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By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

waiting on a federal election call

Three names emerge to replace Earl Dreeshen as MP for Red Deer

Feb 13, 2025 | 2:09 PM

The race to replace long-time Red Deer-area MP Earl Dreeshen is heating up.

Dreeshen, who has served the riding of Red Deer-Mountain View, and before that the riding of Red Deer, since 2008, announced last month that he won’t seek re-election whenever a federal election is called.

Three names have since emerged as possible replacements for what will be the new riding of Red Deer, following recent boundary changes.

Those names are Mike Yargeau, Burton Bailey and Nicole Buchanan.

Yargeau is currently mayor of Penhold, Bailey is a local businessperson, and executive assistant to Red Deer-North MLA Adriana LaGrange, and Buchanan is chair of the board of trustees for Red Deer Public Schools.

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Nominations are open until Feb. 25, but to vote in the nomination race, one must be a member of the Conservative Party of Canada before 5 p.m. on Feb. 13.

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READ MORE: MP Earl Dreeshen announces he won’t be running in federal election

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Yargeau, who’s in his second term as mayor and third on council, told rdnewsNOW this week that his decision stems from how much he loves being mayor.

“I want to take that knowledge and put it to good use for our region,” he says, noting he’s been involved in Conservative politics since he began with door-knocking at the age of 12.

“Through my work with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, I’ve gotten a taste of what the role of MP is, and I’ve realized I’ve got quite the passion for this type of work. I think we need strong Conservative voices in this area, and ones who are willing to be out there in the community.”

Yargeau noted his respect for Dreeshen, sharing that he was a math student of his, and also played hockey with son and current Innisfail-Sylvan Lake MLA Devin Dreeshen.

For Bailey, there are a couple areas he’d like to focus on as a Member of Parliament.

“One of the biggest is affordable housing. I’ve worked with Adriana LaGrange’s office for some time, and we’ve only seen a couple CMHC projects come our way. That’s because we’re a predominantly Conservative riding. I’d also like to see changes to Canada’s Health Act,” he shared.

“The exciting thing when I look at the boundary changes is that we’re going to have an MP for Red Deer [again]. In the past, we’ve had Blaine Calkins from Lacombe, and Earl from Pine Lake; it’s not that they haven’t done good things, but this is Red Deer’s opportunity to have an MP. I think the boundary change really makes sense.”

Buchanan, a police officer for 16 years, says, “This isn’t just politics, it’s personal.”

“I was the first police officer in my service to be exposed to fentanyl on the job, and I’ve witnessed firsthand how the opioid crisis has devastated families across Canada. I’ve worked alongside frontline responders, community organizations, and families impacted by addiction. I know that real solutions come from collaboration and strong relationships—people working together to create safer communities,” she said.

“As a mother, I want my children — and all Canadians — to grow up in safe communities where families can afford to live and thrive. That means tackling crime, supporting businesses, and ensuring that hardworking Albertans can build a future right here at home.”

If other candidates come forward for this nomination race, rdnewsNOW will provide an update.

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