Pierre Poilievre, leader of Canada’s Conservative Party, has won a by-election in Alberta’s Battle River-Crowfoot riding, securing his return to the House of Commons.
Preliminary results from Canada’s electoral commission show Poilievre leading with 80.4% of the vote in the rural, Conservative stronghold.
The victory follows his loss in April’s general election, where he was defeated in his Ottawa-area seat by Liberal Bruce Fanjoy.
The by-election, triggered by former Conservative MP Damian Kurek’s resignation, allows Poilievre to re-enter Parliament for the autumn session.
The Battle River-Crowfoot race saw a record 214 candidates, many tied to a protest group advocating for electoral reform.
Voters used write-in ballots due to the high number of candidates, marking the second time this group has targeted Poilievre.
Despite criticism from independent candidate Bonnie Critchley, who claimed Poilievre viewed the riding as a strategic win, he campaigned actively.
Poilievre emphasized earning trust, saying, “I believe in humility and earning people’s trust.”
The riding’s history of strong Conservative support, with past MPs winning at least 70% of the vote, favored Poilievre’s campaign.
Poilievre’s win strengthens his position, but he faces a mandatory leadership review in January at the Conservative national convention.
Party members will vote on his leadership following the Conservatives’ April election loss to Mark Carney’s Liberals, who formed a minority government.
Public opinion polls highlight additional hurdles, with 64% of women holding a negative view of Poilievre, according to the Angus Reid Institute.
Abacus Data indicates 58% of Canadians see Liberals as better equipped to handle U.S. relations, a growing concern with Donald Trump’s return to power.
Poilievre also navigates tensions with Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who urged collaboration with the federal government, highlighting their strained relationship.
Poilievre’s return to Parliament sets the stage for confrontations with Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Polls show Carney maintains a lead in voter preference, with 43% of decided voters favoring Liberals, per Abacus Data.
Poilievre’s ability to address voter concerns on affordability, crime, and U.S. relations will be critical to his leadership and future electoral prospects.