Devin Dreeshen

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The Honourable
Devin Dreeshen
ECA MLA
Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors
Assumed office
October 21, 2022
PremierDanielle Smith
Preceded byRajan Sawhney
Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of Alberta
In office
April 30, 2019 – November 5, 2021
PremierJason Kenney
Preceded byOneil Carlier
Succeeded byNate Horner
Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Innisfail-Sylvan Lake
Assumed office
July 12, 2018
Preceded byDon MacIntyre
Personal details
Born1987 or 1988 (age 36–37)[1]
Innisfail, Alberta, Canada
Political partyUnited Conservative Party
Other political
affiliations		Conservative Party of Canada Republican Party (United States)
RelationsEarl Dreeshen (father)
ResidencePine Lake, Alberta
Alma materUniversity of Alberta[2][unreliable source?]

Devin Dreeshen (born 1987/1988) is a Canadian politician and a member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, representing the electoral district of Innisfail-Sylvan Lake. He was first elected with 82 per cent of the vote in a by-election in July 2018, and was re-elected in the 2019 Alberta general election to the 30th Alberta Legislature. In the 2023 Alberta general election, Dreeshen was once again re-elected to the 31st Alberta Legislature.

As a member of the United Conservative Party government, on April 30, 2019, Dreeshen was appointed by Premier Jason Kenney to the Executive Council of Alberta as the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry. He served in that role from April 30, 2019, to November 5, 2021. Dreeshen has been Alberta's Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors since October 2022.[3]

Early life[edit]

Dreeshen was born in Innisfail, Alberta and is a fifth generation farmer. His father, Earl Dreeshen, is a Conservative member of parliament for Red Deer—Mountain View, first elected in 2008. He grew up with his sister Megan.

Before entering politics himself, Dreeshen studied economics and political science at the University of Alberta.[2] He was also a former director of the Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association, and a board member on the Crossroads Agricultural Society.[4][5]

From 2008 until 2015, Dreeshen worked as a policy advisor to Minister of Agriculture Gerry Ritz.[4]

Political career[edit]

Donald Trump presidential campaign[edit]

Between February and November 2016 Dreeshen worked on Donald Trump's presidential campaign.[6] Dreeshen visited 28 states and shadowed Ivanka Trump. As a result of his work, Dreeshen was invited to the Trump's victory party in New York City, where he was photographed wearing a red MAGA hat.[7] His former press secretary, Justin Laurence, said in an email that the Minister denounced all forms of political violence during the 2021 storming of the United States Capitol.[8]

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry[edit]

Dreeshen won the United Conservative nomination for Innisfail-Sylvan Lake in 2018, and won the ensuing by-election with approximately 82 per cent of the vote.[9] He was appointed by Jason Kenney as the Opposition Critic for Trade and was a member on the Standing Committee on Alberta's Economic Future. After winning reelection in the 2019 Alberta general election, he was appointed as the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry.[10]

On May 5, 2020, the government of Alberta formed an Agriculture Industry Advisory Committee to work with Minister Dreeshen, with the goal of providing the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry with strategic advice and recommendations on issues and priorities related to consumer confidence and work to debunk myths in the industry. “Alberta has a hard-earned reputation around the world for healthy, safe and reliable agriculture products,” said Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Devin Dreeshen, “These Champions of Agriculture will help break down myths and misunderstandings of our sustainable agriculture practices and highlight how Alberta leads on a global stage to feed people around the world.”[11]

In August 2020 the government of Alberta with Dreeshen as Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, amended the Meat Inspection Act, to allow consumers to buy an animal directly from farmers, and have it slaughtered for their personal consumption. It also allowed for provincially licensed slaughterhouses to sell meat byproducts and allowed emergency video pre slaughter inspections for the sake of animal welfare.[12]

On April 13, 2020, the union representing employees of the Cargill meat processing plant called for the plant to be shut down due to 38 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among plant workers.[13] On April 16, Rachel Notley called on Dreeshen and the provincial government to shut down the plant;[14] Dreeshen responded, calling her statement "misinformation and fear-mongering."[15] During a virtual town hall meeting on April 18, Dreeshen said that the government was confident the Cargill plant had taken all necessary measures to mitigate risk to its staff, including temperature testing, enhanced cleaning and sanitizing, disallowing visitation, installing plastic dividers, and implementing staggered breaks.[16] By April 20, 484 cases had been linked to the Cargill plant outbreak, at which point the plant closed for two weeks.[17] On May 11, after the plant had reopened, NDP labour critic Christina Gray called on Dreeshen to close the plant again, but the plant remained open.[18] Three deaths were linked with the outbreak at the Cargill plant, and at more than 1500 confirmed cases, it was the largest outbreak of COVID-19 in Canada.[19]

Documents obtained by the Alberta Federation of Labour in March 2021 they believe showed that Dreeshen was aware that the safety measures taken by the plant were not sufficient to ensure worker safety, but deliberately omitted the information at the town hall meeting with plant workers.[20] Minister Dreeshen’s former press secretary gave a statement to Global News. Justin Laurence said the government ensured personal protective equipment was provided to protect both workers and the food security of Alberta families. “Alberta’s government followed the expert medical advice of its officials, including chief medical officer of Health Dr. Hinshaw who, at no time, recommend the closure of food processing plants,” Laurence said.[21]

On July 10, 2021, Dreeshen showcased new " Made in Alberta" product labels developed by the government that farmers, food producers and processors could place on their products to help consumers quickly notice and choose items made in Alberta at farmers markets and grocery stores.[22]

In October 2021, the CBC reported that a former UCP staff member was suing the premier's office alleging excessive drinking by ministers and staff in legislature offices. Although, none of the allegations were ever proven in court, Dreeshen resigned from cabinet.[23] Dreeshen offered Premier Jason Kenney his resignation from cabinet on November 5, 2021. “I accept that my personal conduct with regards to alcohol has become an issue for the government as a whole,” the statement said, “I deeply regret that this is the case, but have decided that it is best for both myself and the province to resign my position and focus on my personal health and wellness.”[24]

Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors[edit]

Dreeshen was sworn in as Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors on October 24, 2022. As Minister he intends to continue the twinning of Highway 11 from Sylvan Lake to Rocky Mountain House. The expansion of Red Deer Regional Airport is stated as a priority as well. Dreeshen met with the airport authority and told them the development of the airport remains part of the province’s strategy to bring in more trade and attract more businesses.[25] In the 2023 budget, the Alberta government with Dreeshen as Minister, invested $30 million into the expansion and upgrade of Red Deer Regional Airport.[26] The government also planned to spend $23 billion dollars over three years on public infrastructure, including $2.293 billion on roads from 2023-2026.[27]

In northern Alberta, Minister Dreeshen also announced $117 million to twin Highway 63 from Mildred Lake to south of the Peter Lougheed Bridge, which sees nearly 11,000 commuters and commercial vehicles daily. The project was initiated in response to the rapid and sustained growth in industrial activity north of Fort McMurray and a corresponding increase in traffic volumes.[28] On April 27, 2023, Minister Dreeshen also announced a major agreement with Loon River First Nation, Peerless Trout First Nation and Bigstone Cree Nation to begin work to extend Highway 686 to Fort McMurray, connecting northeastern and northwestern Alberta for the first time in the history of the province.[29]

Electoral results[edit]

2023 general election[edit]

2023 Alberta general election: Innisfail-Sylvan Lake
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
United Conservative Devin Dreeshen 16,385 71.61 -2.94
New Democratic Jason Heistad 5,700 24.91 +11.38
Alberta Independence David Reid 276 1.21 –
Wildrose Independence Jeevan Mangat 240 1.05 –
Solidarity Movement Brandon Pringle 149 0.65 –
Reform Randy Thorsteinson 132 0.58 +0.27
Total 22,882 99.42 –
Rejected and declined 134 0.58
Turnout 23,016 61.38
Eligible voters 37,497
United Conservative hold Swing -7.16
Source(s)
Source: Elections Alberta[30]

2019 general election[edit]

2019 Alberta general election: Innisfail-Sylvan Lake
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
United Conservative Devin Dreeshen 19,030 74.55% -7.12%
New Democratic Robyn O'Brien 3,453 13.53% 4.22%
Alberta Party Danielle Klooster 2,337 9.15% 1.71%
Freedom Conservative Chad Miller 359 1.41% –
Alberta Advantage Brian Vanderkley 164 0.64% –
Independent Ed Wychopen 106 0.42% –
Reform Lauren Thorsteinson 79 0.31% –
Total 25,528 – –
Rejected, spoiled and declined 31 57 10
Eligible electors / turnout 34,873 73.32% 17.93%
United Conservative gain from Wildrose Swing 23.17%
Source(s)
Source: "66 - Innisfail-Sylvan Lake, 2019 Alberta general election". officialresults.elections.ab.ca. Elections Alberta. Retrieved May 21, 2020.
Alberta. Chief Electoral Officer (2019). 2019 General Election. A Report of the Chief Electoral Officer. Volume II (PDF) (Report). Vol. 2. Edmonton, Alta.: Elections Alberta. pp. 302–308. ISBN 978-1-988620-12-1. Retrieved April 7, 2021.

2018 by-election[edit]

Alberta provincial by-election, July 12, 2018: Innisfail-Sylvan Lake
upon the resignation of Don MacIntyre on February 2, 2018
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
United Conservative Devin Dreeshen 8,029 81.67 +10.99
New Democratic Nicole Mooney 915 9.31 -13.83
Alberta Party Abigail Douglass 731 7.44 +1.25
Liberal Nicolaas Jansen 93 0.95 —
Independent David Inscho 63 0.64 —
Total valid votes 9,831
Rejected, spoiled, and declined 37
Turnout 9,868 31.22 -24.27
Eligible voters 31,604
United Conservative notional hold Swing +12.41
Source(s)
Elections Alberta. "Election results". Retrieved August 13, 2018.
Alberta provincial government of Jason Kenney
Cabinet post (1)
Predecessor Office Successor
Oneil Carlier Minister of Agriculture and Forestry
April 30, 2019–November 5, 2021 		Nate Horner

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Alberta election candidates are ready".
  2. ^ a b "MY EXPERIENCE". votedevindreeshen. Retrieved 2021-01-18.
  3. ^ "Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors | Alberta.ca". www.alberta.ca. Retrieved 2023-09-22.
  4. ^ a b Roth, Megan (February 14, 2018). "Devin Dreeshen adds his name to UCP race". Red Deer Express. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
  5. ^ McDermott, Vincent (July 13, 2013). "United Conservatives win Alberta byelections". Edmonton Journal. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
  6. ^ Krugel, Lauren (2018-07-13). "Alberta's Jason Kenney sees advantage to new member's history with Donald Trump". Global News. Retrieved 2018-09-12.
  7. ^ Leavitt, Kieran (July 14, 2018). "'I am my own person,' says new UCP byelection winner on working for Donald Trump campaign". Toronto Star. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
  8. ^ "Premier Kenney, Alberta's Opposition leader condemn storming of U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters". Global News. Retrieved 2021-01-18.
  9. ^ "Dreeshen wins Innisfail-Sylvan Lake by-election". rdnewsnow.com.
  10. ^ "Honourable Devin Dreeshen". Legislative Assembly of Alberta. Retrieved January 7, 2021.
  11. ^ "Champions of Agriculture committee launched". hannaherald.com. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  12. ^ "MLA Homeniuk, Minister Dreeshen announce changes to Meat Inspection Act". fortsaskatchewanrecord. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  13. ^ Bell, David (April 13, 2020). "Union says 38 confirmed COVID-19 cases at Cargill meat plant cause for closure".
  14. ^ Notley, Rachel [@RachelNotley] (April 16, 2020). "We are deeply concerned that hundreds of workers at a High River-area meat processing plant have been laid off or had their hours cut substantially for exercising their legal right to speak out about unsafe work conditions. 1/ #AbLeg" (Tweet). Retrieved 2021-01-04 – via Twitter.
  15. ^ Dreeshen, Devin [@DevinDVote] (April 16, 2020). "It's deeply concerning that you're recklessly advocating against the AHS advice and protocols that have made meat processing plants in Alberta, safe worksites. https://t.co/J22k5G0PaW" (Tweet). Retrieved 2021-01-04 – via Twitter.
  16. ^ "Cargill employees take part in virtual town hall meeting with officials". Calgary Sun. Retrieved 2020-08-14.
  17. ^ "'A difficult decision': Cargill meat-packing plant pausing production". thestar.com. 2020-04-20. Retrieved 2020-08-14.
  18. ^ Blanke, Jason (12 May 2020). "Alberta NDP Again Demands Cargill Plant to Shut Down". DrumhellerOnline.com. Retrieved 2020-08-14.
  19. ^ Rieger, Sarah (May 11, 2020). "3rd death linked to Canada's largest COVID-19 outbreak at Alberta slaughterhouse". Retrieved August 13, 2020.
  20. ^ "Union group says documents show Alberta government prioritized Cargill plant operation over worker safety | CBC News". CBC. Retrieved 2021-03-30.
  21. ^ "COVID-19: Documents renew calls for public inquiry into Cargill outbreak in Alberta | Globalnews.ca". Global News. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  22. ^ "'It keeps money in your community': Alberta creates made in province food labels". Edmonton. 2021-07-10. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  23. ^ von Scheel, Elise (27 October 2021). "'Poisoned work environment': Staffer alleges sexual harassment, intoxication in suit against Kenney's office". CBC News. Archived from the original on 27 October 2021. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
  24. ^ "Agriculture Minister Devin Dreeshen resigns from his post following allegations of heavy drinking at work". edmontonjournal. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  25. ^ "Inflation a key challenge in provincial transportation portfolio - Sylvan Lake News". www.sylvanlakenews.com. 2022-12-15. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  26. ^ "Alberta to provide $30 million for upgrades at Red Deer Regional Airport | Globalnews.ca". Global News. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  27. ^ Spackman, Sheldon. "Alberta budget includes $23 billion for infrastructure". rdnewsnow.com. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  28. ^ "Alberta government twinning 12 kilometres of Highway 63 north of Fort McMurray". fortmcmurraytoday.com. Retrieved 2023-09-24.
  29. ^ "Extending Highway 686 to connect northern Alberta". Alberta.ca. Retrieved 2023-09-24.
  30. ^ "66 - Innisfail-Sylvan Lake". officialresults.elections.ab.ca. Elections Alberta. Retrieved June 10, 2023.
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