Conservative candidate Pierre Poilievre vowed to prioritize local concerns on a national level during a candidate forum in Camrose, Alberta. In the forum, 10 candidates presented their arguments on why they were best suited to represent Battle River-Crowfoot, discussing issues like affordability, agriculture, immigration, and advocating for Alberta’s interests in Ottawa.
Hosted by the Camrose and District Chamber of Commerce, the forum took place ahead of the upcoming Aug. 18 byelection in Camrose, situated about 95 kilometers southeast of Edmonton. Poilievre, greeted with cheers and applause, emphasized his commitment to addressing regional issues at the national level.
Poilievre, originally from Calgary, acknowledged his alignment with the values of the riding, emphasizing his dedication to advocating for the region’s interests. The Conservative leader is anticipated to secure victory in the eastern Alberta riding, historically a stronghold for the Conservative Party.
Former MP Damien Kurek’s resignation paved the way for Poilievre’s candidacy, with the upcoming byelection featuring a record number of candidates, surpassing 200, necessitating the use of write-in ballots instead of traditional candidate lists. The diverse group of candidates addressed public queries regarding economic, healthcare, and electoral issues during the forum.
While some candidates criticized Poilievre for not residing in the region, others, like Larry Lewsaw, viewed his leadership as advantageous for the riding, citing the potential for strong parliamentary representation. Poilievre reiterated that party leaders often operate outside their constituencies, noting the trade-off between leadership presence and amplifying local concerns on a broader platform.