Banman was the first of many MLAs to leave BC United (formerly BC Liberals) for the surging BC Conservatives. BC United was losing support rapidly as the right consolidated arou…

Party Collapsing

Blair Wilson

2008Notable

Independent → Green PartyfederalBritish Columbia

0/5

Wilson had resigned from the Liberal caucus over allegations about his finances. He then joined the Green Party, becoming their first-ever Member of Parliament.

Joined New Party

David Emerson

2006Notable

Liberal → ConservativefederalBritish Columbia

5/5

This is one of the most controversial crossings in Canadian history. Emerson was elected as a Liberal, and just TWO WEEKS later, he crossed to join Stephen Harper's new Conserva…

Wanted PromotionGot Cabinet

Frank Calder

1975Notable

NDP → Social CreditprovincialBritish Columbia

3/5

Calder was the first Indigenous person elected to any legislature in Canada, serving 26 years as a CCF/NDP member. He crossed to Social Credit, the governing party.

Switched SidesGot Cabinet

Henry Herbert Stevens

1935Notable

Conservative → Reconstruction PartyfederalBritish Columbia

0/5

During the Great Depression, Stevens investigated big companies that were exploiting workers and farmers. His own party tried to stop him. So he left and started his own party.

Started New Party