In a swift transition from public service to private sector influence, former Conservative MP Damien Kurek has landed at Upstream Strategy Group, one of Ottawa’s prominent government relations firms. The move comes just weeks after Kurek resigned his Battle River—Crowfoot seat in what many observers characterized as a strategic maneuver orchestrated by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s office.
Sources familiar with the situation confirm that Kurek’s departure was directly connected to Poilievre’s desire to create a parliamentary opening for Jenelle Saskiw, who previously served as the party’s executive director. Saskiw will now carry the Conservative banner in the upcoming by-election, continuing the party’s stronghold in the Alberta riding.
“The timing certainly raises questions about the revolving door between politics and lobbying,” said Michael Thompson, professor of political science at the University of Alberta. “While perfectly legal, these quick transitions can create perceptions about how political capital is leveraged in our system.”
Kurek, who first won his seat in 2019 and was re-elected in 2021, had maintained a relatively low profile in Parliament despite serving on the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food. His resignation letter, obtained by CO24 Politics, offered little explanation beyond citing “personal and professional considerations” that led to his decision.
Upstream Strategy Group, which counts major energy sector clients among its portfolio, has been expanding its influence in recent years. The firm’s managing partner, Jonathan Edwards, praised Kurek’s “deep understanding of Western Canadian priorities” in a statement announcing the hiring.
The move has drawn criticism from transparency advocates who point to Canada’s relatively permissive lobbying regulations compared to other G7 nations. Unlike the United States, which imposes a one-year “cooling off” period for House representatives before they can lobby their former colleagues, Canada’s Conflict of Interest Act allows for quicker transitions to lobbying roles.
“This is yet another example of how our system needs reform,” said Eleanor Finch, executive director of Canadian Democracy Watch. “MPs gain valuable insider knowledge and relationships, then immediately monetize those assets for private interests without adequate restrictions.”
Conservative Party officials declined to comment on the circumstances surrounding Kurek’s departure but emphasized the strength of Saskiw’s candidacy. “Jenelle has been an incredible asset to our movement and will be an outstanding representative for the people of Battle River—Crowfoot,” a party spokesperson told CO24 News.
The Alberta riding has been a Conservative stronghold for decades, with the party typically winning by substantial margins. The by-election, expected to be called within the next six months, will likely maintain this pattern despite the unusual circumstances of the vacancy.
This transition raises important questions about our democratic institutions: At what point does strategic political maneuvering undermine public trust in representation, and should Canadians demand stronger barriers between public service and lobbying interests?
