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Conservative MP Scott Aitchison has announced he will resign his seat in Parliament at the end of the fall parliamentary session. Aitchison, who represents the Ontario riding of Parry Sound–Muskoka, made the announcement in a statement posted to social media on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
“I have made the difficult decision to resign my seat following the conclusion of the fall parliamentary session,” Aitchison said. “After 30 years of public life, it is time for a new chapter where I will explore new opportunities.”
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Eighth MP to Leave Conservative Caucus Since 2025 Election
Aitchison will become the eighth MP to leave Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative caucus since the 2025 federal election. The Hill Times first reported that he was likely to step down. Global News later confirmed the news on Tuesday.
Since the spring of 2025, the Conservative caucus has seen significant departures. Four MPs left to join Mark Carney’s Liberals. One departed to sit in the Senate as an independent. Three others, including Aitchison, have chosen to leave politics altogether.
As a result of these departures, the House of Commons currently has six vacant seats. When Aitchison formally steps down, that number will rise to seven.
A Career Spanning Three Decades
Aitchison, 53, first entered public life at the age of 21, when voters elected him to Huntsville Town Council. He later served as mayor of Huntsville before winning the Parry Sound–Muskoka federal seat in 2019.
Before Aitchison, Conservative MP Tony Clement held the riding from 2006 to 2019. However, the seat has not always been a Conservative stronghold. Liberal Andy Mitchell represented the riding from 1993 to 2006 and served in former prime minister Paul Martin’s cabinet.
In his statement, Aitchison thanked the voters of his riding and his Conservative colleagues, including party leader Poilievre. “To my caucus colleagues and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, it has been a privilege to serve alongside you,” he said. “I have been fortunate to meet Canadians from coast to coast who are counting on us to champion efforts to make life more affordable for all Canadians. I know you will continue this mission.”
Poilievre Pays Tribute to Departing MP
Poilievre responded warmly to the announcement. He thanked Aitchison for his service to the party, his community and to Canada.
“Scott is a friend, a dedicated public servant and a man who cares deeply about the people he represents,” Poilievre said in a statement.
Aitchison’s departure marks the end of a public service career spanning three decades. He served at the municipal level before moving to federal politics, and his exit further reduces the size of the Conservative caucus in the House of Commons.
