Elsie Wayne is well known as a champion of Veterans and seniors. A native of New Brunswick, Dr. Wayne was elected Mayor of Saint John in 1983, and was the first female Mayor elected for four consecutive terms. In 1993 she entered federal politics as the Member of Parliament for Saint John. During her tenure, Dr. Wayne served as Critic for National Defence, Veterans Affairs, and Senior Citizens' issues. As a member of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs, she was a tireless advocate for Veterans, earning special recognition for her work on behalf of Canada's Merchant Navy Veterans. Dr. Wayne was named an Honorary Gunner by the 3rd Field Regiment (The Loyal Company), the second person in Canada to be so honoured and the only woman. She is the first female Lt. Colonel of the 722 Communication Squadron of New Brunswick. Dr. Wayne has the Distinguished Auxiliary Cross from the Salvation Army. She also has three honorary Doctorate Degrees, one from the University of New Brunswick in Saint John, one from St. Thomas University in New Brunswick and the third from Husson College in Maine. This latest honour, the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation, is another affirmation of her longstanding dedication to those who served their country when they were needed most.