Voters in a sprawling riding in central Alberta are returning to the polls on Monday for the second time in four months in a federal by-election that is expected to return Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to Parliament.

Elections Canada has hired security guards in advance of this month's byelection in Battle River-Crowfoot, candidates were told Friday.

Four months after losing his Ottawa seat and the federal election, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is seeking a political comeback in a safe Alberta seat

There are more than 200 candidates running in the Battle River—Crowfoot by-election, where Pierre Poilievre is hoping to win a seat

Pierre Poilievre is facing a crucial by-election test as leader of Canada's Conservative party after losing his constituency in the last general election.

Pierre Poilievre reclaimed his place in Parliament after a decisive by-election win in Alberta, securing 80% of the vote. The Conservative leader is set to confront Prime Minister Mark Carney over US tariffs when the House reconvenes on September 15.

Crowfoot was left vacant when Conservative Damien Kurek stepped down to make way for his party's leader, Pierre Poilievre, to run for a seat.

Poilievre is projected to win a by-election after losing his seat in another riding in April's general election.

A citizen initiative petition asking Albertans whether the province should remain in Canada has been issued by Elections Alberta, with signing locations in several communities, including Airdrie. The petition,