An image from Pierre Poilievre's social media feed, after his byelection win last night. The image includes his wife Anaida Poilievre.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is officially heading back to Ottawa after securing a decisive victory in Monday’s federal byelection in Alberta’s Battle River–Crowfoot riding.
Poilievre won more than 80 per cent of the vote, reclaiming a seat in the House of Commons just months after losing his longtime Ontario riding of Carleton to Liberal Bruce Fanjoy in the spring general election.
The sprawling rural riding, which stretches across eastern and central Alberta, is considered one of the safest Conservative seats in the country. Former MP Damien Kurek stepped down earlier this year to allow Poilievre to run, calling it a “gift” to ensure the region had a national voice in Parliament
The byelection featured a record-breaking 214 candidates, most affiliated with the Longest Ballot Committee, a protest movement advocating for electoral reform. Due to the unprecedented number of names, Elections Canada issued blank write-in ballots for the first time.
Despite criticism from some voters and candidates who viewed Poilievre as a parachute politician, his victory was widely expected. Political analysts say the result reinforces his standing ahead of a scheduled Conservative leadership review in January.
Poilievre’s return to Parliament restores his ability to participate in debates and question period, roles he had been unable to fulfill since losing his seat in April.
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