Chris d'Entremont’s decision to leave the Conservative Party and join the governing Liberals has stirred contrasting emotions in his home province of Nova Scotia. While some constituents support his change, others accuse him of misleading voters.
D'Entremont, who represents Acadie-Annapolis, explained to reporters on Wednesday that he no longer felt accurately represented under leader Pierre Poilievre’s direction.
“That does not surprise me,” said Linda Gregory, warden of the Municipality of the District of Digby. “I think of Poilievre as a right-winger. I personally would run too.”
Gregory, whose municipality lies within d'Entremont’s riding, admitted that the longtime politician’s switch was unexpected given his reputation as a “staunch Conservative.”
“But he’s also got a lot of integrity. He’s a very caring person, devoted to his community and to doing what’s best. When he crossed the floor, I believe it was a very emotional but thoughtful choice for our community,” Gregory said.
D'Entremont entered provincial politics in 2003 as a Progressive Conservative. He was re-elected four times and served in several cabinet roles before running federally in West Nova, now known as Acadie-Annapolis. In the 2019 election, he became Nova Scotia’s only non-Liberal Member of Parliament.
D'Entremont’s party shift reflects deepening political divides, with reactions in Nova Scotia ranging from admiration for his integrity to criticism over voter trust.