Scripture Untangled

Season 12: Episode 10 | Richard Bragdon | From Pastor to Parliament

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In this episode, Richard and Lorna discuss:

• Faith and politics in Canada, how Richard’s Christian faith informs his work as a Member of Parliament and why believers should engage in every sphere of society.

• Richard’s journey from pastoral ministry and prison outreach to serving in federal politics.

• Why faith-based initiatives are statistically effective in helping former prisoners rebuild their lives.

• A look inside Parliament’s weekly cross-party prayer gathering where MPs and senators pray together.

• Encouragement for believers to serve in professions such as politics, media, education, and law.

• The Bible verses that are engraved throughout Canada’s Parliament buildings and what they represent.

• Hope for Canada’s future with a faithful “remnant” praying for the nation.

Richard Bragdon, MP

Richard Bragdon is a Canadian politician who has served as the Member of Parliament for the riding of Tobique-Mactaquac in New Brunswick since first being elected in 2019. A member of the Conservative Party of Canada, MP Bragdon brought to federal politics a diverse background that includes both business and ministry work. Prior to entering public office, he served over 20 years as a Pastor and worked as a Realtor, both experiences helped to shape his focus on community, service, and practical problem-solving.

Born in Woodstock, New Brunswick, raised in Nackawic, now lives with his wife Crystal and their three children in Keswick Ridge. Richard has deep roots in the region he represents. Since arriving in Parliament, he has taken on a number of key responsibilities. Early in his tenure, he served as the Shadow Minister for Fisheries, Oceans, and the Coast Guard in the Conservative Shadow Cabinet, Deputy Shadow Minister for Ethics, and now currently serves as the Shadow Minister for Rural Development Canada.

Over successive terms, he has been an active member of several standing committees, including: Agriculture and Agri-Food (which he currently serves on), Fisheries and Oceans, Public Accounts, and Natural Resources. His committee work has placed him in the midst of debates on critical issues affecting the economy, environment, governmental accountability, and responsible resource development, particularly as they relate to rural and coastal communities.

MP Bragdon is also known for his legislative achievements. In the 43rd Parliament, he introduced a private member’s bill—Bill C-228, An Act to establish a federal framework to reduce recidivism. The legislation, which passed successfully, requires the Federal Government to develop a strategy to reduce re-offending rates across the country by examining, piloting, and implementing effective programs. This accomplishment earned him recognition for addressing an important justice and public safety concern through bipartisan cooperation.

In addition to his domestic work, Bragdon participates actively in interparliamentary groups. Most recently, he was elected as Chair of the multi-party Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary group as an opposition MP. He also is a member of several others including the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association, and the Canada-Israel Interparliamentary Group. These roles reflect his interest in fostering international dialogue and strengthening Canada’s relationships abroad by advocating for what Canada has to offer including Natural Resources, Energy, and Agriculture. Another role Richard has been honoured to serve in is as Chair of National Prayer Breakfast and Leadership Dinner. As part of this role, he leads the Parliamentary Prayer Gathering; a weekly nonpartisan gathering of Parliamentarians where the party labels are dropped, and MPs simply gather to share and pray together in the Spirit of Christ.

Now serving his third term, after being re-elected in both 2021 and 2025, Richard Bragdon continues to represent the people of Tobique-Mactaquac with a focus on increased Canadian Self-Reliance, Responsible Resource Development, and the needs of rural Canadians. His combination of local roots, entrepreneurial experience, and pastoral background informs his approach to Parliament, where he works to balance principled policy positions with practical, community-driven solutions.

Lorna Dueck has explored the intersection of journalism and Christianity for over 30 years. Her most recent full-time role was as CEO of Crossroads Christian Communications, Inc. and the show, “Context with Lorna Dueck”.

Lorna was a regular commentary writer on faith and public life in Canada’s leading national newspaper, The Globe and Mail, and is a frequent media commentator. She has travelled the world reporting on church-led response to humanitarian crisis.

Lorna earned a Master of Arts in Evangelism and Leadership from Wheaton College. She has received honorary doctorate degrees from Trinity, Tyndale, Briercrest and Wycliffe Universities. Lorna has received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for contributions to Canadian society.

Learn more about Lorna Dueck:

Instagram: instagram.com/lorna_dueck
Website: lornadueckcreative.com