Incumbent wants to get the people working

Blaine Calkins has held his seat in Parliament since he was first elected in 2006.

“I still have a fire in my belly and a passion for the work I’m doing,” said Calkins.

Back in 2006, he fought to end the monopoly on the Canadian Wheat Board and ensuring all families we treated fairly when it came to child care. Now, almost 15 years later Calkins still supports policies that everybody benefits from.

Calkins has been a long time supporter of Alberta’s oil and gas industry. One of his first jobs was roughnecking for service rigs. He believes his best quality is that he was born and raised in the area.

“I’ve got a fairly broad background.”

Calkins grew up on a farm, working the quarter section his family owned. He has also worked for the energy sector, law enforcement and has taught at Red Deer College. He says he continues to create new life experiences while never forgetting his roots. ” I treat people the way I would want to be treated,” added Calkins.

There are a few local items Calkins wants to bring to a federal level. Economy being the biggest concern. ” I’ve always felt the private sector maintained the public sector,” said Calkins. “I want to see for hire signs instead of for lease signs on store front windows.”

Calkins is frustrated with how the last election went he says along with lots of Albertan’s. He’s also frustrated that Trudeau decided to call an election in the middle of the summer with lots of issues going on including, the wildfires in B.C., the nation being in a fourth wave of Covid, and Canadians being trapped in Afghanistan.

A candidate forum will be held at the Ponoka Chamber of Commerce on September 14th.