Editor’s Note: Fatima Bint Abdul-Muqit responded to The Current’s request with the following statement about her candidacy for Councillor in Madawaska Valley:
Fatimah Bint Abdul-Muqit has announced her candidacy for Madawaska Valley Town Council in the 2026 municipal election. The Township has certified Fatimah Bint Abdul Muqit as a candidate for Councillor, with four Councillor positions to be elected.
For 24 years, I have called Madawaska Valley home. Living here with my husband and three sons, I have served local residents as a Personal Support Worker and, after earning my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Ottawa, continued serving as a healthcare professional. I also worked throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, supporting patients, families, and fellow healthcare workers.
My healthcare experience shaped my commitment to Patient-First Advocacy: listening, understanding individual needs, and ensuring no one is overlooked. I believe that same principle should guide municipal leadership. Every resident deserves to feel heard, respected, and valued.
Growing Together
My vision, “Growing Together,” recognizes that Madawaska Valley can embrace thoughtful growth while protecting its rural character, natural beauty, and heritage.
I support responsible development that creates opportunities for families, homeowners, and local businesses while remaining sustainable and respectful of the community.
As a healthcare professional, I understand the importance of seniors having access to dignity, care, and connection close to home. At the same time, we must create opportunities for young people and families to stay, return, work, raise children, and build their futures locally.
Our community’s history in forestry and the lumber industry reminds us that strong communities require investment and renewal. We must build on our past while creating sustainable opportunities for the future by supporting local businesses, encouraging responsible development, strengthening community connections, and investing in people.
Working together as a council
I believe effective municipal leadership requires teamwork, respect, open communication, transparency, and accountability.
If elected, I will:
- Listen to residents, Councillors, and Township staff.
- Respect different perspectives and focus on facts, evidence, and community needs.
- Build consensus and seek practical solutions whenever possible.
- Keep families, seniors, businesses, and residents at the centre of decisions.
- Work across committees and recognize that infrastructure, recreation, housing, economic development, and community services are interconnected.
- Promote transparency so residents understand how and why decisions are made.
- Put the interests of Madawaska Valley ahead of individual agendas.
I believe Council is a team with a shared responsibility to serve the entire community. “Growing Together” means respecting our past while preparing for our future. By investing in our people, supporting families and seniors, encouraging opportunity, protecting our natural beauty and heritage, and working together, we can help build a stronger Madawaska Valley for generations to come.
Photo submitted.