CAMROSE, ALTA. – Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has made a decisive return to the House of Commons, winning a by-election in the rural Alberta riding of Battle River–Crowfoot. The victory comes just months after he lost his longtime Ottawa-area seat in the federal election due to Liberal gerrymandering in the riding.
With nearly 20 per cent of the polls reporting just over an hour after voting closed, Poilievre was leading by a margin of about 5,500 votes. He ultimately secured more than 80 per cent of the vote in what is considered one of the country’s safest Conservative seats. The seat was vacated earlier this year when Conservative MP Damien Kurek stepped aside to make way for the party leader’s bid.
Speaking to supporters at a victory party in Camrose, Poilievre thanked his family, Kurek, and the voters for their support. “Getting to know the people in this region has been the privilege of my life,” he said. “In fact, I’ve had a hell of a lot of fun.”
The “Longest Ballot” Farce
The by-election drew national attention due to an unprecedented number of candidates. A record 214 candidates were on the ballot, with most linked to the “Longest Ballot Committee,” a protest group advocating for electoral reform. To accommodate the massive number of names, voters were required to write in the name of their chosen candidate. A 32-page booklet was available at voting stations to reference the names of all the candidates.
The Longest Ballot Committee, which previously targeted Poilievre’s former riding of Carleton, aims to highlight what they see as a conflict of interest when politicians decide on election rules. The group argues for an independent, non-partisan body, such as a citizens’ assembly, to decide on electoral law.
Despite the crowded field, political observers had been clear that Poilievre needed a decisive win ahead of a party leadership review in January. The significant victory strengthens his position as party leader.
The Road Ahead
The by-election results showed independent candidate Bonnie Critchley a distant second. The Liberal, NDP, and Libertarian parties also fielded candidates in the riding.
Poilievre’s return to the House of Commons means he will now face Prime Minister Mark Carney in Parliament, an opportunity the opposition leader has been without since losing his seat in April. The loss in the last federal election, despite a strong showing for the Conservatives, has placed intense scrutiny on Poilievre’s leadership, which will culminate in a review vote in January.
- with reporting from Victor P. Thanks Victor!!
