OTTAWA – Conservative MP Marilyn Gladue has joined the Liberal Party, as reported during a CBC News broadcast on Wednesday. This marks the fifth MP to cross the floor to the Liberals in recent months and is expected to bolster Prime Minister Mark Carney’s chances of securing a majority government.

Conservative Leadership Under Question

The defection has led to questions about Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s leadership and control of his caucus. Poilievre attributed the loss of Gladue to Prime Minister Carney, stating, “It’s Mark Carney’s fault.” He also asserted that his leadership comes “from the people of Canada,” not “dirty backroom deals.”

According to CBC News sources, the Liberal Party is in discussions with nine additional MPs regarding a potential floor crossing. Despite the recent defections, Poilievre received 87% support in a leadership review, indicating continued backing from the Conservative base.

Several Conservative MPs have publicly stated they will not be joining the Liberals. One Conservative MP, speaking on the CBC broadcast, revealed they had been repeatedly approached by the Liberals to join their benches.

Other News

Beyond the political developments, the CBC News broadcast also covered the following:

  • Artemis II Mission: The four Artemis II astronauts are in the final hours of their journey and preparing for their return to Earth on Thursday. Re-entry into the atmosphere will involve decelerating from 32 times the speed of sound to 30 kilometers per hour, and managing temperatures up to 3,000 degrees Celsius.
  • Gold Heist Sentencing: The man behind the largest gold heist in Canadian history, involving over $22 million in stolen gold and cash from Toronto’s Pearson Airport in 2023, has been sentenced to nearly four years in prison. Seven other suspects have been arrested, but the stolen gold remains unaccounted for.
  • Ostrich Culling Controversy: A Fifth Estate investigation revealed that claims made by an ostrich farm regarding the scientific value of their birds were exaggerated and, in some cases, false. The cull of 300 ostriches exposed to avian flu cost Canadian taxpayers almost $7 million.
  • Maple Syrup Impurity Lawsuit: A class-action lawsuit has been launched against a Quebec maple syrup producer accused of selling impure syrup containing cane sugar. An investigation by Radio Canada’s Enquête program triggered the legal action.
  • Emperor Penguin Endangered Status: Melting Antarctic sea ice is threatening the emperor penguin population, leading to its classification as endangered. Scientists warn that urgent action is needed to address climate change to prevent further decline.
  • Masters Tournament: Rory McIlroy shares a two-shot lead after the first round of the 90th Masters Tournament.