Pierre Poilievre Poised for Comeback in Alberta By-Election

Sun Sep 14 2025 06:53:33 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

**Pierre Poilievre Poised for Comeback in Alberta By-Election**

Conservative leader secures significant support in key riding, eyes return to Parliament

**Pierre Poilievre's projected by-election victory in Alberta marks a pivotal moment for the Conservative leader as he seeks reentry into the House of Commons following a recent defeat.**

In a significant political comeback, Pierre Poilievre, Canada's Conservative leader, is projected to win a by-election in Alberta's Battle River-Crowfoot riding. With approximately 80.4% of the vote reported thus far, Poilievre is positioned to reclaim a seat in Parliament after losing his previous constituency in the last general election.

Addressing a cheering audience, Poilievre expressed gratitude for the opportunity to connect with local residents, stating, "Getting to know the people in this region has been the privilege of my life." This win comes just four months after Poilievre's defeat to Mark Carney's Liberals, where he lost his long-held Ottawa seat to Liberal Bruce Fanjoy.

In this latest by-election, Poilievre encountered a remarkable 214 candidates, many affiliated with a protest movement advocating for electoral reform. The high candidate turnout required voters to use write-in ballots, adding a unique twist to the election process. Despite this challenge, Poilievre's anticipated victory allows him to return to the House of Commons for the upcoming autumn session after his April loss.

The special election was triggered when former Conservative MP Damian Kurek stepped down, thus giving Poilievre the chance to run. In his victory speech, Poilievre acknowledged Kurek's "gracious sacrifice" that made his candidacy possible. Notably, Alberta has strong Conservative roots; Kurek won the previous election with 83% of the vote, underscoring Poilievre's favorable position in the area.

However, some local resistance has surfaced, notably from independent candidate Bonnie Critchley, who accused Poilievre of using the riding as a stepping stone for personal gain. Poilievre countered these allegations, promising to engage with voters as if he were "one vote behind," emphasizing his commitment to humility and earning public trust.

Moving forward, Poilievre faces a crucial leadership review scheduled for January, where members of the Conservative party will decide his future as leader during the upcoming national convention.