Short Biography of Blaine Calkins, MP
Blaine was born and raised on his family farm near Lacombe, Alberta. He graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology. As well, Blaine holds a certificate in Law Enforcement from Lethbridge Community College and a Diploma in Computer Systems Technology from Red Deer College.
Active in his community, Blaine was an elected Municipal Councillor for the Town of Lacombe.
First elected as the Member of Parliament for the Constituency of Wetaskiwin in 2006, Blaine captured over 75 percent of the votes cast and was re-elected in the October 2008 General Election. Blaine was once again re-elected in 2011, this time securing 81.5% of the popular vote.
He has served on the following House of Commons Standing Committees; National Defence, Justice and Human Rights and was the Vice Chair of the Standing Joint Committee of the Library of Parliament. Blaine also served as a Member on the Standing Committees of Fisheries and Oceans and Environment and Sustainable Development. He currently sits on the Standing Committee on Natural Resources and was chosen to chair the Alberta Caucus following his re-election in 2011.
Blaine is Chair of the Canada-Poland Parliamentary Friendship Group and an executive member of both the NATO Parliamentary Association and the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
An avid outdoorsman, Blaine enjoys camping, hiking, fishing, golfing and playing guitar.
Blaine and his wife Barbara have three children.