Loading…
Loading…
Media reports surface that Stronach has been in private discussions with Liberal officials.
Stronach meets privately with Prime Minister Paul Martin to discuss crossing the floor.
Stronach announces she is leaving the Conservatives and joining the Liberals. She is immediately appointed Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development.
Stephen Harper calls the move "a deal for a cabinet position" and accuses Martin of buying a vote.
The Martin government survives the confidence vote by one vote (153-152), with Stronach voting with the Liberals.
Stronach is re-elected as a Liberal in the 2006 election, but the Liberals lose power.
Stronach announces she will not seek re-election and returns to the private sector.
In one of the most dramatic moments in Canadian parliamentary history, Stronach crossed the floor to join Paul Martin's Liberal cabinet. Her single vote helped save the minority Liberal government from falling on a crucial confidence vote.
She was made Minister of Human Resources the same day she crossed. She didn't run again in 2008. She went to work at Magna International - the massive auto parts company founded by her father, billionaire Frank Stronach. She became chair of Magna.
“I could not care less. All I can say is I've never seen a member of Parliament so enamored with her political career that she would cross the floor to save it.”
“What about the people who worked on the campaign? I think she let a lot of people down.”
“This demonstrates the strength of the Liberal Party. She brings real talent and I am delighted she has chosen to join our team.”
Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development
2005-05-17 - 2006-02-06 (under Paul Martin)
Progressive Conservative → Liberal
Same party involved