Canada's Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is on track to reclaim a significant parliamentary seat in Alberta following a by-election that marks a turning point after his last electoral defeat. Early results from the electoral commission indicate Poilievre is leading with 80.4% of the vote in the rural riding of Battle River-Crowfoot, as final ballots are still being counted.
Speaking to enthusiastic supporters on Monday, Poilievre expressed his deep connection to the community, stating, "Getting to know the people in this region has been the privilege of my life." This projected victory comes just four months after his party faced a defeat at the hands of Mark Carney's Liberals, during which Poilievre lost the Ottawa-area seat he had held for two decades to Liberal candidate Bruce Fanjoy.
In this by-election, Poilievre contended with an unprecedented 214 candidates, many associated with a protest group advocating for electoral reform. This was not the first challenge posed by this group, as they previously targeted Poilievre in earlier campaigns. Due to the overwhelming number of candidates, voters utilized a write-in ballot system.
With this anticipated win, the 46-year-old political figure is set to re-enter the House of Commons for the autumn session following his April defeat. The special election was prompted in June when former Conservative MP Damian Kurek stepped aside to allow Poilievre to run, a decision Poilievre acknowledged with gratitude during his victory speech.
Alberta has historically been a Conservative bastion, with Kurek previously securing 83% of the vote in this riding. Nevertheless, Poilievre faced criticism from some constituents, including independent candidate Bonnie Critchley, who has accused him of treating the seat as a mere stepping stone. In response, he told the Calgary Herald that he campaigned tirelessly, operating as if he were "one vote behind," affirming his commitment to humility and to earning the trust of the people.
Looking ahead, Poilievre faces a key leadership review in January, where Conservative party members will determine his future as leader at the upcoming national convention.
