Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has snagged another Conservative to join his government.
Marilyn Gladu’s surprise defection on Wednesday puts Carney on track to clinch majority government next week after votes are counted Monday in three special elections.
“The past year has been like no other for Canada, and I have heard clearly from my constituents that you want serious leadership and a real plan to build a stronger and more independent Canadian economy,” the Ontario MP wrote in a statement to her constituents.
Gladu, first elected to Congress in 2015, represents a border community at the base of Lake Huron spanning Michigan – a he has been hit hard President Donald Trump’s trade war.
“I have chosen to do what is best for our community’s priorities and, importantly, our country,” he said.
His decision to join Carney increases the Liberals’ seat tally to 171 – one short of the threshold needed for a majority government, which is almost certain to be achieved next week.
That’s when three by-elections, two in Toronto Liberal strongholds, would help Carney regain a majority without calling another federal election until 2029.
Another Montreal-area special election, triggered after Canada’s top court voided the results of the Liberals’ one-vote victory, is a contest between the Liberals and the separatist Bloc Québécois.
Gladu said his riding has historically been considered a bellwether riding, meaning its representative is usually on the government benches.
“That was true for 52 years, before the citizens here elected me four times, during which time I have served in opposition and done my best to advocate strongly for you,” she wrote, noting that she is now seizing the opportunity and responsibility to “build on the strength and success of our country with a more creative, collaborative approach.”
Recently Gladu is also coming with some stuff Ottawa’s doubling move criticized On the use of the Emergency Act to quell protests against the so-called freedom convoy. He called the move to appeal the lower court’s decision a waste of taxpayer dollars.
The Conservatives have been in opposition since 2015, when Gladu was elected and forced out of office on a wave of support for former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Gladu’s defection also brings new headaches for Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who has lost four members of his caucus to Carney in less than four months.
The Canadian Conservative firebrand’s reputation took a serious blow after blowing a 27-point lead in last year’s election and losing his own seat in the House of Commons – a seat he had held for just over two decades.
He has since tried to rehabilitate his image, making more international trips to become a prime minister keen to be seen as a viable alternative to Carney. He recently visited the United States for the first time since becoming leader in 2022 — a trip where he dropped by podcaster Joe Rogan’s Austin studio, and credited mixed martial artist Georges St-Pierre for their sweet meeting.
