Nunavut MP Lori Idlout crossing floor to join Liberal party

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The stakes have been raised again ahead of next month’s federal byelections that will decide whether Prime Minister Mark Carney lands a coveted majority government.

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Interim NDP leader Don Davies announced late Tuesday on social media that Nunavut MP Lori Idlout had crossed the floor to the Liberals, meaning the Grits need only to win two of three byelections set for April 13 to push their seat total into majority territory.

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Davies said in a statement that his party was “very disappointed” to learn of the defection of Idlout, who serves as the vast territory’s lone MP.

“The position of the New Democrats on floor-crossing is longstanding and clear,” the Vancouver Kingsway MP said. “We believe that when someone rejects the decision of their electors and wants to join another party, they should put that decision to their voters.

“In democracy, something as important as the choice of party representation in Parliament must always remain with our constituents. We believe that should happen here.”

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‘Tireless advocate for Nunavut’

Justice Minister Sean Fraser congratulated Idlout on social media, calling her a “tireless advocate for Nunavut and a constructive partner on key priorities like housing, including work supporting the Nunavut 3000 vision.

“Her focus has always been on delivering real outcomes for the people she represents,” he said on X.

Carney had yet to comment on the decision.

The 51-year Idlout, who has served as Nunavut’s representative since 2021, is the fourth MP to cross the floor to the Liberals since November with the last three defectors all being Conservatives.

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Fourth MP to cross floor in recent months

Nova Scotia MP Chris d’Entremont left the Tories in early November, citing a growing disconnect with party Leader Pierre Poilievre. He was then followed by Markham–Unionville MP Michael Ma in December and Alberta MP Matt Jeneroux last month.

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The floor-crossings mean the Liberals control 170 seats in the 343-seat House of Commons with the Conservatives trailing at 141 seats followed by the Bloc at 22, the NDP at six and the Greens at one.

Three seats remain vacant.

That makes next month’s byelections in Scarborough Southwest, University—Rosedale and the Quebec riding of Terrebonne, north of Montreal, even more important.

Added importance to byelections

If Liberal candidates win two of those byelections, they will have majority control of the House of Commons with Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia needed to break any ties. Winning all three of those ridings would mean they could pass bills without the help of the Speaker.

Scarborough Southwest and University—Rosedale are both considered safe Liberal ridings with former cabinet ministers Bill Blair and Chrystia Freeland, respectively, being elected with more than 60% of the vote in the 2025 general election.

The Terrebonne byelection, meanwhile, is being held after the Supreme Court nullified the Liberals’ one-vote win after Bloc Quebecois candidate Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagne challenged the results when a supporter complained she tried to vote by mail using a special ballot that wasn’t counted.

The Liberals’ Tatiana Auguste had been representing the riding before the results were nullified.

— With files from The Canadian Press.

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