Foothills MP John Barlow greets a young parade goer in Pincher Creek. Photo by Brenda Shenton
MIA PARKER
SHOOTIN’ THE BREEZE
LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE
John Barlow, member of Parliament for the Foothills riding, is celebrating his 10th year as a representative of the area.
“Ten years has gone by incredibly fast, but it’s been an incredibly rewarding experience,” Barlow said. “It’s an unbelievable honour to represent the constituents of Foothills.”
Before running for office, Barlow was a journalist for 20 years and completed a degree in political science.
“I’ve covered politics in one way or another for a long time,” Barlow said. “I always enjoyed covering it, I always enjoyed talking to people involved, so I felt that I was not coming in as a complete neophyte.”
Barlow’s decision to run came from encouragement from the community of people who thought he’d be good at representing.
“People knew who I was. I think I’ve had a good reputation and people trusted me,” Barlow saids.
Barlow felt he had a lot to learn heading into Ottawa through a by-election in 2014, and still feels he does now.
“Ten years later, I think I’ve grown a lot, gone from that newbie to someone who I think has a leadership role in our team.”
Barlow works to achieve a good work-life balance as he manages the intensity of the job.
In addition to learning in Ottawa, Barlow has become more familiar with the Foothills area since being elected.
“I’ve had an opportunity to not only visit those communities but build some really good relationships and make friends with folks and meet people that I probably never would have had the opportunity to do,” Barlow said.
“I have such an amazing riding, with incredible people who are just the epitome of work ethic.”
Barlow loves summers, when he can spend more time in the communities he represents, and describes the time as one to reconnect with constituents. His constituency team is passionate about solving problems for constituents and looking to be there for them in times of need.
“That passion for helping my neighbours and my constituents is what drives us every single day,” Barlow said. “There’s no place I’d rather be on the planet than here in southern Alberta.”
In Ottawa, Barlow is someone who works well across party lines, saying he believes co-operation with colleagues in other parties is necessary for getting things done.
“Being named shadow minister for agriculture, through three different leaders, has been I think that’s something I would take a lot of pride in.”
In addition to his role, Barlow notes two private member bills advanced through the House of Commons as highlights in his career: Bill C-275, which concerns biosecurity on farms, and Bill C-234, which concerns carbon tax exemptions for farmers.
These pieces of legislation have been priorities for Barlow, along with removing obstacles in all levels of government to accessing housing and combating the opioid crisis.
“We must change our focus and put our resources into treatment and recovery, and bring our friends and families home drug-free,” Barlow said.
For the future of his career, Barlow looks to take a leadership position, like in agriculture, of a potential Conservative government.
“We want to show Canadians the vision that we have and that starts this fall,” Barlow said. “I’m really optimistic about what we can accomplish as government.”
Barlow highlights the need to promote Canada’s production of global necessities, like energy and food, and improve relationships in a divided world.
“I’m hopeful that once we form government, that relationship with Alberta will be much more improved.”
Through his 10 years representing Foothills, Barlow’s biggest highlight is his riding and constituents.
“I could not be more proud to have earned their trust and their support,” Barlow said. “I look forward to continuing to represent Foothills for a few more years to come.”
