Former d'Entremont staff member calls floor-crossing 'a slap in the face'

Former Staff Member Criticizes MP’s Party Switch

Brian Hirtle, a longtime supporter and former staff member of Acadie-Annapolis MP Chris d’Entremont, expressed deep disappointment over the MP’s recent decision to join the Liberal Party.

Shock and Disappointment

Hirtle, who lived in Viewmount and played a key role in three of d’Entremont’s federal election victories, was stunned by the news. Having served as the president of the electoral district association before retiring six months ago, he described waking up to the news as a shock.

“I woke up from a nap and the phone lit up everywhere. It was all over the news that he was considering it. I was as shocked as anybody.”

Criticism of the Decision

He called d’Entremont’s floor-crossing “self-serving” and a betrayal to the people who supported him, emphasizing the collective effort it took to secure his seat.

“It’s a slap in the face to the residents. It takes a village to get an MP elected. It takes a community of hard-working folks from Argyle to Long Point Road. It’s a team effort.”

Hirtle added that the team was proud to maintain the lone Conservative seat in Nova Scotia until d’Entremont’s switch.

Personal and Community Impact

Though Hirtle and d’Entremont have been colleagues and friends, he is uncertain how their relationship will evolve moving forward. He also mentioned that some younger voters, who supported d’Entremont for the first time in April, now feel deeply betrayed.

“He feels very betrayed,” Hirtle said.

Hirtle’s reflections highlight the personal and political ramifications of such a decision within the community.

Author’s Summary

This account reveals how a local political figure’s unexpected party switch can deeply impact supporters, colleagues, and the community's trust.

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SaltWire SaltWire — 2025-11-07

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