CAMROSE, Alberta – Ten candidates are set to debate tonight in Camrose as they compete to represent the Battle River-Crowfoot riding in the House of Commons. The event, organized by the Camrose & District Chamber of Commerce, will feature Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, whose press secretary, Sarah Fischer, confirmed his attendance.

Poilievre is aiming to secure a victory in this eastern Alberta riding after losing his long-held seat in Carleton during the April general election. The writ for the byelection was issued last month following the resignation of Conservative Damien Kurek, who won the seat decisively in April. Kurek stepped down to allow Poilievre to run for the position.

As of Monday, approximately 210 candidates were registered for the byelection, according to Elections Canada. Among them are Liberal candidate Darcy Spady, NDP candidate Katherine Swampy, and Independent candidate Bonnie Critchley. Additionally, there are numerous candidates affiliated with the Longest Ballot Committee, a protest group.

Due to the extensive list of candidates, Elections Canada has announced that adapted ballots will be available at polling stations. Voters will need to write the names of their preferred candidates on these ballots.

The byelection is scheduled for August 18, and the debate tonight is expected to provide voters with insights into the candidates' platforms and priorities.