Overview
- Rookie MP Michael Ma of Markham–Unionville announced on Dec. 11 he is joining Prime Minister Mark Carney’s caucus after saying constituents wanted a steady, practical approach.
- The switch lifts the Liberals to 171 seats in the 343-seat House of Commons, one short of the 172 needed for majority control.
- Ma is the second Conservative in recent weeks to cross to the Liberals, following Nova Scotia MP Chris d’Entremont; floor-crossings do not trigger by-elections and Ma is expected to sit with the government when Parliament resumes in late January.
- Pierre Poilievre denounced the move, saying Ma endorsed policies he was elected to oppose, while Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon said some Conservatives are frustrated with their party’s leadership.
- The timing surprised Conservatives, coming a day after Ma attended their Christmas party and just as Parliament adjourned for the break, sharpening questions about caucus unity heading into the new year.