OTTAWA / TORONTO — In a significant political realignment in Canada’s federal Parliament, Michael Ma, the Conservative Member of Parliament for Markham–Unionville, has **formally crossed the floor to join Prime Minister Mark Carney’s governing Liberal Party, a move that nudges the Liberals within striking distance of a majority government. Ma’s announcement was made on Thursday, December 11, 2025, in a statement released by the Liberal Party.
In his statement, Ma said that after listening carefully to constituents in Markham–Unionville and consulting with his family on national priorities, he concluded that Carney’s approach offers “unity and decisive action for Canada’s future.” He cited priorities such as affordability, economic growth, community safety and expanding opportunities for Canadian families as motivating factors in his decision to switch allegiances.
The defection is the second Conservative floor crossing to the Liberals in just over a month, following the recent move by Nova Scotia MP Chris d’Entremont earlier in November. With Ma’s switch, the Liberal Party’s seat total in the House of Commons now stands at 171 just one seat shy of an outright majority in the 338‑seat chamber.
Ma, who was elected in the April 2025 federal election as a Conservative narrowly defeating a Liberal candidate in Markham–Unionville framed his decision as one rooted in service rather than partisanship. “I entered public service to help people to focus on solutions, not division,” he said in a speech outlining his rationale for joining the Liberal caucus.
His departure represents both a symbolic and strategic boost for Prime Minister Carney’s government, which has operated as a minority administration since the last election. Reaching a majority would allow the Liberals to pass legislation and govern with greater stability and less reliance on opposition support.
The move also intensifies pressure on Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who is already facing a leadership review at an upcoming party convention in January. Poilievre’s critics argue that successive defections reflect internal dissatisfaction and strategic missteps within the Conservative caucus, even as he continues to push the party toward a more combative stance on economic and social issues.
Political analysts note that floor crossings of this nature are rare but can be decisive in minority governments, where individual seats carry heightened influence over legislative outcomes. Ma’s decision coming amid debates on fiscal policy, housing affordability and Canada’s role on the global stage highlights the ongoing fluidity of the country’s political landscape as the Liberals seek to solidify their control before the next electoral cycle.
As of this report, the Conservative Party has not issued a detailed public response, though party insiders have described the defection as a blow to morale. Meanwhile, observers will be watching closely to see whether any further floor crossings or shifts among independent and third‑party MPs could finally deliver a Liberal majority government without a general election.