Canada’s Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has successfully won a pivotal by-election in Alberta's Battle River-Crowfoot riding, marking his return to Parliament after losing his former seat in the last general election. According to preliminary results from Canada's electoral commission, Poilievre achieved a striking 80.4% of the vote amidst a record-breaking 214 candidates vying for election, many linked to a protest group advocating for electoral reform.
In his victory speech to an enthusiastic audience, Poilievre expressed, "Getting to know the people in this region has been the privilege of my life." This win comes four months after Poilievre's defeat by Mark Carney's Liberals, which included losing his Ottawa-area seat of nearly 20 years to Liberal Bruce Fanjoy.
Despite the fierce competition, Poilievre's victory paves the way for him to rejoin Parliament for the autumn sessions, reinstating his position as the leader of Canada's official opposition. In an acknowledgment of Poilievre’s achievement, Prime Minister Carney extended his congratulations and expressed appreciation for Darcy Spady, his Liberal adversary, who garnered 4% of the vote in a riding known for its Conservative majority. Carney noted, "Working together, Canada's new government will keep building a stronger future for all Albertans and Canadians."
The by-election was prompted by former Conservative MP Damian Kurek’s relinquishment of his seat, allowing Poilievre to contend. Kurek's previous win had been substantial, capturing 83% of votes with the riding historically favoring Conservative candidates at rates above 70%.
During the campaign, Poilievre faced criticism from some residents, including independent candidate Bonnie Critchley, who alleged that Poilievre was merely using the riding as a stepping stone. Nonetheless, Poilievre defended his efforts, stating his approach was to campaign as if he were "one vote behind" and emphasizing his commitment to gaining voters' trust through humility.
Looking ahead, Poilievre will encounter a critical leadership review in January, where Conservative party members will decide his future as leader at the national convention. With the House of Commons set to reconvene on September 15, the stakes for Poilievre's leadership and future actions are high as he returns to the political forefront.
