Overview
- The Markham–Unionville MP said he joined the government after consulting constituents, praising Prime Minister Mark Carney’s steady, practical approach.
- The switch lifts the Liberals to 171 seats, one shy of a majority, with the Liberal Speaker’s tie-breaking vote potentially giving the government added leverage.
- Ma is the second Conservative to cross in just over a month, following Chris d’Entremont, as the party also deals with Matt Jeneroux’s planned exit from its caucus.
- Poilievre denounced the move as abandoning voters’ wishes, while Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon said some Conservatives have voiced frustration with their leadership.
- Parliament has recessed for the winter with the budget implementation bill still before committee, and Ma is expected to take his new seat when the House returns in late January.