The Community
Press
Volume 112, Issue 17
FIRE PREVENTION SECTION INSIDE!
Telling your story
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
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Kurek gains constituency by huge margin Trudeau, Liberals to form minority Federal government Moush John Staff Reporter
Damien Kurek will be representing Battle RiverCrowfoot as he swept his riding in the federal election 2019 with 52,497 votes. The other contestants didn’t come close with not much of a tally to show. Out of the 247 (of 248) polls reported at the time of press, the numbers were as follows. NDP Natasha Fryzuk – 3,089; Liberal Dianne Clarke – 2,485; Green Geordie Nelson – 1,750; People’s Party David Michaud – 1,583. Deemed to be one of the closest elections in recent years, nationally the Liberals took 157 seats, followed by Conservatives at 121. With neither party getting a majority, Liberals will form a minority government after finding the right political ally. Kurek, who addressed his supporters from the Norsemen Inn in Camrose, said, “It is an honour to be elected with a strong mandate, and I look forward to being able to serve the people of Battle River-Crowfoot in Parliament. “I will continue to make sure that the things I talked about on the campaign continue to be talked about, that common-sense Conservative ideas and principles of good governance are brought forward; and I intend to get to work, and have already started.” With the province having strong Conservative support, Kurek’s win isn’t unprecedented, but what made him stand out was the way he handled his campaign, and his approach to some of the burning issues of the day. “It is clear that the Liberals’ reduced mandate leaves some very serious questions that need to be asked,” Kurek says. “From the Prime Minister’s conduct to the way he has pitted Canadians against each other for political gain.” For Kurek, an MP needs to work hard for their constituents and he said that his constituents could count on him to ensure that Battle River-Crowfoot’s interests
are well represented, and he would do so with respect for all involved. “And specifically with regard to a Conservative provincial government, the federal government’s job is to work with their provincial counterparts, regardless as to whether or not they agree, this is a foundational principle of good governance.” He added, “East Central Alberta can be a part of the solution to the major challenges we face as a country. And I intend to be a tireless advocate of our people, of agriculture and energy, and the common-sense principles that we have.” Kurek explained that pipelines are not just a concern for Albertans, but can be a Canadian solution to many of the challenges we all face, and he wants to get that message heard and conveyed. “Every day of the campaign I heard how frustrated constituents are with the antics of the Trudeau Liberal government, and the results last night reflect a significantly reduced mandate; there are serious questions that have to be asked and answered by Liberals,” Kurek says.
Newly elected MP Damien Kurek, right, celebrates his victory in Camrose with mentor and now-retired MP Kevin Sorenson.
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“I will do what I can to ensure that constituents of Battle River-Crowfoot, and all Canadians, get the answers they deserve. “Further, we have some serious challenges facing our agricultural industry – from trade concerns to attacks by special interests, I plan to stand up for the Canadian and the agricultural industry.” On Election Night, Kurek thanked his family and supporters for standing by him: “Firstly, thank you to my wife and life partner Danielle and our two kids, Matthew and Emerson; they’ve been tireless supporters through this entire process, as well as my whole family. “Secondly, thanks to my team, and all those who have been involved from the beginning.” He added, “Thank you to Kevin Sorenson for his close-to-two decades of service to this region, and finally a huge thank you to the people in Battle RiverCrowfoot for the trust they have put in me to make sure their interests are represented in Ottawa; I intend to do everything I can make sure their voices are heard.”
Kurek speaks in Camrose following his victory.
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