Poilievre Reflects on Federal Election Loss, Eyes Comeback Through Alberta Byelection

Ottawa, May 6 – Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre admitted the 2025 federal election map has changed “dramatically” after securing 41 per cent of the national vote but still falling short of victory. Speaking publicly for the first time since losing his long-held seat and his first shot at becoming prime minister, Poilievre said the Conservative Party must now find a million more votes to cross the finish line next time.

“If you told me we’d get 41 per cent, I’d call it ambitious. But to get that and still not win? That’s crazy,” he told reporters outside Parliament Hill on Tuesday.

Poilievre emphasized a need for deeper outreach, saying the party will spend the summer listening at town halls, coffee shops, and community events to build a broader coalition. His remarks came ahead of the Conservatives’ post-election caucus meeting, where the party’s 143 MPs met behind closed doors to chart a path forward.

Poilievre no longer leads the Official Opposition in Parliament due to his electoral defeat. However, he revealed a comeback route: Alberta MP-elect Damien Kurek has offered to resign his safe Battle River—Crowfoot seat to make way for Poilievre in a byelection. While Prime Minister Mark Carney has said he’ll call the byelection “as soon as possible,” Poilievre’s return to the House could take months.

Despite the setback, the Conservative leader expressed optimism, citing major gains in Ontario, British Columbia, and among youth and working-class voters. The party received 8.08 million votes—its highest since Brian Mulroney’s 1988 landslide—but still lost the popular vote to the Liberals, who secured 43.7 per cent.

Inside the caucus, members also considered whether to trigger internal powers under the Reform Act, which allows MPs to review and potentially remove the leader. But so far, Poilievre appears to have solid support. MP-elect Michael Barrett confirmed, “We’re behind Pierre Poilievre.”

Former leader Andrew Scheer echoed that view, saying lessons must be learned, but the campaign’s expanded voter base is reason for hope. “I’m confident Pierre will make the adjustments to finish the job,” Scheer said.

Poilievre, for his part, acknowledged the loss but remained defiant. “When you get knocked down, you get up and get going,” he said in a video posted earlier with his wife Anaida.