The recent defection of two Conservative Members of Parliament to the governing Liberal Party has upended the traditional script for such political moves in Ottawa. Unlike typical floor-crossings, which are usually accompanied by public grievances or ideological shifts, the moves by Chris d'Entremont and Michael Ma have left observers puzzled due to their lack of stated policy disagreements with their former party.
A Departure from the Norm
In Canadian political history, MPs who cross the floor typically provide a clear rationale. This often involves a specific policy conflict, a pattern of dissent, or a fundamental disillusionment with their party's direction. The recent actions of d'Entremont and Ma defy this pattern entirely.
Chris d'Entremont, the MP for Acadie-Annapolis, joined the Liberal benches on November 4, 2025. In his statement, he framed the decision as a desire to govern rather than oppose, saying he wanted to lead "with confidence in a strong future" instead of complaint. Notably absent was any criticism of Conservative Party platforms or leadership.
Similarly, Michael Ma, representing Markham-Unionville, announced his switch on December 11, 2025. He stated his move was the result of "listening carefully" to his constituents, again offering no substantive critique of his former Conservative colleagues. Both MPs had maintained records of party loyalty right up until their defections.
Contrast with Historic Precedents
These recent events stand in stark contrast to some of Canada's most famous floor-crossings, which were rooted in clear political or ideological divides.
In 2003, MP Scott Brison left the newly formed Conservative Party of Canada to join the Liberals under Prime Minister Paul Martin. Brison publicly cited the Conservatives' opposition to same-sex marriage as a key reason, stating he was abandoning "rigid ideologies." His defection was principle-driven and explicitly linked to a social policy issue.
The 2005 crossing of Conservative MP Belinda Stronach was widely seen as an act of political opportunism, as it instantly earned her a cabinet post in Paul Martin's minority government and helped avert a non-confidence vote. Even so, Stronach justified her move by arguing it prevented an election that could have elevated the Bloc Québécois to a kingmaker position, providing a strategic, if controversial, rationale for the public.
Unanswered Questions and Political Implications
The absence of a traditional grievance or goal in the defections of d'Entremont and Ma marks a significant departure. It raises questions about the motivations behind such moves in the modern political landscape and challenges the public's expectation of transparency from elected officials when they make such consequential decisions.
While floor-crossing itself is a legitimate parliamentary maneuver, these instances underscore a shift where the act appears disconnected from the public debates over policy and ideology that typically define party politics. The long-term implications for party discipline, voter trust, and the nature of political allegiance in Canada remain to be seen.
