MP Michael Mas Switch to Liberals Sparks Protests, Questions Over Association With Pro-Beijing Groups

Michael Ma, MP for Markham-Unionville, makes brief remarks at the Liberal caucus holiday party in Ottawa, on Dec. 11, 2025. The Canadian Press/Justin TangMichael Ma, the second MP to leave the Conservatives to join the governing Liberals, is facing protests from some constituents and others who say he no longer represents those who voted for him, with some raising questions about his associations with pro-Beijing groups.Ma’s constituency office in Markham, Ont., has been the site of several protests since he announced on Dec. 11 that he would join the Liberals, with demonstrators carrying signs calling for his resignation and the holding of a byelection. Ma, the MP for Markham-Unionville, said he decided to switch parties after consulting with his family and constituents “on the direction of our country.”