Jenica Atwin, who previously served as a Member of Parliament for Fredericton, has announced her intention to run for the mayoral position ahead of the May 11 municipal elections. She expressed enthusiasm about her campaign, stating that she has garnered strong support from her community and is eager to share her platform and gather feedback from local residents. Atwin emphasizes the importance of engaging with constituents as she prepares her campaign strategies.

Atwin's political journey has been noteworthy; she was first elected in 2019 as a member of the Green Party, becoming the first Green MP elected from outside British Columbia and the first female MP for Fredericton. Her tenure saw a significant shift when she crossed the floor to join the Liberal Party in June 2021, a move that came with its own controversies and discussions about party leadership, as Atwin later called for Prime Minister Trudeau’s resignation alongside other Liberal MPs. Ultimately, she chose not to run for re-election to the federal office, citing her experiences with online hate and toxicity as factors impacting her decision.

Now, with a focus on local governance, Atwin hopes to transition her political experience and insight into addressing the needs and concerns of Fredericton residents. Her campaign is positioned as a fresh new approach to local leadership, aiming to draw on the feedback and support of the community, as she prepares for the upcoming municipal elections where she aims to unseat the current mayor or secure a new vision for the city.