Arthur, Jack and James K. Irving among new inductees to the Canadian Business Hall of Fame

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TORONTO - Three of New Brunswick's greatest industrialists were inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame on Tuesday night before a sellout crowd at the Metro Toronto Conference and Convention Centre.

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TORY ZIMMERMAN/CANADAEAST NEWS S

Arthur Irving, Jack Irving and Bud Bird greet each other at the Canadian Business Hall of Fame Induction Gala.

Surrounded by business leaders from virtually every major company in the country, Arthur, Jack and James K. Irving joined their late father, K.C. Irving, on the honour roll of the country's most esteemed laureates. K.C. Irving, the family patriarch, was among the hall's first inductees in 1979.

"Arthur, Jack and Jim Irving are truly legends in their own time," fellow laureate John E. Cleghorn, the chairman of the board of Canadian Pacific Railway, said.

The other honourees were Serge Godin, the founder and executive chairman of the board of the CGIGroup, and John Robert (Bud) McCaig, the former chairman of the Trimac Corporation. McCaig, inducted posthumously, was represented by his wife.

There were so many New Brunswickers in the audience that the solemn occasion could have easily turned into a Maritime kitchen party.

Irving Oil and J.D. Irving, Limited, filled seven tables at the gala dinner between them, and other favourite sons such as Derek Oland, Richard Currie and Scott McCain were also in the house.

Even the master of ceremonies -- newsman Peter Mansbridge

-- had New Brunswick ties. The NewsWorld anchor's younger brother recently relocated to Moncton from Halifax after accepting a position with J.D. Irving in Moncton.

"We are here to wave the New Brunswick flag proudly," Shawn Graham said.

Seated at a table near the front of the auditorium, the premier was joined by a group of fellow New Brunswickers, including cabinet minister Greg Byrne. Graham and Byrne, the Business New Brunswick boss, are in Toronto for private business meetings. "To have three New Brunswickers recognized is a real tribute to our entrepreneurial spirit, and helps to sell our province's self-sufficiency agenda."

Arthur Irving and Jack Irving were recognized for the skills and leadership they have shown in turning Irving Oil into a regional and national leader.

Their brother, James K. Irving, was honoured for helping to expand the diverse businesses of J.D. Irving, Limited. The three were honoured, one after another, in a program that lasted late into the night.