A grassroots petition demanding the resignation of Markham-Unionville MP Michael Ma has exploded in popularity, amassing more than 37,000 signatures from voters who feel betrayed by his recent political defection.
Voters Cry Betrayal Over Floor-Crossing
Residents of the Greater Toronto Area riding are describing MP Michael Ma's decision to leave the Conservative Party for the Liberals as an "absolute betrayal." The move, which occurred late last week, has ignited significant backlash from constituents who elected him under the Conservative banner. The petition, hosted on Change.org, was launched on Monday, December 15, 2025, specifically for voters in the Markham-Unionville riding.
The petition's organizer, identified only as "Leo C.," framed the initiative as a direct means for Ma to be held accountable for a decision made without public consultation. "His sudden decision to cross the floor and join the Liberal Party is not simply a personal choice or a routine political maneuver," the petition states. "It is a unilateral act that changes the political alignment, representation, and power balance in Parliament, all without consulting the people who elected him."
Demands for Explanation and Byelection
The petition outlines three clear demands directed at Michael Ma and the political establishment:
- A full public explanation from Ma detailing his reasons for crossing the floor.
- An immediate byelection in the riding of Markham-Unionville.
- A reform of the parliamentary rules governing floor-crossing by sitting MPs.
"Whether one supports the Conservative Party or the Liberal Party, every Canadian voter deserves representation that reflects their choice — not a decision made behind closed doors," the petition argues, emphasizing a principle of democratic accountability over partisan loyalty.
Michael Ma secured his seat in the 2025 election, defeating his Liberal opponent, former Toronto Deputy Police Chief Peter Yuen, by a margin of just under 2,000 votes. He received support from over 27,000 constituents who expected him to uphold Conservative values in Ottawa.
A Riding with Recent Controversy
The political drama in Markham-Unionville is not new. The petition's context references the controversy that embroiled the riding just before the election. The Liberal candidate originally slated for the race, Paul Chiang, was forced to step down after making controversial remarks to Chinese-language media regarding Conservative candidate Joe Tay.
Prime Minister Mark Carney publicly welcomed Michael Ma to the Liberal caucus at their holiday party on Thursday, December 11, 2025, just hours after the defection. The petition organizer declined to comment further when approached by the Toronto Sun.
The rapid growth of the petition to over 37,000 signatures signals profound discontent among voters and sets the stage for a significant political challenge. It forces a conversation about the ethics of floor-crossing and whether an MP's mandate is tied to their party affiliation or can be unilaterally transferred.
