Former Alberta MP, Who Stepped Down to Let Poilievre Run, Hired by Communications Group

Conservative MP Damien Kurek, who announced he would give up his seat so Party Leader Pierre Poilievre can run in a by-election, arrives for a meeting of the Conservative caucus on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on May 25, 2025. Justin Tang/The Canadian Press

Conservative MP Damien Kurek, who stepped down so Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre could have a chance at a seat in Parliament, has just announced his new role with Upstream Group, a strategic communications company.

Kurek, who was re-elected in the riding of Battle River—Crowfoot, offered to step down on May 2 after Poilievre lost his riding of Carleton during the federal election. A byelection for the Battle River—Crowfoot riding will be held on Aug. 18.