Damien Kurek, Member of Parliament Battle River—Crowfoot, hatching plot to retire from federal politics. Now he’s ready to go back to his family’s agricultural roots. Meanwhile, Kurek is praying that—literally—he can exchange that leather seat in the House of Commons for the cab of a tractor. In the meantime, he continues to press for a new national livestock brand, which he hopes will reflect Western Canada’s agricultural history.
Kurek’s drive to establish this national symbol stems from a deep connection to his family’s history. He was well aware of the cachet that came with his family’s brand. This J K quarter circle has been treasured and handed down in his family since his great-grandfather’s time. This brand is what connects him to his heritage. It’s particularly meaningful, given that his father, Jay Kurek, died unexpectedly at 54 last year. While the family does not actively farm cattle any longer, the brand continues to be a powerful part of Kurek’s identity.
In the previous Parliament, Kurek brought forward a private member’s bill to establish a national livestock brand. Just last week, former MP Steven Bonk re-launched this bill on Kurek’s behalf. The design that will go to public consultation features a Maple Leaf atop an inverted quarter circle. Kurek calls it a heraldic symbol, like a coat of arms.
“In the midst of everything that represents the best of what Canada is, conspicuously absent in the inventory of symbols was something that specifically acknowledges that Western and frontier history that was so fundamental in building, not just Western Canada, but the entirety of our nation,” – Damien Kurek
This means Kurek is preparing for a significant transition. He could resign his seat as early as Tuesday, to give Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre a stronger hand in his campaign for a byelection in Battle River—Crowfoot. Kurek graciously agreed to stand down, ensuring Poilievre could run in a different riding. The importance of this decision goes beyond Kurek’s loyalty to his party leadership, though.
On his blog Kurek has highlighted a growing separatist mood in Alberta, and the need for Alberta to have control of its own resources. He expressed concern about national unity and believes that acknowledging Western Canada’s contributions through a tangible symbol like the proposed livestock brand could foster a sense of belonging among residents.
“At a time when I hear often that people feel like our national unity is in fact at risk, to be able to showcase in a practical way through symbolism, to say, ‘look, Western Canada, it matters,’” – Damien Kurek
Even after temporarily withdrawing from his parliamentary duties, Kurek is undeterred from pursuing his goal of establishing the livestock brand. He understands that though symbolism is important, real action needs to be taken as well.
“And then the key part of that is it can’t simply stay at symbolism,” – Damien Kurek
Kurek is hopeful that the livestock brand being proposed will resonate with Canadians from coast to coast. He’s hoping it will lead to more fruitful discussions about Western identity. More than the individual stories, he likes that it speaks to something larger and out of that, it seeks to strengthen connection and empathy within the agricultural community.
“It speaks to something bigger than oneself and that’s why even though I won’t be the one that has the opportunity to shepherd this, hopefully, through Parliament – it’s the fact that it means something to, I hope, so many Canadians is why I’m excited that conversation can in fact keep moving forward,” – Damien Kurek
