A second career in politics for Pedersen

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This article was published 12/08/2019 (2632 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Blaine Pedersen says he was looking for a career change from the cattle and grain farming he’d done for 30 years when he decided to run for election as the Progressive Conservative candidate in Midland in 2007.

“I was looking for a change in careers,” the 65-year-old Elm Creek resident said. “I had sold the farm and always had an interest in politics.”

During his years spent farming, Pedersen had also served on federal and provincial-led boards which he feels added to his knowledge of agricultural and other issues.

When first elected, he was a member of the opposition, and was named Minister of Infrastructure after PC leader Brian Pallister became premier in 2016. About two years ago, Pedersen switched portfolios and became Minister of Growth, Enterprise and Trade.

He said it’s a diverse department and he stays busy.

Midland is a large rural constituency and its new boundaries include Starbuck, Sanford, Brunkild, Oak Bluff, La Salle and Domain. Pedersen said he’s comfortable with the electoral boundaries change which also resulted in a section of the western side of Midland being removed.

“I’m familiar with the areas that I’m taking on,” he said.

Pedersen is married with three adult children and six grandchildren.

Also running in Midland are Green Party candidate Dylan Price and Cindy Friesen for the NDP. An interview with Friesen was requested but, at press time, she had not responded No Liberal Party candidate had been nominated at press time.