Maria Rodriguez

Maria’s view of the world has been shaped by a lifelong career in agriculture. Over the years, she has had the unique opportunity to examine food systems from multiple perspectives: as a farmer, advocate, teacher, researcher, regulator, policy analyst, specialist in international trade and bilateral relations, and manager of research and innovation. Through this diverse experience, she came to understand that while food production occurs within ecosystems and communities, the challenges it faces are often driven by external forces—not only by the natural environment, but also by the whims of public policy, where taxpayer dollars can shift the balance in a particular direction. She realized that understanding these dynamics is essential to righting the wrongs of the past, achieving sustainability, and reclaiming our food sovereignty.

Maria was drawn to the Green movement after witnessing firsthand the outsized influence of the fossil fuel industry on politics in her native Venezuela. She saw how the country’s economic dependence on this sector shaped political and economic agendas. Over time, she came to realize that the same pattern exists in Canada, where the oil industry promises prosperity for all, while delivering environmental and climate destruction. She also observed how this dependence led to increased corporate concentration and control across other industries, undermining the social fabric of many communities.

Maria is running to be a strong advocate for the people of Cardigan and for the industries that sustain its communities. Her vision is to help chart a path toward a more sustainable future—one rooted in rural economic and social development that respects the integrity of local communities and the ecosystems that support them.

A mother of four and grandmother of five, Maria is also running on a platform of hope: that by bringing these critical issues to the forefront, we can build a better future for generations to come.