She is known for her work in the promotion of early childhood education.[1] As a member of the wealthy
McCain family, she has donated millions of dollars to charitable causes.[2][3]
McCain is the founding patron of the
Muriel McQueen Fergusson Foundation for the elimination of
family violence.[6] From 1994 to 1997 she was the Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick.[7]
Following her term of office, McCain became co-chair with
James Fraser Mustard of The Early Years Study into early childhood learning.[8][9][10] The first report, Early years study : reversing the real brain drain, was commissioned by the
Government of Ontario. Subsequent reports were published by other organizations. McCain continued to advocate for improvements in early childhood education.[11]
In 2008, McCain and her husband Wallace opened the McCain Student Center at Mount Allison University.[12] McCain served as the Chancellor of the university.[13]
Family
She was married to the late billionaire entrepreneur
Wallace McCain, who co-founded
McCain Foods. She has four children, nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.[14]
In 2006, she received the Philanthropist of the Year award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals for donating time and money to Canada's National Ballet School, The Learning Partnership and Canadian Women's Foundation.[18]
In 2007, St. Thomas University named its newest academic building in her honour. Margaret Norrie McCain Hall, housing a theatre, study lounge, administration offices and classrooms, opened in January 2007.
In 2015,
Mount Saint Vincent University opened the Margaret Norrie McCain Centre for Teaching, Learning and Research in her honour. The first building on a Canadian university campus dedicated to the accomplishments of women, the McCain Centre celebrates women’s contributions to business, public policy, family life, academia, the arts, sciences and community.[19]