Our local MP is grateful a colleague is opening the door federal Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre to return to the House of Commons.
Swift Current-Kindersley-Grasslands MP Jeremy Patzer acknowledged the sacrifice of Battle River-Crowfoot MP Damien Kurek who is stepping down so Poilievre can run in his spot.
Poilievre lost his Ottawa area seat in the recent federal election and will run in a byelection to return to parliament once Kurek steps down.
"It's a good step to try to get our leader back in the House of Commons as soon as possible," Patzer said. "It's a tremendous sacrifice for someone to step aside for that to happen. It's been honour to serve with Damien, and I would like to thank him again for his service to his constituents and to sacrifice to allow our leader to get back into parliament as soon as possible."
Patzer is looking forward to having Poilievre lead them in the house again soon.
"In this last election Pierre helped us get up to 41% of the general vote which is higher than the Harper government had when they won a majority," Patzer said. "We've made some tremendous gains and to help build on that it'll be helpful to have our leader back in the House of Commons."
Kurek gave his farewell speech in parliament on Friday.
There is no date set yet for the byelection to replace him.