James MacDonald - Candidate for Ward 3 Councillor, Tantramar NB.

05/08/2026

As we head to the polls this Monday, May 11, I want to say a sincere thank you to everyone I’ve met on the campaign trail.

​I’ve knocked on 300 doors to hear from you directly. If I didn’t make it to your doorstep I apologize, but please know I’ve been listening closely. Through those conversations, I’ve heard many common concerns and plenty of positive feedback as well. It feels as if many residents are ready for a change.

​I am running because I believe we need new energy to continue to make Ward 3 and Tantramar a place for all. I’m ready to bring a fresh voice to Council, a voice focused on real results and the future of the place we call home.

​VOTING DETAILS:
🗓️ When: Monday, May 11 (10 AM to 8 PM)
📍 Where: Tantramar Civic Centre
✅ Vote James MacDonald for Ward 3

​A vote for James is a vote for Tantramar. I’ve put in the work, and I hope I can count on your support this Monday to bring about the change we need!

05/03/2026

Alright, Ward 3, let’s beat the Monday blues with a trip to the polls!

Tomorrow is Day Two of early voting. If you haven't made it out yet, Monday is the perfect time to get it checked off your to-do list so you can sit back and relax knowing your voice has been heard.

As we continue through this election, I want to reiterate why I’m asking for your continued support. I’m not just looking for a seat at the table; I’m looking to do the "heavy lifting" for our community:

Why James? Here’s the "Tantramar First" plan:

The Bylaw Nerd: I actually love studying bylaws for you. I’ll dig into the fine print so you don’t have to consider it my gift to the Tantramar!

Infrastructure & Taxes: I’ll work with staff to increase our yearly infrastructure upgrades while hunting for new revenue streams to mitigate the tax burden on you.

Supporting Accessibility: I am committed to continuing to support staff initiatives in their journey to make Tantramar accessible for all.

Hard-Working & Blue-Collar: I’m a worker, I’m available, and I want you to take advantage of that office at Municipal Hall. Come talk to me!

Protecting History: I want to find ways to protect our old properties while incentivizing owners to maintain the character of our community without putting a choke hold on development.

I believe in a Tantramar First, James Second approach.

Have questions? There is still time to reach out!
Feel free to message me here or call/text me at 506-878-3328. I'm here to listen.

If you want that link between residents and staff spread the word to vote for James MacDonald!

Polls are open tomorrow (Monday) from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Send a message to learn more

05/02/2026

Get out there and vote... Specifically for James MacDonald in Ward 3.

04/17/2026

News for our community!

I truly believe the appointment of a Director of Protective Services is a fantastic addition to Tantramar. This role finally brings our vital services. Fire, Bylaw, Animal Control, and our RCMP liaison all under one umbrella for better coordination and safety.

It’s been a long road with a very lengthy recruitment process, but it’s a relief to see it cross the finish line. Huge shoutout to the municipal staff for their persistence in finding a worthy candidate for such a critical role. Looking forward to seeing the positive impact this leadership brings to our municipality! 👏

04/16/2026

Did you know there is a dedicated office in the Municipal Office Building specifically for Council members? It’s an official space meant for work and connection, but right now, it’s looking a little lonely and it isn’t being used nearly enough.

If elected to Council, I’m staging a friendly takeover.

I am committing to being in that office two afternoons every month. My goal is to make sure that space actually serves the people it belongs to.

I want to hear it all. Whether you have a brilliant idea for the community, a concern about Tantramar, or a success story that deserves a shout-out, I’m here to listen. As your representative, I need your perspective on the issues to do this job right.

If you just want to stop in and chat over coffee, please stop by. I don't want it to always be about business; I want to connect. Maybe you have a cool story about the old shoe factory on Lorne St, shipping grindstones in Rockport, the history of Fort Beauséjour, or how busy Dorchester once was on Guard Row. Whether you want to talk about the budget or local history, I’ve got you covered.
Heck, if we’re lucky, we might even convince a staff member to stick their head in and say hello. We’ll make it a real party.

While I am running to represent Ward 3, my door is open to all of Tantramar. Residents from every ward are invited to stop in.

Let's make local government feel a little more like a community and a little less like a building. I can’t wait to see you there!

04/15/2026

Those who know me know that "trying new things" and "anxiety" are basically best friends in my head. If you heard me speaking last night, you definitely heard the cotton mouth! 🤦🏻‍♂️ (Note to self: Bring a gallon of water next time).

Running for Ward 3 Council is equal parts exhilarating and nerve-wracking. But man, the support I’m feeling makes all the difference. From hour-long deep dives with residents that give me a massive boost of courage, to a boss who’s cheering me on through this adventure, I am feeling very lucky.

But the real MVP moment? My boys.

I heard last night that one of my signs was flapping in the wind. This morning, I messaged the kids to see if they could swing by after school to fix it. The reply?

"We saw it last night while we were out, so we already stopped and fixed it."

I didn't even have to ask. They just saw a need and stepped up.

It’s a huge reminder that I can’t do this alone. To represent Ward 3 the way it deserves, it takes a village and I’m so grateful to have all of you (and my sign-fixing crew) in mine!

04/14/2026

Tonight, I am appearing before the Tantramar Council to speak on the proposed Fire Prevention By-law (2026-21).

While some have labeled these changes as simple "housekeeping," the reality is much different. We are looking at a "total renovation" of rules that affect over half of our municipality’s landmass, potentially imposing new, costly restrictions on residents.

My message to Council is clear:

Respect Every Taxpayer: Every property owner (including camp owners) deserves a seat at the table. Their concerns shouldn't be dismissed based on insinuations or the actions of people breaking already existing laws.

Economic Reality: Replacing an outdoor furnace or retrofitting a new heat source can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Expecting families to absorb a five-figure expense on a five-month deadline is disconnected from the reality of record inflation and heat security.

Getting it Right: Once a by-law like this is approved, it is very difficult to fix the flaws. Passing a flawed policy with the hope of "fixing it later" is not responsible governance.

The Bottom Line:
As your neighbor and a resident of Tantramar, I believe in common-sense leadership. If elected, I promise that every by-law will get the rigorous, public review it demands. I will never let major policy shifts be pushed through as "housekeeping".

We have one chance to ensure our local laws are fair and practical. Let's get it right.

Vote James MacDonald for Ward 3 on May 11

Attached is a link to watch tonight's meeting online.

Tantramar Council April 14, 2026 Regular Council Meeting

04/10/2026

My Commitment to You: Accountability and Communication

Over the last several years, I have advocated for residents to reach out to Council and staff with their questions and concerns. I feel residents deserve acknowledgement when they've taken the time to reach out.

If elected to Ward 3, I am making this commitment to all residents of all the wards:

I will acknowledge all emails and give each one the response it deserves. Your input directly shapes the way I represent you in Council chambers.

I believe that open, two-way communication is a crucial part of the decision-making process for our Municipality. We cannot make the best decisions for Tantramar without hearing from the people who live here.

I’m ready to be a Councillor who is not only at the table, but is also accessible to you when you need an answer.

Vote James MacDonald for Ward 3 on May 11.

04/08/2026

Earlier this afternoon I was putting signs to support my town. Tonight I'm loading oil to support my family.

04/07/2026

Got signs put up today in a couple locations. Let's try something a little different. Stop by my signs either across from the ultramar or next to Tim Hortons and take a picture with it and share it here.