December 6, 2016
Bernard Richard, former New Brunswick Ombudsman, child and youth advocate, appointed the new representative for children and youth in British Columbia.
CBC News, November 15, 2016 – Former New Brunswick child and youth advocate Bernard Richard is being recommended as the new representative for children and youth in British Columbia.
An all-party special committee of the B.C. Legislative Assembly unanimously recommended in a report released Tuesday that Richard be appointed to the position.
“The committee was impressed by Mr. Richard’s passion for serving children and youth, his successful management of public sector organizations, and his considerable experience with indigenous communities,” said committee chairman Don McRae in a statement.
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“He also brings a record of high ethical standards, fairness and accountability, and a principled and collaborative leadership style, which will support his work as representative.”
The child and youth representative in B.C. is an officer of the legislature who provides advocacy services for children, young adults and families regarding government services.
The appointment would be for a five-year term and may be renewed for an additional five-year term.
Richard’s appointment needs to be approved by the B.C. Legislature.
A former Liberal politician, cabinet member and interim leader, Richard resigned from the New Brunswick Legislature to become the provincial ombudsman on Jan. 3, 2004.
In November 2006, Richard took on an additional role as New Brunswick’s first child and youth advocate.
Richard retired from the roles in April 2011.
Other Articles:
B.C. names Bernard Richard as new youth watchdog
Globe and Mail, November 15, 2016 – The man selected as British Columbia’s new representative for children and youth has been a lawyer, cabinet minister, opposition leader and ombudsman in his native New Brunswick, but says he has always been haunted by the poor treatment of vulnerable children.
Bernard Richard, who was New Brunswick’s first child and youth advocate, says he is bringing his commitment to helping children west to B.C. as he replaces Mary Ellen Turpel-Lafond, who stepped down this fall after a decade in the job. View full article.
