Following his unexpected loss in the recent Canadian election, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre will seek a seat in Parliament. This will occur through a by-election, enabled by the resignation of Alberta MP Damien Kurek, who won his seat with nearly 82% of the vote.
Mr. Kurek stated his decision to step down was made to ensure Mr. Poilievre's presence in the House of Commons to hold the Liberal minority government accountable. He intends to run again in the next election.
Mr. Poilievre's loss in the Carleton riding was a significant upset for the Conservative Party, despite their increased seat count and share of the popular vote.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated a by-election will be called promptly to allow for Mr. Poilievre to run again.
An Alberta Conservative MP says he’ll resign his seat so party leader Pierre Poilievre can run for a seat in Parliament.
Damien Kurek, who was re-elected in Battle River—Crowfoot on Monday with nearly 82 per cent of the vote, announced his decision Friday.
Mr. Poilievre lost his Carleton riding to the Liberals in Monday’s election in an upset that sent shockwaves to the party and dulled some of their jubilation at increasing their seat count overall and their share of the popular vote - though they failed to defeat the Liberals.
Opinion: Why the Conservatives should dump Poilievre – but won’t
Mr. Kurek said what’s best for Canada is to have Mr. Poilievre in the House of Commons to hold the Liberal minority to account.
Mr. Kurek said he intends to run again in the next election in his riding.
“Although it will be hard to temporarily step away from this role, in this region I love and have always called home, the mandate given to me is one that clearly states that change is needed,” he said in a statement.
“Offering this seat to our Party Leader is an important step in that process.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney said earlier Friday that he’d trigger a by-election to allow Mr. Poilievre to run for a seat as soon as possible.
More to come
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