Crossing the floor has always carried a heavy political price, and for good reason. When voters cast a ballot, they aren’t just choosing a name. They’re endorsing a set of values, a platform, and a team. That’s why Michael Ma’s decision to cross the floor feels like a betrayal. It feels like a slap in the face to the very people who helped put him in office.
MP Michael Ma must return to his constituents. He needs to explain why he now supports the Liberal government’s inaction. Meanwhile, Canadians continue to struggle with rising food prices. They also face ongoing cost-of-living challenges.
Voters in Markham–Unionville didn’t elect an independent free agent. They elected a representative aligned with a specific political banner and its accompanying commitments. Floor crossing breaks that basic trust. It tells voters that the promises made during an election campaign were conditional or, worse, disposable.
Defenders of floor crossing often frame it as an act of conscience or principle. Sometimes, in rare circumstances, that may be true. But more often than not, it looks like political convenience dressed up as moral courage. Yes, Canada adopted the Westminster-style parliamentary system from Britain. This included the technical ability for individual MPs to cross the floor. But legality isn’t legitimacy. Just because the rules allow it doesn’t mean it’s right. This is especially true when it betrays the voters who entrusted their support to a clear platform and party banner. If an elected official truly believes they can no longer represent voters under the platform for which they were elected, they should resign. They should step down. They ought to seek a new mandate honestly. It is honest to seek a new mandate.
That’s what accountability looks like. Anything less asks voters to accept a bait-and-switch that they never agreed to.
When Members of Parliament continue to cross the floor like this, it only deepens cynicism about elections. Voters are left asking a fundamental question: What is the point of their vote? Politicians can change their minds so abruptly after being elected.
Voter turnout is already trending downwards. Public confidence in institutions is under strain. Actions like this only make things worse. Democracy depends on clarity and consent. Floor crossing muddies both.
Ultimately, this isn’t about partisanship. It’s about respect. Respect for voters. Respect for the electoral process. And respect for the idea that political power is borrowed
The people of Markham–Unionville deserve much better.
