Alberta MP resigns, Poilievre will seek seat

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Published: June 17, 2025

Damien Kurek speaks into a microphone while holding his left index finger up pointing to the sky.

REGINA — Damien Kurek has formally resigned his Alberta seat, allowing Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre to run in a byelection expected this summer.

Kurek had said shortly after the April federal election in which Poilievre lost his own seat that he would step down.

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He posted the news on social media June 17, saying it had been an honour to represent Battle River-Crowfoot since 2019.

“Pierre Poilievre is a man of principle, character, and is the hardest working MP I have ever met,” Kurek wrote. “His energy, passion and drive will have a huge benefit in east-central Alberta.”

In a statement, Kurek wished his colleagues success “as they continue fighting to restore the Canadian promise and holding the Liberal government to account.”

Media outlets reported a day earlier that Poilievre would face a leadership review early next year.

Prime minister Mark Carney has not yet called the byelection, but Parliament is about to break for the summer June 20 after a brief sitting. Poilievre could be back in the House of Commons for the fall sitting in mid-September.

About the author

Karen Briere

Karen Briere

Karen Briere grew up in Canora, Sask. where her family had a grain and cattle operation. She has a degree in journalism from the University of Regina and has spent more than 30 years covering agriculture from the Western Producer’s Regina bureau.

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