“Pierre Poilievre just finished a remarkable national campaign that received the highest vote share since 1988,” Kurek said in his statement. “An unstoppable movement has grown under his leadership, and I know we need Pierre fighting in the House of Commons to hold the Liberal minority government to account. This is what's best for Canada, and is what's best for Battle River-Crowfoot.”
Kurek’s statement adds he will step aside during this Parliamentary session and run in his home riding again in the next federal election.
Kurek’s resignation means Poilievre must win a by-election in the Alberta riding to secure his spot in the House of Commons.
The governor general determines the date of the by-election.
Prime Minister Carney indicated one would occur in a timely manner.
“I’ve already indicated to Mr. Poilievre that if it’s the decision of him and the Conservative Party to trigger, if I can put it that way, a byelection, I will ensure that it happens as soon as possible,” Carney told reporters on Friday.
Recent history suggests a by-election may not happen for months.
The most recent federal by-election occurred in the Quebec riding of LaSalle—Émard—Verdun.
Voters cast a ballot on Sept. 16, 2024, after Liberal MP David Lametti announced his resignation on Jan. 25, 2024.
That’s 235 days from Lametti’s announcement to voting day.
That same length of time from today’s date would put the by-election in Battle River-Crowfoot on Dec. 23 of this year.