{{Short description|Canadian politician (born 1987/88)}} {{Use Canadian English|date=January 2023}} {{Infobox officeholder | honorific_prefix = The Honourable | name = Devin Dreeshen | image = Devin Dreeshen January 2020.jpg | honorific_suffix = ECA MLA | office = Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors | term_start = October 21, 2022 | term_end = | premier = Danielle Smith | predecessor = Rajan Sawhney | successor = | office1 = Minister of Agriculture and Forestry of Alberta | term_start1 = April 30, 2019 | term_end1 = November 5, 2021 | premier1 = Jason Kenney | predecessor1 = Oneil Carlier | successor1 = Nate Horner | office2 = Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Innisfail-Sylvan Lake | term_start2 = July 12, 2018 | predecessor2 = Don MacIntyre | birth_date = {{Birth based on age as of date|31|2019|3|12}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.innisfailprovince.ca/article/alberta-election-candidates-are-ready-20190312|title=Alberta election candidates are ready}}</ref> | birth_place = Innisfail, Alberta, Canada | alma_mater = University of Alberta<ref name="MY EXPERIENCE">{{Cite web|title=MY EXPERIENCE|url=https://www.devindreeshen.com/my-experience|access-date=2021-01-18|website=votedevindreeshen|language=en}}</ref>{{unreliable source?|date=October 2021}} | party = United Conservative | relations = Earl Dreeshen (father) | other_party = }} '''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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors {{!}} Alberta.ca |url=https://www.alberta.ca/minister-of-transportation-and-economic-corridors |access-date=2023-09-22 |website=www.alberta.ca |language=en}}</ref>
==Early life== 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.<ref name="MY EXPERIENCE">{{Cite web|title=MY EXPERIENCE|url=https://www.devindreeshen.com/my-experience|access-date=2021-01-18|website=votedevindreeshen|language=en}}</ref> He was also a former director of the Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association, and a board member on the Crossroads Agricultural Society.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|last=Roth|first=Megan|date=February 14, 2018|title=Devin Dreeshen adds his name to UCP race|work=Red Deer Express|url=https://www.reddeerexpress.com/news/devin-dreeshen-adds-his-name-to-ucp-race/|access-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref><ref name="McDermott 2018">{{Cite news|last=McDermott|first=Vincent|date=July 13, 2013|title=United Conservatives win Alberta byelections|language=en-CA|work=Edmonton Journal|url=https://edmontonjournal.com/news/local-news/united-conservatives-win-alberta-byelections|access-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref>
From 2008 until 2015, Dreeshen worked as a policy advisor to Minister of Agriculture Gerry Ritz.<ref name=":0" />
== Political career ==
=== Donald Trump presidential campaign === Between February and November 2016 Dreeshen worked on Donald Trump's presidential campaign.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|last=Krugel|first=Lauren|date=2018-07-13|title=Alberta's Jason Kenney sees advantage to new member's history with Donald Trump|work=Global News|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/4331183/alberta-jason-kenney-donald-trump-devin-dreeshen/|access-date=2018-09-12}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Leavitt|first=Kieran|date=July 14, 2018|title='I am my own person,' says new UCP byelection winner on working for Donald Trump campaign|work=Toronto Star|url=https://www.thestar.com/edmonton/2018/07/14/i-am-my-own-person-says-new-ucp-byelection-winner-on-working-for-donald-trump-campaign.html|access-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Premier Kenney, Alberta's Opposition leader condemn storming of U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7559894/us-capitol-trump-supporters-alberta-kenney-notley/|access-date=2021-01-18|website=Global News|language=en-US}}</ref>
=== Minister of Agriculture and Forestry === 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dreeshen wins Innisfail-Sylvan Lake by-election |url=https://rdnewsnow.com/2018/07/13/dreeshen-wins-innisfail-sylvan-lake-by-election/ |website=rdnewsnow.com |language=en-CA}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Honourable Devin Dreeshen|url=https://www.assembly.ab.ca/members/members-of-the-legislative-assembly/member-information?mid=0908&legl=30&from=mla_home|access-date=January 7, 2021|website=Legislative Assembly of Alberta}}</ref>
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.”<ref>{{Cite web |title=Champions of Agriculture committee launched |url=https://hannaherald.com/news/local-news/champions-of-agriculture-committee-launched |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=hannaherald.com |language=en-CA}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=MLA Homeniuk, Minister Dreeshen announce changes to Meat Inspection Act |url=https://fortsaskatchewanrecord.com/news/provincial/mla-homeniuk-minister-dreeshen-announce-changes-to-meat-inspection-act |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=fortsaskatchewanrecord |language=en-CA}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bell|first=David|date=April 13, 2020|title=Union says 38 confirmed COVID-19 cases at Cargill meat plant cause for closure|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/cargill-meat-plant-union-covid-19-1.5530836}}</ref> On April 16, Rachel Notley called on Dreeshen and the provincial government to shut down the plant;<ref>{{cite tweet |last=Notley |first=Rachel |author-link=Rachel Notley |user=RachelNotley |number=1250888518043197440 |date=2020-04-16 |title=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 |language=en |access-date=2021-01-04}}</ref> Dreeshen responded, calling her statement "misinformation and fear-mongering."<ref>{{cite tweet |last=Dreeshen |first=Devin |author-link=Devin Dreeshen |user=DevinDVote |number=1250904877280059393 |date=2020-04-16 |title=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 |language=en |access-date=2021-01-04}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Cargill employees take part in virtual town hall meeting with officials|url=https://calgaryherald.com/news/cargill-employees-voice-concerns-about-covid-19-during-weekend-town-hall-meeting|access-date=2020-08-14|website=Calgary Sun|language=en-CA}}</ref> By April 20, 484 cases had been linked to the Cargill plant outbreak, at which point the plant closed for two weeks.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-04-20|title='A difficult decision': Cargill meat-packing plant pausing production|url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2020/04/20/a-difficult-decision-cargill-meat-packing-plant-pausing-production.html|access-date=2020-08-14|website=thestar.com|language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Blanke|first=Jason|title=Alberta NDP Again Demands Cargill Plant to Shut Down|url=https://drumhelleronline.com/ag-news/alberta-ndp-again-demands-cargill-plant-to-shut-down|access-date=2020-08-14|website=DrumhellerOnline.com|date=12 May 2020 |language=en-gb}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Rieger|first=Sarah|date=May 11, 2020|title=3rd death linked to Canada's largest COVID-19 outbreak at Alberta slaughterhouse|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/3rd-covid-19-death-cargill-meat-processing-plant-high-river-1.5565265|access-date=August 13, 2020}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Union group says documents show Alberta government prioritized Cargill plant operation over worker safety {{!}} CBC News|language=en-US|work=CBC|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/union-group-says-documents-show-alberta-government-prioritized-cargill-plant-operation-over-worker-safety-1.5968428|access-date=2021-03-30}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=COVID-19: Documents renew calls for public inquiry into Cargill outbreak in Alberta {{!}} Globalnews.ca |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/7729622/alberta-covid-19-documents-public-inquiry-cargill-outbreak/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=Global News |language=en-US}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-07-10 |title='It keeps money in your community': Alberta creates made in province food labels |url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/edmonton/article/it-keeps-money-in-your-community-alberta-creates-made-in-province-food-labels/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=Edmonton |language=en}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{Cite web |last=von Scheel |first=Elise |date=27 October 2021 |title='Poisoned work environment': Staffer alleges sexual harassment, intoxication in suit against Kenney's office |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/kenney-government-lawsuit-sexual-harassment-alberta-1.6225606 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211027175735/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/kenney-government-lawsuit-sexual-harassment-alberta-1.6225606 |archive-date=27 October 2021 |access-date=27 October 2021 |website=CBC News}}</ref> 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.”<ref>{{Cite web |title=Agriculture Minister Devin Dreeshen resigns from his post following allegations of heavy drinking at work |url=https://edmontonjournal.com/news/politics/agriculture-minister-devin-dreeshen-resigns-from-his-post-following-allegations-of-heavy-drinking-at-work-at-the-alberta-legislature |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=edmontonjournal |language=en-CA}}</ref>
=== Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors === 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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-15 |title=Inflation a key challenge in provincial transportation portfolio - Sylvan Lake News |url=https://www.sylvanlakenews.com/news/inflation-a-key-challenge-in-provincial-transportation-portfolio/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=www.sylvanlakenews.com |language=en-US}}</ref> In the 2023 budget, the Alberta government with Dreeshen as Minister, invested $30 million into the expansion and upgrade of Red Deer Regional Airport.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Alberta to provide $30 million for upgrades at Red Deer Regional Airport {{!}} Globalnews.ca |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9554895/alberta-to-provide-30-million-for-upgrades-at-red-deer-regional-airport/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=Global News |language=en-US}}</ref> The government also planned to spend $23 billion dollars over three years on public infrastructure, including $2.293 billion on roads from 2023-2026.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spackman |first=Sheldon |title=Alberta budget includes $23 billion for infrastructure |url=https://rdnewsnow.com/2023/02/28/alberta-budget-includes-23-billion-for-infrastructure-2/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=rdnewsnow.com |language=en}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Alberta government twinning 12 kilometres of Highway 63 north of Fort McMurray |url=https://www.fortmcmurraytoday.com/news/local-news/alberta-government-twinning-12-kilometres-of-highway-63-north-of-fort-mcmurray |access-date=2023-09-24 |website=fortmcmurraytoday.com |language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Extending Highway 686 to connect northern Alberta |url=https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=87050ABC19E89-920E-6350-0AA7562E1B7D8FC0 |access-date=2023-09-24 |website=Alberta.ca |language=en}}</ref>
== Electoral results == ===2023 general election=== {{Alberta provincial election, 2023/Innisfail-Sylvan Lake}}
===2019 general election=== {{Alberta provincial election, 2019/Innisfail-Sylvan Lake}}
===2018 by-election=== {{Alberta provincial by-election, July 12, 2018/Innisfail-Sylvan Lake}}
{{s-start}} {{Canadian cabinet member navigational box header |ministry=Jason_Kenney}} {{ministry box cabinet posts | post1preceded = Oneil Carlier | post1 = Minister of Agriculture and Forestry | post1years = April 30, 2019–November 5, 2021 | post1note = | post1followed = Nate Horner }} {{s-end}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
{{Alberta MLAs}} {{Smith Ministry}} {{Kenney Ministry}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Dreeshen, Devin}} Category:Living people Category:Farmers from Alberta Category:University of Alberta alumni Category:United Conservative Party MLAs Category:1988 births Category:People from Innisfail, Alberta Category:21st-century members of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta