A recent survey indicates that Canadians hold divergent views on the appropriate actions to take when a Member of Parliament (MP) decides to switch political parties. The poll, conducted by Nanos Research for The Globe and Mail, reflects public sentiment in the wake of the Liberal Party’s recent transition from a minority to a majority government, following three by-elections and several MPs crossing the floor.
The Poll Findings
The survey, carried out between May 3 and May 6, gathered responses from over 1,000 Canadians aged 18 and older, achieving a margin of error of ±3 percentage points. The results show a nearly even split among respondents on how to handle floor-crossing MPs. Specifically, 34% believe that those MPs should resign and seek re-election through a by-election, while 32% feel they should serve as independents until the next general election. Meanwhile, 30% support the idea of MPs freely switching parties without any repercussions. An additional 4% of participants were uncertain.
The rules governing the House of Commons allow MPs to change their party affiliation without necessitating a resignation. However, this practice remains a hotbed of political controversy, igniting debates across party lines.
Political Reactions and Context
The issue of floor crossing has drawn sharp criticism from the Conservative and New Democratic parties, both of which have condemned recent defections to the Liberal Party. The Conservatives argue that voters should have the power to instigate a by-election through a petition, while the NDP insists that any MP who crosses the floor must resign immediately and face the electorate.
Historically, Conservative governments have welcomed floor crossers from other parties; however, the current Liberal administration defends these moves as legitimate choices made by MPs who believe they can better serve their constituents within the Liberal fold.
Regional Perspectives and Cultural Influences
Nik Nanos, the chief data scientist at Nanos Research, noted that the public’s views on this issue appear to be influenced by longstanding personal values and regional cultural differences. For instance, in the Prairies, 43% of respondents believe that MPs should resign and pursue a by-election, while in Quebec, 45% think that MPs should act as independents.
Nanos highlighted that initiatives for recalling MPs often stem from Western Canada, which is marked by a strong grassroots, populist ethos. In contrast, Quebec’s historical context—including referendums on sovereignty—gives rise to a more independent-minded populace.
The Current Political Landscape
As of the 2025 federal election, the Liberal Party held 169 seats but was three short of a majority. The resignation of two cabinet ministers, Chrystia Freeland and Bill Blair, along with a court ruling that overturned the vote in Terrebonne, further reduced their count to 166 seats.
In November 2025, Nova Scotia MP Chris d’Entremont became the first Conservative to cross the floor, followed by four more opposition members—three Conservatives and one New Democrat—bringing the Liberal seat total to 171. The recent by-election victories in April solidified the Liberals’ majority, yet public opinion remains conflicted regarding the implications of MPs changing party allegiance.
When asked about the overall impact of the Liberals’ shift to a majority government, 53% of respondents expressed optimism, believing the country would be better off, while 26% thought it would fare worse. Nanos interpreted these sentiments as a desire for stability, particularly in light of economic challenges and geopolitical uncertainties.
Why it Matters
The issue of MPs switching parties resonates deeply within the Canadian political landscape, as it touches upon democratic principles, electoral accountability, and the ever-evolving relationship between constituents and their representatives. As the Liberal government navigates trade negotiations and domestic challenges, public opinion on floor crossing will likely continue to shape the discourse surrounding political integrity and governance in Canada. The divisions revealed in this poll underscore a nation grappling with its democratic values in a rapidly changing political environment.
