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.

Scrutiny of Conservative Leadership

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, “Our mandate and my leadership does not come from dirty backroom deals. It comes from the people of Canada.” He also stated he has no need to reflect on his political future, citing the 8.3 million Canadians who voted Conservative.

According to CBC News, two Liberal sources claim the party is in discussions with nine additional MPs about potentially crossing the floor. A former pollster for Justin Trudeau, speaking on the broadcast, suggested Carney is prioritizing securing a comfortable majority, even if it means accepting MPs with potentially challenging past positions. “Accepting Marilyn Gladue…makes his issues management team job a little more difficult for the next couple of years, but at least, you know, they've got a job for the next couple of years in a majority,” the pollster said.

Gladue Addresses Past Positions

Gladue addressed concerns about her previous stances on several issues, including her support for the convoy protests, opposition to a Liberal bill banning conversion therapy, and past statements suggesting she would allow private members’ bills restricting abortion. She stated, “I will vote with the government. I will protect the rights and freedoms of women to choose, for people to be who they are and love who they love.”

Prime Minister Carney defended his decision to welcome Gladue, stating, “We have those core values. Those values don't change. Others come to support the mission of the party and the government.”

Some young Liberals expressed cautious optimism about Gladue’s arrival, with one stating, “Different people have different opinions…I’m trying to make my own opinion as well.”

Other Developments

In addition to Gladue’s defection, Katie Merrifield, a top aide to Poilievre and the Conservative’s Communications Director, resigned this week. Several Conservative MPs have publicly stated they will not be joining the Liberals, acknowledging they have been approached. Three Conservative sources indicated morale within the party is currently low.

The CBC News broadcast also covered the upcoming by-elections on Monday, with the Liberals campaigning on a message of “seriousness over slogans” and “progress over fear.”