[LINK] "Maria Mourani, ex-Bloc MP, signs NDP membership card"

[rfmcdonald]

CBC reports on the defection of Maria Mourani, one-time Montréal Bloc Québécois MP, to the NDP. The apparent consolidation of the NDP in Québec is noteworthy, and one positive achievement for the NDP as its English Canadian presence continues its decline.

Former Bloc Québécois-turned-Independent MP Maria Mourani signed a NDP membership card this morning and now says she wants to run for the New Democrats in the next election.

However, she will not sit with the NDP caucus in the meantime.

NDP Leader Tom Mulcair reminded reporters that the NDP has a policy on floor-crossing that states that any MP who changes parties must first run in a byelection.

Mourani was first elected in 2006. Her riding, Ahuntsic, was held previously by the Liberals, who continued to fight hard for the seat in subsequent, close election races.

"Since one year, I'm independent, and I do my job, I vote, I do everything. So it doesn't change for me. The difference is I have a new family and this family, it's so important for me because I don't feel alone [anymore]," Mourani told reporters.

Mourani said she spoke with Dan Gagnier, a high-ranking Liberal Party official, about crossing the floor to sit with them, but that ultimately she decided against it.