After stepping down for Poilievre to run, MP Damien Kurek lands role at government relations, lobbying firm
The Alberta MP who stepped down to allow Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre to run in his riding has a new job with a government relations and lobbying firm.
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Damien Kurek, who had represented Battle River-Crowfoot since 2019, resigned in June after getting re-elected in April to allow Poilievre, who lost the Ottawa-area riding of Carleton to Liberal Bruce Fanjoy, to regain a House of Commons seat in what's regarded as a safe Conservative constituency.
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On Friday, Upstream Strategy Group announced Kurek as its newest principal, calling the former MP a 'seasoned legislator' and a 'tireless advocate' for Alberta.
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We are excited to announce the newest member of our team, former Parliamentarian @dckurek!
Damien's deep roots in Alberta politics paired with his legislative experience make him the perfect fit to deliver strategic value to our clients in Western Canada. pic.twitter.com/UMSvGWaUsb
— Upstream Strategy (@upstream_group) July 4, 2025
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'There's no better time than the Calgary Stampede for me to join Upstream Strategy Group,' said Kurek in a Friday statement.
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'Just like the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth highlights our western heritage, I'm looking forward to helping organizations grow and succeed in Western Canada.'
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Upstream said Kurek brings extensive experience to his new role, pointing to his time as the Conservative's Canadian Heritage critic in the last Parliament as well as his time as the Environment and Sustainable Development committee vice-chair. Before he was first elected to the House of Commons, Kurek worked under former Battle River-Crowfoot MP Kevin Sorenson and in the Saskatchewan legislature while Brad Wall was premier, Upstream also noted.
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'Raised and still actively involved on his family's multigenerational farm near Consort, Alberta, Kurek brings a unique perspective on the needs of rural communities and industries vital to the Prairies' economy,' said the company, which has offices in Toronto and Regina.
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