Blake Richards
- Born
- November 8, 1974 — Olds, Alberta
- Education
- Red Deer College; University of Calgary, degree in political science
- Career
- Worked in the oil field and agriculture-related industries; real estate business
- Political Experience
- Elected to House of Commons in 2008, re-elected in 2011, 2015, 2019, 2021, and 2025 federal elections. Shadow Minister for Veterans Affairs, Chief Opposition Whip, Official Opposition Shadow Minister for Small Business, Export Promotion and Tourism.
- Notable
- Volunteer firefighter and minor hockey coach. Spearheaded a national petition that called for changes to the national pardons system. Introduced Private Member's Bill C-309. Recognized as the Hardest Working and Best Constituency MP in The Hill Times' Annual Politically Savvy Survey. Recognized with a Canadian Tourism Award.
Based on publicly available information — may contain inaccuracies
Business & Financial Interests
Before entering federal politics in 2008, Blake Richards worked as a real estate agent. He also reportedly owned and operated a small business. According to disclosures filed with the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, Richards has declared an interest in a numbered Alberta corporation, described as a holding company, as well as a residential rental property in Airdrie, Alberta.
Key Relationships & Connections
As the Chief Opposition Whip for the Conservative Party, Blake Richards holds a senior leadership position within the caucus and works closely with the party leader, Pierre Poilievre, to manage party discipline and legislative strategy. He is also the founder and co-chair of the all-party Parliamentary Friends of the Alzheimer Society, a group dedicated to raising awareness about dementia.
Public Controversies
In 2014, Richards faced media scrutiny over his expense claims after it was reported he had claimed per diems for his time in Ottawa while his wife was hospitalized following the premature birth of their child. Richards defended the claims, stating that he continued to work on constituency business from the hospital and his Ottawa apartment during that period. More recently, in his role as Chief Opposition Whip, Richards was involved in the Conservative caucus's decision-making process, including the 2021 expulsion of MP Derek Sloan. The handling of such internal party matters sometimes generates public and media discussion.
Where Blake falls on key policy spectrums
Your Money
People & Society
How We're Governed
Land & Community
Blake Richards won with 50,252 votes (71.2%)
Total votes cast: 70,560
How does Blake Richards's voting record line up with your values?
housing minister Mr. Speaker, all veterans get from the Liberal government are excuses and cuts. The Liberals slashed billions from veterans services, leaving veterans facing longer wait times and fewer supports, and now they are covering up the fact that thehid $3 million they cut from homeless veterans, claiming they could not find any. Unfortunately there are thousands of homeless veterans in
Prime Minister Mr. Speaker, thesold himself as a financial expert, but since taking office he has doubled the deficit and he is adding $1 trillion to the debt. Despite the illusions, it is more cost, more taxes, more debt, more on the national credit card and more of the same that we got from Justin Trudeau. Canadians are paying more for groceries, housing and everything in between. Prime