News Release WorkSafeNB announces Future of Safety Scholarship winners

June 25, 2026

WorkSafeNB is proud to announce the 2026 recipients of its Future of Safety Scholarship, recognizing four New Brunswick students who are helping shape a safer future through their education, volunteerism and career goals.

The scholarship had nearly 400 applications and awards $2,500 to students entering or continuing post-secondary studies in Canada. Open to students in any field, the program encourages applicants to demonstrate how their future careers can help make New Brunswick the safest place to work.

“We believe everyone, in any career, can play a part in making New Brunswick the safest place to work,” said Tim Petersen, President and CEO of WorkSafeNB. “This scholarship supports the next generation of leaders who are committed to advancing safety, whether through prevention, innovation, supporting recovery or inspiring the next generation.”

Scholarship recipients

Alyssa Best

Currently studying at Crandall University, Alyssa will begin a Master of Arts in Sport and Recreation Studies at the University of New Brunswick in fall 2026. She aspires to build safer, more inclusive environments in sport and recreation. “Receiving the WorkSafeNB scholarship means so much to me because workplace safety has already become an important part of my career as a teacher and my in my sport and volunteer experiences, said Alyssa. “As a hockey referee and referee instructor, I teach the importance of communication, awareness, confidence and making decisions that protect everyone’s safety.”

Martin Duguay

Martin is pursuing studies in Microbiology and Immunology at Université de Montréal. His future career aims to contribute to health and safety through scientific research. “I would like to thank WorkSafeNB for this scholarship, which will allow me to devote more time to my studies,” said Duguay. “I hope one day to contribute to making New Brunswick a safer place, particularly in the field of research.”

Drew Pellerin

Drew will begin a Bachelor of Education at the University of New Brunswick in fall 2026. He plans to support safe learning environments and help shape the next generation through education. “I’m honoured to be one of the recipients of the future of safety scholarship,” said Pellerin. “In the future, I hope to bring my dedication to safety into the classroom as a teacher, not only teaching science but responsibility, speaking up and looking out for one another.”

Maxime Thériault

Maxime is continuing his studies in psychology at Université de Moncton in fall 2026. He is interested in contributing to safer workplaces through mental health awareness and support. “My connection with WorkSafeNB began in 2022 when I participated in the Health and Safety Youth Leadership Program,” said Thériault. “This experience really defined my relationship with developing a safety mindset and it has only grown since then. My goal is to become a clinical psychologist specializing in mental health in the workplace. That is how I envision myself contributing to making New Brunswick the safest place to work.”

The Future of Safety Scholarship reflects WorkSafeNB’s commitment to making New Brunswick the safest place to work. By supporting students across disciplines, the program recognizes that safety leadership exists in students across our province.