MP floor crossing

Posted on April 9, 2026 by Ryan Dahlman

Glen Motz, MP

Every election, Canadians go to the polls to have their say about the direction they want their country to go. When voters mark their ballots in a federal election, they are not only placing their trust in an individual who they want to be their Member of Parliament (MP), they are also choosing a specific political party. They expect their MP and that party to be their voice in Ottawa and fight for the needs of their community. That is how Canada’s democratic parliamentary system is supposed to work.

The word democracy originates from the ancient Greek words demos, meaning “people,” and kratos, meaning “rule.” Together, they form the idea of “rule by the people,” a principle that remains central to democracy today. In a democratic system, the government exists to serve the people, never the other way around.  

Recently, I read an article by Canadian writer ‘Melanie in Saskatchewan’ (https://bit.ly/40AlsjR), about the recent floor crossings we’ve seen in Canada. In her words, 

“What happens when parliamentary power can be quietly reconstructed not by voters but by strategic acquisitions?”

“Instead of persuading 50,000 voters, you persuade one MP. The scoreboard shifts instantly. No campaign. No election. No voters trudging through the snow to mark an X. Just a quiet change of jersey on the House of Commons floor.”

“Because when an MP crosses the floor … something remarkable happens. The voters who cast those ballots never get a second say. The riding simply changes hands. The scoreboard updates. Democracy becomes adjustable.”

“… the most powerful force in our democracy is no longer the voter.” 

Regrettably, under Canada’s election rules, MPs are able to change parties between elections. It’s legal and has occurred before in Canadian politics. But should it be allowed without consequence?  

In recent months, Prime Minister Carney has been using ‘strategic acquisitions’ and backroom deals to circumvent democracy in order to seize a majority government that voters rejected last April.  The results will enable continued damage to our country.  

Floor crossing without returning to voters is deeply disrespectful to the democratic process and betrays the trust of the people and their vote. When MPs put their personal interests ahead of those who voted for them and a specific party, then decide to cross the floor, democracy as a whole suffers. If an MP wishes to switch parties, a by-election should automatically be triggered so voters, not political insiders, can make the final decision.   

Over the past few months, I have heard the frustrations of many constituents about recent floor crossings, and they have every right to be upset. They firmly believe that the people voted for the MP representing a party. Should that MP decide to change their mind, they should not take the seat with them as it does not belong to the MP but to the voters. The seat should stay as the voters initially wanted and perhaps the MP could sit as an independent, until a by-election is called for the voters to make the decision. 

I believe this is a reasonable voter expectation in a democracy. The integrity of our parliamentary system depends on holding politicians accountable to the people they are elected to serve. I am aware that floor crossing legislation has been proposed through Private Members Bills (PMB) several times in the past and failed. However, I believe it is a critical time to consider restoring voter trust in our democracy once again.        

My commitment is to the people of Medicine Hat–Cardston–Warner, who soundly voted Conservative. It is an immense honour to serve you. I take very seriously the trust you have placed in me to represent you in Ottawa and will not betray that trust or the democratic process, by crossing the floor. 

Glen Motz,

Medicine Hat–Cardston–Warner MP