Up to 10 Members of Parliament are reportedly in discussions with Liberal delegates from Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office about potential floor-crossings, a move that could solidify the party’s grip on power in the House of Commons. Sources indicate these talks target both Conservative and NDP members, signaling a broader strategy to reshape the political landscape ahead of critical byelections.
The Liberals have already secured four floor-crossers in recent months, bringing their seat count to 170—just two shy of a majority in the 343-seat chamber. The latest defection came from Nunavut MP Lori Idlout, who left the NDP to join the government caucus on March 10. Idlout, the first New Democrat to cross, cited the need for a “strong and ambitious government” to address sovereignty threats and well-being in the North as her rationale for the switch.
“I have been hearing clearly from Nunavummiut that this is a crucial moment for Nunavut and for all of Canada,” Idlout said in a statement. “The success of that work needs all of our voices.”
Before Idlout, three former Conservative MPs—Chris D’Entremont, Michael Ma, and Matt Jeneroux—also joined the Liberals, with Jeneroux’s defection in February 2026 marking a high-profile shift. Jeneroux pointed to Carney’s Davos speech as a turning point, highlighting the Prime Minister’s focus on national unity as a key motivator. Carney later named him a special advisor on economic and security partnerships, leveraging his international affairs experience.
With three byelections scheduled for April 13, 2026, the Liberals are positioned to potentially clinch a majority even without additional defections. Two Toronto-area ridings, vacated by former cabinet ministers Chrystia Freeland and Bill Blair, are considered safe seats for the party. The third contest in the Montreal-area riding of Terrebonne, however, remains a tight race after a one-vote Liberal win last spring was annulled by the Supreme Court over an Elections Canada error.
Interim NDP leader Don Davies expressed disappointment over Idlout’s departure, reiterating the party’s stance that floor-crossers should face their voters in byelections. The NDP caucus now stands at just six members, underscoring the impact of such shifts.
Even at 172 seats, a majority would still hinge on the vote of Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia, a Quebec Liberal who traditionally only casts a deciding vote in ties. This dynamic could force the government to rely on opposition support for contentious legislation unless more MPs cross over.
The potential addition of up to 10 more opposition members would not only secure a working majority but also reshape confidence votes and legislative agendas. With the Terrebonne byelection pitting Liberal Tatiana Auguste against Bloc Québécois incumbent Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagné in a rematch, the outcome on April 13 could tip the balance further in Carney’s favor.
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