Conservative MP Scott Aitchison officially signals his intent to resign later this fall

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Ontario MP and former Conservative leadership candidate Scott Aitchison said Wednesday that he intends to resign his seat at the end of the fall sitting.

Ontario MP and former mayor made bid for Conservative leadership in 2022

Darren Major · CBC News

· Posted: Sep 30, 2026 12:36 PM EDT | Last Updated: 8 minutes ago

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A man stands and speaks in a legislative chamber.

Ontario 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.

WATCH | Conservative MP Scott Aitchison to step down:

Conservative MP Scott Aitchison to step down: sources

Conservative MP and former party leadership candidate Scott Aitchison is expected to resign his seat later this fall, two sources have told CBC News. If his departure is confirmed, Aitchison — who represents the Parry Sound-Muskoka riding in Ontario — would join a list of Conservative MPs who have left electoral politics in recent months.

Aitchson launched a leadership bid in the 2022 Conservative campaign that saw 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."

Parliament is scheduled to sit until Dec. 11.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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.

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