Markham, Ontario – [May 12, 2025] – The Chinese Canadian Conservative Association (CCCA) is raising urgent concerns over a potential misuse of public funds tied to a proposed by-election in Alberta’s Battle River–Crowfoot riding. The by-election, reportedly being orchestrated to allow Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) Leader Pierre Poilievre to re-enter Parliament after losing his seat in Carleton, would cost taxpayers nearly $2 million—a cost that Canadians should not be forced to bear. CCCA calls on Pierre Poilievre to Take Responsibility, Respect Democracy, and Step Aside.
Duff Conacher is the co-founder of Democracy Watch, a non-profit that advocates for democratic reform and government accountability. Conacher says taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay for byelections like the one Poilievre plans to run in. As quoted in a CTV interview with Duff Conacher, “The federal election law should be changed to require the party to pay the costs of a byelection when the only reason the byelection is being held is so the party’s leader can have a seat in the House of Commons,” Conacher told CTVNews.ca. “Party leaders have the power to choose what riding they will run in each election, and if they make the wrong choice or lose … the public shouldn’t have to pay the costs of those decisions.”
CCCA pointed out, ending wasteful government spending was central to Poilievre’s campaign in the 2025 federal election, we hope he can keep his word, otherwise this maneuver will set a troubling example: using safe ridings as political lifeboats. Damien Kurek, the current MP for Battle River–Crowfoot, was re-elected with over 80% of the vote. Forcing his resignation not only disrespects the will of the local electorate, it also represents a cynical attempt to manipulate the democratic process for personal and partisan gain.
According to Elections Canada, the estimated cost of a by-election in Battle River–Crowfoot is $1.95 million. With 85,237 registered voters and a per-elector cost of $22.91, this unnecessary election would be an outrageous waste of public resources, especially following a campaign where Poilievre claimed to champion fiscal discipline.
CCCA also pointed out, Pierre Poilievre’s electoral defeat in Carleton was not a fluke—it was a reflection of poor leadership, divisive politics, and a failure to unify Canadians. His loss should be a time for reflection, not backroom maneuvering. Following his electoral defeat, Pierre Poilievre should resign as CPC leader. He must step aside, respect voters’ decisions, and allow the party to rebuild with integrity. Otherwise, it will cost $1.95 million in taxpayer dollars wasted on a manufactured crisis, causing voter disenfranchisement, as elected MPs are replaced to serve party leaders, and erosion of democratic trust, encouraging further political opportunism.
CCCA Urges the Following Actions:
- Immediate cancellation of any plans that would trigger a by-election in Battle River–Crowfoot for partisan purposes.
- Do the honourable thing, Pierre Poilievre should resign as CPC leader in the wake of his electoral defeat.
- Legislative reform requiring political parties—not taxpayers—to cover the costs of by-elections triggered for internal political convenience.
The CCCA believes that Canadian politics must be guided by principle, not personal ambition. If the CPC is serious about rebuilding, it must start by respecting the decisions made by voters and ending attempts to game the system, that’s the Honourable path forward. Pierre Poilievre should:
- Respect for voters: Constituents elected Damien Kurek, not Poilievre. Respect the electorate who voted him out.
- Avoid parachuting optics: Running in a safe seat appears opportunistic.
- Leadership Accountability: Lost his seat-should take responsibility.
- Party Renewal: Opens space for new Conservative leadership.
- Public Trust: Shows integrity by not manipulating the democratic system
- Focus party efforts on rebuilding, not damage control: Support party renewal and leadership transition
- Upholds democratic values: Prevents undermining local representation. Put Canadians first.
Finally, CCCA emphasizes, It is time to elect and choose a new leader to bring and guide our party to a new brand page and stage.
CCCA also announced a list of the new Board of Directors as follows: Current National Chair: Joe Li (Li Guoxian) Former National Chair and Current National Vice Chair: John Weibang Zhu (Zhu Weibang) Co-Chair for Central Canada: Kenny Tsui (Xu Zhenwei) National Secretary General: Eric Wen (Wen Yishan) National Treasurer: Peng Wu (Wu Peng)Other board members include: Billy Chi-Tsan Lok ,Michel He (He De Ke) ,Judy Zhu (Zhu Weiyou),,Ian Li (Li Ming), and others. Contact Person: Eric Wen Phone: 905-781-5797 Email: ericwen@rogers.com (LJI by Yuhong)
