Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre has won the federal by-election in Alberta’s Battle River-Crowfoot riding, securing his return to the House of Commons after losing his long-held Ottawa-area seat earlier this year. The by-election, held on August 18, 2025, drew national attention due to Poilievre’s high-profile candidacy and a record-breaking 214 candidates on the ballot. Here’s a comprehensive look at the results, the campaign, and what this victory means for Poilievre and the Conservative Party.

By-Election Results

With 265 of 286 polls reporting, Elections Canada data shows Pierre Poilievre leading with 34,631 votes, capturing 80.1% of the vote share. Independent candidate Bonnie Critchley followed with 4,298 votes (9.9%), while Liberal candidate Darcy Spady secured 1,885 votes (4.4%). Other candidates, including the NDP’s Katherine Swampy and various independents, trailed further behind. The strong margin of victory aligns with expectations for the Conservative stronghold, where former MP Damien Kurek won 82.8% of the vote in the April 2025 general election.

The by-election, held in the sprawling rural riding of Battle River-Crowfoot, was notable for its unique voting process. Due to the unprecedented number of candidates—most affiliated with the Longest Ballot Committee, a group advocating for electoral reform—Elections Canada used write-in ballots for the first time in a federal election. Voters were required to write their preferred candidate’s name, with votes counted even if names were misspelled, as long as the intent was clear. Despite concerns about potential delays, the vote count proceeded smoothly, with results validated by August 23, 2025.

The Road to Victory

Poilievre’s win follows his unexpected loss in the Ottawa-area riding of Carleton to Liberal Bruce Fanjoy in the April 28, 2025, federal election, where the Conservative Party also failed to defeat the governing Liberals led by Prime Minister Mark Carney. The loss left Poilievre without a seat in Parliament, sidelining him from key debates in the House of Commons. To provide Poilievre a path back to Ottawa, Conservative MP Damien Kurek resigned his Battle River-Crowfoot seat in June 2025, triggering the by-election. Kurek, who had represented the riding since 2019 and won re-election with 83% of the vote in April, described his decision as a “gracious sacrifice” to support Poilievre’s leadership.

The Battle River-Crowfoot riding, covering 56,000 square kilometers of central and eastern Alberta, including communities like Camrose, Drumheller, and Stettler, is one of Canada’s safest Conservative seats. Poilievre campaigned intensely, door-knocking and attending local events like rodeos, emphasizing issues like oil and gas development, firearms rights, and Alberta’s economic interests. He described the campaign as a “privilege,” noting the warm reception from residents who offered him beef jerky and shared their concerns about federal policies.

Despite the riding’s conservative leanings, the campaign faced challenges. The Longest Ballot Committee, which flooded the ballot with 201 protest candidates to highlight flaws in Canada’s first-past-the-post system, sparked debate. Poilievre called the group’s tactics a “total scam” and pledged to propose legislative changes to prevent such actions in future elections. Independent candidate Bonnie Critchley, a military veteran, also gained attention, arguing that Poilievre, as a non-resident, lacked a genuine connection to the riding. However, voters like Stacey Martin from Camrose supported Poilievre, citing his ability to represent Alberta’s values in Ottawa.

Advance polls saw strong turnout, with 14,454 voters casting ballots, nearly matching the 14,434 in the April general election. The high engagement, coupled with Poilievre’s projected landslide victory (polls from 338Canada estimated 73% support), underscored the riding’s conservative loyalty.

What the Win Means

Poilievre’s victory, announced at a celebratory event in Camrose on August 18, 2025, ensures his return to Parliament for the fall session. This allows him to resume his role as Leader of the Opposition, directly challenging Prime Minister Mark Carney in the House of Commons. In his victory speech, Poilievre thanked his wife Anaida, former MP Damien Kurek, and the voters of Battle River-Crowfoot, promising to be a “humble servant” for the region. He highlighted the community’s “common sense” values and vowed to advocate for Alberta’s interests, including resource development and economic autonomy.

The win is critical for Poilievre, who faces a mandatory leadership review in January 2026 following the Conservatives’ federal election loss. Political analysts, including Lori Williams from Mount Royal University, emphasized that Poilievre needed a decisive victory to maintain confidence in his leadership. His 80.1% vote share, though slightly below Kurek’s 83%, met expectations for the safe seat and is seen as a strong endorsement. However, some local voters, like farmer Harvey Nahirniak, expressed concerns about representation from a non-local leader, while others, like Mathew Banack, acknowledged the riding’s conservative tradition but questioned Poilievre’s long-term commitment to the region.

Broader Implications

The by-election also highlighted tensions in Alberta, where separatist sentiments and frustration with federal policies, such as trade tariffs and resource restrictions, are rising. Poilievre positioned himself as a champion for Alberta, criticizing the Liberal government’s handling of trade disputes with the U.S. and China. His return to Parliament strengthens his platform to address these issues, though he must navigate a leadership review and rebuild national momentum for the Conservatives.

The Longest Ballot Committee’s protest, while failing to derail Poilievre’s victory, drew attention to electoral reform debates. Critics, including former chief electoral officer Jean-Pierre Kingsley, called the group’s tactics an “abuse of process,” while Poilievre’s win suggests limited voter support for their cause.

Looking Ahead

Poilievre’s return to the House of Commons is a pivotal moment for the Conservative Party as it seeks to regroup after the April election defeat. The Battle River-Crowfoot win provides Poilievre a platform to lead the opposition effectively, but his performance in Parliament and the upcoming leadership review will be closely watched. For now, Poilievre has secured his place in Ottawa, representing a region that aligns with his conservative values but also demands strong advocacy for its unique needs.

For the latest updates on Canadian politics and election results, stay tuned to ClickUSANews.