War & Conscriptionfederal- Nova Scotia

William Stevens Fielding

1917Liberal→Liberal-Unionist

2/5 - Some moderate benefit, eventuallyReceived Cabinet PostRe-elected After CrossingNotable Crossing

Why They Crossed

During World War I, the government wanted to force men to fight overseas (conscription). Fielding, a senior Liberal, supported conscription even though his party leader Wilfrid Laurier was against it.

What Happened

He was re-elected. After the war, he went back to the Liberal Party and became Finance Minister again under Prime Minister Mackenzie King.

Historical Eras

WWI & Conscription Crisis (1914-1921)

Related Crossings

1917

Frank Broadstreet Carvell

Liberal → Liberal-Unionist

Same party switch

1917

Hugh Guthrie

Liberal → Unionist

Same party involved

1917

~15 other Liberal MPs

Liberal → Unionist

Same party involved

2024

Brendan Maguire

Liberal → Prog. Conservative

Same party involved

2018

Leona Alleslev

Liberal → Conservative

Same party involved