The mayor of Moncton is stepping down after being appointed to the Senate.

Dawn Arnold made the announcement in a social media post late Friday afternoon.

“The Prime Minister was clear that he expects me to make a significant contribution to the work of the Senate, and to actively be involved in the broad range of challenges and opportunities facing our country,” Arnold wrote in the post.

“He also underlined the fact that I will be able to contribute to the work of the Senate in an independent and non-partisan fashion, which is highly appealing to me.”

Arnold became the first woman to serve as mayor of Moncton in 2016.

Prior to that, she served one term as a city councillor.

Arnold said while her role is changing, her commitment to the city and to all Monctonians remains unwavering.

“This is not goodbye—this is simply a new chapter in my service to this community and to Canada,” she said.

Deputy Mayor Paulette Thériault will serve as mayor until the next municipal election in 2026.