TORONTO, April 8, 2026 — Conservative MP for Sarnia-Lambton-Bkejwanong Marilyn Gladu has announced that she will cross the floor, giving the Liberals 171 seats, just one short of the 172 needed for a slim majority. And there are three byelections being held this coming Monday, including the Toronto ridings of University-Rosedale and Scarborough Southwest, already Liberal seats, and the Quebec riding of Terrebon, which the Liberals won by just one vote in the spring 2025 election.
Gladu’s has issued the following announcement about the reasoning behind her crossing the floor to join the Carney government.
“Dear citizens of Sarnia—Lambton—Bkejwanong,
“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.
“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.
“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.
“I know that you also want to see more direct support from your federal government at this crucial moment for our local and national economy, and 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.
“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.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney told the media that Gladu’s decision comes at a time when the country is uniting. “She’s going to be a great member of our team. Lots of energy, ideas, advice on a wide range of issues, including execution, getting things done,” said Carney in Ottawa today.
“This all comes at a time when the country as a whole is uniting.”
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