Stettler’s member of parliament has resigned his seat to allow Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre to run in a byelection in Battle River-Crowfoot.
Damien Kurek made the announcement on Friday, May 2 after Poilievre narrowly lost his Carleton, Ont. seat in Monday’s federal election. (Apr 28)
In a press release issued Friday, Kurek stated: “The people of Battle River—Crowfoot will be represented well by Pierre for the remainder of this Parliamentary session, and I will keep working with our incredible local team to do everything I can to remain the strong voice for you as I support him in the process, and then run again here in Battle River—Crowfoot in the next general election.”
Earlier Friday, PM Carney took questions at a press conference and said he would call a byelection for Poilievre to run in the House of Commons “as soon as possible.”
Kurek was re-elected for the second time on Monday, after first winning a by-election in 2019 to replace longtime MP Kevin Sorenson.
The riding is made up of residents across parts of the Special Areas, as well as Acadia, Beaver, Camrose, Drumheller, Kneehill, Leduc, Paintearth, Provost, Starland, Stettler & Wainwright counties.
Pierre Poilievre has since put out a statement, “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.
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.”
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
