Nova Scotia Member of Parliament (MP) Chris d’Entremont announced his resignation from the Conservative caucus on Tuesday and disclosed his decision to switch sides to join the Liberal Party.
In a statement released by the Liberal Party, d’Entremont cited “serious consideration and thoughtful conversations with constituents” as the reasons behind his departure from the Conservatives. He expressed his belief that there is a better path for both the country and the Acadie-Annapolis region.
Having narrowly secured his victory in the rural Nova Scotia riding over his Liberal opponent in the recent federal election, d’Entremont highlighted his alignment with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new budget priorities, focusing on enhancing community infrastructure and fostering economic growth. This alignment motivated his decision to align with the government caucus.
A former Conservative stalwart who transitioned from provincial politics to federal representation in 2019, d’Entremont emphasized the importance of proactive leadership in overcoming Canada’s challenges, contrasting it with what he implied was a more critical approach under Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.
This change in allegiance will bring the Liberals to a total of 170 seats, positioning them just two seats shy of a majority in the House of Commons. D’Entremont’s defection reduces the minority government’s reliance on opposition support to pass key legislation, including the budget.
Liberal Whip Mark Gerretsen welcomed d’Entremont to the “big tent” of the Liberal Party, noting the party’s inclusive stance. He underscored d’Entremont’s departure from the Conservatives as a response to the party’s perceived rightward shift under Poilievre, asserting that d’Entremont’s Progressive Conservative values aligned more closely with the Liberal Party’s ethos.
In response to d’Entremont’s move, fellow Nova Scotian and former Conservative leader Rob Batherson expressed a sense of personal betrayal, highlighting the loss of what he believed would be Nova Scotia’s voice in the Official Opposition.
Criticism of d’Entremont’s decision came swiftly from within the Conservative ranks, with Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman accusing him of betraying his constituents by prioritizing his personal interests over their needs. Conservative MP Aaron Gunn went further, labeling d’Entremont’s move as an act of cowardice.
Meanwhile, Conservative MP Dominique Vien conveyed surprise and disappointment at d’Entremont’s departure, echoing the sentiments of discontent among the Conservatives regarding his decision.