Federal Conservative MP for Red Deer-Mountain View Earl Dreeshen will not run for re-election.
The 71-year-old MP, who has represented the region since 2008, said that he believes it is time for change.
"In recent months, I have written and spoken on the theme of change. The winds of change are here, and the time for a new Conservative government is fast approaching. I have the utmost confidence in our Leader Pierre Poilievre. I am so proud of the Conservative common-sense renaissance he has led from coast to coast. With the winds of change also comes the need for new voices, new perspectives, and new ideas," he said in a statement Tuesday.
"With this in mind, and with profound gratitude, I am announcing today that I will not be letting my name stand as the Conservative candidate for Red Deer in the upcoming federal election."
Dreeshen said he was honoured to represent the region on the national stage over the last 16 years and said he proudly helped build a stronger community.
"It has been my honour and privilege to continue this legacy by representing the great people of Red Deer and Red Deer-Mountain View for the past 16 years by bringing local issues and concerns to the national stage," he said.
Seventeen years ago, when I was preparing to leave my teaching career of thirty-four years, I had two goals. To grease my combine in the daylight and to find something else interesting and rewarding to do. I may have fallen short on the combine servicing end but the political journey which I ultimately embarked upon has been truly fulfilling."
Dreeshen said some of his proudest moments included securing federal funding for the Red Deer Regional Airport expansion, assisting in bringing the Canada Winter Games to Red Deer, securing federal economic stimulus for our businesses and municipalities, and working with Olds College, Red Deer College and Red Deer Polytechnic to gain federal assistance to help advance their high standards of education.
The MP also touted his work with the Canadian Wheat Board, as the Vice-chair and Deputy Shadow Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, and being part of Parliamentary Committees on Agriculture, Aboriginal Affairs, Health, International Trade as well as, most recently, Natural Resources.
"On the International front, I continually advocated for a Canadian solution for food security, energy security, and the safety of people through my engagement with Parl-America (Western Hemisphere Nations), Asia-Pacific, and the OSCE (Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe)," he said.
Ever the family man, Dreeshen also praised his family for their support during his time as MP.
"To my wife, Judy, let me express my love and my dearest admiration for your support and hard work, both with my political accomplishments and with managing our farm and home," he said.
"To our children, Megan and Devin, you have lived this political experience with us, from chats with Premier Ralph to community engagement, and you have always made us extremely proud. To our grandchildren, Julian, Serena and Conrad, I always have appreciated your recognition and love of our Canadian flag and your understanding of my role of service that kept me away so frequently. Having Julian come to Ottawa to experience Centre Block, the Parliamentary Library, and the Archives was such a great memory for us all."
More to come.
