‘Pierre’s Riding to Lose’: Candidates in Alberta Byelection Get Together for Debate

Conservative Party of Canada candidate Pierre Poilievre speaks as Green Party of Canada candidate Ashley MacDonald (L) and Liberal Party of Canada candidate Darcy Spady (R) listen during the Battle River—Crowfoot byelection candidate forum in Camrose, Alta. on July 29, 2025. The Canadian Press/Jason Franson

Pierre Poilievre was greeted with cheers and applause by the hundreds of Albertans who showed up to watch a two-and-a-half-hour political debate on a sunny Tuesday evening in July.

The Camrose and District Chamber of Commerce hosted a candidates’ forum featuring 10 of the people who are vying to represent Battle River—Crowfoot in the Aug. 18 byelection.