The political landscape in Ottawa was rocked last week when Nova Scotia MP Chris d'Entremont abandoned the Conservative Party to join the Liberal government. While the official narrative suggests a Red Tory rejected by his party, a deeper investigation reveals a story of political ambition and personal grievance.
The Failed Speaker Ambition
According to multiple sources within Conservative circles, d'Entremont's decision stems primarily from his failed bid to become Speaker of the House of Commons. The coveted position offers significant financial incentives, including a salary increase from $209,800 to $309,700 annually, plus additional perks like a car and driver, an apartment in the Parliamentary precinct, and The Farm residence in the Gatineau Hills.
Former colleagues confirm that d'Entremont had openly discussed his desire to serve one final term as Speaker to pad his pension, which became fully vested this past October. This calculated approach to his political career raised eyebrows among fellow Conservatives.
A History of Political Opportunism
d'Entremont's political journey shows a pattern of strategic moves. The Nova Scotia politician first entered provincial politics in 2003, serving in cabinets under premiers John Hamm and Rodney MacDonald, where he rose to become health minister. After six years in government, he spent nearly a decade in opposition before making a surprising move in 2018.
When Tim Houston became leader of the Nova Scotia PC Party, d'Entremont approached federal Conservative leader Andrew Scheer seeking to run federally because he didn't want to serve under Houston's leadership. This move is particularly notable given that Houston is considered a moderate conservative, while Scheer represented more socially conservative values that aligned with d'Entremont's own pro-life stance.
The Speaker Campaign That Failed
The turning point in d'Entremont's relationship with the Conservative Party came during the September 2023 Speaker election following Anthony Rota's resignation. d'Entremont convinced Pierre Poilievre to support his candidacy, resulting in the Conservative leader committing significant resources to the campaign.
Conservative staffers were reportedly called in on weekends to make calls on d'Entremont's behalf. However, the campaign proved disastrous when it became clear d'Entremont hadn't done basic groundwork, failing to create call sheets or track potential supporters. He ultimately lost to Greg Fergus.
When the next Speaker election occurred after the April 28, 2025 election, Conservative leadership decided not to support d'Entremont's renewed ambitions, having lost confidence in his ability to secure the position. The party also passed him over for deputy Speaker in favor of Tom Kmiec.
Bitterness Leads to Defection
The rejection clearly stung d'Entremont, who colleagues heard complaining about needing to "pull the knives out of his back" after the deputy Speaker decision. This bitterness, combined with his failed ambition, appears to be the true driver behind his floor crossing rather than any significant ideological shift.
The narrative of a Red Tory marginalized in Pierre Poilievre's Conservative Party doesn't withstand scrutiny. While both Scheer and Poilievre are fiscal hawks, Poilievre has never been identified as a social conservative like d'Entremont himself. The evidence suggests d'Entremont's move was motivated by personal disappointment rather than political principle.
His defection to the Liberals represents not an ideological evolution but the culmination of years of calculated political maneuvering that ultimately failed to achieve his personal ambitions within his original party.
