“I believe that there are two important landmarks in life – one when you are born and one when you die. But what matters most is what you do in between.” And Keith McGrath has made sure that his “in between” is full indeed. Originally from Newfoundland, while working in the small business sector of Fort McMurray, he took Keyano College Heavy Industrial courses when he first arrived here and was soon part of the construction team that built the Fort McMurray Golf Club.

He went on to have a storied three-decade career in mining, construction and the oil sands. The rest is history, they say.

Keith is currently the Chief Executive Officer of the NOHA Group, where he fosters relationships with Indigenous communities across Wood Buffalo and from Labrador to Kitimat and all points in between. In his role, he is humbled and honoured to form partnerships and agreements that will positively impact Indigenous communities and social and economic development now and for future generations.

Over the years, he also has been privileged to work with many great community leaders volunteering, working on numerous boards and committees that include the Bill 21 Steering Committee, Community Health Council, Fort McMurray Housing Authority, the Regional Roads Committee, MacDonald Island Park, McMurray Newfoundlanders Club, Lions Club, Knights of Columbus, and was the President of the Friends of Miskanaw Golf Club.

Keith has served on the Board of Directors of the Alberta Catholic School Trustee Association, Finance Committee and served five terms on the Board of Trustees with the Fort McMurray Catholic School District. Keith also spearheaded the idea of the Wood Buffalo Recovery Committee and helped lead recovery efforts following the devastating 2016 Horse River Wildfire – the costliest natural disaster in Canadian history.

Keith is passionate about building a community where no one gets left behind. “While on Council, I want to champion a community plan that's family friendly and sustainable as well as a community that supports both big and small business respecting the diversity of our region and its people. I want to work with stakeholders to shape a region that attracts and retains the young and old alike, and one that delivers core services to ensure economic growth.”

To unwind at the end of a busy day, he walks the trails with his dog, reads, travels, follows hockey and is a keen golfer. But his true passion continues to be his community. “I will never stop learning. I like to think of myself as approachable, respectful and a good listener. My dream is to see that all voices and people are represented. I hope to continue to be a man of the people, for the people.”

Keith has received the 2012 and 2016 JD Hole Humanitarian Award, the 2012 St. Thomas Service Award and was honoured with one of 38 Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medals distributed by the Canadian Construction Association among over 17,000 Canadian firms, in recognition of achievements that have helped to build the Canada of today and the future.

First elected in 2013, Keith is now in his third term on Council and is the longest serving Councillor for Ward 1, representing Fort McMurray. Keith is proud to be Council’s current representative on the Community Identification Committee.