Alberta looks to Wood Buffalo with two key ridings in play on April 16.
Jeff Fafard will run in the Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche riding as a candidate for the Alberta Party.
Fafard is a veteran of previous campaigns dating back to his time with the old PC party.
“I always wanted to be a part of the change, get involved, and [after] approaching a couple of people it just ended up where we are now.”
Fafard already made his presence known at various union events in Lac La Biche.
He looks forward to attending Tuesday’s Chamber of Commerce candidates forum.
Unlike most of his opposition, Jeff Fafard doesn’t have roots in the region.
However, the Edmonton realtor is aware of the challenges facing Wood Buffalo.
“Not having lived there, I’m still acutely aware of all the issues: Building Clearwater Highway or bringing jobs back. As an MLA, you have to spend your time in Edmonton working with the province and the country to make things happen. It’s all a team effort.”
Fafard said he would move into the riding if elected.
The Alberta Party has the most Indigenous candidates running in this month’s election.
While he’s French-Canadian, Fafard advocates for representation when discussing pipelines, oil and gas, and other key issues.
“I think bringing them to the table, being able to lobby the federal government is crucial: Jobs, the economy, child care, health care. It’s not just Fort Mac, it’s across the province.”
Fafard’s ‘running mate’ in Wood Buffalo is Marcus Erlandson.
Erlandson will run as the Alberta Party candidate in the Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo riding.
