada. Her work focused on shaping social policy and improving accessibility across the province, including leading the province’s first Inclusion strategy and a three‑year action plan to identify, remove and prevent barriers experienced by people with disabilities. As reported by VOCM News, Reid was one of eight people to receive the honour this year.
At the event at Government House, recipients were presented with a medal, a certificate, and a lapel pin; the ceremony was presided over by Her Honour the Honourable Joan Marie Aylward, ONL, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador. Local residents can find more details about the ceremony and the other people who were recognized through NTV News, which covered the gathering in the capital city.
Premier Tony Wakeham praised the group, stating their dedication, service and leadership embody the very best of who we are. With the addition of this year’s recipients, there are now 159 people who have been named to the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador.
