How floor crossing reshaped Canada’s political landscape over 150 years
Floor crossing in Canadian politics has a long history, with the first recorded instance occurring in 1868. Since then, over 300 Members of Parliament have switched parties while in office. Recently, this practice has seen a decline, with only 80 MPs changing affiliations in the last 25 years.
The first known MP to cross the floor was Stewart Campbell in 1868. He left the Anti-Confederates to join the Liberal-Conservatives. More recently, in 2018, Leona Alleslev switched from the Liberals to the Conservatives, citing dissatisfaction with the Liberal government's handling of various challenges. Nova Scotia MP Chris d'Entremont also made a significant move in 2013, leaving the Conservatives to join the Liberals, bringing the government caucus close to a majority.
Some high-profile switches include David Emerson's jump to the Conservatives just two weeks after winning a federal election as a Liberal in 2006. In 2003, Progressive Conservative MP Scott Brison crossed the floor to the Liberals, stating that the party better reflected his personal values. Belinda Stronach made a similar move in 2005, citing then-Conservative leader Stephen Harper's insensitivity to the needs of all parts of the country. In 2000, Quebec MPs David Price and Diane St-Jacques left the Progressive Conservatives to join the Liberals to prevent their seats from going to the Bloc Québécois.
Of the 307 MPs who have changed their political affiliation since 1867, 158 switched from one party to another, and 149 were Independents either before or after changing affiliation. While floor crossing has been a part of Canadian politics for over a century, it has become less common in recent years.
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