As the word spread through the Nova Scotia federal riding of Acadie-Annapolis that their member of Parliament, Chris d’Entremont, was switching from Conservative to Liberal, there was plenty of reaction from people who live there.
“I was pleased,” said Larry Deveau, who clearly liked the move. Others said they didn’t see it coming.
“I was a bit shocked, because I’ve known him for quite a long time,” said Ed Wall. “I was in Rotary Club with him back in 2005 and that’s when he was conservative provincially and then he went federal.”
This riding covers a large rural portion of the province with some small and medium sized towns. d’Entremont has been a prominent political figure in these parts for years.
An MP since 2019, he also served in the Nova Scotia Legislature for 16 years as a Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative.
“I am thrilled because I think that he’s a good representative, and it’s going to be a plus for Liberals to have him on their team,” said June Kemp.
“(Prime Minister Mark) Carney is good for the Liberals, and I think his move to Carney’s party is going to be very good,” added Dennis Smith.
That opinion is not shared by everyone who lives here.
“I’m not very happy about this and I’m not very much impressed with the Liberals,” said Janet MacNeil. “They have done a lot of harm to the country, and I’m not pleased that he did that.”
d’Entremont has crossed the floor not long after a close re-election. In April’s federal election, he won by only 533 votes, a margin of 1.1 per cent over his Liberal opponent.
On Wednesday, d’Entremont was celebrated by his new Liberal colleagues with cheers on Parliament Hill. Later in the day at a public transit facility in Ottawa, Carney welcomed the newest member of the federal Liberal caucus.
“Chris’ decision to join the government caucus at this crucial moment for our country is exceptionally valuable and important,” Carney said.
With files from CTV News National Correspondent Rachel Aiello
