Arthur Irving grew up in Saint John and attended Acadia University before joining Irving Oil in 1951. He worked with his father, K.C. Irving, and his brothers Jim and Jack in the Irving companies, becoming president of Irving Oil in 1972. He is now Chairman of the oil company.
Throughout his career, Irving has demonstrated a strong enthusiasm for business, people, the environment, education and his community. Irving Oil grew into new markets while retaining a strong customer focus as well as a commitment to improving the environment. Under his leadership, Irving Oil was the first oil company to receive a US Environmental Protection Agency Clean Air Excellence Award.
He has a strong interest in wetlands preservation and has served for 30 years on the board of directors of Ducks Unlimited, also serving for two years as president. Under his presidency, the organization reached a significant milestone in signing the North American Waterfowl Management Plan in 1986.
Arthur Irving’s deep commitment to his province is evident in every region of New Brunswick. His strong leadership, interest and enthusiasm for the environment and for New Brunswick’s history led him to partner with Acadia University and Ducks Unlimited in the creation of the Beaubassin Research Station in Aulac, which officially opened this summer.
In 2002, Arthur Irving was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. Arthur Irving is receiving the Order of New Brunswick for his lifelong work as a builder of our province’s economy and for his devotion to preserving our natural environment.