Kurek Resigns Seat in Alberta to Pave Way for Poilievre's Political Comeback: By-election Expected Within Weeks

By Mindi Soren

In a move that has quickly reshaped Canada’s post-election political landscape, Conservative MP Damien Kurek has resigned his seat in the Alberta riding of Battle River–Crowfoot to make way for Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre to contest a by-election, following Poilievre's stunning loss in his Ottawa-area riding of Carleton in last week’s federal election. The decision, announced just days after the election, has prompted debate over political strategy, democratic representation, and the future direction of the Conservative Party under Poilievre’s leadership. It also signals the beginning of an urgent campaign effort to return Poilievre to Parliament — and restore his presence in Question Period as the Leader of the Official Opposition.

 A Safe Seat Sacrificed for Party Leadership

Damien Kurek, a popular two-term MP who secured more than 80% of the vote in his rural Alberta riding on April 28, issued a statement explaining his resignation. While acknowledging the "deep sense of responsibility" he felt to continue serving constituents, Kurek said he recognized the need for the Conservative Party to remain unified and visible under Poilievre’s continued leadership.

"This region has always stood for strong Conservative values and a bold, clear voice in Ottawa. While it will be hard to temporarily step away from this role in a region I love and have always called home, the mandate given to me is one that clearly states change is needed," Kurek said.

His departure opens a critical pathway for Poilievre to re-enter the House of Commons from one of the safest Conservative ridings in the country. Located in east-central Alberta, Battle River–Crowfoot has consistently delivered some of the highest margins of victory for the Conservatives in Canada.

Carney Promises Fast-Tracked By-election

In a rare moment of bipartisan consensus, newly sworn-in Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government would move "without delay" to call the by-election. Political observers believe the writ could be dropped within a matter of weeks, allowing Poilievre to return to the Commons before Parliament resumes in full later this spring. "We will act in good faith to ensure Canadians are represented and that the opposition can do its job effectively. That’s how our democracy functions," Carney said during a brief statement outside Rideau Hall. Under Canada’s electoral laws, a by-election must be held within six months of a seat becoming vacant, but the government has the discretion to set the timing much sooner.

Poilievre’s Shocking Loss in Carleton

The need for a by-election arose after Poilievre suffered a narrow and unexpected defeat in his suburban Ottawa riding of Carleton — a seat he had held since 2004. Poilievre lost to Liberal challenger Fatima Ahmed by a margin of just under 1,200 votes, marking one of the most significant upsets of the 2025 federal election.

The loss was widely interpreted as a rebuke of Poilievre’s hard-edged campaign tone and his focus on populist issues such as inflation, cryptocurrency, and government overreach, which resonated less with moderate suburban voters than with his base in the prairies. Despite the defeat, Poilievre has vowed to stay on as Conservative leader, emphasizing that his party still won the popular vote nationally and retained official opposition status with over 100 seats.

Strategic Implications and Political Reactions

The decision by Kurek to step aside drew swift reactions from across the political spectrum. Conservative insiders praised the move as "selfless" and "essential" for party stability. "We need Pierre in Parliament," said one senior Tory strategist. "He’s the voice of our movement, and this gives us a solid runway to regroup." Critics, however, accused the Conservatives of treating rural voters like “seat placeholders” for political convenience. NDP House Leader Peter Julian said the move “disrespects the voters of Battle River–Crowfoot” and treats the riding as “a pawn on a political chessboard.”

Liberal commentators have questioned whether Poilievre’s leadership has long-term viability given his loss in an urban seat. Some speculate the by-election will serve as a litmus test for his post-election momentum. Despite the debate, political analysts agree that Poilievre is highly likely to win the seat with ease. Battle River–Crowfoot has not elected a non-Conservative MP in its modern history, and Kurek’s overwhelming victory underscores the party’s dominance in the region.

Kurek’s Future and Conservative Messaging

Damien Kurek, who first entered Parliament in 2019, emphasized that his resignation is not permanent. He has expressed interest in returning to politics in the future and said he would continue to support his constituents during the transition period.

"I remain deeply committed to the people of this riding and the values we share. My voice may be temporarily absent from Parliament, but it won’t be absent from this community," Kurek said in a social media post.

Poilievre, for his part, thanked Kurek personally and called him “a model of public service and loyalty to the Conservative movement.” The Conservatives are expected to use the by-election as an opportunity to reframe their post-election narrative — focusing on rebuilding trust in areas they lost, sharpening policy contrasts with the Carney government, and reaffirming Poilievre's position as a leading voice of fiscal conservatism and economic reform.

Looking Ahead: Battle River–Crowfoot By-election Date Imminent

As parties gear up for the coming contest, Elections Canada is preparing to announce an official by-election schedule. The campaign is expected to be low-drama, high-stakes — with national attention focused on how quickly Poilievre can reassert himself in Parliament. If elected, Poilievre could return to the House as early as June. Some insiders believe the campaign will serve as a rebranding opportunity for the Conservative leader, offering him a platform to clarify and reset his message after a polarizing national campaign.

Mindi Soren is a freelance journalist and writer for Veritas Expositae

You can reach her at mindi.soren@veritasexpositae.com