The Liberals need a few floor-crossers to form a majority. That might not be so easy

With the federal Liberals falling just short of a majority government, there has been speculation about Prime Minister Mark Carney potentially trying to convince members of other parties to cross the floor and join the Liberal ranks. However, this would be a challenging task, as crossing the floor requires a significant amount of moral flexibility, according to former B.C. NDP MP Nathan Cullen.

Cullen emphasized that crossing the floor can lead to a lack of trust from both the party being left behind and the party being joined. He warned that those who cross the floor should be prepared for some lonely days ahead. While most MPs are elected with a party affiliation, they are not obligated to remain with that party.

Crossing the floor involves breaking all ties with a particular political party, according to the House of Commons Procedure and Practice. Prime Minister Carney, when asked about potential floor crossings, did not provide a direct answer but stated that his mandate is strong.

Although overtures could be made to members of any party, the Liberals may see some NDP MPs as more susceptible to crossing the floor due to the party’s loss of seats and recognized party status. However, some NDP members, like MP-elect Jenny Kwan, have publicly stated their commitment to remaining with the party.

High-profile floor crossings in Canadian politics, such as Belinda Stronach and David Emerson, have drawn controversy and scrutiny. Cullen believes that such floor crossings can be political suicide and that party switchers often face electoral consequences.

Christopher Cochrane, a political science professor, highlighted the challenges for potential floor-crossers, including the need to be in a winnable district and aligned with the party’s ideology. Cochrane also noted the potential morale and loyalty issues within the party if a floor-crosser receives a prominent role.

Despite being a few seats away from a majority government, Liberal strategist Stevie O’Brien suggested that Prime Minister Carney may not necessarily need to poach MPs from other parties. With no party showing a desire for an election, there may not be an immediate need for a majority government. The Bloc Québécois has indicated a willingness to support the government as long as U.S. President Donald Trump remains a threat, reducing the urgency for Carney to court other parties.