ONTARIO MP Michael Ma on Thursday announced: “After listening carefully to the people of Markham–Unionville in recent weeks and reflecting with my family on the direction of our country, I have informed the Speaker and the Leader of the Opposition that I will be joining Prime Minister Mark Carney in the government caucus.”
The Liberals now have 171 seats out of 343 in the House of Commons – just one shy of a majority. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has now lost two MPs. Last month, Nova Scotia MP Chris d’Entremont had joined the Liberals.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a post on X: “Proud to welcome Michael Ma to our team tonight. Look forward to working together to build our country, protect our communities, and create more opportunities for the people of Markham-Unionville and all across Canada.”
Ma said: “This is a time for unity and decisive action for Canada’s future.
“I came to Canada at twelve years old as the youngest of seven, quickly learning the importance of hard work and resilience. Those values — building up others, delivering results, and choosing a path that creates opportunity — have guided me throughout my career in business and now as a Member of Parliament.
“In that spirit, I have concluded that Prime Minister Mark Carney is offering the steady, practical approach we need to deliver on the priorities I hear every day while door knocking in Markham–Unionville. That includes making life more affordable, growing a strong Canadian economy, strengthening community safety, and creating real opportunities for young people and families who are working hard to build their Canadian dream.
“I entered public service to help people — to focus on solutions, not division. I look forward to working with Prime Minister Carney to make sure that Markham–Unionville, and all of Canada, can move forward with confidence and build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous future.”
Poilievre said in a post on X: “Michael Ma was elected as a Conservative by the constituents of Markham-Unionville to fight against Liberal inflationary spending driving up the cost of living in his community. Today, he chose to endorse the very policies he was elected to oppose. The same policies driving up food prices and making life more expensive for all. The people he let down the most are the ones who elected him to fight for an affordable future. He will have to answer to them.”
Meanwhile, a post on X said: “Michael Ma saw the writing on the wall. He believes in moving forward, not backwards. Based on the April 2025 election results for his riding, there were less than 2,000 ballots between him and the Liberal candidate. I wager his riding will go Liberal next election.”
