Laila Goodridge

Born and raised in Fort McMurray, Laila Goodridge has always had a deep love for the community she calls home. Now serving as Member of Parliament for Fort McMurray–Cold Lake, her journey from local volunteer to national representative has been guided by one simple principle: service.

“The most rewarding part of my career is helping people,” she says. “Government bureaucracy can be frustratingly complicated, and when I can help someone navigate it and find a positive solution. That’s what it’s all about.”

For Laila, public service isn’t just a job; it’s a calling rooted in community and family. Her parents were both passionate about Fort McMurray and modelled the importance of giving back through hard work and involvement. “My parents loved this community,” she shares. “They taught me to show up, to give back, and to do my part to make things better.”

That dedication started early. As a student at Father Mercredi High School, Laila began volunteering with Santas Anonymous, an organization she says shaped the course of her life. “Santas Anonymous is part of my soul,” she says with a smile. “I’ve volunteered almost every year since high school. It gave me the skills I needed to get to where I am today, and it’s such an honour to give back to this spectacular organization.”

Over the years, Laila has dedicated her time to countless causes aimed at strengthening Fort McMurray and supporting its residents. Whether through board service, charitable work, or community outreach, she’s always found joy in helping others. “Through the years, I’ve been fortunate to volunteer with so many organizations helping make our community a better place,” she says.

After completing her education at the University of Alberta’s Campus Saint-Jean, Laila’s career took her from local advocacy to provincial politics and, eventually, to Ottawa, where she now represents the people and industries that shaped her.

Her approach to leadership is deeply personal. “To me, it’s about servant leadership,” she explains. “It’s about showing up, listening, and doing what needs to be done to get the work done.”

As someone who’s spent her life in Fort McMurray, Laila has seen firsthand both the resilience of her community and the challenges it faces. She speaks candidly about the need for renewed investment and opportunity in the region. “We’ve had a decade of anti-energy laws in Ottawa that have driven away investment,” she says. “Our workers and families have paid the price of these bad policies.”

For generations, Fort McMurray was a place where anyone willing to work hard could build a better life. Laila is determined to see that spirit return. “This region has always been a beacon of hope,” she says. “I’ll keep fighting to bring investment back, to get pipelines built, and to ensure our industries—and our people—can thrive again.”

Her vision for the future is clear: a strong, sustainable Fort McMurray that continues to lead Canada in energy, innovation, and opportunity. “Unlocking the oilsands is not just key to our community’s success; it’s key to Canada’s success,” she emphasizes. “When Fort McMurray works, Alberta works. And when Alberta works, Canada works.”

Fort McMurray is more than home for Laila – it’s also the community her parents and grandparents chose to call home. Laila takes pride in both her roots and her role in shaping what comes next. “I’m proud of the work done in the oilsands,” she says. “I’m lucky to be raising my two young sons here. And I want to see a strong future here for my kids and generations to come.”

From the halls of Parliament to the heart of Wood Buffalo, Laila Goodridge continues to do what she’s always done: serve her community, amplify its voice, and fight for its future.