Michael Ma, the MP for Markham-Unionville, speaks at the Liberal caucus holiday gathering in Ottawa on Dec. 11. The Canadian Press
Ontario MP Michael Ma has explained his decision to change parties. He left the Conservatives and joined the Liberals last week. The move surprised many colleagues. Ma said he made the choice the same day it became public.
Just one night earlier, Ma attended a Conservative holiday event. He posed for photos with party leader Pierre Poilievre. At that time, Ma said he still supported the party fully.
“I was truly a Conservative member and an MP,” Ma said.
Meeting Changed His Direction
Ma said everything changed the following day. He met with Prime Minister Mark Carney. After that meeting, Ma decided to switch parties. He spoke publicly for the first time since his announcement.
Ma said the meeting helped clarify his goals. He felt the Liberals now matched his views better. He pointed to Carney’s focus on economic issues. He also praised the party’s move toward the political centre.
Impact on Parliament Balance
Ma’s decision affected the balance of power. The Liberals now hold 171 seats. That total leaves them one seat short of a majority. The shift raised strong reactions across Parliament.
Poilievre criticized the move strongly. He argued a majority built through party switching lacks legitimacy. He accused the Prime Minister of avoiding accountability.
Ma Defends His Choice
Ma said his beliefs have not changed. He rejected claims of political betrayal. He said he still supports strong action on crime. He also said he remains focused on economic growth.
“I’m still believing in fighting crime and growing the economy,” Ma said.
Ma explained he wants to serve his community better. He represents Markham–Unionville in the Toronto area. He first won the seat in April. He believes joining the government helps him deliver results.
Better Access for Constituents
Ma said his new role gives him better access. He can now speak directly with ministers. He also has access to the Prime Minister. He said this helps him raise local concerns faster.
“I think this is a better approach than creating very negative views and not finding solutions,” Ma said.
Ma joined the Liberal caucus soon after the House rose. He attended the Liberal holiday party that same evening. Carney welcomed him with a joke.
“You are going to have a much better time spending Christmas with us than Christmas with the cranks,” Carney said.
Conservative Reaction Remains Harsh
Conservative MPs reacted with anger. They shared photos from their holiday event. They also highlighted Ma’s past criticism of the Liberal government. Some pointed to his comments on crime policy.
Poilievre said Ma’s move followed a pattern. He accused Carney of trying to build power without elections. He warned of an agenda Canadians did not support.
Not the First Defection
Ma is not the first to leave the party. Nova Scotia MP Chris d’Entremont joined the Liberals in November. That earlier move raised similar concerns.
Poilievre avoided saying if more MPs might leave. He said Carney wants control without public approval.
“The reason he wants to get a costly majority through floor-crossing is so that he can implement a very unpopular and expensive agenda that is the opposite of what Canadians voted for, without any accountability for the next three years,” Poilievre said.
Prime Minister Responds
Carney denied recruiting MPs. He said members approached him voluntarily. He defended his position on parliamentary support.
“We’re in a Parliament, and when we pass legislation, we need more people voting for it than against it,” he said.
“Last time I checked, that’s the way Parliament works.”
