Blake Richards has been named the Conservative Party of Canada candidate for the Airdrie-Cochrane riding in the upcoming federal election.

"I'm thrilled to be able to carry that conservative banner into the next election. We're certainly hoping that come whenever the election is, we will successfully get ourselves a new common sense government in Ottawa and a new Prime Minister in Pierre Poilievre."

As the current Member of Parliament (MP) for Airdrie-Banff, Richards talked about the change in ridings.

"Elections Canada readjusts the boundaries every 10 years and we Alberta seeing lots of growth we are seeing a total of three new federal seats in Alberta. Canmore and Banff have been moved into a different riding leaving Airdrie and Cochrane together in their riding."

Richards was first elected as MP back in 2008 when Stephen Harper was the Prime Minister. He has also been an MP the whole time Justin Trudeau has been Prime Minister.

"We're ready to usher in some big changes in the next federal election and bring in a Pierre Poilievre-run government. We are hoping to have the opportunity to serve Canada."

According to Richards, the goal is to have an election as soon as possible. But, as of right now, the next scheduled election is in October of next year.

"We want to axe the tax and have an election as soon as possible."

When asked about what his message would be to Airdronians, he stated that he knows its been tough for a lot of residents with different factors like inflation, but he is hopeful change is on the way.

"We are going to bring the hope and the change that's needed.  I look forward to putting my name in front of the voters in the next election and asking once again for them to put their trust in me to be their representative."

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