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Poilievre’s Battle River–Crowfoot Byelection Campaign Draws Unprecedented Local Engagement

High turnout at candidate forums highlights tensions over parachute candidacies with protest nominations drawing focus to electoral reform

Independent candidate Bonnie Critchley campaigns in the riding of Battle River-Crowfoot, where Pierre Poilievre is attempting to earn a seat in Camrose, Alta., on Tuesday July 22, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Amber Bracken

Overview

  • A by-election is slated for August 18 in Battle River–Crowfoot after Conservative MP Damien Kurek resigned to clear the way for leader Pierre Poilievre’s return to Parliament
  • Poilievre has opened a campaign office in Camrose and participated in town halls, rodeos, parades and community events to court rural voters
  • All seats for the July 29 candidate forum sold out with ten speakers signed up, underscoring unusually high grassroots interest
  • Independent contenders like Bonnie Critchley and Sarah Spanier have criticized Poilievre as a parachute candidate and vow to put local concerns ahead of party loyalty
  • Over 130 protest nominees backed by the Longest Ballot Committee have entered the race to press for electoral reform, prompting RCMP reminders to respect the democratic process