Tribute to Huberte Gautreau: A pioneer of pay equity

It is with deep sadness that the New Brunswick Coalition for Pay Equity marks the passing of Huberte Gautreau, a woman whose unwavering commitment to pay equity and social justice left a lasting mark on our province.

A nurse by profession and an activist by conviction, Huberte Gautreau dedicated her life to defending human rights and gender equality. Her commitment took her to all corners of the world, but it was in New Brunswick that she planted the seeds of change. A co-founder of Crossroads for Women and the Marichette Foundation, she worked for many years to improve the living and learning conditions of women.

Huberte Gautreau (third from the left) and the NB Coalition for Pay Equity confronting then Premier Bernard Lord. Photo submitted.

In 2000, she led a delegation of 150 women from New Brunswick to the World March of Women, a pivotal moment that led to the founding of the New Brunswick Coalition for Pay Equity. As a founding member and first Chair, she passionately and determinedly represented the voices of women workers, laying the foundation for the ongoing fight for pay equity. Even from her hospital bed, she continued to reflect on strategies to advance gender equality, a testament to her dedication and generosity.

Huberte Gautreau with NDP Leader and Saint John Harbour MLA Elizabeth Weir and Bathurst Liberal MLA Marcelle Mersereau. Photo submitted.

Her exceptional contributions were recognized through several accolades, including the New Brunswick Human Rights Award, the Governor General’s Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case, the Order of Moncton, and the YMCA Peace Medal.

We owe her everything. Her commitment, determination, and vision will continue to inspire our work and that of many other feminist activists. Our thoughts are with her family, loved ones, and all those she inspired. Thank you, Huberte.

Huberte Gautreau at the 2019 Women’s March in Fredericton. Photo submitted.

The New Brunswick Coalition for Pay Equity is a group of individuals and organizations that pursues and ensures the realization of the right to pay equity and to just conditions of work for women. To that end, the Coalition engages in communication, education, research, advocacy for the adoption and the implementation of adequate legislation, as well as public policy dialogue and development.

Pay equity is equal pay for work of equal value. To achieve pay equity, the value of female-dominated jobs must be compared to the value of male-dominated jobs.