Board Members
Established by government in 2004, the role of the New Brunswick Insurance Board (NBIB) is to regulate auto insurance rates for all companies doing business in NB.
Although the Board was created by government, it was established to be an independent body, operating as an administrative tribunal, separate from government. The Board’s activities are reported through a separately published annual report and the Board appears before the Legislature’s Standing Committee on Crown Corporations to answer any questions that MLAs may have.
The Board consists of a Chair, Vice-Chair and 8-10 members. The membership of the Board consists of a cross-section of New Brunswick citizens from various regions of the province and with a wide ranging variety of backgrounds. Board members, including the Vice-Chair are appointed for three-year terms and can be reappointed. The Chair is appointed to a non-renewable ten-year term.
Although the Board was created by government, it was established to be an independent body, operating as an administrative tribunal, separate from government. The Board’s activities are reported through a separately published annual report and the Board appears before the Legislature’s Standing Committee on Crown Corporations to answer any questions that MLAs may have.
The Board consists of a Chair, Vice-Chair and 8-10 members. The membership of the Board consists of a cross-section of New Brunswick citizens from various regions of the province and with a wide ranging variety of backgrounds. Board members, including the Vice-Chair are appointed for three-year terms and can be reappointed. The Chair is appointed to a non-renewable ten-year term.
Marie-Claude Doucet, Dieppe
Chair
Marie-Claude Doucet was appointed as Chair of the New Brunswick Insurance Board in October 2016. She completed a Bachelor of Psychology degree from the Université de Moncton followed by her law degree from the same university. She subsequently earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Saint Mary’s University before being admitted to the New Brunswick Bar in 2008.
Prior to her appointment to the Board, Ms. Doucet practiced law with Bossé Viola LeBlanc, where she focused her practice in civil litigation, specifically in insurance law.
Ms. Doucet is a member of multiple associations, including the Law Society of New Brunswick, the Canadian Bar Association, the Moncton Area Lawyers Association, the Association des juristes d’expression française du Nouveau-Brunswick, the Foundation of Administrative Justice and the Council of Canadian Administrative Tribunals. Ms. Doucet is also a Member of the Board of Directors for the Canadian Automobile Insurance Rate Regulators Association.
Prior to her appointment to the Board, Ms. Doucet practiced law with Bossé Viola LeBlanc, where she focused her practice in civil litigation, specifically in insurance law.
Ms. Doucet is a member of multiple associations, including the Law Society of New Brunswick, the Canadian Bar Association, the Moncton Area Lawyers Association, the Association des juristes d’expression française du Nouveau-Brunswick, the Foundation of Administrative Justice and the Council of Canadian Administrative Tribunals. Ms. Doucet is also a Member of the Board of Directors for the Canadian Automobile Insurance Rate Regulators Association.
Marven Grant, Fredericton
Vice-Chair
Marven Grant was appointed as Vice Chair of the New Brunswick Insurance Board in October 2019. He is a graduate of Dalhousie University with a Certificate in Municipal Administration and completed a leadership training program at the University of New Brunswick. His career spanned 40 years with the City of Fredericton and retired in 2010 as Director of Finance/City Treasurer. He served as a member of the school board, York Foundation, and currently Vice Chair of the City of Fredericton Shared Risk Pension Plan. He is a Toastmaster.
He is married to Cheryl and has (3) adult children and (1) granddaughter.
Life motto: A steadfast adherence to moral and ethical principles and values.
Mr. Grant has served on the New Brunswick Insurance Board since 2019 and had also served as a Board member from 2013 to 2016.
He is married to Cheryl and has (3) adult children and (1) granddaughter.
Life motto: A steadfast adherence to moral and ethical principles and values.
Mr. Grant has served on the New Brunswick Insurance Board since 2019 and had also served as a Board member from 2013 to 2016.
Ferne Ashford, Fredericton
Ferne Ashford graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with an Honours in History from St. Thomas University in 1994 and an LL. B. from the University of New Brunswick in 1997.
Ms. Ashford is the owner/operator of Ashford Law and Dispute Resolution located in Fredericton, New Brunswick. She has been practicing law for over 25 years in the areas of family law, real estate, and wills and estates. On November 29th, 2021, Ms. Ashford received her designation as King's Counsel, an honorary designation given to lawyers who have demonstrated outstanding practice, shown integrity and leadership, and made contributions to excellence in the profession. She has been a volunteer in the legal community throughout her career and is currently the Chairperson of the Lawyers Assistance Program Committee, a Member of the Law Society of New Brunswick, and the Canadian Bar Association.
Ms. Ashford has served on the New Brunswick Insurance Board since 2019 and had also served as a Board member from 2006 to 2016.
Ms. Ashford is the owner/operator of Ashford Law and Dispute Resolution located in Fredericton, New Brunswick. She has been practicing law for over 25 years in the areas of family law, real estate, and wills and estates. On November 29th, 2021, Ms. Ashford received her designation as King's Counsel, an honorary designation given to lawyers who have demonstrated outstanding practice, shown integrity and leadership, and made contributions to excellence in the profession. She has been a volunteer in the legal community throughout her career and is currently the Chairperson of the Lawyers Assistance Program Committee, a Member of the Law Society of New Brunswick, and the Canadian Bar Association.
Ms. Ashford has served on the New Brunswick Insurance Board since 2019 and had also served as a Board member from 2006 to 2016.
Carol Dixon, Quispamsis
Carol Dixon is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). She achieved a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of New Brunswick (UNB) and subsequently completed her Certified Management Accountant designation and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UNB.
Ms. Dixon worked in the private sector as Controller/Financial Manager of various companies in Saint John before taking a position with the Provincial Government in Fredericton to work in various areas of Economic Development.
Ms. Dixon is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of New Brunswick, UNB Alumni, and continues to do contract work in financial accounting. She is also the Atlantic Education International Homestay coordinator for Rothesay High School, a former member of the New Brunswick Forest Products Commission, UNB Alumnae Board member, Toastmasters Area Governor, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fredericton Board member, Homestay parent, a member of the Saint John Board of Trade, and has held many other volunteer positions.
Hobbies that she enjoys with her husband, John, include photography, travel, painting, pets and doing ATV trails.
Ms. Dixon has served on the New Brunswick Insurance Board since 2022.
Ms. Dixon worked in the private sector as Controller/Financial Manager of various companies in Saint John before taking a position with the Provincial Government in Fredericton to work in various areas of Economic Development.
Ms. Dixon is a member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of New Brunswick, UNB Alumni, and continues to do contract work in financial accounting. She is also the Atlantic Education International Homestay coordinator for Rothesay High School, a former member of the New Brunswick Forest Products Commission, UNB Alumnae Board member, Toastmasters Area Governor, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fredericton Board member, Homestay parent, a member of the Saint John Board of Trade, and has held many other volunteer positions.
Hobbies that she enjoys with her husband, John, include photography, travel, painting, pets and doing ATV trails.
Ms. Dixon has served on the New Brunswick Insurance Board since 2022.
Cyril Johnston, Moncton
Cyril Johnston graduated from Dalhousie Law School in 1986. He practiced law in New Brunswick with an emphasis in insurance law until 2007, when he was appointed Vice-Chair of the New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board, a post he held until 2015.
Mr. Johnston is active in theatre, both as an actor and producer, and is the founder and President of Roundhouse Productions. He is an avid salmon fisherman and a member of the Board of Directors of the Atlantic Salmon Federation.
Mr. Johnston has served on the New Brunswick Insurance Board since 2020.
Mr. Johnston is active in theatre, both as an actor and producer, and is the founder and President of Roundhouse Productions. He is an avid salmon fisherman and a member of the Board of Directors of the Atlantic Salmon Federation.
Mr. Johnston has served on the New Brunswick Insurance Board since 2020.
Francine Kanhai, Saint-André
Francine Kanhai has been a co-owner of Francine's Quick Mart and Cachet Bar & Café, two thriving businesses in Saint-André, since 1989. Mrs. Kanhai has a diploma in Legal Studies and worked as an Administrative Assistant for an insurance company in Toronto before becoming a business owner. In 1989, she and her husband returned to Francine's hometown and purchased their business.
Mrs. Kanhai is a dedicated volunteer for various organizations. She served as a director on the Grand Falls Chamber of Commerce and is currently a Board Member of the CBDC Victoria Madawaska South. She is also a member of the Women in Business Network Association.
She enjoys travelling and golfing in her leisure time.
Mrs. Kanhai has served on the New Brunswick Insurance Board since 2022 and had also served previous terms from 2007 to 2014 and 2015 to 2021.
Mrs. Kanhai is a dedicated volunteer for various organizations. She served as a director on the Grand Falls Chamber of Commerce and is currently a Board Member of the CBDC Victoria Madawaska South. She is also a member of the Women in Business Network Association.
She enjoys travelling and golfing in her leisure time.
Mrs. Kanhai has served on the New Brunswick Insurance Board since 2022 and had also served previous terms from 2007 to 2014 and 2015 to 2021.
Georges Leger, Shediac
Over his career of almost 40 years in the Property and Casualty Industry, Georges Leger held various positions in marketing, underwriting and management for both insurers and brokers. Mr. Leger completed numerous underwriting, sales, and management courses, covering many topics, such as risk assessment, loss technology, sales negotiation, management skills, performance appraisal and HR. He also has received the following designations from the Insurance Institute of Canada: Associate Insurance Institute of Canada (AIIC) and Chartered Insurance Professional (CIP). Mr. Leger has been involved in many professional and voluntary organizations through the years. A lifelong resident of Shediac, he is currently serving as President of La Coopérative de Shediac Ltée.
Mr. Leger has served on the New Brunswick Insurance Board since 2019 and had also served as a Board member from 2010 to 2017.
Mr. Leger has served on the New Brunswick Insurance Board since 2019 and had also served as a Board member from 2010 to 2017.
Brigitte M. Ouellette, Grand Falls
Brigitte Ouellette completed her B.A. in Administration before achieving her law degree from the Université de Moncton in 2005. She was admitted to the Law Society of New Brunswick Bar in 2006, after which she opened her private law practice in Grand Falls, her hometown. Ms. Ouellette focuses on various law areas, including real estate.
Ms. Ouellette lives in Grand Falls with her husband, Claude.
Ms. Ouellette has served on the New Brunswick Insurance Board since 2020.
Ms. Ouellette lives in Grand Falls with her husband, Claude.
Ms. Ouellette has served on the New Brunswick Insurance Board since 2020.
Gerry Peters, Fredericton
Gerry Peters is a senior partner in Peters & Associates Ltd., a boutique management consulting firm based in Fredericton. In addition to undergraduate degrees in Economics and Business, Mr. Peters has an MBA in Finance and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA).
As a management consultant for more than 20 years, he has facilitated numerous strategic, business and financial plans for both the for-profit and the not-for-profit sectors. Currently, he is one of two people in New Brunswick who is qualified to provide services under the Federal Government’s Farm Debt Mediation Service (FDMS) program.
Recreationally, he enjoys boating, hiking, and competitive running. Just before Covid-19 set in, Gerry and his wife, Debbie, completed a three-day hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back.
Mr. Peters has served on the New Brunswick Insurance Board since 2023.
As a management consultant for more than 20 years, he has facilitated numerous strategic, business and financial plans for both the for-profit and the not-for-profit sectors. Currently, he is one of two people in New Brunswick who is qualified to provide services under the Federal Government’s Farm Debt Mediation Service (FDMS) program.
Recreationally, he enjoys boating, hiking, and competitive running. Just before Covid-19 set in, Gerry and his wife, Debbie, completed a three-day hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and back.
Mr. Peters has served on the New Brunswick Insurance Board since 2023.
Heather Stephen, Saint John
Heather Stephen is a graduate of the University of New Brunswick, Saint John campus, with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. Mrs. Stephen has held various positions in the Insurance and Financial Services industry through her career, spending time working in Saint John, New Brunswick, Toronto and London, Ontario. Her background is in training and development of employees, coaching and management, and overall Operations Management. Mrs. Stephen currently works in Office Administration in the Real Estate industry.
Mrs. Stephen is actively involved with the Parent School Support Committees at her childrens' school, as well as volunteering her time with numerous other sports and community organizations.
Mrs. Stephen enjoys reading, sketching, painting, hiking, and travelling. She resides in Saint John with her husband, Jason, their two children, and their miniature goldendoodle.
Mrs. Stephen has served on the New Brunswick Insurance Board since 2013.
Mrs. Stephen is actively involved with the Parent School Support Committees at her childrens' school, as well as volunteering her time with numerous other sports and community organizations.
Mrs. Stephen enjoys reading, sketching, painting, hiking, and travelling. She resides in Saint John with her husband, Jason, their two children, and their miniature goldendoodle.
Mrs. Stephen has served on the New Brunswick Insurance Board since 2013.
Elizabeth Turgeon, Fredericton
Elizabeth Turgeon has both Business Administration and Law degrees from the University of New Brunswick. She is retired from the New Brunswick Law Society, after being a member for over 30 years. During that time, she worked for Maritime Law Book Co., a Fredericton law book publishing company, finishing her time there as managing co-editor.
Ms. Turgeon also has alternate dispute resolution training, having completed a Practitioners’ Certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution from the University of Prince Edward Island in 2014 and a Third Party Neutral Certificate in mediation and facilitation from UNB in 2012. She acted as a Small Claims Adjudicator for the New Brunswick Department of Justice from 2012 to 2017.
Ms. Turgeon resides in Fredericton with her husband, James. She has three adult children and seven grandchildren, who also reside in Fredericton. She is very interested in New Brunswick being an affordable place to live and raise families.
Ms. Turgeon has served on the New Brunswick Insurance Board since Oct 2016.
Ms. Turgeon also has alternate dispute resolution training, having completed a Practitioners’ Certificate in Alternative Dispute Resolution from the University of Prince Edward Island in 2014 and a Third Party Neutral Certificate in mediation and facilitation from UNB in 2012. She acted as a Small Claims Adjudicator for the New Brunswick Department of Justice from 2012 to 2017.
Ms. Turgeon resides in Fredericton with her husband, James. She has three adult children and seven grandchildren, who also reside in Fredericton. She is very interested in New Brunswick being an affordable place to live and raise families.
Ms. Turgeon has served on the New Brunswick Insurance Board since Oct 2016.