Liberals Nearing Majority Through Defections and By-Elections

Canada's federal Liberals are on the verge of securing a majority government, significantly boosted by a wave of defections from opposition parties, primarily the Conservatives. The latest MP to cross the floor, Marilyn Gladue, who previously represented a constituency that voted for a Conservative vision, has joined the Liberals. This marks the fifth MP to switch parties and the fourth from the Conservative Party, placing considerable pressure on Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Sources indicate the Liberals are in talks with as many as nine more MPs, signaling potential further shifts in the House of Commons. The Liberals have expressed a desire for a more comfortable majority rather than a slim margin, with ongoing conversations with other MPs who might be willing to cross the floor in the days ahead.

The five MPs who have defected to the Liberals include four Conservatives: Marilyn Gladue, Matt Jenneru, Michael Ma, and Chris Dontrema. Additionally, Laurie Idlaut, an MP from Nunavut, crossed over from the NDP. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has responded forcefully, accusing Prime Minister Mark Carney of orchestrating "dirty backroom deals" and asserting that the people, not such arrangements, grant a mandate. Analysts suggest Poilievre is in "very dangerous territory," with his leadership reportedly being questioned by some caucus members who doubt his ability to win. The situation has been described as "death by a thousand tiny little bread knife cuts," where defections weaken his image, eroding confidence and potentially prompting more departures. Some Conservatives argue that MPs who cross the floor should face by-elections, a stance previously held by Gladue herself.

The path to a potential majority has been unconventional. The Liberals began with 169 seats after the last election, three shy of the 172 needed for a majority. The first defection was Conservative MP Chris Dantremont in November, bringing the total to 170. Michael Ma followed five weeks later, making it 171. However, the resignations of Cabinet Ministers Chrystia Freeland and Bill Blair later reduced the count back to 169. A further twist occurred when the Liberals' one-vote win in the Terrebonne by-election was annulled by the Supreme Court due to mail-in ballot errors, temporarily reducing their seat count to 168. The subsequent floor crossings of Conservative MP Matt Jenneru and NDP MP Laurie Idlaut, followed by Marilyn Gladue, brought the Liberal count back to 171, just one seat shy of a majority.

Newly minted Liberals, who have propelled the party to the brink of a majority, were prominently featured at the convention. One floor-crosser remarked, “I don’t know whether to introduce myself as a recovering conservative or just that I was a liberal and I didn’t know it,” adding, “Haven’t looked back and have slept well every night.” The Liberal party views floor-crossing as a legitimate aspect of the democratic process. Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that MPs joining his caucus are clear on the party's positions and its commitment to fundamental rights. However, questions linger about managing such a large and diverse caucus and the potential challenges arising from a broad tent approach, with some suggesting that floor-crossers are not "of the tribe" and may face difficulties integrating.

By-Elections Crucial for Liberal Majority Stability

The upcoming Monday by-elections present a critical juncture for the Liberal government. Winning even one of the three by-elections would secure a majority in the House of Commons, providing greater stability. The Liberals currently hold 171 seats and need 172 for a majority. Two of the by-elections are in Toronto: University-Rosedale, a seat formerly held by former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, and Scarborough Southwest, most recently held by Bill Blair. These are considered safe Liberal strongholds, and a difficult contest is not expected in these ridings.

The third by-election is in Terrebonne, Quebec, a riding that is anticipated to be a tight race and a tough battle, with the Bloc Québécois reportedly aiming to reclaim the seat. The Terrebonne riding was one of the last to be called in the previous election, with the Liberals winning by a single vote. In April 2025, Liberal candidate Tatiana Auguste won by just one vote, a result that was later annulled by the Supreme Court of Canada due to an error with mail-in ballots, as flagged by Bloc Québécois candidate Nathalie Sinclair-Desgagnés. This race is particularly significant as Terrebonne is traditionally a Bloc Québécois stronghold and is a predominantly Francophone riding. Political scientists suggest that a Bloc victory would indicate a setback for the Liberals, while a Liberal win would signify continued momentum for Prime Minister Carney, particularly since his Davos speech and over the last couple of months, where Conservative and other parties have seen a decline in support.

Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that stability is very important, and minority governments can bring instability. He noted that MPs joining his caucus are clear on his party's positions. Chief Political Correspondent Rosemary Barton highlighted the unusual nature of potentially securing a majority through defections and by-elections. Liberal House Leader Stephen McKinnon indicated a continued willingness to reach across the aisle to work with opposition parties, even if not strictly necessary. For Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, a Liberal majority would present challenges but also offer time to regroup and potentially push harder on issues without the immediate threat of an election. However, persistent questions about his leadership and ability to retain caucus unity remain, especially if further defections occur. Some analysts suggest that while Poilievre has a core group of allies and strong leadership endorsement, his position could become precarious if he cannot halt the "bleeding" from his caucus. His messaging has also faced scrutiny, with suggestions that his focus on affordability and national security mirrors Liberal talking points, and that his perceived shift to more extreme positions may not resonate with the electorate or his caucus. Rosemary Barton will host special coverage of the by-election results beginning tomorrow night at 8 p.m. Eastern, 5 Pacific, on CBC News Network.

Political strategist Jamie Watt believes the current government will run its entire mandate, stating that Canadians want their elected officials to do their jobs and that triggering an election now would be met with public wrath. He predicts the next election will not occur before 2029.

Other Developments Across Canada and Internationally

In other news, eight people were hospitalized following a chlorine gas exposure at a public pool in Victoria, British Columbia, when two pool chemicals were inadvertently mixed. The facility has since been deemed safe, but an investigation is ongoing. Separately, a medication mix-up at a Shopper's Drug Mart pharmacy resulted in a patient receiving blood pressure pills instead of allergy medication, leading to a months-long ordeal and an ER visit. Loblaw Companies Limited, which owns Shopper's Drug Mart, stated that the incident was avoidable human error and has since reviewed safety protocols with pharmacy staff. Advocates are calling for strengthened protocols to address concerns about medication safety and pharmacist workload.

Prince Harry is facing a defamation lawsuit from an African charity he co-founded. Meanwhile, a proposed high-speed rail line between Toronto and Quebec City is facing backlash from rural communities concerned about the impact on their way of life, despite promises of economic benefits. The Artemis II astronauts have successfully returned to Earth following a mission, sharing insights from their journey. Younger Canadians are reportedly struggling to find entry-level positions in a challenging job market.

Internationally, China has surpassed coal with wind and solar power in terms of combined capacity, marking a significant shift in its energy transition. Emergency care wait times remain a growing concern in Canada, with some patients facing waits of up to 36 hours, leading to a perceived broken system and eroding trust. Discussions around tariffs and their economic impact continue, with proposals for a minimum 10% tariff on all imports and Canada's own counter-tariffs contributing to financial strain. The possibility of Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state has been raised amidst concerns about sovereignty and economic stability.

The Fifth Estate is investigating complex issues including financial movements, drug origins, and missing persons cases. CBC News has launched the Climate Dashboard, a tool to help Canadians understand weather patterns and future projections.

In international news, Hungarian voters have ousted Prime Minister Viktor Orbán after 16 years in power, in an election described as a choice between Western democracy and Eastern dictatorship. The European Union has welcomed the result, with the European Commission President stating Hungary has reclaimed its European path. Fears are also mounting about a wave of executions in Iran as the regime cracks down on dissent. Legendary Indian singer Asha Bhosle passed away at the age of 92 after a career spanning eight decades.

The Toronto Raptors are returning to the NBA playoffs after beating the Brooklyn Nets 136-101, clinching a postseason berth for the first time in four years. They will face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday to open a best-of-seven series. Golf superstar Rory McIlroy is a rare repeat winner at Augusta, successfully defending his Masters title by a single stroke, marking his sixth major title. Both Ukrainians and Russians celebrated Orthodox Easter this weekend, but a ceasefire deal to mark the occasion was quickly broken, with Ukraine accusing Russia of violations.

Amidst escalating international tensions, the U.S. military is preparing to stop all shipping going into and out of Iran, a move described by President Trump as a response to stalled peace talks. The U.S. Navy has two ships in the Persian Gulf region, with concerns raised by naval veterans about their sufficiency for a blockade. The U.S. military plans to seek out and destroy any explosive sea mines Iran claims to have laid in international waters. The British Prime Minister stated the UK will not be dragged into a war by joining the blockade, while the French President announced plans for a peace mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's ambassador to India stated discussions are underway to help India get ships through the passage, and Iran's top negotiator cited a lack of trust in the U.S. as the reason for failed talks. The potential for a reignition of hostilities remains a significant concern.

Pope Leo has been critical of the American position regarding the conflict, stating he will continue to speak out against war and promote peace. President Trump has lashed out at the Pope, asserting that the message of the gospel is not meant to be abused. The Pope, speaking before a 10-day African tour, emphasized his role is not political and that too many innocent people are being killed, advocating for dialogue and just solutions. It is important to note that at no point did the Pope say he is supporting crime or any such situations; he has continuously spoken about peace and how Christianity is rooted in peace, while some are abusing that message. Pew Research data from 2025 indicates that 55% of Christian voters supported Donald Trump in 2024.

Canada Reads returns for its 25th year, with the theme "One Book to Build Bridges." The competition begins this morning just after 10 a.m. Eastern on CBC Radio and CBC Jam. In the literary world, novelist Mia Ballard has been accused of using AI for her novel "Shy Girl," leading her publisher to pull the book from shelves. Pop star Britney Spears has voluntarily checked herself into a rehab facility following an arrest last month on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Local news is in decline across Canada, with CBC News investing in more journalists on the ground to combat misinformation. The Liberal Party, under Mark Carney, has been governing as if it had a majority, but an actual majority would grant them control of parliamentary committees, allowing legislation to pass much faster. While Canadians do not vote for a majority or minority government directly, analysts suggest they would appreciate the stability and ability of the government to deliver on its mandate. The Conservative Party is largely seen as "the Pierre Poilievre Party," and while he can withstand some defections, a significant number could cause problems for both him and Prime Minister Carney.