Hello, welcome to Politics Insider. Let’s look at what happened today.
As the House of Commons adjourned today, a Conservative MP announced he was crossing the floor to join the minority Liberal government.
Michael Ma, the member for Markham-Unionville first elected in the April federal election, said Prime Minister Mark Carney was leading a government in sync with his values.
“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,” Ma said in a statement issued by the Liberal Party shortly after the Commons adjourned.
He said those values include acting on affordability issues, bolstering the economy, dealing with community safety and creating opportunities for young people and families.
Ma’s move follows Chris d’Entremont, a Nova Scotia MP elected as a Conservative this spring, crossing the floor in November to join the government.
Earlier today, MPs wrapped up an 11-week fall sitting and will leave the Commons largely silent until they return on Jan. 26.
The government passed four bills, but legislation enacting the federal budget was still making its way through the House as the session ended today.
With a report from The Canadian Press
Two Conservative MPs, Michael Ma and Chris d’Entremont, have crossed the floor to the Liberals since the last federal election.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
What else is going on
Quebec government and family doctors reach agreement in principle: The agreement announced today delays and amends contentious legislation designed to impose a new remuneration system on physicians.
Advocates laud Ottawa’s push on violence against women: They are referring to the federal government’s plan to name femicide in the Criminal Code among other measures.
Rearming the military is top priority, says Defence Minister: David McGuinty says a nascent plan to boost Canada’s military reserves by as many as 400,000 is more about building a civil emergency relief force than preparing volunteers for combat operations.
Rookie MP considers bid to lead BC Conservatives: Aaron Gunn, a Conservative MP first elected in April, says he is “seriously considering” a bid to seek the leadership of the British Columbia Conservatives.
Canada records surprise trade surplus: The small monthly international trade surplus in September reverses a trend of seven consecutive months of deficits, data showed on Thursday.
Ontario government report partly AI-generated, NDP says: The opposition says AI detection programs flagged the report on intimate partner violence as likely being largely AI-generated.
On our radar
Prime Minister’s Day: Mark Carney chaired a meeting of cabinet. In the evening, he was scheduled to attend the national Liberal caucus Christmas party and deliver remarks.
Party Leaders: Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre held a news conference on Parliament Hill. Interim NDP Leader Don Davies met with representatives of the World Wildlife Fund Canada to discuss Bill C-5. No schedules released for other party leaders.
Quote of the Day
“People are deciding to work for less than they can make on Bay Street, they’re giving back to the country. That’s a good thing.” – Energy Minister Tim Hodgson, in a scrum after a cabinet meeting, comments on this Globe report about the Major Projects Office seeking staff on Bay Street.
Question period
Which Canadian ambassador to the United States later became prime minister of Canada?
Scroll to the bottom of this newsletter for the answer.
Perspectives
Canada’s likely new U.S. ambassador is unqualified – but that’s what people said about Carney
As outgoing Ambassador Kirsten Hillman says, the new envoy will have to work to build bridges with the White House, with senior cabinet secretaries and with congressional leaders. That takes time, especially given Mr. Wiseman’s starting point.
— Lawrence Martin, Public Affairs Columnist
Ontario’s $8.5-billion child-welfare deal must pass without further delay
It has been confusing to watch the latest round of arguments at the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal over an $8.5-billion child-welfare agreement that the majority of Ontario chiefs have made with Canada.
— Tanya Talaga, Columnist
Is Canada still a middle power in a multipolar world?
Prime Minister Mark Carney appears to understand that Ottawa needs to be pragmatic on matters of trade. But if our country is to remain relevant as a middle power in this multipolar world, Canadians need to broaden their horizons and stop getting in their own way.
— Rita Trichur, Senior Business Writer and Columnist
Go deeper
- Follow along for our stories on Canada-U.S. relations as news develops
- Get the latest insight and analysis from our political opinion writers
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The answer to today’s question: Lester B. Pearson, the Liberal prime minister between 1963 and 1968, was previously ambassador from 1944 to 1946 while Mackenzie King was prime minister.