Brian Hirtle described Acadie-Annapolis MP Chris d'Entremont's move to join the Liberal Party as a "self-serving" decision.
Brian Hirtle, who previously worked for d'Entremont and supported all three of his federal election victories in Acadie-Annapolis, was stunned by the news. He said,
“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.”
Hirtle expressed that the floor-crossing was a betrayal to the community that helped elect d'Entremont. He emphasized the collective effort behind the MP’s success:
“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.”
He added that the team was proud to have kept the seat in Nova Scotia for the Conservatives but said,
“d’Entremont gave it away.”
Though Hirtle and d'Entremont have been friends and colleagues, he is uncertain about their future interactions. He also highlighted the disappointment felt by some younger voters who supported d'Entremont in the April election for the first time:
“He feels very betrayed,” Hirtle said.
Brian Hirtle condemned Chris d'Entremont's switch to the Liberals as a selfish act that betrayed the community's collective effort and trust.