A federal cabinet minister has suggested more opposition MPs may be considering switching parties, following last week’s defection of Ontario MP Michael Ma to the Liberal caucus.
Speaking at a Toronto press conference, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson said he has received significant interest from MPs about crossing the floor. “Let’s say I’m getting lots of inquiries,” Hodgson said when asked directly about potential defections.
Ma’s move from the Conservatives to the Liberals brought Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government to within one seat of a majority, leaving the Liberals with 171 seats, just short of the 172 needed to govern without opposition support.
Hodgson declined to comment on whether he personally encouraged Ma, noting their shared background as former businesspeople and emphasizing a desire for unity over division. Ma, first elected in April in the GTA riding of Markham—Unionville, has not responded to interview requests.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre accused the prime minister of attempting to “manufacture a majority” through behind-the-scenes deals, arguing Canadians deliberately elected a minority government. Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon, meanwhile, said some Conservative MPs have privately expressed frustration with their party’s direction.
Ma’s defection has unsettled Conservative ranks ahead of Poilievre’s mandatory leadership review next month, though the party leader says he remains confident of continued support from members.