Safe Seat, Unsafe Precedent
Why Battle River–Crowfoot’s By‑Election Should Alarm Grass‑Roots Conservatives
“When the people who built the campaign get sidelined so a party leader can grab a "safe seat," it isn’t strategy—it’s contempt for local democracy.”
A By‑Election No One Asked For
Damien Kurek, freshly re‑elected in the 2025 general election with more than 80 % of the vote, resigned on 17 June 2025—the earliest date legally possible—to clear the way for Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre to run in Alberta’s Battle River–Crowfoot riding. The writ drops 30 June; voting day is set for 18 August.
The local riding association is still cutting cheques from April’s contest, yet it must now raise—and spend—another $80 000–$150 000 on a by‑election they did not trigger. If Poilievre loses, the riding loses both its duly elected MP and its shot at refreshed representation. Not to mention Kurek alone was rewarded for the party membership’s hard work by gaining a new and highly desirable private sector job. The association and membership simply get to live with the message that their efforts, voices, and votes don't actually have to matter if CPC head office decides they don't.
Why Riding Associations Matter
Electoral District Associations (EDAs) do far more than put up lawn signs:
- Recruit and vet volunteers
- Fund‑raise under strict Elections Canada limits
- Elect delegates to party conventions and shape policy
- Select the candidate who will appear on the ballot
A nomination candidate can legally spend $5 000 max of personal money. EDAs therefore shoulder the real financial and administrative burden of campaigns.
Guelph 2015—A Cautionary Tale
In my own riding of Guelph, Ontario, the Conservative Party parachuted in a star candidate during the 2015 campaign. Local engagement collapsed; donations dried up. A decade later, the party still hasn’t recovered in what was once a competitive seat. Parachuting isn’t just unpopular—it can devastate a local ground game for years.
Battle River–Crowfoot: What’s At Stake
This isn’t a new face seeking a first foothold in Parliament. Poilievre is a seasoned MP whose former Ottawa-area seat is no longer a sure win. Rather than risk losing in a swing riding, the party has chosen to run its leader in one of the safest Conservative districts in the country.
But that safety comes at a cost—to the local association, and to democratic credibility.
The association must now:
1. Pay off April’s election debt.
2. Run a summer by-election on six weeks’ notice.
3. Back a leader with no local roots in east-central Alberta.
If Poilievre wins, the riding becomes a symbolic stronghold—but may see its MP only on long weekends. If he loses, the association is left empty-handed after burning through scarce resources—all while the party leader retreats to HQ.
“The message to the local membership is clear: your votes helped win the last election—but your voices don’t count in this one.”
Democracy vs. Chessboard Politics
Parachute politics is not unique to Conservatives; Liberals and New Democrats have all done it. But safe‑seat logic turns communities into pieces on a board. The cost is paid in volunteer hours, small‑d donations, and, ultimately, voter trust.
“Control is not the same thing as strength.” Over time, top‑down manoeuvres hollow out the very grassroots that make parties viable.
Where We Go From Here
- Riding associations: Demand transparent nomination timelines—before resignations are finalised.
- Party HQs: Publish clear criteria for leader‑seat selections and commit to local consultation.
- Voters: Ask every campaign volunteer who chose the candidate and how.
🔒 Want the Full Backstory on Riding Associations?
Subscribers can read my companion explainer: “What Riding Associations Actually Do—And Why They Matter.”
📣 Share Your Take
Have you witnessed a parachute candidate in your community? Reply below or tag me on Bluesky @lenispooner.
Between the Lines • © 2025 Leni Spooner 💚
👉 Want a first-hand perspective from the ground in Battle River–Crowfoot?
Independent candidate Bonnie Critchley lays out what this by-election means for voters, volunteers, and anyone watching how democracy really works.
🎥 Watch below:
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