D’Entremont says confrontation with conservative leadership prompted floor crossing

Nova Scotia MP Chris D’Entremont says a tense encounter with senior Conservative figures convinced him to leave the party and join the Liberals. He claims that after reports surfaced that he was considering a defection, Conservative House leader Andrew Scheer and party whip Chris Warkentin came into his office uninvited, forcefully pushed open the door and angrily accused him of betraying the party.
D’Entremont said the incident made clear that he no longer felt the Conservatives were operating as a serious political organization, describing the internal culture as negative and combative. He also said he had long been uncomfortable with the leadership style of Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, adding that some of his lifelong supporters told him they would no longer back him because of the party’s tone.
The Conservative Party denies D’Entremont’s version of events. A spokesperson for the leader’s office said the meeting was calm and that Scheer simply told D’Entremont that leaving the party would be seen as turning his back on colleagues and voters. They accused D’Entremont of lying to justify his decision.

D’Entremont says the idea of switching parties had been on his mind since the last election and was reinforced after a recent meeting with Prime Minister Mark Carney. He rejects suggestions that he was offered a government role in exchange for crossing the floor.
His move comes amid growing signs of internal strain within the Conservative caucus, highlighted by the resignation of Edmonton MP Matt Jeneroux just days later. D’Entremont says he believes several other Conservative MPs have also been considering their future.
Although he says he is satisfied with his decision, D’Entremont has not committed to running in the next federal election, saying he may step back from politics to spend more time with family.