Great West Media has reached out to every 2025 Federal Election candidate in the Airdrie-Cochrane riding with the same questions. They will be published in the order that they were received.
Blake Richards is Airdrie-Cochrane's Conservative candidate in the 2025 Federal Election.
He won his seat in 2008, representing the Wild Rose riding, which was abolished in 2013. Richards represented Banff-Airdrie in the next three elections until 2025, as that riding will be abolished to become Airdrie-Cochrane.
QUESTION: Will you be running in the upcoming snap election and why?
ANSWER: I am running again because this upcoming election is pivotal in making the change Canada needs - our country needs the Canada-First Conservatives to Axe the Tax, Build the Homes, Fix the Budget and Stop the Crime.
The Liberals are desperate to convince Canadians that rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic is the solution, but Canadians know it’s not. We need a strong Canada First Conservative Government that will correct the course and fix the mess left by the Liberals.
Q: What have been some of your proudest achievements while in office?
A: There’s much that’s been accomplished since I first was elected to represent our community, including when I served in Government with Stephen Harper, when we brought Canada through the global recession in the strongest position in the world and then balanced the budget while lowering taxes for Canadians.
I also look back with pride on some of my personal initiatives to make common-sense laws to deter crime and support victims, and my work to ensure better support and compassion for parents who have suffered the loss of a child. I led the fight against devastating tax increases on local small business, as well as the Liberals’ attempt to change the electoral system to their own advantage.
Additionally, in my role role as the Conservative Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, I have fought for veterans to get the respect and appreciation they deserve including exposing the scandal that the Liberal Government was pushing assisted suicide on veterans who just wanted help dealing with their injuries.
I will always champion policies that support those who have served our country, ensuring they receive the care and resources they deserve. Guiding it all is my commitment - always at the forefront of everything I do – to ensuring I am always communicating with constituents, accurately identifying their needs, and advocating and championing the issues and priorities most important to the people of our community.
Q: What will you and your party do to stand up to President Trump’s tariffs and 51st state rhetoric?
A: Our message is clear: Do not mistake our kindness for weakness, we are a strong, proud and sovereign country and the Canada First Conservatives will fight back against these attacks against our economy and our workers.
We will axe the tax, green-light pipelines made with Canadian steel and bring home production and paycheques. This will improve prosperity while enhancing energy security overall.
Carney-Trudeau Liberals have imposed taxes and blocked projects making us more reliant on the Americans, while Carney profited by shipping jobs out of Canada to the U.S. He sold out Canada already and will do it again. We need a Conservative government that will put Canada First.
Q: What is the biggest issue facing Canadians that you wish to tackle?
A: The biggest issue facing Canadians right now is the rising cost of living. It is impacting every Canadian household since the Liberals took power, rising over the years to levels that threaten many Canadians’ ability to feed their family, put a roof over their heads, and fuel their cars. And the Trump tariff war is only going to make it worse.
It’s essential to address this through concrete actions such as cutting taxes, building homes rather than bureaucracy, and working towards a balanced budget. These measures are vital to restoring hope and ensuring that every Canadian has the opportunity to thrive.
Canada First Conservatives, led by Prime Minister Pierre Poilievre will bring home a Canada where hope is restored, for all citizens in all regions of the country – not one that serves the Liberal elite and insiders. And, I will always continue to champion the concerns of my constituents while working to achieve the very best outcomes for all of the country.
Q: Anything else you would like to add?
A: I want to reaffirm for voters my commitment to being a strong advocate for our community, and a champion in Parliament in addressing their needs. This mission has always guided my service to people since I was first elected, and it always will.
Alongside Prime Minister Pierre Poilievre, we will bring home a Canada where hope is restored for all Canadians. There is so much work ahead to get Canada back on the right path to prosperity, security and protection of freedoms after this past decade of Liberal failures. I know my experience and my commitment to creating opportunities for all Canadians can benefit the work Conservatives need to do to correct the course. I am asking again for your support in the upcoming election so we can continue this important work together.
