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Switching sides: A brief history of floor-crossing in Canada
Library of Parliament data shows 307 MPs have switched parties since 1867, with reasons including leadership changes, ideological shifts, and strategic motives, experts say.
- On Dec. 12, 2025, The Canadian Press reported more than 300 members of Parliament have changed parties since Confederation, with the Library of Parliament counting 307 including 158 party switches and 149 Independents.
- Party mergers and leadership changes have prompted many switches, including Scott Brison, former Progressive Conservative MP, after the 2003 merger and Belinda Stronach, former Conservative leadership candidate and MP, in 2005.
- Historic incidents include Stewart Campbell’s 1868 switch to the Liberal-Conservatives, David Emerson’s 2006 move prompting an Ethics inquiry, and recent shifts by Eve Adams and Jenica Atwin.
- Polls show constituents can react angrily when Michael Ma crosses to the Liberals, with roughly equal acceptance and opposition among Canadians, according to the Angus Reid Institute.
- Reform proposals include Library of Parliament figures showing over 300 MPs have changed parties since 1867, with debate over by-elections and Independent status continuing.
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32 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources32
Leaning Left23Leaning Right1Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution88% Left
Bias Distribution
- 88% of the sources lean Left
88% Left
L 88%
Factuality
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