Ward 2 Councillor Kendrick Cardinal social media post re impaired driving
FORT CHIPEWYAN — A Wood Buffalo councillor is publicly addressing a recent conviction, saying he accepts responsibility for an impaired ATV incident and is committed to rebuilding trust in the community.
Councillor Kendrick Cardinal posted a lengthy statement to Facebook in response to media coverage of his guilty plea and 120-day conditional sentence for obstructing justice. The conviction stems from an August 2024 incident in which he rode an ATV through Fort Chipewyan while intoxicated before fleeing from an officer.
In his post, Cardinal said he wanted to speak “out of respect for the community I serve” and called the incident a serious lapse in judgment. He said the behaviour did not reflect his values or the standards expected of an elected leader.
“I won’t make excuses for my actions,” he wrote. “I’ve taken every step required to take responsibility, learn from it, and reflect on the choices that brought me there.”
Cardinal added he completed programs ordered by the court and spent time understanding the risks and consequences of impaired driving. He said disappointing supporters has been a motivating factor in changing his behaviour.
He also thanked community members who continued to support him and pointed to his work on youth programs, cultural initiatives and regional advocacy as evidence of his commitment to Fort Chipewyan.
“This experience does not define who I am, but it has shaped who I am becoming,” he said. “I’m committed to continuing to serve our community with integrity, transparency, and respect.”
Cardinal remains a Ward 2 councillor with the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and is serving his sentence under conditions that include house arrest, curfews and mandatory sobriety.
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