MP Blaine Calkins announced Nov. 26 that he plans to seek the Conservative candidacy in the newly formed federal riding of Red Deer-Wolf Creek for the 2015 election.
Sylvan Lake and Eckville are in the south end of the new riding. Also included are the communities of Blackfalds, Bentley, Lacombe, Rimbey and Ponoka along with surrounding rural area.
Calkins is currently chair of the Alberta Conservative Caucus and Member of Parliament for the federal constituency of Wetaskiwin. Due to the statutory 10 year review of riding boundaries and the addition of six new seats for Alberta, the current riding of Wetaskiwin will cease to exist after the next general election.
He was first elected in January 2006 and re-elected in 2008 and 2011.
“I grew up in Lacombe County. I went to school in Lacombe. I played hockey here, my friends and family are here,” said Calkins. “I taught at Red Deer College for years just before I was elected, was a Ranger at Sylvan Lake, my wife and I began our family in Blackfalds and we now live in Lacombe. It only makes sense to continue to represent the fine citizens of Central Alberta in the place we call home.”
He added he’ll continue to support constituents of his current riding. “Just because I have declared my intentions for 2015, there is still work to be done in the constituency of Wetaskiwin, and I will continue to represent the people of this constituency to the best of my ability.”