The 1st Earl of Sheffield and Lord Glenelg, two former British officials with ties to New Brunswick, had their portraits prominently displayed in the Legislative Assembly Building for many years. However, the portraits have now been removed and placed in storage following a decision by the legislative administration committee, which consists of MLAs from all parties overseeing the building.
The committee’s objective was to modernize the entrance of the legislative assembly and shift the focus to current and past MLAs representing New Brunswick. To achieve this, the portraits of Sheffield and Glenelg were replaced with composite photos of members elected in 2020 and 2024, aligning with the existing MLA composites in the rotunda.
This change marks a departure from highlighting colonial figures in the legislature, where portraits of monarchs, royals, and lieutenant-governors symbolizing the Crown’s role are traditionally showcased. The decision aims to make the legislature more representative and inclusive of New Brunswick’s diverse population, including various regions, First Nations, and women who have been historically underrepresented on the walls.
Speaker Francine Landry emphasized the importance of educating the public about the history and contemporary impact of colonial power dynamics, going beyond the discussion of portraits. While some MLAs may have differing views on the decision, efforts will be made to find a suitable place to display the removed portraits with historical context.
The portraits of the 1st Earl of Sheffield and Lord Glenelg were commissioned in recognition of their contributions to New Brunswick’s timber trade industry. However, historian Angela Tozer highlights their roles within a power structure that has enduring implications, particularly in resource economies shaped by colonial legacies and Indigenous land dispossession.
The legislative committee’s decision reflects a broader movement toward recognizing and addressing the ongoing legacy of colonialism in New Brunswick, emphasizing the need for inclusive representation and historical awareness within the province’s public institutions.