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?
Prime Minister Mr. Speaker, despite his illusions and phony promises, theis no different from the last guy. He is just another costly Liberal. Prime Minister The true diplomatic work on trade with Europe was done long ago by the Harper government. Canada signed trade deals with 48 European countries under the CETA. Thehas not signed a single new trade deal. His most recent EU tour was just
Thank you, Minister. One of the gaps that we have, from the foreign interference investigation, was the nomination process. I appreciate the efforts on the actual delivery of an election, but I think we've seen and heard enough testimony to understand that nomination contests, which are very party-oriented.... I think there's a reluctance, for some, to let Elections Canada enter into the