Bernard Richard reacts to appointment as B.C. child and youth representative

Bernard Richard, who was just recommended to be the representative for children and youth in British Columbia, says at one point he expected his retirement would include less work.

"Well obviously that didn't [happen]," he said.

The former Liberal politician, cabinet minister and interim leader held a similar role in New Brunswick from 2006 until his retirement in 2011. He was the province's first child and youth advocate.

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Although his retirement let him spend more time with his family, Richard never really stopped working. His new potential position will allow him to work even more.

"I felt that I could contribute more than I have been."

An all-party special committee of the B.C. Legislative Assembly unanimously recommended in a report released on Tuesday that Richard be appointed to the position, which provides advocacy services for children, young adults and families regarding government services.

Richard said he first thought of applying for the job after a phone call from a friend in B.C.

"I talked it over with my wife and decided that at the very last moment I would submit my candidacy," he said.

"I wasn't expecting much of a response and well, here I am."

Information Morning - Fredericton8:48Bernard Richard - BC Appointment

Terry Seguin talks to Bernard Richard about his new appointment as BC's Child and Youth Advocate.Even though Richard's career has seen him stay largely in New Brunswick, he has some roots in B.C. as well.

"We have three grandsons, and a son and a daughter-in-law in [the Victoria area]. So I've certainly grown to know B.C. a bit more," he said.

Although Richard will be taking on much of the same responsibilities in B.C. as he had in New Brunswick, there are some demographic realities that will make the job different.

"[It has a] much bigger [Indigenous] population. A little less that 10 per cent of the [under 18] population is aboriginal. Sixty per cent of the children in the care system in British Columbia is aboriginal," said Richard.

Richard's appointment still has to be approved by the B.C. legislature.

It would be for a five-year term and may be renewed for an additional five-year term.

Richard resigned from the New Brunswick Legislature to become the provincial ombudsman in 2004 and took on the additional role as the child and youth advocate in 2006.