Prior Issue (Archive)
Meet You at the Market
Bernard Cormier

Every town and city has someone who makes a difference in the place they call home. In Saint John that person is Bernard Cormier, Cultural Affairs Officer for the City. Saint John was the first city in Atlantic Canada to establish such a position although other municipalities have since followed Saint John's lead. Bernard is a Saint John Booster in his job as Cultural Affairs Officer for the City but it is even more apparent when he acts as Master of Ceremonies or chairs countless gatherings for parades, groups, memorial services and other events especially those connected to the arts or military.

As Cultural Affairs Officer, Bernie liaises with the Arts and Cultural communities and represents the City on various public Boards and Committees. In 1987 this meant dealing with 6 - 8 art organizations in the City, this has now increased by 550% to over 56 different organizations. He is a member of all arts organizations in Saint John - this includes Theatre New Brunswick, New Brunswick Museum, the Shakespeare group and he is Secretary and City Staff Support person for the Saint John Community Arts Board which oversees many projects including the Community Arts Grant program. Along with this, he also advises and guides individual artists and commercial art organizations who come to him. As well, Bernie is Saint John's protocol officer and is planning to write and publish a book on the subject for use in other smaller communities.

He is well-known as Bernard the Magician and has fascinated people with seemingly impossible sleight of hand appearances and disappearances.

Bernie lives and works in uptown Saint John. He describes the area as "an eclectic mix with its rich mixture of professional, labour, youth and seniors." He advises, "All visitors should sit in King's Square and observe the diversity of people as well as the architectural treasures of the 19th century. The Imperial Theatre and the New Brunswick Museum are two showcases in the up town areas that all visitors should visit but my favourite place is The City Market. It opened in 1842 and is one of the few buildings in the uptown area which escaped being destroyed in the Great Fire of 1877. It appeals to all the senses but I especially like the rich smell of it - a combination of meat, seafood, tea, flowers, wool, the building and just the people themselves. It has to be seen and experienced to appreciate its uniqueness. I look forward to seeing you at the Market."

Bernie is also known as "Bernard The Magician" and can be seen performing around the city to audiences young and old.

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