A growing wave of public disapproval is rising against the current political maneuvering in Ottawa, as a recent poll reveals over half of Canadians view attempts to secure a majority government through floor crossings as unethical.
The Leger poll, conducted for Postmedia, highlights a deep divide along party lines. While a substantial 82% of Conservative voters condemn the practice, only 26% of Liberal supporters share that view. This disparity underscores the inherent conflict of interest when a party actively seeks to bolster its numbers by enticing members from opposing sides.
The sentiment isn’t simply about partisan loyalty; it’s about fundamental fairness. A mere 26% of all Canadians believe securing a majority through floor crossings is ethical, a figure bolstered by nearly half of Liberal voters but representing a mere 8% of Conservatives.
Beyond the ethics of the practice itself, Canadians are demanding accountability. A significant 38% believe MPs who cross the floor should face an immediate by-election, forcing them to seek a new mandate from voters. Another 26% advocate for these MPs to sit as independents until the next scheduled election.
The motivations behind these crossings are also under scrutiny. While 42% suspect career advancement is the primary driver, 37% believe personal convictions play a role. However, a resounding 67% of Canadians oppose parties offering incentives – like cabinet positions – to encourage such moves, and an overwhelming 81% insist any such offers must be made public.
The issue is poised to dominate discussions at the upcoming Conservative convention in Calgary. While the Liberals continue to express confidence in attracting further defections, Conservatives believe the window for such maneuvers may have closed.
Currently holding 170 seats, the Liberals need just two more to achieve a majority. The recent resignation of Chrystia Freeland, whose Toronto riding is considered a Liberal stronghold, effectively reduces that need to one. The successful recruitment of Nova Scotia’s Chris D’Entremont and Ontario’s Michael Ma in recent months demonstrates the Liberals’ aggressive pursuit of this goal.
The possibility of an early spring election looms large if the Liberals fail to secure additional support through floor crossings. Despite publicly dismissing the idea, Mark Carney’s hesitant responses have fueled speculation that he may be preparing for a snap election campaign.
Recent polling data suggests the Liberals currently hold a lead, with 47% support compared to the Conservatives’ 38%. However, a critical demographic – voters over 55, the most reliable voting bloc – overwhelmingly favor the Liberals, with 54% support versus 34% for the Conservatives.
Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative party face a crucial challenge: to demonstrate a united front at their convention and prepare for a potential general election. The coming months will determine whether Carney attempts to engineer a majority through controversial means or risks a national vote before the summer.
