Nunavut MP Lori Idlout leaves NDP to join Liberals, moving Carney government closer to majority

Nunavut MP Lori Idlout has left the New Democratic Party caucus to join the governing Liberals, a move that brings Prime Minister Mark Carney’s minority government closer to a majority in the House of Commons.

In an early-morning statement issued jointly with the Liberal Party of Canada, Idlout said she decided to join the government caucus after what she described as “much personal reflection” and encouragement from her community and family. She cited Arctic sovereignty, the rights and aspirations of Indigenous peoples, and climate change as key reasons for the decision.

“That is why after much personal reflection and encouragement from my community, family, and supporters, I have decided to join the government caucus and to work alongside Prime Minister Mark Carney to build the better future that Nunavummiut are counting on,” Idlout said in the statement.

The New Democratic Party said the MP had crossed the floor to sit with the Liberals. The move follows earlier defections by three Conservative MPs who have also joined the governing caucus in recent months.

Kirt Ejesiak, the director of the Liberal Party of Canada in Nunavut, described Idlout as a “tireless champion” for the territory and said the party values strong representation for northern communities. “Liberals in Nunavut know the importance of strong voices to stand up for our communities and for a strong, secure, and thriving north,” he said.