Fredericton’s Own Jenica Atwin Is Opting Out in Next Federal Election

Freddybeach Artist Rendition Of A Sunlit Campsite
Freddybeach Artist Rendition Of A Sunlit Campsite

Adding to the growing exodus of Liberal MPs heading for the exits, Fredericton's Jenica Atwin has decided she'd rather not stick around for whatever circus the next federal election might become. The announcement, delivered through her office spokesperson Katherine McAllister with all the enthusiasm of a dental appointment, cited family reasons – because apparently, that's what we're all supposed to say when we've had enough of Parliament Hill's three-ring spectacle.

Let's not forget Atwin's political journey – a Green Party pioneer who made history as Atlantic Canada's first Green MP, only to cross the floor to Team Trudeau faster than you can say "internal party conflict." She managed to keep her seat in 2021 wearing Liberal red, proving that Fredericton voters are nothing if not adaptable to their representative's evolving political fashion choices.

But here's where it gets juicy: Atwin's departure comes amid a veritable conga line of Liberal MPs heading for the exit, including heavyweights like Harjit Sajjan and Sean Fraser. One can't help but wonder if the recent resignation of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and Atwin's less-than-subtle hints about Trudeau needing to pack his bags might've something to do with this perfectly-timed family-focused epiphany. Her outspoken stance that continuing under Trudeau would be too distracting and unhealthy likely contributed to the timing of her departure.

Now the Liberals find themselves scrambling to find someone brave (or foolish) enough to defend their banner in Fredericton, while former Progressive Conservative Brian Macdonald and Canadian Future Party's Dominic Cardy circle like sharks who've spotted a wounded seal.

Meanwhile, the Liberal leadership race heats up with Mark Carney and Karina Gould vying for the crown, though Atwin's keeping mum about her preferred successor – probably because she's too busy planning her escape from the political asylum.

For now, Atwin returns to focusing on her role as chair of the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs, presumably counting down the days until she can trade parliamentary procedure for family dinner procedure – a considerably less dramatic affair, one hopes.

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Kyle Sweezey

Kyle Sweezey, a web pioneer since 1998, brings over two decades of digital expertise to FreddyBeach.com. Passionate about local stories and community insights, Kyle delivers timely and engaging news to the heart of New Brunswick.

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