The Liberal government is one step closer to forming a majority as another opposition MP has decided to join its ranks.
Former NDP MP for Nunavut Lori Idlout was accompanied into her first Liberal caucus meeting by Prime Minister Mark Carney who praised his new recruit as one of “Canada’s greatest constituency MPs.”
Noting that she represents a riding the size of Mexico, Carney called Idlout “down to earth” and said he’s had conversations with her about what they can do, “Both large and small, in Nunavut.”
Speaking to reporters before being welcomed by chants of “Lo-ri! Lo-ri! Lo-ri!” in caucus, Idlout said there were a number of factors that led to her decision to cross the floor.
“It wasn’t just one thing that happened. There are a variety of many things that have allowed me to really reflect on this, and I’m very thankful to be so warmly welcomed,” said Idlout. On Tuesday, she cited “threats against our sovereignty” and pressures on peoples’ wellbeing in the north.
Conservative critic for arctic affairs and northern economic development Bob Zimmer has worked closely with Idlout and called her move “unfortunate.”
“To see her now go to the Liberals who she’s so readily criticized over the last number of years, to me, it’s a little strange,” said Zimmer. “I’ve seen comments from people in Nunavut that a lot of comments that aren’t happy with her move.”
In a post on social media the Prime Minister expressed how honoured he is to welcome Idlout, touting the former NDP MP’s work in “fighting for Nunavut’s potential and the immediate needs of its people.”
In a statement released through the Liberal Party, Idlout said Mark Carney is the first Prime Minister from the North and, “this turning point in our history, I am ready to work with him to build a strong future for Nunavut and for all of Canada.”
Idlout was first elected in the riding of Nunavut in 2021 and narrowly won by 41 votes in the 2025 election. The 51-year old MP said she has been hearing from Nunavummiut that this is a crucial moment for the territory and the country.
“That is why after much personal reflection and encouragement from my community, family, and supporters, I have decided to join the government caucus and to work alongside Prime Minister Mark Carney to build the better future that Nunavummiut are counting on,” Idlout said in a statement.
The Nunavut MP also said there is a need for policies that reflect the culture, language, and rights of Inuit and Canadians all throughout the North.
Liberal MPs welcomed their newest member with open arms as they arrived for their caucus meeting on parliament hill.
“I think it’s fantastic, way to go Laurie for crossing the line,” said the Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency Rebecca Chartrand. “We’ve been doing a lot of work just across party lines, focusing on the north and what’s important to her and to our ministry. So really happy.”
Byelection looms
With 170 members of Parliament, the Liberals could form a majority if they win two of the three byelections scheduled for April 13. They’re taking place in three riding that had been won in the last election by the Liberals: Scarborough Southwest, Terrebonne and University—Rosedale.
“Well, the math is the math,” Liberal caucus chair James Maloney told reporters. “I mean, if we’re going to get to 173 if we win all three by elections, and yeah, obviously there’s more stability.”
In a statement late Tuesday night, interim NDP leader Don Davies said he was “very disappointed” as he announced Idlout’s defection from his party.
Interim NDP leader Don Davies said he was “very disappointed” as he announced Idlout’s defection from his party in a Tuesday statement.
After meeting with his caucus of now six MPs, Davies reiterated the NDP’s stance that floor crossers should have to run in a by-election if they want to change parties adding he’s “becoming increasingly concerned by the way that mister Carney is trying to stitch together a majority government.”
“Whether or not there’s a majority government is fundamentally a decision of the Canadian people at the ballot box, and it should happen that way, not through backroom deals cut behind closed doors in Ottawa,” said Davies.
Members of his caucus also expressed disappointment as their six members gathers across from parliament hill for their weekly meeting.
Quebec MP Alexandre Boulerice batted away reporters’ questions by saying “no comment” on his way into caucus, while pointing to Davies’ statement from Tuesday night.
“We will carry on, and the NDP will fight on,” NDP MP Jenny Kwan told media.
Wearing a t-shirt with former NDP Jack Layton’s face on it and the word “hope,” NDP MP for the B.C. riding of Courtenay-Alberni Gord Johns issued a warning to the country.
“Canada needs the NDP more than any other time in our history, I can tell you that,” said Johns. “Canadians are about to learn that real quick.”
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who lost three of his own MPs to the Liberals over the last four months criticized the latest floor crossing on social media.
“Mark Carney is using back room deals to seize a costly majority that voters rejected, which will enable Liberals to balloon debt, inflate the cost of living, block resources and turn criminals loose on our streets,” Poilievre posted on X.
Members of the Conservative caucus echoed that sentiment while saying any MP who wishes to cross the floor to another party should consult voters first.
“The MP in question needs to talk to her constituents and say Mark Carney is getting a back room through back room deals what he couldn’t get in the last election,” said Conservative MP Dan Albas. “When I went door knocking in my riding in the south Kelowna area, people said that they felt that members of parliament should not, especially just after running in an election for one team, suddenly switch and reverse all their principles.”