In the realm of Canadian politics, crossing the aisle is often a risky move for Members of Parliament, with few successfully securing re-election after switching parties. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s minority Liberal government has recently absorbed four opposition MPs, edging closer to a potential majority in government.
This comprehensive chart meticulously documents every federal MP who has defected to a different party since 2004, outlining the timing of their transition and whether it led to a return to Parliament or an exit from politics altogether.
Notable instances of successful floor crossings include Belinda Stronach, who shifted from the Conservative Party to the Liberals amid disagreements with then-leader Stephen Harper in 2005. Despite the subsequent electoral loss for the Liberals, Stronach managed to retain her seat until her retirement in 2008. Similarly, Leona Alleslev and Jenica Atwin both managed to secure re-election after changing party allegiances.
On the other hand, some MPs have opted for retirement instead of facing re-election following a party switch. For instance, David Emerson transitioned from the Liberals to the Conservatives shortly after winning his seat in 2006 and did not seek re-election. Similarly, MP Lise St-Denis switched from the NDP to the Liberals before retiring due to health concerns.
In contrast, some MPs faced rejection by voters after crossing the floor. Wajid Khan, who shifted from the Liberals to the Conservatives, was decisively defeated by a Liberal candidate in the subsequent election. Likewise, Eve Adams, who moved to the Liberals from the Conservatives, failed to secure a nomination and was ultimately rejected by Liberal members in the Greater Toronto Area.
Public sentiment towards floor crossing remains largely negative, with only a quarter of Canadians supporting the idea of MPs who switch parties being able to complete their terms. The upcoming byelections on April 13 will be crucial, potentially granting Carney the majority he narrowly missed out on in the 2025 election.
