MP Alain Reyes Quits Conservative Caucus After Poilievre Win

Then Conservative MP Alain Reyes rises during a sitting of the House of Commons Wednesday April 29, 2020 in Ottawa. Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press

Quebec MP Alain Reyes announced on Sept. 13 that he’s leaving the Conservative Party to sit as an Independent, saying his political vision doesn’t allow him to remain under the current direction of the party.

“I respect the choice made by members of the Conservative Party of Canada in the last leadership race. However, some of my political ideals, values and convictions are not compatible with the new path undertaken by our political formation,” said Reyes in a statement posted on Twitter.

“I remain a proud Progressive Conservative and I will continue to serve my constituents of the riding of Richmond-Arthabaska with determination.”

Reyes’ announcement comes days after Pierre Poilievre was elected to take the helm of the party. Reyes had endorsed former Quebec premier Jean Charest for the party leadership role and campaigned on his behalf.

He signed an open letter published in late February in the National Post, calling on Charest to run.

“Canada needs you, Mr. Charest,” wrote Reyes along with other MPs and politicians from eastern Canada.

“We need someone who is able to unite our Party and rally a majority of Canadians in both official languages.”

Charest officially entered the leadership race on March 10. He finished in second place with 16 percent of the points, while Poilievre captured 68 percent of the points on the first ballot.

Reyes supported former leader Erin O’Toole, who was ousted in early February after Conservative MPs triggered a leadership review.

The MP from Richmond-Arthabaska occupied the role of Quebec lieutenant and critic for official languages under O’Toole. He lost both positions after interim leader Candice Bergen took the helm.

Speaking to reporters in Ottawa today, Poilievre commented on Reyes’ departure, saying the MP chose to not “fight Justin Trudeau’s inflation.”

“The citizens in Alain Reyes’ riding agree, they voted for me in the leadership race.”