Central Alberta voters have spoken: Poilievre back in the House with big win

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CAMROSE, Alta. — The people in the Alberta rural riding of Battle River-Crowfoot have overwhelmingly chosen Pierre Poilievre to represent them in Parliament, after he secured 80 per cent of the vote in Monday’s high-stakes byelection.

Jim Hillaby, 81, a retired farmer living just outside Camrose, Alta., the largest jurisdiction in the sprawling rural riding, says he isn’t surprised by Poilievre’s victory.

“He did the work,” said Hillaby. “He went to every rural area in this riding, which is a very big riding. Took a lot of time. I would say 90 per cent of the guys who were running yesterday didn’t even show up in Alberta, let alone in the riding.”

Bryan Evans, a professor with the Department of Politics and Public Administration at Toronto Metropolitan University, said Poilievre was expected to win the riding, which is staunchly conservative.

“The outcome was given from the beginning. Battle River-Crowfoot has traditionally elected a Conservative MP with between 70 and 85 per cent of the vote,” said Evans.

The riding was considered “safe” for Poilievre to restore his seat in Parliament after losing his Ottawa-area seat during the spring general election.

Former MP Damien Kurek, who won in a landslide with 83 per cent of the vote in the general election, stepped down so that Poilievre could run.

During the byelection campaign, many wondered whether Poilievre could match the level of support that his predecessor received, as some voters were critical of an outsider parachuting into the riding.

John Bibo, who supports Poilievre, said he didn’t expect such a high number.

“I was very surprised that Mr. Poilievre would get 80 per cent,” said Bibo. “I thought it was going to be a little bit less.”

Other voters weren’t surprised that Poilievre’s support was almost on par with Kurek.

“This is conservative country,” said Alan Sommer.

“We need somebody for the West, and I think he’s the guy for it,” said Elaine Kersey. “He’ll help.”

“I’m very pleased and happy with how it all went,” said Mehgan Borkobb.

After polls closed on byelection night, the Conservative leader addressed his supporters at the Marrow Restaurant and Lounge, saying campaigning in the Battle River-Crowfoot riding was a privilege.

“I really love the people of Battle River-Crowfoot. What you see is what you get: give you the shirt off their back, tell it like it is, common-sense people,” said Poilievre.

Despite the warmth in his speech toward the people of Battle River-Crowfoot, some voters were discontent with his victory, not convinced the Tory leader will actually care about their concerns when he returns to Ottawa.

“I’m very disappointed and shocked at that. I thought Albertans were smarter,” said Norm Clermont.

“He’ll never be back here unless he has to show up for something.”

Voter turnout was lower compared to the spring general election, which some expected, but overall turnout was higher compared to other byelections.