The 2022 Peace Medal from the Saint John Regional Y goes to Dr. Duncan Webster for his work with newcomers.

Webster is an infectious diseases physician with Horizon Health who also does clinic work.

At a breakfast reception in Saint John on Wednesday, he said he was humbled to win the Peace Medal.

“I get up in the morning and I go to work and then I go home. I’m really supported by a lot of people around me. There is a great team of people and I am one cog within the system,” said Webster.

Webster said he is amazed at the amount of work happening at the Y with newcomers.

“The amount of newcomers coming into our community, they’re increasing as we know and it is so good. It’s so good for our community, so good for our province, so good for our country. There is a lot of work and a lot of systems and infrastructure that need to be in place to provide the proper support. I’m happy to be a part of that,” he said.

Webster told the story of a patient who came from a war-torn country. He said he was born twice, once in his own country and again when he came to Saint John.

“A lot of the newcomers coming to Saint John are coming from parts of the globe that are war-torn. There is a lot of civil unrest. They are coming here with that past and for the most part, they are happy to be here,” Webster said.

Webster said he thinks openness and patience can help newcomers arriving in the city.

“They need support, they need understanding. Some of the issues I see are challenging because there are a lot of language barriers so direct interaction with people can be challenging without an interpreter,” Webster said.

Shilo Boucher, YMCA president and CEO, said Peace Week give them a chance to celebrate peace.

“We have an international partnership with [the Y in] Columbia. A lot of Ys do. It goes to support that as well and our partners who need our help with peaceful movements,” Boucher said.

Boucher said Webster was nominated five times during the selection process for this year’s medal.

“Dr. Webster has shown that no matter how busy you are, there is always time to offer support and help without judgement,” says Allan Hogg, one of Webster’s many nominators.

On the road again at the Peace Medal Week celebration at the Saint John Regional Y. pic.twitter.com/s4fPvQMep9

— Tamara Steele (@tamarasteele1) November 16, 2022