Conservative MP Scott Aitchison of Parry Sound-Muskoka to resign when fall sitting ends
Aitchison, who ran for the Conservative leadership in 2022 and served as housing critic, is the eighth Conservative to leave caucus in 11 months and the 12th MP to resign since January.
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Scott Aitchison, the Conservative MP for Parry Sound-Muskoka, announced Wednesday he will step down when the fall parliamentary sitting concludes. He cited a desire to explore other opportunities after 30 years of public life.
Aitchison served as a municipal councillor and then mayor of Huntsville, Ontario, before running for the Conservatives federally in 2019. He ran for the Conservative party leadership in 2022 and served as the Opposition housing critic.
In his resignation letter, Aitchison wrote: "To the people of Parry Sound-Muskoka who placed their trust in me, and those who I disagreed with but promised passionate representation to, I hope I have made you proud." He also thanked his staff: "I want to thank my incredible staff who have served me and the people of Parry Sound-Muskoka with distinction. None of this would have been possible without you."
Aitchison's departure is the eighth Conservative to leave caucus in the last 11 months. Four Conservatives have crossed the floor to the Liberals: Chris d'Entremont (Nova Scotia), Michael Ma (Ontario), Marilyn Gladu (Ontario), and Matt Jeneroux (Alberta). Richard Martel (Quebec) left for a Senate appointment in the summer, and Cathay Wagantall (Saskatchewan) and Larry Brock (Ontario) resigned within the last month. Aitchison's resignation is the 12th MP resignation since January.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre issued a statement thanking Aitchison for his public service and wishing him well in his next chapter.
By the numbers
How many Conservative MPs have left caucus in the last 11 months?
Eight Conservative MPs have left caucus in the last 11 months, including Scott Aitchison of Parry Sound-Muskoka.
How many MPs have resigned since January?
Twelve MPs have resigned since January, with Aitchison's departure being the most recent.
How many Conservatives crossed the floor to the Liberals?
Four Conservatives crossed the floor to the Liberals: Chris d'Entremont, Michael Ma, Marilyn Gladu, and Matt Jeneroux.
