Derek Fildebrandt Explained

Derek Fildebrandt
Birth Date:1985 10, df=yes
Birth Name:Derek Alexander Gerhard Fildebrandt
Birth Place:Kanata, Ontario, Canada
Residence:Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Office:Leader of the
Freedom Conservative Party of Alberta
Term Start:20 October 2018
Term End:30 April 2019
Predecessor:Position established
Office1:Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta for Strathmore-Brooks
Predecessor1:Jason Hale
Successor1:riding abolished
Term Start1:5 May 2015
Term End1:16 April 2019
Otherparty:Wildrose (2015–2016; 2016–2017)
United Conservative (2017)
Independent (2016; 2017–2018)
Freedom Conservative (2018–2020)
Alma Mater:Carleton University
Occupation:Publisher, President & CEO of Wildrose Media Corp.
Spouse:Emma Fildebrandt

Derek Alexander Gerhard Fildebrandt (born 18 October 1985) is a Canadian politician and media executive. He is the publisher, president and chief executive officer of the Western Standard New Media Corp.[1] He is a former member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta.[2]

Canadian Taxpayers Federation

After working in Ottawa as a National Research Director, Fildebrandt moved to Alberta in 2012 when he was promoted to the post of Alberta Director.[3] [4] [5]

In February 2014, Fildebrandt released the CTF's balanced budget plan calling for $2.4 billion in spending cuts to business subsidies and the bureaucracy. In May 2014 he spoke out about buyout payments to political appointees.[6] He was a conservative critic of former PC Premier Jim Prentice, calling him a "tax and spend liberal."[7] During the Alberta PC leadership race, he filed Freedom of Information requests for Jim Prentice's federal expense records, releasing them in September 2014 which came after controversy about alleged irregularities in the destruction of the records.[8]

Fildebrandt was credited by the Calgary Sun with playing a significant role in the downfall of former Alberta Premier Alison Redford and former Alberta Finance Minister Doug Horner.[9] His term as Alberta Director of the CTF ended in November 2014.[10]

Political career

On 26 January 2015, Fildebrandt announced that he would seek the Wildrose Party nomination in Strathmore-Brooks.[11] He was named as the candidate on 6 February 2015. In response to PC challenges to the Wildrose's budget plan, Fildebrandt challenged Finance Minister Robin Campbell to a debate, which Campbell refused.[12] On 5 May 2015, he was elected as the MLA for Strathmore-Brooks.[13]

On 11 May 2015, Fildebrandt was appointed Shadow Finance Minister in the Wildrose Official Opposition Cabinet by Brian Jean.[14] He has advocated for healthcare and seniors care infrastructure in his constituency.[15] [16] Fildebrandt has criticized the NDP for tax increases, deficit spending[17] and its relationship with public sector unions.[18]

He made several public statements throughout 2016, but most notoriously on 14 December 2016, when he broke ranks with Brian Jean and openly called for a merger of the Wildrose and PC Parties.[19] One month later, Jean released a statement in favour of uniting the parties on the same day that Fildebrandt held a fundraiser at the Calgary Petroleum Club calling for a single united party.[20]

Federal politics

Fildebrandt supported Maxime Bernier for the Conservative Party of Canada leadership in 2017.[21] Filderbrandt explained that he left the federal Conservative party after the 2009 auto bailout and Bernier's leadership run drew him back into the party.[22]

United Conservative Party

On 18 May 2017, Brian Jean and Jason Kenney signed an agreement in principle to create the United Conservative Party (UCP) of Alberta.[23] Fildebrandt publicly mused about running in the UCP leadership election, but decided against it, announcing he would instead endorse a candidate other than Brian Jean.[24]

In 2017, Fildebrandt launched his PAC called United Liberty[25] which is based on libertarian policies such as lower taxes, and less government control.

In August 2017, Fildebrandt left the UCP caucus after a series of incidents to sit as an independent (see

  1. Controversies
).[26] [27]

During the UCP leadership election, Jason Kenney implied that Mr. Fildebrandt could be welcomed back to the UCP caucus so long as his legal battles were eventually sorted out stating, "I don't see us dealing with any prospective admission … until all of that's been dealt with."[28]

In February 2018 the leader of the UCP Jason Kenney announced that Fildebrandt was not welcome in the UCP Caucus.[29] Kenney commented: "I can only conclude that Mr. Fildebrandt deliberately misled us in refusing to disclose this outstanding charge." Fildebrandt continued in his electoral riding as an independent. Fildebrandt claimed that he was given an ultimatum by Kenney who wanted to run MLA Leela Aheer in the new combined riding of Chestermere-Strathmore. Fildebrandt said he was told by Mr. Kenney that "if I wanted to return... I couldn't run in my own constituency."[30]

Freedom Conservative Party of Alberta

On 20 July 2018, Derek Fildebrandt formed the Freedom Conservative Party of Alberta. "We in the FCP are conservatives, libertarians and Alberta patriots," said Fildebrandt.[31] In his speech Fildebrandt stated that the party was a true grassroots party that would not adhere to backroom political games.[32] Fildebrandt won the leadership for the party on 20 October 2018.[33]

His bid to remain in the Alberta Legislative Assembly failed, as he was defeated by Leela Aheer whilst running in Chestermere-Strathmore in the 2019 Alberta general election, garnering less than 10% of the vote.[34]

On 30 April 2019, after failing to win any seats in the legislature, Fildebrandt announced his resignation as Freedom Conservative Party Leader.[35]

After his loss, Fildebrandt told the media he was returning to private life to "get a real job, make some money. Honestly, I’m happy to be done with politics. I’m happy to have my family back, to have a sense of private life back."[36]

Western Standard

See main article: Western Standard. On 23 October 2019 Fildebrandt bought and relaunched the Western Standard online newspaper, a right wing publication that had ceased operations in 2007.[37]

In May 2022, Fildebrandt announced that Western Standard New Media Corp. had acquired the Alberta Report and was relaunching it.

Controversies

On 27 May 2016, Wildrose leader Brian Jean suspended Fildebrandt for an indefinite period of time after he wrote "Proud to have constituents like you!" in response to a comment referring to Ontario premier Kathleen Wynne as "Mr. Wynne, or whatever the hell she identifies as" which Jean called "unacceptable."[38] This came on the heels of an incident where Fildebrandt criticised Premier Wynne in the Alberta Legislature as Wynne sat in the gallery as a guest. Fildebrandt said he "entirely misread" the original comment. On Tuesday, 31 May, he was reinstated into the Wildrose Caucus and as the Opposition Shadow Minister of Finance.[39]

Also in 2016, Fildebrandt was accused of hitting his neighbour's parked vehicle with his truck, causing an estimated $2000 in damage.[40] He appeared in court to plea not guilty and denied it happened, saying "I would've left a note on the front windshield. It's the decent thing to do."[41] On 4 December 2017, Fildebrandt was found guilty leaving the scene and failing to notify the owner of a damaged vehicle.[42]

On 9 August 2017, it was reported that Fildebrandt was renting out his Edmonton apartment on Airbnb while claiming a housing allowance from the Legislature of Alberta to pay for the apartment.[43] He initially defended himself, calling the act "reasonable and a part of the modern sharing economy."[44] Later, Fildebrandt apologized and claimed that he returned the income made from the property.[45]

On 14 August 2017 Alberta Party leader Greg Clark revealed that Fildebrandt had been charging meals to his MLA expense account while simultaneously claiming his MLA per-diem for meals. The potential total of which was $192.60 over a period of two years and Fildebrandt stated that it was a result of administrative errors.[46] Clark claimed that Fildebrandt was effectively "double-claiming" his meals, a practice Clark claimed was in violation of the Legislative Member Service Committee Order.[47] Fildebrandt responded to the claims by saying "I should have been more careful in reviewing them before signing off. I will fully reimburse any discrepancy and take immediate action to ensure that errors like this do not happen again."[46]

On 13 December 2017, Fildebrandt was charged with trespassing onto private property and hunting a white-tailed deer in violation of the Wildlife Act. Fildebrandt apologized, claiming that he didn't know he was on private property and that he donated the deer to a food bank.[48] [49]

On May 23 2024, Fildebrandt was charged with four counts of uttering threats after an incident in front of his home involving four 13 and 14 year olds.[50] The incident occurred on April 13 2024, and Fildebrandt is alleged to have chased the teenagers with his vehicle while threatening them. In a June 3 2024 statement on Fildebrant's Western Standard website, Fildebrandt claims "I found vandals damaging my property. I confronted them and told them — loudly — to stay off of my property." and that "To avoid the consequences of vandalizing my property, these people concocted a story to the police that I had threatened them"[51]

Electoral history

2015 general election

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Derek Fldebrandt page at the Western Standard . 27 November 2021 . 27 November 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211127165957/https://westernstandardonline.com/author/derek-fildebrandt/ . live .
  2. Web site: Mr. Derek Fildebrandt (IC), MLA for Strathmore-Brooks. Alberta Legislative Assembly. 14 July 2015. 14 July 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150714113440/http://www.assembly.ab.ca/net/index.aspx?p=mla_bio&rnumber=83&leg=29. live.
  3. Web site: Canadian Taxpayers Federation | the Canadian Taxpayers Federation is a citizen's advocacy group dedicated to lower taxes, less waste & accountable government . 3 March 2020 . 26 February 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200226004142/https://www.taxpayer.com/news-releases/change-in-alberta-media-contact . live .
  4. Web site: Former taxpayers watchdog announces bid for Wildrose nomination. 27 January 2015. Calgary Herald. 27 January 2019. 7 November 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181107134049/https://calgaryherald.com/news/politics/fildebrandt-makes-announcement-on-wildrose. live.
  5. Web site: Alberta Premier Alison Redford leaves mixed legacy behind. Calgary Sun. 2016-03-14. 4 March 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054519/http://www.calgarysun.com/2014/03/20/alberta-premier-alison-redford-leaves-mixed-legacy-behind. live.
  6. Catherine Griwkowsky (5 May 2014), "Canadian Taxpayers Federation probes pricey payouts" . Edmonton Sun
  7. Web site: Former taxpayers watchdog announces bid for Wildrose nomination. Calgary Herald. en-US. 2016-03-14. 7 November 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181107134049/https://calgaryherald.com/news/politics/fildebrandt-makes-announcement-on-wildrose. live.
  8. http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/08/29/three-thousand-pages-of-jim-prentices-expense-records-released-after-earlier-reports-they-were-destroyed/ "Three thousand pages of Jim Prentice's expense records released after earlier reports they were destroyed"
  9. Patrone, Marc. "Derek Fildebrandt takes his leave from Canadian Taxpayers Federation with pride, few regrets" . Sun News.
  10. http://www.newstalk770.com/2014/11/07/ctf-alberta-director-calls-it-quits/ "CTF Alberta director calls it quits"
  11. Web site: Derek Fildebrandt seeks Wildrose nomination in Strathmore-Brooks. Calgary Sun. 23 April 2015. 28 March 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150328224559/http://www.calgarysun.com/2015/01/26/derek-fildebrandt-seeks-wildrose-nomination-in-strathmore-brooks. live.
  12. Web site: Alberta Election Week Three. summa.ca. 14 March 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160314210650/http://www.summa.ca/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2015/04/Alberta-Election-Week-Three-2015-Final.pdf. live.
  13. Web site: Fildebrandt to be next Strathmore-Brooks MLA. Strathmore Standard. 8 May 2015. 18 May 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150518072900/http://www.strathmorestandard.com/2015/05/05/fildebrandt-to-be-next-strathmore-brooks-mla. live.
  14. Web site: Alberta's official Opposition names its shadow cabinet. globalnews.ca. 12 April 2018. 12 April 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180412214617/https://globalnews.ca/news/2029035/albertas-official-opposition-names-its-shadow-cabinet/. live.
  15. Web site: NDP promises Hospital upgrades. Jody. Strathmore Times. 2016-03-14. https://web.archive.org/web/20160314172055/http://strathmoretimes.com/628-january-15-2016-strathmore-times/6132-ndp-promises-hospital-upgrades. 14 March 2016. dead.
  16. Web site: The Brooks Bulletin. Brooks Bulletin. 2016-03-24. 8 April 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160408233813/http://brooksbulletin.com/default.aspx?contentid=4984. live.
  17. Web site: Fildebrandt and Notley spar over carbon tax. nurun.com. Strathmore Standard. 2016-03-14. 14 March 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160314185858/http://www.strathmorestandard.com/2015/12/16/fildebrandt-and-notley-spar-over-carbon-tax. live.
  18. Web site: Alberta's adviser on public sector wages is former AUPE negotiator. CBC News. 2016-03-14. 14 March 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160314125612/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/former-aupe-negotiator-to-advise-ndp-on-public-salaries-1.3484015. live.
  19. Web site: Wildrose rift: Party appears split over merger with PCs. Wood. James. 27 January 2019. 8 November 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201108091819/http://calgaryherald.com/news/politics/wildrose-mla-fildebrandt-calls-for-party-merger-with-pcs. live.
  20. Web site: Jean says he'll quit, but on Wildrose terms. Braid. Don. 27 January 2019. 28 February 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170228173153/http://calgaryherald.com/storyline/braid-jean-says-hell-quit-but-on-wildrose-terms. live.
  21. Dfildebrandt . 836292968168357888 . 27 February 2017 . I'm proud to support Mad @MaximeBernier for the leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada! #ableg #abpoli . 25 April 2017.
  22. News: How 'Mad Max' Bernier went from comic relief to Tory front-runner. 2017-04-06. Macleans. 2018-01-22. 23 January 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180123082940/http://www.macleans.ca/politics/how-mad-max-bernier-went-from-comic-relief-to-tory-front-runner/. live.
  23. Web site: Agreement in principle on the establishment of the United Conservative Party . 18 May 2017 .
  24. Web site: Brian Jean 'is not the best man to lead': Fildebrandt takes parting shot as he bows out of UCP race - CBC News. CBC News. 14 August 2017. 14 August 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170814122231/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/derek-fildebrandt-ucp-conservative-party-leadership-alberta-1.4238877. live.
  25. News: Derek Fildebrandt launches United Liberty group. 2017-07-31. CBC News. en. 27 July 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170727111508/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/derek-fildebrandt-united-liberty-1.4174539. live.
  26. News: Derek Fildebrandt resigns from Alberta UCP caucus after series of missteps. 2018-07-23. 20 March 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190320002744/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/alberta/derek-fildebrandt-resigns-from-ucp-caucus/article35997355/. live.
  27. News: Rick Fraser, Calgary MLA, leaves United Conservative Party to sit as an independent. 2017-09-21. Edmonton Sun. 2018-07-23. en-US. 24 July 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180724002320/https://edmontonsun.com/2017/09/21/se-calgary-mla-rick-fraser-leaves-united-conservative-party-to-sit-as-an-independent/wcm/188ac913-98b7-4f33-aa14-fd4a77b7e4e0. live.
  28. News: Fildebrandt's return to UCP possible, but Kenney says legal issues need to be resolved. 2017-12-21. Calgary Herald. 2018-07-23. en-US. 5 July 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180705053204/https://calgaryherald.com/news/politics/derek-fildebrandts-return-to-ucp-possible-but-jason-kenney-says-legal-issues-must-be-resolved-first. live.
  29. Web site: Alberta MLA Derek Fildebrandt can't rejoin UCP caucus after pleading guilty to illegal deer hunt. Globalnews.ca. 21 July 2018. 25 June 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180625021210/https://globalnews.ca/news/4002863/derek-fildebrandt-illegal-hunting-ucp-caucus/. live.
  30. News: Embattled MLA Fildebrandt says UCP party leader delivered ultimatum to him on running for re-election. 2018-02-08. Edmonton Journal. 2018-07-23. en-US. 24 July 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180724062624/https://edmontonjournal.com/news/politics/embattled-mla-fildebrandt-says-ucp-party-leader-delivered-ultimatum-to-him-on-running-for-reelection. live.
  31. Web site: Braid: Fildebrandt's new party earns ferocious response from Kenney. 18 July 2018. Calgary Herald. 21 July 2018. 19 July 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180719233709/https://calgaryherald.com/opinion/columnists/braid-derek-fildebrandt-is-back-with-his-own-political-pickup. live.
  32. News: Derek Fildebrandt says UCP too 'vanilla,' starts new Freedom Conservative Party. 2018-07-18. Edmonton Journal. 2018-07-23. en-US. 18 July 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180718221224/https://edmontonjournal.com/news/politics/derek-fildebrandt-says-ucp-too-vanilla-starts-new-freedom-conservative-party. live.
  33. Web site: Derek Fildebrandt acclaimed as leader of new Freedom Conservative Party. 21 October 2018. 9 November 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201109025441/https://calgaryherald.com/news/politics/derek-fildebrandt-acclaimed-as-leader-of-new-freedom-conservative-party. live.
  34. News: Derek Fildebrandt resigns as leader of Alberta's Freedom Conservative Party. 25 February 2020. 1 May 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190501002153/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alberta/article-derek-fildebrandt-resigns-as-leader-of-albertas-freedom-conservative/. live.
  35. News: Freedom Conservative Party leader resigns . National Post . Canadian Press . 1 May 2019.
  36. News: The Canadian Press . 30 April 2019 . Derek Fildebrandt resigns as leader of Alberta's Freedom Conservative Party . The Globe and Mail . live . 25 February 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190501002153/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/alberta/article-derek-fildebrandt-resigns-as-leader-of-albertas-freedom-conservative/ . 1 May 2019.
  37. Web site: The Western Standard Is Back. St. Western. ard. westernstandardonline.com. 23 October 2019. en-CA. 2019-10-25. 24 October 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191024212450/https://westernstandardonline.com/2019/10/the-western-standard-is-back/. live.
  38. Web site: Wildrose MLA Derek Fildebrandt suspended after 'unacceptable' comment on social media. CBC Calgary. After re-reading original comment posted on my page, I entirely misread it. 100% against my views.. 31 January 2017. 2 February 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170202053016/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/wildrose-suspends-derek-fildebrandt-1.3604922. live.
  39. Web site: Wildrose lifts suspension of MLA Derek Fildebrandt. CBC Calgary. 1 June 2016. 5 November 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201105014326/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/wildrose-lifts-suspension-of-mla-derek-fildebrandt-1.3609549. live.
  40. Web site: Independent MLA Derek Fildebrandt hires lawyer to fight 2016 hit-and-run charge CBC News. 25 February 2020. 28 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210128001428/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/derek-fildebrandt-hit-and-run-court-1.4250688. live.
  41. Web site: Alberta politician Derek Fildebrandt denies hit and run on neighbour's van. 6 September 2017. 25 February 2020. 25 February 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200225175007/https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/alberta-politician-derek-fildebrandt-denies-hit-and-run-on-neighbour-s-van-1.3577533. live.
  42. News: MLA Derek Fildebrandt found guilty in hit-and-run, fined $402. CBC News. 2019-04-12. en. 12 April 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190412224215/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/fildebrandt-edmonton-court-hit-and-run-accident-court-1.4454288. live.
  43. News: Finance critic Derek Fildebrandt rents downtown digs on Airbnb while claiming housing allowance . Emma . Graney . Edmonton Journal . 10 August 2017 . 23 July 2018 . 15 July 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180715123218/https://edmontonjournal.com/news/politics/finance-critic-derek-fildebrandt-rents-downtown-digs-on-airbnb-while-claiming-housing-allowance . live .
  44. News: MacLeod . Meredith . Alberta MLA who rented out taxpayer-funded apartment takes leave as finance critic . 3 August 2020 . . 11 August 2017 . 12 November 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201112013637/https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/alberta-mla-who-rented-out-taxpayer-funded-apartment-takes-leave-as-finance-critic-1.3541919 . live .
  45. News: Fildebrandt apologizes for Airbnb sublet income, takes leave from UCP finance critic role . 3 August 2020 . . 10 August 2017 . 11 November 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201111201225/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/fildebrandt-finance-leave-of-absence-1.4243047 . live .
  46. News: Alberta MLA Fildebrandt says 'administrative errors' to blame for double dipping on meal expenses. CBC News. 2018-07-25. en-US. 16 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180516031555/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alberta-mla-fildebrandt-accused-double-dipping-meal-expenses-1.4246981. live.
  47. Web site: Clark calls on Fildebrandt to explain double-claimed meal expenses. abpartycaucus.ca. 14 August 2017. 15 August 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170815025442/http://abpartycaucus.ca/clark-calls-on-fildebrandt-to-explain-double-claimed-meal-expenses/. live.
  48. News: Derek Fildebrandt charged with illegal deer kill on private land . 3 August 2020 . . 13 December 2017 . 15 August 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200815143046/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/derek-fildebrandt-deer-kill-charges-1.4447204 . live .
  49. News: White . Ryan . MLA Derek Fildebrandt faces charges related to alleged unlawful hunting practices . 3 August 2020 . . 13 December 2017 . 24 July 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180724032159/https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/mla-derek-fildebrandt-faces-charges-related-to-alleged-unlawful-hunting-practices-1.3720446 . live .
  50. Web site: Martin . Kevin . Former MLA Fildebrandt facing allegations he threatened group of teens . Calgary Herald . 2024-06-03 . 2024-06-10. 3 June 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240603221229/https://calgaryherald.com/news/crime/derek-fildebrandt-allegations-threatened-minors/. live.
  51. Web site: Fildebrandt . Derek . FILDEBRANDT: Statement in response to charges from vandal attack on my home . Western Standard . 2024-06-03 . 2024-06-10. en-US. 4 June 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240604003231/https://www.westernstandard.news/news/fildebrandt-statement-in-response-to-charges-from-vandal-attack-on-my-home/55043. live.

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