For the record, Damien Kurek did not leave politics in disgrace — he stepped down from his Battle River—Crowfoot seat, a seat he had earned through years of service and hard work for his community. He also endorsed Pierre Poilievre as his successor.
Kurek’s electoral record speaks for itself: in 2025, he won with 82.8% of the vote, reaffirming this riding as one of the safest Conservative strongholds in the country. His departure was not about separatism, which has never been a significant force in Battle River—Crowfoot. Rather, his decision cleared the path for Poilievre, who secured 80.4% of the vote in the byelection.
Alberta and the Separatist Question
Alberta is not a political monolith. While there is frustration about federal overreach and the sense of underrepresentation, most Albertans do not want to leave Canada. Premier Danielle Smith has had to “soften” Albertans to even consider the idea of separation, largely because the movement lacks deep popular support. What people truly want is fair representation and respect from Ottawa, not necessarily secession.
From a broader perspective, Alberta may one day relate to Canada the way China views Taiwan — frustrated with federal dominance, but unwilling to sever ties completely. That’s why Kurek’s departure didn’t signal separatist momentum; instead, it highlighted the opposite: separatist sentiment in Battle River—Crowfoot was already minimal.
Pierre Poilievre’s Return
Poilievre, long an Ottawa-area MP, unexpectedly lost his Carleton seat in April 2025 to a little-known Liberal, Bruce Fanjoy. The loss was influenced by several factors:
- Voter fatigue with Conservatives in the Ottawa region.
- Fallout from U.S. tariffs and concerns tied to Donald Trump.
- His controversial pledge to cut public service jobs, which triggered fierce opposition from unions.
Faced with the loss, Poilievre needed a safe Conservative seat to re-enter Parliament. Damien Kurek’s resignation provided the opportunity.
Battle River—Crowfoot is as safe as they come for Conservatives, with a long tradition of electing MPs by overwhelming margins. From Kevin Sorenson’s near 81% win in 2015, to Kurek’s consistent victories (71–85%), the pattern was clear: no other party stood a realistic chance.
Critics tried to paint Poilievre as an “outsider,” arguing he wasn’t rooted in the riding. But this narrative collapsed. He was born in Calgary, raised in Alberta, and his political identity has long aligned with the province’s fiscally and socially conservative values. Any claims that he was somehow hostile to Alberta’s interests simply didn’t stick.
Media Speculation and Political Reality
Some commentators speculated that Poilievre pressured Kurek to step aside. These claims were unfounded, and both men denied them. In reality, political leaders stepping into safe ridings is nothing new in Canadian politics. Former prime ministers like Brian Mulroney, Jean Chrétien, and Stephen Harper all used similar strategies. Even Arthur Meighen once attempted the same — though he famously failed in 1942.
For Poilievre, the strategy worked. He secured a new seat, avoided political exile, and positioned himself for the larger task at hand: defeating Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal government.
Alberta, Separation, and Hard Truths
The byelection also underscores a hard reality for Alberta: separatism without sacrifice is not separatism at all. If residents are unwilling to risk pensions, welfare, or government benefits, then talk of independence is little more than political theater. True secession requires grit, sacrifice, and a spiritual connection to the cause. Without this, separatist movements will always fizzle under pressure from Ottawa, which will use every tool to ensure the province stays put.
Revolutions and separations are not sprints; they are marathons. And unless Albertans are prepared for that reality, the conversation will remain symbolic rather than actionable.
A Final Word
Politics is always uncertain. Leaders rise and fall. Parties shift strategy. Movements gain steam and fade away. But the one truth that never changes is that our ultimate hope cannot be in political leaders, governments, or nations.
Our hope must be in Jesus Christ.
As Scripture says: “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 3:20).
Nations may fracture, and governments may disappoint, but salvation and eternal security are found only in Him.
Consider making Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior today.