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Conservatives must choose new candidate for reconfigured federal Red Deer riding

MP Earl Dreeshen won't seek re-election
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Red Deer-Mountainview MP Earl Dreeshen announced on Jan. 21, 2025 that he would not run in the next federal election. (Photo from Facebook)

Local Conservatives will be looking for a candidate for the brand new federal Red Deer riding for the coming election. 

Red Deer-Mountain View MP Earl Dreeshen announced on Tuesday that he will not seek re-election, and the new federal electoral map instead contains the Red Deer riding.

The new riding encompasses the entire city, and a portion of Red Deer-Mountain View with the Town of Penhold, the villages of Delburne and Elnora, and part of Red Deer County.

Red Deer District Chamber CEO Scott Robinson said the boundary changes will make it very attractive to some good candidates. 

"We're Alberta's third largest city. From a national perspective, we're certainly on the map, so it will be exciting and interesting to see who comes forward," said Robinson, adding he has nothing but respect for Dreeshen, who has worked on many federal files in government and opposition.

"I know he'll receive lots of accolades from the community for the work he has done," Robinson said.

Jim Foster, a past federal Progressive Conservative association president, said Dreeshen's departure came as a bit of a surprise since he had already accepted the nomination for the new riding last year. There's not much time to choose a new candidate when an election may only be a few months away.

Nonetheless, it is time for a new face, he said. 

"I want to thank Earl for his 16 years of service, but he's 72 years old, and it's certainly time to move on," said Foster, who served as Red Deer’s MLA under the Peter Lougheed government.

Foster said he knows who he would back should that person decide to run and anticipates a very interesting nomination race.

Red Deer-Lacombe MP Blaine Calkins, who is the Conservative nominee for the new federal Ponoka-Didsbury riding, said Dreeshen is a great community-minded MP.

“I want to take a moment to acknowledge my friend and colleague. I will miss his calm, reasonable and knowledgeable advice and influence," said Calkins in a statement.

“Earl and I have worked closely together for many years on files as diverse as rural crime, agriculture, Canadian Wheat Board marketing freedom, international trade and all the issues that affect the good people of Central Alberta.”

Darcy Mykytyshyn, who assisted with Red Deer District Chamber's task force on homelessness, said Dreeshen has been steadfast in his representation of Red Deer-Mountain View.

"His approach and style truly reflect the values of the people he serves — embodying dedication, resilience, and integrity in all that he does. We've been fortunate to have a representative who mirrors the character of our community," Mykytyshyn said. 

"As we look to the next election, it will be our task to find a new representative who upholds these same values with one eye locked on the promise of what Red Deer can become."

Mayor Ken Johnston agreed Dreeshen has served the community well for years and his decision not to seek re-election reminded Johnston of his own choice to close the book on his public career and not run in October's municipal election.

"We're the same age. He recognized it was time for a shift and a change," Johnston said. 

He appreciated both Dreeshen and Calkins' support on the city's grant application to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's Housing Accelerator Fund, and the city remains optimistic. 

Former Red Deer mayor Morris Flewwelling said Dreeshen was a gentleman to work with, reliable, steady, and quiet without a lot of flash and dazzle.

"He's not a disruptor. That's not Earl's style. And I think as the Conservative party moves towards a more disruptive approach under the current leader, I think that's very anti-Earl," Flewwelling said. 

He added that Alberta will figure largely in federal politics as tariff negotiations get underway with Washington and the interplay between Premier Danielle Smith, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Conservative leader Pierre Polievre, and U.S President Donald Trump.

"The matrix is set, and out of that we need to nominate people who can work in that complex situation because we are going to be front and centre," Flewwelling said about Alberta. 



Susan Zielinski

About the Author: Susan Zielinski

Susan has been with the Red Deer Advocate since 2001. Her reporting has focused on education, social and health issues.
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