Decks have been cleared for the leader of the Conservative Party, Pierre Poilievre, to return to the House of Commons. The Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has already announced that a by-election in Battle River–Crowfoot in Alberta will be held on August 18, 2025. A by-election has been necessitated as Conservative MP Damien Kurek stepped down so Poilievre could have a chance to hold a seat in Parliament.
Elections Canada has already initiated the process of holding the by-election on August 18.
It is pertinent to mention here that in Canada, dates of federal elections and related by-elections are decided by the Prime Minister and not Elections Canada, a statutory body that oversees the conduct of federal elections.
Since the Leader of the Opposition, Poilievre, lost in the recently concluded federal elections, Prime Minister Carney, in a sporting gesture, announced that he would not delay holding a by-election to facilitate the return of the Leader of the Opposition to Parliament.
The Prime Minister could delay a by-election for a maximum of 180 days. But in this case, the by-election was declared immediately after the sitting MP Kurek stepped down at the end of the preliminary session of the new House of Commons on June 17.
Meanwhile, MP Kurek has announced his new role with a strategic communications company.
Kurek, who was re-elected in the riding of Battle River–Crowfoot, offered to step down on May 2 after Poilievre lost his riding of Carleton during the federal election. Meanwhile, Poilievre, while going full throttle on his electioneering, has announced that he would not accept severance pay that is available to Members of Parliament who lose their seats.
Poilievre lost his Carleton riding in Ottawa in the recent federal election, which he had held for 20 years.
Poilievre’s MP salary was $209,800, according to parliamentary data, and he is also entitled to $99,900 as Leader of the Official Opposition. The House of Commons rules mean Poilievre is also entitled to 50 per cent of his MP salary, which would be around $150,000.
“Former Members who are not eligible for an immediate pension may be entitled to a severance allowance equal to 50 per cent of the sessional allowance and any additional annual salary payable to Members occupying certain offices (such as that of a Minister, House Leader, Whip, or Parliamentary Secretary),” says the House of Commons website.
Poilievre, who is all set to return to the House of Commons as Battle River–Crowfoot in Alberta is considered the safest Conservative seat, has decided not to accept any severance pay.
