Conservative MP Michael Ma Defects to Liberals

In a significant shift in Canadian politics, Conservative Member of Parliament Michael Ma announced Thursday that he is joining the Liberal caucus, becoming the second opposition lawmaker to defect since Prime Minister Mark Carney's election victory in April. The move, which bolsters the Liberals' position in the minority government, leaves them with 171 seats in the 343-seat House of Commons, just one short of the 172 needed for a majority.

Ma, who represents the Toronto-area riding of Markham-Unionville, made the announcement shortly after the fall parliamentary session concluded. In a statement, he explained his decision stemmed from consultations with constituents and reflections on the country's direction. "After listening carefully to the people of Markham-Unionville in recent weeks and reflecting with my family on the direction of our country, I have informed the Speaker and the Leader of the Opposition that I will be joining Prime Minister Mark Carney in the government caucus," Ma said. He emphasized his entry into politics to prioritize solutions over division, adding that Carney's approach aligns with the practical priorities he hears from voters while door-knocking.