About Brad

Bradley Stanford Woodside was born in Fredericton on October 9, 1948. He joined the RCAF at the age of 16. After an honourable discharge at the age of 18, he returned to Fredericton to complete his GED. He joined Toastmasters in his early twenties to master his talent of public speaking. He participated internationally in public speaking competitions, resulting in winning over 35 plaques and trophies.

Brad Woodside was first elected to City Council in 1981. After two terms as councillor, he was elected Mayor in 1986, serving five straight terms before resigning in 1999. He was returned as Mayor in 2004 and on May 12, 2008 was re-elected to his record seventh term as Mayor of Fredericton.

As Fredericton's longest serving Mayor, Brad Woodside has been a passionate ambassador for the capital city to both visitors and new residents. Fredericton's long standing reputation as an Intelligent Community dates back to the early nineties when, under his leadership, the City Council set its sights on growing knowledge industries. Since that time Fredericton has achieved international recognition, named twice as one of the World's Top Seven Intelligent Communities by the Intelligent Community Forum of New York and three times as one of the top ten best places to live in Canada by MoneySense magazine.

Mayor Woodside has spoken many times on the subject of youth substance abuse, including conferences in Israel, France and Italy. In recent years, Mayor Woodside travelled abroad to China & Korean markets to promote immigration. He is married to the former Anne Sneyd. 

Political Career

• 2004 – 2011; 1986 – 1999 Mayor of Fredericton
• 1981 – 1986 City Councillor & Deputy Mayor
• 1998 Appointed to National Steering Committee on Safety & Crime Prevention
• 1988 President of Cities of New Brunswick Association
• 2nd Vice-President, National Board of Directors of Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)
• Member of the FCM International Relations Committee, participating in projects in Thailand and Vietnam

Professional Experience

• 1997- 2007 Owner, Carleton Riverboat Tours
• 1990 – 1997 President, St. Anne Consulting Ltd Media Relations firm
• 1977 – 1988 Broadcaster, CFNB Radio

Community Involvement

• Founding Chairman of Nashwaaksis Lions Club "Try Hugs, Not Drugs" substance abuse awareness program
• Director of Portage New Brunswick, a residential treatment program for youth with substance dependencies
• Past Administrative Vice-President of Fredericton Toastmasters Club
• Charter President of Nashwaak Jaycees
• Past Director of the United Way of Fredericton

Awards and Honours

• Honourary Doctorate of Laws degree, St. Thomas University
• Recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship Award by Rotary International
• Honorary Patron of Royal Canadian Legion, Branch No. 4
• Honorary Member of the Fredericton Fire Department
• Honorary Member of Commissioning Crew Mess HMCS Fredericton
• Member of UNB Board of Governors
• Recipient of the Presidential Award of Excellence for Outstanding Service as President of Jaycees
• Runner-up, World semi-finals of Toastmasters International competitive speaking contest