Following a career in social work, as Secretary General of the Société Nationale de l’Acadie and in the practice of law, Bernard Richard served as an MLA in New Brunswick from 1991 to 2003. During that time, he occupied several cabinet positions (Intergovernmental and Aboriginal Affairs, Justice, Education and Social Policy Renewal). In opposition, he served as Interim Leader, Caucus Chair and House Leader.
In January 2004, Mr. Richard assumed the responsibilities of New Brunswick’s 6th Ombudsman. In November 2006, Mr. Richard was appointed New Brunswick’s first Child & Youth Advocate. He retired from both positions in March 2011. He has since worked on a variety of assignments as a lawyer (City of Fredericton; PEI Auditor General), consultant (NB Legislative Assembly; Canada-Newfoundland-Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board; NB Assembly of First Nations Chiefs) and mediator.
He was appointed as BC’s second Representative for Children and Youth in November 2016.
He has been the recipient of several prizes and awards and has worked with a number of non-profit organizations focused on the rights and interests of children and youth, in particular in the area of mental health (ACCESS Canada – Open Minds; Partners for Youth; Dots NB), the plight of children in developing countries (Plan International Canada; the Working Group on the Rights of the Child in Francophone Countries) and the wellbeing of Indigenous children (First Nations Children Futures Fund; Mi’gmaq Child and Family Services of NB).
He currently serves on several Boards and volunteers with community organizations.
Ordre du Canada
2024
Citation: "Bernard Richard a fait preuve d’un engagement social et politique hors du commun, autant à titre de parlementaire que de 6e Ombudsman du Nouveau-Brunswick. Défenseur des enfants et de la jeunesse du Nouveau-Brunswick et de la Colombie-Britannique, il se sera démarqué par la défense active des droits des touts petits autant chez les six Premières Nations Néo-Brunswickoise, qu’à l’échelle nationale et internationale."
The Janusz Korczak Medallion
2018
"In recognition of his exceptional contributions toward improving and enhancing the wellbeing of children in the spirit of Doctor Korczak."
Prix des droits de la personne du Nouveau-Brunswick
2015
Citation: "M. Richard a été choisi en raison de son travail exceptionnel dans la promotion et la défense de questions de droits de la personne dans la province. Il est bien connu au Nouveau-Brunswick en tant qu'ancien ombudsman et premier défenseur des enfants et de la jeunesse de la province"
Prix Dialogue du lieutenant-gouverneur (Nouveau-Brunswick)
2012
Citation: "Créé en 2003, le Prix Dialogue du lieutenant-gouverneur est décerné chaque année aux modèles qi adoptent les principes d'harmonie et de respect entre les communautés francophones et anglophones de la province."
