Lori Idlout has left the New Democratic Party to join Canada’s Liberal caucus, a move that brings Prime Minister Mark Carney closer to securing a majority government. The Nunavut member of parliament confirmed she will now sit with the Liberals in the House of Commons.
The decision shifts the balance in parliament at a critical moment. With the change, the Liberal Party increases its seat count to 170 while the NDP drops to only six MPs.
If upcoming byelections produce favorable results, Carney could reach the 172 seats required for a majority in the House of Commons.
Lori Idlout leaves NDP for Liberal caucus
Lori Idlout made the decision after what she described as extensive personal reflection. She said the move was influenced by discussions with members of her community, family, and supporters in Nunavut.
In a statement, she said northern communities face growing economic and sovereignty challenges. According to Idlout, these pressures require stronger federal leadership and cooperation.
She added that joining the government caucus would allow her to work directly with Prime Minister Mark Carney on policies affecting the North.
Idlout emphasized the need for decisions that include the voices of Nunavut residents rather than policies imposed without their input.
Lori Idlout move strengthens Liberal numbers
Lori Idlout now becomes the fourth MP to cross the floor and join the Liberals since November. Her decision also marks the first time a New Democratic Party member has switched to the governing party during this parliamentary term.
Previously, three Conservative MPs joined the Liberal caucus. Those members include Nova Scotia MP Chris d’Entremont, Toronto MP Michael Ma, and Edmonton MP Matt Jeneroux.
The additional seat gives Carney’s government greater stability in parliament. However, the Liberals still remain two seats short of a full majority.
To reach that threshold, the party must secure victories in upcoming byelections scheduled for April.
Byelections could decide majority government
Lori Idlout’s switch comes ahead of three important federal byelections. These races could determine whether the Liberal government achieves a parliamentary majority.
Two of the contests will take place in Toronto. The ridings of University-Rosedale and Scarborough Southwest are widely considered strong Liberal territory.
The third race will occur in the Quebec riding of Terrebonne. The seat was originally won by the Liberals by only one vote during the 2025 federal election.
However, Canada’s Supreme Court later annulled that election result. The ruling triggered a new byelection that could prove decisive for the government.
If the Liberals win at least two of these contests, they would reach the 172 seats required for a majority in the House of Commons.
NDP criticizes Lori Idlout floor crossing
Lori Idlout’s decision has drawn criticism from the New Democratic Party. Interim leader Don Davies said the party was disappointed by her decision to join the Liberal caucus.
Davies argued that MPs who switch parties should seek approval from their voters through a new election. He said the NDP has long opposed floor crossing without returning to constituents.
The move adds to the party’s challenges following the last federal election. The NDP suffered heavy losses and no longer holds official party status in the House of Commons.
Political analysts say the latest departure further weakens the party’s presence in national politics.
Lori Idlout previously resisted joining Liberals
Lori Idlout had previously indicated she would remain with the NDP. Earlier this year she confirmed that she had been approached about switching parties but declined at the time.
In January she told reporters she would make any decision based on what she believed was best for Nunavut residents.
Only days before the announcement, Idlout publicly supported NDP leadership candidate Avi Lewis at a rally in Ottawa.
Her eventual decision to join the Liberals therefore surprised many observers in Canadian politics.
With her switch, the Liberal government moves closer to achieving a majority in parliament while Lori Idlout begins a new role within the governing caucus.
