Conservative MP Scott Aitchison officially signals his intent to resign later this fall
MP for Parry Sound–Muskoka Scott Aitchison rises during Question Period on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Jan. 28, 2026. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)Social SharingOntario MP and former Conservative leadership candidate Scott Aitchison said Wednesday that he intends to resign his seat at the end of the fall sitting.
"After 30 years of public life, it is time for a new chapter where I will explore new opportunities," Aitchison wrote in a social media post.
Aitchison — a former mayor of Huntsville, Ont., who has been MP for the Parry Sound–Muskoka riding since 2019 — didn't indicate what his next steps will be. But he reflected on his time in public office and thanked his constituents and staff.
"I worked to build consensus, cut through the bureaucracy, and make life better for the people who placed their trust in me," he wrote. "I carried myself with the same values of the town that raised me: respect, decency, and looking out for your neighbour."
CBC News reported Tuesday that Aitchison had intended to step down this fall. CTV News first confirmed the news of his departure.
Aitchson launched a leadership bid in the 2022 Conservative campaign that saw Pierre Poilievre chosen as the party's chief, where he finished fifth.
Housing was a key feature of Aitchison's leadership campaign and Poilievre named the MP as his housing critic — something he reflected on in his statement.
"All levels of government have recognized the burden over-regulation and excessive taxes and fees place on housing affordability. Our Conservative team can be proud of the work we have done on this file and I know the team will continue this work after my departure," he wrote.
"To my caucus colleagues and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, it has been a privilege to serve alongside you. 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."
Poilievre praised Aitchison as "a friend, a dedicated public servant and a man who cares deeply about the people he represents."
Pierre Poilievre and Aitchison hug as Poilievre is announced winner of the Conservative leadership race in 2022. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press)"Scott Aitchison has spent his life serving the community and country he loves," the Conservative leader wrote in a social media post.
"Scott's greatest strength has always been his connection to his home. Whether fighting for local workers and businesses, helping people navigate the federal government, or championing a community fund to support housing, food security and mental health in Parry Sound–Muskoka, he never forgot who sent him to Ottawa."
Aitchison's resignation will create another vacancy in the House, where six seats are currently empty.
Aitchison's fellow Conservatives Larry Brock and Cathay Wagantall both stepped down in the past month. Their vacancies are coupled with former Liberal cabinet minister Steven Guilbeault, who officially resigned last month, and former Liberal MP Shaun Chen, who resigned in mid-August.
Former NDP MP Alexandre Boulerice and the Bloc Québécois's Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay both stepped away from federal politics to run in Quebec's upcoming provincial election.
While the clock is ticking for those six byelections to be called, Aitchison's seat won't be open until he makes his resignation official at the end of this sitting. Parliament is scheduled to sit until Dec. 11.
Darren Major is a senior writer for CBC's parliamentary bureau in Ottawa. He previously worked as a digital reporter for CBC Ottawa and a producer for CBC's Power & Politics. He holds a master's degree in journalism and a bachelor's degree in public affairs and policy management, both from Carleton University. He also holds a master's degree in arts from Queen's University. He can be reached at darren.major@cbc.ca.
