August Byelection Called in Battle River–Crowfoot Riding

Photo:AP

Prime Minister Mark Carney has officially called for a federal byelection in the Alberta riding of Battle River–Crowfoot, scheduled for Monday, August 18, 2025 .

This byelection happens because Damien Kurek, the previous Member of Parliament, resigned on June 17, 2025 to allow Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre to run in the riding . In April’s federal election, Poilievre lost his seat in Carleton, and this byelection gives him a chance to get back into the House of Commons .

Here are the key details:

• Byelection date: August 18, 2025

• Advance polls: Open August 8–11, for early voting 

• Riding background: Battle River–Crowfoot is a large, rural Alberta district, once held by Kurek who won by over 80% support 

• Main candidate: Pierre Poilievre, aiming to rejoin Parliament and lead the opposition from the Commons 

Kurek stepped down not for personal gain—he was just four months shy of qualifying for a parliamentary pension—but to give the party leader a clear way back into the House, a decision he described as a “service”.

This byelection is important for several reasons:

1. It affects who can speak for the Conservatives in Parliament; Poilievre has been unable to participate in Question Period since losing his previous seat .

2. It shows how party leaders depend on safe ridings to gain entry into the House.

3. It gives residents of Battle River–Crowfoot a role in shaping the future of Canada’s political conversation.

The Liberal Party has not yet confirmed if it will run a candidate. Ahead of the vote, campaigning and debates are expected to begin. This byelection wraps up the first round of by-elections during Canada’s 45th Parliament, and if Poilievre wins, he’ll return as a sitting MP.