In the world of politics, crossing the aisle can be a risky move for Members of Parliament, with a low success rate in the following elections. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal minority government has gained support from four opposition MPs, bringing them closer to a potential majority government.
A detailed chart has been created to document every federal MP who switched parties since 2004, tracking the timing of their move and whether it led to a return to Parliament or an exit from politics.
Some notable success stories include Belinda Stronach, who shifted from the Conservatives to the Liberals in 2005 and managed to retain her seat in the subsequent election before retiring from politics in 2008. Leona Alleslev and Jenica Atwin also successfully reclaimed their seats after changing parties.
However, not all MPs have had positive outcomes after switching allegiances. For instance, Wajid Khan lost his seat to a Liberal candidate after leaving the party to join the Conservatives. Eve Adams faced rejection from Liberal members in a nomination battle, failing to secure a spot in Justin Trudeau’s government.
Public opinion on floor crossing remains largely negative, with only a quarter of Canadians supporting MPs who switch parties finishing their terms. The focus now shifts to three upcoming byelections on April 13, which could potentially secure a majority for Carney’s government that narrowly eluded them in the 2025 election.
