Councillors

Councillor Jennifer Vardy came to Wood Buffalo in 2007 with her parents and has called the region home ever since. Today, she and her husband Nick are proudly raising their children, Brooklyn and Jackson, in a community that has given them opportunity, purpose and belonging.

Jennifer has built a respected career in senior leadership roles across government relations, community development, and organizational strategy. With more than a decade of executive-level experience her work has focused on strengthening relationships, leading complex initiatives, and working closely with municipal, provincial, federal, and Indigenous government to advance community priorities. She is known for her ability to bring people together, navigate challenging issues, and build collaborative solutions rooted in the needs of residents.

In addition to her professional roles, Jennifer has contributed meaningfully through volunteer service across the region including the Regional Recreation Corporation of Wood Buffalo, 2023 Wood Buffalo Arctic Winter Games, Wood Buffalo Development Advisory Committee, Leadership Wood Buffalo Advisory Committee and more. 

Jennifer’s dedication to community excellence has been recognized locally and nationally. Her honours include the Prime Minister’s Award of Excellence (2020), the Heart of Wood Buffalo Award (2023), the Wood Buffalo Pride Advocacy Award (2024), and at age 29 was named one of Wood Buffalo’s Top 50 Under 50. 

As Councillor, Jennifer is focused on responsible investment, strategic community development, and strengthening municipal-Indigenous relations. Her priorities include improving core services, supporting safe and thriving neighbourhoods, enhancing economic diversification, and ensuring accountability and accessibility in local government.

Councillor Vardy currently represents Council on several committees including the Emergency Advisory Committee, the Homelessness Initiatives Strategic Committee and Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development and Tourism Board. In these roles she continues to champion initiatives that reflect the voices, needs, and aspirations of all residents throughout the region.

Born and raised in Fort McMurray, Councillor Bussieres has been a proud community member for his entire life. Lance is humbled and honoured to have been elected by residents to Council for a second term after previously serving as a Ward 1 Councillor from 2013 to 2017.

Married to his wife Kelly for 26 years and father to Mitchell, Jacob and Blake, Lance believes in community service that is rooted in family and taking care of those that call this place home.

Lance has been a practicing Real Estate Sales Agent in Fort McMurray since 1991 and in addition to his term on Council, has contributed to the success of the community by serving in various volunteer capacities including the Board of Directors for MacDonald Island Park (now the Regional Recreation Corporation of Wood Buffalo), Big Brothers Big Sisters, Fort McMurray Oil Barons and the Fort McMurray Real Estate Board.

Holding a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Calgary, you can often find Lance supporting the local community sports scene or taking the field himself – whether it’s at the Fort McMurray Oilsands Curling Club, playing or coaching softball, teeing off at one of our golf courses or lacing up the skates at one of our rinks.

Lance is dedicated to making the region a place we are all truly proud to call home and it is imperative that residents benefit from his service on Council. As priorities, Lance is focused on core service delivery, downtown development and local business advocacy, advancing equity and inclusion and supporting our people.

Councillor Bussieres currently represents Council on the Fort McMurray Airport Authority, the Public Art Committee and the Downtown Revitalization Committee.

Email: Lance.Bussieres@rmwb.ca

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Kendrick was born in Edmonton and raised in Big Point. He currently serves as the Councillor for Ward 2 in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, with a strong focus on advancing the region’s prosperity, accountability, and overall well-being. In addition to his council role, Kendrick is the President of the Fort Chipewyan Métis Nation.

Having overcome significant personal challenges, including time spent incarcerated during his youth, Kendrick has made a remarkable transformation. He is deeply committed to personal growth and leadership, with aspirations to earn his MBA by the age of 50.

A passionate advocate for environmental stewardship, Kendrick holds a deep respect for the land and its vital significance to Indigenous communities. An avid fisherman and hunter, he actively supports Elders and youth in connecting with nature through traditional activities. His love for the outdoors is matched by a desire to inspire the younger generation to embrace sports and community involvement.

Kendrick believes in the power of perseverance and collaboration, encouraging others to stay focused on their goals. He is driven by the conviction that shared values and a deep connection to the land can unite people, and he remains dedicated to making a lasting positive impact in the communities he represents.

Email: Kendrick.Cardinal@rmwb.ca

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Email: Stu.Wigle@rmwb.ca

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