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A federal cabinet minister is hinting that more Members of Parliament may be considering crossing the floor to join the Liberal government.
According to CBC News, Energy Minister Tim Hodgson made the comments Monday in Toronto, following last week’s defection of Ontario MP Michael Ma from the Conservative caucus to the Liberals.
When asked whether other opposition MPs are preparing to make similar moves, Hodgson said he has been hearing from people.
“Let’s say I’m getting lots of inquiries,” he told reporters.
Ma’s decision to leave the Conservatives came less than 24 hours after attending the Official Opposition’s Christmas party and brought the Liberal government to within one seat of a majority in the House of Commons.
Hodgson declined to comment on any personal role he may have played in courting Ma, whose Markham–Unionville riding borders Hodgson’s own riding of Markham–Thornhill.
However, sources told CBC News that Hodgson was involved in the discussions that led to the move.
Those sources, who were not authorized to speak publicly, said Ma met with Prime Minister Mark Carney and Hodgson last Thursday and that Hodgson had built a relationship with Ma over the spring and summer while attending events in the Markham area.
Ma is the latest in a series of MPs to cross the floor this Parliament, as the Liberals continue to govern in a minority situation.
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