A federal by-election is now officially underway in the Alberta riding of Battle River–Crowfoot, with voters heading to the polls on August 18 to fill a vacancy in the House of Commons.
Elections Canada confirmed Monday that its office in the riding is now open and preparations are underway for electors to cast their ballots. The vacancy comes as Conservative MP Damien Kurek steps aside, paving the way for Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre to seek re-entry into Parliament following his defeat in the last federal election.
Kurek, who has represented the rural Alberta riding since 2019, delivered his farewell speech in Parliament on Friday. He won the riding in 2021 with nearly 82 per cent of the vote.
While official candidates for the by-election have yet to be announced, Conservative Party officials have confirmed Poilievre intends to run in the contest. A party spokesperson said Kurek will formally resign his seat after being sworn in as an MP once again, a procedural step required to initiate the process.
Related Stories:
- Poilievre eyes swift return to House as Scheer steps in as interim Opposition leader
- Patzer appreciates Kurek's sacrifice for Poilievre
The by-election has been widely anticipated since Prime Minister Mark Carney signalled in early May that his government would call a vote “as soon as possible” if the Conservatives arranged for Poilievre to return via a safe seat.
Local MPs are voicing their support for the move. Swift Current–Kindersley–Grasslands MP Jeremy Patzer praised Kurek’s decision, calling it a “tremendous sacrifice.”
“It’s a good step to get our leader back in the House of Commons as soon as possible,” Patzer said. “It’s been an honour to serve with Damien, and I thank him again for his service and his sacrifice.”
Patzer added that with Poilievre at the helm, the Conservatives are gaining ground.
“In the last election, Pierre helped us reach 41 per cent of the national vote — more than the Harper government had when it won a majority,” he said. “Bringing him back to the House will help build on that momentum.”
Eligible voters in Battle River–Crowfoot must be Canadian citizens, at least 18 years old on election day, and reside in the riding as of June 30. Voters can check their registration status, register to vote, or apply to vote by mail through Elections Canada.
Advance voting will take place from August 8 to 11, and early in-person voting is available now at the local Elections Canada office. Voters can also apply to vote by mail until August 12 at 6 p.m., and must return their ballots before polls close on election day.
For more information, voters are encouraged to visit elections.ca or call 1-800-463-6868.