Nova Scotia MP Chris d’Entremont has left the Conservative caucus and confirmed to CBC News that he is joining the Liberal Party. CBC
Nova Scotia Member of Parliament Chris d’Entremont has left the Conservative Party and joined the Liberals, marking a major political shift in Parliament. The surprise announcement came Tuesday, with d’Entremont saying his decision followed “serious consideration and thoughtful conversations” with people in his riding.
“I came to a clear conclusion: there is a better path forward for our country — and a better path forward for Acadie–Annapolis,” d’Entremont said in a statement released by the Liberal Party.
Why He Made the Switch
The move comes just months after d’Entremont narrowly won his Acadie–Annapolis seat by only one percentage point over a Liberal opponent in the last federal election. He said Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new budget convinced him that the government is offering “the right direction” for both the country and his community.
“Prime Minister Mark Carney is offering that path with a new budget that hits the priorities I have heard most in my riding — to build strong community infrastructure and grow a stronger economy,” he said. “That is why I’m joining the government caucus.”
The long-time politician, who served in Nova Scotia’s provincial legislature before being elected federally in 2019, also made what appeared to be a quiet criticism of Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, saying Canada needs leaders who move forward “not with complaint, but with confidence in a strong future.”
Impact on Parliament
With d’Entremont’s defection, the Liberal Party will now hold 170 seats in the House of Commons — just two short of a majority. His switch could help the minority government pass its 2025 budget with less support from opposition parties.
Liberal whip Mark Gerretsen welcomed the new addition, calling his party a “big tent” that welcomes a diversity of voices. “There’s always room on our side for people who want to join,” he said.
Gerretsen also took aim at the current Conservative Party, saying it has drifted too far to the right under Poilievre. “The progressive movement in that party is dead,” he said. “Chris is a Progressive Conservative at heart, and that’s why he’s here.”
Strong Reaction From Conservatives
The news drew sharp criticism from Conservative members, particularly in Nova Scotia.
Rob Batherson, a former president of the federal Conservative Party and a longtime friend of d’Entremont, said he felt “deeply betrayed.” “Chris told me many times that he would be Nova Scotia’s voice in Canada’s Official Opposition. He broke that word,” Batherson said.
Conservative deputy leader Melissa Lantsman said the MP “chose not to fight for what his voters elected him to do,” accusing him of abandoning efforts to combat inflation and lower grocery prices.
Meanwhile, Conservative MP Aaron Gunn didn’t hold back, calling d’Entremont “a coward,” while Dominique Vien, another Conservative MP, said she was “surprised and disappointed” by his decision.
Looking Ahead
As the Liberals prepare to move forward with Carney’s first budget — which promises new spending to boost the economy and offset tariffs — d’Entremont’s defection could strengthen the government’s position in Parliament.
While his decision has angered many former colleagues, d’Entremont insists his choice reflects the voices of his constituents and his belief in a more hopeful future for Nova Scotia and Canada.
