Nova Scotia MP Chris d’Entremont switched his political allegiance to the Liberal Party on Tuesday, citing a disconnect with the Conservative Party's current direction. Identifying as a "Red Tory," d’Entremont expressed his support for the priorities outlined in the Liberal government's 2025 federal budget, which includes key areas such as infrastructure, fisheries, agriculture, and defense. These issues are particularly relevant to his constituents in the rural riding of Acadie-Annapolis, located in southwest Nova Scotia.

D’Entremont's riding is home to a Canadian Armed Forces base that is expected to benefit from the increased military spending proposed in the budget. Additionally, the lobster industry, a vital part of the local economy, faces significant challenges that are top of mind for voters. D’Entremont believes that addressing these community and economic issues is essential, a task he feels is unachievable under the leadership of Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, whom he described as having a "negative" leadership style.

His decision to cross the floor has sparked mixed reactions. Some Conservative MPs have accused d’Entremont of betraying the party and misrepresenting the voters who elected him. Sebastian Skamski, a former director of media relations in the Opposition Leader’s office, criticized d’Entremont on social media, stating, "Just 40 days ago, Chris d’Entremont said his constituents were hurting under Mark Carney’s government & warned that another massive Liberal deficit would make things worse. Today he turned his back on Canadians & betrayed them to advance his own personal ambitions."

D’Entremont had previously voiced strong criticisms of the Liberal government in the House of Commons. He highlighted the struggles of families in his riding, stating, "Canadians are hurting. Families are being forced to cut deeply into their grocery budgets just to get by. And, frankly, that leaves me a little bit angry and a little bit sad."

He pointed out that since his election in 2019, the cost of living has surged, leading to increased hardship for families. D’Entremont warned that the Liberal government's spending and deficits were irresponsible, saying, "We warned the Liberals that out-of-control spending and massive deficits were irresponsible. But, of course, they didn’t listen."

He also criticized Prime Minister Mark Carney for failing to deliver on promises of financial discipline, stating, "The prime minister said he’d be judged by the costs at the grocery store. Well, Mr. Speaker, Canadians are judging him, and they are not impressed."

D’Entremont expressed concern over the projected $92 billion deficit, calling it a "monstrous, irresponsible burden on future generations." He emphasized the impact of rising costs on families, saying, "People find themselves pinched. They are having to make tough decisions on whether to feed their children, heat their homes or buy the things that school requires."

He noted that food banks are overwhelmed, with usage up 142% across Canada. D’Entremont urged collaboration in the House of Commons, stating, "I urge members to vote with us. Let us work together. We hear a lot of that here in the House of Commons, especially from the government side, where members say that we should just work with them."

Despite his shift to the Liberal Party, d’Entremont's previous criticisms of the government and his constituents' struggles remain central to his message as he navigates this new political landscape.