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Conservative MP Scott Aitchison has announced he is resigning his seat following the end of the fall parliamentary session.

“After 30 years of public life, it is time for a new chapter where I will explore new opportunities,” the Parry Sound-Muskoka MP said in a letter posted on social media Wednesday.

Aitchison, first elected to the Ontario riding in 2019, did not mention what he plans to do after resigning his seat.

Before entering federal politics, the 53-year-old served as town councillor in Huntsville in 1994 and, 20 years later, served two terms as mayor of Huntsville. He left office after being elected as an MP.

In his letter to constituents, Aitchison reflected on his 30-year career in public service, calling it “the honour of my lifetime to serve you and represent our community.”

During his seven years as an MP, Aitchison most notably served as the Conservatives’ housing critic and ran for party leadership in 2022, losing to Pierre Poilievre.

Tory leader responds

In response to Aitchison’s resignation, the Conservative leader issued a statement praising the MP as an “outstanding voice” for his constituents.

“Scott is a friend, a dedicated public servant and a man who cares deeply about the people he represents,” Poilievre said in a post on X .

He thanked Aitchison for his years of service, adding, “Ana and I wish you all the very best in the next chapter.”

Aitchison’s departure makes him the eighth Conservative MP to leave the party’s caucus since the 2025 election.

His resignation follows the exits of Saskatchewan MP Cathay Wagantall and Ontario MP Larry Brock , who both left their posts in the last month.

Four other Conservative MPs — Chris d’Entremont, Michael Ma, Matt Jeneroux, and Marilyn Gladu — have crossed the floor to join the Liberals since November 2025.

In July, Quebec MP Richard Martel resigned after Prime Minister Mark Carney appointed him to the Senate.

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