Nova Scotian MP Chris d’Entremont’s political position after the newest liberal budget
Nova Scotia Member of Parliament (MP) Chris d’Entremont left the Conservative caucus to join the Liberals on Tuesday, Nov. 4, after the government presented their newest budget, “Canada Strong,” at the House of Commons. D’Entremont’s inclusion brings the Liberal Party to two seats away from a majority government.
The Associated Press reported d’Entremont’s reasoning behind the switch, saying it was “because he shares Carney’s economic priorities.” D’Entremont said, “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.”
The prime minister’s official website describes the “Canada Strong” budget as a “plan to transform our economy from one that is reliant on a single trade partner to one that is stronger, more self-sufficient, and more resilient to global shocks.” It is a five-year investment plan of CA$1 trillion.
As the prime minister’s website breaks down, close to CA$186 million in new funding from the budget will be used to “fully implement the Buy Canadian Policy,” which prioritizes Canadian suppliers and reliable trading partners. $108 million will go to Public Services and Procurement Canada. $7.7 million will go to the Treasury Board Secretariat. $79.9 million will help launch the Small and Medium Business Procurement Program, which intends to “provide specialized, streamlined support for Canadian small and medium-sized businesses trying to break into the federal market.”
POLITICO reported “d’Entremont represents a rural riding with a military base, where fishery and agriculture are major economic drivers.” They continue to report these demographics pushed d’Entremont to switch parties, as the Canada Strong budget would be beneficial for the communities in his riding.
The Canadian Press reported d’Entremont had “thoughtful conversations with constituents and [his] family,” and came to the conclusion that his switch from the Conservative to Liberal caucus would be “a better path forward” for Canada and Acadie-Annapolis, his riding.
The BBC reported, “d’Entremont said he left because he no longer felt represented by Conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilievre. POLITICO added he said, “his progressive Conservative stripe made him feel increasingly alienated in a party that has been moving more to the right under Poilievre.” Carney commented on d’Entremont joining the Liberal Party, saying it was “exceptionally valuable.”
The Conservative Party voiced contrary opinions. CBC reported an exchange between d’Entremont, Andrew Scheer, and Chris Warkentin before his switch to the party. D’Entremont explained, after the possibility of d’Entremont leaving the Conservative Party was revealed, the two Conservative House leaders “barged into his office, pushed open the door — almost knocking down his assistant — and yelled at him about ‘how much of a snake’ he was.”
CBC also reported a spokesperson for the Office of the Leader of the Official Opposition’s explanation. They explained, the two leaders “calmly entered the reception area,” and “spoke in a calm and measured voice.” Scheer voices his opinion on d’Entremont’s idea to switch parties, saying “his actions would not be seen as noble, and that deep down he would know that turning his back on friends and the people who elected him are the actions of a snake.”
The BBC continued with the Conservative Party’s response, saying the party “accused [d’Entremont] of breaking his promises to Canadians and of acting on personal grievances.” POLITICO reported that Conservative MP Michael Barrett told them “[the Conservative] Party has lots of room for everyone who wants to make life more affordable for Canadians, and Mr. d’Entremont seems like he’s not interested in doing that.”
The Canadian Press reported on Deputy Conservative leader Melissa Lantsman’s response, who said, “d’Entremont chose not to do the job Conservative voters sent him to Ottawa for. [D’Entremont] made a decision, and he made a decision not to fight inflation and not to lower the cost of food and not to do any of the things that he was sent here to do by his constituents.”
POLITICO reports that d’Entremont said he was hopeful, but did move on, and “his decision came down to leadership styles.”
D’Entremont’s choice to switch parties highlights how economic strategy and leadership now heavily impact party loyalty. A budget brought the Liberal Party two steps away from a majority, not only as a gain for them, but as a loss for the Conservative Party. Political position and decisions do not lose their impact after the voting period; they are crucial throughout a party’s life.