OTTAWA — Toronto MP Michael Ma is leaving the Conservatives to join Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberals.
Ma, who represents Markham-Unionville, said in a statement Thursday that he made the decision after listening “carefully” to the people on his trips in recent weeks and reflecting with his family on the direction of the country.
Ma said now is a time for “unity and decisive action for Canada's future.”
He said Carney offers “the sustainable, hands-on approach we need to achieve the priorities I hear about every day when I knock on doors in Markham-Unionville.”
“This includes making life more affordable, growing a strong Canadian economy, strengthening public safety and creating real opportunities for the young people and families who work hard to build their Canadian dream,” Ma said.
“I entered public service to help people – to focus on solutions, not division. I look forward to working with Prime Minister Carney to ensure that Markham-Unionville and all of Canada can confidently move forward and build a stronger, safer and more prosperous future.”
His move puts the Liberals one seat behind the majority government's 171 seats.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre said on social media that Ma had “failed” those who elected him.
Poilievre said Ma was elected conservative by Markham-Unionville voters “to fight liberal inflationary spending driving up the cost of living in his community.”
“Today he chose to support the very policies he was elected against,” Poilievre said. “The people he has failed the most are the ones who elected him to fight for an affordable future. He will have to answer to them.”
Last month, Nova Scotia MP Chris d'Entremont left the Conservative caucus to join the Liberals, just hours after the government introduced its latest budget in the House of Commons.
This news did not really please d'Entremont's former colleagues in the faction.
Deputy Conservative Leader Melissa Lanzman said d'Entremont chose not to do the job Conservative voters sent him to Ottawa to do. Ontario Conservative MP Leslyn Lewis said the situation is “very sad.”
A few days after d'Entremont left the Conservative caucus, Conservative Matt Genereux announced his plans to step down as a member of parliament. At the time, Poilievre said on social media that Generou planned to resign as a deputy next spring.
Ma was first elected as a lawmaker in the last federal election.
He ran against Liberal Peter Yuen. Yuen was chosen as the region's candidate after Paul Chan resigned.
Chan resigned as the Liberal candidate in Markham-Unionville after he suggested to the media that he would hand over a political opponent to Chinese officials for a reward.
Carney condemned Chang's comments but endorsed the candidate before he withdrew.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 11, 2025.
