Longtime Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu says she is joining the Liberal caucus led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, a move that brings the federal government to the brink of a majority in the House of Commons.
In a statement released Wednesday, addressed to the citizens of Sarnia-Lambton-Bkejwanong and posted on social media, Gladu said the decision follows what she described as an unprecedented year for Canada and growing calls from constituents for stronger economic leadership.
“The past year has been like no other that Canada has ever faced, and I’ve heard clearly from constituents that you want serious leadership and a real plan to build a stronger and more independent Canadian economy,” Gladu said.
“That is why I have decided to join Prime Minister Mark Carney and Canada’s new government as the newest member of his caucus. It is a privilege to have served as your Member of Parliament for more than a decade, and I have made a choice to do the best thing for our community’s priorities, and importantly, for our country.”
Gladu added: “The experience I gained working globally across many sectors will be important to help our Prime Minister continue to deliver on the big priorities he is driving forward: To build the nation at speeds not seen before, create jobs for a prosperous future, build our defence, diversify our trade, build more homes, help lower costs for Canadians, and combat crime. I believe that these are the priorities many of you share, and I’m ready to work with Prime Minister Carney to build a stronger, more independent, and more competitive Canadian economy.”
Gladu said she knows people in her riding want to see more direct support from the federal government “at this crucial moment for our local and national economy.
“I will be working relentlessly to advocate for the projects, priorities, and prosperity that our communities are counting on. Sarnia Lambton was always a bellwether riding, meaning that whoever our community elected as MP was typically in government. That was true for 52 years before the citizens here elected me four times, throughout which I have served in Opposition and done my best to advocate strongly for you. Today, there is both the opportunity – and the responsibility – to build our country’s strength and success with a more constructive, collaborative approach,” she said.
“That is the approach I will advance as the newest member of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s team in government, as we work together to build a brighter future for all in a stronger Canada, Gladu added.
Carney welcomed Gladu to his caucus in a post on social media, highlighting her experience in engineering and international business.
“At this important moment for our country’s future, Canadians with a broad range of experience and perspectives are uniting to build Canada strong. I am honoured to welcome Marilyn Gladu today as the newest member of this government and our Liberal caucus,” the Prime Minister stated.
“In a time of global economic uncertainty, Canada’s success will depend on how we build ambition into progress and strengths into sustained advantage. Marilyn brings the practical, results-driven leadership this effort demands. Having spent decades of her career in engineering and international business, she understands what it takes to create good jobs, strengthen supply chains, and ensure Canadian industry can compete in a rapidly changing global economy.”
She has been elected by the people of Sarnia—Lambton–Bkejwanong in four straight elections since 2015, and repeatedly earned recognition from colleagues across Parliament for her proven willingness to work constructively across party lines, Prime Minister Carney said.
“I’m looking forward to working closely with Marilyn to build a stronger and more independent Canadian economy, meeting the challenges of a changing world with lasting opportunities for all,” he added.
The floor-crossing gives the Liberals 171 seats, one short of a majority, ahead of three byelections scheduled for April 13. A single win would secure a technical majority for Carney’s government.
Gladu, first elected in 2015, cited economic uncertainty and the need for a more collaborative approach as key factors in her decision.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the move and called on Gladu to seek a new mandate from voters.
“Mark Carney is seizing a costly Liberal majority that voters denied him, and doing so through backroom deals,” Poilievre posted on X.
“In January, MP Gladu said that floor crossers should face voters in a byelection to give voters the final say. I could not agree more. She should do so. The people in her community 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. She should honour her word and let voters decide.”
Gladu’s defection is the latest in a series of opposition MPs joining the Liberals since late 2025, a trend that has drawn criticism from both opposition parties and raised questions about the balance of power in Parliament.
