For the last five months, many Canadians have watched with alarm defections by five Members of Parliament, four from the Conservative Party and one from the NDP. These defections – or “floor crossings” – have contributed in no small measure to a Liberal majority government, a mandate that they did not win directly from the voters during the last federal election a year ago.
The five recent floor-crossers were Chris d’Entremont (Acadie—Annapolis), Michael Ma (Markham—Unionville), Matt Jeneroux (Edmonton Riverbend) and Marilyn Gladu (Sarnia—Lambton—Bkejwanong), all of whom moved from the Conservatives to the Liberals, along with Lori Idlout (Nunavut), who crossed from the NDP to the Liberals.
This phenomenon raises legitimate questions about democracy, party-based politics and electoral mandates.
New Canadian Media asked its reporters to weigh in on this question: In your informed opinion, should Members of Parliament who cross the floor to another political party go back to the electorate for a fresh mandate?
Shawgi Mustafa from Toronto, specializing in economics and community journalism
Floor crossing highlights a tension between individual agency and party loyalty. While frequent switching can feel like a breach of contract with voters, mandatory by-elections might be too rigid. Instead, Canada needs clearer guidelines to ensure transitions are based on principle rather than political opportunism. Until the system evolves, the debate remains: does a seat belong to the party or the person? Without a fresh mandate, the democratic connection between MP and constituent is undeniably strained.
Faith Tabladillo, Edmonton, Alberta, specializing in community reporting
Canadians are witnessing a reshaping of what partisanship looks like. A new mandate is not required when MPs cross the floor as this allows them to better serve their constituency. For example, in 2003, Scott Brison crossed the floor to join the Liberals after the new Conservative Party, formed from the PC-Alliance merger, was no longer aligned with his political values. If MPs are transparent about their reasons for switching, act in good faith rather than political opportunism, and continue to represent their constituents, floor crossing can still serve the public interest.
Shilpashree Jagannathan from Hamilton, Ont. journalist covering public affairs
Yes. Floor crossing is a breach of trust. When MPs seek votes, they do so not just as individuals but as representatives of a party and its ideology. Voters choose both. Switching parties after the election changes the basis on which that mandate was won. If an MP no longer stands with the party they were elected under, they should resign and go back to the electorate for a fresh mandate.
Diary Marif, Vancouver-based Kurdish writer, award-winning journalist, and community storyteller
In short, no. In a democratic country like Canada, people elect representatives, not just party affiliations. MPs are chosen for their judgment, values, and ability to serve the public. They should have the freedom to make decisions, including leaving a party or joining another, if their party’s policies no longer reflect the people’s needs. In such cases, MPs must act in the public interest. Crossing the floor can be a principled choice, not a betrayal.
Karen Habashi, Independent Journalist in Langley, B.C.
Personally, I can’t fathom the idea of crossing the floor being a legal thing. If the MP was elected due to their party and what they stand for in their electoral district, then they should resign and get a new election under the party they crossed to. Otherwise, this looks very undemocratic. When you see the ideologies of some of the Conservatives who crossed to the Liberal side, they’re extremely right-wing. How can you suddenly, after years, change 180 degrees? Is there a hidden incentive or agenda at play?
(Publisher’s note: Some of the responses have been edited for clarity and brevity.)
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