Conservative candidate John Barlow plants one of his election signs as he kicks off his re-election campaign in the Foothills riding. John Barlow Campaign photo.
Nicholas L. M. Allen
Apr 23, 2025
Foothills MP says local experience and national policies position him to continue serving rural Alberta
Foothills Member of Parliament John Barlow says his deep community ties, experience in Ottawa, and alignment with Conservative values make him the best choice to represent the riding in the next federal election.
Barlow, who has served as the region’s MP since 2014, said his local roots set him apart.
“I am from Foothills, I raised my family here, I work here and I am involved in the communities,” he said, “I did not simply decide to put my name on a ballot in 2014.”
He pointed to his involvement before politics in local sports, community non-profits, and service clubs as evidence of his commitment to the region. He said his decade in office has demonstrated his character and integrity to voters.
“I believe I have earned the trust of the people of Foothills because I have made myself accessible, I listen and I have proven I can get things done,” Barlow said.
Barlow said the policies being promoted by Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre are aligned with the priorities of rural southern Albertans.
“We want to bring back the Canadian dream by lowering taxes, unleashing our resources like energy and agriculture and we want to ensure life for Canadians is affordable and we live in safe communities,” he said.
On rural priorities such as housing, healthcare, and small business support, Barlow said the Conservatives are promising faster development approvals, regulatory reform, and new infrastructure investment.
He said the party is committed to building 2.3 million homes over five years by removing GST on new construction, reducing development charges, selling federal land and requiring municipalities to meet higher housing targets.
Barlow also highlighted the party’s Blue Seal program, which would expedite credential recognition for foreign-trained doctors and nurses.
“[It will bring] tens of thousands of health care professionals into the system, making it easier for people to find family doctors and shorten wait times,” he said.
To support businesses, Barlow said a Conservative government would cut red tape by 25 per cent through a two-for-one rule on regulations, lower small business taxes, and eliminate the Capital Gains Tax when funds are reinvested in Canada.
He also said the Conservatives would remove the carbon tax entirely, calling it a burden on rural Canadians and small businesses.
Barlow emphasized the importance of resource development in supporting the regional economy, while maintaining Canada’s environmental standards.
“We live here in Foothills, in one of the most beautiful places on the planet. We will develop our resources and maintain those standards, but decisions will be based on science and consultation not on ideology and activism,” he said.
He cited liquefied natural gas exports as one solution that could help lower global emissions and reduce international reliance on fossil fuels from authoritarian regimes.
“This would eliminate 2 billion tonnes of GHG emissions making a real impact on protecting our environment,” he said. “Clean Canadian energy is the solution, not the problem.”
Addressing affordability and wildfire risk, Barlow said rural communities need practical policies.
“We must do a better job in forest management to protect our communities from wildfires,” he said. “Again, we must make these decisions based on best practice and science, not ideology.”
Barlow said he has worked directly on several projects that benefited the Crowsnest Pass, including securing federal funding for the Roxy Theatre and ensuring local access to federal programs like Canada Summer Jobs and the New Horizons Seniors Grant.
He also cited efforts to bring film production to the region and connect government officials with local leaders after the Kenow Fire.
“I have not always voted along ‘party lines’ but I have voted with how the majority of Foothills residents wanted me to vote and I can look my constituents in the eye knowing I have earned their trust,” he said.
Barlow said he remains committed to representing the interests of rural Albertans and believes his party’s platform provides a clear alternative.
“I am passionate about my riding and the people who live here and I believe Foothills deserves a representative who shares their values and their vision for a prosperous southern Alberta with a government who will put Canada first,” he said.
More information about Barlow can be found at johnbarlowmp.ca or at cpcfoothills.ca.
