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Liberal Ranks Grow as Michael Ma Joins Carney’s Team

                      Markham-Unionville MP Michael Ma crossed the floor to join the Liberals on Thursday. In a dramatic political shift on Parliament Hill, Michael Ma, the Member of Parliament for Markham–Unionville, announced on December 11, 2025, that he is leaving the Conservative caucus to sit with the Liberals . His decision follows weeks of consultation with constituents and family, and comes on the heels of Nova Scotia MP Chris d’Entremont’s defection last month. Ma explained that his move was motivated by a desire for “unity and decisive action for Canada’s future.” He praised Prime Minister Mark Carney’s leadership, describing it as a steady and practical approach to tackling pressing issues such as affordability, economic growth, community safety, and opportunities for young families. The floor-crossing is politically significant: the Liberals now hold 171 seats, just one short of a majority in the House of...

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Federal Government Expands Early Retirement Eligibility for Front-Line Workers

 

The Canadian federal government is taking steps to broaden early retirement eligibility for specific front-line workers. Treasury Board President Anita Anand has announced plans to introduce legislation this fall to facilitate this change. Here are the key points:

  1. Eligibility Expansion: The proposed changes will allow certain front-line workers to retire after 25 years of service without a pension reduction. Currently, this provision is available to military members, RCMP officers, and some correctional workers. The expansion will include federally employed border service officers, parliamentary protection officers, search and rescue technicians, and firefighters. Additionally, correctional employees, firefighters, and paramedics employed by territorial governments will now be eligible for early retirement.

  2. Recognition of Demanding Roles: Treasury Board President Anita Anand emphasized that these changes aim to recognize the demanding nature of day-to-day duties for these occupational groups. These workers play a critical role in promoting and protecting the safety and security of Canadians.

  3. Positive Impact: The Public Service Alliance of Canada hailed this decision as a “significant victory,” benefiting thousands of front-line public-safety and law enforcement workers.

In summary, the federal government’s move to expand early retirement eligibility acknowledges the contributions and challenges faced by front-line safety and security workers, ensuring consistency across occupational groups.


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