SANDRA M STANWAY
Brooks Bulletin
After 10 years of serving the Bow River riding MP Martin Shields is stepping down.
“I will not be seeking re-election in the next federal election; it is time for a new representative to serve the interests and the people of this riding,” he announced last week.
“I have had the tremendous privilege of being the member of parliament for Bow River over the last decade.
“This is an opportunity that very few people have and I am honoured to have received the overwhelming support and trust of Bow River constituents.”
Shields, who estimates he has between 400 and 500 ties, is known around the riding and in Ottawa for his distinctive collection.
He owns multiple Canada-themed ties, a variety of fall ties as well as ties for Valentine’s Day, sugar beets, the Tulip Festival, Group of Seven artists and a Brooks Bandits tie he wore in the House when he congratulated the team after winning national championships.
“All of the significant dates of events, I have ties for all those,” he said.
As to what he is going to do with them, “Not sure yet.”
The 76-year-old was nominated in September 2014 and won the election the following year.
“It’s been 10 years and three terms. I think I have tried to do the best I can and it’s been a privilege and an honour but someone needs to have the opportunity to do this,” he told The Bulletin.
The biggest honour he has had, he said, is representing the people in the riding to bring the voice of the industries, the people, the things they do, their concerns to another level.
“It’s been phenomenal to meet with and learn what these issues are and to be able to bring that message to show how important the Bow River riding is.”
While he was in parliament, Shields was able to have a private members bill passed unanimously in the House of Commons recognizing farmers and ranchers as the stewards of the land.
His second bill, which has been worked on and that he hopes will get picked up by another Conservative member is on the movement and transportation safety of livestock.
Prior to his 2014 federal election, the Lethbridge-born Shields, served as a teacher, school administrator and a part time university instructor.
He served as a councillor in Brooks from October 2004-2007 and as mayor from 2007 until 2015.
As an MP he served on numerous committees including environment, status of women and participated on the Canadian Heritage Committee which in 2024 released the report on Safe Sport in Canada.
“I have had the opportunity to work together with the members of the Alberta Legislature, with six MLAs representing distinct parts of the Bow River Riding, including the current premier (Danielle Smith) as the MLA who represents my home community of Brooks.
“It has been my pleasure to collaborate with them and serve our communities together.
Thank you for the privilege of being your representative.”
