Liberal minister signals possible further MP defections as government nears majority

A federal cabinet minister says the governing Liberals are hearing increased interest from opposition MPs following a recent high-profile defection that has brought the government to the brink of a majority in the House of Commons.

Energy Minister Tim Hodgson told reporters Tuesday that he has received “lots of inquiries” when asked whether additional MPs are considering crossing the floor to join the Liberal caucus. His comments come days after Ontario MP Michael Ma left the Conservative Party to sit with the Liberals.

Ma’s move has left the Liberals one seat short of a majority, a shift that has sharpened political tensions in Ottawa as Parliament heads toward the winter break. The Markham-Unionville MP announced his decision less than a day after attending the Conservatives’ holiday reception, underscoring the sudden nature of the switch.

Hodgson declined to discuss any role he may have played in recruiting Ma, noting that the two represent neighbouring ridings in the Greater Toronto Area. He said Ma should speak for himself but described them as sharing pragmatic approaches shaped by private-sector experience.

The defection has prompted sharp criticism from the Conservative leader. Pierre Poilievre told The Canadian Press last week that he believes Prime Minister Mark Carney is attempting to “manipulate and engineer” a majority government rather than earn it through an election.

Floor crossings, while rare in modern federal politics, can have significant implications for the balance of power in a minority Parliament. Political observers say any further defections could affect legislative negotiations and committee dynamics in the months ahead.