On Monday, a federal minister suggested that additional floor-crossings may occur following Ontario MP Michael Ma’s recent switch to the Liberals.
When questioned about the possibility of more opposition MPs preparing to join the government, Energy Minister Tim Hodgson indicated that there have been inquiries.
“Let’s just say I’ve been receiving quite a few inquiries,” Hodgson stated during a news conference in Toronto.
Ma’s choice to defect from the Conservative caucus and align with the Liberals—just a day after attending the Official Opposition’s Christmas gathering—brought the government to within one seat of achieving a majority on Thursday.
Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson, addressing a Toronto audience on Monday, responded to queries about Michael Ma’s switch to the Liberals by expressing pride in having him as a new member of the caucus.
Hodgson refrained from commenting on any personal involvement he may have had in persuading Ma, who represents the Markham-Unionville riding situated near his own Markham-Thornhill constituency.
“Our prime minister is a former entrepreneur and a pragmatist. I am also a former entrepreneur and a pragmatist. Michael Ma shares this background as a former businessman and pragmatist,” Hodgson remarked when asked if he had contacted Ma.
“We all believe that now is a moment for unity, not division. I will allow Michael to articulate his own thoughts.”
As reported by sources to CBC News, Tim Hodgson played a role in facilitating Ma’s transition. Ma had a meeting with Carney and Hodgson last Thursday afternoon, according to those sources.
These individuals, who requested anonymity, indicated that the cabinet minister formed a friendship with Ma during the late spring and early summer while participating in events in Markham.
Ma was first elected in April, securing his seat by a margin of approximately 1,900 votes.
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Poilievre asserts that the Conservatives’ focus on affordability unites the party as Tories navigate the latest defection
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Conservative MP dismisses missing Secret Santa gift from floor-crosser Michael Ma
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Analysis
Another floor-crossing concludes a transformative year in Canadian politics
The Canadian Press has sought an interview with Ma but has not yet received a response.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has expressed his belief that Prime Minister Mark Carney is attempting to secure a majority government through behind-the-scenes negotiations.
“I think the prime minister should cease trying to manipulate a majority that Canadians denied him during democratic elections. The overwhelming majority of Canadians voted against his expensive agenda of increased debt, taxes, and inflation,” he stated on Friday.
Poilievre further asserted that voters granted the Liberals only a minority government in the April election and that “the will of the Canadian people” must be given “the respect it deserves.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomes new Liberal MP Michael Ma during the Liberals’ holiday celebration. Ma switched from the Conservatives earlier that day.
With Ma’s addition, Carney’s Liberals now hold a total of 171 seats, just one short of the 172 required for a majority. To successfully pass legislation and endure confidence votes, they will need either two opposition members to abstain or one to support the government.
On Friday, Government House leader Steven MacKinnon mentioned that a few Conservative MPs are voicing their discontent regarding their party’s political direction to Liberal MPs.
Jamie Ellerton, a principal at Conaptus and a Conservative strategist, likened MacKinnon’s remarks to releasing “a cat among the pigeons” at a time when many Conservative MPs feel a sense of betrayal.
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Liberals assert that other Conservatives might defect, while the Opposition accuses Carney of ‘shady’ governance
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Another Conservative switches parties, bringing Liberals within one MP of a majority
A number of Conservative MPs expressed their surprise regarding Ma’s exit on social media, highlighting that he had recently criticized the Liberal government and posed for a picture with Poilievre at the Christmas party on Wednesday.
Poilievre is scheduled for a mandatory leadership review at the Conservative convention in Calgary next month. Despite the loss of two MPs to the Liberals this fall, Poilievre remains optimistic that party members will continue to support his leadership.
“[The Conservative Party] does not operate through backdoor dealings on Parliament Hill. Our party members desire a leader who will advocate for affordable housing, food, and restore hope for Canadians. And I am that leader,” Poilievre declared.