Former d'Entremont Staff Member Calls Floor Crossing 'A Slap in the Face'
Brian Hirtle described Acadie-Annapolis MP Chris d'Entremont’s decision to join the Liberal Party as self-serving and deeply disappointing. Hirtle, who once worked closely with d'Entremont, said the move caught him completely off guard.
“I woke up from a nap and the phone lit up everywhere. It was all over the news that he was considering it,”
The Viewmount resident had supported d’Entremont through three federal election victories and served as president of the Conservative riding association until retiring six months earlier. He said he was equally shocked and disheartened by the switch.
“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.”
According to Hirtle, the team felt immense pride in holding the only Conservative seat in Nova Scotia—something he believes d’Entremont gave away too easily. Although the two men had long shared a collegial relationship, Hirtle admitted he is uncertain how their next encounter will unfold.
He added that younger voters who supported d’Entremont for the first time in the April election now feel let down by his decision.
“He feels very betrayed,”
Author’s Summary
Brian Hirtle expressed disappointment and shock over Chris d’Entremont’s switch to the Liberal Party, calling it a betrayal of the community and their shared political effort.