Member of Parliament from Nova Scotia, Chris d’Entremont, revealed that the aggressive intrusion and shouting from the Conservative Party leadership played a significant role in his decision to switch sides and join the Liberals in the House of Commons this week.
Following the public discussion of d’Entremont’s potential defection by Politico on Tuesday, the MP recounted how Conservative House leader Andrew Scheer and party whip Chris Warkentin forcefully entered his office, causing a commotion that almost knocked down his assistant, and proceeded to berate him, labeling him as untrustworthy.
Reflecting on the intense encounter, d’Entremont expressed that the hostile behavior he experienced solidified his resolve to switch parties, as highlighted during his interview on CBC’s Rosemary Barton Live with host Catherine Cullen.
Describing the toxic atmosphere and personal attacks emanating from the Conservative leadership, d’Entremont criticized the party’s conduct, likening it to a fraternity rather than a professional political entity.
The Conservative Party refuted d’Entremont’s accusations.
Conservatives deny MP’s account
In response to d’Entremont’s claims, a spokesperson from the Office of the Leader of the Official Opposition (OLO) dismissed the MP’s credibility, attributing his actions to personal grievances over not receiving a desired position. The statement further insinuated that d’Entremont’s behavior aligned more with the Liberal caucus.
In a separate clarification provided to CBC News, the OLO acknowledged the visit of Scheer and Warkentin to d’Entremont’s office but maintained that the interaction was conducted with composure and rationality, contrary to d’Entremont’s depiction.
The account from the OLO portrayed Scheer’s demeanor as composed, emphasizing that the conversation was a calm and direct explanation of the repercussions of d’Entremont’s decision. The statement also highlighted a civil exchange between Warkentin and d’Entremont before their departure from the meeting.
During the interview on Rosemary Barton Live, d’Entremont disclosed that he had contemplated switching parties since the last election cycle and denied receiving any promises or incentives from the Liberals for his defection.
He cited feedback from his constituents during the campaign, expressing dissatisfaction with the Conservative Party’s leadership style, as a contributing factor to his decision.
As discontent grew among his supporters and a meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney took place, d’Entremont felt compelled to take definitive action, though he did not intend for the news to break through an incidental mention to Politico on the federal budget release day.
A second shot to the Conservatives
With d’Entremont’s party switch sparking speculation about disarray within the Conservative caucus, the situation intensified when MP Matt Jeneroux from Edmonton Riverbend announced his resignation shortly after.
Reports suggest that Jeneroux, too, met with Prime Minister Carney prior to his decision to step down.
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