His journey back to the House of Commons must go through Alberta
The date is set for the federal byelection in Battle River-Crowfoot.
On Aug. 18, the riding of 107,979 people as of the 2021 Census, will either grant or deny Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre a seat back in the House of Commons.
“It would be an honour to represent the people of Battle River–Crowfoot on the floor of the House of Commons as their Member of Parliament,” he said on X on June 30, the day Prime Minister Mark Carney set the August election date. “The farmers, energy workers and soldiers of Battle River–Crowfoot feed, power and protect Canada. I will work hard and with humility to earn the support of the great people in this extraordinary region.”
Poilievre could have multiple challengers.
Elections Canada’s website lists him and Bonnie Critchley, an Independent, as confirmed candidates as of July 8.
The Liberals announced Darcy Spady as its candidate.
And Jonathan Bridges will represent the People’s Party of Canada.
Other online sources indicate Douglas Gook will run on behalf of the Green Party, and Michael Harris under the Libertarian party. Sarah Spanier is running as another Independent, and the NDP hasn’t announced a candidate as of July 8.
But early data points to a Conservative win.
July 6 projections from 338Canada.com have the seat as “safe” for the Conservatives.
For context, the Conservatives won almost 83 per cent of the vote in the 2025 election, 71 per cent in 2021, and almost 86 per cent of riding support in 2019.
How did Poilievre and the people of Battle River-Crowfoot end up in Canada’s political spotlight? Here’s a brief refresher.
April 28 – Poilievre loses his seat in Carleton to Liberal Bruce Fanjoy on election night.
May 2 – Damien Kurek, the Conservative MP who won in Battle River-Crowfoot, announces he is stepping aside to let Poilievre run in his riding.
May 6 – Andrew Scheer is named interim leader of the opposition.
June 18 – Kurek officially resigns his seat.
June 30 – Prime Minister Carney sets byelection date.