Poll Shows Canadians Want By-Elections if MPs Switch Parties, but Support for Carney Remains Strong

A recent national survey indicates that a large number of Canadians are unhappy with Members of Parliament (MPs) switching political parties after being elected, with many believing such a move should force an immediate by-election. However, the same poll suggests that the controversy has not weakened public support for Prime Minister Mark Carney or his Liberal government.

The Ipsos survey, carried out for Global News toward the end of last month, found that 62 per cent of Canadians think MPs should not be permitted to change party affiliation once they have won an election under a specific banner. Even more respondents nearly seven in ten said that if an MP does switch parties, voters in that riding should be given the chance to elect a new representative through a by-election.

While Canadians appear critical of the practice, the backlash seems to be directed mainly at the MPs themselves rather than the political leaders who welcome them into their caucuses. According to Darrell Bricker, CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs, voters appear willing to hold the individual politicians accountable but are less inclined to blame the party leadership.

The issue gained attention recently after three MPs who were elected as Conservatives decided to join the Liberal Party. Alberta MP Matt Jeneroux became the latest to cross the floor in the House of Commons. Earlier, Nova Scotia MP Chris d’Entremont made a similar move in November, followed by Ontario MP Michael Ma in December.

These shifts have strengthened the Liberal Party’s position in Parliament, moving the government closer to securing a majority.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has been highly critical of the MPs who left his party, arguing that they have let down the voters who supported them during the last federal election while they were running as Conservatives.

Despite public concern about MPs changing parties, the poll shows that Prime Minister Carney’s popularity has actually grown. About 37 per cent of Canadians surveyed said the recent floor crossings have made them view Carney more favorably, while 23 per cent reported that their opinion of him had worsened.

The numbers were reversed when respondents were asked about Poilievre, with more Canadians saying their opinion of the Conservative leader had declined.

The survey also indicates that the Liberal Party continues to hold a lead in national support. If a federal election were held now, 44 per cent of Canadians said they would vote for the Liberals, marking a four-point increase since December. The Conservatives follow with 36 per cent support.

Other parties remain far behind. The New Democratic Party was chosen by eight per cent of respondents, while support for the Bloc Québécois based on its backing in Quebec translates to about seven per cent nationwide. The Green Party received three per cent support.

Among federal leaders, Carney was the only one with more supporters than critics. Fifty-eight per cent of respondents expressed approval of the prime minister, compared with 33 per cent who said they disapprove. His approval rating has risen notably since the federal election campaign.

Poilievre’s approval rating stands at 41 per cent, although a larger share of Canadians nearly half said they disapprove of him.

The poll also explored public attitudes toward the possibility of another federal election this year. Canadians remain divided, though support for holding a new election appears to be declining. About 37 per cent said they want Canadians to return to the polls, a slight drop from December, while 44 per cent said they would prefer not to have another election in the near future. Nineteen per cent said they were unsure.

Support for a new election is particularly strong among Conservative supporters, with roughly two-thirds saying they would like another vote. Younger Canadians and men were also somewhat more likely to favour going back to the ballot box.

Overall, the survey highlights Canadians’ concerns about political loyalty and representation, even as the Liberal government continues to maintain a solid level of public support.