Conservative MP Scott Aitchison Announces Resignation

Conservative MP Scott Aitchison, who ran for the party’s leadership in 2022, says he will resign his seat at the end of the fall parliamentary sitting as he looks to pursue “new opportunities.”

Aitchison announced his decision Sept. 30 after 30 years in public life, saying it had been the “honour of a lifetime” to serve his constituents.

“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,” Aitchison said in a statement posted to social media.

Aitchison said he had worked to “build consensus, cut through the bureaucracy, and make life better for the people who placed their trust in me.”

He also highlighted his time as the Conservatives’ housing critic, saying he had helped contribute to a “fundamental shift in the national debate” on housing. He said there was now recognition at “all levels of government” that overregulation and excessive taxes had harmed affordability.

“To my caucus colleagues and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, it has been a privilege to serve alongside you,” Aitchison said.

Poilievre said in a statement that Aitchison had been an “outstanding voice for the people” of his riding, and had fought “relentlessly to restore the dream of homeownership for young people” as housing minister.

“Scott is a friend, a dedicated public servant and a man who cares deeply about the people he represents. Thank you, Scott, for your service to our Party, your community, and our country,” Poilievre said on social media.

Aitchison was first elected to Huntsville Town Council at age 21 and later served as mayor from 2014 to 2019. He was elected to Parliament in 2019 and ran for the Conservative leadership in 2022.

He will be the eighth Conservative MP to leave caucus since the 2025 federal election.

Conservative MPs Larry Brock and Cathay Wagantall also left Parliament recently, while former Conservative MPs Chris d’Entremont, Michael Ma, Matt Jeneroux and Marilyn Gladu crossed the floor to join the Liberals. Additionally, Conservative MP Richard Martel was appointed to the Senate by Prime Minister Mark Carney in July.

The Liberals subsequently reached a majority in the House of Commons through a combination of floor crossings and byelection results.

Aitchison’s seat will become vacant after he formally resigns at the end of the fall sitting, at which point a byelection will be required.