His father, Bill Blaikie, served as an NDP MP and member of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba (MLA).

[1] Blaikie taught courses in the introduction to philosophy at the University of Winnipeg and later trained as an electrician,[2] becoming very active in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

[4] After being elected to the House of Commons, Daniel Blaikie continued to sit on the executive of the Winnipeg Labour Council for a period.

He defeated Conservative incumbent Lawrence Toet by only 61 votes, the lowest margin of victory for any MP elected that year.

[citation needed] Blaikie announced his resignation from parliament, effective March 31, 2024, in order to accept a position in the office of Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew as special advisor on intergovernmental affairs.