Share this Story : National Post Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

FIRST READING: Floor-crossings are technically allowed? Here's what else is technically allowed

There's no written rule against the governor general unilaterally declaring war or Donald Trump being sworn in as prime minister

You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.

First Reading is a Canadian politics newsletter curated by the National Post’s own Tristin Hopper. To get an early version sent directly to your inbox, sign up here.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.

Unlimited online access to National Post.

National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.

Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

Support local journalism.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.

Unlimited online access to National Post.

National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.

Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

Support local journalism.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.

Enjoy additional articles per month.

Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments

Enjoy additional articles per month

Get email updates from your favourite authors

Sign In or Create an Account

FIRST READING: Floor-crossings are technically allowed? Here's what else is technically allowed Back to video

This week, Prime Minister Mark Carney became the first-ever Canadian leader to assemble a majority government entirely by luring over floor-crossers.

Among Liberal partisans, a common defence of the tactic is that it’s allowed. There’s nothing in the rules to prevent a group of people elected under one party from deciding en masse to join another party.

“We’re working with the MPs Canadians chose,” was Carney’s French-language response when asked in a Radio-Canada interview how his engineered majority was “democratic.”

This newsletter from NP Comment tackles the topics you care about. (Subscriber-exclusive edition on Fridays)

There was an error, please provide a valid email address.

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.

The next issue of Platformed will soon be in your inbox.

We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again

Interested in more newsletters? Browse here.

Floor crossing is indeed allowed, but any........

© National Post