Poilievre to return soon in Alberta by-election
Prime Minister Mark Carney has called a by-election in the Alberta riding of Battle River–Crowfoot for August 18, 2025.
Author: Walid Tamtam
Prime Minister Mark Carney has called a by-election in the Alberta riding of Battle River–Crowfoot for August 18, 2025, opening the door for Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to return to the House of Commons after losing his Ottawa-area seat in April’s general election.
The by-election was triggered by the resignation of longtime Conservative MP Damien Kurek, who announced on May 2 that he would step down to allow Poilievre to run for the seat.
Kurek had been re-elected in the April federal election with over 80 per cent of the vote. Polling by 338Canada on June 29 showed Conservative support in the riding remaining strong at 81 per cent.
The east-central Alberta riding is one of the safest Conservative seats in Canada.
Poilievre lost his longtime Ottawa-area seat in Carleton to Liberal Bruce Fanjoy by 2,000 votes, ending a two-decade-long stint as the riding’s MP.
The Carleton race drew national attention for its chaotic ballot with over 90 candidates in a protest stunt against Canada’s first-past-the-post electoral system.
As a result of the long ballot, the riding’s election was delayed, but ultimately handed Poilievre his first electoral loss in his political career.
Kurek, who represented Battle River–Crowfoot since 2019, cited the need for strong Conservative leadership in Parliament as his reason for stepping aside.
“I know we need Pierre fighting in the House of Commons to hold the Liberal minority government to account,” he said in a statement.
“This is what’s best for Canada, and is what’s best for Battle River–Crowfoot.”
Poilievre led the Conservatives to their best national popular vote showing since 1988, though the party ultimately fell short of forming government.
In May, Carney said he would ensure the by-election process would proceed without delay if Poilievre sought a seat.
“No games, nothing, straight,” the prime minister said in May.