By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

local mp's first shadow assignment

MP Calkins named to Poilievre’s shadow cabinet

Oct 12, 2022 | 4:15 PM

Red Deer-Lacombe MP Blaine Calkins is now the Critic for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation.

Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poilievre introduced his full shadow cabinet Wednesday morning.

For Calkins, it is his first critic role since being elected in 2006.

“I am honoured to be given the significant role and responsibility, and to continue serving Canadians and my community of Red Deer-Lacombe in the new role as Conservative Shadow Minister for Hunting, Angling and Conservation,” Calkins said in a statement.

“I’m pleased that Pierre recognizes the outdoor community for their valuable contributions to conservation and our economy. Conservatives will be engaging everyone in Canada who wants to ensure that we have abundance of our renewable resources for generations to come.”

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Calkins was named chief opposition whip earlier this year.

“I will be reaching out to as many Canadians as I can who wants to have a say about our wild spaces and waters and working towards a future that holds promise for our fish and wildlife, and our people,” adds Calkins. “Holding the government to account on this significant file, we will be working in partnership with the provincial, territorial, indigenous bodies, and local stakeholders across Canada. This will be a priority going forward.”

Calkins also serves as a member of the Panel of Chairs for the Legislative Committees. He is also a Chair of the Conservative Hunting and Angling Caucus.

Ontario MPs Scott Aitchison and Leslyn Lewis are also among the group of Tory MPs chosen to go head-to-head with Liberal government ministers on certain files.

The pair each sought the party’s leadership against Poilievre in September.

Red Deer-Mountain View MP Earl Dreeshen was not named to the shadow cabinet.

MORE: Who’s in and who’s out as Conservative party critics under Poilievre’s leadership