Reports of its death were greatly overstated.

The Libertarian Party of Canada is reportedly currently under rebuilding after being deregistered by Elections Canada earlier this year, naming former Battle River-Crowfoot candidate Michael Harris as deputy leader and naming Derek Elliot the new party leader in an effort to be re-registered as an official political party with Elections Canada.

The Libertarian Party of Canada is a minor federal political party that advocates for lower taxes, reduced government spending, expanded individual freedoms, free market economics, and a smaller role for the federal government in both economic and personal affairs. The party has historically supported policies including deregulation, gun rights, reduced business restrictions, civil liberties protections, and decentralization of federal powers to provinces and individuals. In Canada, its policy appears to align with the devolutionist movements across the country.

Founded in 1973, the party has never elected a member to the House of Commons, but has periodically fielded candidates in federal elections across the country. The party was officially deregistered effective March 31, 2026, according to Elections Canada records, after failing to meet federal registration requirements. It had maintained registered status continuously since June 2004.

Harris ran in last year’s high-profile Battle River-Crowfoot byelection against Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.

In a press release, Harris said his focus as deputy leader will include western Canadian issues, decentralization, and Alberta independence.

A major part of Harris’s plan is to build a new youth wing for the party called Canadians for Liberty, describing the initiative as an effort to recruit younger members, train organizers, and expand the party’s presence on campuses and social media.

Harris received 103 votes in the 2025 Battle River-Crowfoot byelection, placing eighth in a field of more than 200 candidates. Poilievre won the seat with 41,308 votes, or 80.9 per cent of ballots cast.