Surprise Defection Leaves Carney’s Liberals Just One Seat Short Of Majority

OTTAWA — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is just one seat short of a majority government after a Toronto Conservative lawmaker quit the party Thursday afternoon to join the Liberals.

MP Michael Ma’s defection puts the Liberals in striking distance of control of the House of Commons — a shift that would safeguard Carney’s ambitious legislative agenda until 2029.

A Liberal majority government would be able to pass bills and approve spending without support from any other party — and it would sideline Carney’s chief rival, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, for another three years.

In a statement, Ma said he arrived at the decision after reflecting with his family and constituents on the direction of the country. “This is a time for unity and decisive action for Canada’s future,” he said.

Carney brought Ma onstage during the Liberal Christmas gathering Thursday night, drawing a standing ovation from ministers and major donors in the room.

“Proud to welcome Michael Ma to our team tonight,” Carney said in a statement on social media. “Look forward to working together to build our country, protect our communities, and create more opportunities for the people of Markham-Unionville and all across Canada.”

Poilievre blamed Ma for letting down his constituents.

“Today, he chose to endorse the very policies he was elected to oppose. The same policies driving up food prices and making life more expensive for all,” Poilievre said in a statement on social media. “The people he let down the most are the ones who elected him to fight for an affordable future. He will have to answer to them.”

The rookie MP beat a Liberal candidate in April, by a 3.6 percent margin.

He’s the second MP to join the Liberal Party in as many months. Chris d’Entremont crossed the floor in November, after telling POLITICO he was considering joining Carney’s party, ahead of the prime minister’s first federal budget.

d’Entremont said Poilievre’s incompatible leadership style factored into his decision. “I didn’t find I was represented there, that my ideals of an easterner, of a red Tory, quite honestly,” he said.

At the time, d’Entremont told POLITICO he knew of others contemplating an exit. Carney also hadn’t ruled out more floor-crossers. “My view is, always, I will talk to anyone,” the prime minister told reporters last month.

A third Conservative, Matt Jeneroux, had been poised to cross — and he even talked to the prime minister, two Liberal MPs granted anonymity to discuss the matter told POLITICO. Instead, Jeneroux announced that he was quitting politics altogether.

Liberals have argued that chaos within the Conservative Party stems from Poilievre’s populist leadership, which they liken to U.S. President Donald Trump’s and say is driving the party further right.

Ma didn’t mention Poilievre in his statement, but praised Carney as a leader.

“I have concluded that Prime Minister Mark Carney is offering the steady, practical approach we need to deliver on the priorities I hear every day while door-knocking in Markham–Unionville,” he said.

“That includes making life more affordable, growing a strong Canadian economy, strengthening community safety, and creating real opportunities for young people and families who are working hard to build their Canadian dream.”

Poilievre ran for prime minister in April on a platform that largely focused on restoring the Canadian dream and improving the cost of living for Canadians. But Trump’s rise stateside killed Poilievre’s favored odds; voters chose Carney’s economic credentials over the career Conservative politician.

Poilievre’s election loss triggered a leadership review. In January, members will vote on whether he should remain the head of the party.

Carney has been putting daylight between himself and Justin Trudeau’s progressive policies, gaining him popularity among the center-right and disaffected Conservative voters.