The recent floor crossings by former Conservative Members of Parliament (MPs) aren't sitting well with the MP for Chatham-Kent-Leamington.
Dave Epp spoke with CK News Today after Prime Minister Mark Carney formed a majority government, thanks in part to four Conservative politicians joining the Liberals.
He said he hasn't had any lengthy conversations with his former colleagues and doesn't know if he'll be able to look at them the same way.
"I've had some very superficial conversations, but that's what they've been. Not only, quite frankly, have you betrayed your constituents, you've also betrayed your colleagues in your own caucus, and so that does strain the relationships," he said.
Sarnia-Lambton-Bkejwanong MP Marilyn Gladu was the most recent to cross the floor, announcing her departure from the Conservative Party just days before three by-elections helped secure the majority government.
The floor crossings have raised a popular online petition, calling for potential floor crossers to call a by-election in their riding or sit as an independent.
Epp acknowledged the petition, as well as the legality of floor crossings, saying it's a part of the system.
"Is it legal? Yes, it is. Do people like it? I think a lot of people are saying that they don't like that aspect of it. We have to be honest that people have crossed the floor both ways. The question is how many times does it really change the balance of power and affect the broad wishes of the Canadian people?" he added.
Despite this, Epp shared what he believes is the best way to leave a party.
"I go to the example of my colleague Alain Reyes (Richmond-Arthabaska), who was elected a Conservative and then resigned from our caucus in 2022 after Pierre (Poilievre) became our leader. I think he actually did an honourable form of protest... he went and sat as an independent. I do believe that when you present yourself as a member of a party, you have an accountability to those voters," he stated.
Epp was one of the MP's approached by the Liberals after the most recent federal election, and he said he was approached again weeks ago.
However, Epp assured his voters that he will remain a Conservative.
"I am fully committed to the Conservative Party. Yes, the Liberals are approaching MP's, and you can quote me. I am not crossing the floor," he finished.
***This story was written by Ede Brecevic. Ede is a student in the Fanshawe College journalism program, and is currently doing an internship with CKNewsToday.ca
