OTTAWA – Conservative MP Marilyn Gladue has crossed the floor to join the Liberal Party, CBC News reported Monday evening. The move has altered the parliamentary landscape, technically granting the Liberals a majority government with 171 seats to 169, considering three currently vacant seats.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre released a statement claiming Prime Minister Mark Carney is “seizing a costly Liberal majority that voters denied him, and doing so through backroom deals.” Gladue previously supported automatic by-elections for MPs who change parties, a position Poilievre highlighted, urging her to honour her word and face voters.

Gladue stated her decision was made to best serve her riding, community priorities, and the country, and that she intends to continue advocating for her constituents within the Liberal government. Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet used the shift to call on voters in Terrebonne to support the Bloc in upcoming by-elections.

Concerns Over BYD Electric Vehicle Production

The CBC News broadcast also featured a report on allegations of forced labour at a new $6 billion BYD electric vehicle factory in Szeged, Hungary. The investigation, conducted by China Labour Watch, alleges coercive labour conditions, including seven-day work weeks, excessive overtime without compensation, delayed wages, and limited access to healthcare for Chinese migrant workers.

The findings, shared with CBC News prior to publication, are based on interviews with approximately 50 workers and a complaint from one individual. Hungarian authorities have been informed, and CBC News has requested comment from BYD without receiving a response.

Furthermore, the Canada Border Services Agency intercepted and detained shipments of car parts from China in 2023 due to suspicions of forced labour, though some shipments were returned after the importer took action. The U.S. is considering tariffs against Canada if it does not adequately address concerns about unfairly traded Chinese electric vehicles.