OTTAWA – Conservative Member of Parliament Damien Kurek has announced that he will temporarily step aside from his position to facilitate Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's candidacy in an upcoming byelection for the Battle River-Crowfoot riding in Alberta. Kurek, who has been the MP for this riding since 2019, confirmed his decision in a statement.

The Conservative Party has officially communicated that Poilievre is expected to run in the byelection once it is called. This strategic move comes amid speculation that the party's leader is keen to reinforce his presence within Parliament and take advantage of the current political landscape.

Kurek noted that he will need to be sworn in again as an MP before formally resigning his seat to make way for Poilievre. His announcement follows a statement made by Prime Minister Mark Carney, who indicated that a byelection would be called "as soon as possible" should a Conservative MP decide to resign, particularly to enable Poilievre's return to the House of Commons.

In the previous election, Kurek achieved a significant victory, securing nearly 82 percent of the vote in the Battle River-Crowfoot riding. His substantial margin of victory demonstrates the strong support for the Conservative Party within this constituency.

The move has drawn attention as it highlights the tactical considerations within the Conservative Party as it prepares for ongoing political challenges. By stepping aside, Kurek is not only supporting his leader but also contributing to the party's broader strategy ahead of future electoral battles.

The contiguous focus on the Alberta riding suggests that the Conservatives are eager to maintain their stronghold and utilize any opportunity to reinforce their leadership in Parliament. The dynamics surrounding this byelection will be closely monitored, particularly in terms of voter turnout and the topics that resonate with the constituents.