Former d'Entremont Staff Member Calls Floor-Crossing 'A Slap in the Face'
Brian Hirtle, a longtime supporter and former staff member of MP Chris d'Entremont, expressed deep disappointment over his decision to join the Liberal Party. Hirtle, who previously served as president of the Conservative electoral district association in Acadie-Annapolis, described the move as shocking and self-serving.
“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 had worked closely with d’Entremont through three successful federal campaigns and considered him both a colleague and a friend. He retired only six months before the MP switched parties.
“It’s a slap in the face to the residents. It takes a village to get an MP elected — hardworking people from Argyle to Long Point Road. It’s a team effort.”
He said their team was proud to maintain the only Conservative seat in Nova Scotia, adding that it felt like d’Entremont “just gave it away.” Hirtle admitted he was uncertain how their next encounter would go after this political shift.
“He feels very betrayed,” Hirtle said, referring to younger supporters who backed d’Entremont for the first time in the April election.
Author’s Summary
Brian Hirtle condemned MP Chris d’Entremont’s defection to the Liberals as self-serving and disloyal, describing it as a betrayal of both colleagues and local supporters.