OTTAWA – Marilyn Gladue, formerly the Conservative Member of Parliament for a riding in southwestern Ontario, has joined the Liberal Party, CBC News reported Wednesday. This is the fifth MP to join the Liberals in recent months, strengthening Prime Minister Mark Carney’s position and bringing his government closer to a majority.

During a live broadcast on CBC News, it was reported that the Liberal Party is in discussions with up to nine additional MPs about crossing the floor. Gladue, who previously voiced socially conservative views, now says she looks forward to serving on the Liberal team. She stated she will vote with the government and protect the rights and freedoms of women and LGBTQ+ individuals, despite her past opposition to a Liberal bill banning conversion therapy and previous support for the convoy protests.

Prime Minister Carney stated that while the Liberal Party has core values, others are coming to support the party’s mission. Some young Liberals expressed a wait-and-see approach to Gladue’s arrival, noting a shift in the party under Carney’s leadership.

A former pollster for Justin Trudeau, speaking on the broadcast, suggested Carney is aiming for a comfortable majority, and accepting Gladue, despite potential issues, secures jobs and a possible majority government. The Liberals are hoping for success in three by-elections happening Monday.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre blamed Carney for the defections, stating his party’s mandate comes from the people, not “dirty backroom deals.” Poilievre dismissed the need to reflect on his leadership, citing the 8.3 million Canadians who voted Conservative. The Conservative Party has also seen the resignation of Communications Director Katie Merrifield.

Sources within the Conservative Party indicated low morale, with some MPs preemptively stating they will not cross the floor. However, one Conservative MP revealed they have been repeatedly approached by Liberals. Despite the recent losses, Conservative sources say there is no current effort to oust Poilievre, citing his 87% approval rating in a recent leadership review.

Separately, an investigation by CBC’s The Fifth Estate raised concerns about claims made by an ostrich farm regarding the scientific value of its birds, alleging exaggerations and false claims about research and potential revenue. The cull of the ostriches, exposed to avian flu, cost Canadian taxpayers almost $7 million.

Finally, a class-action lawsuit has been launched against a Quebec maple syrup producer, alleging the sale of an impure product containing cane sugar. The investigation began with a journalist from Radio-Canada noticing an off-taste.