FOG BLOG POLITICS LOG: NB GREEN MP JENICA ATWIN CROSSES FLOOR TO JOIN THE LIBERALS:

Green MP Jenica Atwin crossing the floor to join the Liberals....A senior Liberal source said Atwin initiated the floor-crossing several weeks ago......Fredericton MP Jenica Atwin bolted from the Green party caucus today, crossing the floor of the House of Commons to join the governing Liberals.

Atwin accomplished a historic breakthrough for the Greens in the last election, winning their first ever seat in Atlantic Canada when she defeated Liberal incumbent Matt DeCourcey in Fredericton. Atwin, along with Paul Manly and former leader Elizabeth May, gave the Greens three MPs and their largest caucus in history.

Atwin's departure is a setback for a party that has long sought more influence in Parliament — and a coup for the Liberals as they look to rally progressive voters around the party ahead of a possible fall election.

In announcing her shock move today, Atwin, a former teacher and community organizer in Oromocto, N.B., said there were too many "distractions" in the Green Party and she wanted to work in a more "supportive and collaborative" environment.