In the world of Canadian politics, crossing the floor of the House of Commons can be a risky move for Members of Parliament, with few successfully navigating the transition to the next election cycle.
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s minority Liberal government has recently gained the support of four opposition MPs, bringing the tantalizing prospect of a majority government within reach.
A detailed chart has been compiled to track every federal MP who has changed party allegiance since 2004. This comprehensive record highlights the timing of their shifts and whether these decisions led to a return to Parliament or an exit from the political arena.
Notable instances of successful floor crossings include Belinda Stronach, who made headlines by moving from the Conservative Party to the Liberal Party in 2004. Despite the subsequent electoral defeat of the Liberals, Stronach managed to retain her seat and later retired from politics in 2008.
In a more recent example, Leona Alleslev switched from the Liberals to the Conservatives in 2018 and reclaimed her parliamentary seat. Similarly, Fredericton MP Jenica Atwin, after aiding the Green Party in securing a three-seat caucus in 2019, joined the Liberals just before the 2021 election and successfully defended her seat under the new party banner.
However, not all floor crossings end in triumph. Some MPs, like David Emerson and Lise St-Denis, opted for retirement following their shifts in party affiliation. In contrast, individuals such as Wajid Khan and Eve Adams faced rejection by voters after changing parties, leading to the end of their political careers.
Public opinion on floor crossing remains largely negative, as indicated by an Angus Reid poll showing that only a minority of Canadians support MPs switching parties mid-term. With the focus now on three crucial byelections on April 13, the outcome could potentially grant Prime Minister Carney the majority that narrowly eluded him in the previous election.