Canadians deserve a democracy where their vote actually means something.

 

Right now in Canada, a Member of Parliament can switch parties in the middle of a term — known as floor-crossing — without asking voters for permission and without triggering a new election.

 

This means an MP elected under one party’s banner can suddenly join a completely different party, sit as an independent, or even cross over to help another party form government — all without consulting the people who gave them the job.

 

This is unfair, undemocratic, and fundamentally disrespectful to voters.

 

Most Canadians vote primarily for the party and its platform, not just the name on the ballot. When an MP crosses the floor, the will of the voters in that riding is overturned by one individual’s personal decision. In close minority governments, a single floor-crosser can even flip national policy or give one party more power than Canadians actually voted for.

 

No other job in the country lets someone completely switch teams after being hired while keeping the position, salary, and authority — yet MPs can do it with no consequences.

 

We are calling on the Government of Canada and all Members of Parliament to pass legislation requiring that:

 

Any MP who wishes to cross the floor to another political party must immediately resign their seat.
A by-election must be held so voters can decide whether to support the MP’s new affiliation.
If an MP wants to sit as an independent, they must also return to the voters for approval.

 

This is not about limiting free speech or punishing MPs for disagreeing with their party. They are always free to leave —

but they should not be free to take the riding’s votes with them when they switch parties.

 

This reform already exists in other democracies around the world. It protects voters, strengthens accountability, and ensures that Parliament reflects the mandate Canadians chose on election day — not deals made behind closed doors.

 

Canadians deserve a Parliament that respects their vote.

Add your name if you agree it’s time to make floor-crossing without a by-election illegal in Canada.