(Fisheries Minister Derrick Bragg speaks at a crab fishery rally at Confederation Building. April 17, 2023)
The province is remembering the life of Derrick Bragg, a politician and cabinet minister who left a fond and lasting impression on many.
Premier Andrew Furey confirmed Bragg’s passing yesterday. He was just 59.
The former fisheries minister revealed in June that he had been diagnosed with cancer of the tongue, and was appointed as a minister without portfolio during a cabinet shuffle in August.
He worked tirelessly during the 2023 crab fishery tie-up to bring the two sides together to find a solution to the lengthy dispute. He received a standing ovation in the House of Assembly in June while addressing the matter.
Bragg cemented his reputation in the public eye with this comment he made while addressing frustrated fish harvesters who gathered on the steps of Confederation Building amid concerns over the 2022 crab fishery.
Fisheries Minister Derrick Bragg is confronted by one of the protestors in the crowd.
Shouting harvesters angrily peppered Bragg with pointed questions, but the minister held his own.
“Let’s be fair; whoever is fisheries minister is going to take this ridicule from this crowd today. So I had the guts—probably more guts than brains—to stand in front of you guys, and get in this mic.”
Instead of ridicule, the statement garnered Bragg a great deal of respect. Not just for his forthright approach, but for standing up instead of hiding away when confronted with controversy.
(Derrick Bragg File Photo)
He later admitted on VOCM On Target that he didn’t even think at the time that the statement was on the record.
“You know what? I actually thought I said that under my breath,” he remarked. “What good can come from this?” he worried, but he laughed about it after it was caught on tape.
One of Bragg’s most endearing traits that he’s being remembered for was his sense of humour.
Whether it be in a one-on-one conversation, to a room full of reporters, or even into a live microphone, Bragg was known for his witty one-liners and jokes.
From time-to-time, that humour was even on display on the floor of the House of Assembly.
During the fall session of the House of Assembly in 2022, Bragg was asked questions about what he would say to a young farmer struggling with the cost of living. Bragg began his answer by saying “I can’t believe the member opposite asked that question; we actually milked a cow together out there this weekend.” Bragg’s comment resulted in a roar of laughter from those in the chamber.
Before entering provincial politics, Bragg spent 30 years working as the town clerk and manager in his hometown of Greenspond.
On top of his municipal duties, Bragg was an active member in the community, serving as volunteer fire chief and president of the town’s recreation commission.
In a post to Facebook, the town says he will be greatly missed.
FFAW President Greg Pretty is joining those paying tribute to the late Derrick Bragg and offering his condolences to his family.
Pretty says Bragg will be remembered as a hard-working and funny person.
“I think he could have had a career in stand-up,” Pretty says fondly. “He never met a microphone he didn’t like.” Pretty recalled playing golf with Bragg and “I fell out of the cart laughing.”
Pretty revealed he was well aware of Bragg’s personal circumstances during the contentious crab boat tie-up last year, and the minister’s tireless efforts to bring all sides together and hash out a solution.
“He wore his heart on his sleeve,” says Pretty “and he wanted that thing fixed.”
