As the byelection in Battle River-Crowfoot approaches, farmers in Alberta are voicing their concerns about representation and the political landscape. Harvey Nahirniak, a 78-year-old farmer from Round Hill, walks through his cattle paddock, reflecting on the changes in the political climate. "I have a feeling we're going to lose some of our representation," he said. "I think we're kind of at the losing end."

The byelection, which features a record number of candidates, has drawn attention to the region, traditionally a Conservative stronghold. Advance polls opened recently, with voters set to cast their ballots on August 18. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is among the candidates vying for the seat, following the resignation of Conservative MP Damien Kurek. Kurek, who served from 2019 to 2025, stepped down to allow Poilievre to run in what is now the largest federal ballot in Canadian history.

Nahirniak believes Poilievre will likely win the byelection but is skeptical about whether local residents will benefit from his leadership. "He won't have time to listen to our problems because, being in his position in Ottawa, he just won't have time," Nahirniak said.

During a recent campaign stop in Calgary, Poilievre expressed his appreciation for Alberta's ranchers and industry workers. He acknowledged the frustrations many constituents feel regarding the federal government's treatment of the province. "I'm loving the campaign. I love the people of Battle River-Crowfoot. They're the people who feed, power, and protect our country," he said.

Despite Poilievre's popularity, some residents, like Nahirniak, feel that their needs are not being prioritized. He described the crowded ballot as a "sad mockery" of the electoral process, suggesting that federal politics have become too adversarial.

Agriculture remains a vital part of the local economy, with wheat, canola, and cattle being key industries. Farmers are increasingly concerned about financial pressures and the need for federal support. Nicola Irving, who runs a small-scale pork operation with her husband, expressed her conflicted feelings about the election. "My head tells me to do one thing, my heart is telling me to do something different," she said.

Humphrey Banack, another local farmer, emphasized the importance of trade stability for agricultural producers. He noted that tariffs have created uncertainty, making it difficult for farmers to secure fair prices for their products. Banack, who identifies as a conservative, believes that regardless of who wins, the concerns of local residents may not be adequately addressed. "Which conservative we have representing us in Battle River-Crowfoot isn't going to matter," he said.

As the election nears, the Nahirniak family reflects on the divisiveness of the campaign. Marjorie Nahirniak hopes that the race has highlighted the needs of local producers. "This area is nice and green … but not everything is lovely," she said. Her son, Kyle, who is taking over the family farm, feels disillusioned with federal politics, noting that farming has become increasingly demanding.