Pierre Poilievre’s political future now hinges on a byelection, after the Conservative leader lost his long-held Ottawa-area seat to Liberal newcomer Bruce Fanjoy by more than 4,000 votes in the recent federal election. Despite his party gaining in popular vote, it marks the fourth straight election defeat for the Conservatives and a personal setback for Poilievre, who had represented the riding for over two decades.
To make way for his return, Battle River–Crowfoot MP Damien Kurek—who secured re-election in a landslide—has agreed to temporarily vacate his seat. Kurek, who garnered more than 82% of the vote, framed his decision as putting “Canada first now. Canada first always.” Though both he and Poilievre have described the arrangement as temporary, they’ve offered no further clarification.
Poilievre, who was born in Calgary but has lived in Ottawa since 2000, is expected to easily win the Alberta byelection. However, in the meantime, he is taking a substantial financial hit. Prior to the election, Poilievre earned a total of $309,700 annually—$209,800 as a Member of Parliament and $99,900 as Leader of the Opposition. His defeat strips him of both roles and their associated compensation, including access to Stornoway, the official residence of the Opposition leader, a government driver, and a security detail.
Under the Parliament of Canada Act, MPs lose their salary if not re-elected. However, Poilievre is eligible for a severance package estimated at around $169,850—50% of his sessional and additional allowances at the time of the election call. He may also access a transitional fund of up to $15,000, which includes re-employment and retirement counseling.
Kurek, meanwhile, receives no severance for stepping down, as such payments are only extended to MPs who are defeated in elections or resign due to illness or disability. The 35-year-old, first elected in 2019, is also stepping down before becoming eligible for a parliamentary pension, which requires a minimum of six years of service. Married with three young children, Kurek will forgo his annual salary of $209,800 once he formally resigns from the House of Commons.
Despite this, Poilievre praised Kurek’s sacrifice, calling it “selfless” and accepting the offer “with humility and appreciation.” He vowed to earn the trust of the Battle River–Crowfoot constituents and to continue holding the Liberal minority government to account.
As the party looks ahead, Andrew Scheer has been selected to serve as interim Opposition leader in Parliament and will represent the Conservatives in the upcoming session starting at the end of May. Scheer, who held the same role between 2017 and 2019, will take on the task of debating Prime Minister Mark Carney in Question Period until Poilievre returns to the House.
CTV News asked the Conservative Party whether it would provide financial support to either Poilievre or Kurek during the interim period, but the party did not respond to multiple requests for comment.