New Democratic Party Member of Parliament Lori Idlout has made a significant move by switching allegiance to the Liberal Party. This decision potentially paves the way for Prime Minister Mark Carney to secure a majority government in the upcoming byelections.
The announcement from interim NDP Leader Don Davies expressing disappointment in Idlout’s decision came late Tuesday night. The NDP’s stance on floor-crossing is clear, emphasizing the belief that individuals shifting party affiliations should seek validation from their constituents.
This move, confirmed by three senior Liberals to CBC News and Radio-Canada, brings Prime Minister Carney closer to attaining a much-desired majority in the House of Commons. It reduces the NDP’s seat count to just six MPs while boosting the Liberals to 170 seats.
In a statement, Idlout highlighted the need for a robust government that collaborates with Nunavut on crucial matters, vowing to work with Prime Minister Carney towards a brighter future for Nunavummiut.
Idlout, representing Nunavut since 2021, becomes the fourth member to switch to the Liberal Party under Carney’s leadership and the first from the NDP. Carney has previously welcomed three Conservative MPs into his fold. To secure a slim majority in the House, the prime minister now requires two more Liberal MPs.
The upcoming byelections, scheduled for April 13, present an opportunity for Carney to potentially reach the 172-seat threshold needed for a majority. The Toronto ridings of University-Rosedale and Scarborough Southwest are projected as secure Liberal constituencies, while the Quebec riding of Terrebonne remains a close contest after the 2025 election result was annulled by the Supreme Court of Canada.
Carney’s inclusive governance approach has attracted a diverse range of MPs to consider joining his party, as indicated in his previous statements to CBC News. Despite being approached earlier about switching sides, Idlout had initially declined, emphasizing her commitment to the well-being of Nunavummiut.
Idlout’s decision to cross the floor marks a setback for the NDP, which has been striving to rebuild following a significant defeat in the previous federal election that resulted in a loss of official party status in the House of Commons.
