Nunavut MP Lori Idlout speaks in the House of Commons on Friday, February 13, 2026. (The Canadian Press)
New Democratic Party (NDP) Member of Parliament (MP) Lori Idlout has decided to cross the floor and join the Liberal Party, a move that boosts Prime Minister Mark Carney’s bid for a majority government. This shift is especially significant as the Liberals now sit closer to a majority in the House of Commons, pending the outcome of upcoming byelections.
Reaction from NDP
The floor-crossing has sparked reactions from within the NDP. Interim NDP Leader Don Davies expressed disappointment late Tuesday night, saying in a statement, “We’re very disappointed that Lori Idlout has decided to join the Liberal caucus.” He further emphasized that the NDP has a long-standing stance on floor-crossing, stating that when an elected representative rejects the decision of their voters and joins another party, they should seek approval from their constituents.
The Path to a Liberal Majority
Idlout’s decision brings the Liberal Party closer to securing a majority government, a goal that Prime Minister Carney has been striving toward. With Idlout’s shift, the NDP’s seat count drops to six MPs, while the Liberals rise to 170 seats.
Idlout has represented Nunavut in the House of Commons since 2021, and her defection marks the fourth floor-crosser to join Carney’s Liberal team. Carney had already gained three Conservative MPs in recent months: Chris d'Entremont from Nova Scotia, Michael Ma from Toronto, and Matt Jeneroux from Edmonton.
Liberals Nearing Majority
Prime Minister Carney now needs just two more MPs to reach 172 seats, which would grant him a slim majority in the House of Commons. This could be achieved with the results of three upcoming byelections, which are scheduled for April 13.
Two of the byelections, in University-Rosedale and Scarborough Southwest in Toronto, are considered strong Liberal territories. However, the situation is more uncertain in Terrebonne, Quebec, where the Liberal candidate won by a slim margin of one vote in the 2025 federal election. The result in this riding was later annulled by the Supreme Court of Canada, and a new election will take place on April 13.
The Byelections That Could Seal the Deal
The results of these three byelections are critical for Carney’s efforts to gain a majority. The Toronto ridings of University-Rosedale and Scarborough Southwest are regarded as safe for the Liberals, making those elections relatively predictable. The Quebec riding of Terrebonne presents a more competitive scenario. The Liberals won this seat by just one vote in 2025, making it an important race to watch.
If the Liberals win all three byelections, Carney will be just a couple of seats away from a majority, which would make governing more secure and give the Liberals more influence in the House of Commons.
Idlout's Shift and Previous Statements
The floor-crossing also highlights the shifting political landscape. While Lori Idlout had previously been approached about joining the Liberals, she had rejected the idea in January. At that time, she stated, “Whatever I decide, it will be what I think is best for Nunavummiut,” referring to the people of her riding.
Interestingly, just days before crossing the floor, Idlout had expressed her support for Avi Lewis, a contender for NDP leadership, at a rally in Ottawa. Despite this, her decision to join the Liberals represents a significant blow to the NDP, which is still trying to rebuild after suffering a setback in the last federal election. That election saw the NDP lose its official party status in the House of Commons.
Lori Idlout’s move to the Liberal Party has furthered Prime Minister Carney’s push for a majority government, bringing the Liberals closer to securing the 172 seats they need in the House of Commons. While the NDP has expressed disappointment, the shift highlights the fluid nature of Canadian politics, with members crossing party lines as the political landscape evolves.
