Nova Scotia Member of Parliament Chris d’Entremont has resigned from the Conservative caucus and opted to join the Liberals. In a statement released by the Liberal Party, d’Entremont explained that his decision to switch parties came after careful deliberation and discussions with constituents. He stated that after thoughtful consideration, he believes there is a more promising path for both the country and his region of Acadie-Annapolis.
Having narrowly secured victory in the rural Nova Scotia riding over his Liberal rival during the recent federal election, d’Entremont pointed to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new budget as aligning with the priorities expressed by his constituents. Emphasizing the focus on bolstering community infrastructure and enhancing economic growth, d’Entremont highlighted his decision to join the government caucus.
A longtime Conservative figure with a background in provincial politics before his election to the House of Commons in 2019, d’Entremont emphasized the need for proactive leadership in addressing Canada’s challenges, contrasting it with a perceived lack of confidence in a strong future among some Conservative ranks.
This move will bring the Liberals closer to a parliamentary majority, with the imminent floor-crossing set to increase their seat count to 170. D’Entremont’s shift means that the minority Liberal government will require fewer opposition votes to pass the budget in the House of Commons.
Describing the Liberal Party as a “big tent,” Liberal whip Mark Gerretsen welcomed d’Entremont’s decision, attributing his departure from the Conservatives to a perceived shift towards a more right-wing stance under Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Gerretsen noted that d’Entremont’s departure reflects a broader trend of progressive voices finding a home within the Liberal Party.
Reacting to d’Entremont’s move, Rob Batherson, a former president of the federal Conservatives from Nova Scotia, expressed deep disappointment, labeling it as a significant betrayal. Conservative deputy leader Melissa Lantsman criticized d’Entremont for allegedly abandoning his constituents’ interests, while Conservative MP Aaron Gunn went a step further, branding him as a “coward.” In contrast, Conservative MP Dominique Vien expressed surprise and disappointment at d’Entremont’s decision to leave the party.