Ontario MP Michael Ma has left the Conservative Party to join the Liberals, citing the views of constituents in Markham-Unionville, Greater Toronto Area.
“This is a time for unity and decisive action for Canada’s future,” Ma said, praising Prime Minister Mark Carney’s “steady, practical approach” to key national priorities. He met with Carney earlier Thursday before formally joining the Liberal caucus.
Ma’s move follows Nova Scotia MP Chris d’Entremont’s defection weeks earlier. With Ma now on board, the Liberals are just one seat shy of a majority government. Carney introduced Ma at the party’s holiday event, where he received a standing ovation.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized Ma for breaking his election promises, saying he endorsed the policies he was elected to oppose. Fellow Conservative MP Todd Doherty noted Ma had attended the party’s holiday event just a day before switching sides.
Ma was elected for the first time in April, narrowly winning Markham-Unionville, a riding previously held by Liberal Paul Chiang. Speculation of further Conservative defections had followed d’Entremont’s move, but no other MPs switched sides.
The House of Commons concluded its fall session just hours before Ma’s announcement. With the Liberals edging closer to a majority, the Green Party’s single seat may play a crucial role in passing legislation, although leader Elizabeth May has expressed doubts about continued support.
Ma stated that his decision was driven by a desire to “focus on solutions, not division” and expressed eagerness to work alongside Carney.
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