Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu has defected to the Liberal Party, bringing Prime Minister Mark Carney within one seat of a majority government in Canada's House of Commons.
Gladu, who represents Sarnia-Lambton-Bkejwanong in Ontario, announced her switch this week, becoming the fifth MP to leave their party in recent months. The riding sits directly on the United States border.
What the Left Is Saying
Carney welcomed Gladu's move in a social media post, praising her as bringing "practical, results-driven leadership." The prime minister emphasized the need for "serious leadership and a real plan to build a stronger and more independent Canadian economy" amid global economic uncertainty.
In a video announcement standing next to Carney, Gladu said her decision was "the best thing for our community's priorities, and importantly, for our country." She cited the need for a "global leader with a plan to make a more resilient Canada" and referenced her community's desire to build a "more independent" Canadian economy.
The Liberal Party now holds 171 seats, just one seat shy of the 172 needed for a majority in the 343-seat House of Commons.
What the Right Is Saying
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre accused Carney of attempting to secure a majority "through dirty backroom deals." He urged Gladu to face voters in a by-election, arguing that constituents in Sarnia-Lambton-Bkejwanong voted for "our Conservative vision of a Canada that is affordable, safe, and strong at home, not for the costly Liberal government she has now joined."
The Conservative leader's office has maintained that voters should have the final say on party representation through a by-election, rejecting the legitimacy of crossing the floor mid-term.
What the Numbers Show
The Liberal Party now holds 171 seats in the House of Commons. A majority requires 172 seats out of 343 total.
Gladu is the fifth MP to defect in recent months. Three Conservative MPs previously left their party: Matt Jeneroux of Alberta, Chris d'Entremont of Nova Scotia and Michael Ma of Ontario. Last month, NDP MP Lori Idlout of Nunavut also joined the Liberal caucus.
The Liberals now sit just one seat away from a majority government, a significant political threshold that would allow Carney to pass legislation without relying on opposition support.
The Bottom Line
The defection puts Carney inches away from achieving a majority government, a milestone that would strengthen his hand in ongoing trade negotiations with the United States and allow his government to advance its legislative agenda without cross-party compromise. The Conservative Party has framed the Liberal gains as products of backroom dealing rather than democratic mandate, setting up a political battle over legitimacy that could intensify as the government pursues its economic agenda. Whether Gladu's seat triggers a by-election remains uncertain, as no date has been announced.