OTTAWA — Chris d’Entremont, a former Conservative MP, announced on Wednesday that he has crossed the floor to join the Liberal Party. He made this decision after expressing a lack of alignment with the political ideals of Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. D’Entremont spoke at a press conference alongside Prime Minister Mark Carney, just hours after the Liberals presented their budget.

D’Entremont stated, "Over the last number of months, I wasn’t feeling that I was aligned with the ideals of what the leader of the opposition had been talking about." He emphasized that he had been contemplating this move for some time, considering how he could better serve his constituents.

At the press conference, Carney welcomed d’Entremont as the newest member of the Liberal caucus, calling his decision to join the government at this critical time for the country "exceptionally valuable and important." The Liberals are now just two seats shy of a majority in the House of Commons, which would allow them to pass their budget without needing support from opposition parties.

D’Entremont reflected on his previous role as Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, noting that he had built relationships with many Liberal MPs. He said, "In my case, as a Nova Scotian, we’re always trying to find ways to work together to solve issues that are important to our communities. And I didn’t see it by sitting in the opposition. I saw it by being a part of the government caucus."

He also hinted that other Conservative MPs might be considering a similar move, stating, "I would suggest that there probably are those that are in the same boat, but I will let them tell their stories if that time comes."

When asked about his motivations, d’Entremont denied that his decision was influenced by personal grievances, such as his unsuccessful bid for the position of deputy speaker. He clarified, "I wasn’t offered anything to join the Liberals. I just felt it was time to join a party more focused on building."

D’Entremont criticized the negative tone he perceived in the Conservative Party under Poilievre’s leadership. He said, "I didn’t find I was represented there that my ideals of an Easterner, of a red Tory, quite honestly, of trying to find ways to find solutions and help your community rather than trying to oppose everything that’s happening."

In response to his departure, Conservative MPs expressed disappointment and anger, with some labeling him a "coward". D’Entremont responded to these criticisms by suggesting that his former colleagues should reflect on their approach to governance. He stated, "I think they should look at themselves and see if they’re offering the right thing to Canadians of trying to build for the world."

D’Entremont concluded by reiterating his belief in collaboration, saying, "We have a great opportunity here in Canada, and rather than knocking people down, we should try to find ways to work together. And that’s what I’ve always tried to do in my career."