Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

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PARRY SOUND-MUSKOKA — Scott Aitchison offered little more this afternoon about his sudden “difficult decision” to step down as MP.

The fall sitting of the Parliament is scheduled to end on Friday, December 11, according to the House of Commons sitting calendar.

That’s when the Parry Sound-Muskoka member of Parliament will end his three-term, seven-year Conservative representation.

“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,” he wrote in a statement he released on social media just after noon.

Leader Pierre Poilievre replied on social media, saying: “Scott is a friend, a dedicated public servant and a man who cares deeply about the people he represents.”

His surprise resignation plan was reported Tuesday and confirmed by him Wednesday.

The 53-year-old Aitchison was non-committal about his reasons for stepping down.

“I have made the difficult decision to resign my seat following the conclusion of the fall parliamentary session,” the statement on his official riding stationary read.

“After 30 years of public life, it is time for a new chapter where I will explore new opportunities.

“From being elected to Huntsville Town Council and Muskoka District Council at the age of 21, to serving as Mayor of Huntsville, and for the past seven years as your Member of Parliament, it has been the honour of my lifetime to serve you and represent our community.

“Whether it was in the council chambers, or the halls of Ottawa, I worked to build consensus, cut through the bureaucracy, and make life better for the people who placed their trust in me. I carried myself with the same values of the town that raised me: respect, decency, and looking out for your neighbour.

“My time as Shadow Housing Minister has allowed me to contribute to a fundamental shift in the national debate on housing. All levels of government have recognized the burden over regulation and excessive taxes and fees place on housing affordability.”

He said: “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.

“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.”

He thanked “my incredible staff who have served me and the people of Parry Sound–Muskoka with distinction.”

And: “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. I know you will continue this mission.

“Sincerely, Scott Aitchison, M.P.”

A by-election will be required to fill the riding seat, which will be up to Prime Minister Mark Carney will to call.

But it’s unlikely to affect prospects for a general election.

The next Canadian federal election is tentatively scheduled to take place on October 15, 2029.

See earlier story today on pending announcement with more details at:

MP SCOTT AITCHISON STEPPING DOWN, LEAVING PARRY SOUND-MUSKOKA VOTERS GOING TO POLLS WHEN PM CALLS BY-ELECTION https://muskokatoday.com/2026/09/mp-scott-aitchison-stepping-down-leaving-parry-sound-muskoka-voters-going-to-polls-when-pm-calls-by-election/

Generally ‘well-liked’ MP

Aitchison didn’t turn up on afternoon media broadcasts, but a panellist on CBC’s David Cochrane, said on his late afternoon Power and Politics called Aitchison a “more traditional PC.”

And that said the riding “would be viewed by Conservatives as a safe seat.”
But said it may be “tighter” race next time, noting former MP Tony Clement “reminded me” he only one by about 19 votes.”

Cochrane added “I’m not convinced the Prime Minister is going to call it an election, despite the conventional wisdom, it’s a good time to do it.”

He added “Parliament’s worse without Scott Aitchison. He’s a good parliamentarian, a good public servant, you know, in his municipal days, and now federally. I would just say that, he’s a good guy.”

Panellist Brad Levigne, an NDP national campaign director, said: “I think that it’s more than just one fewer MP. It’s one fewer MP that’s well like, not only within his own caucus, but among other Parliamentarians.

“You know, when you’re the mayor, you have a lot more power than when you’re the housing critic for the Official Opposition that he did for a number of years. He’s done this for seven years. And he looks down the line and says ‘This doesn’t look like it’s going to change in the near term.

“So I wish him well, and I’m sure that many of his colleagues will speak highly of him going forward.

“And the overall direction of the Conservative movement is different than where a Scott Aitchison kind of fits in. You know, he’s an Ontario Conservative of the more traditional PC bent, I would suggest.”

Social media comments

Social media was quick to comment.

Former party leader Erin O’Toole replied: “Thanks for your service, passion for the country and friendship. Fair winds.”

Mount Royal Liberal MP Anthony Housefather wrote: “It has been an absolute pleasure frequently working across the aisle with Aitchison. He is a true class act and proof of what we jointly wrote in an oped: ‘You can disagree without being disagreeable.’ I wish you the best Scott!”

Pollster Bruce Anderson, chairman of Abacus Data, added: “Sorry to see @ScottAAitchison leaving politics. He should have been appointed Deputy Leader by @PierrePoilievre, a much more appealing and effective voice for conservative ideas. Best of luck in what comes next.”

Some were less complimentary.

The official account of the People’s Party of Canada wrote: “Seventeen months ago, you looked the people of Parry Sound–Muskoka in the eye and asked them to trust you with four years. Last December, you blasted a colleague for betraying “the people who went to the polls mere months ago. Now you’re doing the same thing. You’re the eighth Conservative to quit since the election, walking away before even half your mandate is done — and sticking taxpayers with a $2-million by-election bill on your way out.

“Some ‘new chapter.’ You made a four-year promise to the voters who put you there.

“They kept their end of the bargain. You didn’t.”

Poilievre praised Aitchison in his post: “Scott Aitchison has devoted his life to serving the community and the country he loves. He was elected as a municipal councillor in Huntsville at just 21 years old, before becoming mayor.

“Over the past seven years, he has been a remarkable voice for the people of Parry Sound-Muskoka in the Canadian Parliament. Scott brought that same commitment to our Conservative team. He ran for the leadership of our party and traveled the country to share his ideas.

“He then took on one of the greatest challenges facing Canadians as a Conservative Shadow Cabinet Minister responsible for Housing, where he fought tirelessly to restore young people’s opportunity to achieve their dream of homeownership.

“Above all, Scott’s greatest strength has always been his deep attachment to his community. Whether defending the workers and businesses in his riding, helping people navigate dealings with the federal government, or championing a community fund to support access to housing, food security, and mental health in Parry Sound-Muskoka, he has never forgotten the fellow citizens who sent him to Ottawa. Scott is a friend, a devoted man, and someone who cares deeply about the people he represents.

“Thank you, Scott, for your service to our party, your community, and our country. Ana and I wish you all the best for this new chapter.”

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