Wild Rose MP Blake Richards will officially be the Conservative Party nominee for in the next federal election in the newly-named federal riding of Banff-Airdrie.
“It truly has been an honour to represent the people of our region for the past six years,” Richards said in a media release. “We have achieved much together, ensuring that common sense government serves all Canadian families who work hard and play by the rules.”
The Wild Rose constituency Richards currently represents encompasses a population of over 138,000 and includes Mountain View County (MVC), which will not be included in the new Banff-Airdrie riding.
MVC, including Olds, will become part of another new Alberta riding, Red Deer-Mountain View.
Along with Banff and Airdrie, Cochrane, Canmore, Crossfield, Stoney Nakoda First Nation and parts of Rocky View County and the M.D. of Bighorn will make up the Banff-Airdrie constituency, which will boast a smaller population of approximately 100,000.
Richards launched his campaign to be the Conservative nominee Feb. 11 and will be seeking a third term as the area’s MP in Ottawa.
“Moving forward, our federal government has important work to complete before the next federal election,” Richards said. “I will continue to focus on balancing the budget, keeping our streets and communities safe and keeping taxes low for hard working Canadian families.”
So far, Canmore resident Marlo Raynolds had announced his intent to seek the Liberal Party nomination. No other candidates have publicly announced.
The 42nd Canadian federal election is scheduled for Oct. 19, 2015.
