21 OCTOBER 2014

(FREDERICTON, NB) — Family business owner and community activist Sharon Murphy has been selected to run for the Green Party in the upcoming by-election in Saint John East.

Murphy was the Green Party candidate for Saint John East in the recent general. She is eager to usher in a new form of representation for citizens living in a riding she describes as one of the most vulnerable and poorly-represented constituencies in the province.

"From the highest rate of lung cancer in men to the hazardous air pollutants emitted by industry, the citizens of East Saint John deserve an elected official who will fight for clean air, land and water," said Murphy.

Murphy's family has lived in the Saint John region for generations. She is currently working for her family's manufacturing business in East Saint John.

Trained in the performing arts, the mother of two musically-gifted teens regularly hosts conferences and gatherings on a number of topics in the community. A professional public speaker, Murphy is frequently approached to speak on subjects ranging from environmental conservation to childbirth and reproductive rights.

Murphy dedicates much of her free time to volunteering. She is founder of PEACE-NB, a member of the Sustainability Education Alliance and a former director of the Conservation Council and the Canadian Unitarians for Social Justice. She is an active member of the Children's Environmental Health Collaborative, and played a pivotal role in developing a Bill of Rights to Protect Children's Health from Environmental Hazards.

"Sharon Murphy offers the citizens of East Saint John an opportunity for true representation and meaningful engagement," said Green Party Leader and Fredericton South MLA David Coon.

"We know Sharon's strong public speaking skills and impressive record in steering successful community organizations and public health campaigns will serve the citizens of Saint John East well when she joins me in the legislature."