One Seat Away: Defection Puts Carney's Liberals on Brink of Majority

A second opposition lawmaker has switched sides, bringing Canada's governing Liberal Party within one seat of full control in Parliament. Conservative member Michael Ma joined Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberals on Thursday. This is the second defection from the Conservatives in just over a month. Ma, who represents the Markham–Unionville area and was born in Hong Kong, said he entered politics to find solutions. He stated he believes Carney provides "steady, practical" leadership. The Liberals now need only one more seat to hold a simple majority. This would allow them to pass laws more easily without opposition votes.