Elsie Wayne: popular Saint John mayor and MP dead at the age of 84
SAINT JOHN, N.B. — When Elsie Wayne called Saint John, N.B., “the greatest little city in the east,” she made you believe it — and it was that unassailable love of her city that carried her to prominence during a 29-year career in Canadian politics.
The former mayor and New Brunswick member of Parliament has died at the age of 84.
The death was confirmed Tuesday morning by the province’s official Opposition, saying she had died peacefully in her sleep. News of her passing prompted an outpouring of tributes and memories on social media from a wide cross-section of past and present politicians.
“She was one of the last of the large political personalities in Canada,” said former New Brunswick Liberal premier Frank McKenna.