MEET THE CANDIDATES
Damien Kurek, Conservative Party of Canada, Incumbent
1. Tell us a little about yourself
I’m proud to have had the honour of representing this region in Ottawa since 2019, and I am the fifth generation to help run my family farm. Thankful to be married to Danielle, and we have three boys, Matthew, Emerson, and Winston. I am actively involved in my local church and community, and I spend as much time as I can passing on my love of farming to my kids. I am also a big fan of Western sports, and rodeo in particular.
2. Where do you currently live?
I currently reside near my family farm in Alberta’s Special Areas right here in Battle River-Crowfoot.
3. What is your political background?
Long before running for office, I have been passionate about politics, and policies that put Canada First, allow our region to prosper, fight for democratic accountability, and ensure that rural doesn’t get forgotten about.
Also, I am deeply appreciative of my friendship with retired MP and Killam native Kevin Sorenson, seeing how Kevin worked diligently for this region for decades.
4. What motivated you originally to run as a candidate in the federal election? What keeps you motivated to continue?
It’s been an honour to serve this region, and more now than ever have I seen how important it is to ensure that strong voices from Rural Alberta are at the table, after seeing how Liberal policies have devastated our region, province, and country. More now than ever, change is needed.
5. As you see it, what are major issues facing the Battle River-Crowfoot riding and what types of changes would you advocate for as an elected member of Parliament?
The people of Battle River-Crowfoot have shared how unequivocally they need a change in Government in Ottawa, and as their MP and once again Conservative Candidate, I have and commit to continuing to fight for the people here in rural, East Central Alberta.
6. As you see it, what are major issues facing Canada and what types of changes would you advocate for as an elected member of Parliament?
First, folks care about fixing the economy and addressing the cost of living, bringing about policies that allow us to prosper, and cutting taxes.
Second is fixing our broken legal system, which has seen crime rates skyrocket and once-safe communities facing huge challenges. From making sure there is jail and not bail for repeat violent offenders, life sentences for fentanyl traffickers, to fighting scandal and corruption in Ottawa.
Third is making sure that this region, our people, ideas, and industries, are represented in Ottawa.
7. What drew you to represent the Conservative Party of Canada?
For far too long, our region and country have been held back by ideas and ideologies that are meant to choose winners and losers. This has historically had devastating consequences, and we are seeing that play out in our country today.
Conservatives want to unleash the potential of our country, our people, and ensure that the promise of Canada is restored. Plus, after having seen scandal and chaos being normalized by Liberal politicians, it’s time to restore accountability to Ottawa.
8. Why do you think someone should consider voting for you and your party?
As your representative, I have worked hard to ensure that your voice is heard in Ottawa. Additionally, I have been a longtime advocate for rural Canada and working to ensure that Government works for you. I am proud to be part of our national Conservative team led by Pierre Poilievre, focused on restoring the promise of Canada.
9. Does your party have a plan for addressing President Trump and his tariff threats?
First, these tariffs are an unjustified attack on our nation, and threats to our sovereignty are unacceptable. But the challenges we face here at home after a decade of Liberal policies have made us weaker today than we should be. Leaving us more reliant on the United States than we would have been had we allowed our economy to grow and major infrastructure to be built. Trade chaos has been normalized under the Liberals, and we are seeing the new US administration take that to a whole new level.
We are committed to standing up for our economy across Canada in every sector. Protecting our borders. Rebuilding our military. And ensuring that we take seriously the need to renegotiate things like CUSMA, putting Canada first.
But at the end of the day, the only thing we totally control is what we do at home. And the best way to stand up to these threats is to be strong here.
Unleashing our industry, cutting taxes on our workers, zero capital gains taxes on Canadian reinvestment, building more homes, LNG plants, pipelines, mines and more to build our own economic fortress here in Canada is the only way to stand up to President Trump.
We are going to do this while implementing our plan to build more homes, combat addiction, ensure fiscal responsibility, cap immigration so we never again add people faster than we add jobs, and get criminals off our streets.
10. Final Word: Is there any lasting message you would like to pass along to members of our riding as we head toward election day?
It’s important to vote; this election will have a massive impact on the future of our nation. It’s been an honour to serve as your MP for the last two terms, and if I have the honour of being reelected, you can count on me to continue to fight for you and this region.
