Post by : Meena Ariff

The recent shift of Conservative MP Michael Ma to the Liberal Party has sparked renewed discussions about the legitimacy of Canadian parliamentary governance.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre argues this move indicates political maneuvering, claiming Prime Minister Mark Carney is trying to gain a majority by way of backdoor deals instead of through public votes. He asserts that a genuine majority government arises only from general elections, not through attracting MPs from other parties.

In contrast, Carney rebuffs these assertions, suggesting that true legitimacy stems from the capacity to secure the confidence of the House. He believes it doesn't matter if that trust is built through elections, partnerships, or individual MPs switching allegiances; it aligns with parliamentary customs.

In Canada’s political system, voters don’t directly select majority or minority governments; they choose individual MPs who make the decision on leadership. As long as a prime minister can navigate confidence votes successfully, the government maintains its validity under parliamentary frameworks.

Cross-party floor-switching is a common phenomenon in Canadian politics. Historically, MPs from various parties have altered their loyalties, including notable shifts towards Conservative administrations. Notably, efforts to curb this practice have not succeeded, such as a proposal requiring MPs to run in byelections after switching parties.

Critics claim that such defections diminish voter confidence, particularly when MPs forsake the beliefs they championed during election cycles. On the other hand, proponents argue that MPs are entrusted to make decisions and should not merely act as representatives of party leadership.

Historically, minor governments have needed collaborations for survival. In the last Parliament, the Liberals relied on support from another party through a confidence-and-supply agreement, effectively constructing a working majority without formal floor changes.

What sets this scenario apart is that individual defections could singularly elevate the governing party to a majority status. Although unusual at the federal level, this strategy remains legal.

Ultimately, the electorate holds the power. MPs who make such shifts—and the leaders who invite them—must account for their actions by the next election. In Canada’s parliamentary system, political ramifications may be delayed, but they are inevitable.

#Political News #Canada News #World News