Conservative MP resigns seat so Poilievre can run in Alberta byelection

Conservative MP for Battle River-Crowfoot Damien Kurek rises in the House of Commons on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Republished June 17, 2025 - 3:41 PM

Original Publication Date June 17, 2025 - 10:41 AM

OTTAWA — Alberta Conservative Damien Kurek officially resigned as an MP on Tuesday — the earliest he was legally allowed to step aside.

Kurek promised just after the April election that he would vacate his seat in the Battle River—Crowfoot riding to allow Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to run in a byelection.

Poilievre represented the Ottawa riding of Carleton for 20 years but lost it in April's general election to rookie Liberal Bruce Fanjoy.

Kurek's resignation takes effect at the end of the day's proceedings Tuesday.

He used his final appearance in the House of Commons to thank his constituents, colleagues and parliamentary staff for their help over the past five and a half years.

"I hope that all will fight for Canada. Don't stop fighting, and fight passionately because that is the least we can do for those who send us to this place. So may God bless the people of this nation. May God bless you all," Kurek said at the conclusion of his remarks.

In a social media post on Tuesday evening, Poilievre thanked Kurek for his work as an MP and his "gracious act of service."

"I will work to earn the trust of the people of Battle River—Crowfoot, to hold the government accountable and present a government in waiting," the Conservative leader said on X.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has said he will call a byelection in the riding as soon as possible, with "no games." A spokeswoman from the Prime Minister's Office said Carney's comments stand.

The byelection can be called no earlier than 11 days after the Speaker of the House of Commons formally informs the chief electoral officer of the vacancy. There is no mandated timeline for this step but it usually happens quickly.

The election itself has to be held on a Monday between 36 and 51 days later.

Kurek's resignation Tuesday means the soonest a byelection could happen is early August.

Kurek said he plans to run again in Battle River—Crowfoot in the next general election.

This report was first published by The Canadian Press on June 17, 2025.