Scott Aitchison

Political polarization

During the Canada convoy protest, Aitchison expressed his concern with what he described as the “growing divide in Canada” and accused Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of not talking to Canadians he disagrees with.^[16] While delivering a speech in the House of Commons, Aitchison stated his desire to see politicians find compromise and “disagree without hating each other.”^[17]

Housing

Aitchison started his leadership campaign by releasing a plan to address what he described as a Canadian housing crisis. His plan, "YIMBY: A Plan to Build More Homes for Canadians", had four main aims: ending exclusionary zoning, increasing the number of tradespeople through education and immigration, increasing affordable and social housing, and cracking down on money laundering in Canadian real-estate.^[18]

Bill 21

Aitchison has spoken out against the 2019 Quebec Act respecting the laicity of the State, also known as Bill 21. In his launch speech for the Conservative Party leadership, Aitchison said, "Our Party has a proud tradition of being a voice for freedom of religion around the world. We need to have the courage of our convictions to do the same here at home, in every province and territory. Freedom of religion is a charter right. This includes the right of every single Canadian to proudly wear a cross, hijab, turban or a kippah at their place of work. Bill 21 is wrong, and I will stand against it."^[19]

CANZUK

Aitchison is supportive of CANZUK, a proposed alliance of Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom to increase trade, foreign policy, and military co-operation. He was named to lead two cross-party working groups aimed to facilitate discussions on freer movement and trade within the partner countries.^[20]

Rural broadband

In his first intervention in the House of Commons, Aitchison raised concern about rural internet service in his riding. He believes there needs to be more competition in the market and federal investment in underserviced areas.^[21]

Environment

Aitchison is an advocate for what he describes as a credible federal climate change plan that would permit industry to find innovative methods of reducing emissions. He is opposed to a carbon tax, stating that it "disproportionally hurts lower-income Canadians living in rural areas".^[22]

LGBTQ+

On May 17, 2023, Aitchison joined fellow Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner and members of the federal Liberal Party, Green Party, and NDP in releasing a statement on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. Aitchison tweeted, "You belong. You matter. No matter who you are. No matter who you love".^[23] Aitchison told The Hill Times in February 2024 that he supports trans people's right to live without government restrictions, but did not comment on Pierre Poilievre's remarks or Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's policies on trans people.^[24]

Federal

Municipal