Maggie Farrington is taking her passion for politics to the next level as the Liberal Party of Canada candidate for the Fort McMurray-Cold Lake riding.
“When the opportunity arose to put my name forward for the next federal election, after spending time in this area and region and connecting with people, I know that my strengths and skills could be that strong voice that the hardworking people of Fort McMurray and Cold Lake really need in Ottawa,” she expressed.
Farrington wants to see change for the area.
“The status quo that has seemingly been ever-present in this region, the same party representing the region doing the same old things in the same old ways and expecting different results. I invite people to question their own status quo, and maybe look forward to voting for the local candidate that can really represent their needs and the needs of all constituents in this riding.”
Her interest in politics began when she would join her journalist father at events, where at a young age she interacted with provincial and federal representatives.
“Back in the day, there just wasn’t a lot of women in politics. As I got older, completed my law degree, and got some practice in, I thought, ‘I can do this.’”
Before moving to the Fort McMurray-area around seven years ago with her family, Farrington was a criminal litigator in Toronto, ON. She really wanted to “shift the trajectory” of her career when she relocated and began working with the Indigenous community as the CEO of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation. Farrington has been actively involved in her community by volunteering for various boards, including her time as CEO of the Athabasca Tribal Council, and vice-chair of the Wood Buffalo Wildfire Recovery Committee.
She feels strongly about servant leadership, which she described as “the desire to serve first and inspire those around you to grow and to develop as people.”
It was combining this mindset with her education that made Farrington want to run for the federal election.
“The Liberal Party believes and supports a strong middle class. It supports good employment, investments in development, responsible resource development, and making sure that everybody in the fabric of our society is taken care of,” she expressed.
Farrington described current politics as pulverizing and divisive, and instead wants to focus on a positive campaign that puts a spotlight on the issues locals face.
“We need stronger leadership in Ottawa for this riding. We’re in the heart of the Canadian oil sands. This is the economic engine of Canada, and our current representation… that has been there for decades is disconnected and out of touch. They’re not advocating for the hard-working people in this riding that truly impacts them. It’s the same old mindset, this old boys’ club that is really embedded in the fictions of the past and the past glory days,” she exclaimed. “But, we live in a new economy and a new world. It’s time for strategic, forward thinking leadership in this riding and to take us to the next level so Ottawa can hear our voice and make sure that no one’s left behind.”
Although the election hasn’t officially kicked off, Farrington has already started connecting with constituents.
“People are concerned with the state of the economy, making sure those pipelines get built, and getting oil out in a responsible way that protects the generations to come,” she explained. “Everybody has got family and connections, and we want to see the environment, this beautiful land that we love, and make sure that it’s protected for the future generations, but still balancing the need for development and for oil to get moving. Just protecting that strong middle class, who have good jobs, and working with the government to ensure we can get some stronger infrastructure development here in our region.”
Although she’s new to the political scene, Farrington believes she has a lot to offer residents.
“I think my legal background, being in a court room with judges and lawyers, and working on complex legal matters, will translate well into the House of Commons. If anything, it will help as I’m on the campaign trail, and I really look forward to debates with those that are also running.”
She added, “I have a proven record of accomplishments, and a proven record of service over my last seven and a half years in the area. I’m known to be courageous, hard-working, relentless, innovative, and, most importantly, collaborative.”
Running against Farringinton for position of MP for the Fort McMurray-Cold Lake riding is People’s Party of Canada candidate Matthew Barrett and incumbent David Yurdiga of the Conservative Party of Canada.
