Nunavut MP Lori Idlout has left the New Democratic Party and joined the Liberal caucus, a move that brings Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government closer to a majority in the House of Commons.
Idlout confirmed the decision in a statement released early Wednesday, saying she made the choice after reflection and conversations with people in her community.
She said the challenges facing Nunavut and the North played a major role in the decision.
“With new threats against our sovereignty and pressures on the wellbeing of people throughout the North, we need a strong and ambitious government that makes decisions with Nunavut — not only about Nunavut,” Idlout said.
Idlout said she plans to work with Carney and the Liberal government on priorities for the territory, including the high cost of living, housing shortages, food security and protecting land and waters in the North.
Idlout has represented Nunavut in the House of Commons since 2021.
Her move reduces the NDP’s presence in Parliament to six seats.
The floor crossing also strengthens the Liberals’ position in the minority Parliament. With Idlout joining the caucus, the government is now closer to securing a majority.
The Liberals would still need to win two of three byelections scheduled for April 13 to achieve a narrow majority in the House of Commons.
Idlout is the fourth MP to move from opposition benches to the Liberals since October.
