Blaine Calkins
- Born
- December 25, 1968 — Lacombe, Alberta area
- Education
- Bachelor of Science with specialization in zoology, University of Alberta, 1992
- Career
- Tenured faculty member at Red Deer College. Member of the Lacombe Town Council
- Political Experience
- Member of Parliament for Ponoka—Didsbury; previously represented the riding of Red Deer—Lacombe from 2015-2025, and Wetaskiwin, from 2006-2015.
- Notable
- Served as the chair for the Alberta caucus of the Conservative Party of Canada in both the 41st and 42nd Parliament. Chair of the Conservative Hunting and Angling Caucus.
Based on publicly available information — may contain inaccuracies
Business & Financial Interests
Before entering federal politics, Blaine Calkins worked as a systems analyst for the Hudson's Bay Company. He also has a background in conservation, having worked as a park warden for Alberta Parks and as a fisheries technician and biologist for the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans. He holds a diploma in conservation enforcement and a degree in computer information systems.
Key Relationships & Connections
Blaine Calkins is a co-founder of the Conservative Hunting and Angling Caucus, a group of MPs and Senators focused on issues related to firearms owners, hunters, and anglers. As a long-serving member of the Conservative Party caucus, he has served in various roles under leaders such as Stephen Harper, Andrew Scheer, Erin O'Toole, and Pierre Poilievre.
Public Controversies
In 2013, Calkins's travel expenses were part of a broader media scrutiny of MPs. It was reported that he used parliamentary travel points, which were within the rules at the time, to fly his wife to Ottawa. In 2021, Calkins reportedly signed a letter from a group called Liberty Coalition Canada, which opposed public health measures such as lockdowns and vaccine mandates related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This action drew criticism from public health advocates and political opponents.
Where Blaine falls on key policy spectrums
Your Money
People & Society
How We're Governed
Land & Community
Blaine Calkins won with 56,106 votes (81.8%)
Total votes cast: 68,579
How does Blaine Calkins's voting record line up with your values?
Bow River Mr. Speaker, with regard to the Liberals' bill, where they say they are putting back mandatory minimum sentences, but they have this safeguard or whatever they want to call it where it is actually optional, I want to ask my colleague, the member for, is that not akin to putting seat belts in vehicles and then never requiring anybody to use them?