New Poll Shows Canadians Divided on Ethics of Floor Crossing for Majority Government
A recent survey conducted by Leger for Postmedia has uncovered significant public concern regarding the political practice of floor crossing in Canadian federal politics. The poll specifically examines Prime Minister Mark Carney's ongoing efforts to secure a parliamentary majority by convincing opposition MPs to join the Liberal caucus.
Strong Majority Views Tactics as Unethical
According to the poll results, 51% of Canadians believe that Carney and his Liberal Party are behaving "unethically by trying to achieve a majority status with floor crossings." This sentiment reveals a clear discomfort among the electorate with what some perceive as political maneuvering rather than principled governance.
The partisan divide on this issue is particularly striking. Among Conservative voters, 82% view the floor crossing attempts as unethical, while only 26% of Liberal supporters share this perspective. Just 26% of all Canadians believe securing a majority through floor crossings is ethical, including 46% of Liberals and a mere 8% of Conservatives.
Public Opinion on Floor Crossing Consequences
Canadians appear to favor stricter consequences for MPs who choose to cross the floor. The poll indicates that:
- 38% believe MPs who cross should face voters in a byelection
- 26% think crossing MPs should sit as independents until the next election
- Only 20% are satisfied with the current system
When asked about motivations for floor crossing, 42% of respondents attribute the practice to career advancement, while 37% believe it stems from personal convictions. A strong majority of Canadians (67%) oppose allowing parties to offer cabinet posts or promotions as incentives for crossing, with 81% insisting such arrangements must be made public if they occur.
Political Context and Current Numbers
The Liberals currently hold 170 seats in the House of Commons, just two short of the 172 needed for a majority. They previously held 171 seats until Chrystia Freeland resigned earlier this month to advise the Ukrainian government on reconstruction. Her University-Rosedale riding in Toronto is considered a safe Liberal seat, meaning the party effectively needs just one more MP to reach majority status.
The Liberals have already successfully convinced two Conservative MPs to cross the floor in recent months: Nova Scotia's Chris D'Entremont and Ontario's Michael Ma. They have also reportedly courted New Democrat MP Lori Idlout from Nunavut, who has not ruled out joining the Liberals despite stating she hasn't made the move yet.
Potential Political Fallout and Election Implications
Floor crossing is expected to be a major topic at the upcoming Conservative convention in Calgary. While Liberals continue to express confidence in attracting additional floor crossers, Conservatives believe the momentum for such moves has passed.
The poll also reveals concerning numbers for Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. If an election were held today, 47% of Canadians would vote for Carney's Liberals compared to just 38% for Poilievre's Conservatives. Particularly troubling for the Conservatives is that 54% of voters over age 55—the most reliable voting demographic—support the Liberals, while only 34% back the Conservatives.
Prime Minister Carney has denied plans for a spring election when questioned, though his responses were reportedly unconvincing to some observers. Political analysts suggest that if Carney cannot secure his majority through floor crossings, Canada may face a general election before summer, forcing all parties to prepare for an early campaign season.
The ethical debate surrounding floor crossing continues to highlight fundamental questions about political representation, party loyalty, and democratic accountability in Canada's parliamentary system.
