A federal minister hinted at potential more floor-crossings on Monday, following Ontario MP Michael Ma’s switch to the Liberals last week.
When asked if other opposition MPs might be preparing to join the government, Energy Minister Tim Hodgson mentioned that he’s been contacted.
“Let’s say I’m getting lots of inquiries,” Hodgson said during a news conference in Toronto.
Ma’s choice to leave the Conservative caucus for the Liberals – just a day after attending the Official Opposition’s Christmas party – brought the government one seat closer to a majority on Thursday.
WATCH | Hodgson asked about more potential floor-crossers:
Hodgson says he’s ‘getting lots of inquiries’ when asked about more floor-crossers
Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson, speaking in Toronto on Monday, was questioned about his part in Michael Ma crossing over to the Liberals and he replied that they are ‘proud to have him as a new caucus member.’
Hodgson wouldn’t elaborate on any personal involvement he had in persuading Ma, whose Markham-Unionville riding is close to his own riding of Markham-Thornhill.
“Our prime minister is a former businessman and a pragmatist. I’m a former businessman and a pragmatist. Michael Ma is a former businessman and a pragmatist,” Hodgson said when asked if he had reached out to Ma.
“We all share a view that it is time to unite, not divide. And I’ll let Michael speak for himself.”
Sources told that Tim Hodgson played a role in bringing Ma over. They reported that Ma met with Carney and Hodgson last Thursday afternoon.
The sources, who weren’t authorized to speak publicly, stated that the cabinet minister befriended Ma during late spring and early summer while attending events in Markham.
Ma was first elected in April, winning his seat by around 1,900 votes.
The Canadian Press has requested an interview with Ma but hasn’t received any response yet.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre believes Prime Minister Mark Carney is trying to secure majority power through behind-the-scenes arrangements.
“I think the prime minister should stop trying to manipulate a majority that Canadians denied him in democratic elections. The vast majority of Canadians voted against his costly agenda of higher debt, taxes and inflation,” he stated on Friday.
Poiilievre added that voters only gave the Liberals minority power in April’s election and “the will of the Canadian people” should be “respected.”<p
PM Carney introduces new Liberal MP Michael Ma at holiday party
Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed new Liberal MP Michael Ma onto stage during their holiday gathering. Ma switched from the Conservatives earlier that day.
With Ma onboard, Carney’s Liberals now hold 171 seats-just one short of the 172 needed for majority status. To pass legislation or survive confidence votes, they’d need two opposition members to abstain or one voting alongside them.
Government House leader Steven Mac Kinnon mentioned Friday that some Conservative MPs have been expressing their frustrations regarding their party’s political direction with Liberal MPs.
Jamie Ellerton, principal at Conaptus and Conservative strategist, likened Mac Kinnon’s remarks as stirring up trouble during what feels like betrayal among Conservative MPs.
A number of Conservative MPs voiced their shock online about Ma’s exit noting how recently he’d criticized the Liberal government while posing for photos with Poilievre at Wednesday’s Christmas event.
Poiilievre will undergo an obligatory leadership review at next month’s Conservative convention in Calgary. Despite losing two MPs this fall to the Liberals, Poilievre remains confident party members will continue supporting his leadership.
“[The Conservative Party] isn’t run by backroom wheeling and dealing on Parliament Hill. Our party members want someone who will stand up and fight for affordable homes, affordable food and for Canadians to afford hope again. And I am that leader,” Poilievre asserted.
Source link
Hodgson says he’s ‘getting lots of inquiries’ when asked about more floor-crossers
Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson, speaking in Toronto on Monday, was questioned about his part in Michael Ma crossing over to the Liberals and he replied that they are ‘proud to have him as a new caucus member.’
Hodgson wouldn’t elaborate on any personal involvement he had in persuading Ma, whose Markham-Unionville riding is close to his own riding of Markham-Thornhill.
“Our prime minister is a former businessman and a pragmatist. I’m a former businessman and a pragmatist. Michael Ma is a former businessman and a pragmatist,” Hodgson said when asked if he had reached out to Ma.
“We all share a view that it is time to unite, not divide. And I’ll let Michael speak for himself.”
Sources told that Tim Hodgson played a role in bringing Ma over. They reported that Ma met with Carney and Hodgson last Thursday afternoon.
The sources, who weren’t authorized to speak publicly, stated that the cabinet minister befriended Ma during late spring and early summer while attending events in Markham.
Ma was first elected in April, winning his seat by around 1,900 votes.
The Canadian Press has requested an interview with Ma but hasn’t received any response yet.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre believes Prime Minister Mark Carney is trying to secure majority power through behind-the-scenes arrangements.
“I think the prime minister should stop trying to manipulate a majority that Canadians denied him in democratic elections. The vast majority of Canadians voted against his costly agenda of higher debt, taxes and inflation,” he stated on Friday.
Poiilievre added that voters only gave the Liberals minority power in April’s election and “the will of the Canadian people” should be “respected.”<p
PM Carney introduces new Liberal MP Michael Ma at holiday party
Prime Minister Mark Carney welcomed new Liberal MP Michael Ma onto stage during their holiday gathering. Ma switched from the Conservatives earlier that day.
With Ma onboard, Carney’s Liberals now hold 171 seats-just one short of the 172 needed for majority status. To pass legislation or survive confidence votes, they’d need two opposition members to abstain or one voting alongside them.
Government House leader Steven Mac Kinnon mentioned Friday that some Conservative MPs have been expressing their frustrations regarding their party’s political direction with Liberal MPs.
Jamie Ellerton, principal at Conaptus and Conservative strategist, likened Mac Kinnon’s remarks as stirring up trouble during what feels like betrayal among Conservative MPs.
A number of Conservative MPs voiced their shock online about Ma’s exit noting how recently he’d criticized the Liberal government while posing for photos with Poilievre at Wednesday’s Christmas event.
Poiilievre will undergo an obligatory leadership review at next month’s Conservative convention in Calgary. Despite losing two MPs this fall to the Liberals, Poilievre remains confident party members will continue supporting his leadership.
“[The Conservative Party] isn’t run by backroom wheeling and dealing on Parliament Hill. Our party members want someone who will stand up and fight for affordable homes, affordable food and for Canadians to afford hope again. And I am that leader,” Poilievre asserted.Source link
