After another Conservative MP crossed the floor to join the Liberals, Government House leader and Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon says dissatisfaction within Conservative ranks runs deeper than what is visible in public.
Speaking at a press conference in Gatineau on Friday, MacKinnon said many Conservative MPs privately express frustration with the direction and leadership of their party. He described a group within the Conservative caucus — though not a majority — who are “extremely frustrated” with how they are expected to operate in Parliament.
MacKinnon said Conservative MPs are required to engage daily in what he called a “charade of obstruction,” repeatedly asking the same questions in the House of Commons. He said the experience is draining and discouraging for many members. “That is a soul-destroying experience for many Conservative members of Parliament,” he said.
His remarks followed the defection of Michael Ma, a first-term Conservative MP representing Markham–Unionville, who announced late Thursday that he is joining the Liberal caucus. Ma was elected earlier this year and is the third Conservative MP to leave the party since November.
In a statement announcing his decision, Ma said he made the move after listening to constituents and reflecting with his family on the country’s direction. He said he believes Prime Minister Mark Carney is offering the unity and decisive leadership needed to move Canada forward, particularly on issues such as affordability and the economy.
With Ma’s defection, the Liberals now hold 171 seats in the House of Commons, putting them just one seat shy of a majority.
Ma’s decision follows the November defection of Nova Scotia MP Chris d’Entremont, who said after the federal budget that he no longer aligned with the direction set by Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. That same week, Alberta MP Matt Jeneroux signalled he would leave the Conservative Party, later announcing plans to resign next spring.
Asked whether more floor crossings could give the Liberals a majority before Parliament resumes on Jan. 26, MacKinnon declined to speculate, instead pointing to dissatisfaction with Conservative leadership. He said the Liberals did not create the situation and suggested that “others exist” within the Conservative caucus who do not support Poilievre’s approach.
Ma’s move has drawn attention because only days earlier, on Dec. 2, he harshly criticized the Liberal government’s budget in the House of Commons, accusing the party of promoting “feudalism” and favouring asset inflation over a productive economy. When questioned about the apparent contradiction, MacKinnon described Ma as a “distinguished Canadian” who would be “very welcome” in the Liberal caucus, adding that many Conservatives privately share similar views but feel constrained within their party.
Poilievre, who is facing a leadership review at the end of January in Calgary, said earlier this week that he is confident heading into the review.
Following the announcement, Ma attended the Liberal Party of Canada’s holiday party in downtown Ottawa, where he was seen throughout the evening alongside Hodgson.