High‑profile Tory quits, leaving another vacancy for Poilievre
Conservative MP Scott Aitchison, the Parry Sound‑Muskoka representative and the party’s housing critic, has informed leader Pierre Poilievre of his intention to resign his seat before the parliamentary session ends. Two undisclosed sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Globe and Mail that Mr Aitchison’s decision stems from a personal wish to pursue endeavours outside elected office. The move comes as the Tories grapple with a series of departures that have already weakened their bench strength in the House of Commons.
A pattern of departures across the Tory bench
The latest resignation follows a string of exits that have marked the current parliamentary term. Earlier this summer, Ontario MP Larry Brock announced he would not seek re‑election in Brantford‑Brant South, formally resigning his seat in August. Saskatchewan MP Cathay Wagantall also vacated her position on 31 August after declaring her intention to leave in June. In addition, four Conservative members have crossed the floor to join the Liberal caucus since last November, while Quebec MP Richard Martel resigned to accept a Senate appointment, prompting a loss in the subsequent by‑election. With six vacant seats currently unfilled, the Tories now face the prospect of additional by‑elections that could reshape the electoral landscape.
Impact on the party’s electoral standing
Mr Aitchison, who has represented Parry Sound‑Muskoka since 2019, secured his seat in the 2025 general election with 52.2 % of the vote. He briefly contested the Conservative leadership in 2022, positioning himself as a moderate voice before finishing fifth. His departure adds to a growing list of absences that could affect the party’s ability to retain marginal seats, especially as recent polling from Nanos Research shows the Liberals holding a commanding lead at 49.9 % versus the Tories’ 27.9 %. The governing Liberals, led by Mark Carney, currently hold a majority of 173 seats, while the Conservatives cling to 137, including the soon‑to‑be‑vacated seat.
What lies ahead for the riding and the party
Parry Sound‑Muskoka will now be without an incumbent heading into the next election cycle. Although a by‑election has not yet been scheduled, the vacancy will likely trigger a competitive contest, with both the Tories and the Liberals eyeing the opportunity to gain ground. For the Conservative Party, the loss of Mr Aitchison’s seat may exacerbate existing challenges, particularly in regions where the party has struggled to maintain momentum. The timing of the resignation—just months before the next federal vote—means the party will have to mobilise resources quickly to defend its position and rebuild voter confidence.
Why it Matters
The cascade of Conservative resignations, culminating in Scott Aitchison’s exit, signals a deeper malaise within the party’s parliamentary ranks. Each vacancy not only erodes the Tories’ numerical strength but also creates strategic vulnerabilities in key marginal seats. As the Liberals continue to enjoy a substantial polling advantage, the Conservatives must confront the political fallout of these departures, which could influence the outcome of upcoming by‑elections and, ultimately, the balance of power in Ottawa. The loss of a seasoned MP like Aitchison, who once ran for the leadership, underscores the urgency for the party to address internal discord and present a unified front if it hopes to challenge the governing Liberals in the next general election.
