Damien Kurek has announced his intention to resign his seat in Battle River-Crowfoot to allow Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) leader Pierre Poilievre to run in the constituency in an upcoming byelection.
Kurek just took the federal election in Battle River-Crowfoot last week with a wide majority, gaining 81.8 per cent of the total vote.
Now he must be sworn in before he can resign his seat and a by-election called.
Prime Minister Mark Carney, who as prime minister controls the timing of any by-election, has already announced that he will not delay in calling the necessary by-election for Poilievre. Carney says there will be “no games” and would allow it to be held “as soon as possible.”
“It has been a tremendous honour to serve the good people of Battle River-Crowfoot as their Member of Parliament since 2019,” said Kurek in a statement on Friday.
“Their support and committment to the Conservative movement and our mission to bring back hope and prosperity to this country has been unmatched. Which is why, after much discussion with my wife, Danielle, I have decided to step aside for this Parliamentary session to allow our Conservative Party Leader to run here in a by-election.”
Kurek was very clear that this is for one election period only, and that he would run again in the next general election.
Poilievre, who was unable to hold the seat he has held in the Ottawa area riding of Carleton since 2004 (then Nepean-Carleton) cannot hold the official Opposition Leader title until a seat is secured, but is still the leader of the CPC.
Poilievre said Friday, “It is with humility and appreciation that I have accepted Damien Kurek’s offer to resign his seat in Battle River-Crowfoot so that I can work to earn the support of citizens there to serve them in Parliament.”
Poilievre’s team updated on Monday that he had arrived in Alberta, and accepted an invitation from Kurek to visit his farm, his staff, and some of his family members, posting photos of he and his wife Anaida at the Kurek farm.
While Kurek has only held the seat since 2019, the historically conservative constituency, which was created by combining parts of the former Wild Rose riding and the Crowfoot riding, was formerly held by MP Kevin Sorenson for nearly two decades.
Kurek said, “Pierre just finished a remarkable national campaign that received the highest vote share since 1988. Under his leadership an unstoppable movement has grown, and I know we need Pierre fighting in the House of Commons to hold the Liberal minority government to account.
“That is why I know this decision is what’s best for Canada and is what’s best for Battle River-Crowfoot.
“Although it will be hard to temporarily step away from this role, in this region that I love and have always called home, the mandate given to me is one that clearly states that change is needed.
“Offering this seat to our Party Leader is an important step in that process.”
In response to Friday’s news, Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely praised Kurek, calling him, “her personal hero,” and adding, “thank you for doing the right thing, sir, for your family, the Riding, and Canadians. Having Pierre Poilievre as our MP in Battle River-Crowfoot will give us the strong voice we need in Parliament, holding the Liberals accountable.”
Poilievre further commented; “Damien’s selfless act to step aside temporarily as a Member of Parliament shows his commitment to change and restoring Canada’s promise.
“I will work to earn the trust of the good people of Battle River-Crowfoot and I will continue to hold the Liberal minority government to account until the next federal election, when we will bring real change to all Canadians.”
Kurek added, “Pierre grew up in Alberta and was raised knowing how valuable the West is to the country.”
“People in these communities feed and power our country,” said Poilievre.
“It will be an honour to work for their support to return to Parliament, hold the government to account, and champion common sense values for Canada.”
Kurek emphasized it was his belief in Poilievre and his policies. that allowed him to make the decision.
“In the same way I do, Pierre believes that a dollar in the hand of someone who earned it is better spent than by the government who taxed it.
“Like me, Pierre has been fighting to unleash Canada’s energy, build resource projects and get our oil and gas to market. Since he first became a Member of Parliament in 2004, Pierre has been championing Canadian energy and he will continue to do that as the next Member of Parliament for Battle River- Crowfoot.”
During the visit to his family farm, Kurek says he and Poilievre discussed the importance of farming and rural values to the vast riding.
from this role, in this region that I love and have always called home, the mandate given to me is one that clearly states that change is needed.
“Offering this seat to our Party Leader is an important step in that process.”
In response to Friday’s news, Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely praised Kurek, calling him, “her personal hero,” and adding, “thank you for doing the right thing, sir, for your family, the Riding, and Canadians. Having Pierre Poilievre as our MP in Battle River-Crowfoot will give us the strong voice we need in Parliament, holding the Liberals accountable.”
Poilievre further commented; “Damien’s selfless act to step aside temporarily as a Member of Parliament shows his commitment to change and restoring Canada’s promise.
“I will work to earn the trust of the good people of Battle River-Crowfoot and I will continue to hold the Liberal minority government to account until the next federal election, when we will bring real change to all Canadians.”
Kurek added, “Pierre grew up in Alberta and was raised knowing how valuable the West is to the country.”
“People in these communities feed and power our country,” said Poilievre.
“It will be an honour to work for their support to return to Parliament, hold the government to account, and champion common sense values for Canada.”
Kurek emphasized it was his belief in Poilievre and his policies. that allowed him to make the decision.
“In the same way I do, Pierre believes that a dollar in the hand of someone who earned it is better spent than by the government who taxed it.
“Like me, Pierre has been fighting to unleash Canada’s energy, build resource projects and get our oil and gas to market. Since he first became a Member of Parliament in 2004, Pierre has been championing Canadian energy and he will continue to do that as the next Member of Parliament for Battle River- Crowfoot.”
During the visit to his family farm, Kurek says he and Poilievre discussed the importance of farming and rural values to the vast riding.
“Pierre gets it. He has travelled across this country and has spent a lot of time in rural communities, speaking with farmers and in agriculture and livestock. He knows how valuable our way of life is and he will defend it.
“He will be an advocate for farmers, protect our hunters, and be a defender for our way of life.”
Leslie Cholowsky
Editor