Story perspectives

Marilyn Gladu Joins Liberals, Boosting Party to 171 Seats

4/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Marilyn Gladu, MP for Sarnia-Lambton-Bkejwanong, defected from the Conservative Party to join Mark Carney's Liberal government, boosting the Liberals to 171 seats.
Gladu cited constituents' calls for 'serious leadership' and a stronger economy as reasons.
She is the fifth MP to switch parties recently, following Chris d'Entremont and Michael Ma.
The Liberals aim to secure a majority in upcoming byelections, with three seats at stake, including two considered safe.

History

Historical Context

The 2015 Canadian federal election, held on October 19, marked a pivotal shift in politics as Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party surged from 36 to 184 seats, forming a majority government. This significant gain, the largest in Canadian history, followed nearly a decade of Conservative rule under Stephen Harper, who resigned after the defeat. Marilyn Gladu's recent defection to the Liberals highlights ongoing instability within the Conservative Party.

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Story summary

Marilyn Gladu, MP for Sarnia-Lambton-Bkejwanong, defected from the Conservative Party to join Mark Carney's Liberal government, boosting the Liberals to 171 seats.
Gladu cited constituents' calls for 'serious leadership' and a stronger economy as reasons.
She is the fifth MP to switch parties recently, following Chris d'Entremont and Michael Ma.
The Liberals aim to secure a majority in upcoming byelections, with three seats at stake, including two considered safe.

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